1862 October 21 Chapel Hill, N.C.

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

Tuesday 21st  I have been cheered to day by receiving 3 letters--one from
Charles Bradley--one from Richd announcing the advent of another
little Hill--called "Lizzie Outlaw" & telling of plantation matters--
The 3d was from Tom who is still near Winchester--& wants
Noah sent on--He says for several days he lived on parched
& raw corn--& was so much fatigued riding all night he could
scarcely sit on his horse & feels certain had he been in the ranks
walking he would have given out--or been ill.  I thank God
he hold the position of Ordnance Sargeant-as it enables him to
ride--But when he wrote they were faring better, had bread & beef
I have just heard of the death of Eliza Ann McRee--& that both of
her grand parents are ill with the yellow fever & not expected to
recover--The fever does not abate in the least--but is spreading
far and near--How angry God must be with us to send
so dreadful a scourge upon us at this distressing time. When
all the horrors of War is waging thro' the land & friends by
the dozen are killed in each battle--Oh that we could  humble our-
selves before him & repent in sincerity & truth for our past
forgetfulness of his many blessings & all the sins which we
have committed--I have written several letters this morning
& feeling wearied will lie down awhile


MSS 6960