[
192]
February 20th, 1863.
A letter this morning from
Sister M., who has returned to her home on the
Potomac.
She gives me an account of many “excitements” to which they are exposed from the landing of Yankees, and the pleasure they take in receiving and entertaining Marylanders coming over to join us, and others who go to their house to “bide their time” for running the blockade to
Maryland. “Among others,” she says, “we have lately been honoured by two sprigs of English nobility, the
Marquis of
Hastings and
Colonel Leslie of the
British army.
The
Marquis is the future
Duke of
Devonshire.
They only spent the evening, as they hoped to cross the river last night.
They are gentlemanly men, having no airs about them; but ‘my lord’ is excessively awkward.
They don't compare at all in ease or elegance of manner or appearance with our educated men of the
South.
They wore travelling suits of very coarse cloth — a kind of pea-jacket, such as sailors wear.
As it was raining, the boots of the
Colonel were worn over his pantaloons.
They were extremely tall, and might have passed very well at first sight for Western wagoners!
We have also had
the Rev. Dr. Joseph Wilmer with us for some days.
He is going to
Europe, and came down with a party, the Englishmen included, to cross the river.
The
Doctor is too High Church for my views, but exceedingly agreeable, and an elegant gentleman.
They crossed safely last night, and are now
en route for New York, where they hope to take the steamer on Wednesday next.”
She does not finish her letter until the 17th, and gives an account of a pillaging raid through her neighbourhood.
She writes on the 14th: “There had been rumours of Yankees for some days, and this morning they came in good earnest.
They took our carriage herses, and two others, in spite of our ”