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DIARY OF JASON NILES
June 22, 1861--December 31, 1864:

Electronic Edition.

Jason Niles, 1814-1894


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First edition, 1999
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Academic Affairs Library, UNC-CH
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
1999.

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Call number 950 (Manuscripts Dept., UNC-CH)


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Library of Congress Subject Headings, 21st edition, 1998

LC Subject Headings:



DIARY
OF
JASON NILES
(1814--1894)
June 22, 1861--December 31, 1864

Copied from the originals given by
Mrs. Swanson Niles
Kosciusko, Mississippi
for permanent preservation in the
SOUTHERN HISTORICAL COLLECTION
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
1963


Page 1

1861

Saturday, June 22, 1861

        Left home in the hack for Goodman this morning. Clear, hot, dry and dusty. Stopped at Sam. Allen's & got dinner. Richardson the driver. Met the driver of the hack that was coming this way, on the hill this side of Attalaville, who had a newspaper containing war news from Mo., which turned out to be fabulous.

        Reached Goodman about 4 P. M.--vidi J. P. D.--'s. Left on the cars about 9 o'clock at night. At West Station fell in with Jim McAdory, Bob Webb, Phil Rayford & Ben Clark, who were on their way to Union City, to the army.

Sunday, June 23d, 1861

        On awaking this morning, we found we were below Water Valley: but after a while we reached Holly Springs, where we got breakfast, and proceeded on to Grand Junction. Major Bradford was on the cars, and favored some young soldiers with his views on some matters connected with the war.

        We reached Jackson about 3 or 4 o'clock P. M., in midst of a rain. Lay over until next day. Very unpleasant on account of slop, mud and water. Our crowd occupied one room.

June 24, 1861--Monday

        Got off to Humbold soon after breakfast. From H. went on to Clarksville, passing through Trezevant, McKenzie, Paris & crossing Tennessee river on a ferry boat, the railroad bridge not being finished.


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        Eat dinner at the river before crossing. M. Baroche, a Frenchman, was along. Near Paris a man named Tubbyville left us, who told us many things about Emmerson Etheridge, whose district Paris was in. I lost my hat this morning while looking out of the cars.

        Crossed the Cumberland (after passing through a long tunnel) on a railroad bridge. Passed Camp Quarlls--on through Shakertown, Russellville, to Bowling Green, where I got a hat from a bystander, and also supper at the dining hall. The country hereabout is charming, the wh[e]at in its glory, & farmers busy cutting it with the patent reapers.

        About dark we reached Cave City, and M. Baroche & myself left the cars to go to Mammoth Cave. We put up at Quigley's--a very nice house. B. wished to know where the houses were. I told him I supposed there [were] none but what he saw. "Ah! this then is one city by courte-see," said he.

June 25, 1861, Tuesday

        This morning Baroche & myself took the hack and rode over to the Cave, 9 1/2 miles distant. We passed over a rough, rocky region, bordering on the mountainous, which furnished some fine scenery--distant wheat fields ripe & yellow--farms--houses--towns--passed a school-house-- an old church--the mouth of the Osceola cave.

        On going into the cave (four of us & a guide) we found the air quite cool, and a strong current setting out from our cave. We had each a walking-stick, and a lamp. The current was sufficiently strong


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to blow out one or two lamps. Soon, however, as we advanced, it ceased. As M. Baroche stood looking at the mouth of the cave, before entering it, he asked me if I had ever read Dante, and if I remembered his account of the inscription at the entrance of the Inferno:

        "Lasciate ogni esperanza, voi ch'entrante."

        After we had proceeded some distance, I asked B. what he thought of the cave. "Vell, he look vair much like one big railroad tunnel," said he. We saw the tracks of carts or wagons inside, used in the manufacture of saltpetre, long ago; and old timbers; and some cabins for consumptive persons; and the Gothic Chapel and the Star Chamber, with its stars and moon and comet. Here we sat down, while our guide took our lamps and disappeared by some subterranean passage. In his absence the darkness and silence were awful.

        "Silentia ipsa terrent."

        We rambled about through multitudinous passages, and labyrinths-- drinking at a spring--peering into the "bottomless pit"--viewing the spot where [a] woman from Louisville married a man, after having promised her first husband, on his death-bed, that she would never marry again upon earth. "Keeping the word of promise to the ear, but breaking it to the hope."

        We emerged, after having been in some three hours. We rested at the mouth of the cave, for a while, in the beautiful grove of wild forest trees growing at the entrance. An old dilapidated building stands there, once used for entertaining travellers. I got some pieces of alabaster to bring off in memoriam. The air outside of the current


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seemed excessively hot on emerging, and we had to retreat from the heated air around to the cool air that issued from the opening.

        After resting awhile, we returned to our hotel--refreshed, and eat dinner. At dinner M. Baroche inquired a good deal about the climate, soil, productions and labor of the country: and was much surprised to learn that women sometimes labored in the fields. He called for a bottle of claret which we drank while chatting.

        In the afternoon we returned to Cave City, and at night took the cars for Louisville, at which place we arrived about midnight.

        Stopped at the Louisville Hotel.

June 26, 1861, Wednesday

        Rose early this morning, and walked out to get shaved & c.

        Immediately after breakfast I left in the omnibus for New Albany. It rained a little and was rather cool. Observed a great many U. S. flags a-flying. Crossed the Ohio, and at New Albany took the cars for Chicago, via Lafayette. But few persons a-travelling. A man named Pennington, and another named Schaffer, from Montreal, were aboard. They had some business connection I believe, with the Grand Trunk Railway.

        A man from Louisville, partner in law of Baird, expressed some very extravagant & even atrocious Union sentiments, which excited the contemptuous mirth of the Canadian gentleman. Another person told him he was as wild as Don Quixote.

        Our lawyer had a good deal to tell of Gen. Scott and Gen Rousseau.


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He was going a-fishing.

        The country, during the fore part of the day, appeared poor and uninviting. Small farms, small houses, small corn, small potatoes. We passed through Salem, a pretty town; through Mitchell, where the Ohio & Miss. Railway crosses, & where we eat dinner; through Bedford, Bloomington, Gosport, and Greencastle, where the Terre Haute & Richmond railway crosses. This is a fine country. We passed on through Crawfordsville, to Lafayette. Before reaching Lafayette we fell in with, and took aboard, a crowd of young man and maidens, preachers and professors, from a College Commencement at Crawfordsville.

        Just before reaching Lafayette, we passed through a most charming prairie country; and I received a good deal of information, geographical, agricultural, personal and political from the preachers on the train.

        We arrived at L. about sunset, and remained till midnight waiting for the train from Toledo. Shaffer and myself walked around the town, and saw what was to be seen. While sitting up for the Toledo train, we listened to the talk of the crowd in the bar-room on the present war & its causes. To settle it, one man was in favor of taking all the fugitive slaves and all the free negroes, to the Southern line, and turning them all over to the South.

        On the arrival of the Toledo train I want aboard, took a sleeping-car, and slept soundly. The night was cool.

June 27, 1861, Thursday

        This morning I awoke to find myself at Michigan City. The morning


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was cool, and I did not feel called on to leave the sleeping car till a rather late hour.

        We were delayed in waiting the arrival of some other train, which made our travelling this morning somewhat tedious. I observed the Calumet river creeping slugishly through the prairie, the grass growing rank to the water's edge. We passed the newly made grave of Stephen A. Douglass, on our left hand, a few miles this side of Chicago. "What shadows we are, and what shadows we pursue."

        We saw many vessels of various descriptions, tugs, propellers, schooners & c. on the deep blue lake, as we approached the city.

        An elderly gentleman this morning was much discomposed at having lost a pair of new, fine boots last night in the sleeping-car, and finding in their place only a pair of old coarse ones that didn't fit him. As we went into the City I saw him sitting in his socks, with a grim, angry look. I went to the Metropolitan Hotel. The day was cloudy, windy and cool. I rambled over the City, and saw the sights. Had a good dinner at my hotel. Had my ambrotype taken, which I afterwards gave to Jennie.

        After supper left on the cars for Milwaukee, La Crosse & St. Paul. As we took the cars observed an immense crowd of Norwegian emigrants, bound from Chicago Westward; men, women, children. We got off just before dark, and steamed along the western shore of the Lake, reaching Milwaukee about midnight.

        On getting out of the cars into the cold, midnight air, I was


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immediately pierced through and through with chilliness, and shivered as with a most violent ague. We had to ride some distance in an omnibus before reaching the La Crosse train. At length we were safely aboard and I bestowed myself in a sleeping car, and slumbered till morning light.

June 28, 1861, Friday

        This morning opened cool. We found ourselves, on rising, near Portage City. We arrived at La Crosse about 10 o'clock, A. M., and immediately went on board the Steamer Northern Belle, lying in the Mississippi River, and bound for St. Paul. She was not to leave, however, until night.

        On our route to La Crosse this morning, we passed Kilbourn City, Lyndon, Greenfield, Sparta, Bangor, & c. We went through a long tunnel. The country was not very inviting--lands poor, and a good deal of swamp. I got acquainted with a man named Ingersoll, who lives in St. Paul, (a merchant,) and who used to do business with Potwin at Burlington.

        Soon after arriving at La Crosse I went across the long bridge into the City, and took a survey of its proportions. Dutch and other foreigners the principal population. Saw the sign "E. Flint, Attorney at Law," and went up and found my old acquaintance, who graduated in 1836. He looked old--is a bachelor, lived with his Mother, or his Mother with him--had once taught school near Livingston, in Madison County, Miss., didn't make himself known to Tupper--said Cameron (Hugh) was resident in La Crosse.


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        I went back over the Long Bridge to the Northern Belle, to dinner-- returned to the City--felt very drowsy--went into a Lager Beer Saloon, sat down, leaning back against the wall, and dozed an hour or so--

        Walked to Cameron's office, but he being professionally busy, I did not stay very long, nor have much chat with him. Went back to Flint's--sundry customers within--stayed and chatted till tea, and walked out about a mile back from the river, to Flint's residence, & took tea with him--his Mother presiding, (Mrs. Ford)--pleasant place--high bluffs beyond--population of place (Flint said) about 3,000.

        Returned--went aboard the boat, and was about dark steaming up the Mississippi.

June 29th, 1861, Saturday

        Last night, soon after going aboard the Northern Belle, I retired to my state room and fell asleep. This morning on rising, we found ourselves near Maiden Rock, a precipice an the left bank, some two or three hundred feet high, about which a legend is told of an Indian maiden precipitating herself from the summit, & thus committing suicide on account of disappointed love. The scenery hereabout is charming, as it is along the whole course of the Mississippi travelled by us. You see the bluffs assuming almost every variety of form, approaching the river at one time, receding at another, green and covered for the most part with trees or grass, though occasionally rocky and bare-- ever-changing and ever new, while the limpid water flows grandly onward to the South, till lost in "the far-resounding sea."


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        The shapes and forms of the hills or bluffs were exceedingly singular, varied and fantastic. One was called "Barn Bluff" from its shape. This morning we passed through Lake Pepin, a widening of the Mississippi, varying from two to eight miles in breadth. I became acquainted with a travelling lady this morning, who subscribed her name "Miss Bell Potter, Marquette, Wisconsin." She seemed carried away by the charming scenery--pointed out such objects as particularly arrested her attention. I remember a high, mountainous, woody bank which appears on the right bank of the river. The mountain, if it may be so styled, came down to the very water, from which it rose regularly some four or five hundred feet, and was covered to the top with trees and shrubbery, rising tree above tree. Our boat ran close to the shore, and gave us an excellent opportunity to see this mountain bluff to advantage.

        Lake Pepin, I suppose, is some 20 miles long. At Redwing my romantic travelling friend left the boat. This place is not far from the head of Lake Pepin. Among the characters on board was a man named Holcomb, who lived at Stillwater, on the St. Croix River, which separates Minnesota, in part, from Wisconsin. He was a rough-looking man, and had been Lieut. Governor of Wisconsin. Also an old lady & little son, who were going out to Minnesota from Vermont--name Howes-- pater-familias had been out for some time, & had settled a place--showed us dagueoretypes of family, especially of a son who was in the army, a fine looking young fellow. The old lady was very communicative, and amusing from her simplicity.

        We reached St. Paul about 5 o'clock P. M., and I went to the Winslow


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House, but procuring a carriage drove up to Minneapolis about sunset, 9 miles above St. Paul, and on the right bank of the river. Our ride was a pleasant one despite a sprinkling of rain which fell on us on the way. A pleasant country, along the river; prairie, sandy soil, some good farms--numerous cattle. Stopped at the Nicollet House, in Minneapolis.

        Went back to St. Anthony, and found out the whereabouts of my friend Miss D. W. Godding with whom I chatted awhile and returned to Minneapolis. Weather cool.

June 30th, 1861, Sunday

        Soon after breakfast I started in a buggy to go to Fort Snelling, some five or six miles below Minneapolis. Our ride was through a charming country, which stretched far away to the westward over prairie & forest. The driver enlightened me as to soil, climate, topography, geography, & c. & c. We first went to the Minnehaha Falls, a charming cataract, and worth forty St. Anthonies. The stream is small, the water clear, the fall about fifty feet, and the water like feathery silver, garnished with rainbows, as it dashes over the precipice.

        There is a hotel here. After staying some hour or more, we proceeded onward to Fort Snelling, near the mouth of the St. Peters River. Our ride was over a lovely prairie. The place where Sherman trained his choice flying artillery was pointed out on a smooth, beautiful, rolling prairie. As we approached the Fort, we saw a lot of raw recruits a-drilling, without arms or equipments. We drove into the Fort, looked


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about, went up on the roof or observatory, whence I had a glorious view of the valley of the St. Peters and of the Mississippi; saw the town of Mendota, and all the other wonders visible from this point. The fort is on a high bluff, on the left bank of the St. Peters or Minnesota river. We drove back by the Minnehaha Fall, where we stayed a few minutes, and reached Minneapolis about 12 o'clock M. The weather became overcast, though very clear and pleasant when we started; and a sudden cold wind sprung up, bringing a chilly rain on its wings which sprinkled us before we reached [the] City.

        I lay down and fell asleep just before the dinner hour, and slept till late dinner. In the afternoon I walked over the Suspension Bridge to St. Anthony, and called on Miss Godding, whom I saw first in 1837, secondly in 1856, thirdly yesterday evening. She has charge of a Young Ladies' School, and has, as music teacher, Miss Lizzie Brooks, daughter of Wm. Brooks, whom I used to know in 1837, when we were members of the same debating Society. He married Emily Abbott.

        I stayed and took tea. Saw a man named Blakeman and several others, members of the Episcopal Church, which edifice is alongside the School-House. Walked across the suspension bridge, and back, with D. Saw the comet for the first time tonight while standing on the bridge. Air cool. D. repeated some lines written by her, which struck me as quite fair.

        Returned to Nicolett House, and slept soundly till morning, the night being quite cool.


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July 1st, 1861, Monday

        Arose this morning and walked down (as I did yesterday morning) to St. Anthony Falls, on right bank. The falls have been made to propel machinery--saw logs--mills--dams & c. The romance is gone & the falls a humbug. The latitude of Fort Snelling is 44°53'--The Falls some 5' or 6' more. Went up on the observatory of the Nicollet house, & saw the country around--fine prospect--river, prairie, city & c. Immediately after breakfast I went aboard the stage coach for St. Paul, first going to the post office to inquire for letters for "Miss Sarah Daniels, & Mrs. Whittaker."

        Crossed to St. Anthony--Nicollet Island. Reached St. Paul about 10 o'clock. I went aboard the Northern Belle, and left St. Paul about noon. Scenery very fine--trip pleasant--company pleasant enough.

        We passed through Lake Pepin just before sunset, and had a fine view of Maiden Rock, and other picturesque scenes. Weather cool & chilly. Doors of cabin closed--view of the comet after dark. Among the passengers was an old gentleman named Henry Wombaugh, of Addison, Steuben Co., N. Y. (an old Dutchman) and a certain doctor, from Wisconsin, near Racine, who had been up in Minnesota, hunting a location.

July 2, 1861, Tuesday

        This morning we found ourselves at La Crosse, and at an early hour took the cars for Milwaukee. We had a very pleasant run across the State, passing Fox Lake, Beaver Dam, and other interesting localities.

        At the dinner station saw the notorious Sherman M. Booth, (Horicon


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Junction, I think it was,--) a big-whiskered, large, rough-looking fellow.

        We reached Milwaukee in the afternoon, and went immediately aboard a steamboat, which carried us across Lake Michigan, to Grand Haven. We left Milwaukee about 5 o'clock P. M. and reached Grand Haven about 10 or 11 at night, going immediately aboard the cars, of the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad. The wind on the Lake was cool, the sky clear and our trip very pleasant. We saw the sun sink into the waters, saw the stars peep out, and beheld the comet spreading its dazzling tail in the Northern sky. On board was the Collector of the Port of Detroit, whose name I forget--a red-haired man, very talkative. Our Captain was a large, fine looking man, a little too fond of brandy--quite sociable.

        Among the passengers was a very good looking young lady--Miss Christine Eustis, of North Haverhill, N. H., on her way thither from Minneapolis. We walked out on the deck, and looked at the comet, lights from vessels, & c. The air was quite cool, the wind fresh.

July 3, 1861, Wednesday

        I slept in a sleeping-car last night, and early this morning, found myself near Fentonville, and then at Holly, where I left the cars. The place was cheerless and uninviting. We got a poor breakfast and left, three of us besides the driver of our carriage, and struck out for Flint, in Gennessee County. We were carried to that place by an old, jolly chap named Roosevelt, who had a good team, and whired us along


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finely. The morning was cool, but the hot sun warmed the air, and made the journey, towards the last, pleasant--though the roads were very dusty. It had not rained, old Roosevelt said, since the war broke out. We passed through a good farming country, and reached Flint about 11 o'clock. Walked about the place before dinner, looked at the neat, pretty residences, ornamented with shrubbery, and set Flint down as a pretty, lively, business town.

        Soon after dinner I took the stage for East Saginaw, which place I reached about 5 or 6 o'clock P. M. Passed a burnt tavern--country not as good as that about Flint, pine timber. A rough, vulgar, pioneer old fellow got into the stage, and annoyed us for several miles with drunken slang and coarse tales.

        We crossed Cass river, and passed a locality prepared for tomorrow's celebration. At East Saginaw I found an excellent hotel, a nice sleeping room and bed, at Bancroft House. I learned there would be no chance to go down the river before to-morrow, so made up my mind to stay resignedly. Sat around the door of the hotel awhile, observing the hale, ruddy, stout men and the fair women, who were on the street, and then betook myself to my room, before dark, and was soon asleep. Awoke with a nightmare dream, and felt restless and uneasy afterwards.

July 4th, 1861, Thursday

        Soon after breakfast this morning I had my trunk carried down to the wharf to take the boat for Portsmouth some twelve or fourteen miles below. The boat, on account of its being the 4th of July, did not


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leave at the usual hour, but an hour or two later. A cannon was fired by way of salute, two or three times, from the wharf, & fire-crackers without number were popping all around, and a fantastical company on mules, asses, & c. travelling the streets, and general hurly-burly pervading the peace, when the boat took me away from "East Town." I remember two or three little yawls propelled by steam-engines, that came and went before my departure, but no boat of any magnitude.

        On board our boat was a pleasure-party, who fell to dancing: some others who were gambling: a chap who was "roping in" some green-horns, inducing them to "bet against his own tricks," and sundry others.

        We passed Zilwaukee, and soon reached Portsmouth between 11 & 12 o'clock. Landed at Bradford's, and walked up to Capt. Bradford's about 1/2 a mile. Nobody at home but M. A. and children. The residue soon appeared--Matilda, Sparks et al. M. A. was threatened with a chill, it being her "chill-day," and was "fighting against it."

        Walked out to the Salt Works with W., and took a stroll through the surrounding woodlands, where the soil is rich, the surface level, and the timber heavy.

        At night doors and windows all closed to keep out the musketoes, that buzz and hum and bite continually. The ground between the house and the river is a marsh full of grass, weeds, frogs, water and musquitoes and mud hens. At night we saw the fire rockets ascending at East Saginaw, and stood on the door-step watching them for some time.

