Mary Boykin Chesnut

Mary Boykin Chesnut is one of the most important voices of the American Civil War with her unique perspective from inside Confederate halls of power. Her husband James Chesnut, Jr, served in the South Carolina legislature, and in 1858 was elected to the U.S. Senate. He resigned from office after Lincoln's 1860 win, then returned south to help draft the ordinance of secession and attend the First Confederate Congress. He was a close aide to Jefferson Davis for much of the war as history unfolded.

Showing posts with label Georgia. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

21 September 1864

"The end has come. No doubt of the fact. Our army has so moved as to uncover Macon and Augusta.
We are going to be wiped off the face of the earth.
What is there to prevent Sherman taking General Lee in the rear? We have but two armies. And Sherman is between them now."

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

September 1864, Atlanta falls

Atlanta, Georgia, Union Depot,
destroyed by Sherman's troops, September 1864

"The battle is raging at Atlanta—our fate hanging in the balance.
Atlanta gone. Well—that agony is over. Like David when the child was dead. I will get up from my knees, will wash my face and comb my hair. No hope. We will try to have no fear."