1921
Extract from the Minutes of the 121st Annual Meeting of the St. John’s
Hunting Club.
Wampee Plantation, July 4, 1921.
* * * * Prof. Yates Snowden exhibited carefully prepared copies of
diaries kept by Miss Susan R. Jervey and Miss Charlotte St. J. Ravenel
at Northampton and Pooshee plantations, respectively, during the months
of February, March and April, 1865. Our women were then unprotected save
by a few old men and boys, and Middle St. John’s was frequently raided
by roving bands of negro soldiers, mainly by the 55th Mass. Regiment.
Professor Snowden suggested that a committee be appointed to consider
the propriety and devise means for publishing these authentic records of
the sufferings and fortitude of our kinswomen during those times, and to
make a report at the next annual meeting.
After an animated discussion by President T. P. Ravenel, J. St. Clair
White, H. R. Dwight and others, Capt. Sam’l G. Stoney moved that the
club proceed to publish the diaries forthwith, using such funds as were
available in the treasury, and that the members of the club subscribe
individually enough to make up the deficit.
The President appointed Capt. Sam’l G. Stoney, J. St. Clair White and
Prof. Yates Snowden a committee to edit the diaries, add explanatory
foot notes, and make a suitable contract with some publishing house for
300 copies of the pamphlet. * * * *
(Sgd.) HENRY R. DWIGHT,
Secretary.
EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL, KEPT BY MISS SUSAN R. JERVEY, AT NORTHAMPTON
PLANTATION.[1]
Thursday night February 16th. Such awful news came to us that just as
the table was laid and everything ready for us to enjoy our supper
Father[2] decided not to wait, but ordered the horses to be harnessed to
the carriage, and we started on our fearful journey from Cedar Grove,[3]
not even taking time to carry anything with us; our terror on the road
imagining we heard the Yankees’ guns across the swamp. We reached
Northampton about 10:00 o’clock. After a quiet night, we found many of
the terrifying rumors false. Mother spent the next day at Cedar Grove,
packing up and moving our more valuable goods here.
Saturday February 18th. Nothing certain about Columbia. Father and
Rene[4] who had gone to hunt up James’s[5] company at Santee, returned
this morning not having found the Marion Artillery. The dear old city
(is) to be given up tonight at 12:00 o’clock; our army is falling back.
Sunday February 19th. The most un-Sunday feeling Sunday I have ever
past. Father and Rene started for St. Stephens Depot in hopes of finding
James hearing his battalion was to pass there some time to-day, but had
hardly had time to get off the plantation, when they returned bringing
James and Sinkler[6] with them.
These boys started from Huger’s Bridge to walk home; got lost and spent
the whole of last night in the woods. They must have wandered over
thirty miles.
Tuesday morning, 2 A.M. February----. Too busy with my books to write
last night. James and Henry Sinkler started after dinner for their
company. Startled a little while ago to hear some noise under my window;
my head being full of negroes and Yankees roused up Mother with the cry,
“the enemy is upon us”! Just as we stood listening, a man’s head
appeared at the door. It was an age of terror, altho’ hardly a second
before we recognized James. Henry Sinkler and himself could not find
their company, so came back seeing a light in my window. James had tried
to attract my attention when, remembering a defective shutter, he got
in.
A Lieut. LaBorde[7] from Columbia, young, handsome and pleasant spoken
dined here yesterday, trying to get a horn. Charles[8] turned over his
riding horn to him. One squad of Southern deserters and five Georgians
passed through this morning looking for their command.
February 21st. Our news now is all rumor; no papers; no letters. All we
know is picked up from soldiers passing through. They are all marching
for St. Stephens, where the army is concentrating to cross the bridge.
William,[9] who returned this morning from carrying * * * Aunt
Nenna’s[10] carriage horses says for four miles from St. Stephens depot,
the roads are white with tents. An army of 10,000 men is a sight to see!
Cousin Thomas[11] rode over to tell us the last orders; all cotton to be
burned and all negro men to go out.
James and Sinkler left after breakfast and the buggy has not yet got
back.
Aunt Nenna has been busy all day moving all her provisions into the
house. * * * * The negroes seem very unwilling for the work; some of
their aside speeches very incendiary. Edward, the old coachman is
particularly sullen.
Wednesday, February 22nd. Anna and her father old Mr. Cain[12] spent the
morning. The buggy got back this morning. A note from James. Such a
pitiful little note, on a slip of Confederate paper sealed with
pine-gum! They expect to cross today, as the enemy have landed at Bull’s
Bay and are advancing rapidly. This afternoon while very busy unpacking
a box in the store room to carry up stairs to hide grist in, the alarm
was given that the cavalry had come to burn the cotton. I dropped
everything * * * while I ran to help the work. Aunt Nenna, Mother and I
helped to roll one bale down the hill. Then Aunt Nenna was as busy as
anyone, cutting the bagging open before setting a fire. No one can say
she is not patriotic; she gave her three horses to the government; has
burnt her five bales of cotton, worth about $7,500, and tomorrow sends
off six or seven of her mules to the army. Most of the negro men took to
the swamp last night for fear of impressment, Edward ringleader! Such
heavy guns this morning! * * * *
Thursday, February 23--Uncle Peter[13] and his troop crossed Le Nud’s
Ferry to-day. Poor Neddie[14] stopped here to-day on his way home, not
knowing that home was desolate. Mother and home having gone, his eyes
filled and his lip quivered when we told him.
Friday, February 24th. An anxious day. This morning heard firing,
nearer; much nearer than the city; also that the enemy are fighting at
Monck’s Corner. Cousin Edwin,[15] who has been down to reconnoitre, says
the enemy have been fighting our cavalry under Captain Campbell near the
canal bridge between Biggin and Monck’s Corner on the Murray’s Ferry
Road. The right wing of skirmishers passed through Mrs. White’s[16]
yard at Gippy. These men are said to have marched from Bull’s Bay to
intercept our men at St. Stephens. We have been so intent watching for
the Yankees that we mistook a party of our men, Georgians, for the
enemy. Everything was ready. Rene even had his blanket ready for the
swamp, when we found that they were our men, cut off from their command
on their way to join them at Nelson’s Ferry. We, in the joy of our
hearts, gave them a good dinner; made them dry their wet clothes by the
fire; filled their pockets with “goobers” and I hope sent them away
content and comfortable.
Saturday, February 25th. Jacob[17] returned from St. Stephens; says our
pickets have been driven in; a body of artillerymen who had been sent to
meet the Yankees had returned and everything was hastening to cross the
bridge. Harry[18] came down from Cedar Grove this morning; only hope he
will get horse and buggy safe home. The negroes have most terrifying
stories this morning; the enemy have marched through Pinopolis, and were
at Wampee last night, others say they heard great whooping and yelling
as if some one was driving a hundred of cattle.
Sunday, February 26th. White Hall Essex[19] was here last night; says a
negro had come from Gippy; the Yankees had shot all of Mrs. White’s
poultry; took her horses; tore up her clothes and threw them out of the
windows to the negroes; broke up her crockery; when they could not get
keys, broke up the locks. The negro says this was only the first party.
When the officers came they stopped the work of devastation, till the
rest of the army came.
Monday, February 27th. Yankees at DuBois (near Bonneau’s) yesterday
noon, four or five in number; did nothing but carry off Mr. Harvey’s
saddle and bridle. Before leaving they called up the negroes and told
them they were free; consequently none would go to work this morning.
Father heard this from Mr. Harvey whom he met at Pooshee, where all the
men left in the neighborhood met to decide what to do to save their
property from Yankee spoliation. They had quite a fright; a squad of
cavalry were seen coming up the avenue, which were taken for Yankees,
but were discovered to be our own men under Lieut. Bright of Edgefield,
detached by Gen. Samuel W. Ferguson to come down to worry the enemy and
suppress disorder among the negroes. Poor old Mr. Cain * * * started for
home on the first alarm, working his way around to stop here and let us
know Father was a prisoner! Father having come home the direct road had
told us all the news before the old man’s arrival. The enemy penetrated
as far as Black Oak last night where they took prisoner one of our poor
soldiers who had stopped at the Myers’ for supper. They returned as they
came through Wantoot. The negroes say the house there very much injured.
I hear Mrs. (Catherine) White behaved very bravely, but old Mrs.
Brunson, who lived with her, said so much, the Yankees threatened to put
her head through the window and shoot it off! Mrs. White wrote and
begged Mr. Lewis Simons, who lived near, to come to her aid. He could
not leave his family, but invited General Potter (_sic_) to dinner; told
him what his men were doing. Potter instantly sent an order for them to
desist. What I most fear is not the Yankees, but the negroes, cut off
from all help from across the river, and at their mercy, what will
become of us? Disorder has already started. Aunt Nenna’s people have all
returned to their work, except Edward; the leader, I firmly believe.
Bram returned this morning, but when Aunt Nenna sent him word to come to
his weaving; his answer was, he wouldn’t, that he was cutting wood. When
she sent word he must come, he decamped and has not been heard from
since.