July 5th, 1861, Friday

        This morning, after breakfast, we crossed over the Saginaw to the


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farm of a man named Stone, to gather wild strawberries. We had a pleasant ride in a skiff; were welcomed by "old man Stone," invited to his house, treated to some first rate strawberry whiskey, introduced to his family, taken to the field and shown to the strawberry beds, which covered the field entire. Stone told us he had once lived in Tennessee (Obion region) where he "had the blues, the ager, and the horrors," all at once. We found a rough, droll, kind-hearted old codger, and his wife, a plain, rustic old woman. Their situation is a pleasant one. We secured a large quantity of strawberries, and had a very pleasant, sociable time.

        Returning we had dinner, and in the afternoon I went with T. E. and Capt. S. to Bay City, in a buggy, and saw a considerable number of it's denizens.

        Before our return from Stone's T. E. and I had gone to a German's house for eggs, passing through Stone's garden, but failed in getting the eggs, but not in having a pleasant walk and talk. We had a strawberry short-cake as the reward of our strawberry-picking.

        After supper I strolled down town, and then back, passing by the house, up towards the Salt-Works. M. A. joined me--told me my name ought to have been Walker--chatted, and returned. T. E. joined us just before we reached the house. Mrs. Bradford at the house-- singing and playing on the piano.

July 6, 1861, Saturday

        After breakfast this morning we went a-winter greening. Sparks,


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A. W., M. A., T. E. and myself and the children. We went down the river and across. Saw boats a-passing--vessels coming up, or at anchor, and had a pleasant trip--found an abundance of winter-green, saw some pleasant scenery, spent a pleasant hour or two near the river-bank, and returned. I acted as steersman in returning, and succeeded, I thought, very well. Got home in time for dinner.

        Afternoon was spent mostly at the house. M. A. showed a little volume of poems, from one of which, by Jeffrey, I extract the following verse:


                        "No--though behind me now is closed
                        "The youthful paradise of love,
                        "Yet can I bless, with soul composed,
                        "The lingerers in that happy grove."

        At night walked with Sparks & A. W. to Bay City, went aboard the Forest Queen, and after delaying an hour or two at the landing, steamed down the river, into the bay towards the broad and open lake (Huron.)

        Retired to my berth and slept till some two o'clock, when I rose, went up on the deck, and sat down enjoying the fresh, pure air "so cool, so sweet." I found the pilot and officers perplexed by two lights, one of which had probably been hung out by some fisherman and the other by persons at a regular landing. The speed was checked, the eyes strained, observations taken as well as could be done, and finally a selection made between the lights, and the course decided on. "I don't wish those fellows (the fishermen who held out the false lights,) any harm, (said an old salt,) but I wish their d---d necks were broke." This was just at daylight, when we approached the landing. I have forgotten


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the name of the landing, but it was situated at the entrance into the Lake (Huron) from Saginaw Bay.

July 7th, 1861, Sunday

        The morning was cloudy--the lake still--the signs prophetic of rain. We sped along over the bright blue water and could see many vessels as we steamed down the Lake. The woods were on fire along the Michigan shore, and a few days ago the smoke darkened the atmosphere. Even now we could smell the smoke, and burning woods, as it came wafted over the Lake.

        We landed at a place called Forestville, on the American shore. The shores are low, unromantic, and uninviting: the timber fine, spruce, fir or hemlock, the shores sandy, and the land apparently sterile. The country appears to be mostly a forest.

        At a landing this morning a rough, burly fellow told me he had been to Saginaw an a frolic; that he had a brother and friends in the army who "blackguarded" him about not going in the army; a thing he seemed noways inclined to do.

        At Forestville some fellows came rushing down to our boat on a hand-car. Nearly all day we steamed down the Lake--vessels constantly in sight--water slightly agitated and foamy--occasional openings in the forest visible along the shore--once in a long time a town, as Lexington--water greenish blue at times, and occasionally dark, except as whitened by foam. In the afternoon we fell in with a disabled "tug," and took her in tow. A heavy rain, charged with thunder, was just


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behind us, but we got through the lake without its catching us.

        About 5 or 6 o'clock P. M. I was landed at Port Huron in latitude 43°, Long. 82° 10', on St. Clair river, just below Fort Gratiot and opposite Port Sarnia, in Canada. I went immediately to Larned's hotel.

        I walked out back from the river, and up Black river, which at this point unites with the St. Clair. The site of the town is pleasant, inclining to level. Pine woods around, similar to those seen in the Indian old fields in Mississippi.

        At night, at Larned's, a man named V. A. Ripley edified us with his views of the war, its causes, and consequences, concluding with an anecdote to the effect that "the ball must go on."

        Saw Lincoln's message to the extra session of Congress.

July 8, 1861, Monday

        This morning I rode with Ripley up Black river and across it, to see the saw-mills, piles of lumber, fine buildings & c. He showed me a marvel of a schoolhouse, a large brick building which looked like a college edifice.

        About 9 o'clock I took the omnibus, rode to the depot, crossed, on the arrival of the cars from Detroit, to Sarnia, bought a ticket to Portland, ($16.) and left for Toronto. Among the notabilities in the crowd was a man with a formidable white hat, red face, 6 1/4 feet height, fine proportions, who lived near Guelph. He came down the Lake with us yesterday, and was a conspicuous object in the crowd. Our run to-day was through a rather poor country, with exceptions--hemlock timber--


Page 20

rocky, cold soil--new clearings and settlements--impressing one unfavorably as to its agricultural capabilities. Among the places of note were Stratford, Guelph and Brampton. We reached Toronto in a rain, about 5 or 6 o'clock P.M. Took a walk through the city. Left for Montreal about dark--took a berth in a sleeping car beside a man named Quimby, who lives near Lake St. Clair. He used to live in Lyndon, Vt.-- told a tale of his having been victimized out of a $100 in a confidence game, changing money.

July 9, 1861, Tuesday

        This morning found ourselves at Kingston, where we got breakfast-- saw a fellow named "J. Riodan," who professed to have travelled all over the South, and was very talkative on Southern matters.

        At Prescott he left us. We had a hard rain today for a while.

        Reached Montreal in the afternoon, passing through the flat French country, & crossing the Ottawa river & River & River Beaudette, & passing Couteau Landing, St. Anne's & Pointe Claire.

        I formed a travelling acquaintance with a young Canadian who lived in Quebec, and with whom I went from the depot up into the City--St. Lawrence Hotel--Lord Mahon's History of the War of Spanish Succession-- Churches--private dwellings & c.--left for Richmond about 5 o'clock, passed over the great Victoria Bridge, long and dark--mountains-- Richlieu river--St. Hyacinthe--miserable country a part of the way-- traces of a storm--Durham.

        From gloom and swamps we all at once emerged into sunlight and


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beauty on the St. Francis at Richmond--green, sunny slopes--beautiful river--all contrasting strikingly with the swamps, dead trees and desolation of Durham through which we had just passed.

        Went on about 9 o'clock--landed at S.--got a vehicle to convey me to J's.

July 10th, 1861, Wednesday

        After breakfast walked up to town--saw Walton & talked with him for a few minutes--also Geo. Robertson, who informed me that he was in Paris last year--Walked back--the little school-girls in the street--got off about 10 or 11 o'clock--went by Lennoxville at Sh.-- saw Willard whose sons are in Ill.--also saw Becket, whom I met in the street in S.--Dr. Nichols's old place--called at Brooks's at Lennoxville to present Lizzie's respects--passed up by Dr. Wilson's old place--thence up the river Coaticook, up a long hill from the top of which we had a fine view--(Jack & I) in our vehicle--saw a barn raising--At Waterville Jack and I took a drink of beer, passed on through the Grand Brulé--met C's wife and her sister--passed on and reached Noverca's about 4 o'clock. Lucy Pratt ibi--Walk after supper and ride with Horatio et ux--the great rock & c. & c. Before that M. J. & I walked to burying ground, having a fine view from the hill top, of lake, mountains, woods, fields, farm-houses and village--graves-- epitaphs--old church with date of building inscribed, to wit 1818.

July 11, 1861, Thursday

        Rain--kept the house most of the day--P. M. strawberries--walk


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in old field--rode with M. J. to Ch. & beyond--thence back and over to C's. Went into the village grave yard awhile--H. E. G's "Garden of Roses"--

        Heavy rain towards night--Nancy's Mother there--her daughter & son do.--started back in the rain--ride through embowering maples-- reached destination after dark.

July 12, 1861, Friday

        Yesterday while at Ch. saw Lucy Wadley (quondam)--very pleasant muger-- today cool--rode to Waterville with Perkins, through Grand Brulé-- stopped at C's--cars delayed in getting in owing to washing away of culverts--rode with P. up to Carlos Thomas's--la femme tres belle-- sociable--Cornelia absent, whom I wanted to see--returned--Shafford's old place occupied by John--stopped at an Irish house awhile--went to depot--aboard cars--and stayed at Island Pond. Cool, cool--fires at hotel.

July 13, 1861, Saturday

        Soon after breakfast we got off this morning--ponds, mountains, rivers, and islands--wild scenery--crossed Nulhegan river, then the Connecticut--then we came to Gorham, N. H. in the neighborhood of Mount Washington--bear chained to a post--Kentucky woman and her husband captivated by the wild mountain scenery--snow still on the mountains. Along the Andrascoggin river--Bryant's Pond--South Paris, where we got the best dinner I had eaten for many a day,--reached Portland about 2 o'clock P. M.--Went aboard the Ferry Boat for Peak's


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Island, distant some three miles--had some botheration about my trunk, which was left behind in the hurry.

        On landing at the Island I saw a crowd of persons amusing themselves by swinging, lounging & c. I went to find C. He was out a-sailing. I went down to the shore of the far-resounding sea, and stood there for some time, gazing at the waves and foam, and occasionally picking up pebbles and shells. Soon C. came in and we rambled over the island, down to the sea-shore, and finally back to the Ferry boat, where we sat till the boat left, when we returned to the island, and I came over to Portland.

        At Burnham's I inquired for my trunk, which the porter, (nicknamed "Thumby,") was to have left there, and could hear nothing of it. Took a carriage, rode to Boston & Maine Railroad depot--thence to encampment of 6th Maine Regiment, thence to U. S. Hotel, where I put up for the night.

        Bought the little girls some nets for their hair--bought a pair of boots, and three pair of shoes. Many fair dames promenading.

July 14, 1861, Sunday

        This morning, after breakfast, went down to Custom House wharf, and procuring passage in a sailboat, crossed over to Peak's Island-- young lady aboard and three other men and a boy. Had a very agreeable sail--saw the Mary Goodell, a vessel overhauled by the privateer Jeff. Davis. Saw C--s--found my trunk and went back to Portland accompanied by C--s, who eat dinner with me at U. S. Hotel.

        After dinner he walked with [me] around the City, and about 4 o'clock P. M. we went down to the wharf, where he went aboard a sailboat


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and returned to Peak's Island--

        At night I did not sleep very well, and got up, lighted the gas-light, opened a window, and the door of my room, and after inhaling copious draughts of fresh air, felt relieved, returned to bed, and slept comfortably till morning.

July 15, 1861, Monday

        After breakfast this morning went down to Brooks's, (Wm.) but not finding him at his store, went to his house, where I saw his wife and daughters, one, the fac simile of Lizzie, whom I saw in St. Anthony.

        After staying a few minutes returned to U. S. Hotel, riding a part of the way with an anti-war old gentleman, of whom I inquired the way.

        Getting into a carriage I was whirled to the depot of the Boston & Maine Railroad where I found Wm. Brooks, and with him I had a few minutes' conversation.

        About 8 o'clock A. M. we left. Judge Weston of Maine Supreme Court was on the train, an old man, very talkative. He spoke of Thinlow, Wilkes, Loughborough, & c. & c. Reached Boston about 1 o'clock. I went to Revere House. Bot. of Little, Brown & Co. Mahon's Hist. Eng'd. Was in the publishing house of Ticknor & Fields, & saw Lackhart's Life of Scott in process of publication. Saw Winslow and Juliet, his daughter, a very pretty girl.

        Left Boston about dark for New York. Took a sleeping car, and found myself in N. Y. about sunrise.


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July 16, 1861, Tuesday

        Went to the Astor House--got breakfast, and went over to Brooklyn. Went to Salmon's, and stayed awhile. His residence was 301 Carlton Avenue, Brooklyn. Stayed an hour or two, and promised to return to tea. Went back to N. Y.

        After dinner went across to Brooklyn again to No. 55 St. Felix Street, where I found Rev. A. H. Dashiell, and with whom I stayed and chatted some two hours or more. He gave me a history of his troubles in Shelbyville--of his offensive preaching--of the burning of his house--of his going to Rogersville, Tenn., and of his troubles there-- of his settling in the North--spoke of Robert, a bright boy, but one who had fallen into bad ways, and been ruined--of George now in Confederate army, and of one of his other sons domiciled in Jackson, Tenn. Spoke of present govermental troubles, the "result of a great conspiracy," and of the probability that the rebellion would be put down--of his daughters in Tenn., and their requesting him to come South and live, and of his declining to do so on account of the suppression of free speech. I left him with his "Farewell!" and went to Salmon's.

        Here I took tea, and stayed till after dark, a rain coming up about dusk. S. spoke of the present gloomy times--the ruin of all business--the flinty hardness of times. His Mother-in-law, Mrs. Foan, was there and her daughter, his son Daniel's widow, a very modest, pretty appearing woman. His daughters too, (one of them grown,) very nice girls. But a large city I abhor, as a place of residence for a


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poor man with a large family.

        Parted from them--took the horse-cars after standing under an awning for a few minutes, sheltered from the rain.

        Went to the Fulton Ferry--took an omnibus and went to the Astor-House. Walked up Broadway, a short distance, and back to hotel.

July 17, 1861, Wednesday

        Arose early this morning, and walked to Metropolitan Hotel, where I purchased a through ticket, via Erie Railroad, to Louisville, Ky.

        Immediately after breakfast took a carriage for the Ferry, and was carried over to Jersey City. There we took the cars, and were soon flying over the N. Y. and Erie Railway, towards Lake Erie. We passed Paterson and Part Jervis--Hudson and Delaware Canal--Great Bend and Lackawanna Railway,--dinner at Narrowsburg--observed near Great Bend the Neversink, a sluggish looking stream--M. E. S. once resided hereabout --a beautiful day--sunny--lovely--glorious. Binghampton--Elmira-- Corning--about midnight at Dunkirk, where we took the cars for Cleveland.

        Saw a man named Jas. B. Hoxsie, South Kingston, R. I. who has been a railroad engineer in East Tennessee--also saw another railroad man, who gave me much local and geographical information. Scenery all the way very bold and striking.

July 18, 1861, Thursday

        This morning we found ourselves running along Lake Erie, close to


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Cleveland, which place we reached in time for early breakfast.

        Here we took the cars for Gallion, passing Crestline, the place where Pittsburgh & Fort Wayne road crosses. Did not particularly admire the country, it being too low and flat.

        At Gallion we took the road to Indianapolis (Bellefontaine road), passing through Marion, Bellefontaine, Sidney, Union & c. The country seems to be much better than the one we passed through early this morning. Ran through the counties of Cuynoga, Lorain, Huron, Richmond, Crawford, Marion, Hardin, Logan, Shelby, & Dark, in Ohio. In Indiana we passed through Randolph, Delaware, Madison, Hancock & Marion, in which last is the pretty capital, Indianapolis, We reached here awhile before night and taking the cars for Jeffersonville were soon off.

        Eat supper at Franklin--Shaffer, the Canadian, aboard--reached Jeffersonville about midnight--passed through the Counties of Johnson, Bartholomew, Jennings, and Jefferson; and through the towns of Franklin, Edinburg, Columbus and Seymour. Among my fellow travellers was a man named S. Y. Yeury, of Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.

        We were detained awhile at Jeffersonville by officers inspecting the baggage, and searching trunks. One man was called on to open his trunk, and on his exhibiting therein a "revolver" was permitted to take it along, giving assurances that it was the only one he had.

        Our ride was a rough one, trying the strength of the omnibus. We went to the Louisville Hotel.


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July 19, 1861, Friday

        Wrote several letters and mailed them this morning as it is about the last chance, before plunging into the "Southern Confederacy." Sent T. E. S. copy of Wordsworth's Poems--wrote ad illum et M. A.--also to Jennie B. & others. Went to P. O. on Green Street to mail all my documents. At 12 o'clock M. left Louisville for the South, Yeury being left behind--Was whirled along the very route which I traversed on foot in Nov. 1838.--

        Some showers--At Hadensville, Ky., near State Line, were detained for some time, during which it rained, for cars from Nashville. They arrived away behind time, and we were whirled to Clarksville via Camp Boone, thence to Tennessee River, Paris and Humbold. At Russellville, or some other station not far from there, we saw a crowd rejoicing over the news of a victory gained by Confederates over Federals.

July 20th, 1861, Saturday

        We ran very fast last night, and gained enough to make up arrears. Reached Humbold between daylight and sunrise--at Clarksville last night there was an exultant crowd because of the Bull Run affair of the 18th.

        At the Tennessee river we crossed in a Ferry Boat, on which there was a good deal of "imbibing." A planter from Washington Co, Miss., with his son, was aboard, to whom I gave several Northern newspapers that I had brought along.

        Yesterday saw a man at South Union named T. D. Carson. We waited for the cars from Columbus, Ky., this morning at Humbold, and on their


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arrival I went to Jackson, Tenn., where I stayed until night. A hot, unpleasant day. Put up at the Lucky House--checkers--young man named Bingham along. B. G. Paine there, who requested Bingham and myself to go up to the Court-House to hear him make a speech, he being a candidate for the Confederate Congress. We went up and I slept all the time (nearly) that he was a-talking.

        Saw Thorn Murrell--also N. O. Beake--R. G. Payne wished to know if ever I had lived in Sh--e.

        At night we got off from Jackson, and ran up to Holly Springs and stopped for the night. I took an omnibus, rode up to the hotel, and betook myself to bed.

Sunday, July the 21st, 1861

        This morning I stayed around the hotel most of the time until the omnibus came for us at about 1/2 past 11 to convey us to the depot.

        I took a stroll over the town and admired its shrubbery, trees, & c. A young man from N. Orleans, more recently from Memphis, formerly connected with Texas line of Steam-ships, was also staying at the hotel, detained like myself. A man named Lloyd was there, from Memphis, I think, who spoke of his having been made to leave N. Y. for some imprudent utterances.

        We got dinner at the depot, and were soon off. Sam Rogers and sundry other boys from Attala along--the corpse of Tobias Cook's son was on the train--cars a good deal crowded. Ethel Barksdale and Col. Cushman on the train--C. late Chargé d'Affaires to Argentine Confederation.


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        To To B. I gave a lot of my Northern papers.

        On the way down it rained a little, especially while we were at or near Grenada. Reached West Station a short time before sunset.

        Left my trunk at Williamson McAdory's, and struck out an foot towards Kosciusko, in company with Sam Rogers and Fresnian Maddox.

        Crossed the Ferry, kept by Hooker Armstrong--followed a shorter route pointed out by him, through an old field, over a rocky hill, by a grave-yard. Stopped at Jack Evans's--got some supper--scores of candle-flies--after supper I started on towards home, leaving R. & M. at Evans's--met E. in the road, and talked awhile with him--pushed on to Sam Hyman's, whom Iaroused from his pleasing slumbers and persuaded to lend me his pony to ride to town. Went to the stable for pony, rode across "Shurkey"--missed the road and got away down by Russell's, Sam Little's, Wingoe's, old Billy Boyette's, Atwood's and the Lord knows where. I never did have such a time in doubling, winding, crossing and turning. My trip seemed like the perplexities of some horrid dream, whose intricacies had neither clue nor escape. The moon was shining till towards morning, when clouds betokening rain were thickening in the Heavens.

        I reached home at a very late--rather a very early--hour, say an hour before day on

July 22, 1861, Monday

        This morning I found myself at home--the wife & babies all well and comfortable. The rain was falling in torrents. I sent Sam Hyman's pony back by "Britt McAdory." So ends my month's tour to the North,


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made in time of the great Civil War, in the summer of 1861.

