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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.
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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 excitement--says if Georgia does not secede she will adopt South Carolina as her state.