1862 September 4 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Thursday 4th  We are having beautiful weather now.  Cool
mornings & nights--With mild bright cheerful days--
But no ones feelings are in unison with the weather as we
have just heard of another great battle Saturday last on
the memorable & classic ground Manassas which resulted in the over
throw of the combined Armies of the Federal Government--With a
loss that is perhaps unequalled in the Annals of the present War.
General Ewell, & Trimble are badly wounded--& General Taliaferro
slightly--Perhaps  my precious child may be lying on the battle
field in death's cold grasp--perhaps in some Hospital wounded &
suffering--While I am far away suffering the torments of sus-
pence & anxiety--But hope bears me up--& I will still be-
-lieve God has spared him until I learn other wise and . I am also
distressed about the new conscript bill which is to take all from 18 to
45--& that hereafter substitutes for persons liable to Military duty
shall not be allowed except & in cases where the person offering the substi
tue is skilled and actually employed in some mechanical pursuit--
the prosecution of which at the time the Secretary of War may declare
to be important to the public interest: Provided in all cases when sub-
-stitutes are received the person furnishing the substitute shall guar
-antee his fidelity