        Now for a recapitulation of the distances travelled, and other matters. From Kosciusko to Goodman 23 miles: Goodman to Holly Springs 136: from H. S. to Humbold, Tenn. 90: from Humbold to Tennessee River (say) 70 miles: from Tennessee River to Bowling Green, Ky., (say) 105: from Bowling Green to Louisville 115: From Cave City to Mammoth Cave and back 19 miles. Total from Kosciusko to Louisville, Ky. including trip to Cave 458. From Louisville, Ky. to Michigan City 292: From M. City to Chicago 56: from Chicago to Milwaukee 85: from Milwaukee to La Crosse 200; from La Crosse to St. Paul 160; from St. Paul to Minneapolis 9--Total from Louisville, Ky. to Minneapolis 812. From M. to Fort Snelling 6 miles and back 6; from M. to Milwaukee 370; from Milwaukee to Grand Haven 85; from G. H. to Holly 139; from Holly to Bay City 56; from B. City to Port Huron (say) 150; total to P. Huron from Minneapolis 812. From Port Huron to Toronto 170; to Montreal from T'o 333; From M. to Sherbrooke 97; to H. 17; to Waterville 6; to Island Pond 37; to Portland, Me. 149: to Peake's Island and back, two trips, 12: to Boston from P. 111: to N. Y. from B. 236--total from Port Huron to New York 1169.

        From N. Y. to Dunkirk 462; from D. to Cleveland 143; from C. to Gallion 80; from Gallion to Indianapolis (say) 175; from Indianapolis to Louisville 109; from Louisville to--Home 1387. Grand total, 4638.

        On my return I found that the County jail had been burnt in my absence by two prisoners--Ivy & Cole, and that a crowd had assembled


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to hang them, but were outvoted; and that Col. Jno. A. Jackson had died, on Saturday, the 6th of July, 1861.


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1862

January, 1st, 1862, Wednesday

        I have concluded to try to keep a journal for this year, pour passer le temps, and to record some of the many incidents constantly occurring.

        Years ago I used to note down the daily marvels; but becoming tired of the dull task, I quit it in partial disgust. Mais allons à nos moutons.

        On Monday last, (Dec. 30th, 1861,) died in this County, William Huffman, aged, as is supposed, about 69 years, and John Love, about 38 or 40. Mr. Huffman's funeral took place yesterday, J. L. Scarborough officiating as minister on the occasion.

        This morning I took a stroll out S. W. in the woodland, over a walk, which I have lately cut and cleaned out, for the benefit of exercise and solitary thinking and study. Yesterday with a hatchet I cut off the boughs which interfered with free locomotion. I read in this morning's walk Burns's address to his old mare Maggie--and going after dinner, around by the Male Academy, to the same retreat, I read Burns's Life, prefixed to his Works.

        At night while at Lucas's, Dr. Lewis gave us an amusing account of a trip made by him and Dan Comfort last Thursday night, from here to Duck Hill, in Carroll County. They left here about dark, on horseback, a "cloud foul with rain," was rapidly rising, and they had gone but a short distance, when it commenced pouring, with wind, thunder and


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lightning and pitchy darkness as accompaniments. They lost their way and found themselves at John Holland's, for whom they hollowed a long time, when he came out with fear and trembling, bringing a pine torch. He was prevailed on to go with them a short distance to show them a nearer way back into the main road, when his torch was blown out, and the party left in utter darkness. Holland immediately broke for the house, and the travellers succeeded in gaining the high road which they travelled over in a hurry till they reached Vaiden, where they were just in time for the cars, which they took, and were set down at Duck Hill about 1 o'clock A. M. of Dec. 27th. Dan undertook to follow a trail to Comfort's, of Carroll County, two miles distant from the depot, but they got lost and wandered about till 4 o'clock, when they gave it up, kindled a fire, and concluded to stay till daylight.

        When daylight came, they found themselves half a mile from the house they were seeking. They had travelled for hours in a circle. "Old Gould" and myself met them at Tinner Thompson's as we were coming from the tan-yard.

January 2, 1862, Thursday

        This evening John W. Goss, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, called on me and stated that last Spring he wrote a letter to a brother in Ohio, stating that he couldn't do much here, and owing to the troubled state of the times he would like to get back again to Ohio: that if the North was for abolishing slavery he was opposed to it, but if they were preserving the Union, he was with them: that several persons


Page 35

had been whipped in his neighborhood by drunken rowdies for unsoundness on the secession question, but that if they came about him, some of them might get a hole shot through them.

        This letter was opened and copied by the postmaster (Sprawls) at Durant, shown to the Vigilance Committee, and Goss consequently arraigned, through the interference of A. M. West, (whom Goss went to Jackson to see,) the matter was disposed of favorably to the accused, but at the same time West advised him "as a friend" to change his place of residence. He accordingly went to Bankston, Choctaw County; but Jim Haynes, from Holmes, having come through Choctaw, making speeches in praise of State Treasury notes, spoke in private to the discredit of Goss, and he again deemed it prudent to migrate.

        After supper Alice and myself walked over my favorite walk, the new moon shining dimly. At night read Macaulay's Hampden.

January 3d, 1862, Friday

        The autumn and winter (thus far) have been unmatched by anything of the sort now recollected. September dry, October rather wet, November clear, sunny, pleasant, December warm, clear, sunny, no rain, no cold worth naming.

        At night was at Lucas's--Dr. Lewis there, ut solest--Lucas told a tale of Jim Mathew's representing Dr. Smith inquiring of Ludlow (who occasionally preaches,) at a church in Choctaw Co. if there was any preacher present, and of Ludlow's replying in the negative. Jim said if there had been a cock near he would have crowed. Smith thereupon


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shot and wounded Ludlow, as "one of the Devil's goats." Smith was insane--Henry Gray turned up today.

January 4, 1862, Saturday

        Today it rained--Dickerson came in from B. T. Clark's, stayed till after dinner. John Riley elected member of the Board of Police over Jno. W. Wood, 44 to 35. Ellis, quoting Tamborine's expression, says, "Great essitement, great essitement!"--At night was at Lucas's-- Patterson & Lewis there. P. spoke of the hardships of the soldiers in Western Va. said they had to retreat to avoid being cut off by Rosencrantz's army--spoke of the advocacy, by many officers, of an abridgement of the right of suffrage & c.

        It rained hard late at night.

January 5, 1862, Sunday

        Old man Fusley was here, who spoke of conversations last night, and to-day, with Henry Gray on the state of the nation. He represents Gray as saying that the demagogues have ruined the country, that things are not going on right, and that Jeff Davis is the first king, & c. Bill Gray suddenly fell dead a few days ago.

        P. said that audivit peceros dicere (at Louisville) unam puellam, filiam magni politici medici, fuesse tanquam maritam--constupratam.

        Rode with P. to Standard's and reached home after sunset. Heard much hurrahing just before reaching town--whisky making itself heard.

        Read Macaulay's Hallam.


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January 20th, 1862, Monday

        A special Term of the Circuit Court of Attala County, under Judge Cothran was held today. Little business was transacted today.

January 21--22--23--24--25--1862

        Ivy, for burning the jail, was sent to penitentiary for ten years. Old. Cole's cases were to have been dismissed on his paying costs. He concluded to plead guilty and "swear out." News of Zollicoffer's defeat came about the 25th. He was killed last Sunday, the 19th, at Fishing Creek, near Somerset, Ky. He is said to have mistaken a regiment of the enemy for his own.

February 4, 1862, Tuesday

        Lieut. Col. David S. Comfort died at Jackson, Tenn. on Saturday last, the 1st Inst., and was buried today.

        For a week nearly it has rained, and continued cloudy nearly all the time. I walked to Yockanookany bridge and back today.

February 6, 1862, Thursday

        Wall staid here last night. Said he was born in Chenango Co., N. Y. His parents died in Page Co. Iowa. He had studied under Alex. Campbell, at Bethany, Va.

August 31, 1862, Sunday

        Ike Dean came and staid till near night, from before dinner.

        We had a fine rain in afternoon, the first good one we have had at this place since about the 1st of June. Al & H--y went to Ellis's, and stayed till morning of 1st Sept.


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        Vascal failed to come up at night for first time since they began to give milk.

September 1, 1862, Monday

        This should have been our Circuit Court Term, but cedat toga armis. Dickerson here awhile P. M. Rain again today. H. killed 2 rabbits and a squirrel.

September 2, 1862, Tuesday

        Walked out beyond Burnley place A. M. along with Lucas & Simpson who were on horseback--misty--am reading Alison's account of Peninsular War.

September 3, 1862, Wednesday

        Walked tonight and last night with "Hun" S--y & "Pooce" to "big oak"--was at Lucas's awhile talking over the news--egg-nogg prepared by "Qu."

September 4, 1862, Thursday

        Old man Kimbrough (John) died today about 3 o'clock, of fever. He had just lost 6 likely negroes of the same disease. Whist and checkers at "Starr's."

September 5, 1862, Friday

        A good soaking rain this morning--read the stormings of Cindad Rodrigo and Badagos, and other incidents of Peninsular War.

        Walk after supper with Lindsay, who insists that Richmond, Ky. is in Clay Co. Was at Lucas's where was Dr. Logan, comments on the news from war.


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September 6, 1862, Saturday

        Old man Beacham here yesterday, giving by way of credit on his own, a note on Sam & Frank Jennings--"going to make 500 bushels of sweet potatoes"--"Hun" sick with cholera morbus last night--a little French Brandy operated like a charm.

September 7, 1862, Sunday

        Rode out in afternoon with Lucas in buggy as far as Hurricane Creek on Natchez Trace--myriads of large ox-flies. L. decapitated a whole swarm of them--the oak tree which struck out its maimed limb in night against L. as he was going home from Lodge--Stopped as we returned, at Simpson's--Nathan sick.

September 8, 1862, Monday

        Rode out to Harlow's sale, with Lucas in buggy--sale of land, stock, furniture & c.

September 10, 1862

        Am reading the chapter in Allison devoted to the War of 1812 with Great Britain, and comparing it with Brackenridge, Hale, Peter Parley, Goodrich & Frost.

September 12, 1862, Friday

        Jno. Wilson & Shaler at war-demonstrations of fire-arms, Jno. with pistol, S. with double-barreled shot-gun.

        Bruce and Jno. Kimbro' at Lucas's at night.

September 13, 1862, Saturday

        At night was at Lucas's where was Lewis, who had like me, come


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to hear and discuss the news. The war and the approaching State election the chief topics.

September 14, 1862, Sunday

        Went with Lucy & Mary this morning after grapes, out East, along the old field beyond Baccus's. Found one vine with sundry clusters--

        War of 1812--Allison, Brackenridge et al.

September 15, 1862, Monday

        Harlow had a sale of books at the Court House--windy and rainy-- at night a regular equinoctial storm--reminding me of the 19th August, 1848.

September 16, 1862, Tuesday

        It rained nearly all day, with a heavy wind from N. E., E., & S. E.--Harlow eat dinner with us--had a good fire to dry himself by, as he was very wet.

September 17, 1862, Wednesday

        Last night it rained all night, and the wind blew furiously. The wind this morning S. W. P. M. clear & pleasant.

September 18, 1862, Thursday

        Jeff Davis's Thanksgiving Day for recent Confederate victories.

        Read Alison's account of O'Connell's Irish Rebellion & Chartist disturbances of 1848.

        At night was at Dr. Lewis's an hour or two. Cool at night.


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September 19, 1862, Friday

        Cool in the morning. Alison's account of Bristol riots, Reform Bill, & c.

        P. M. Wm. Buzbee from militia came home sick, and established himself here--he is down with measles.

September 20, 1862, Saturday

        Cool, autumnal day--went with Alice (P. M.) a grape-hunting, out East, and down to Yocky swamps, thence home by Adams's place.

September 21, 1862, Sunday

        Read Alison's acc't of Bony's Prussian Campaign--coolish-- got Lewis to come up and see Buzbee--Dovers' Powders.

September 22, Monday, 1862

        Simon got me to draw writings between him and Sternberger--depositions in the Denson case at Court-House about the Tom Cottrell negroes sold by Flanagan. At night was at Lewis's awhile.

September 23, 1862, Tuesday

        Rainy today--old Mrs. Reuben Sanders died Sunday night.

        Lucas brot. up a paper from Jackson announcing a great battle at Sharpsburg, Md.--rainy--Jno. Sutherland and "Orderly" Semmes, from Madison, at Simon's store--down on Tupper--said he would sell out to "Feds," if they should come along next winter.

        Dr. Ed Roby died yesterday. I was at Lucas's awhile at night-- read over Dunn's stump speech in Jim Wallace's "News." Practised law


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for more than 18 years in S. C., among best lawyers of that State, with more than ordinary success in all the courts, & c.

September 24, 1862, Wednesday

        Rainy this morning--news of battle at Sharpsburg, Md.

September 25, 1862, Thursday

        Am reading Rutzen & Dresden campaigns.

September 26, 1862, Friday

        Nihil.

September 27, 1862, Saturday

        Mrs. Lewis told me of Rosencrantz's attack on a portion of Price's army at Iuka--rainy--at Steve Wilson's--he showed me a letter from "Fonze," in which Abner & Jesse Mays, & Wm. Barnes are stated to have been killed at Iuka, & "Art" Bill Dodd & Baccus wounded.

September 28, 1862, Sunday

        P. M. walked out west with Al after grapes, huckleberries & c.-- pine knots--old field covered with pines--beyond Jackson's.

September 29, 1862, Monday

        Bond's Battles of Dresden, Leipsic, & c. Dickerson here at dinner-- egg-nogg. At Lucas's awhile at night--walk at night with Al over by Wartrous's old place--rabbit & c.

September 30, 1862, Tuesday

        Very pleasant. Wm. Buzbee left this P. M. Parson Fred Harman died today.


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October 1--2--3--1862

        Weather at summer heat--boys electioneering.

October 4, 1862, Saturday

        Alison's Hist'y Eu. vol. 4, conclusion.

October 5, 1862, Sunday

        Cloudy A. M. Walked after breakfast out to Price's--fine lot of grapes--P. walked back through woods North of Mosby's & widow Wallace's--read concluding c[h]ap. in 4th Alison--also Webster's speech delivered at Richmond Oct. 5, 1840.

        Was at Lucas's awhile at night.

October 6, 1862, Monday

Election Day

        A clear, and hot day--regular summer weather. At night went with Lucas, Perry Porter & Beacham out to the Burnley old place about 11 o'clock P. M. On our return Tom Sallis overtook us, riding a mule that falling, ducked him in the Creek. Tom told us the vote at Multona. Before this we had been twice at Wilson's--"Stanback" brot. out his jug of Peach and treated us.

October 7, 1862, Tuesday

        Walked, after breakfast, down to the Wallace Branch, with Dave Lindsay--met, near Mosby's, old Bally Allen, bringing returns from Bluff Spring. The following is the vote of Attala:

        Circuit Judge--Hudson 668, Dyer 284: Dist. Atty. Hemphill 619, Wood 136: James Campbell 133: Harlow 36: Probate Judge Scarborough 642,


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Irving (W. P.) 279, Dunn 58: Circuit Clerk, Wallace 562, Wilson 301, Presley (Tom) 80: Probate Clerk, Sallis 409, Dolph Clark 391, Jim Hammond 124: Treasurer, Webb 280, Anderson 271, Little 268, Greess (Jno. W.) 165: Assessor, Brown 350, Beacham 340, "Joab" 275, Price 14: Coroner Portwood 351, Tom Wasson 319: for Ranger, Walker 653 Jim Atkinson 272: Surveyor, Sultan 573, Columbus Thompson 240.

October 8, 1862, Wednesday

        Rode with Jeff Jinkins in buggy out the other side of Mrs. Lile's and walked back--stopped at Price's--very warm.

October 9, 1862, Thursday

        Old man Beacham eat dinner with us yesterday--Hawkins's Texas beef-- very warm--laid in a supply of summer clothing at Riley's-- 2 coats, 2 pairs of pants.

October 10, 1862, Friday

        This afternoon it rained, with a cold wind from N. W. A sudden change. At night was at Lucas's and after at Lewis's. Cool--cold--

October 11, 1862, Saturday

        A drizzling rain or mist in the morning, with cool N. W. wind. Hunting pine knots with Sally, "Mame" & Pooce back of Lucas's field.

October 12, 1862, Sunday

        Walked (P. M.) with Steve Wilson out by Baccus's, into old field, thence through the woods, "around and about." News came today that


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"Fonze" Robertson was killed in the battle at Corinth, a week ago.

        Walked at night with Dave Lindsey down by Mosby's.

October 13, 1862, Monday

        Walked with Lindsey around by Mrs. Thompson's--pleasant, sunny weather--red haws--further from battle at Corinth. Met Col. Donald down by Jim Anderson's. At night walked with D. H. L.--"they be beans."

October 14, 1862, Tuesday

        Sunny, Cool and excellent weather. At Price's a few minutes in the morning--got some salt (8 lbs.)--grapes at the spring--at Lucas's at night.

October 15, 1862, Wednesday

        Started early for Kimbrough's with Lucas in his buggy, coolish-- No appraisement because appraisers failed to arrive--an excellent dinner of mutton and sweet potatoes.

        Went to steam-mill--ruins of old Phoenix--Jo. Th. still running the corn-mill--shoe-shop. Jim Matthews reading to crowd an old paper (Chronicle) of Aug. 1851. Wasson's tan-yard and thence home.

        At Lucas's at night.

October 16, 1862, Thursday

        Clear and pleasant--though coolish. Wm. P. Andrews, Capt. of Co. I, 37th Miss. Reg't was killed at Corinth in the late battle there-- Bill Evans wounded--Jack Dehart killed--Dr. Hughes thinks Amzi Meek


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perhaps killed. Martin Hay's remark about Frazer's sons & son-in-law being sacrificed for one nagur.

October 17, 1862, Friday

        A lovely day--militia gathering--town full of people--Mid. Pool and Henry Fancher called in, and imbibed a small quantity of "tafia." Bill Buzbee here at dinner.

October 18, 1862, Saturday

        Very pleasant--Bragg's great victory over Buell, the main talk-- At night walked out to Price's--pine knot fire--his account of Botters's shooting Lunsford--West and his crowd of regulators in 1847, the Court House surrounded--Lundsford's flight, the pursuit, & c. & c.

        Lovely starlight night.

October 19, 1862, Sunday

        Walked with Frank Irving this morning--via Sam Young's, through the wo[o]ds to Bluff Spring road--along rail-road to old pine field.

        Grecian history today. Qu. went to Frank Irving's with all except H--y. Walked after supper down to twin oak, falling in with Herring, & coming back with Bill Meek.

October 20, 1862, Monday

        Clear and lovely day--commenced again with children, by lessons in the morning, before school.

        Probate Court--Rosamonds here--great railroad accident, near Duck Hill--35 or 40 killed--Old man Herring at Lucas's at night.


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October 21, 1862, Tuesday

        Started early this morning for Kimbro's, going by way of Wasson's and Crow's--at the latter place a jury was summoned to try a case of alleged lunacy--(Betsy) - thence by Zeke Veazey's to Kimbrough's with Jesse & his mule in buggy--first rate dinner of turkey and other good things--appraisement of property--reached home 1/2 past 7--

        Clear and pleasant.

October 22, 1862, Wednesday

        Clear--dry--bracing. Jeff Jinkins & M'N Dickerson at Lucas's at night. Went with Henry after pine out east.

October 23, 1862, Thursday

        Yesterday Liz White was married--cool but dry and pleasant. Rode with Lucas over to Rimmer's--Judge Ross there--bacon sides--

October 24, 1862, Friday

        Clear & pleasant--Child of Dolph Clark's died--Wm. F. Woods accidentally shot his brother Dr. Wo[o]ds, on Monday last. Harlow's children here--Bob Mosby at work on their teeth.

