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“Economy Rules the Day:”
The Civil War Sacrifices of Judith Walker McGuire
by Tim Sheehan

Table of Contents | Introduction | Conclusion | Endnotes | Printable HTML version | Images | Related Web Resources

Secession

Once secession from the Union occurred, the South found itself lacking goods essential for an effective wartime economy. Southern women were expected to take up production of military clothing as a means to combat the Northern economic blockade. Newspaper editorials urged women to sew clothes for the volunteers as an attempt to create a self-sufficient Confederate nation. The Alexandria Gazette & Virginia Advertiser often used flattery and praise to attain women’s participation in the war effort. On 23 May 1861, the paper urged “Such ladies as can conveniently, (all are willing)” gather to make clothes for the O’Connell Guards. (11) The 22 April 1861 issue of The Gazette not only used flattery to encourage women to partake in war production, but connected the women of 1861 Virginia to the glorious year 1776: “This movement on the part of the Alexandria ladies, speaks well for their patriotism, and shows that the spirit that animated the ‘Women of the Revolution’ still lives in the hearts of the lovely and accomplished daughters of Virginia.” (12) Coincidentally, this newspaper placed a large advertisement for the Wheeler & Wilson Manufacturing Company’s Sewing Machines close to these appeals for clothing. (13)

Judith McGuire’s Diary does mirror the same patriotic spirit that the Gazette promoted, although it does not describe any of the specific activities mentioned above. McGuire’s first report of contributing to the war effort occurred on 10 May 1861, about two weeks before the eligible voters of Virginia ratified secession from the Union. She proclaims in the Diary's entry for 10 May that women of “All ages, all conditions, meet now on one common platform,” to “work for our country.” Although this quote gives one the impression that all women in the Alexandria area worked together for the Confederacy, McGuire appears to have kept with those of her class. She never recorded working with the common women of Alexandria. Only women of “our neighborhood” came to McGuire’s parlor to sew. McGuire discontinued hosting such events by mid-May of 1861. After mid-May, many of Judith McGuire’s neighbors were leaving Alexandria due to fears of an invasion from Union troops. (14)

Throughout the Diary, reference is made of John Peyton McGuire’s favorite saying: “The Lord will provide.” Rev. McGuire appears to have been a remarkably composed and positive person during a time of great alarm. He had faith that Alexandria would remain untouched by Federal troops. After Virginia’s Secession Ordinance was issued on 17 April 1861, most schools in Alexandria were soon dismissed. Benjamin Harrison McGuire, a student at the Episcopal High School, reported to his family that Rev. McGuire considered such actions to be ridiculous and, as of 23 April 1861, he had no desire to close the school. By 4 May, classes had been dismissed. Yet the McGuires remained at Alexandria, although they did send their three daughters to family in Clarke County, Virginia. Judith McGuire writes in the Diary of hope that Federal troops will focus on attacking forts, instead of cities. As a precaution, the McGuires packed up and hid their possessions within their home on 15 May. (15)

Judith McGuire continued to contribute to the Confederate cause. She writes in the Diary of riding into town on 9 May with her carriage filled with milk, butter, and other goods. Because volunteers were risking their lives, “women must not be idle.” “There is much for us to do, and we must do it.” Such comments give us the impression that McGuire seemed determined to make sacrifices for the coming war. She expected other women to do the same. (16)

©2005-2008 Tim Sheehan tim@historynut.info

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This page last updated 1 January 2008