March 22 [1862]
Sunday night – I did not go to church today, having given my seat to my old Friend Eliza, who had been spending a few days with me . I have been trying to instruct my children as best I could but I fear I am not faithful – oh for “more grace.” We are greatly depressed now about this dreadful war – our State is invaded & there has already been two Battles fought on its soil – & we are now on the [side] of a decisive contest, and all hearts are anxious about the result – our town is filled with refugees and my sister with her little James are without a home- How thankful should we be for our homes & how humble too for we know not how soon it may be our own unhappy condition! Father in heaven, “Be Thou our strong habilitation.”
“My steadfast heart shall fear no ill
That heart will rest in thee!”
Source: Jane Evans Elliot Diaries #5343, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. http://www.lib.unc.edu/mss/inv/e/Elliot,Jane_Evans.html