October 25, 1862, Saturday

        This morning the wind having risen last night, was blowing furiously from the N. or a little E. of N. and seemed very damp. Soon it rained a little, but directly the rain ceased, but the wind blew all day very cold, and all night too. Seaborn Mims came in--talked


Page 48

of exemption under conscript law--Dean Henry was here a few minutes-- He, Harlow, and Bally Allen were carousing at the back room of Galloway's office, on peach brandy. Harlow eat dinner here--Weatherly, Jeff Jinkins, John Cone and Ras. Boyd here P. M. Ras. borrowed Coleridge's Lay Sermons--Lucas told me of some elegant remark made to him by Dan Comfort because he wouldn't tell Dan who had corn to sell.

        At night was at Dr. Lewis's--his family mostly gone to Louisville-- wind keen and piercing cold from the North.

October 26th, 1862, Sunday

        A cold day--wind strong from the North. Jeff Jinkins came down and stayed awhile from Joab's--he eat dinner here--Went with A. down to Yockanookany--going by Baccus's--by the grape-vine--the muscadine vines--by the woods that skirt the old field on the north side--by the mound--to the beech trees with the letters carved on the bark--thence to the dogwood bower--thence via the pen, the scaly-barked hickory, the mashed hickory, and sweet-gum to mouth of Hurricane-- thence across Hurricane, through cane and briers to Jackson's gate-- by the A's beech tree & home. Met three of Munson's negroes, with Bruce Harlow.

October 27th, 1862, Monday

        Clear and cold--yesterday morning there was ice. Frost this morning.

October 30th, 1862, Thursday

        Went a-hunting with Frank Irving--killed a squirrel apiece. Warm and pleasant.


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October 31, 1862, Friday

        Warm--pleasant--sunny--Harlows left for Arkansas, on Wednesday the 29th. Henry Dean & Alex Chestnut went with him--

        At night went with Al. around by Simon's, Ben Tipton's, Baccus's, Hall's down towards the branch--Kindled up a large fire by a stump-- thence around home by the Lucas field & Davis place. Clear moonlight night. Pain in my shoulders.

November 1, 1862, Saturday

        A warm, clear, pleasant day--Jared P. Walker died this morning-- old Mrs. Cottrell died yesterday--At night walked over to Price's-- bright moonlight.

November 2, 1862, Sunday

        Ike Dean here--Dickerson also, awhile--tumblers--took a walk with the children (S. M. L.) out east in the woods--red haws.

November 3, 1862, Monday

        Qu. 36 years old today--change in weather--cool and windy.

        Henry started to school this morning to "Frank."

November 4, 1862, Tuesday

        Last night went over to the Court House where were several members of the Board of Police, Jim Hubbert among the number--the war, exemptions, militia & c. discussed. Joab said he would like to know what the Legislature meant by legalizing the Assessment of Texas. Some one suggested that the word was taxes and not Texas. "So it is," said Joab, surprised


Page 50

at the difference.

        Today Stephen E. said that Dick Payne was here yesterday, and that some one (F. Zollicoffer) congratulated him for killing Lownsbury, and said we ought to have commenced killing them years ago--that he gloried in his spunk, & c.

November 5, 1862, Wednesday

        In the fore part of the day, warm and smoky, with indications of rain. Col. Hanna sent for me and Jim Anderson to go up there--started about 1/2 past 2 P. M. with old man Presley--A change to cold suddenly appeared--wind from North--Hanna's negro boy Steve overtook us--

        We left Presley at fork of the woods 6 miles from town, crossed Yocky at Shumaker's old mill--before this we rode back a mile through the old field searching for a lost substitute for saddle blanket-- reached Hanna's about dark--passed old Alf Robinson in swamp. At H's found Alston and Dr. Hughes. H. quite sick--"migratory rheumatism."

        Very windy & cold at night--slept with Alston.

November 6, 1862, Thursday

        Clear, cold and windy today--walked after breakfast over to Alston's through the woods. Jim Anderson et uxor arrived about 1 o'clock. After dinner I left for town on "Bob", the sorrel pony obtained from Campbell--stirrup-leather pestered me no little--met Jeff Reynolds, Ship, Busby (Bill) and a considerable crowd bound homewards--reached home after dark.

        After supper Steve Wilson came down and wished me to write out a


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warrant and affidavit for the arrest of John M. Robinson who has shot his Father this day.

November 7, 1862, Friday

        Being sore and affected with cold, I kept my room most of today. At night I was up at Wilson's--old man lying in bed very restless. Dr. Lewis was there. Today quite cold. Robinson sent for me.

November 8, 1862, Saturday

        Started this morning with my gun (to kill any chance game,) and went an foot to Robinson's (over 10 miles distant,) going by Munson's, David Knox's, Steve Rimmer's, Henry Jamison's and widow Keith's-- found R. in bed, badly bruised, eyes almost out--told me his version of the Wilson difficulty. Stayed there about 2 hours and walked home.

        Jim Chestnut was there a-guarding Robinson--saw Woodson O'Briant a-ploughing in wheat, who gave me directions--lost my way once or twice--reached home about dark, very tired.

November 9, 1862, Sunday

        So very sore from my yesterday's tramp, that I can scarcely walk, sat by the fire most of the day--Morning keenly cold--day clear and sunny. George J. Wilson died today about 10 o'clock.

November 10, 1862, Monday

        Clear and cold--funeral of Wilson. Dr. Covington in town. At night was at Dr. Lewis's--Ike Dean came after medicine for Barton, the Norwegian. Dr. Suttle called this afternoon, and also old man Biggs--


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both in trouble about the Conscript Law, Alex Davis do. about militia.

November 11, 1862, Tuesday

        Cool, but clear and pleasant--rode the sorrel pony to Hanna's-- trees and woods in their glory. Hiram Suber at H's at night-- engaged in writing or copying a will.

November 12, 1862, Wednesday

        This morning Alston and Spiva were at Hanna's as subscribing witnesses to his will--cloudy and misty--went from H's to Multona Springs--a pleasant ride--Hamilton and Jesse Davis there in waiting-- bought some few things out of the store, e. g. soap, cravat, hair-oil, perfumery & c.--rode on by the mill in the drizzling rain to Wasson's where I stayed till morning. Queen was at Mrs. Hines's, having been thrown from a mule and severely injured an Sunday last.

November 13, 1862, Thursday

        Arose about 1/2 past 4, this morning--foggy--fine pine-knot fire this morning and last night--read Marion's prediction that the people from the instigation of demagogues and a love of a change, would be led astray, and bloody civil wars ending in despotism, follow.

        After breakfast, rode to Burkettsville, meeting Wm. Cole who had just come with Lucas from the Station, and falling in with Wilkinson who rode with me to Rocky Point. Bought the children some school books and rode with Bigbee to his house, where I got dinner. Major Jams Walker was there, very feeble and puny, with all the symptoms


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of jaundice--

        Wrote a deed conveying two negroes, and two mules, and a wagon to Mrs. Malinda. M. Bigbee--he wanted it written--suggested the form of a deed of gift. I wrote it out--he signed it in my presence, I acting as witness--he acknowledged it to be his act and deed, and I saw him deliver it to Mrs. Bigby--and with it he said he delivered the property, which he said was already in her possession and subject to her control.

        I left about 2 o'clock, coming home by way of Musselwhites-- magnificent autumnal scenery along the route among the hills and woods.

        Fell in with Sam Young near town who told me of the Perryville fight. At night was at Lucas's where were several persons.

November 14, 1862, Friday

        Pleasant weather. Qu. suffering from a fall met with Tuesday morning last. Clements here at night, camping near Lucas's.

November 15, 1862, Saturday

        Warmish--went to the mill in the morning--a quarter of good beef from Donner--at Lucas's at night. Carlisle (parson) and Albert Mitchell there and others (femmes.)

November 16, 1862, Sunday

        Loyd preached Harvey Williams's funeral sermon at Baptist Church-- girls went, I didn't--soldiers brought forward on front seat.

November 17, 1862, Monday

        Considerable crowd here--Probate Court--was kept busy nearly


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all day. Wm. Little & Young Galloway got me to write deed of gift from Joel Anderson--at Lucas's at night--Jim Mathis and I walked down to Sharkey's place & back up into town & thence back to Lucas's. Dr. Covington and Martin from West Station were at Lucas's with Jno. M. Robinson.

November 18, 1862, Tuesday

        Jno. M. Robinson examined before Justices Aldecot and Jno. Richardson--Lewis Galloway, Isaac Scarborough & Bill Thompson principally witnesses for the State--Sim (young preacher,) for defence. Campbell spoke about an hour before supper and two hours after for R. I spoke about an hour for prosecution. Bound over in sum of $10,000.

        Rained at night.

November 19, 1862, Wednesday

        Newspapers at night at Lucas's--day clear, pleasant and cooler.

November 20, 1862, Thursday

        Coolish today--clear--windy--was at Lucas's a few minutes at night, and at Lewis's for some time, when Beacham came in--talk of the war--of its probable duration--of the course of events the coming winter--of tan-yards and exemptions.

November 21, 1862, Friday

        Clear, coolish and windy--was at Lucas's at night--Lewis & Wasson's sons there--beautiful starlight night.


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November 22, 1862, Saturday

        This morning rose before day--built a fire--took a walk with Henry, up by Steve Wilson's, by Pierce Dickens' old place--along the ridge--down by Baccus's--by Ben Tipton's, home. At 8 o'clock mounted sorrel, blaze faced pony and started for Durant--went by way of Atwood's-- met Jim Sims and Thad Day with cart & 2 young girls--met Peter--fell in with Wm. Allen who told me that Mason Haltum, one of his neighbors, who had been off with the militia, he thought would die today.

        Reached Sultan's, on bank of Big Rock, 16 miles from Kosciusko, at 1/4 past 11. Fellow named Graham there--Sultan refused to part with any specie, although he had repeatedly promised it to Lucas--he must keep it to buy salt & c. Eat dinner there, which consisted of very mean corn broad, the meanest sort of rye (wry?) coffee, good milk, good butter, good eggs, and sweet potatoes badly cooked by boiling. The eggs, butter and milk made amends for everything else.

        After dinner we walked to Durant, two miles, through Big Black Swamp--Sprawls--Mitchell--Denton--soldier guard.

        On our return Graham and Sultan left me to hunt "permeter" (palmetto)--fell in with Raney's wife, a Mrs. Williams, a lad and lass, who were out a-hunting "scaly-barks." In going to Durant we met Jabez Weeks, coming from there, who told us that he wouldn't care if all the soldiers threw down their arms, quit and came home, they were treated so mean. He was much excited. Negro girl and white girl ferried me back across the river--got my pony out of the stable,


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saddled him, and started homeward--reached Atwood's just before sunset--came home by way of Frank Olive's, who was reading Jim Wallace's "Weekly News." He gave me a drink of water, and I left, falling in with Henry at Mrs. Wallace's a branch, with his sack of Pindars, in company with John Mosby. Heard Pup before I saw him, a-running a rabbit. Rocco along--reached home just at the close of daylight, half past 6--very tired.

        Clear, beautiful, starlight night--On my way saw a man, woman & children gathering hickory nuts away down in a gully.

November 23, 1862, Sunday

        A clear, beautiful sunrise, and most lovely day. Walked (P. M.) with S--y, Hun & Pooce to Yockanookany at mouth of Hurricane--dry leaves all over the ground--green Hollies--Harry a-fishing.

November 24, 1862, Monday

        Clear, but for smoke, woods on fire in many places about--very dry--at night was at Lewis's after supper.

November 25, 1862, Tuesday

        Stayed at home (A. M.) and read and noted law memoranda--Smoky-- At night was at Lucas's. L. & Jno. Wasson having just returned from Jackson--abundance of talk--news of war & c.

November 26, 1862, Wednesday

        Cool--dry--smoky--delightful time to sit by fire, read and take


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notes, and when tired of this to ramble in the woods--

        At Lucas's at night, Albert Mitchell there--newspapers & c.

November 27, 1862, Thursday

        Very shrewd and nipping air last night--cool and windy today-- cold, in fact. Rose before first f[l]ush of dawn--built fires--looked out abroad on the face of sky--after breakfast read Prentiss's Memoirs, and his contested election speech therein.

November 28, 1862, Friday

        Started this morning with Steve Wilson, in his buggy, for Mrs. Kimbrough's--cool, keen, sharp air--buggy tire loose and rattling-- poured water on it--fell in with Asbury, Tom Wasson & Jno. Jr., the two former of whom went by Wasson's to dodge the cavalry whom we met near old man Kelly's, & who camped last night near Fullilove's, on Black Creek. Jno. Jr. went along with us--a crowd there--corn sold for 1.57 to 1.65--cows $42.--old man Boyette with his pindars and cider--Pool there just from his militia camp--as we came home found the woods all afire.

November 29, 1862, Saturday

        Fires all around--very dry and disagreeably smoky--Was at night for a few minutes at Lucas's.

November 30, 1862, Saturday

        Smoke very thick, and troublesome to the eyes--children "Pooce"


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and "Mame" & "Al" sick from cold--windy--fires down below Mrs. Meek's, around Cox's old place.

December 1, 1862, Monday

        Last night we had a most grateful shower, which put out the fires, dissipated the smoke, and cooled and freshened earth and air--coolish today--excitement about Yankees having reached Grenada--Was at Lucas's awhile at night, and then at Lewis's--Bailey Guess told me today that Maj. James Walker died yesterday at Bigby's aet. 75.

        Walked with Ellis out to his house, thence back by Mrs. Davis's place home.

December 2, 1862, Tuesday

        It rained nearly all day--the first rain we have had for many a day, of any magnitude. The fires in the woods which lately caused such destruction of fences, & c. & curtained the heavens with smoke, are now thoroughly quenched.

December 3, 1862, Wednesday

        After dinner today went with Lucas a-hunting, riding "old John," out beyond Webb's, and scouring the woods between there and Roby's place--was at the "Huffman Spring," near which I met Roby & Hite on horseback. Bill Buzby stayed here.

December 4, 1862, Thursday

        Today it rained again--I have just re-read Memoirs of Prentiss-- At Lucas's at night--Shrock, Jo Thompson, Mathis et al there.

December 5, 1862, Friday

        Cold, wet and very unpleasant weather. Excitement about Army


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falling back from Abbeville.

December 6, 1862, Saturday

        Very cold, rode in buggy drawn by "old John" to Kimbrough's-- attempted division of property--Conly, Riley et al. there. Clear and sunny. Went to Ben T. Clark's via Jim Mathis's--eat a first rate supper at Clark's--then went to Wasson's where we stayed all night-- pine knots--checkers--Shakspeare--Plutarch & c. & c. Very cold.

December 7, 1862, Sunday

        About 10 o'clock this morning we left for town, I driving the buggy, John riding Ernest's pony--Clear, sunny, and pleasant, but an "eager and a ripping air." Reached town about 1 o'clock P. M. I eat dinner at Lucas's. P. M. walked with Ellis out in the direction of his house. At night was at Lucas's where I found Ike Scarborough.

December 8, 1862, Monday

        Clear and cold in the morning. After dinner Lucas, (who had been delayed in order to be vaccinated,) and myself rode in his buggy drawn by lazy "old John," to John Ashley's below Attalaville. We left town at 3 o'clock (about) and rode to Bluff Spring, meeting Henderson & John, just back from Va. Admired the two roadside sycamores--got to Ashley's about 1/2 past 6, after blundering about for some time in the dark.

December 9, 1862, Tuesday

        After breakfast rode to widow Ashley's, falling in with Bob Clark and circuit-rider Smith, on the way--then we went to parson Fred


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Harman's where were Wyse and others--appraisement going on of the parson's estate--Carnes, Mike Dickerson, Jim Ellington and Drennen there. Went thence to Jesse Bates's via Dr. Boone's--over hills, through woods--black oak, red oak, Spanish oak--at Fraser's-- Matthew Harris there--reached home about sunset.

December 10, 1862, Wednesday

        Lucas and Bill Kimbrough here--went a-squirrel hunting in the evening--clear & pleasant--at mouth of Hurricane.

December 11, 1862, Thursday

        Rec'd a box of Law-Books, bo't for me by Lucas, of Morey, in Jackson, 13 vols. of Miss. Reports, making a full set, with what I had before.

December 12, 1862, Friday

        Cloudy, with signs of rain--today Jim Ellington was telling us that he saw a man named Lee kill another named Cook, in Hinds Co., Miss. on the last Saturday of January, 1830. The quarrel was about entering land--boll, 40 to the pound--Cook, a relation of the Lindsays, "Tol & Vines"--Lee was hung, having previously been arrested by a man named Brister, "on suspicion."

December 13, 1862, Saturday

        Windy, cloudy, and warm--went to the woods with A--e--cut letter "N" on holly--went to mouth of Hurricane, on Yockanookany. A got a quantity of sweet gum.


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December 14, 1862, Sunday

        Still warm, cloudy and windy with indications of rain. Walked with children to mouth of Hurricane, on Yock'y--sweet gum--hogs in swamp, dry leaves,--holly-trees green and fresh with a few red berries.

December 15, 1862, Monday

        Very windy this morning--Jesse Bates sent me a lot of meal, which the wind freely frolicked with--

        Probate Court--hard rain in afternoon, with strong N. W. wind-- row at night at Bill Young's between Sam Jennings & old Jeff Reynolds-- was at Lucas's awhile at night, where were Jim Mathis & Dr. Lewis.

December 16, 1862, Tuesday

        Clear and pleasant, after the rain--received a lot of meal from Ben T. Clark--99 eggs from Perry, for Christmas. At Lucas's awhile at night where Harriss, Riley, Conly & Clark were making out their report of division of property belonging to Kimbrough's estate-- all went up to Ike Scarborough's--thence back to Lucas's where we sat and talked till near 11 o'clock.

December 17, 1862, Wednesday

        Clear, pleasant, sunny, windy and coolish--Bigbee (Wm. M.) bro't Wingo, Cagle & Guess to town, as witnesses of Maj. James Walker's will; but Mingo would not testify that the old man was of sound and disposing memory. So the will failed to be established, and letters of administration were granted to B.


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December 18, 1862, Thursday

        Clear, sunny and pleasant--read Rich'd H. Dana's poetical criticism, or rather, his criticism of the poets, in the morning; and after dinner went "a-squirreling" as Ras. Boyd (whom I met calling up hogs in the woods,) termed it,--killed two.

        At night was at Lucas's with Dr. Lewis awhile--afterwards came home and told tales to the children.

December 19, 1862, Friday

        Rose this morning just before the first streak of day--air "eager and nipping," saw the "waning moon" just rising at day-dawn, or a few minutes before--got Henry up, and he and I started on a walk to Mrs. T. L. Thompson's and back home by Pierce Dickens' old place, along the ridge, down by Baccus's, and home.

        After breakfast took a delightful walk down by Mrs. Meek's--thence to Shoat old place, and back home by Price's old field--weather delicious, clear, mild, sunny and life-inspiring. Had a glass of egg-nogg this morning--had a turkey with condiments, (as Tom Corwin's landlady said) for dinner--After dinner took my gun and went hunting with Al, killing one squirrel--she captured a cargo of sweet-gum, on the banks of Yockanookany--At night John Hunt stayed here--

        This is my birthday and wife and children have been helping me to celebrate it, thus attaching me


                        "To that dear home, that saving ark,
                        Where love's true light at last I've found,
                        Cheering within when all grows dark,
                        And comfortless, and stormy round."


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        Today has been as faultless as any we ever see at this season in this clime.

December 20, 1862, Saturday

        Another most lovely day--some business in the Probate Court relating to the confirmation of division of personalty, and application for partition of lands.

        At night was at Lucas's, where was Dr. Lewis--Jim Presley eat dinner here with us.

December 21, 1862, Sunday

        A gloriously pleasant day--walk in the morning out west, around by Mrs. Jackson's--returning met Frank Olive with Lucas. D. came home with me, and recounted his quarrel with Atwood yesterday, or day before.

        A. and I took a long walk out west--across railroad, thro' old pine thicket into field west of Jackson's, as far as the Ross field-- got home a little after sunset.

December 22, 1862, Monday

        I have lately read Prentiss's and also Webster's addresses on this anniversary, also the other elegant extracts from Everett, Dewey, Pierpont, Greenwood et al. on the same subject. Went a-squirreling.

