Refugee from Alexandria-Substantial Objections to Excrcise PAGK Excitement in the Vicinity of the Army-Federal Rewards to the army-Chausseur-Home Effects of the War-Marketing Excursions-Free Negroes-A Slave who belonged to no one Leesburg and Evansport-Arthur's appreciation of Yankees- Criticisms-A Trip to the Battle-ground-The Battle-field- The Graves of the 8th Georgia Regiment-The Henry House -A Desolate Picture-The Road to Centreville-A Fresh Dilemma-The Absent Husband-The Supper in the Camp- A Hurricane in the Encampment A Glance at the Hero -Indulgences to the Sovereign People-The Cotton Corre- spondent is Urgent-I decide upon Florida-A Temporary The Attack on Fairfax Court-house-The "Babies" Stand Alone -The Soldier's Wife in Action-Terrible Suspense-Florence and Francis-Novel Mode of Keeping Guard-The Question Southwards-Watching for the Palmetto--Curiosity to behold a Slave-driver-Southern Indifference—Arrival at the hot-bed of Secession-The Conflagration at Charleston-The Battery, and Churches-Reverence for England-The Mill's Hotel- The One Palmetto-From Charleston to Savannah-The Nor- The Bright Eyes of Sylvania-The New Pupils-The McClellans A new Evil, and how it was overcome-Ladies' Gun-boat Funds The Whipping-The Phantom-Changes of Tem- Jane, and her Notions of Freedom-The Incorrigible Chattel My Courage Wavers-The Route is Doubtful The Plum Orchard-My Estate in Florida-Excellent Openings for Enterprise-The St. Andrew's Bay Salt-works-The Battles Parting Gifts--The Steamboat on the Chattahoochie-Public Sentiments-Motives for wishing to be Free-Landing at Eufalla--The Hotel Waiting-maid-Macon, Georgia-A Fel- low-traveller from Chattanooga-Another from New Orleans -Charleston in a state of Repose-Effects of Martial Law in Richmond-The Honourable Secretaries-The Passport Discouragements-A Dark Farewell to Richmond-Another British Subject-An Oath of Allegiance—The Flag of Truce -Approaching my Federal Relations-We seek Permission to go Home-The Permission Granted-The James River Transformed The Examination The Verdicts — The LIFE IN THE SOUTH. CHAPTER I. Return to Richmond-Suspense and Suspicion-A Supposed Spy -The Battle of Manassas-The Plan of the Battle-Unequal Forces-Feats of Daring-Incidents of the Battle-Sunday after the Battle-The Congregation on that occasion-Cause of the Panic-The Union Prisoners-That Letter-A Sensitive Trio-Who become very excited-The London Correspondents. CROWDS of new faces greeted me on arriving at the American Hotel, late in the afternoon of Saturday, 20th July. By the eager groups gathered on sofas and in corners, I conjectured that exciting news was rife; but I knew no one, and could ask no questions. After being in my room a short time, Mrs. Ayres, the landlady, tapped at my door, and on entering, kindly welcomed me back, and sat down to hear an account of my trip. It has been already stated that hotel-keepers in America enjoy a very respectable position in society; and this lady, brought up on her father's plantation, had married and lived in the country until within a year or two, when from some. fancy, her husband had become the proprietor of a VOL II. B city hotel. The change of habits did not suit her taste; but with a good housekeeper, and a numerous establishment of servants, very little trouble devolved upon herself. Before my departure to the Peninsula, she had conversed with me occasionlly in the drawing-room, and I found every reason to believe her a true Virginian lady. Her manner was exceedingly mild and kind, and, in my present position, gratifying. "Have you heard of the great battle?" was one of her first remarks; and then she told me that another was anticipated shortly, because the two armies were so near. Afterwards she made some inquiries concerning myself, my occupations, and intentions, which I excused, as reasonable enough; and on hearing of my disappointment in not having been able to accomplish my journey Northwards, and my doubts as to future arrangements, she told me that her eldest daughter had just returned home from her summer vacation, and that she should like her to go on with her music, and read French for an hour aday, if I were inclined to instruct her. Indeed, under the existing state of my finances, with no probability of receiving any remittances whatever, I was only too glad to accept the proposal. Mrs. Ayres' private sitting-room was very near to mine; and she left me, with an invitation to come and bring my work and sit with her, whenever I felt disposed. I must say, the protection of her society and acquaintance was quite a relief to me. All that evening busy whispers and much anxiety |