the early days of the century, called the old State “Virginy” and mixing it with local dialect, in some parts had got the name so changed that it was called “Ferginey.”  The circus troops and negro comedians, in their annual trips through the Southern States, had songs already so catchy to our people, on account of their pathos and melody, of Old Virginia, that now it almost appeared as though we were going to our old home.  Virginia had been endeared to us and closely connected with the people of South Carolina by many links, not the least being its many sentimental songs of that romantic land, and the stories of her great men.

The baggage of the common soldier at this stage of the war would have thrown an ordinary quartermaster of latter day service into an epileptic fit, it was so ponderous in size and enormous in quantities—­a perfect household outfit.  A few days before this the soldier had received his first two months’ pay, all in new crisp bank notes, fresh from the State banks or banks of deposit.  It can be easily imagined that there were lively times for the butcher, the baker and candlestick maker, with all this money afloat.  The Third South Carolina was transported by way of Wilmington and Weldon, N.C.  Had there ever existed any doubts in the country as to the feelings of the people of the South before this in regard to Secession, it was entirely dispelled by the enthusiastic cheers and good will of the people along the road.  The conduct of the men and women through South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, showed one long and continued ovation along the line of travel, looking like a general holiday.  As the cars sped along through the fields, the little hamlets and towns, people of every kind, size, and complexion rushed to the railroad and gave us welcome and Godspeed.  Hats went into the air as we passed, handkerchiefs fluttered, flags waved in the gentle summer breeze from almost every housetop.  The ladies and old men pressed to the side of the cars when we halted, to shake the hands of the brave soldier boys, and gave them blessings, hope and encouragement.  The ladies vied with the men in doing homage to the soldiers of the Palmetto State.  Telegrams had been sent on asking of our coming, the hour of our passage through the little towns, and inviting us to stop and enjoy their hospitality and partake of refreshments.  In those places where a stop was permitted, long tables were spread in some neighboring grove or park, bending under the weight of their bounties, laden down with everything tempting to the soldier’s appetite.  The purest and best of the women mingled freely with the troops, and by every device known to the fair sex showed their sympathy and encouragement in the cause we had espoused.  At Wilmington, N.C., we crossed the Cape Fear River on a little river steamer, the roads not being connected with a bridge.  At Petersburg and Richmond we had to march through portions of those cities in going from one depot to another, union sheds, not being in vogue at that time, and on our entry into these cities the population turned out en masse to welcome and extend to us their greeting.  Every private house stood open to the soldiers and the greatest good will was everywhere manifested.