December 23, 1862, Tuesday

        Weather warm and pleasant--Yesterday Henry & Prew. Brown came here to consult me on a will case (Wm. Brown's will)--At night Henry, Alice and myself walked over to Price's and back. Hathorn eat dinner here.


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December 25, 1862, Thursday

        Negroes a-hauling wood--dull--some dancing at night--Walked with children around by Academy & Campbell's home.

December 26, 1862, Friday

        Negroes a-hauling and cutting wood--threatening rain--At Lucas's at night where were Col. Wasson and Bev. Hines--family all gone from there. At night it rained.

December 27, 1862, Saturday

        Rainy in morning cleared off P. M.--then shower and wind--then clear again. Dickerson eat dinner here. Clear, beautiful starlit night.

December 28, 1862, Sunday

        Clear and pleasant--walked with "Hun" & "Pooce" out to the other side of Hall's--met Dan Comfort who recounted his horse trouble with Bustamaule--Dave Comfort's funeral sermon preached by Mr. Alexander-- the girls (except Jenny) and I walked out to the Shoat old place, thro' the woods, and along on the ridge home by Price's. P. at work a-shoe-making.

December 29, 1862, Monday

        At night was at Lucas's, where were John Toler, Jo Thompson, Ben Clark and Sweatt--also Dr. Lewis of course--talk of the Mabry money which Casey was charged with stealing. It rained as I was coming home.


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December 30, 1862, Tuesday

        Hun's birthday--she is seven years old--turkey for dinner-- old man Fletcher here--coolish--finished cutting up our wood-pile.

December 31, 1862, Wednesday

        At night was at old man Allen's, where was old Andy Addkison who gave us many a tale of the "yearly" times--told of a man named Hunter, a school-teacher, who was hung in Yazoo County--hogs eating his head-- some man gathered up the head, put it in a nail-cask, and buried it. Bob Perkins and his shooting the horse, while the rider was pacing him along the street--of Kosciusko, at an "yearly" day--the Regulators-- Tom Potter et al.--the springs, reed-brakes and cane--of old Choate and the suspicions told by Sugg--of the hurricane which swept along the Conn's Ferry road about 1833.


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1863

January 1, 1863, Thursday

        Did not feel well--head-ache--old man Fletcher poking about on his crutch--a sharp, frosty morning--

January 2, 1863, Friday

        Staid about the house most of the day--children hauling wood, which is now all cut up, on a wagon--just at night a hard rain set in.

January 3, 1863, Saturday

        It rained hard last night, and all day today. Jim Mathis here. At night I was at Lucas's when Nathan Murff came in--warrant for old man Bentley. Alice went yesterday to Mrs. McKinney's and stayed till

January 4, 1863, Sunday

        Clear and pleasant--read till 12 o'clock and then walked with Henry out by Mrs. Jackson's, and beyond, through the old fields.

January 5, 1863, Monday

        Today old man Biggs and Sam Jennings had a quarrel about Biggs's sons going to the war, and the war generally. So Fletcher arrested the old man, and they started to take him to Brookhaven or Jackson. They stopped at Teague's, where Biggs gave them the slip at night, and reached here at about 2 o'clock A. M. having walked from Teague's--

        Old man Bentley was tried for stealing his step-daughters' (Lucy Bronson Arnold's) negroes, Oldecop presiding. Bentley discharged--


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Hemphill prosecuting--Payne's wife and the Murffs all here--B. & wife stayed here.

January 6, 1863, Tuesday

        Bentley and wife left before breakfast, going to Greenwold's-- conjux and children nearly all sick yesterday and today--was at Lucas's at night where he expressed his admiration of King Lear--especially of the Fool therein. At our house today he looked at the Stratford Gallery. Mother and children nearly all sick.

January 7, 1863, Wednesday

        A clear, cool, bright, sunny day--in the morning read King Lear suffered from lameness of the back--children sick from Cholera morbus.

January 3, l863, Thursday

        Read Duychink's Cyclopedia of American literature--lameness of back. Old parson Kelly died this morning. Reynard A. Woolley died on Friday last, Jan'y 2nd, having become crushed by a log on a cart, against a post. Wash Hudspeth died recently at Werrona--it rained awhile today--cool.

January 9, 1863, Friday

        Cloudy--warm--rained heavily at night--drew declaration in the case Bentley & Wife vs Murff & Wife, for slander.

        At night was at Lucas's, where the news was read and discussed-- am suffering these days from pain in the back and hip.

January 10, 1863, Saturday

        After the heavy rain of last night, it has cleared off very


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beautiful--coolish--suffering from my back. Nothing new a-stirring--

        Gregory Jim killed in battle at Murfreesboro.

January 11, 1863, Sunday

        I learned from Lucas the other night that "old Enos" had lost $500. which he had in his pocket, wrapped up in a mink-skin, consisting of Confederate money.

        Last night I was at Lucas's awhile--about the buttons the preacher saw on the guests at a wedding in Arkansas, "regular, irregular & defective--about many people treating time as money, and paying their debts in that currency--

        A beautiful, starlight night was last night. Today the weather is clear, beautiful, sunny. Alexander preached from

        Lucas was telling a tale last night to the effect that Joab accused old Tom Ford of selling sugar at 4 bits a pound. Ford denied it, and appealed to Jim Taylor, by whom he proved it was only 2 bits. Joab replied that it was one half dirt, and that made the sugar cost 4 bits. My back quite lame today.

January 12, 1863, Monday

        Clear, beautiful, sunny day. As Wood said of yesterday, "Like Italy." At night was at Lucas's awhile--today accounts from Battle at Murfreesboro' representing sundry persons from this County killed, came to hand.

January 13, 1863, Tuesday

        Cloudy--hauled wood from fence to house--Jeff Riley here at


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dinner--Saw old man Herring and bargained for pork.

        Stayed at home at night.

January 14, 1863, Wednesday

        Windy (S. E.)--warm--threatening rain--it did rain last night, a little--this afternoon it rained the whole time, and also at night-- a perfect deluge.

January 15, Thursday, 1863

        A cold, wet and unpleasant day--about noon it snowed briskly for awhile--At night went down to Lucas's but no one was at home--all was dark and I returned.

January 16, 1863, Friday

        This morning the ground was covered with snow--a cold day-- stayed in the house and read Don Quixote. At night was at Lucas's-- he and Lewis there--rest at John Wasson's wedding, who married Martha ("Puss") Smith yesterday--talk about snakes a-freezing--animals hibernating & c. Clear & cold at night.

January 17, 1863, Saturday

        This morning just about sunrise the thermometer, which I hung out last night on "the Big Oak" indicated 20° above zero. Clear, sharp, cold--went to Lucas's in the morning and got 78 star candles for $7.15--55 cts. a pound--13 lbs--

        Meyer killed an ox, and Henry attended and got some beef, which


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he and Jno. Blockinger bro't home--Snow on the ground all day, though it is gradually disappearing--dipped into Don Quixote.

January 18, 1863, Sunday

        Read Don Quixote in the morning, after children had read their three chapters in the Testament--P. M. walked with Henry through the woods down to Mrs. Treat's old place 2 miles west of town.

        After my return walked with Lucas around by Roby's field via the Tipton houses--saw where somebody had been stealing wood off the Ross land.

January 19, 1863, Monday

        Last night it rained--today it was rainy and unpleasant--cold-- Probate Court--but few persons present.

January 20, 1863, Tuesday

        Cold--Probate Court in session--Henry Brown gave me a long account relative to his brother's will (Wm's.)

January 21, 1863, Wednesday

        Letter from Sam Young today contains information of who were killed out of his company in the Murfreesboro' battle, namely--Wash Holloway, Bob McAdams, Andrew Lawrence, Jim Gregory, Sam Burt, Garland Bullock, Dick Mallet, Capt. Jno. Miller, Will Ashley, Burdine--15 were wounded among whom several were expected to die.

        Old Fletcher hunting lost money $4.70.

January 22, 1863, Thursday

        Yesterday we rec'd from old man Herring 4 hogs weighing 560 & costing 20 c a pound--$112. which we paid for (partly) in salt at 60° a pound.


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        Lucas and I went to Bigbee's--travelled with Flanagan & Campbell to the Atwood Fork--Cone, Jim Williams, Flowers & Jno. Adams there--cool at night.

January 23, 1863, Friday

        Sale at Major Walker's--rode over to the former residence of the Major in company with Jim Williams, and "the balance" of our crowd, a considerable crowd there--fire outside the house, and a few women sitting and standing around--left for home soon after 12 o'clock M.-- on the way L. pointed out a sugar maple tree in Pookter Swamp--L. tried his net on a flock of partridges, but caught only one.

January 24, 1863, Saturday

        Rain today & last night--filed petition in Probate Court relative to contesting Wm. H. Brown's Will. Saw Sternberger who is just back from Shelbyville, Tenn. he stayed at Schorn's while there. Said Aunt Sophia Davidson sent respects, & c.

January 25, 1863, Sunday

        A warm, damp, drizzly day--very muddy--"Nig Junior" missing-- P. M. walked with Lucas out to the Choate old place, near Coxe's, going through the woods--talk of trees--of the China trees growing near the site of the old house. Came back by Price's--along the Ridge-- beautiful green landscape view from Price's house to northward.

January 26, 1863, Monday

        Last night I was at Campbell's and saw Hall, ("trader") from


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Tennessee--long talk with him de varietate rerum--Today it has been warm, rainy and muddy in roads.

        At night children read "Three Warnings" and "Goody Blake & Harry Gill."

January 27, 1863, Tuesday

        Cool today--a few flakes of snow fell--copied a number of D'Israeli's gems into a Book, from old Journal--Steve came in and sat several hours discoursing de bello civili.

January 31, 1863, Saturday

        Bentley and Presley here together. Jim Mathis and Shrock, Carlile and Jack Evans at C. A. Ellis's corner just at dark--quarterly meeting at Lewis's at night. Fanny Kimbrough, Asbury et al ibi--

        Lewis sick for a day or two past with his old side pain.

February 1, 1863, Sunday

        Epidemic among negroes which Lewis thinks is rheumatism. Rain, rain, rain today--no meeting. Lucas and myself rode on horseback down to Raiford's, crossing at the Fletcher bridge near Fuller's old place-- very muddy and wet. "Cousin Phil" there--Stayed till about 8 o'clock, eating supper there. R. spoke of his return from Memphis where he has lately been--of soldiers, war, whisky & cotton--on leaving R's it was foggy--a few minutes after, rainy--then a white light before us-- then clear moonlight and cold.

February 2, 1863, Monday

        Cold--clear--then cloudy--then rain--At Lucas's at night.


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February 3, 1863, Tuesday

        Cold. At Lucas's at night. Coleman here, who said some runaway negroes in Choctaw had come in and reported the woods so full of runaway white men that there was no room for them.

        Lucas read to L. and me the captured correspondence of Benjamin et al to Mason and Slidell.

February 4, 1863, Wednesday

        Cold--Snow--sleet--rain--hail. Dickerson here and eat dinner-- talk about Dick Woolley who has recently been among the Feds. in Tennessee--

        Betsy's calf died last night--Henry skinned it today.

February 5, 1863, Thursday

        Last night was a dismal one. Snow on the ground--an ice-cold rain a-falling in torrents, and (till bedtime) the wind blowing a gale from the N. E. This morning is cheerless enough--dark, cold, snowy, and a mournful wind. Got up at 1/4 past 4 A. M. and built a fire and read McCosh on the "Method of the Divine Gov't" which I borrowed from Parson Alexander.

February 6, 1863, Friday

        Last night was cold--thermometer 20° at sunrise this morning-- Was at Lucas's--tale about the falling into Mobile Bay 23 years ago tonight--A column of smoke seen today N. E. of here by myself, Atwood, Durham, Buffkin, et al.


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February 7, 1863, Saturday

        Roads bad, weather cold--Columbus Thompson & Chesley Bell have lately died--mortality among negroes--

        Was at Lucas's at night where was Jesse Kimbrough.

February 8, 1863, Sunday

        Walked out to Price's this morning and staid till near noon-- met Price's wife et al. on the way. "Love" there. Price showed me how to tell good sole-leather--

        Came home and eat a good turkey dinner. "Pretty Dooley" here-- Mild weather again--walk (P. M.) with "Pooce" "Hun" and Sally out west among the pines in the old field. "Gould" here recounting his troubles with Mrs. Roberts. Lucas to borrow Valland's speech.

February 9, 1863, Monday

        Bought of Jacob Meyer 34 yds calico at 10/--a yard = $42.50: also 6 lbs. of black flax thread at $12. a pound = 72$--Total $114.50.

        Conly at Lucas's at night, telling of Mercer County, Penn.

        "Old Fletch" here at dinner--death on souse--weather mild and pleasant with indications of more rain. Old Buzby here--Yockanookany Bridge broke down yesterday.

February 10, 1863, Tuesday

        A warm and pleasant day, though cloudy. Yesterday evening at Simon's Wm. Riley gave us sundry exhibitions of his pictorial skill, in drawing horses, hogs, monkeys, dogs, etc.--Today I sold to Ellis


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5 bunches out of 6 of my flax thread for what I gave for it,--$72.-- making 1 bunch clear.

February 11, 1863, Wednesday

        Last night old man Presley stayed with us, and talked abundantly.

        Today the militia were again drafted, all in a heap--Weather warm, and debilitating.

        Mrs. Col. Hanna died yesterday--John Teague is dead--Tishemingo Bill Rimmer died of typhoid fever in hospital at Grenada, on Sunday the 8th Inst.

February 12, 1863, Thursday

        Rainy in the morning. Old man Presley, Tom & Olive here--petition for Charles's discharge--Went (P. M.) with A. over to Price's with book. Muddy & wet. At night at Lucas's a few minutes--L. gone to Georgia. Frank Campbell & Walker Wood started to the war (in a horn.)

February 14, 1863, Saturday

        A. wrote to Aunt "Marty," by Stan--Sent for Mobile Weekly Register by Stan. Old man Presley & Dickerson eat dinner here. D. on his way to Vaiden with petition for C. W. P.

February 15, 1863, Sunday

        Walked (P. M.) with Jno. C. out to the Ross place--rabbit in the old well--plum thickets--the pond--grape vine--oak trees--white? or post oak?--site of old brick kilns--ponds or pools--robins a-feeding --the joree--returned by Mrs. Jackson's, Greer's and widow


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Comfort's--At night walked out to Price's with Henry--dark and muddy--disagreeable walk.

February 16, 1863, Monday

        Probate Court--rainy--old man Presley and Norman Weatherby eat dinner here today. Wrote out Acct. for D. Ayers. Dickerson just from Vaiden stayed here at night, it rained all night long.

February 17, 1863, Tuesday

        Rain, rain, rain--an awful time--D. left to go home via Presley's Bridge. Col. Andrew Hanna died today. One of his daughters (Stella,) died Saturday or Sunday--his wife one week ago, and several of his negroes recently.--It rained all day today, and when I went to bed it was still raining, having rained incessantly since Monday morning.

        Ellis was telling of his having read a tale or an account lately of a man being exhumed from a coal-mine where he had been buried many years; of his coming out fresh and undecayed, & youthful in appearance; and of persons gathering to see the body, among whom was a woman old; decrepit & wrinkled, who recognized the body as that of her lover, who had perished when she was a young girl.

        Galloway said old man Dean alone (now 97 years olf this month) realized to his fancy the pictures of old age drawn by Shakspeare--

        Had a hard cramp at night in my left leg.

February 18, 1863, Wednesday

        A cloudy, disagreeable day. In the afternoon Lucas and I walked


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to Yockanookany, and went over on the fallen bridge. On the other side Keith, old Bill Herod and a negro were at work on the new timbers. Water high, but not so high as I have seen it. On our return we met on the fallen portion of the bridge, Allen Dodd, between whom & Lucas a conversation ensued as to grafting, Dodd having a lot of old Gould's early apple trees in his hand. Was at Lucas's awhile at night.

February 19, 1863, Thursday

        A beautiful, sunshiny day--went late in afternoon to Price's, where was Buell a-carding cotton. She inquired about Horace Maynard--

        Was at Lucas's at night--checkers--

February 20, 1863, Friday

        Thirty-four years ago today my Mother died. She was born March 27th 1787--Died Feby 20th (Friday) 1829.

        This has been a very pleasant day--clear, and sunny and windy.

        Bentley and wife here today--rumors of Abram Meyer & Lewis Glazier being hung for trading with the "innemy."

        At night was at Lucas's, where Tom Wasson et al played draughts. It was told there that Dr. Hughes's wife (Col. A. Hanna's daughter) was dead; also Frank Peeler's wife and Thos. Black--all perhaps of cerebro-spinal memingitis.

February 21, 1863, Saturday

        Last night at dark and even at bedtime, it was clear and pleasant, but before morning it rained hard, and heavy thunder rolled "loud, deep and long." today it was dark & rainy--old man Presley was here, and


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appears much disturbed by Davis's a Centre Jayhawkers who had been through his neighborhood, a-hunting up and arresting various persons-- Jeff Reynolds among the number--At night was at "old Gould's" awhile, where he told me Jim Shuler had shot himself near Ashley's, to keep from going to the war. I saw him last Sunday night at Price's, on his way down.

February 22, 1863, Sunday

        A cool but pleasant day--read Boswell's Johnson--after dinner walked with children over to the pine thicket west of town. Pooce's shoe kept her troubled.

February 23, 1863, Monday

        Board of P. in session--clear but cool--went with Bob Mosby out to Price's to take his affidavit--At Lucas's at night.

February 24, 1863, Tuesday

        Went in company with Jno. C. out to William McAdory's, where I wrote his will--after which I returned via Richberg's shop in company with Frank Howard as far as Mrs. Stuckey's--found Williamson very sick. Bigby and wife there--also Sam Murff & old man Howard. Rocky Point is the picture of dilapidation--everything in ruins--reached home about 1/2 past 7 at night.

February 25, 1863, Wednesday

        Our pleasant weather is gone again--yesterday was delightful, but today is cloudy and an unpleasant, rain-forboding wind blows from S. E.


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        Just at night it commenced raining, and such a rain!

February 26, 1863, Thursday

        The hardest rain of the winter, I think, fall last night, mixed with a good deal of thunder and lightning. Today Dr. Lewis and myself rode to Williamson McAdory's. "Richard" along--I rode Lucas's sorrel, when we had got as far as Winters's lane, a storm burst upon us, when we stopped, and waited till it was over, some three quarters of an hour, it was the hardest rain I have been in for many a long year. I sat on my nag, which turned tail to the storm--Lewis got down, & Dick stuck to his saddle. After it was over we started on, and arriving at the Creek just this side of Burkettsville, we found it swimming--going up we found an impassable stream, and then bearing still further to the right, we reached Bill Holland's, who by a "blind way," directed us to Savage's--thence we passed through his lane, (Dick moving out the fence which had been moved into the road,) and got into Rockport & Louisville road, thence to McAdory's at about 4 P. M. having left at 20 m. past 10 A. M. & travelled 17 or 18 miles to go 12. Found Jim McAdory's children there, also Henry Brown's wife, & Lou McAdory. I sat up with Lewis till 1 o'clock A. M. when L. & I lay down and slept till daylight of

February 27, 1863, Friday

        Bigby, and Dr. Land (whom L. pronounced to have a funny physiognomy) came in--Codicil of W. McAdory written and executed--Lewis & I left coming by way of Burkettsville--fording our yesterday's impassable


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stream, thence by Camp Ground, Bill Holland's, Bob McAfee's, Mrs. Harrell's & Groves's, home at about 1 P. M. Beautiful view from hill-top near McAfee's (just the other side)--Tired, sore & affected with head-ache P. M. Ike Dean here, & begged two loads of powder. Richardson here, getting up his petition for a new draft, to Gen. Winter.

February 28, 1863, Saturday

        High water everywhere with prospect of more rain--working streets between McAdory's & Gould Campbell's, where the late rains have washed horrid gulleys.

        No mails these days. Detegi puerum in crimine-furts. Ambulavi cum illo in sylvas, locutus sum cum illo de malo,--illum castigavi, et promisit abstinere ab furto et omnibus aliis malis transgressionibus.

