1

Orleans, which, as Polk says, is always there. We are now inclined
to proceed for a time individually and collect what we can while we
are separated.

--

From Mrs. Stephen Elliott to Bishop Elliott, from ("Longwood" the name of the home) Sewanee
November 9, 1860.

Note: This is only a fragment of her letter, of which the first
part is missing.

To fight for their country and only boys, how my heart yearns
over them. But I would never wish them to be backward in their
country's defense. It would be bitter misery to be the mother of a
coward.

I am trying to be patient and content while you are absent,
but it is a great struggle. I keep a sort of school for Hab and
the children every day, always taking my beginning from the Bible.
It is always pleasant to see Hab's conviction of its truth. I
hear him in his Latin grammar and do my best. The rest of the day
he is with Sam cutting wood and carrying it home in his goat wagon.

The weather since Tuesday has been of the wildest sort,
blowing and raining every night, and a touch of sleet. Hesse, Hab
and the children are all wishing that Cousin Stephen and Cousin
William could come here on their way from Memphis. Don't forget
to send our supplies, and if we are to spend the winter here do
send us two stoves, as we have only two fireplaces.

Bishop Polk took tea with us last evening. The children
are so happy when he comes. Colonel Barney sent me a present of
a haunch of venison eight days ago, and as tomorrow is Hesse's
birthday I shall ask Sallie Polk and Col. Barney to dine with us
and enjoy the venison, as it will then be nine days old. I love
to look back and ponder over the many happy scenes we have lived
through together. I feel thus far we have been rewarded for all
our cares and trials in our children, especially our two boys.
But oh are they to be lent to us through these years of war and
trouble that may be awaiting us? Hab has just come in with a
message from Col. Barney, to say that Lincoln is elected and that
South Carolina has taken Fort Moultrie. Hesse is wild with excite-
ment--says if Georgia does not secede she will adopt South Carolina
as her state.