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of
Sumter.
This has been going on so long, that I begin to feel that it is indeed impregnable
Wednesday, August 12, 1863.
We are all pursuing the even tenor of our way, as if there were no war. An order from
General Lee is in to-day's paper, exhorting officers and soldiers to a strict observance of fast-day, which is on Friday.
In the mean time the enemy is storming
Charleston with unprecedented fury.
It is an object of peculiar vengeance.
Sumter has literally fallen, but it has not yielded; its battered walls bid defiance to the whole power of the
North.
August 26, 1863.
A week ago I was called to Camp Jackson to nurse---- , who has been very sick there.
The hospital is very extensive, and in beautiful order.
It is under the supervision of
Surgeon Hancock, whose whole soul seems engaged in making it an attractive home to the sick and wounded.
The beautiful shade-trees and bold spring are delightful to the convalescents during this warm weather.
Fast-day was observed there with great solemnity.
I heard a Methodist chaplain preach to several hundred soldiers, and I never saw a more attentive congregation.
September 8, 1863.
The Government employed the cars yesterday bringing
Longstreet's Corps from
Fredericksburg, on its way to
Chattanooga.
We all stood at our gate last night to give the soldiers water; we had nothing else to give them, poor fellows, as there were three long trains, and they had no time to stay.
They looked healthy and cheerful, and went off hurrahing for
Virginia.
The year of our sojourn at this cottage is nearly over.
Our mess must be broken up, as some of our gentlemen are ordered away.
We have had a very pleasant time, and it is painful to dissolve our social relations.
Not one of the families is provided with a home; we are all looking out for
