In the Wake of Gettysburg

After the Gettysburg campaign, in the summer or fall of 1863, Gen. McLaw's Division of Longstreet's Corps was camped for some weeks near us in the S.W. end of Spottsylvania County, recruiting and resting from their labors, and quite a few of their wounded officers were quartered in nearby plantation residences of friends. I remember helping to wait on one of them, a Major Jones of South Carolina, who had his knee shattered by a minnie ball. He said he preferred to die rather than have his leg amputated and, before long, had that choice about it, we heard with much regret.

General Humphries, then commanding Barksdale's famous Mississippi Brigade (after Gen. Barksdale's death at Gettysburg), brought his family to our house and was frequently there with them. The equally charming family of his surgeon, Dr. Hill, came also and together with a number of relatives and friends in McLaw's Division, particularly in the Richmond Howitzer Battalion, we had a delightfully social time at old Belair again. It was always open to men in Confederate uniform -- privates as well as officers, without preference, unless to private soldiers, whom it was my Mother's custom to see served first at her table.

Among other members of the Howitzers I recall Lieut. (afterwards Captain) R. M. Anderson, a cousin whom I last met on his way home after Appomattox, the saddest man I ever saw. Also young Captain McCarthy of the other battery, soon after killed, at Cold Harbor, I believe, while standing on the parapet watching the effect of his shells. Also another cousin, Travers Moncure, and a friend and relative Mr. William Kean.