1864 Sunnyside continued-4

1864 Sunnyside continued-4

Robert was about to stop his team when Margaret leapt from the wagon and rushed to greet Sallie with a hug. They were both ecstatic to be together again. Margaret was dying to tell her all about her trip from Macon and even started to mention the present she'd gotten for her, but Sallie quickly cut her off and said it was better to keep it a surprise - revealing the gift would be bad luck. Despite the temptation, the two girls continued to chat as more and more people arrived.

All of GW's brothers and sisters, along with their children were present at the gathering. Isolene Minter Wimberly also made an appearance. She was a great friend of Mary Ann's, living just a mile away from Sunnyside at Inglehurst Plantation.

Mary Ann was warmly welcoming everyone, she couldn't help but worry where GW was. Jeanette, who had noticed Mary Ann's anxiety, tried to put her mind at ease, saying that her brother was usually late. She asked her brother-in-law Henry Slappey to go look for him. John Faulk then offered to go along, and join Henry in his search.

As the women prepared the food the men congregated around the old court house as they impatiently awaited GW's arrival. They decided to use the time to chat about the war. Robert Paul voiced his amazement that such a conflict was actually occurring and commended himself and the others for being able to take a pleasant day in their stride. William Faulk added to their conversation by revealing the capture of his good friend William J Blalock, of the Faulk Invicibles, who had been taken prisoner after being injured at Cold Harbor, Virginia. William also thought that Union troops would soon be heading south to Central Georgia by the end of the year. William also asked everyone to keep Frederick Davis Wimberly, Isolene's husband in their thoughts and prayers, with hopes of his safe return from the war.

As the men continued their conversation. The kids were playing together. The girls were playing hide-and-seek and the boys were engaged in a lively game of tug-of-war. Henry and John finally found GW at the Gin House. John called out, "GW, you're running late for Sallie's birthday! Everyone's waiting for you!" GW answered, "The gin is down, I have to fix the gin cylinder. Some of the hooks have broken." John and Henry reassured GW that they would take care of the repairs if he went to the party.