Even the baby came toddling to the door saying, “Heah, heah,” and holding out a snowy little kitten.  The old gentleman, mounting his horse, offered to “ride a piece” with us.  Thanks to his representations to the neighbors, I was able in a short time to turn my face homewards, having gathered an excellent supply of chickens, eggs, hams, home-made cordials, peach and apple brandy, and a few pairs of socks.  The old farmer also showed us a way by which we could avoid a repetition of the tortures of yesterday, and rode beside the ambulance to the main road.  I remember well how he looked, as he sat upon his old white mule, waiting to see the last of us.  His hat, pushed back, showed a few locks of silvery hair; his coarse clothes and heavy, home-made boots were worn in a manner that betrayed the Southern gentleman.  The parting smile, still lingering upon his kindly face, could not conceal the “furrows of care,” which had deepened with every year of the war.  But, alas!  I cannot recall his name, although I then thought I could never forget it.

Upon arriving at Newnan, I lost no time in preparing my boxes for the front.  Everything was cooked; even the eggs were hard-boiled.  There was sufficient to fill two large boxes.  Having packed and shipped to the depot my treasures, I prepared for the final step without hesitation, although not without some doubt as to success in eluding the vigilance of my friends.  Announcing my determination to see the boxes off, I—­accompanied by my maid—­walked down to the depot just before train-time.  There was only one rickety old passenger-car attached to the train.  This, as well as a long succession of box-and cattle-cars, were crowded with troops,—­reinforcements to Atlanta.  Taking advantage of the crowd, I, with Tempe, quietly stepped on board, escaping discovery until just as the train was leaving, when in rushed Dr. McAllister, who peremptorily ordered me off; but, being compelled to jump off himself, failed to arrest my departure.  I was in high spirits.  On the train were many soldiers whom I had nursed, and who cared for my comfort in every way possible under the circumstances.  I was the only lady on the train, so they were thoughtful enough to stow themselves in the crowded boxes behind, that I might not be embarrassed by a large number in the passenger-car.  At last, as we approached Atlanta, I heard the continuous and terrific noise of the bombardment.  The whistle of the engine was a signal to the enemy, who at once began to shell the depot.  I did not realize the danger yet, but just as the train “slowed up” heard a shrieking sound, and saw the soldiers begin to dodge.  Before I could think twice, an awful explosion followed; the windows were all shivered, and the earth seemed to me to be thrown in cart-loads into the car.  Tempe screamed loudly, and then began to pray.  I was paralyzed with extreme terror, and could not scream.  Before I could speak, another shell exploded overhead, tearing off the corner of a brick store, causing again a deafening racket.  As we glided into the station, I felt safer; but soon found out that every one around me had business to attend to, and that I must rely upon myself.