Wednesday, May 20th.
I spent yesterday morning writing to my precious wife. I wrote two letters; one to take the chances and uncertainties of the mails; the other reserved until I can find some one going across the Mississippi River. I called on Mrs. Bachman and there met Mrs. Carroll and her daughter. Mrs. Bachman spoke of Mary as of a sister; she is a sweet, good woman and was anxious to do something for my comfort. She gave me a letter to Captain Bachman and also one for some of her cousins in Virginia; wanted me to leave all my extra clothing with Miss Nannie Norton in Richmond; said that Wat Taylor had left his things there. Mrs. Bachman’s paintings are enchanting to me. What a useful and delightful accomplishment painting is. By it we can leave such precious and enduring mementoes of ourselves, when all other memories have faded in the oblivion of a shadowy past. I spent the afternoon with mother only, and began to feel like I had somebody to love me this side of the Mississippi. For all that I hold dearest is west of the river. Mother (Mrs. Stark) has treated me as her own son. She has furnished me with clothing, which I needed; has given me $40.00 and appears anxious to do more for me. I went out to auntie’s, at Stark Hill, late in the afternoon and bade them good bye; talked as if they were parting with one who had a right to their affections; all this nerves me very much and added to the approval of my own conscience makes me more willing and ready to suffer whatever may be in store for me and let my trials be what they may. May God save my wife and children from affliction. Let all the evil which may perchance be in store for them be meted out to me. After supper last night mother went up stairs with me and we concluded that it would be best to carry only a change of clothing and leave the rest in Columbia with her, to be sent as I needed them. She packed my things and spoke so kindly and affectionately to me that I love her next to Mary. It is now. 6 o’clock on Wednesday morning. I am waiting for Decca to get ready to go to the depot with me; she is going as far as Winsboro to pay a visit to Jennie Preston Means.
