One hundred fifty years ago, on April 26, 1864, John Brown witnesses the Union evacuation of Camden: Tuesday 26: After a tolerable night’s rest I arose and looked around. After breakfast I observed movements which betokened some important change, and as the day advanced it became more obvious that this army were about to move. This brought up new terrors as we could but fear that when they left the City would be sacked and perhaps burnt. The citizens spent an awful evening altho assured that Gen’l Steele did not approve of any such course. The fate of our City and perhaps of many of our Citizens seemed to be suspended by the thread. The officers who were occupying my parlor and yard assured me they would remain to the last and form perhaps the rear guard. This was some relief as their pontoon bridge would be taken up immediately upon the crossing of the rear of the army. About dark the families of the neighborhood began to call for protection. Some soldiers had rudely entered their houses. I procured a guard from them for Mr. Bracy, Hugh and Mrs. Stone. We all sat up and watched the movements. Regiments and Brigades successively moved off quietly and in perfect order until at about one oclock our guard was ordered to march - being among the last. The mounted patrols were coursing the streets all night untill about 1/2 hour after the rear left for stragglers (and it was surprizing how few there were) -then all was quiet and I began to breathe easier. Not a house was burnt and but few robberies committed. It was a beautiful moonlight night and superior discipline of the army was strikingly manifested in the evacuation. I continued my watch untill near daylight, attempted to sleep but failed. Daylight was never more welcome to my eyes - And so intense was my feeling that I never thought to look at the cabins to see whether my negroes had gone or not untill reminded by Hugh at daylight. We called at the door and heard some of them snoring. Tom & Eveline and her child and Louisa had all left before and are with the Federal Army. The balance remained altho they had pronounced themselves free, but did not relish the idea nor find it convenient to go off with the Army, the sudden departure of which put an end equally sudden to their freedom. Such a night I never spent, but thro the whole of the trying crisis I feel well satisfied with the part I have acted. I suffered inexpressibly but made no dastardly concessions - acted with quite as much Christian fortitude as I could have expected, and feel profound gratitude to the Almighty Disposer of events for the mighty deliverance of me and mine, without worse treatment, and to Col. Kretz and Major Olmsted of the Wisconsin, I acknowledge my obligation for their protection.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Apr 2014 13:00:00 +0000
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