CHAPTER XXV. 

 DURING THE WAR. 



CHRISTMAS, 1863 THE CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL DEATH OF HIS 

 WIFE VISIT TO CONCORD LETTERS CHARLESTON EVACUATED 

 HE LEAVES TOR COLUMBIA ENCOUNTERS THE FEDERAL 

 ARMY AT CASH'S STATION CRUEL TREATMENT RETURN TO 

 CHARLESTON ST. JOHN'S RE-OPENED THE CONGREGATION 

 POOR P.UT UNITED FEEBLENESS AND FAILING EYESIGHT. 



pHRISTMAS Eve, 1863, Dr. Bachman joined his 

 \j family in Columbia, 



On Christmas day the Churches were opened as 

 usual. Sad-eyed women and old men listened gladly 

 to the Gospel appointed for the day the message 

 of "good tidings of great joy." But a heavy weight 

 was resting on Southern hearts and homes, and only 

 the children exchanged the time-honored greeting, 

 " Merry Christmas." 



In the home, a little table was spread, adorned 

 with the bright berries from the woods, on which 

 was placed the few home-made gifts prepared by 

 weary hands. We had urged Mrs. Bachman to 

 write her usual ihymes for the children, but she 

 could not be induced to do so. 



We found later her last written thoughts, traced 

 with a very feeble hand. 