        At night the mind veered about into the N. W. or N. and the air suddenly became cooler and more windy. Read Boswell at night awhile.

March 1, 1863, Sunday

        A clear and pleasant but cool day. Weather in great contrast to that just passed. Children read 3 chapters in Acts. I read awhile in Boswell's Johnson--Frank Irving came in--read Bryant's "March"-- word "durance" in late editions--read Horace Smith's "First of March." Read some samples of Rejected Addresses--walked then to Yockanookany with him--repeated "The Land of Dreams" which Frank highly commended-- crossed on the fallen bridge. Met a crowd of boys on the bridge--then went to the old mill. F. pointed out an old box thrown into the water by the boys. Maple trees red with buds, and blooms--plum-trees flowering & fragrant near Mrs. Bryan's. Bill Young and Dave Ackroid there at the bridge--on returning Frank Olive came over, and sat awhile,


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drinking two glasses of whiskey, and giving his views of the war, government, and what is to be--as Jno. Cone says: "Present situation and futur prospects." Had the last turkey for dinner today--

        Children went to Bap. Church to hear Freeman.

        In afternoon Lucas came along, and proposed to go to the Creek. We rode most of the way, the little boys going along with us, some riding behind us. We met Judge Huntington just at the bridge, Keith & Herod packing his luggage. On the bridge we saw Mrs. Wood & Mrs. Boyd. We went to Day's old field--to the bridge which was once used, to the fine white sand, in the banks of which we saw the swallow-holes, over the old bridge, while standing upon which Lucas gave expression to sundry opinions on bridge building--to the sweet-gum saplings gnawed off by beavers--to the spring in the bank--to the orchard where L. pulled up a number of apple-sprouts, to the black haw-trees--to the old red mill, wher[e] the Dutchman got his dog hung.

        We brought home some weeping willow twigs, some of which L. gave away to some female at the grave-yard. We measured the circumference of the weeping-willow, and found it to be about 7 feet & 10 inches.

March 2, 1863, Monday

        John Adams & Henry Fancher here this morning & told of the death of Tom Black & a son of Zeke Bridges, of meningitis. Stokely White just from Tenn. says yt. Ed Cooper's wife died while he was there, of consumption. Ed adheres to U. S, but acts as mediator & friend of partisans on both sides. Henry Cooper & Tom Roane are with the Feds.


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        Clear and cool today-- P. M. walked out to Price's. P. walked back with me as far as Newell's--at night was at Post Office--6 Appeals at once.

March 3, 1863, Tuesday

        Yesterday morning Green Woolley came in and bored me an hour or so, being on his way to the war, since the breaking up of Fort Weems-- Today Judge Huntington & "Curt" Bryett sat awhile, and (P. M.) Burrill Pearce came in and detailed his domestic infelicities--

        At Court House awhile--pleasant walk among the pines westward. Cool--at Lucas's at night--draughts. Clear & cool.

March 4, 1863, Wednesday

        Stokely White informed me the other day that old Capt. Clark (Bob) died in Bedford Co. Tenn. a few weeks ago while he was there. He had one night arranged it to go in the morning to Shelbyville, with his daughter (Jno. Hutton's wife) and was urging an early start. He then went to bed, and was found dead in his bed.

        At night Mrs. Lucas informed me that Josiah had informed her yt. Uriah Whatley's house was blown away on Thursday last, a child holding an infant in her arms was killed, another grown child of his so badly injured as not to be expected to recover, and himself much hurt.

March 5, 1863, Thursday

        At night, at L's, where L. regaled us with the account of his horse having been stolen the night before from Mrs. Kimbro's stable--of trailing him through fields and floods.


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March 6, 1863, Friday

        Tom Wasson got me to go down at night & beat Jones, a-playing draughts--played 25 games, beating him 21. Lucas off on hunt of his horse--thunder heavy and rain at night. Walked out to Ellis's this evening, and he told me of his lameness, and gave his views de bello civili. He spoke of Rosecranz's letter.

March 7, 1863, Saturday

        Beat Jones at Simon's, a number of games at draughts this morning-- found in the mud a gold dollar, which I handed to Jno. Riley, he claiming to have lost one. Warm & wet--

        Benj. F. Brown died yesterday--Lucas returned today from a fruitless search for his horse--Children vaccinated by Dr. Anderson.

        Read Webster's 7th of March speech.

March 8, 1863, Sunday

        Walked out to Price's in the morning--returning, I plucked a maple bough, and bro't it home, a beautiful thing.

        At night "thunder, lightning, wind and rain."

March 9, 1863, Monday

        Cool--hunted out and traced up quotations from Ovid--after supper was at Lucas's. Brown here today. Sam Young told me de populo in Shelbyville--Campbell boards at Mrs. Wisener's--W. is in Nashville-- Tom Caldwell having been entangled in the nets of "a detective" was undergoing a trial.


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March 10, 1863, Tuesday

        Rainy all day, nearly--Mrs. John B. Hemphill died today (her birthday) of consumption, aet. 30 years.

March 11, 1863, Wednesday

        Henry went to Atwood's with a turn of corn--came home without meal, & has to go back after it tomorrow--Studying drafts after Hoyle--

        Clear and sunshiny.

March 12, 1863, Thursday

        Clear & sunny. Henry went on Steve's horse after his meal to Atwood's.

March 13, 1863, Friday

        Firing of cannon heard all day--fighting supposed to be at Greenwood--At Lucas's at night--Clear and pleasant--

March 14, 1863, Saturday

        At night was at Gould Campbell's, where Jno. Davis, (brother to "old Mart,") of Winston told news of Federal repulse at Greenwood yesterday --said his Mother was 100 years old 26th of Feb'y last, and was still active and could see and hear well,--said old William Davis ("Beehunter") was found dead near Robertson road last summer. Spoke of Dr. Dodson as being a very mean man--a liar, mischief maker, swindler and dog, generally--told about his giving "Bill Gamblin" some dirt pills, for which Bill whipped him at a muster last summer. D. hollowed "Enough:" but nobody interfered till D. called out, "Men! what are you thinking of?"


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March 15, 1863, Sunday

        Last night and today read Macaulay's essay of Addison--Frank Irving came in, and he and I walked out west through various old fields, home by "Dog Thompson's"--and got sprinkled with rain--read (because Alice said preacher Perry spoke of it,) Percival's "Suicide"--

        Walked with girls to the mound, thence to Dick's wheat field, the Adams place, and home. At night walked with "Steve" down to McCary place, and on way home saw a man with torch and carriage drawn by mules, with woman, he going before to light the way, trying to find Dr. Lewis's.

March 16, 1863, Monday

        A beautiful day--Probate Court--Mrs. B. F. Brown took out letters on her husband's estate.

March 17, 1863, Tuesday

        John Hanna and Alston & Spiva were here today to probate Andrew Hanna's Will--At night I was at Campbell's where I saw Dyer, who had previously called on me at "our house"--talk about W. H. Brown's will which is being contested.

March 18, 1863, Wednesday

        Today the will case was tried--Dyer & myself for contestants, Hooker pro testamentes--witnesses: Parson, Lloyd, Bob & S. H. Clark, Drs. Sallis & Barksdale. Henry B. Brown was rejected by Scarborough because of interest--Burt, Frank Jennings, D. L. Smythe, Rosser, John Riley, Jim Taylor, Lucas, Jno. Atkins, John Harrington & c. Jurors--drawn by


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lot out of those summoned--witnesses all supported the will--Jury found for it. Dyer spoke first, Hooker next--then after supper I spoke, very much to my own satisfaction, all things considered.

        After case was decided, I went over and sat awhile with Dyer at hotel. D. said the 5000$ draft of West to Wood was for paying expenses attending prosecution of Ogle.

March 19, 1863, Thursday

        Children under influence of vaccination. Bill Buzbee came home from Militia camp at Vaiden & there seems to be a general scatterlophistication of "milish"--Old man Allen, Frank Jennings & myself at Riley's, upstairs, looking at the last remnants of the clothing--

        At night was at Lucas's where was "Meredy Sweatt"--L. read a little in Cooper.

March 20, 1863, Friday

        Henry sick last night and today from dabbling in the water--very warm--read Boswell--walked out to Price's after supper--new moon dimly seen--very warm--lightning in N. W.

March 21, 1863, Saturday

        At night went down the road in direction of Groves's, where "Col. Clements" and a lad he called "Wm." struck up a fire to camp by. C. gave me an account of his trip to Covington, La., with Simpson. Henry came down to tell me Price wanted to see me, his house having been entered today, and a pistol stolen. P. and myself went down to Mosby's,


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where I turned back--England's tabia, 25$ g'll'n. Garden ploughed.

March 22, 1863, Sunday

        Read sketches and anecdotes of Curran, Grattan, Barrington, Flood, et al. Sheil's Sketches & c. P. M. Walked out to Price's-- thence to Bill Young's Mill--Maxwell's--Distillery--Godbolt's headquarters on railroad excavations--thence home. Boswell at night.

March 23, 1863, Monday

        Rain--mud--floods--in town awhile. Ellis a-reading Bible, then Peter Parley. I read Boswell. Parson Hill and Duffy here.

March 24, 1863, Tuesday

        Heavy rains--Curran, Flood, Grattan, O'Connell, Sheil--Was at Lucas's at night. L. said that on Sunday last, he was at Pilgrim's Rest Church, where Joel Wilson announced that Friday the 27th Inst. would be fast day, and desired to know if members of Church thought it best to meet on that day for religious services. He quoted a passage of scripture, calling on Joel Harvey to know if that was not so. Harvey replied as follows: "I have no objection to meeting and praying. That's all right enough. But I don't intend to fast and pray just because Jeff Davis tells me to do so. When they were instigating this war, they didn't call on the Churches to pray them into it; and now they needn't call on them to pray 'em out of it. I don't owe allegiance to Jeff Davis nor Abe Lincoln."


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March 25, 1863, Wednesday

        Judge Huntingdon & Jno. Gilliland called. G. wants to read law again--H. told of a great "emente" at Dartmouth, in which the students, under the advice of Ezekiel Webster, baffled the faculty in their efforts unjustly to punish a student on suspicion of having rolled a log down the college stairs. Yesterday it hailed, one shower was sufficient to whiten the ground. A very heavy rain yesterday--cool today.

March 26, 1863, Thursday

        "He again advised me to keep a journal fully and minutely, but not to mention such trifles as that meat was too much or too little done, or that the weather was fair or rainy."

        Was at Lucas's at night. Bill Steen was here today in town, and amused us much by his buffoonery--Henry missing with gun at night.

March 27, 1863, Friday

        Day appointed for general fast--rose before day--walked out back of Bap. Church before breakfast. After breakfast walked out back of, around and beyond Price's to the old Shoat field--along the ridges to the C[r]own's Ferry road--called at Rice's--got my boats--

        Irving told me he had once been at Drane's where old man & "Virge" with two others were playing cards together--that the old man cursed Virge & accused him of cheating, while "Virge" cursed back & told old man to catch him at it.

March 28, 1863, Saturday

        Williamson McAdory died yesterday, having been sick two months--


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is to be buried at Bethel today.

        I was in town this afternoon when an angry cloud came rushing up from N. W. followed by heavy rain--Was at Lucas's at night--read from Richmond Enquirer Gen. Rosecranz's letter to Indiana Legislature about the war--Came home from L's when it was thundering & raining.

March 29, 1863, Sunday

        Last night I was awakened by the violence of the wind from E. & N. E. slamming, window blinds, & shaking whole house, tried in vain to fasten blinds--chilly wind. Frank Irving came in, and while speaking of the storm last night we referred to Addison's famous simile about Marlborough, the angel, "pale Brittania," & c. comparing with it the criticism in Johnson's Life of Addison, with original, & with Macauley, Whately and Curran. Walked down to bridge & across, Olive being along-- trees lying across the road.

March 30, 1863, Monday

        Last night was at Lucas's--He had just returned from "Bethel," where Williamson McAdory was this day buried. Today bitter cold-- tonight at P. O. first--2 "Appeals," -- & then to Lucas's where papers were read, & discussed.

March 31, 1863, Tuesday

        Old man Biggs bro't me a side of leather--$5--anybody else $10.

        Last night Jenny almost had the croup--Hun, Pooce & Jenny all sick--hard frost this morning.


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April 1, 1863, Wednesday

        Cool--windy--last night while at Lucas's we heard distinctly the roar of cannon off S. W., as it seemed. Kern & Dr. Lewis present.

        "Come out of that shawl," said girls to Mrs. Price--

        Children not well.

April 2, 1863, Thursday

        Clear--cool--windy--Jim Lewis informed me yt. one of our cows was down and couldn't get up--went down to see about it--not ours.

        Rolla brought up a load of meal from Bates's mill--hunted cows after supper, walking around by Lucas's & Tipton field.

April 3, 1863, Friday

        Clear, cool & windy again. Pooce & Jeannie sick. Pooce "trowin up" and wanting water nearly all night. Was at Lucas's awhile a-reading Appeal and commenting thereon.

        Simon just from Memphis reports that he saw Harlow, Wood & Frank Campbell there. Wood drunk a good deal of the time. Old Alf. Robertson told me he had been up at Bolivar, Tenn. lately, and told me how he managed to get along--went via Houston, Pontotoc, New Albany, Ripley, & c. returning headed the Tallahatchie.

April 4, 1863, Saturday

        Clear & cool--in the evening walked down to the mound, & home via Dick's wheat-field. A. M. read in Boswell's life of Johnson.

        Pooce still sick--gastritis--


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April 5, 1863, Sunday

        Clear and cold--Walked out to burying ground in the morning-- finished Boswell, Mrs. Piozzi's Anecdotes of Johnson--at night read Macaulay's Biographical sketch of Johnson.

        Mrs. Beacham and Artilla here at dinner--the latter staid and went to preaching. I was at Huntington's room awhile at night-- deaf, very deaf.

April 6, 1863, Monday

        Cool--clear--mudy--Isaac Simon, Frank Olive & Old Judge here this morning while children were reciting.

April 7, 1863, Tuesday

        Clear, cold and windy, every day of late. Last night Sally was taken with vomiting, headache, pain in breast & side. Alice & Henry, only, recited. Price's at night.

April 8, 1863, Wednesday

        Henry went to visit his fish-lines at the Creek this morning before breakfast--returning, he recited alone, Sally & Alice both being sick, the latter with the ear-ache. After school Henry went to Creek, taking the gun, along with Frank Irving & "John D."--he returned away after dark, quite sick, having a chill on him. Mrs. Price & Mrs. Martin here. Henry delirious--they left after ten o'clock. Sally, Alice & Henry all sick. I was at Lucas's and saw Lewis--asked him to call in morning.


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April 9, 1863, Thursday

        Clear & cool, still--Lewis called, prescribed for the sick-- ipecace in small quantities--all sick but Mary, Pooce, Jenny & myself. Sally & Henry sick enough.

        Lucas called and paid me $125. N. O. Bills for $250. Confed. he owed me--Lewis called again at 5 P. M.--prescribed mush poultice for Sally--nitre for Henry. Old Hunt left for Carthage.

April 10, 1863, Friday

        Coolish--Children apparently not improving--ipecac, nitre (for Henry) mush poultices, flax-seed tea, oil occasionally, prescribed by Lewis. They complain of pain in breast & side--rattling sometimes in throat. Sally says she can't "draw a big breathe."

        Old man Presley here awhile, during which "old Gould" brought me $100. in silver from Huntington. Frank Irving here till 1/2 past 10 at night. Steve came in to borrow $20. N. O. money.

April 11, 1863, Saturday

        Henry much improved--Sally still quite sick, and dosed with calomel today, as Henry was yesterday. Cloudy most of the day and quite warm--Took a long walk with Dave Lindsay down the "Trace," over to the Choate old field where Munson's "old Lewis" dug for the buried money-- thence along the ridge, around by Price's home--heard the clatter of Bill Young's Steam-mill--plucked a honey-suckle bough, and gave it to E. at Hotel. L. came home with me, looked at my books--took two drinks of tafia--received back from Judge H. my Buttman's Grammar & Donnegan's


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Lexicon, lent to him years agone--rained at night.

April 12, 1863, Sunday

        Last night's rain has caused vegetation to shoot out with great rapidity & luxuriance--in my walk this morning by the hotel (Railroad) Jim Taylor told me of Eli McWhorter's absquatulation--Walked with Frank Irving, and [he] and I walked out East as far as the Beech Ridge in edge of Yockanooky swamp. After dinner I tried to read a little, but could not do much at it. Walked solus around Lucas's Ross field by the Tipton old place, and found L. there--Walked with him to Yockanookany bridge, & back, reaching home just at night--found Lewis here.

        Sally is no better, after taking calomel yesterday and oil last night, she seems much weakened. The same fever, hurried breathing, moaning, unquenchable thirst, still continue. Today she has been taking ipecac, and at night spirits of nitre. She gave me her ring today to keep for her.

April 13, 1863, Monday

        Last night mater gave Sally water frequently through the night, poor patient sufferer!--her mouth is sore. She coughed last night more, and with less expectoration than for some days past--Mater with cough and cold--myself with cold and catarrh in head--profuse perspiration last night--cool today--Took axe and went out to Ellis's and got some slippery elm bark--Was at Lucas's at night--cool--pain in my head-- bathed feet in hot water.

From April 14, Tuesday, to May 1, 1863, Friday,

        I have not been


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out of the house--lying in bed--oil--ipecac--mustard to back of neck--calomel--seidlitz powders--pain in head--roaring in the ears-- deafness--on the evening of May 1st I ventured out--saw old John Allen sick in bed.

May 2, 1863, Saturday

        During my sickness Grierson made his raid through the State, producing a big scare--tales of hiding bacon--boxing up goods-- hiding--fleeing--Walked about a little.

May 3, 1863, Sunday

        During my confinement read Macaulay's Hist'y of Eng. Read his Mackintosh, Hallam, Hampden & part of his Milton in the last day or two.

        Walk to Lucas's field and thence to road beyond Dick Sharkey's, old place--Coming home Groves overtook me and spoke of a spell of sickness affecting his sight--about age affecting his memory--of his otherwise vigorous health. Was at Lucas's awhile about supper time.

May 4, 1863, Monday

        Sale of Tax Lands--it is said that Dick Sharkey and Mike Hubbert are dead. Judge Bob Perkins died, I learn, in La. last fall. Frank Olive flourishing his dirk knife about today, drunk as a fool.

May 5, 1863, Tuesday

        Coolish today--read newspapers today--reports of warlike movements, such as the evacuation of Port Hudson, taking of Grand Gulf, & c.


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May 6, 1863, Wednesday

        Cool--at Lucas's at night--Jim Mathis there having first called in here--"Appeal" read over, and commented on.

May 7--8--9--, 1863

        For several days past quite cool, verging on frost--reports from Grand Gulf--Am reading Macaulay's Hist'y of Eng'd, am charmed with it--Am not well--head roaring--bowels somewhat wrong--conjux not well--tansy in tafia.

May 10, 1863, Sunday

        Read in Macaulay account of siege of Londonderry, & battle of Newton Butler--soldiers pressing horses at Presbyterian Church.

        At Lucas's tonight a report of Van Dorn's being killed was mentioned.

May 11, 1863, Monday

        Van Dorn reported killed by a Dr. Peters, who cut V's throat while in bed with P's wife--Getting up companies for home defence. Groves active--am still reading Macaulay.

May 15, 1863, Friday

        Today rumor after rumor comes in that "Jackson has gone up." Yanks occupied it yesterday. Stern & I walked out by Campbell's--fell in with Durham--we walked on till we met the hack from Canton--Old Gould, his steed and his prisoner.

May 16, 1863, Saturday

        Rumors & reports--all excitement. Walked out beyond Mrs. Meeks & back after supper.


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May 17, 1863, Sunday

         Walked out to the bridge & back beyond Mrs. Meeks' with "Frank"-- Old Nat Woodward here on his way to the army--At Lucas's at night, where was "old man Raiford" from Marshall.