Ash Wednesday, March 1st. A gloomy, uncomfortable day; no church to go
to; in constant dread of a Yankee invasion. A skirmish at Harbin last
night; our little squad of cavalry under Bright was there. A negro
brought the Yankees from Pineville and piloted them to where our men
were camped taking them completely by surprise, capturing Bright and
killing two of his men. Another mortally wounded, died this morning. All
we can learn of the skirmish, the Yankees fired at the back door, some
of the balls entering Cousin Jane’s[20] room, one hitting the post of
bedstead where her baby was sleeping. She picked her up in her arms and
rushed to the door appealing to the captain. A rumor tonight Cousin Rene
a prisoner.
Monday, 2nd March. A most exciting day. This morning a Pooshee negro
came over. The black Yankees, four in number, had been at Pooshee last
night; had threatened to shoot old Uncle[21] if he didn’t tell where the
brandy was hid; took all the meat from the smoke house. Hear they had
been to Cousin William’s[22] in morning. Just after dinner a squad of
Yankee cavalry rode up to ask for wine. The captain (Hartwell) was very
polite. They went off to Chelsea, but soon returned. Then, while the
officer was in the parlor talking, the men were busy at the back of the
house, going through the closets, the safe, the dairy and the kitchen, *
* * taking whatever they could find in the way of eatables,--have
literally left us nothing for supper. One stayed behind and carried off
Charles’s colt “Flavella.” These Yankees have pockets half the length of
their legs and there is no telling what they contrive to stuff into
them.
Friday, March 3rd. A most exciting night of horror! While I was writing
yesterday afternoon another squad of three Yankees rode up in search of
saddles and bridles. They were very rude; said we might as well tell
where things were and save their rummaging, and then rode off. Aunt
Nenna, having found some cold waffles actually left we were quickly
seated enjoying (?) our supper thinking our trials over for the day,
when we heard many heavy steps in the entry, a rough knock at the door;
a rude voice; “how are you this evening, I say, how are you this
evening?” The open door revealed the entry full of negro Yankees, armed
to the teeth and all drunk enough to do mischief. Mother, who is in
constant dread of Rene’s being seized on account of his age, altho’ so
small, motioned him into the back room, (Aunt Nenna’s chamber), where
the children had all run to hide. The negro sergeant, a coal black giant
of six feet, immediately demanded what the boy was after and called him
back. Aunt Nenna, with much presence of mind went to the door and
brought out Charles Stevens. The sergeant was very insulting in his
language. He demanded all fire arms, which were given him; then he
wanted wine; said he had been told we had some, and would get it out of
Father. Called for a rope and ordered a squad of men to carry him and
string him up if he would not give up the liquor. Mother threw herself
on her knees pleading for Father’s life. The wretch spurned her with his
foot, and told her to behave herself like a woman and he would treat her
like one. Mother was so overcome we had to get her into Aunt Nenna’s
room. One of the men came to the door and told me: “Speak to the lady
and make yourselves satisfied he wouldn’t let Father be hurt”;--with
this small comfort I went to Mother. To add to our troubles Mother
remembered a phial of brandy up stairs saved for Father’s use. If the
wretches found it, what would become of us? Mother could not move; the
children were clinging to her; the difficulties of the way; a long black
entry full of drunken devils; then another entry above full of unknown
horrors. We waited until most of the Yankees had left the house. Liz[23]
offered to go with me; holding on to each other we treaded on our way,
scarcely daring to think, we reached the room safely. Rose
Washington,[24] who had been faithful, followed us; the guard were all
around the house. We were afraid to throw the phial out, when we got it.
Rose proposed breaking it in a bucket of water and carrying the bucket
down on her head. She did her part well, badgering the men she met and
answering their questions. I followed with Liz so grateful when we got
to Mother. I can’t tell the words and doings of the Devils, but soon
after we got back, our “friend” came to the door to say Father was all
right; none of us had sense to do the right thing, but poor little Liz
who stepped up and shook the man’s hand thanking him. The men had all
the meat and salt collected and brought into the entry and the captain
distributed it to the negroes. We have some idea of Hell now; such
obscene language and ribald oaths filling our ears for the better part
of the night. When at last, near daybreak they all left the house, they
demanded sugar and coffee to make a supper, at the black overseer’s
(Jimmy), you may imagine there was no sleep even then for us. We waited
their return. A mattress had been thrown down in the middle of the room
for the children. The men threatened to kill William[25] if he did not
tell them where the liquor was buried. Tommie and Jacob[26] were carried
to Hanover to show them where it was hid. Aunt Nenna’s people, with few
exceptions, have behaved shamefully. Several, we hear, brought the enemy
from Black Oak, hid them behind an out house until darkness and quiet
reigned.
Night of Friday 3rd. About midday four or five Yankees (white) rode up;
got off their horses and demanded to search the house. They ransacked
everywhere; our private drawers were rooted up. They carried off,
amongst others poor Willie’s[27] gold watch he prized so much. When
leaving, they told us the negro troop would come tonight! So, another
night of unrest, weary watching and waiting! We have all moved
downstairs--one of the faithful few, generally Eugenia, Aunt Nenna’s
faithful maid, sleeps in the house.
Saturday, March 4th. We passed a better night than we expected from
sheer weariness; but, not much real rest as we did not undress,
expecting every moment to hear the tramp of soldiers; but the night
passed, and thank God! not a Yankee, black or white! Tonight, just
before retiring one of the servants scared us by knocking violently at
the back door. The servants, I can’t say all, but many, say they are
free and went off last night; one Uncle Henry trusted most left, it is
supposed, for Charleston. As a great favor, got one of the men to carry
a note to Pooshee this morning. Cousin Ria[28] wrote us an account of
what they had gone through. When the army came they were all in the
piazza. The black troopers rode up, and hurrahed for Liberty. The
negroes were called up and made to kiss and shout; even Janetta is
tainted. The night before when the five Yankees (black) were there, the
plantation negroes rushed into the store room and took everything, even
leaving them no salt. When the army came, had to get General Potter to
send one of the soldiers to the negro houses to get some for them.
Cousin Ria sends a note from Cousin Rene, Pineville must be worse off
than we are. It seems completely given up to the negroes. They have
burnt all unoccupied houses. The freed negroes from the neighboring
plantations seem worse than the Yankees, are destroying and burning
everything around the village. At old Col. Ferguson’s,[29] Dockon, the
Yankees tore up all the ladies’ clothes and threw them out of the
window; ripped up the beds; took the feathers and provisions mixed them
up with the molasses--such wanton destruction!
Monday, 6th March. Saturday the black troopers went to White Hall. The
negroes behaved shamefully; went into the house; took whatever they
wanted; tore down the curtains. The black “general”[30] had to go in his
buggy to the negro yard and bring some of the things back. At Ophir, I
hear the negroes met the Yankees and told them their mistress gave them
so much they did not want more, so they did not go to the house.
Yesterday they went to Cedar Spring, Harbin, &c.; dined at Cedar Spring
on some turkeys they had killed at Brunswick.
Tuesday, March 7th. Harrison[31] has come down from Cassawda to-day.
Charlie[32] has come back, not knowing Lilla[33] had left. Poor Lilla I
hear has got no further on her journey than Gourdin’s Station, where she
is living in a box car with no provisions. We heard from Anna Cain
to-day. Her people have behaved well, but the Yankees treated them
badly, even took the covering off Mr. Cain’s bed and demanded all his
money, and took Anna’s clothes to distribute. They were rescued by her
maid Rachel who offered to part them for the officer; told him if they
were thrown out of the window there would be no end of quarreling among
the people. When the Yankees left she restored everything to its place.
From all accounts the Yankees have taken less from us than most of the
others, indeed, some of Hartwell’s (the Yankee Captain) men said the old
lady (Mother) looked so pitiful and had so many children that they could
not take much from her.
March 8. Wednesday. Yesterday, as we heard Pinopolis was to be burnt,
Aunt Nenna sent William to save what he could; found her house had
already been emptied by her own people. Tonight Moorfield Henry[34]
stopped on his way to Pooshee to tell us the Yankees had gone to Cedar
Grove last night and again this morning. He knows they had one barrel of
wine as they had it on the cart last night; the other he thinks they
broke open and made the people help them empty. All the men who could
get horses and mules were with the troopers. The Yankees ordered
breakfast and Daphne and the other women were busy cooking for them. The
Moorfield negroes are crazy quite; they have been to Pinopolis, helping
in the sacking of the houses. One brought off Mr. Stevens’s[35] carriage
and was to go back for the piano which he (Mr. Stevens) had left at
Chelsea lot for safety. Anna sent a letter from Sallie Palmer;[36] hear
that the men in Columbia had to fly so rapidly, no time for a single
blow; that the enemy have possession; blew up the new State House and
burnt the old one.
