Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 02.djvu/90

 sincere thanks for her thoughtful kindness. Mrs. M——l, Mrs. W——n, the Misses B——n, S——d, and other ladies called to see us. Two or three young ladies call at the office late each afternoon, and give us the latest news. Some of the ladies of the city have been treated very rudely for declining to walk under the United States flag. They will cross to the opposite side of the street, or leave the sidewalk, and go in the street, until they pass the hateful and hated piece of bunting, and thus avoid walking under its folds. Its stars, ostensibly representing a State each, proclaim a lie, and the stripes are emblems of tyranny and cruelty. Reports come to us of the burning by Sheridan of numerous valuable flouring mills, well filled barns and costly residences, and the people are greatly distressed by his uncivilized and cowardly mode of warfare. He seems not to know how to discriminate between armed soldiers and helpless women and puling infants. I am glad our Southern generals, true to their high-toned, chivalrous instincts, were never guilty, when in the enemy's territory, of such wanton destruction of the private property of weeping women and little children. Sheridan understands the torch and axe better than the sword, and prefers their use. His models and examplars in history seem to be the merciless leaders of the Goths, Vandals and other relentless barbarians, who invaded and subdued Rome and Italy. He delights to imitate and excel them in their cruel, barbaric mode of war.

October 11th and 12th—Borrowed a Horace of Miss Lizzie S——, and employed myself reading his odes and satires. Mrs. W——n called with the intention of reading to me from her book of Common Prayer, but, seeing a Bible at the head of my bed, declined, although I urged it.

October 13th—Fresh reports of General Early's advancing upon Winchester. The ladies are much excited about it, and pray for his return. The enemy share in the excitement, and are having many of their wounded, as well as wounded prisoners, carried to Baltimore. The Federal surgeon of the post called at the office to examine us, and see whether we were able to bear transportation. I told him, as he looked at my wound, of my recent severe hemorrhage, and suggested that it might be dangerous for me to be moved for several days. He made no reply, but abruptly left us. Drs. W. and H. hearing that I was to be removed, called on the surgeon and protested against it. Two of the noble ladies who have been caring for us also called, and asked that I be allowed to