May 18, 1863, Monday

        News of battle at Baker's Creek in Hinds Co. on Sat'y & Sunday.

May 19, 1863, Tuesday

        Anniversary of the Dark Day of 1780. Days now emphatically dark.

May 20--21--1863

        Old man Raiford ("Robt." near Bahalia, Marshall Cty.) left for his home--eat dinner (he, I & Phil.) at Lucas's--new potatoes, roast turkey & beets. Qu. at Price's 21st

May 22, 1863, Friday

        Finished Macaulay's Eng'd--5.vols. having read it consecutively.

May 23, 1863, Saturday

        Read in Macaulay's Miscellanies--War of Sp. Succession & article Marborough in Blackwood.

May 24, 1863, Sunday

        On Friday last (22nd) Henry went to Riley's (Jeff.) for load of corn for us--(20 bushels 40$)--Walked to Price's this morning & back-- read some articles in Living Age relating to Macaulay--"Highlands"--


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May 25, 1863, Monday

        Got up last night at 1 o'clock to drive hogs away from stable. Mrs. Wallace (Joe's widow) here with Mag. Winn.

        Was at Dr. Lewis's awhile at night with Lucas. Lewis abed sick.

        Lucas today rec'd news of his brother Jeff's death from a wound in battle at Chancellorsville or Fredericksburg.

May 26, 1863, Tuesday

        Played draughts with Zollicoffer at Simon's. At night was at Durham's awhile where Mrs. Nunally & Col. talked de bello et scholiis.

May 27, 1863, Wednesday

        Wife & children went to Ellis's P. M. Ellis suffering from his leg, broken many years ago--dry weather--a few drops of rain just at night.

May 28, 1863, Thursday

        Old man Bentley eat dinner with us today. Galloway's remark about Jim George's reading Scott's novels in camp. G. Bo't of W. J. Y. "Bulwer's Last Days of Pompeii"--2 vols $4.

        Checkers with Jim Smith--cool north wind.

May 29, 1863, Friday

        All praying for rain--at Campbell's saw and talked with Hanna after supper. H. (whom I am in the habit of consulting as to the Canton news de bello civili) gave me the rumors. Walked around by Jim Taylor's with Henry, & home by the Male Academy--fell in with D. B. C. who just


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from Canton brings latest reports--then at Lucas's.

May 30, 1863, Saturday

        A sprinkle of rain about noon--very dry. Presley showed me a bucket cetter--Tod from (near) Memphis here--he and Pete Myers swapping money.

May 31, 1863, Sunday

        Was at Dutch Store where was Lazanis just back from Mobile-- reports gold 6.50--N. O. bank paper 3.50--beef 1.50 a pound.

June 1, 1863, Monday

        Hot--am reading 1st vol. of Mahon's Hist'y of England. At Lucas's at night, after having seen Hanna from Canton & got his batch of items.

June 2, 1863, Tuesday

        Texas Cavalry here--Van Ness, Bell Co; Thomas Meigs, Co. E. Tennessee, relation of Wadleys, Bryce Wesley Hadriot, Jasper Co. (son of old Luke.) Teagarden from Sagamore Co. Ill. Collard (Lieut.) Corryel Co. and two others eat here. Lieut. Barnett killed at Davis's by being shot.

June 3, 1863, Wednesday

        Inquest over Lieut. Barnett, & his burial--Cloudy A. M.--

        Mahon, vol. 2nd treats of Walpole, Townesend, Bolingbroke, & Putteney, et al.--Old Enos at night from "Ittegwomby," eat dinner with us, gave an account of Federal raids up in North Miss.

June 4, 1863, Thursday

        Cool--very--A. M. Walk via Acad'y & back via hotel. Mahon--


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Pete Myres de homicidio du soldat--Soldiers still streaming towards Canton.

June 5, 1863, Friday

        At Lucas's A. M.--went to field where he was ploughing his corn-- strawberries at the house--he going to Durant for molasses--

June 6, 1863, Saturday

        Very warm & very dry--the drouth is ruining our little gardens--

        At night at Lucas's, he being just in from Durant--bo't molasses at D. for 2.50 a gallon. Turner back from Memphis.

June 7, 1863, Sunday

        Walked with Steve and Turner across Yockanookany bridge & back 2 1/2 or 3 miles. Mrs. Lucas took Qu. & Jennie over to old man Tipton's.

        P. M. Walked with Lucas out to old man Tipton's field after plums.

June 8, 1863, Monday

        Am reading Prescott's Ferdinand and Isabella--Old Enos here precisely at 12 o'clock M.

June 9, 1863, Tuesday

        Presley here P. M.--garden burning up with drouth--Went with girls to Tipton's field for plums. Reading Ferd. & Isabella.

June 10, 1863, Wednesday

        Last night an incessant blaze of lightning--late in night a shower, this morning a rain set in for some hours--gentle & refreshing--nothing


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to equal it--Ferd. & Isa. Jennings's "Ike" bro't me a sack of flour from Weatherly's Mill--Rode with Hanna at night.

June 11, 1863, Thursday

        "Ferd. & Isa." again--rain last night & this morning--at L's at night. Dr. there.

June 12, 1863, Friday

        Memphis Appeal turned up at Atlanta, Geo. Walk as far as Mrs. McCary's place with [gap] of Shelby Co. Tenn. who speaks of buying Town prop'y. Abram Meyer got home yesterday from Phila. N. Y. & Memphis--

        Turner spoke yesterday at C. H.--at night talked with "Stan" near "La Salle des Bachilliers."

June 13, 1863, Saturday

        More speechifying at C. H. by Turner, Wall & Ras. Boyd. At Lucas's at night--doctors operated on Ellis's leg yesterday. At night Lucas retailed Wyse's conversation, with whom he staid last night.

June 14, 1863, Sunday

        Walked at breakfast time down the Trace to bridge beyond Mrs. Meeks'--

June 15, 1863, Monday

        Probate Court--June 16--Irving's Life of W'n--June 17-- Anniversary of Bunker Hill--18--of Waterloo--19, 3 Appeals, 1 Mobile Adv. & 1 Rich. Enquirer--Bill Smith eat dinner with [us] bringing us a lot of eggs--20--was at L's at night--talked till after 10. Jim T. told me of T's antics while accompanying Mo. Wood to Grenada last Wed'y.


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June 21, 1863, Sunday

        Walked 1 1/2 miles & back below Mrs. Meeks'--cool & pleasant--

        At Lewis's P. M.

June 22, 1863, Monday

        Borrowed Frank Irving's big, brown horse to ride to Poplar Creek-- rode in company with Lucas to Fullilove's--met Ben T. Clark--passed Roby & uxor & Hammond a-talking in the road this side of Wells's--talk of Turner--of Hight & his farming--old Dan'l Mc--Stephens Peeler-- Jap. Bridges--fell in with Keith riding the mail--he stopped at Willis Hughes's to deliver letters--Met Prewitt in the road with load of wheat--Stopped at old man Herring's and got dinner--he told me Harris had been there yesterday for me--he made me out a map of my route to Poplar Creek--Keith and I left, going on by Ferguson's--one mile & a half beyond Herring's, I turned to left--rode on over the ridges, but got out of my way, & rode down by Rodgers's, Frainham's, Ellick Taylor's & Gregory's--crossed Poplar Creek, passing by Holloway's old place & Ward's to Garrard's. At Taylor's saw Jo. Irving--got a glorious drink of water fresh from Taylor & Trainham's Spring. At Garrards' were Wash Holmes, Anderson Austin, Bill White, Wylie, Dr. Geo. H. Dashner et femes. Harris had got there before me--his daughter Dolly (Dorothy G.) is widow of Wm. H. Garrard--division of property--supper--bed. Cool yesterday & today--pine-knot fire at night.

June 23, 1863, Tuesday

        Cool--honey, ham biscuit & rye coffee for breakfast--femme bien


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grosse avec une enfant.

        Started back--crossed Poplar--passed Gregory's,--who indulged in lugubrious gab--pleasant ride along the ridge. Missed the road in one place, and went out of the way a quarter of a mile to a gin-- my horse, to whose guidance I trusted, misled me. Cattle, with big flies on their noses, lying near the junction of my road with "the Trace," chewing lazily the cud--laughed at old taurus, sulky & sullen-- Saw old Ab Herring a-ploughing corn--chatted with him awhile de bello civili--passed on to Jo Chapman's--Jo ploughing with a colt in cornfield.

        Met cavalry--rode over to steam-mill, Veazey & Jim Mathis there. Went with Jim home to dinner, going by tan-yard--boy grinding bark-- fine spring--dinner--numerous chickens--back to tani-yard & store. Glasscock (Arch.) came in--death of Fayette, his son, announced to him, he said "They've got 'em all now." The war has carried off three of his sons. He said his "old woman" was not in very good health, "she studied too much about things." Jim and myself went down to where Lucas was ploughing out his corn, with his niggers and little boys. L. came on to town with me--fired at a hawk near Hight's--had a jug along, which he dropped repeatedly. Came by Duke's--saw (before this) Kugle ploughing out his corn--came near Nash's--travelled Nash's new road.

July 2, 1863, Thursday

        Ike Dean here at dinner--everything burning up with drouth-- just before night we had a glorious rain which saturated the parched earth--nothing could be more welcome.


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July 6, 1863, Monday

        At Campbell's hotel awhile. Buck ibi, cum quo locutus sum for a long time--heard that Vicksburg had "gone up." "Great excitement," as poor "old Tam" used to say.

July 8, 1863, Wednesday

        Walked to bridge other side of Mrs. Meek's and waited for hack, got in as it came along & rode to town--Bill McClannahan along-- rumors about Vicksburg.

July 10, 1863, Friday

        After supper walked down Canton road to meet the hack but it didn't come up--met three soldiers--Mitchell from Louisville--

        Turned off at Ike's to go to L. I w'd sing "Peace to my troubled soul."

July 11, 1863, Saturday

        Scare among Dutch et al about the Yankees being at Burt's--many people in town. Presley eat dinner here--Wes. Quarles--hard rain.

July 12, 1863, Sunday

        Walked in morning out to Price's with Pooce & Hun--Sam Tittle there--came home through the woods--seed ticks--

        At night was at Lucas's--Jo Th. there. Lucas came up before night and sat in the gallery during a rain.

July 13, 1863, Monday

        A general run from the Yankees--wo[o]ds filled with wagons, mules and negroes--patrolled at night with "Stan," Riley, Bill Th. Hammond Parson, Alexander et al.


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July 14, 1863, Tuesday

        Last night walked out beyond Gould C's & found woods full of negroes camped--Nichols's, from Madison--Dolph & Galloway y yo went to Camp--road today full of fugitives.

        Mrs. Nancy Davis died yesterday near night aged about 67--buried today. Road lined with fugitives from the Yankees. Wall's tale about expelled pupil.

July 15, 1863, Wednesday

        Prisoners taken at V'burg report that Bob Campbell, Newt Towers, Sam Wallace, Rutherford, Jinkins, and Art Jennings are dead--killed or died in siege of Vicksburg--many paroled prisoners in town--curses agst. Pemberton.

July 16, 1863, Thursday

        Brunt's (John's) account of Vicksburg siege--old Presley & Charley eat dinner here--their quarrel with D. L. Smythe--

        Henry and I walked with Herring (Ike) at night.

July 17, 1863, Friday

        Old man Love is dead, so Sam tells me. At Lucas's awhile with "Stan" at night--fell in with "Buster" on our return, packing fodder-- stood at his gate and talked with him a long time--

July 18, 1863, Saturday

        Soldiers from V--g plodding their weary way homeward--two staid with us--Youngblood and Warren from Oktibbeha--Atwood here in the evening--was at Lucas's at night. Oswalt frm Choc.


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July 19, 1863, Sunday

        Dr. Bryan, & -- Fair, with 7 others, eat breakfast with us. Four Texas cavalry here, "on secret service"--they took, it is said, 5 or 6 pairs of boots & shoes from Peter Myres, in the morning, giving him in return, a horse. Martin spoken of as a "shay-hocker" by Jew Dutchman.

        After dinner walked with a crowd of returning paroled Vicksburg prisoners from Monroe County, as far as the Burnley old field, listening to their narrations respecting siege of V.--sat under a tree & rested.

        Returned in a light sprinkle of rain. Stopped at Lucas's, where Lucas told us the "shay-hockers" had been at Lazarus's--Came up into town about 4 o'clock. Parson Jones, from Canton, preached at Meth. Church. While sitting under shade of Harlow's old China trees, heard sound of Texas cavalry horn--saw Peter Myres going down street--he went into Simon's store, (having the key and unlocking the door himself,) called to Ike Simons, & the latter not hearing, Myres called on "Stan" to tell Ike to come there--"Stan" followed Ike towards the Methodist Church, whence he was not able to draw "Ike." "Stan" reported to Myres that "Ike" was gone to Church, & Myres then went into the house and shut the door. In a few minutes he came out, with a gun in his hand, & walked quickly up the street. Just as he stepped out into the street, the Texans, then coming up the street towards the hotel, hollowed to him to "halt." He took no notice of this call, but, without looking around, walked rapidly forward to his gate, opened it, & went around into his shop at the back door. The Texans galloped up behind him, alighted at steps of hotel, & surrounded the shop, one running through


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bar-room of hotel, & getting in the rear of the shop. One of [the] company rushed into the shop, it is said, when Myres shot him in the breast with a repeater. They shot at Myres, who ran out of his shop, along the street, and fell opposite to the door of Bill Young's Drugstore, being shot through the head, his brains shot out, & a piece of skull shot off. He lay with his head near the sidewalk, his body & feet extending obliquely from the sidewalk towards the middle of the street. A large quantity of blood had flowed out down the street, from his head. When I saw him he was breathing--stertorously--

        Walk with Lucas out to Groves's and back. At night was at Myres's shop where his corpse was lying--Dave Akroid & old Charles there--

        Went on with Henry to Campbell's where we stopped & chatted with Jim T. Alma G., Ellen & "Lessy."

July 20, 1863, Monday

        Fifteen years ago today we came to this place, & have resided here ever since.

        Peter Myres was buried today--Wall officiating, in the religious exercises--

        Meeting to expel whisky from the town--preacher from Clinton (Parrish) staid at Lucas's & gave a graphic picture of Federal robberies on Tallahatchie, where he had a farm--how they took his meat, meal, cattle & even clothing--The Hunt boys staid in the gallery and slept-- told of the killing of Dr. Booth in Canton by a Texas soldier, & c.

July 21, 1863, Tuesday

        A crowd of 29 soldiers, with guns, passed through town, deserters


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from Gen. Jo Johnston's army--the Hunt boys lay in the gallery last night and left this morning before breakfast--at L's at night-- debate about age of trees, & c.

July 22, 1863, Wednesday

        Sundry papers at the Post office. Lee back across Potomac-- great riot in N. Y.--at L's at night. Davis calls for all from 18 to 45 as conscripts--old Pres. here with carryall.

July 23, 1863, Thursday

        Young Phipps, from Yazoo City, staid here at night--pursuing stolen mules--his account of the Yankees' visit to Yazoo.

July 24, 1863, Friday

        Walked with Col. S. Durham to Rosser's field where Gaston & Bridges were threshing wheat--6 mules--very hot--we walked up to John Fausett's grave--Dispute with Galeppi about Swiss independence.

        At Lewis's at night.

July 25, 1863, Saturday

        Yesterday Bill Smith and wife eat dinner with us.

July 26, Sunday, 1863

        Irving's Astoria. Rain with wind, just at dinner.

July 27, 1863, Monday

        List of killed & wounded "Minute Men" reported--Killed: Newt


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Nash, Clen Black, A. J. Weeks, John Gilliland, Zay Fletcher:-- Phillips, Cone, & Towers missing--Cudge Davis (J. W.) since died.

July 28, 1863, Tuesday

        "Roe" Fuller just from Va.--wounded--Read at P. O. 2 articles about strengthening executive arm and giving dictatorial powers to Pres't--In Rich. Enquirer.

July 29, 1863, Wednesday

        Sinister reports about Morgan's raid into Indiana and Ohio, where his men have been mostly captured--

        Read Irving's Abbottsford & Newstead Abbey.

July 30, 1863, Thursday

        3 Newspapers bro't by McAdory from Mobile--a treat in absence of mails. Wasson at Lucas's at dinner--drafts--Morgan's disaster confirmed.

July 31, 1863, Friday

        On Saturday last died near this town Elisha Dean, Senior--born (dicitur) Feb. 13, 1766 - the oldest man hereabout--

        Alice went to Presley's on Wednesday. At Lucas's about M. Raiford there--drafts.

August 1, 1863, Saturday

        Very hot--mail once more from Louisville, P. M.--rain with constant thunder in afternoon. At Lucas's at night - late P. M. at


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Galloway's office where Buster & John Davis detailed many incidents in the Vicksburg siege.--Presley here--wrote to Alice.

August 2, 1863, Sunday

        Dickerson here at dinner--very hot--at old man Allen's a while. Walk after supper with children--Old man Campbell preached at Presbyterian Church.

August 3, 1863, Monday

        Lucas & Raiford gone to Sunflower--they started this morning. 50$ bill on Southern Bank of Ala. at Mobile for which I gave Lucas $150. Confed. Claitor here at dinner. Mosby mad about being advised to practice dentistry north of the Ohio.

        Henry Brown here eating peaches. Walk with Henry at night beyond Groves' s--"Cavalry a-coming"--lying down in bushes till they (carrige) passed--very hot.

August 4, 1863, Tuesday

        Very hot--death of Wm. L. Yancey & Jno. J. Crittenden, announced-- also capture of Morgan in Ohio, near New Lisbon--rain in sunshine--

        Walk with Henry after supper down beyond Mrs. Meek's, where we met Clint Beacham a-riding, & walked back with him--he told us Jack Yeager & old Stokes were dead.

August 5, 1863, Wednesday

        Wash Ford, the preacher, is dead. Walk with "Frank" at night-- down to bridge beyond Mrs. Meek's--read Irving's Capt. Bonneville.


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August 6, 1863, Thursday

        Mr. Jim Harrel died recently at Fort Delaware--his brothers "Lige" & Jno. had died previously--Wasson eat dinner with us today--it rained a little--read newspapers.

August 7, 1863, Friday

        Everybody preparing for the concert--Concert & dance at night-- none of us but Henry went--Henry staid out all night--Walk with Sally & "Hun" & "Pooce" to the Big Oak after supper. Southey's Life of Nelson.

August 8, 1863, Saturday

        J. T. M--s says he is 40 years old today - Land and Farrish spoke today at C. H.--Alice returned with Nancy & Harriet Coleson-- old "Pres." eat dinner with us--supper too--walk beyond Mrs. Meek's & back after supper, solus.

August 9, 1863, Sunday

        Metts's cavalry company in town--Jno. Quarles among them--old Pres. & Dr. Lewis here awhile P. M.--walk after supper with them & Pooce to the twin oaks below Mrs. Meek's--Southey's Nelson.

August 10, 1863, Monday

        Last night & today, disordered state of stomach & bowels--weather these days extremely hot--Kugle's son dead in the war--Watkins (Jim) called today & paid me a note obtained from Dr. Julius Caesar Lightfoot-- finished Southey's Life of Nelson--read it last in 1837.


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August 11, 1863, Tuesday

        Intensely hot--no papers by mail today--communication with Jackson & Canton closed. Gaston eat dinner with us--

        Qu. sunned my apparel today--walking with Henry down toward Mrs. Meek's--met Tom Hight from below, reporting "Yanks" in Benton.

August 12, 1863, Wednesday

        Clear, sunny & burning hot--walked with "Frank" in the morning out to Oldham's & back home via Tom Hight's--colloquium de conflagratione Domus Curiae--Kern here--"Frank" here P. M. reading scrapbook containing review of Headley's Napoleon--Dr. Lewis came in--3 Appeals--walk after supper as far as Dog Thompson's--Lightning, clouds--sunned wheat P. M.

August 13, 1863, Thursday

        Jeannie's birthday--two years old--hot--"Ike" bro't us a lot of fine horse-apples--he stayed to dinner--a sprinkle of rain P. M.

        Walk with frank after supper.