The Yankees have been as high up as Cherry Grove and Poplar Hill; their
gun boats have gone up the river as far as Mexico, one threw a shell in
front of the house. They went to Mr. Warren Palmer’s[37] and offered him
three alternatives; to take the oath of allegiance; to give up his house
and be put across the river, or else they would give him sixty acres
(mind you, his own land!) which he was to work with his own negroes. A
poor man near Laurel Hill gave himself up to the enemy; was carried to
Charleston and thrown into barracks with about six hundred negroes,
with nothing but cracked corn to eat.
Monday, March 12th. Plenty of rumors to chronicle to-night; feel so much
more light hearted. We are not entirely deserted. A body of our men,
scouts under young Dennis[38] are doing fine work, if he only escapes
Bright’s fate. He and his men peppered the black troopers at Blue Hole.
* * * The story goes that the black troopers had so “raggified” the
house that the family had to take refuge in the kitchen and barn that
night. The scouts are repressing rebellion amongst the negroes. One
negro (Old Rose’s son Harry) disappeared the other night. Rius gave his
wife (Ellen) a fearful beating because she came to wait on Aunt Nenna.
Those who are faithful suffer so much from the rebellious ones, and we
can do nothing to protect them. Poor Mrs. Hill, a refugee from islands
was living in Whiteville. The Yankees found out, or pretended to find
out that the cook had put poison in the coffee they had demanded for
breakfast, turned her out of her home, just with the clothes she had on,
distributed everything and burnt the house.[39] Mom Beck from Cedar
Spring--she has clung to Kate[40] through everything--gave us an account
of the Yankees there. Anne Porcher asked the black captain what orders
he had to search so closely. He raised his gun and threatened to shoot
her; asked about John Porcher, said it was well he had not been killed
in the war as they would have wrung George’s[41] neck. How harrowing
this to poor Kate, so recently widowed with only George to care for! All
her meat, &c. was distributed, they sent her a portion, even some of her
wine, and finished off by all dining in the house at the table, the
Captain when he finished carrying off a silver butter knife and spoon to
remember the place. Quash[42] was here yesterday, gave a very
satisfactory account of Cedar Grove. He had heard wherever the Yankees
go the fellows with them are allowed to press all the animals for
themselves. As soon as he heard the troopers were coming, he mounted the
boys on the horses and mules, made them claim them and ride some way
with the troopers, then come back home. By morning every animal was safe
in the swamp.
March 14th. Tuesday. James’s birthday; the hardest part of being cut off
as we are is hearing nothing of those we care for beyond the river. To
our delight part of the Pooshee colony ventured over this morning; a
party of women and children headed by Cousin Henry’s[43] patriarchal
figure mounted on old Uncle’s little white pony. We were glad to see
some friendly white faces and have someone to talk to.
Have got the true story of the Blue Hole skirmish. Charlie Snowden had
set the negroes at Cassawda to work. The troopers were at
Springplains;[44] saw them, dashed over and demanded their master. On
being told where he was, set out after him at Blue Hole. Charlie,
knowing all the byways and short cuts escaped and brought the scouts to
meet them. How the fight went we can’t understand as the stories
contradict each other, but the vandals turned Mrs. Snowden[45] out into
the kitchen, saying that was good enough for her. Stripped the house of
everything; distributed or destroyed all they could get hold of. The
next morning the scouts were very much mortified by Mrs. Snowden’s
conduct; they returned to reinstate her in her house and get back at
least some of her things. She implored them to leave her, not to come
near her; that they brought trouble and distress wherever they went. We
heard nothing of poor Charlie.
Wednesday, 15th March. Kate Porcher stopped here on her way to Black
Oak. She is certainly brave, went all alone in her sulky with only
Samuel behind, Mr. Edward Mazyck was stopped on the road and had his
horse taken from him. * * * Near dark a woman rode up on a sorry looking
horse, asking shelter for the night. It was pouring rain; she seemed
drenched. Poor soul, I am sorry for her. Mother and Aunt Nenna are
possessed with the idea that she is a man in disguise; certainly she is
masculine looking in her stride &c. This is her story; she is a
Georgian, came to Charleston to see her brother in the hospital. The
railroads were cut, and her brother moved. She got as far as Mr. Hare’s,
near Pinopolis. After waiting three weeks to find some way of getting
home, giving up in despair bought an old horse and saddle and started on
her lonely journey to Orangeburg, where she has friends who will help
her on her road. She is an Atlanta refugee and has been living with a
brother in Southern Georgia. She says we don’t know what trouble is as
yet. She stood with many others and saw her home burnt in Atlanta. When
the war commenced, she had property, a husband and four brothers; all
gone but two brothers, and all she owns is in two trunks.
16th March. Mother was so anxious to get letters across the river, that,
notwithstanding our suspicions she gave a kind of diary[46] letter of
all we had gone through for the aunts in Walhalla, to the woman’s care
when we started her off on her journey this morning.
At Monck’s Corner the Yankees shot an old man, a Mr. Maree, taking him
for Mr. Denny, Col. Ferguson’s overseer. The old man opened the door
when they knocked and instantly had three balls shot through him.
One poor woman, a Mrs. Weatherford--Mrs. White’s overseer’s wife--the
Yankees gave away everything she had to the negroes, even the hat she
had on her head. They burnt her house, leaving her literally nothing but
the clothes she had on.
Friday, 17th March. Dr. Morton Waring here this morning, as usual
bringing piles of news; had seen Dr. White,[47] who had been ordered
down to act as surgeon to our scouts. A skirmish at Florence, our men
cutting the Yankees up; the vandals had reached Columbia, arriving in
the night, turned the people out of their homes, put torches to the
houses reducing the city to ruins. Reputable ladies were following the
army begging bread for their little ones. At Cheraw the Yankees got two
wagon loads of specie from the banks--moved there from Charleston.
Richard Strobhart was taken up by the black troopers in Pinopolis for
Charlie Snowden and carried to Moss Grove their headquarters;
cross-questioned about our scouts &c.; insisting this was the boy who
had set the scouts on them at Blue Hole. While they were questioning
him, a carriage with out-riders drove up in great style, and with all
the form and ceremony of high life, “the General,” as he is called,
handed out a black lady, very much dressed. When she passed Strobhart,
she asked about him; said he could not be the boy they wanted as this
one had come up with her on the train a few days before. On this
evidence he was released.
Saturday, March 18th. Anna Cain and her father dined here to-day; so
pleasant to have a young person to talk to once more.
Mr. Lewis Simons has had their minister Mr. Olmsted and his family
living with him at Pawley. The Yankees visited the place and did no
injury at first, but picked up a letter from Mr. S. written very
bitterly. Not being able to read it, they carried it to the gun boat,
had it read; returned to the house distributing everything, not even
giving the old lady, old Mrs. Keating Simons (his mother), time to put
on her shoes and stockings; made them walk over to the next place, over
a mile across the rice field banks, in this condition.
This afternoon, for the first time, we walked out on the dam across the
swamp to Brunswick enjoying our freedom, but met a crowd of negroes
going to Indianfield. On returning to the house, saw more, all going the
same road, all armed with bags. We hear the Yankees are there and are
going to sup with us. To add to our consternation, we heard some white
soldiers were in our negro yard. We hurried, shut up the house. Hennie
and Laura, rejoicing at their release from prison walls, were playing at
the foot of the front steps, when seeing soldiers coming, they flew in
terror into the house hiding behind the door. The men rode up calling to
the children; “We are not Yankees, but Rebs;”--some of our own scouts
under Dennis and McTureous. We were so uneasy for fear the vandals would
meet them; so anxious for their safety, we could not enjoy the pleasure
of seeing our own men again. They came to the negroes, ordering they to
go to work Monday, &c. Young Dennis[48] is very pleasant looking and
McTureous is very good looking indeed. They left us to scout around
Indianfield, to find if the Yankee story is true. I think the negroes
must have been disappointed as they passed back soon after the scouts
left us. * * *
Sunday, 19th March. Mr. Mitchum stopped here; his regiment left the army
at Cheraw; all disbanded and returning home.
Wednesday, March 22nd. Heard from Pennie[49] this afternoon. Cousin
Henry’s family, except Lyd[50] and Attie,[51] leave for Aiken tomorrow;
hired mules from some of the Woodlawn negroes. They heard from over the
lines, some of the Wilsons;--many houses burnt in Columbia, Dr. Wilson
and the baby, ten days old, spent the night camping in the woods.
Cousin Ellen[52] had a daughter[53] born Sunday; poor little mortal, at
what a troublous time it has made its entry into life!
Aunt Nenna’s people have behaved infamously after the scouts went; some
eight or ten have gone, it is thought, to town, determined not to work.
The faithful few are very uneasy about it; think the “boys” have gone to
bring the Yankees back. Harry, the driver at Hanover, (I wrote about his
disappearance), has been hung by the scouts. Dennis had reason to
suspect his hiding place in the swamp had been discovered by Harry. He
and some of his men, disguised as Yankees, went to his cabin and offered
a bribe if he could put them on the trail to the scouts’ camp. Harry
eagerly seized the bait. When they reached the swamp they found he knew.
