"Irene, the women of the South must exercise an important influence in determining our national destiny; and because I felt this so fully, I hurried home to share the perils, and privations, and trials of my countrywomen. It is not my privilege to enter the army, and wield a sword or musket; but I am going to true womanly work—into the crowded hospitals, to watch faithfully over sick and wounded."
"I approve your plan, think it your duty, and wish that I could start to Richmond with you to-morrow—for I believe that in this way we may save valuable lives. You should, as you have said, go on at once; you have nothing to keep you; your work is waiting for you there. But my position is different; I have many things to arrange here before I can join you. I want to see the looms at work on the plantation; and am going down next week with Uncle Eric, to consult with the overseer about several changes which I desire made concerning the negroes. When all this is accomplished, I too shall come into the hospitals."
"About what time may I expect you?"
"Not until you see me; but at the earliest practicable day."
"Your uncle objects very strenuously to such a plan, does he not?"
"He will acquiesce at the proper time. Take care! you are making your bandages too wide."
"A long dark vista stretches before the Confederacy. I cannot, like many persons, feel sanguine of a speedy termination of the war."
"Yes—a vista lined with the bloody graves of her best sons; but beyond glimmers Freedom—Independence."
"But do you still cling to a belief in the possibility of Republican forms of Government? This is a question which constantly disquiets me."
"My faith in that possibility is unshaken. We shall yet teach the world that self-government is feasible."