By Elaine Grublin
The following excerpt is from the diary of Stephen Greenleaf Bulfinch.
Sunday, July 24th, 1864
As to public affairs, – we appear to gain little near Richmond, – Sherman advances successfully in Georgia. Gold has been up to 270 or above it. The president calls for half a million more men, – for one year. The first abortive attempts at negotiation are symptoms which may be followed by something better. The awful sacrifices of the war go on meantime; & among the late losses is that of my friend Hall’s son, of Dorchester, assistant Henry Ware Hall, killed near Atlanta, Georgia. His father bears it heroically.
Sunday, July 31st
This dreadful war continues its ravages, & the good & the brave fall on both sides. Maria writes me of the death of her cousin Cyprus, – my namesake & godson, – in battle near Marrietta, – fighting in the rebel cause; – & of the Christian firmness & submission with which he met death. ‘How long, O Lord!’