Dennis called up his men and they hung the traitor. Hear the oath has
been offered to the Cooper river planters. Some have taken it; those who
refused, nothing has been done to them _as yet_. We are kept so
distracted; rumors of all kinds,--some for and some against
us,--penetrate the heavy cloud that surrounds us. What to believe--and
what not to believe!
Saturday, March 25th. Yesterday Cousin Henry and family passed through
on their wearisome journey home; they stopped for good-bye. This has
been a most exciting day. Mr. Myers, (Uncle’s overseer) passed through
telling Dr. Waring, who went out to stop him, that Willie must have
slept last night at Cedar Grove, as he was ahead of him on the road.
Father went up to Cedar Grove, but could hear nothing of him. Four of
the Yankees foraging for eggs, &c. near Pinopolis were taken by our
scouts; the Yankees, in retaliation, marched up from the river to Hog
Swamp, took DeHay and the younger Dennis prisoners, spent last night
there returning through Somerset to their gun-boat this morning.
Harbin house was burned yesterday afternoon. Read a letter from Sallie
Palmer; the Pineville negroes, twenty-five in number, fully armed, have
been marauding about the neighborhood, but the black troopers who have
been plaguing this country were captured by the white Yankees, tried and
carried to town as deserters.
We all walked over to Pooshee this morning to see Mr. Myers and hear
something of Willie; gained no news; but returning home, just as we
entered Black Oak gate, saw Willie drive in the opposite one. He had
been knocking about Cedar Grove for two days afraid to return as he had
heard such accounts of the Yankee raids. Poor child; he had nothing but
the suit of clothes he had on, having sold everything, even his blanket,
for something to eat. He walked down from Chester with some of the men
he had been staying with, a Mr. Avinger and Ray in Wassamasaw. The
scouts, we hear, are going to make a raid on the Pineville negroes
tonight. Willie says the whole track of Sherman’s army is marked by
smoking ruins and piles of dead animals, from old ----, on the State
Road, to Columbia. Everything is burnt even to the wheat fields.
Monday, March 27th. The skirmish with negroes took place, scouts
successful,--nothing but the bare facts. Four houses on Cooper river
burnt because owners refused to take the oath; Ed Lucas; Holmes;
Prioleau, and Dr. Moultrie.
Wednesday, 29th March. Mr. Gaillard dined here, brought more accounts of
battle which Willie had told us he had heard confused accounts of. Press
and Porcher Smith both wounded and Henry Lesesne killed. The Marion
Artillery (James’s company) not in the fight.
Thursday, March 30th. Mr. Stevens called this afternoon. It seems like
old times again, his bright and cheerful view of things has cheered us
wonderfully.
Friday, March 31st. We all walked over to Pooshee this morning; it is
too sweet to feel so secure again, altho’ still a little uneasy; things
are falling back into their old routine.
April 2, Sunday. Such a treat! Our own dear service read by our own
minister, in the old church! Such a display of mules, even those who had
saved their horses were afraid to use them. Mr. Stevens lectured on
Job’s trials, truly his motto is, “Think and Thank.”
Moved upstairs tonight. We all have been camping out down stairs since
the night of the black Yankees.
Wednesday, April 5th. Mother, Aunt Nenna and I with Willie for driver
rode over to Chelsea[54] this afternoon in an ox-cart. The whole family
were in the piazza to receive us, quite amused at our primitive
equipage.
Thursday, April 6. Willie drove me home to-day in the buggy,--so
pleasant, the woods are beautiful with a wealth of jessamine, dog-wood
and crab-apple flowers, while the air is balmy with fragrance of
thousands of blossoms. The last day of Willie’s stay here has been truly
delightful. Tonight we sat late in the piazza, everything so lovely! I
forgot there was war and bloodshed all around us.
Saturday, April 8. Thank, God, Willie has gone! Father and Mother spent
yesterday with him at Cedar Grove, sending him on in the afternoon to
The Rocks[55] for the night.
Last night a squad of eight men rode up saying they were our scouts;
that the Yankees had almost surrounded them at Somerset.[56] You may
guess our terror altho’ Father and Aunt Nenna were firmly persuaded they
were Yankees spying out the land. It is customary for folks to entertain
the scouts, Aunt Nenna never even offered them a drink of water. The
Captain actually got off his horse and told Father to listen and we
would hear the drums beating at Somerset. I was listening for the drum
all night (moved downstairs again); hardly closing my eyes. This morning
was grateful for one thing, Willie was safe! I could think of little
else. I don’t think Father really believed the enemy were near until at
breakfast table, looking out the window we saw two pillars of smoke
rising from the direction of Somerset. It was mill day, the engine in
full blast and all our remaining stock in the way of mules, wagons &c.
were assembled around the door. Father wished to order Harry, who had
just driven in from Cedar Grove with the only horse left us, * * * to
turn back, but it was too late. From up the avenue and across the fields
came two squads of blue-coats at a mad gallop, like a very whirl wind,
and before we could think, the Yankees were on us! Riding around the
house, some to the stables, some to the mill, they scoured the place and
the house, taking all the harness except some belonging to the old
buggy. They took grist and poultry, shooting down the latter about the
yard.
Richie White was with us; he was very much freightened. I had gathered
all the children in my room upstairs; every time I would go near the
window, he would implore me to come back. Some of these wretches had
prepared themselves for plunder, having their pants’ pockets below their
knees. They carried off all wagons, mules and carts; cleaned the store
room of all hams &c. we had hidden; knocked down all the geese they
could. Our red-faced friend, who has been on every raid, was here again
and distinguished himself in the pilfering line; took a box with Uncle
Henry’s letters. His buggy blanket was next seized, and finished off by
pocketing Willie’s flute, which “would do to blow along the road,” he
said. The officer came upstairs making noise enough to scare all the
children as he had on not only his own sword and spurs, but Uncle
Henry’s dragging behind him. Mother had all Father’s clothes in a trunk
in the entry, but he passed that by going into Mother’s room. Noticed
Father’s tin box of papers; then to the press; Mother trembled, as the
silver we were using was all hidden in her dresses, but finding no man’s
clothes,--with some most contemptuous expression about “her using the
poor old man so badly, having so much more clothes,” he left, only
stopping at my room door, not coming in.
One of the men rushed up before leaving and carried off the blanket from
the boys’ bed.
The Provost Marshal tried to make Father take the oath; when he refused
cursed him, and told Mother; “the men were all fools,” but he “was sorry
for the woman.” The wretches actually carried off a towel that was
hanging on the railing to dry.
After they had gone Mother missed Laura! Such stories of Yankees
carrying off little ones, our hearts sank! We sent to the negro yard
hoping she may have strayed to Mauma’s house, but no one had seen her;
ah, the sorrow for us. So helpless; nothing to do but try and comfort
Mother! Aunt Nenna’s room once had a window on the piazza. When the
shed-room was added, it was boarded up; the high bedstead with its
curtains was put against it; the brick wall being thick, the recess of
the window made a splendid hiding place for valuables from the Yankees.
Mother was sitting weeping by the fire-place, when she heard a faint
voice; “dem Yankee gone yet?” She thought at first she was dreaming,
when the question was repeated. Soon sorrow was turned into joy. She had
wandered from her haven of refuge in my room to find Mother; failing to
do so, she had crept into a good place to hide, and worn out with terror
and weeping, had fallen asleep!
Hear the Yankees are en route for Pineville, where they say they are
“going to give the people Hell.”
Sunday, April 9th. Here’s what the Yankees did at Pooshee. Heard from
Cousin Hennie this morning. The Yankees took some of their silver and
all of Uncle’s clothes.
Dr. Waring has just been here; Cousin William[57] and Cousin Rene both
prisoners, the former right sick. Edith and Mary Waring were driving
Leize Edwards home to Stewarton when they met the Yankees, who took them
prisoner, carrying them along almost to Woodlawn; then, on Edith’s
persistent pleadings, after taking their fine horse from them, they sent
them off with an old balky animal that could hardly drag them home.
We find out Father was saved from taking the oath by the testimony of
one of the enemy, who had served as a clerk when a boy in a corner shop
near George St. Judy[58] recognized him, brought him up and made him
give testimony that he knew Father lived in the city, and was only a
refugee, as he said.
Eugenia and Judy have been faithful through everything.
Monday, April 10. Another anxious night of watching. A note from Anna
Cain; the Yankee army had camped in Somerset yard, burning all fences,
cutting down the beautiful shrubbery in the gardens to build their
boothes; killed every head of poultry, except a few turkeys that
escaped; took all the meat from the store room except a few pieces;
worse than all, burnt down the provision barn with all the corn and peas
&c. The most of Anna’s news is that a fresh party is coming up from
Lewisfield. Chance, who brought the note says he met some blue-coats on
the way but did not know if they were “Yankees or scouts dress up.” Dr.
