Another New Bernian speaks her mind

A tale from the Union Occupation

Last month we heard from Mrs. Polly Chadwick concerning her shockingly dim view of the average Union soldier.  Today we hear from Miss Mary Attmore on much the same subject.

North Carolina Women of the Confederacy, pp 18-19.

Among the splendid women of New Berne Miss Mary Attmore is an outstanding figure.  Not only for her memorial work after the war, but for her indomitable courage and forceful character during the capture of New Berne.  When this town had been taken by the Yankees Miss Attmore, as one of the most prominent of its women, was kept as one of the hostages to insure the safety of the Federals within, as they were in constant fear that New Berne would be fired on by troops without.  In spite of the protests of her relations Miss Attmore refused to leave her home, but lived alone without fear. Twice she was almost choked to death by "bummers" who were intent to plunder, but miraculously escaped.  In the grey of an early morning she awoke to find several Yankees digging up the graves in the family burial ground on her estate.  Without hesitation or calling for help, this independent woman with great dignity of learning, appeared amongst the marauders, commanding them to put down their shovels at once, exclaiming "Is it possible that you could be guilty of such a dastardly trick as to dig open the graves of our ancestors!"  The men, to the amazement of neighbors who witnessed the scene, not only removed their caps, but began replacing the earth on the graves and departed, leaving this free spoken and courageous woman in possession of her dead.

By her ready wit, free speech and fearlessness she compelled the admiration of her captors and was allowed greater liberty than the other residents of New Berne.


[Note:  Miss Mary Attmore (c.1795-1884) was the daughter of William Attmore and Sarah Sitgreaves, his wife, and sister of George S. Attmore.   -John B. Green III]

A New Bernian speaks her mind.

A tale from the Union Occupation

Carolina and the Southern Cross, November 1912, p.11.

Mrs. Polly Chadwick, an original character with a keen sense of humor, was an elderly widow who had to use her wit as well as her common sense to help herself over many a rough place.  She could cajole Gen. Burnside and obtain her point.  For instance, she would say, "Well, General, if you will guess my riddle it will show you what a time I have had chasing your thieves around."  Then the riddle:  "Through a rock, and through a reel, through an old spinning wheel, though a sheep's shank bone, such a riddle never was known."  Burnside generally gave it up and gave up anything else that Mrs. Polly requested.

One day Mrs. Polly saw Foster's soldiers drumming a man out of the army with great ceremony.  A huge board showing the word "Thief," was strapped to the man's back.  "Hoity toity!" said Mrs. Polly, "what has the poor fellow done?"  "He has been stealing," replied the soldier, "he is a thief."  "Why, man alive," exclaimed Mrs. Polly with admiration, "You have undertaken a mighty big task, for if you drum all the thieves out of your army you'll not be able to find trees enough in North Carolina to furnish the boards to their backs."



[Note: Although the exact identity of Mrs. Polly Chadwick is not known, she may have been the Mrs. Mary "Polly" Chadwick, widow of John Chadwick, who died in New Bern on April 7, 1884, aged 83 years.  Her obituary reads in part, "Mrs. Polly Chadwick, as she was familiarly known, was a universal favorite with the citizens of this city.  Her genial nature, frank and candid demeanor, and jovial disposition claimed the admiration of all who were brought in contact with her, and it may be truly said that, none knew her but to love her."  Sounds to this blogger like someone who may have been able to stand up to a Union general. - John B. Green III]