Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
A heart wrenching war-date Southern aristocrat's letter, 4pp. 4to., written by an anonymous woman of high style and refinement, Charleston, [S. C.], Aug. 10, [most likely 1863 when the city was under a major attack by the Union Navy] to "My dear friend, Sarah," in part: "…I wrote to you…by the way of Nassau very often you may not have received my former letters. I will tell you how we are situated. In January many families let Charleston for the up country fearing that the city might be attacked. We all talked about it, got all ready to go, but at last gave it up…in April Alfred made up his mind to move the family away. He [was] determined not to have them here if the city was taken by our detested enemy. What could we expect. We were fortunate enough to get a very pleasant placate Camden…the Gatewoods, Conners and many of our friends are there…it is the summer residence of the planters in the upper part of the state. The Gatewoods have a house near us. If we were not refugees from a beloved city [we] would be very comfortable. We have moved everything-given up the house in Meeting Street. Alfred and I are living in Legare St…in May Mrs. Price, Coats, Weller and Tom with Maddie and Bettie left Charleston. (If you had seen old Mrs. Price you would have been sorry for her. She hated to leave so much. She is very infirm…we chartered cars, sent up our things. Madaline sent John the coachman and John the cook to fix the house. Everything got there safe. The boys are delighted…they will not return until this dreadful war is over…as soon as I heard we were to be moved to the country. I made up my mind that I would stay in Charleston with Alfred for I knew he would not leave his native place when it was in danger, nor would I have him leave. Every man and every woman in this Confederacy has duties that must be attended to if we intend to get [?] from the hated yankees. I thought it was mine to stay with my husband and do what I could for the soldiers who are fighting for us. You don't know half what the Southern women have done, they never tire, they work night and day, nurse the sick, do anything. If you could see the refined delicate women waiting on the soldiers…dressed plainly, no thought of fashion. If you could see the mourning dresses mother, sister, still keeping up-although their best land had been buried on the battlefield. I firmly believe that our Heavenly father will bring us out of this great trouble a free people and that we will owe a success to the women of the South. They cant fight, but they send their loved ones to the battle field, with smiles on their lips, but with such aching hearts. God help 's." No doubt some research will help identify this stoic Southern woman. Near fine.
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