Waring was telling us the night the Yankees were at Hog Swamp, they took
Mrs. DeHay out in the woods and tried to make her betray the scouts’
hiding place in the swamp. None of their threats or bribes had any
effect. They even told her if she did not tell where Dennis and his men
were, they would burn her house down. She says her blood was up; she
told them they could do what they pleased; that Southern women would
live under the green trees rather than betray their friends.
Wednesday, 26th April. The Yankees that visited us carried desolation to
some places in the upper Parish. Mexico yard was cleaned up of
everything like houses and trees, even the dwelling house was burned.
Mr. Mazyck Porcher after standing and seeing his home destroyed was
taken prisoner and carried to town. Cousin William and Cousin Rene were
released and returned home the Wednesday after they were taken.
At Walnut Grove (old Mr. James Gaillard’s) everything was destroyed or
given to the negroes, even the ladies’ clothes.
At Blue Hole everything was thrown out of the windows. Mr. Charles
Snowden who had just returned from Aiken with his family has started
again for Camden. The Yankees camped one night at Eutaw devastating the
place, leaving Mrs. Sinkler nothing for her next meal. On her so telling
the Commissary, he had some rice mixed with sand and given her. The
Yankees returned to town by the State Road, the scouts peppering them
from the bushes the whole way. The next Wednesday (the 12th) a band of
two hundred and fifty passed, going up to their gun-boat. The 16th was a
beautiful bright Easter day. Mr. Stevens preached here to the negroes.
Aunt Nenna fixed the old brick barn (the upper story) and the children
dressed it with green and apple blossoms. Kate and Anne Porcher joined
the folks here making the white congregation. I was too tired, could not
get out; have been sick since the last Yankee visit. Pettus and his
whole band of scouts passed through the yard after church, and Uncle
Peter[59] and his company supped here returning through the next
morning. Cousin Edwin[60] died last Friday of typhoid fever, he never
got over the burning of his home. (Harbin.)
Last Sunday, (23rd April) a most exciting day. Willie and Mr. Tharin
came in just before the folks came from church, it being communion
Sunday. (I not being well, stayed at home with the children.) Just
before dinner Uncle Peter was brought in badly wounded, his hand very
much shattered and a flesh wound in his arm. His life was miraculously
saved for both loads were aimed, one for his head and the other for his
heart. He was talking to a man, in a friendly manner, on Cooper river,
when, on riding off, he saw the man raise his gun, and aim for his head.
He threw up his hand and received the whole load in it. The second shot
glanced off something he had in his pocket, tearing up his clothes,
passed through the fleshy part of his arm. The Doctor has had to
amputate his thumb. Laura was so terrified at the blood when Uncle Peter
was brought in, she spent the day under my bed. Near dark a poor
worn-out foot-sore soldier from Lee’s army begged for somewhere to rest,
and something to eat. The news we heard has proved too true; for sixty
hours surrounded by Grant’s army with nothing for man or horse to eat,
Lee has surrendered! This soldier was carried to Hilton Head, and is on
his road home to Sumter.
On Sunday 25th April we heard the Yankees were coming. Uncle Peter was
moved to Chelsea as being more off the road, but found it was only a
band of thirty men with a white flag who went up to the river to
communicate with Potter; could not get over so returned this morning by
the Congaree road.
We heard last Saturday that Lincoln had been shot in the theatre, and
Seward stabbed in his bed;--this news from a Herald Dr. Waring had.
All of Uncle Peter’s scouts breakfasted here. Tuesday morning, Captain
Sineath dined, and the great Lieut. Pettus was here this afternoon, and
I in my room, and saw none of them. Uncle Peter returned home after
dinner. Father and Mother spent the morning at Cedar Grove. Between
Yankees, negroes and deserters, the house has literally been stripped of
everything portable. All books we had left thrown over the house.
Cousin Henry[61] came down from Aiken last week for the girls, carrying
them Monday; stopped for good-bye.
Saturday, April 29th. Saw, from my window, a foot-sore, weary looking
pilgrim coming through the fields with his knapsack on his back--Uncle
Edward! (Dr. Smith). The aunts so worried over our safety he had worked
his way down from Pendleton. He tells us Johnston’s army has
disbanded--Uncle E. brought letters, one containing an extract from one
of James’s, the first time we have heard since he crossed the river. Mr.
Mazyck Porcher has returned from the city, says the people are under an
iron yoke; they are not allowed to know anything outside.
Mr. Russell Middleton[62] was dreadfully treated on refusing to take the
oath.
Tuesday, 2nd May. We have been enjoying an armistice of thirty days.
Pettus[63] came over this afternoon to tell us and that he and his
scouts were ordered out and the armistice was over. Uncle Peter got so
nervous; sent for Dr. Waring preparatory to moving to Cassawda, the
Yankees having vowed vengeance against him, but the Doctor carried him
to Chelsea after dark. We are anxious about Charlie (Snowden). Not
knowing the armistice was over, Uncle Peter sent Uncle Ned in his buggy
as far as Nelson’s Ferry. They left just after breakfast and now near
11, no Charlie yet.
We move home tomorrow, Wednesday May 3rd. Uncle Peter lent his wagon to
ride home in. Dr. Waring brought Uncle Peter this morning to gather his
belongings and move right on to Cassawda. While we were waiting,
something scared his horse; she dashed off over the yard in a wild run,
smashing the buggy before she could be stopped.
Cousin Thomas[64] passed down to-day on his way home, but did not stop.
May 12th 1865. Have not the heart to write; I have hoped against hope;
all is over! Our poor paroled prisoners are all coming home. Cousin
John[65] has come, and I hear James[66] is on the road.
JOURNAL LETTER KEPT BY MISS CHARLOTTE ST. J. RAVENEL OF POOSHEE
PLANTATION FOR MISS META HEYWARD
Pooshee, Feb., 1865.
My dear Meta:
As we are cut off from each other now, I will attempt to write for you,
in journal form, an account of the trying times through which we are
passing.
After the evacuation of Savannah we were very anxious to get to Aiken,
but Pa[67] thought it best not to go until we were certain of Sherman’s
movements. We heard from time to time that Charleston could not be held,
and yet we heard on every side that Augusta was his destination. Several
events occurred which would have prevented our going up if it had been
our intention, the freshet then too Henry’s[68] illness and last of all
the cutting of the railroad, which effectually cut us off.
We got newspaper accounts of Sherman’s movements on Orangeburg, and then
there was a report that he was marching down the State Road to
Charleston and of course we believed it. Every day report brought them
nearer. Hennie had the silver packed ready for interment. On Wed’y
evening the 10th of Feb’y. a note came from Aunt Ria[69] saying the
Yankees were not far from Walworth, that they had burnt two houses on
the river, and that all the men and boys in the upper Parish were
leaving home, and going to a place of safety. This made us very uneasy
on Harry’s account, for he was very weak. That night we got a note from
Pa who was staying at Indianfield, asking Hennie to send for them very
early the next morning, he said Uncle Rene’s[70] horses would be used
for something else as there was no time to be lost, and telling her to
have the silver ready, we thought the note very mysterious, but were
not at all alarmed by it, for on the 16th the next day, Grand Pa[71]
sent off for salt, and sent one of the servants to town for some things
we needed.
After breakfast I was quietly reading “The Queens of England,” when we
heard a horse racing up the avenue, Cousin Henrietta[72] had sent word
to say that the Yankees were at Moorfield, and asked two of us for pity
sake go and stay with her. You can never imagine our feelings when we
heard it and thought of Aunt Ria by herself, my first impulse was to
burn my letters and to put on a suit of good clothes in case the others
should be taken. By that time the carriage came from Indianfield, and Pa
came in; he was in such a hurry that he never said “Good morning,” but
told us to come and help him pack. He then went in and told Harry that
he must go right off; fright seemed to make us all strong, for two of us
nearly ran with Harry’s trunk down one flight of stairs and up another.
Pa and Harry went off in the carriage loaded with all kinds of things
and Uncle Rene went on horse back. Though it was a relief to get them
off it was a very sad parting, for we did not know when we would meet
again, and the excitement in Harry’s weak state made him so nervous we
were very uneasy about him.
Soon after they got off we remembered the wine up-stairs, and though we
did not know at what moment the Yankees would be here, we made the
attempt to bring it down, and then we had time to seal the bottles and
have them buried in the garden. By that time a wagon came from Moorfield
with some of Aunt Ria’s things; we were very much relieved to hear that
the enemy was not at Moorfield, but near Walworth. A carriage then came
from Indianfield, and you would have been amused to see the number of
people in it, four nurses and eight children. The house was in confusion
all day. Belle and Aunt Ria both moving over, and Grand Pa moving
provisions into the house, we all worked so hard that we were completely
worn out by night. Aunt Ria came that evening and told us how the
mistake had been made, she had written to Sarrazins exactly what she
wrote us the evening before; the family there sent word to the driver
at Brunswick that the Yankees were near Moorfield, and he must give out
the corn to the negroes; the driver sent word to Northampton that they
were at Moorfield. As everything was so quiet Emily[73] and I went to
spend the night with Cousin Henrietta we had not been frightened enough
for one day, for after supper, Mr. Jervey’s[74] entire family came down.
