How Beauty Was Saved, and Other Memories of the Sixties

"How Beauty Was Saved, and Other Memories of the Sixties" by Mrs. James Madison Washington is a recollection of real-life events that highlights the experiences of young women in the South during the Civil War, exploring the trials, courage, and relationships of the time. With a sense of longing, the book shares personal stories of boldness and devotion to one's country, as Southern girls find their way through peril. Central tales involve a girl named Beauty who protects her horse from being taken by Union soldiers, a nail-biting getaway from Federal troops, and the hardships of keeping a family going while war disrupts everything. Mrs. Washington’s vibrant way of telling stories emphasizes the will to keep going, the ability to be resourceful, and a strong tie to home and culture that shaped people’s lives during the Civil War, giving a close-up look at Southern society and the lives of women during a revolutionary time.