May 1861 Richmond has become an armed camp. Troops from other states marched into the city. The first was a division from South Carolina. They camped at the old fair grounds. I went to see them and found them to be from the humblest of homes. They asked me for "Ballad Books" (hymn books). They told me they had come to protect Virginia. I asked, "Why?" They informed me that Mr. Lincoln was sending the whole Union Army to free the slaves. I asked what kind of arms they had. They replied, "None" It seems their weapons were to be supplied by Virginia. I began receiving personal threats because I refused to make shirts for the soldiers from North Carolina. I visited the troops a second time,bringing them books and flowers. -------- June 10, 1861 Telegraph wires were ringing of news of a battle at Big Bethel, about seventy miles from Richmond. There has been no news of casualties. But even one is too many. The end of the South has begun. -------- June 11, 1861 Casualty reports from Big Bethel came this afternoon. The Union lost 18 men and several wounded or taken prisoner. The Confederates lost one man. There are rumors that the Union prisoners will be brought to Richmond. This may be my chance to do something worthwhile. -------- June 15, 1861 Confederate soldiers began marching Union prisoners from Big Bethel, into the city They were taken to Harwoods Tobacco Ware house on Main, between 25th and 26th Sts. Many were still bleeding from wounds gone unattended. They all had that distant, blank look of death upon their faces. I knew these dirty, battered, bleeding men would receive little or no care from their Confederate keepers. I will apply to the Commandant to be allowed to visit these poor prisoners. Someone has to show some Christian charity towards these brave men.