Dr. Arthur Moray Randolph Account of His Trip to Attend to His Dying Son.

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Socks of her own knitting. Walking out soon after I found a per-
fectly good pair at one of the yankee camps. I have now picked up,
an axe, a metallic tar bucket, two bayonets, 1 good flannel shirt,
a tolerable jacket and sorry [sic] pair pants, besides lesser matters.
Thursday 20th
During the night the discharge from the abcess was renewed and
Eston told me he felt a considerable relief. His pulse continues too
rapid tho', nearly 120, and it is evident the discharge is not
free enough. Quite a stormy night, rain and high wind from South.
We have news that the Yankees have left Thoroughfare gap. This
is certain, and that they have taken the road to Alexandria.
They left in such haste as to be unable to remove provisions stores
Etc which as usual they burnt.
I bought of the servants 4 flannel shirts and 4 pr yarn socks for
$11. Showers all day.
Friday 21st
Eston rested quietly, under the usual dose of opium. I much fear
however he had fever in the afternoon, his pulse for the last 48
hours averaged 120, but little discharge.
Had two pr pantaloons cut by Mr Chinn 25 cents each, one for myself
the other for Eston. Mrs. Foster kindly consented to sell me the
cloth.
I walked over to the plains and afterwards to Mr. McDaniels but
did not find him at home. This was yesterday evening. Partially
cleared off this afternoon and with cold N. W. wind.
Saturday 22d
The discharge continued copious and thick until some time in the
night when it ceased or nearly so. He says he did not sleep well
but was at all events quiet as I know from being awake much of the
night myself thinking of my cruel position and the necessity for
my leaving him here. I broke the matter to him this morning,
he took it quietly, admitted the necessity for my going but said
he would miss me very much, poor boy, poor boy, my heart bleeds
for him and I almost doubt which is my path of duty, to go or stay.
God knows I desire to pursue the right one. Towards night banks
of black cloud rolled up from the North accompanied with a high
biting cold wind. Reading to Eston from Georgia scenes some
of the comic parts elicited a hearty laugh, giving me equal pleasure
and astonishment. He also admitted to Mr Farrow who called to see
him, that he felt somewhat better. Mr Beverly sent him some birds,
a very acceptable present. The discharge ceased about 2 Oc. I put
another tent in the orifice.
Sunday 23 d
Eston passed a tranquil night. The discharge is quite stopped yet.
Put clean shirts on and washed his body with a wet rag, thereby
adding much to his comfort. He never eats supper, not for two weeks
but quite a hearty breakfast and dinner. Miss Mary Foster who went
on a visit to Warrington of a few days, returned last night after
an absence of nearly five weeks! From her I learn that G. W. Ran-
dolph has been displaced and a Mr. John Sedden reed the appointment
of the Sec of War!
Monday 24th
His bowels having been obstinately costive I gave enema last night
with complete success. Theres no discharge from abcess yet, but he
rested quite well.

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