1862 July 2 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Wednesday 2  We found it raining when we awake & it has con
tinued to do so all day--Turning very chilly & "fall" like towards
night--I have not been able to call on cousin Sally--But sent her a
message---Eliza received a letter from Mr Mason this morning
saying he would be here soon--He said nothing of Toms being
in the engagement--only mentioned him slightly--So that I am
still kept in suspense as to his whereabouts-& what doing--Mrs
Campbell has just sent to know if I knew one of Mr Martins
sons was killed in the battle--that she heard he was thro' a letter
received from her mother today--I hope sincerely it may not be true.
I heard from Mr Jewett to day. all were well--He sent Richd dividend
from the R R--$50--& mentioned that Jimmie Wright's body
had arrived in Wilmington & he was to be buried at the cemetery--
Poor fellow how soon he has followed his father & cousin Joe----
So young. So promising--All, all in vain--But he died in
a righteous cause--fighting for his liberty, his home--& his
just rights--& to keep the invaders of our soil from his
fireside & dear ones--

MSS 6960