Sherman rested his troops for the month of January, then on 1 February 1865, they started their march toward Augusta and the Carolinas.
Gertrude was again thrown into a state of anxiety. . .”guns, muskets, haversacks and other military accoutrements. . .stacked ready for the march.” . . .”The
Expected approach of the Yankees – aided by the coldest weather I ever felt combined to place me in a truly uncomfortable mood. . .Unfortunately I have prospect of again adding to the little members of my household – of again becoming a mother. Happening as it does in these troublous times I am sincerely sorry for it.”
Gertrude went through extreme mental anguish during this pregnancy late in the war. She saw nothing but poverty "staring her in the face".... "on July the 25th I gave birth to an infant son whose birth was premature, caused I know by the constant strain upon my nervous system. I gave to him the name of Charley and sighed to think it was all I had to give him." She could not provide what "God's poorest creatures" could supply, "a mother’s nourishment.” When the baby died the next night, she thanked God. "Little Baby! little darling if I could have you back again I would not"
Excerpts from “Suffer and Grow Strong: The Life of Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas 1834 – 1907” by Carolyn Curry
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