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

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Refugees (continued)

Another account made six days later tells of McGuire’s sister, Sarah Jane Colston, and niece, Mary White Leigh, assisting the Confederate cause by sewing uniforms and bringing provisions to troops encamped near their Berkeley County, Virginia home. Because of these “sins,” Unionists forced them out of the county and destroyed their home. The Virginia Republican did report that houses and farms of secessionists were plundered by Federal troops on 3 July. According to this paper, William Leigh, husband of Mary White Leigh, had fifteen horses stolen from his property. The Republican did not mention Unionists forcing Confederate sympathizers out of Berkeley County. Colston and Leigh may have felt safer being within Confederate lines, so they left. (20)

Although Judith McGuire believed that women should be staunch supporters of men going to war, her Diary does contain entries in which such acts drained her emotions. McGuire would sometimes become dispirited when observing men going to or coming back from battles. General Joseph E. Johnston’s army passed through Clarke County on 18 July 1861, where they were greeted with supporters serving refreshments. Being in the area at that time, Judith McGuire initially planned on participating in this service. She changed her mind at the last minute, “for I felt too sad to meet with those dear boys marching on to such danger.” (21)

As the summer and fall of 1861 progressed, the McGuires waited for Alexandria to be safe for their return. Judith McGuire appreciated the hospitality of family and friends, but thought “I am not yet prepared to think ourselves refugees, for I do hope to get home before long.” By 1862, it became apparent to McGuire that it may never occur. In her Diary’s entry for 30 September 1862, McGuire reports that the Union army is using her home as a hospital. War appeared to be indefinite. Due to their pride, the McGuires did not wish to be charitable cases. They needed to find a place of their own. (22)

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This page last updated 23 August 2008