CHAPTER XXY. 



During the War. 



Christmas, 18()o — the children's festival — death of his 

 avife — visit to concord — letters — charleston evacuated 

 — he leaves for columbia — encounters the federal 



ARMY AT cash's STATION — CRUEL TREATMENT — RETURN TO 

 CHARLESTON — ST. JOHN's RE-OPENED— THE CONGREGATION 

 POOR BUT UNITED — FEEBLENESS AND FAILING EYESIGHT. 



CHRISTMAS Eve, 1863, Dr. Bachman joined his 

 famih^ 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 greed joy y But a heavy weight 

 was resting on Southern hearts and homes, and only 

 the children exchanged the time-honored greeting, 

 '' Merry Cliristmas." 



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 cliildren, but she 

 could not be induced to do so. 



W^e found later her last written thoughts, traced 

 witli a verv feeble hand. 



