The New Year dawns upon us in such circumstances as our Country never before saw. It is sickening to think that in our Christian land a million of men stand this day to their arms ready to do battle to the death. All for no cause but that the haughty South have been thwarted in their political ambition and have failed to make the North bow down to the Slave Power. We are a sinful people and we have need to remember our faults this day. God grant that we may repent and forsake our sins. Our hope is in His mercy. I trust He has not utterly withdrawn His blessing from our nation but that we may yet praise Him for His goodness.
We little thought a year ago that events would occur making such great changes in our family. We did expect that William would spend the winter in Washington, but did not expect that city would have to be defended by a hundred thousand armed men.
Last New Year's, Cousin Temple was quietly preaching to his people in Skowhegan, Maine. Now he is in South Carolina preaching the gospel to the sick and wounded soldiers. Rufus was pursuing peaceful avocations in Wisconsin. Now he is with the Army of the Potomac guarding the Capitol. Ephe a student in College then, now a 'belted soldier on the tented field.' Others, too, of our kindred are with the fighting men of the North. God keep them every one and may the next New Year find us enjoying the benefits of a righteous and just peace.
Kate, Lucy and Annie came home from Marietta on the evening train. Painted.
Peggy's comments:
There is no doubt about Julia's feelings about the Civil War or the "haughty South" or Slave Power. Yet she began a new blank book in 1862 with hopes that peace would be achieved that year.
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| First page of Julia's 1862 journal |
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| April 1862 |
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| Back cover of 1862 journal |
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