I shall be able to write seldom. Write to me, as you letters will be
my greatest comfort. I send a check for $500; it is all I have in
bank. Pay the children's school expenses...."

To my mother, still at Arlington:

"Richmond, May 11, 1861.

"I have received your letter of the 9th from Arlington. I had supposed
you were at Ravensworth.... I am glad to hear that you are at peace,
and enjoying the sweet weather and beautiful flowers. You had better
complete your arrangements and retire further from the scene of war.
It may burst upon you at any time. It is sad to think of the
devastation, if not ruin, it may bring upon a spot so endeared to us.
But God's will be done. We must be resigned. May He guard and keep
you all, is my constant prayer."

All this time my father was very hard at work organising and equipping
the volunteers who were pouring into Richmond from the Southern States,
but he was in constant correspondence with my mother, helping her all
he could in her arrangements for leaving her home. His letters show
that he thought of everything, even the least, and he gave the most
particular directions about his family, their effects, the servants,
the horses, the farm, pictures, plate, and furniture. Being called
to Norfolk suddenly, before going he wrote to my mother:

"Richmond, May 16, 1861.

"My Dear Mary: I am called down to Norfolk and leave this afternoon.
I expect to return Friday, but may be delayed. I write to advise