 During the American Civil War, the Augusta Female Seminary faced closure when its principal and his two daughters (both teachers) relocated to Texas.The remaining trustees persuaded Baldwin (then operating a local school a year after her grandmother's death) to assume its leadership as principal in August 1863, with her long-time friend Agnes McClung as matron.Baldwin borrowed furniture, books, and supplies for her pupils, and asked them to pay tuition (and for some room and board) with food and fuel.