They had heard that the raiders had burnt Mr. Parker’s house near them;
they had intended coming down the next day, but this news brought them
at once. Emily had gone to bed with a headache, and wanted to get up and
come home, but I persuaded her they could not get there before the next
day, though I was so frightened I could scarcely stand. So much for one
day of Yankee fright!
Febr’y. 17. We were quite relieved to hear that the enemy had taken the
State Road, and gone down to Summerville. They had visited several
places and taken what they pleased. On our way home we met Belle[75] and
Sister[76] who told us of a report that the Yankees were at The Rocks
Church and the plantation on their way to Belle Isle. I did not believe
it, but thought it better to be prepared, so buried a few things. Aunt
Ria received a note from Cousin Edward[77] saying there was no truth in
the reports we had heard, that there was not a Yankee this side of
Orangeburg. We were not left quiet for long, for that evening Capt.
Guerard, from Savannah, rode up to say that he had come to notify the
planters that all of their corn was to be impressed by our government to
feed the army on its retreat from Charleston, and that planters would be
obliged to remove their property beyond the lines. This was the first
intimation we had that the evacuation had commenced. We then held a
council of war, and decided that we must send and let the gentlemen know
what we had heard; fortunately we had found out that they were at the
Eady’s. We all felt very blue for we heard that our army was crossing
as fast as possible at St. Stephens, and then the bridge was to be
burned.
Febr’y. 18th. By breakfast time, the hiding party arrived. At first Pa
said it was impossible to stay here; that we must leave, if we had to
walk, but upon deliberation he concluded we could not go, for the
railroad being cut, our only way was by Orangeburg, which we knew had
been in the hands of the enemy, and besides, we did not know if we had a
house to go to, for we had heard nothing definite from Aiken. We had
three of our soldiers to spend the night, and they cheered us up a great
deal, and said it was best to stay at home.
Feb’y. 19th. I have never spent such a Sunday, and hope I never will
spend such another; we were in confusion from the time we got up until
we went to bed. Aunt Bet[78] moved over, and Mr. Gignilliat came with
her to spend a few hours.
I had just been hoping that some of the soldiers we knew would stop
here. That night after we had all retired, Tom Heyward came up, his feet
all blistered from marching. On the 20th. Tom Heyward, Tom Porcher
Ravenel, and Samuel Ravenel all left to join their respective commands,
Tom Porcher having joined Mr. Gignilliat’s battery. We were very anxious
that Harry should go along with them, but he was by no means strong
enough.
Nothing occurred of any consequence except our soldiers coming in
continually, until the 24th, when we heard that there was fighting down
at Biggin Church. Uncle Thomas,[79] who was at home, hurried off, and
Belle[80] moved her family to Pineville to secure a summer home. About
dinner time a party of horsemen rode up; for a time we thought them
Yankees, but soon found out they were a squad under Lieut. Miller from
Colcock’s cavalry. On the 25th just at dinner time, Dr. Waring[81] drove
up to say that Uncle Thomas would pass through in a few moments on his
way to St. Stephens and that our pickets were retreating before the
enemy. In a very short time a number of our men passed through the yard.
We felt as if our last friends had left us, and that we would never see
a Confederate soldier again, and to add to our discomfort Dr. Waring
told us that the Yankees had visited Gippy, taken all they wished, and
then given out everything else to the negroes. Cousin Catherine’s[82]
clothes were thrown out, her bed clothes, towels, &c., burnt; her person
was guarded; that was all. Of course this put us in a state of mind.
That night Pennie[83] and myself sat up until 2:00 o’clock putting away
things in a mattress. We opened the cotton and put the things between.
Though the next day was Sunday we found a hiding place in our room and
put away a great many things. That evening we heard that Mr. Harvey[84]
had been visited, but not very badly treated. Just as we had gone up
stairs a servant of Uncle Rene’s came in to say that the Yankees were
all along the road from Fairspring to Wantoot. We all slept in our
clothes that night for we were certain they would be here before
morning. On the 27th about midday the alarm was given that “the Yankees
were coming” but we had our fright for nothing, for they turned out to
be some of our scouts under Lieut. Bright. They had four prisoners taken
near Mr. Westcoat’s place with a cart full of things. Two of our men
said they wanted to kill the prisoners but the others would not let
them. They stayed that night, and the next at Harbin, or a part of the
next, for a servant betrayed and they were taken so much by surprise
that two of these men were killed, two wounded and Bright and two of his
men taken prisoners. The Yankees fired several times into the house
thinking men were there. They then gave out everything to the negroes,
which they all brought back to Cousin Jane.[85]
The 1st of March is a day which we will never forget; everything went on
as usual until nine o’clock at night when we heard several pistol shots
in the negro yard. I ran up stairs to tell Pennie who had gone to bed
and by the time I got back we heard a noise at the back door; our hearts
sank when we heard them talking, for they were negroes without an
officer, what we had always dreaded. They asked for the master of the
house, and when Grand Pa went out, they asked in the most insolent
manner for his horses, wagons, meat and poultry. They then asked if
there were any fire arms in the house, and told there was none but a
plantation gun. They said they would not believe that such a house could
be without a gun and that they would have it or shed blood. They then
went off into the yard to get the things. They emptied the smokehouse;
took what poultry they wanted, and then went to the store room under the
house, took a few things from there and told the negroes to go in and
take the rest;--which they did, cleaning out the store room and meat
room. There were a great many things there for Aunt Bet had moved over
her provisions. The plantation negroes took about twenty bushels of
salt; twenty of rice; fifteen of grist, besides several jars of lard,
molasses; all of Hennie’s soap, a box of Pineland crockery and a good
many other things. They left us with one quart of salt in the house and
would not bring any of it back, until Pa stated the case to a _white
Yankee_, the next day and he went around and made them bring some of it
back. When the negro soldiers first went to the store room they sent for
Grand Pa. It made our blood curdle to hear our aged relative spoken to
in the manner they did. We were all in the hall and could hear
everything that went on below. After some very impudent language we
heard a gun click. I will never forget that moment as long as I live.
The wretch had his gun pointed at Grand Pa, and though we found out
afterwards that they did not dare to take life, we did not know it at
the time. After this they called up the negroes and told them they were
free, and if they worked for Grand Pa again they would shoot them. They
then went off with three horses, a wagon and a buggy. They told the
negroes that the army would be through the next day to take our clothes
and other things. Three of us sat up in the hall for the rest of the
night, and though the others retired to their rooms there was rest for
no one. It must have been too mortifying to poor Grand Pa for his
negroes to behave as they did, taking the bread out of our mouths. I
thought better of them than that. I have attempted to describe that
dreadful night, but nothing can come up to the reality. The next
morning everything looked so desolate that it made us feel sad, most of
the house servants came in crying, and said they were willing to do for
us, but were afraid. Of course we would not put them in any danger, so
sent them all off. We sat down to breakfast to a plate of hominy and
cold corn bread that had been cooked the day before for one of our
soldiers. The very night before we had sat down to an elaborate
supper;--such are the fortunes of war! We cleaned up the house and
cooked dinner, looking all the time for our _friends_ for such we
considered the officers. Just as our dinner was put on the table a party
rode up; we were so glad to see them that we all went in the piazza. The
officer came forward and bowed very politely. Pa then told him how we
had been treated the night before and asked what guarantee we would have
against such treatment in the future.
Capt. Hurlbut who was in command of the party said that the black
soldiers had no authority to come without an officer and if found, they
would be punished. He said that Gen’l. Potter would be along soon and we
might get a protection from him, but afterwards he said that he would
write a paper which might do us good, and certainly would do no harm. I
do not remember the words; but, the sense of it was, that we had very
wisely remained at home, while many had flocked to other parts of the
Confederacy. He said that everything had already been taken from us, and
he would advise that we would not be further molested. He then spoke to
the negroes, told them they were free and could either go away or stay
at home, but if they remained on the place, they must work, for no one
could live without working. He told them they would be better off if
they stayed at home.
Soon after Col. Hartwell and staff arrived. They all agreed in saying
that the marauders would be punished and the Colonel signed the paper.
One of his staff got quite familiar; played with Aunt Ria’s baby, little
Maria, and ended by kissing her. We laugh and tell the baby she has
caught a Yankee beau, and she always laughs and seems to enjoy the joke.
In a very short time Gen’l Potter and his staff came up in the piazza.
Then the army commenced passing through the yard, about three regiments
of infantry, one white and two colored passed through, besides artillery
and cavalry. Each one stopped (_sic_) and the men ran in every direction
after poultry. They marched the colored regiments right by the piazza; I
suppose as an insult to us. The negroes were collected in the yard and
cheered them on, Hennie[86] and Sister[87] asked the General if he could
not leave us a guard that night, but, he said there was no use; his army
did not straggle, and that he could not leave a guard at every place he
passed. The General did not make a favorable impression on us;[88] he
was very short in his manner, but his staff were very polite. One of
them told us to try the General again.
