1862 February 18 Chapel Hill, N.C.

[from the diary of Eliza Oswald Hill, refugee from Wilmington, N.C.]

Friday 18th  The morning opened with rain--& it has continued to rain all day slow
ly--I dont regret the gloomy day as the ladies call it, as I do not feel well, & therefore
have no desire to go out--One or two students arrived last night--But they look
like mere boys--The papers to day contain pleasant intelligence from Vicksburg
the brave little City still holds out--& the Ram Arkansas is doing gallant
service--She sunk two boats coming out of the Yazoo river--the Federal fleet opened
on her both sides, pouring in a terrific fire as she passed--on opening a Porthole
for air, a shell entered killing nine, and wounding several others. The Ram Benton
(Federal) attempted to butt the Arkansas, but missed, & was struck by the Arkansas
She put for shore in a sinking condition--another Gunboat was fired.  I received a
long letter from Joe this morning, which has relieved my mind greatly--He wrote
from Sleepy Hollow where he is once more with his family--He has gotten a
substitute & left the company--He has been quite sick with dysentery- &
had become disgusted with ignorance and incompetency occupying high
places while he was but a private.  Besides the service was too arduous
& harassing for him--& the Island said to be very sickly--He found no difficulty
in procuring a good strong substitute for $600-& he is now to my great
joy free--He might had he been necessitated to do so have held out a month
or two longer--But his constitution would have given way under it--&
I thank God the way was opened for him to leave  He says ["]the officers Lt Ball
Major Anthony, & Adjt Harris with others were sorry I would leave--& the
men seemed very sorry that I would leave them - & tried to persuade me
to remain promising me the 1st vacancy in the company if I would"--
Joe seems determined never to go again as
a private.  He says if he ever goes again it will be as an "amateur"
fight on his own hook, without being attached to any company.
I hope Peace will be proclaimed before he is obliged to go in any
way--Enclosed with Joe's letter was one from Ellen long & pleasant.

MSS 6960