GDG- Diary of a Lady - Sarah M. Broadhead

[Ginny Gage]

July 2--

Of course we had no rest last night.  Part of the time we watched the Rebels
rob the house opposite.  The family had left some time during the day, and
the robbers must have gotten all they left in the house.  They went from the
garret to the cellar, and loading up the plunder in a large four-horse
wagon, drove it off.  I expected every minute that they would burst in our
door, but they did not come near us.  It was a beautiful moonlight night,
and we could see all they did.

July 2-

The cannonading commenced about 10 o¹clock, and we went to the cellar and
remained a little while until it ceased.  When the noise subsided, we came
to the light again, and tried to get something to eat.  My husband went to
the garden and picked a mess of beans, though stray firing was going on all
the time, and bullets from sharpshooters or others whizzed about his head in
a way I would not have liked.  He persevered until he picked all, for he
declared the Rebels should not have one.  I baked a pan of shortcake and
boiled a piece of ham, the last we had in the house, and some neighbors
coming in, joined us, and we had the first quiet meal since the contest
began.  I enjoyed it very much.  It seemed so nice after so much confusion
to have a little quiet once more.  We had not felt like eating before, being
worried by danger and excitement.  The quiet did not last long.  About 4
o¹clock P.M. the storm burst again with terrific violence.  It seemed as
though heaven and earth were being rolled together.  For better security we
went to the house of a neighbor and occupied the cellar, by far the most
comfortable part of the house.  Whilst there a shell struck the house, but
mercifully did not burst, but remained embedded in the wall, one half
protruding.  About 6 o¹clock the cannonading lessened, and we, thinking the
fighting over, came out.  Then the noise of the musketry was loud and
constant, and made us feel quite as bad as the cannonading, though it seemed
to me less terrible.  Very soon the artillery joined in the din, and soon
became as awful as ever, and we again retreated to our friend¹s underground
apartment, and remained until the battle ceased, about 10 o¹clock at night.
I have just finished washing a few pieces for my child, for we expect to be
compelled to leave town tomorrow, as the Rebels say it will most likely be
shelled.  I cannot sleep, and as I sit down to write, to while away the
time, my husband sleeps as soundly as though nothing was wrong.  I wish I
could rest so easily, but it is out of the question for me either to eat or
sleep under such terrible excitement and such painful suspense.  We know not
what the morrow will bring forth, and cannot even tell the issue of to-day.
We can gain no information from the Rebels, and are shut off from all
communication with our soldiers.  I think little has been gained by either
side so far.  ³Has our army been sufficiently reinforced?² is our anxious
question.  A few minutes since we had a talk with an officer of the staff of
General Early, and he admits that our army has the best position, but says
we cannot hold it much longer.  The Rebels do so much bragging that we do
not know how much to believe.  At all events, the manner in which this
officer spoke indicates that our troops have the advantage so far.  Can they
keep it?  The fear they may not be able causes our anxiety and keeps us in
suspense.  

Ginny Gage