Letter is dated Feb 14, 1864, written by Emma Florence Le Conte Furman.Her father was a chemist and manufactured large amounts of gunpowder, alcohol and medicines, all supplied to the Confederat army. In March, 1869, Emma married Farish Furman, and lived on the Furman plantation . She died at the age ot 85, after living a long and full life, with her children, grandchildren at her side.
(Letter from The Civil War Quilt Diary, by Rosemary Youngs)
PANIC, 1864
"What a panic the whole town is in! I have not been out of the house myself, but father says the intense excitement prevails on the streets. The Yankees are reported a few miles off on the other side of th river. How strong no one seems to know. It is decided if this be true that we will remain quietly here, father alone leaving. It is thought Columbia canhardly be taken by a raid as we have the whole of Butler's calvary here. If they do we have to take the consequences. It is true some thrink Sherman will burn the town, but we can hardly believe that. Besides, these buildings, though they are State property, yet the fact that they are used as a hospital, it is thought to protect them.
"I have been hastily maing large pockets to wear under my hoopskirt, for they will hardly search our persons. Still, everything of any value is to be packed up to go with father. I do not feel half so frightened as I thought I would. Perhaps because I cannot realize they are coming. I hope still this is a false report.
"Maggie Adams and her husband have promised to stay here during father's absence. She is a Yankee, and may be some protection, and help. Our sufferings will probably be of short duration, as they will hardly send more than a raid. They would not have time to occupy the town. But I cannot believe they are coming."
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