1862 October 18 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Saturday 18th  This has been a very busy day finishing off travel
ing dress for Eliza & packing her trunk for her trip to Enfield
on Monday with Liz--The weather is lovely--But we hear of so
many deaths in Wilmington so much sorrow, & sickness everywhere
that we all feel sad very sad indeed-  & particularly so since
hearing of Dr. Dranes death--Oh how dreadful it is - to think so
kind a pastor-So fine a man-So sincere a friend has gone from
our sight on Earth--Still we ought not to mourn but rather rejoice
that he is out of trouble, & now in the mansions of his Heavenly
father-& the presence of his redeemer Jesus Christ who has died
to save fallen man--& thru' whose intercessions he will ob
-tain a seat amongst the faithful in heaven--Every day we hear
of some friend, relative-or acquaintance called away--& still
we are spared as monuments of mercy--Oh that God would make
us as monuments of Grace.

MSS