In seventy-two hours the Chancellor family's world was turned upside down. On April 30, a Union soldier saw the Chancellor women on the upper porch in light, dressy spring clothing, unabashed and outspoken, saying they had assurances from General Lee, who was just ahead, and little conception of the terrors ahead. Three days later, Confederate artillery shells set fire to the Chancellor house, forcing Sue Chancellor and the other women to flee from a scene of burning woods, flying shot and shell, terrified horses, confused soldiers, and their home completely enveloped in flames.