You must not be too surprised at our staying out in the piazza with so
many men, for there were a great many of us to keep company, and then we
had never seen such a sight in our lives before. The last of the army
had not left the yard before we saw the General returning; he said he
had determined to take up his headquarters here that night. We were all
of course, delighted for we could not have been better guarded. They had
the parlor for their sitting room, and one chamber for the General. The
wagon train camped just in front of the house, and two regiments in the
field in front. There was a sentinel at the front and one at the back
door all night. The camp fires looked very pretty at night. Did we ever
imagine that Pooshee would be headquarters for a Yankee army? About two
hundred head of poultry and a great many sheep were killed; the negroes’
own did not escape! We recognized one of the prisoners (that our scouts
had here the first of the week) driving a cart, and Lieut. Bright and
his men were prisoners that night in the wash room, one of them asked to
be allowed to speak to some of the girls who were at the back door; he
seemed to be a gentleman.
During the course of the next day soldiers were continually passing
through. Our protection paper was of great use, for we were not molested
again and from that day to this 9th of March we have been in comparative
quiet.
Wantoot[89] house has been burned, also seven unoccupied houses in
Pineville. Some of the residents there were shamefully treated, even
their clothes taken from them. Uncle Rene was among the fortunate ones;
he only had a ham stolen from his house but all of his poultry. They
went into the house at Woodboo, though a Mrs. Williams was living there
to protect it, opened every drawer and box in the house; dressed
themselves in Uncle Thomas’s and the boys’ new clothes, leaving their
old ones behind.
At Northampton they were told by the negroes that a good many things
were hid in the house, so made a thorough search. They actually
threatened to hang Mr. Jervey, and had the rope brought. For some time
they had been told (that treasure?) had been buried. The people about
here would not have suffered near as much if it had not been for these
negroes; in every case they have told where things have been hidden and
they did most of the stealing. The negroes here have behaved worse than
any I have heard of yet.
Daddy Sandy is as faithful as ever. He is sorry that the Yankees have
been here. George still comes about the house, but does not do much.
Daddy Billy, who we all thought so much of, has not come in since they
were made free. He pretends to be hurt because Hennie told him he could
go if he wanted to. Hennie’s maid Annette has taken herself off. Kate
comes in regularly to attend in the bed rooms night and morning.
We have to do our own cooking now, and you don’t know how nicely we do
it. * * * * * We take it by turns to cook dinner in the pantry, two
going together every day. * * * I have not touched my needle for a week;
would you believe that? The field negroes are in a dreadful state; they
will not work, but either roam the country, or sit in their houses. At
first they all said they were going, but have changed their minds now.
Pa has a plan to propose to them by which they are to pay Grand Pa so
much for the hire of the land and houses; but they will not come up to
hear it. I do not see how we are to live in this country without any
rule or regulation. We are afraid now to walk outside of the gate. * * *
* *
We have just heard a report that Charlie Porcher has been taken prisoner
in a fight near Aiken, and fear it is true. Do let me tell you a smart
trick of Cephas, Grand Pa’s carpenter! It is worthy of the Yankees.
Before (the minds of the) Moorfield negroes had been poisoned, he went
there and told the servant Robert that Aunt Ria had sent him for a cart,
five turkeys and a sheep. He then came here at night, took up his wife
Adela and traveled off to Charleston. One of Aunt Ria’s negroes who had
always been sick got one mule from Moorfield, another mule and carriage
from some other place, went to Pinopolis and took all of Mr.
Stevens’s[90] books. The next day he went for the piano. He told some of
the negroes that he had been playing on it already. The negroes are in
the most lawless and demoralized state imaginable. If this is what the
Yankees intended they have made their work complete. We have to keep
everything under lock and key, and can call nothing our own now.
Grand Pa seems completely broken down, tho’ he tries to keep up. It must
be too hard for one of his age to have everything so changed from what
he has been accustomed to all of his life.
The day that the Yankees left here, George brought in an envelope which
he found in the prison (the wash-house). It was directed to “Miss Carrie
Cribbs,” Tuscaloosa, Ala. On the back was a Confederate stamp, and
inside a blank sheet of paper folded. At first we did not think anything
of it; but the idea soon struck Aunt Bet that it was left here with an
object, which was that we should write and let the young lady know what
had become of him. We heard afterward that one of the prisoners’ name
was “Cribbs,” so that settled all doubts we had on the subject. We will
send the letter off the first opportunity we hear of, tho’ I can’t say
when that will be, for we are entirely cut off from the world and almost
entirely from neighborhood news.
March 10. We received notes from White Hall and Sarrazins and also a
letter from Alice Palmer, quite a _treat_. The White Hall negroes
behaved shamefully; they rushed into the house; tore down the curtains,
carried off bedding, blankets and trunks, and are grumbling now that
they have not enough. We hear that one man asked Cousin Marianne[91] to
step out and take a dance, that they were on equality now.
March 11. Uncle Rene dined here to-day. It was really refreshing to see
some one out of the house. He says there is a report that Sherman has
been defeated with heavy loss, and is going down to Georgetown. I fear
it is too good to be true. Uncle Rene also brought the news that
fighting was going on at Blue Hole, Uncle Charles Snowden’s place. I
suppose it can only be a skirmish. How composedly we can be talking of
fighting in our very midst!
One item of news, which I must not forget to tell you, is that Newport
has taken the cooking, and we are all ladies again.
March 13th. Dr Waring[92] came in to-day and told us the particulars of
the affair at Blue Hole. On Thursday four Yankee negroes, with a good
many plantation negroes, armed, went to Moorfield. There they found a
quantity of wine. A good many men joined them from there and Cedar
Grove, mounted on anything they could find, and in a drunken state they
all rode up the Parish. When they reached Blue Hole, Charlie Snowden,
who was there on a visit, went off and informed our scouts. They killed
two or three of the negroes, and took several prisoners, which I do not
think they kept long. After they left, the negro soldiers made the
negroes move everything out of the house, and the family had to go into
the kitchen. The next day our scouts came up again to assist Aunt
Harrie[93] in recovering her things; but, she begged them to go away;
that they had been the cause of her trouble, so they left in not at all
a good humor, and we have heard nothing more. I hope young Charlie
Snowden has succeeded in getting out of the way. Several of the people
about here have put up the white flag, because the Yankees told them it
would be a sign that they had already been visited. Our scouts did not
like it; they said it looked as if the country had submitted, so they
have all been taken down. I am so glad we never had one up.
March 14th. We all went to Northampton this morning to pay a visit;
quite an era in our own monotonous lives. Pa rode on horse-back and we
closed up the ranks on foot.
March 15th. Aunt Ria left us this morning to stay a while at Woodlawn.
She went in the buggy with the baby and Maum Mary; the two boys followed
in the cart.
March 16th. Dr. White[94] dined here to-day; he had just crossed the
river. He had not seen a paper for some time, so, of course, could not
tell us much news. Sherman had not been defeated and was avoiding a
battle.
March 17th. Drs. White and Waring paid visits here to-day. We are not as
much cut off as we expected at first. Dr. Waring told us he heard that
the oath of allegiance was to be offered to every man in the country.
This is the worst news we have heard of for some time. Pa and Harry will
try and get out of the way, but Grand Pa will be compelled to take it.
March 18th. Mr. Cain and Anna Maria were here to-day; the old gentleman
seems to feel his loss very much.
March 20th. * * * * This morning Pa went to Woodlawn to try and make
arrangements for carrying us all to Aiken. He has succeeded in hiring
three mules, and the present plan is that we are to start on Wednesday
in a wagon,--Rather a novel style of making the trip! We are all anxious
now to go, but hate so much leaving Grand Pa, and the rest of the
family, particularly in Grand Pa’s state of health.
March 21st. We heard rumors to-day of the enemy landing on the banks of
the Santee, and coming this way in great force which made Pa decide not
to go on Wednesday. * * * * *
March 22nd. We heard to-day from Nina[95] and Cousin James Wilson. * * *
Nina writes on the 16th of March from Winnsboro. She had met the enemy
there and had not lost much. * * * a good many houses were burned in
Winnsboro, also the Episcopal Church, and they were kept in constant
fear. Cousin James and family lost everything by fire in Columbia--They
had to spend one night in the woods with Nana’s[96] baby only ten days
old. How much some people have suffered. We have every cause to be
thankful, for we have suffered very little in comparison to others.
We also heard to-day of several battles in which we had been victorious;
that France had recognized the Confederacy and the United States had
declared war against Mexico,--if it could only be true! We cannot help
feeling hopeful anyhow.
Dr. Waring mentioned that a few Yankees had landed, but had gone back to
their gun boats, so the Aiken cavalcade is to go off in the morning.
March 23rd. The Club House[97] came down with a crash this evening, or
rather the frame, for the Yankees had nearly stripped it of boards and
the negroes finished it.
March 24th. The caravan started for Aiken to-day. The negroes are
behaving a great deal better now on most of the plantations; they have
commenced working again, and most of them that went to town have come
back, which I think will have a very good effect on the others. Our
scouts have done a great deal of good in making the negroes afraid to go
out.
