Mary Boykin Chestnut journal entry written 1 March 1861

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March 1st [MONTGOMERY, Ala., 1861]. Dined to-day with Mr. Hill from Georgia, and his wife. After he left us she told me he was the celebrated individual who, for Christian scruples, refused to fight a duel with Stephens. She seemed very proud of him for his conduct in the affair. Ignoramus that I am, I had not heard of it. I am having all kinds of experiences. Drove to-day with a lady who fervently wished her husband would go down to Pensacola and be shot. I was dumb with amazement, of course. Telling my story to one who knew the parties, was informed, " Don't you know he beats her ? : So I have seen a man who lifts his hand against a woman in aught save kindness."

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    Author:
    Mary Boykin Chestnut

    Source:
    A Diary from Dixie As Written by Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, 1906