March 2nd, 1865.—This is a sad day for all of us, dear Mother feels it most of all. When she was a child she had her little pony, “Winnie Wiggin”, to ride to school, and after that she always had a horse which was all her own. Grandpa loved fine horses and mother did, too. When mother married, she knew she was marrying a young doctor, who had his way to make in the world but he found he could provide her with all she needed. For five years now, she has been driving, to her especial carriage, a fine pair of glossy bays, “Tom” and “Charley.” These horses are the joy of Jordan’s life and he spends much time in brushing and currying his beautiful pets. At the beginning of the war there were horses a plenty for the army, but, as time wore on more and more were needed and all we had were given up to the Confederacy; that is, all but Mother’s carriage horses. We were spending the day at Live Oak and Jordan had brought the carriage to the door to carry us home, when Mr. Elkins came riding up and ordered the horses taken from the carriage. Jordan asked if he could not be allowed to take his mistress home? To this Mr. Elkins agreed but told him to have the horses ready for him at nine o’clock next morning.
They are gone now and of course it is right for our country to have them, but Mother will miss them very much. Since the other horses were impressed we have had Jordan to carry us to town twice a week for our music and French lessons, tomorrow is the day, I wonder if we can go? Father says we can have a pair of mules, that is if a gentle pair can be found.