March 25th. Harbin house was burned yesterday about 2:00 o’clock by
accident we hear. We have heard no particulars, or what has become of
the family. Mr. Myers (the overseer) returned home to-day to join the
scouts. He reports that Sherman has been defeated in N. C. and four
thousand prisoners taken. He was perfectly surprised to see the state
of things here, so different from what they are on the river. We feel
very anxious about Henry,[98] for Mr. Myers left him a week ago in
Chester quite sick. He was in a cotton house as he could not get private
lodgings. We saw a Charleston Courier of 21st of March. The Yankees
claim the victories of all the battles that have been fought lately, and
say the Rebels are nearly done up! That remains to be proved.
March 26th. This day will long be remembered by the people of Pineville.
The Regulators[99] had just returned from Mt. Pleasant with a supply of
arms and ammunition--Last night they sent to several of the gentlemen
and told them they would hang them the next day, but our scouts
surprised them this morning and 27 were killed, eleven right off, and
the others in the course of the day. One man was taken who told where
their ammunition was hidden, and then he was dispatched. Several made
their escape in the woods but the ring-leaders were killed;--15 were
killed from Capt. Gourdin’s place. Our force was 56 men; that of the
negroes was not known, though supposed to be less. We hear that Col.
Ferguson[100] is on his way with 1,500 men, and Major Jenkins with six
companies. They will soon put things straight again.
March 30th. * * * Mr. Stevens arrived to-day. He does not appear to
think anything of the behavior of his flock; but I know he must feel
mortified and disappointed. He will remain and preach for us as long as
it is safe for him to do so. To-day has been a regular mail day. Mr.
Stevens brought letters from Nina, Mrs. Sams and Auntie,[101] * * * one
from Uncle Charlie Snowden saying he had taken possession of our farm,
and also mentioning that some of Wheeler’s men had broken into the
house, taken all of the carpets, blankets and provisions. * * * This
evening Hennie received a long note from Cousin Marianne Porcher; she
mentioned that Hardee had been repulsed, but that after that Johnston
had defeated Sherman taking 4,000 prisoners.
Press Smith was wounded in both legs, and his brother Porcher in the
head; both were doing well; Ravenel Macbeth was wounded and a prisoner.
We have heard nothing of our other friends. Cousin Marianne says she
heard from negroes that the entire Barker family had taken the oath of
allegiance and were preparing to go to the city. We cannot blame them
for we do not know how they were situated. Dr. Motte had refused the
oath up here, but was carried to Charleston, and there he was made to
take it. Mr. Holmes refused to take it and is now a prisoner. I do not
know how true all this is, but we must take it for what it is worth. I
am very thankful that Pa has gotten away and that we do not live on
Cooper river. * * *
March 31st. The Northampton people paid a visit here to-day. Willie
Jervey is at home for a short time. We heard a report to-day that
Charleston was blockaded by fifty French vessels and that the Yankees
were preparing to evacuate the place. It came from a man about here who
had gone down to the Gunboat to take the oath of allegiance.
April 1st. The negroes’ freedom was brought to a close to-day. During
the morning a party of our scouts rode up and asked if Grand Pa wished
them to do anything for him. Grand Pa told them that one of his negroes
had been seen with a gun but had said that it belonged to one of Uncle
Rene’s men who had gone to town, so the scouts went off. We were very
uneasy when we saw them coming, fearing that they might be Yankees.
About dinner time another party came up, Edward Dennis, Mr. McTureous
and several others. They requested the negroes be called up, and told
them they were not free, but slaves, and would be until they died; that
the Yankees had no right to free them, and that they were to go to work
as they had always done with a driver;[102] that they would be here
every two or three days to see that they worked, and the first one
caught out without a ticket would be killed. Then they demanded guns
from two of them and said they were to be forthcoming. Poor deluded
creatures! Their friends the Yankees have done them more harm than good;
this day month their freedom was proclaimed. One report to-day is that
the white Union soldiers in Savannah united with the citizens and
massacred 4,000 blacks on account of their outrageous behavior. Another
is that the Gun Boats have left the Santee and the one on Cooper river
has gone lower down. About dark after we had shut up the house we heard
a loud rap at the front door, and much to our surprise it proved to be
your father (Mr. Heyward). He had come all the way from Aiken on
horseback to carry Aunt Bet back.
April 2nd. We have been permitted the privilege of again meeting at
church to offer our thanks to God for his manifold mercies to us during
this terrible time. Nearly every one in the Parish succeeded in getting
there, mules supplying the places of all horses that had been taken. It
was very pleasant to meet our friends, whom we had not seen for six
weeks.
April 4th. Aunt Bet started to-day for Aiken with a carriage, two
wagons, one cart, one donkey cart, two cows and an outrider,--quite a
cavalcade! We heard today that two of the ring leaders from Pineville
went to the Gunboat and told how they had been treated, whereupon the
officers had them put in irons and sent to Charleston, and told them, if
they had only known it, they would have sent a company to help the white
men. We received numerous letters from Aiken this morning by the return
wagons. I am sorry to say that Wheeler’s men have done us more damage
than the Yankees. I did not mind it at first when I thought they had
only taken things they needed, but I do blame them very much for their
wanton destruction of property that they ought to protect. It is a shame
and they ought to be exposed.
April 6th. The scouts were here again to-day under Lieut. Pettus.[103]
Charlie Snowden has joined them. Hennie got them to go to Wampee and
send her maid Anette home.
April 8th. We have had another visit to-day from the Yankees. Before
breakfast we saw smoke in the direction of Somerset, and the negroes
told us they had heard a drum and fife in the night. We thought it was
imagination until a servant from Wantoot told us that the Yankees had
burnt Somerset house and were coming on. Soon after we saw them coming
through the field, and in a very short time the house was full of black
Yankees. I remained in the hall to see what they would take there, and
to keep a watch on our room door. The first one that came into the room
asked for fire arms. I told him they had all been taken. The next one
asked for silver. I had no idea of showing him, so told him I was not
the lady of the house. He made no reply but went on looking. A number
then came in, and the silver was soon found and carried off; 40 small
pieces of table silver and soup ladle; these, and one candle stick were
the only things taken from the hall. Grand Pa lost all of his clothes
that he had out. A box was broken open, some sheets and table cloths
taken, the rest flung over the floor interspersed with broken eggs. The
safe door was broken open and the ham taken. Several other rooms were
entered and things taken; but, I am thankful to say our room was left
untouched. All of the horses were taken. Gen’l Hartwell took good care
not to come up until the darkies had left. He told his Captain to go and
see if he _could_ get the silver and one horse back, which, of course,
we knew he did not _mean_ him to do. The object of their visit was to
catch the scouts. They said we had brought all of this on ourselves for
encouraging the scouts.
Uncle Rene and Uncle William have both been taken prisoners and we hear,
are to be carried to Charleston. They took the latter to get information
from him,--so they say, but we think they took him because he had
entertained the scouts. Uncle Rene had to put himself under the
protection of the General as there was a conspiracy detected among the
black troops to come back that night and kill him. The Yankees went to
Mexico this evening and I suppose will visit all the places up there.
April 10th. Of course there was no service yesterday. Dr. Waring paid a
visit and told us that Mr. Stevens was still in the Parish, but keeping
close. This morning several of the negro men came to Grand Pa and asked
to be allowed to stay here and work; they would do anything he told
them. The Yankees told them to go _with them_, but they said they did
not want to go. Two of the boys from here have joined the (U. S.?) Army.
April 11th. * * * * Cousin Mazyck Porcher[104] has been taken prisoner.
Mexico house and all the out buildings have been burned. Last accounts
of the enemy they were at Eutaw Springs.
April 12th. Uncle Rene and Uncle Wm. returned home to-day. We were too
thankful to hear of their release. They were carried as far as Eutaw,
and then told to “Go Home.”
_Woodlawn, April 14th._ Uncle Rene drove Sister home, and I came back
here to take her place. Uncle Rene and Uncle William had a most dreadful
experience on the ride from Pineville to Mexico with the Army. At one
time they were guarded by only one black soldier, and they could hear
others all around trying to bribe their guard to give them up to be
killed; but the guard, though a darky, was above bribing.
_Pooshee, April 20th._ I returned here to-day quite unexpectedly. Pa
came down last night and went over for me. We are to leave on Monday. We
hear the most exaggerated accounts of things here. To-day’s reports are
that Lee’s Army, 32,000, has surrendered to Grant, and all the men
paroled not to fight again during the war. The other report is that
Sumterville and Summerton have both been burnt to the ground; of course
we do not believe either of them.
_April 21st._ We hear to-day that there has been a fight on the river,
and two regiments of blacks under Potter completely cut up.
_April 22nd._ Today’s news is very cheering; it is that Lincoln and
Seward have both been assassinated, and that there is to be an
Armistice.
(Here the diary-letter ends without signature.)