Following the American Civil War Sesquicentennial with day by day writings of the time, currently 1863.

Post image for “So many others ‘missing,’ never, never to be found!”—Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

“So many others ‘missing,’ never, never to be found!”—Diary of a Southern Refugee, Judith White McGuire.

June 2, 2012

Diary of a Southern Refugee During the War by Judith White McGuire

2d.—The battle continued yesterday near the field of the day before. We gained the day! For this victory we are most thankful. The enemy were repulsed with fearful loss; but our loss was great. The wounded were brought until a late hour last night, and to-day the hospitals have been crowded with ladies, offering their services to nurse, and the streets are filled with servants darting about, with waiters covered with snowy napkins, carrying refreshments of all kinds to the wounded. Many of the sick, wounded, and weary are in private houses. The roar of the cannon has ceased. Can we hope that the enemy will now retire? General Pettigrew is missing—it is thought captured. So many others “missing,” never, never to be found! Oh, Lord, how long! How long are we to be a prey to the most heartless of foes? Thousands are slain, and yet we seem no nearer the end than when we began!!

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