not regard the seductive promises made by the Yankees to induce them to abandon their life-long friends and homes.
September 24th—Several pretty girls called to see us, and entertained us very agreeably by their charming conversation. Among them were Misses N. K—— , G. C—— , O. V——, J. T——, and L. and T. S——. They are true to the cause, and encourage us much. Our meals are most excellent, and the ladies very kind to us.
September 25th (Sunday)—All the churches in the city, except one, are filled with the Yankee wounded. Our surgeons say our wounded will not number over 500, while theirs is between 4,000 and 5,000, nearly ten times greater than ours. Their killed is said to equal our killed and wounded together. Verily, a costly victory for them!
Correspondence between Colonel S. Bassett French and General Wade Hampton.
The following letters are a pleasing illustration of the spirit of our noble women during the war, and of the courage with which they inspired our soldiers:
Headquarters Valley Department,
Brigadier-General Wade Hampton, Commanding Cavalry Brigade:
General—The women of Virginia, guided by unselfish patriotism, have been ready to sacrifice ease, comfort and even life in the great struggle for liberty. Their labors of love in clothing our army, their attendance upon our sick and wounded, their earnest and continuing invocation of Heaven's blessings on our arms have won, as they deserve, the admiration of the country. The fair ones of Fredericksburg, burning with impatient restraint under the temporary dominion of the enemy, have devoted a portion of the hours of their captivity, while their harps hung upon the willows, in weaving a guidon for their brave countrymen who have devoted themselves to the accomplishment of our independence. From this noble band of brothers they have selected you as the recipient of this token of their favor, in the abiding faith that it will be cherished by you and your brigade with a devotion akin to the sentiment which prompts the gift. They know that the honored name you bear will be a guarantee to them that the work of their hands will lead your gallant command to "Honor and Immortality."
