Grove Plantation near Adams Run

On April 26, 1863, Fenton Hall writes his father-in-law, Robert Boyd from his camp in Adams Run, South Carolina. He is writing to thank Mr. Boyd for working his land for him while he is away at the war. Fenton’s brother Davis had worked it the previous season and had brought in a very good wheat crop before being pressed into the war himself. Now the 60ish Robert Boyd is having to work his own farm, which at the beginning of the war he had the help of four of his sons, alone. We know from this letter that he is also working Fenton’s farm as well and we must wonder if he also works the farm left behind by the death of his eldest son William. His daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Crowther Boyd and her two small children are now left to fend for themselves. The national drama has unquestionably altered the life of Robert Boyd.

Fenton also talks a bit about conditions in the camp. The health of the horses is not good. Fenton says that his horse “looks very bad.” He also says that food is short with the troops having only corn to feed on.

Boys of Diamond Hill

The Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for History 2012.

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