August 14, 1863, Friday

        Walk with "Frank" around by widow Pearce's & Mrs. Liles'-- stopped at Price's--Richardson from Winston Co. here inquiring about militia law--Lucas arrived last night from Sunflower & Bolivar Cos.

        Went down at night with Fremonce to hear him "norate."

August 15, 1863, Saturday

        Walk with "Frank" out by Thompson's on hill--very hot--Coleman


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inquiring about Ben Tipton's title to the Fausett lot--Turner made a speech at Court House, at which John Nash et al shouted "Bully for you," so Henry says. I don't hear political or military speeches.

        At Lucas's after dinner--Wasson & draughts--Len Winters & "Bev." there. Shrock & Wall there a short time--went with Lucas to Creek-- bathed. Saw old Asa Day who says he is 73 years old next month -

        At Lucas's at night.

August 16, 1863, Sunday

        Reported yt. the Yankees came to Durant P. M. captured train of cars & c--read McCosh on "Method of Divine Gov't"--rain about M.

        After supper I went with Henry out East--noticed a cloud a-rising, with wind signs about it--hard rain at night.

August 17, 1863, Monday

        Company started to follow up the Yankee raiders who were at West Station--Loves here in a crowd at the P. Court--at Lucas's at night, he sick--Hemphill, just from Carthage, reports yt. Reub. Davis said in a speech the other day that Confed. Cong. in secret session appropriated $50,000,000 to build a fleet in England, which fleet is daily looked for.

August 18, 1863, Tuesday

        Hemphill reports Rush Buckner as long since dead--

        Wasson eat dinner with us--rain at sunset--"Frank" here at night awhile. Sam Williams back from war.


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August 19, 1863, Wednesday

        Texas Cavalry coming in town from towards Grenada. Stiles, from Red River Co., & Dunn from Titus Co. eat dinner here. S. said Simp. Morgan had married two sisters in Ark's.

August 20, 1863, Thursday

        Rained in the morning--Yesterday a sick soldier, named Stripling, from Cherokee Co., Geo., eat dinner with us. Whitfield's command passed through this morning from Carroll & Choctaw, some 600 dicitur--4 soldiers eat dinner with us--all Texans--one from S. C. originally--said he was at battle of Oak Hills when Lyons was killed--said Feds numbered 18,000, Confeds, 10,000--yt. our men fought better then than they do now--s'd Mackintosh kill'd at Pea Ridge, Ark. had got a good many of their man (Texans) killed off by rash conduct--fellow from Smith Co. Texas named Shumbourger was at Lucas's at night. L. sick.

        Read Tombooch-tee's Letters in Chronicle, in 1854-55.

August 21, 1863, Friday

        Fast Day--Read Channing's "Duty of Citizens in time of danger"-- Geo. Lightfoot de civibus in Counties below--vignt poullettes á Holmes.

August 22, 1863, Saturday

        Rose early this morning, after hearing children recite, walked Price's--R. S. Holt, of Yazoo came in--wished to engage shoes-- spoke of Yankee doings in and about Yazoo City. I think he is Jos. Holt's brother--thin, spare, straight, of medium height, blue eyes,


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No. 7 shoes, riding a mule. Walked to town in company with him--

        Cavalry (4th Miss. Reg't) here. Davis, of Itawamba Co. E. here at supper. I walked after supper through old field, around by Lucas's-- fell in with Thompson & his dogs going home from the swamp. Davis said 22 Tories "up there" had joined the Yankees--6 had been hung--rest would be.

        Sarah went to negro wedding at widow D. S. Comfort's.

August 23, 1863, Sunday

        Walked in the morning, over to Cavalry camp with Comstock-- beyond Male Academy--Moved to spring near steam-mill--very hot--

        Fellow named Scott wished me to go to Leake on professional business--s'd yt. on Tuesday last, A. Bilbo shot and killed Jno. H. Gordon, on Cobb's Creek. Scott's brother was wounded and afterwards arrested & lodged in jail at Bilboe's instance--charge "roguery"-- Next day Bilbo, with sheriff et al. attempted to arrest some of the crowd, when one of them fled, & was shot, but not fatally--quarrel all about a partnership in a tanyard & division of part'p property.

        Was at Lucas's at night--intensely hot at night.

August 24, 1863, Monday

        Hot, burning hot--members of the Board of P. came in but found next Monday their day as fixed by law for meeting--old man Walker (deaf man) died at Isaac W's two weeks ago in his 89th year, dicitur.

        After supper was at Lucas's--hot in the early part of the night but it turned quite cool before morning.


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August 25, 1863, Tuesday

        Cool like autumn--put on my woollen clothes--Brett narrated his adventures with Texans, who stayed with his last week, one night, and fed their horses off his corn field--Rass. Boyd came in, sat a while, talked of Patrick Henry--Johnson, Goldsmith, et al--had just read Congreve's "Mourning Bride," which he liked much--

        Cavalry gathering up conscripts--asked me if I was 45.

        I was at Lucas's at night where was Lewis--fire pleasant--very cool--meanness of E. M. H. as shown to Jim et ux.

August 26, 1863, Wednesday

        Cool like autumn last night and this morning, fire pleasant & comfortable--read Johnson's Life of Swift, & Jeffrey's Article in Ed. Review on Swift--At Lucas's at night, after having gone with the little girls to the Big Oak & back--fire at L's pleasant & comfortable.

August 27, 1863, Thursday

        Last night cool, for season, beyond what I ever knew in this latitude--genuine autumnal weather. Walked to grave-yard--thence towards Oldham's--thence home along edge of old field by Hight's (Tom)-- clear but cool A. M.

August 28, 1863, Friday

        Cool last night--fire pleasant--this morning it set in to rain, steady and cold it fell--read newspapers a good part of the day--

        Walked with Henry towards Mrs. Thompson's--then down to L's where we sat awhile, Lucas himself being from home.


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August 29, 1863, Saturday

        Cool last night & today--sun shone out--read of Hannibal-- Marathon Xerxes--"Hon" got through her 1st Reader the second time--

        Was at Lucas's at night--Jo. Thompson & Lewis there--pleasant, but very cool night.

August 30, 1863, Sunday

        "Pooce's" birthday--five years old--cool morning--was up in town awhile, where Galloway spoke of Thos. Addis Emmet's 4 years imprisonment (in Fort George, Nairn Co. Scot'd)

        Was afterwards at Lucas's where were Jim Hammond, Rimmer & Jo Thompson. Crowder's opinion of "Steve," as told by Lucas--Walk with "Hun" & "Pooce" to grape vine near Groves's where we got two or three ripe clusters--Walk with Bob Mosby after supper--chat with soldiers at Campbell's--cool night.

August 31, 1863, Monday

        Clear & pleasant though cool like October weather--Tom Wasson bro't me "Armageddon" to read--old Bentley here at dinner--Haynes (Mr. B.) here--Paid my Lawyers' (Confed.) Tax today of $50.00.

        Was at Lewis's at night, where could hear passon Hatsel at Bap. Church. Cool night.

September 1, 1863, Tuesday

        Last night cows failed to come up for the first time, I believe, this summer. Were not here this morning. Cool, autumn-like. Sanders


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eat dinner with us--Chicago Tribune--At Lucas's at night--Lewis ibi--Love Jones and his conscription--drank, this morning, the last of a sack of coffee bought April 1861, at Violet's in N. Orleans. Commenced on the 40 pounds recently bought for $200.00.

September 2, 1863, Wednesday

        Tupper spoke, (ita dicitur) at C. H. Cand. for Congress--Young soldier named Dickson left today for Aberdeen on hack. Bp. Payne, his uncle, lives in Giles Co. Tenn. Jim Mathis put into conscripts.

September 3, 1863, Thursday

        Read newspapers--stayed at home nearly all day--Mo. Democrat of Aug. 15. At Lucas's at night--Nat Woodward there.

September 4, 1863, Friday

        Tupper here--old Joshua Brooks & he--Handy's decision of Geo. Thompson's substitute case. "Pooce" with fever last night--read announcement of Knox Walker's death. Saw him first and last in Nov. 1841, going up the Ohio.

        Moore's Life of Byron & newspapers--at Capt. Massey's at C. H.-- at Lucas's at night.

September 5, 1863, Saturday

        Reaves Bullock died last night--many persons in town--Warm-- "Poocey" sick. Showed Capt. Massey record of birth.

        Galloway informs me he is going to Canton. Last night Qu. waked


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me, complaining of itching all over, swelled face, & great suffering generally. "Rose" was turned out today for first time--

        At Lucas's at night. Cavalry after Ike Dean, dicitur.

September 6, 1863, Sunday

        Tom & Bilbo at Durham's. Walked out to Price's through the woods. Hunting. Saw old Gould on a horse driving his twin oxen in the woods. Old Balley Allen & Bill at P's--new fashioned pease--grapes--old Murdock Bain here yesterday, said he was 68 this fall, & had never used "Specs"--could read without--Mrs. McCary here at dinner. Moore's Life of Byron. At Lucas's at night. Lewis ibi.

September 7, 1863, Monday

        Wells, Hudson's boy, bro't me a letter from "Refuge" Leake Co. about holding Court. Old man Presley & "Pretty Dooley" here at dinner-- At L's at night with "AC"--"Poor Poocey" sick in bed--patient, meek and uncomplaining. Sprinkle of rain P. M.

September 8, 1863, Tuesday

        Warm enough--"Poocey" still sick, but improving--3 cavalry men Capt. Burks Joiner & another eat breakfast with us. Ike Simon, "Buster," O'Brien started for Va.

        Peach Brandy at Bill Young's $1. a drink--At Lucas's at night.

        Went after dark with Yazoo wagoner over to Mrs. Treat's spring-- he had sick mule.

September 9, 1863, Wednesday

        Very hot these days--Dr. Lewis called in to see "Poocey"--


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Moore's Byron--At night walked down towards Mrs. Meek's, & beyond as far as the bridge--overtook young Goss, who talked of Michigan--of burying his first wife soon after marriage at Paducah--

        I was at Lucas's at night.

September 10, 1863, Thursday

        Just 50 years since Perry's Victory--hot & dry. Henry & his old horse--a perfect flood of old newspapers--Walk with Oliver O. at night--afterwards at Lucas's where was Lewis, as usual. Lucas went over to Raiford's today--R. "a-cussin."

September 11, 1863, Friday

        Very dry & hot--49 years today since McDonough's victory on Lake Champlain--read the various accounts of this victory in our histories, & Alison--Yesterday bot. 36 yds. domestic for $90. today bot. sack of salt for (113 lbs) $101.70--90 cts. a pound.

        At Lucas's at night. Shrock ibi.

September 12, 1863, Saturday

        Sally & "Pooce" both sick--blue mass for P--a burning hot day.

        Sam Houston died at Houston, Texas on 25th of Aug. ita dicitur.

        England ("Charley") here--hot about being ordered to report-- Was at L's at night. Walk with Celeste--Lindsay.

September 13, 1863, Sunday

        2 soldiers wanted breakfast--cavalry from Scott Co. 4th Reg't. Walk to Price's--with Frank. O.--Dr. Anderson ibi --grapes--


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        P. M. Lucas here awhile--afterwards walked with him out the Long Road by Tipton's corn-field--grapes. At Lucas's at night--

        Pooce sick.

September 14, 1863, Monday

        Hot--Dickinson, Tom Burchfield & Passons eat dinner here--

        Spiva told me Eli Norris is dead--

September 15, 1863, Tuesday

        Last night we had a refreshing little rain--Al & I walked down to race-track & back--cloud then rising from S. E. Today very hot.

        Frank Smith here yesterday--looks very gray and old--is a Candidate for Confed. Congress. Was at Lewis's at night--thunder.

September 16, 1863, Wednesday

        "Steve" showed me letters from Sam Young and Jo Campbell--Sam is hinting at and inquiring about some settlement of the present troubles through compromise--Jo talks of his invalidism--of his sick bed--of his not wishing to come in collision Senatorially with Sanders & c.

        Lent my double barrelled shot-gun to soldier to scout with--

        At Lucas's at night--L. gone.

September 17, 1863, Thursday

        Walk with Lindsay & Wilson around by Mrs. Lile's--L. came over & sat a few moments--peach brandy--Wanted to borrow $25. Nolens-- Rain--England (Ch.) & his affidavit to get out of the war.

        Cavalry gone over the creek.


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September 18, 1863, Friday

        After supper last night walked with Lindsay down beyond Mrs. Meek's--was afterwards at Lucas's--L. giving an account of being at E. H. S's--Walked this morning over to Price's. Dr. Ander'n came in-- Quite cool this morning--wind from north. Came home along railroad track. Gaston, Mrs. Bridges & "Babe" here--Wasson also. Went with E. H. S. to Lucas's--thro' cornfield.

        At night walked down beyond Mrs. Meek's--Burks here giving account of raid on Turkey Creek. Was at Lucas's at night--Lewis ibi-- cool.

September 19, 1863, Saturday

        Frost this morning--rose before day--walked about town--clear and cool. Walk with Lewis to Campbell's--anecdote--Sanders called to us--electioneering--

        Walk after supper near to Cox's--fell in with Gosses going home--

        Clear moonlight night--quite cool.

September 20, 1863, Sunday

        Frost again this morning--walk with Henry down below the mound-- Walk in the forenoon over to Pres. Davis's old deserted house-- "dilapidation"--walls papered with "Kalloch's Trial" & Montrose (Penn.) paper, & c. Walked P. M. with children (Jeannie et al.) out on Story's old road, & got grapes & muscadines. I climbed a tree to get grapes--

        Qu. went to Ellis's--2 soldiers here at supper--clear moonlight night.


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September 21, 1863, Monday

        Frost again this morning--three mornings in succession--"Col." Campbell just from Bragg's Army--"Col." in a letter published Saturday in Steve's paper, speaks of the fiendish malignity exhibited against him--Clear & sunny day. Mrs. McKay & Joyce here--At Lewis's at night.

September 22, 1863, Tuesday

        Rose early, before sunrise, & walked over town. Moore's Byron. Frank Olive came in to see me & talk over the news--Pleasant--

        At night was at Lucas's. Jim Mathis under arrest--Perry Porter & Sam Jennings's threatening to burn his house, & c.

September 23, 1863, Wednesday

        Very pleasant--Moore's Byron--Jim Mathis in "hock" before enroller--conscript Charlie Shiller do. Simpson made affidavit & got Scarborough to present a petition--Jim Mathis went home--Was at Lucas's at night. "Pooce" sick again--Qu. sick do.

September 24, 1863, Thursday

        Singleton & Hill here--electioneering--Bragg has whipped Rosecrans, it is said--6,000 prisoners & 50 pieces of cannon.

        Walked P. M. with Lindsay through the Pres. Davis old field-- beyond Mrs. Jackson's--clear moonlight night. A lot of huge sweet potatoes from Mrs. Lucas--Walked out to Price's and back at night.

September 25, 1863, Friday

        Went into Court Room and found Tom Presley guarded--captured last


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night. Lindsay & I walked down to the mound--to the bottom beyond-- back home. P. M. Lucas called--uneasy about "Jim." At his house at night. Dr. ibi. Beautiful moonlight--Meeting every night at the Meth. Church.

September 26, 1863, Saturday

        Walked to Price's mané--grapes--P. climbed a tree for them. Returning, found a soldier below steam-mill with his horse standing in the water, to remedy the "founder."

        Mathis came--must report T. H. Pres. "shall put you in the service, sir."

        Walk P. M. with Lindsay around by Oldham's home by Ellis's. "Qu." sick for a week or so--relieved by laudanum last night. "Pooce" sick yesterday & day before--better today. Brilliant moonlight night-- could read a newspaper by moonlight with naked eye.

September 27, 1863, Sunday

        A sunny, pleasant day--Walked to Price's in the morning and back--full moon at night--read newspaper last night by moonshine--

        Walked after supper with "Pooce" by Galloway's--G. fell in with us & walked down as far as the road leading to Munson's, & back by Dolph's--talk about effect of opium-eating. Went with Lucas to Scarborough's--L. came here and sat while I wrote.

September 28, 1863, Monday

        A party of cavalry stationed here were fired on last night not far from Albert Mitchell's on Scoopachitta, and a man from Leake County,


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named Harkey, from Leaks Co. killed--by "bush-whackers"--two others wounded.

        I have lately been re[a]ding again Moore's Life of Byron, which I first read at Barlow's in 1837-8. Henry Adams, whose copy I then read, said it was "good after dinner reading."

        Today the cavalry were fired on by "bush-whackers" again, and Polk Jones killed and several severely wounded--one supposed to be mortally.

        Thom. Presley and six others, it is said, made their escape from the conscript guard at Court House last night. Jim Mathis here on his way to Enterprise.

September 29, 1863, Tuesday

        Cavalry being reinforced have gone out again after "bush-whackers"-- sprinkle of rain--At Lucas's awhile at night--worked yesterday & today at calculation of credits--read papers about battle of Chickamauga.

September 30, 1863, Wednesday

        It rained nearly all day--walked with Lindsay out to Jim's old Tan-Yard. At night at Lucas's--dark and rainy--133 lbs. flour from Meggs for 37$.

October 1, 1863, Thursday

        Cool this morning--roads muddy. Leake cavalry in from hunting bush-whackers--no success--Negro belonging to Louis F. Carr here with several hundred lasts, which were left with D. B. C.

        Cavalry again after bush-whackers--reports from Bragg's army-- San Young & Harry Harlow wounded--Scales (J. P.) acting Col. killed & c.


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        Qu. weaned Jennie--At Lucas's at night.

October 2, 1863, Friday

        Clear--cool--pleasant--at night at L's--Jeannie sucking again--

        Lewis Bryan, Rosamonds (Tom & Addison,) Bill Steen & Jack Ratliff in custody at C. H. for alleged complicity with bush-whackers. L. today away above, where inquiry is going on relative to Sam Peeler's negro setting fire to widow Gregory's smoke-house.

October 3, 1863, Saturday

        Clear, cool & pleasant--Capt. A. B. Watts of Rankin, electioneering for Brig. Gen.--

        Mrs. Smith, quondam Mrs. Raiford, at Lucas's P. M.--just about sunset walked out to Price's after a pair of shoes--returned, (P. walking with me to red-house) and while eating supper, Richardson came in, & wished me to copy off some depositions of Mrs. Croft & daughters relative to the late shooting on Scoopachitta, which he had taken today (Henry went with him)--

        Jim Mathis returned from Enterprise with his exemption papers O. K. Quamdin? Today Jno. M. Dickinson was arrested & volunteered to go in Love's Company of cavalry, Ratliff et al did same. Nil admirari.

October 4, 1863, Sunday

        Rose at daylight--walked across Yockanookany & back before breakfast --walked down to L's & gave "Lou," a bulletin for "Jo." M. T.

        Stayed about town, except in the evening went with the children out East--grapes, Muscadines, & huckleberries.


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October 5, 1863, Monday

        Election of State officers--frost--a little--this morning. Walked out to Love Jones's along with Lindsay--Price walked back with me--no excitement over election. S. J. McMillan, son of Wm. was mortally wounded in late fight at Chicamauga, belonged to Sam Young's Co.--

        With "Jno." up in town at night

October 6, 1863, Tuesday

        At the election yesterday in this Co.

        Sanders for Senator rec'd 195 votes Shrock . . . . .173 Terry . . . . .68 Weeks . . . . .Rep. in Legisl, . . . . .245 S. H. Clark . . . . .184 Sam Young . . . . .165 J. K. Coffey . . . . .143 Wm. A. Land . . . . .63 Singleton for Congress . . . . .306

        Frank Smith 57, A. P. Hill 50, Tupper 23, B. W. Sanders 4, Chas. Clark, for Gov. 229, West 224, Reub Davis 20,--abiit, evasit, erupit.

October 7, 1863, Wednesday

        Lindsay & I walked this evening around by Crowder's & Mrs. Treat's old place into the Rockport road near where the beautiful black gum used to stand--thence home. Met old Herrod & old Uriah Davis--met also Ben Sanders who said Jim Taylor, just from Carthage, reported that L. S. Terry had beaten Lige Sanders 200 votes in Leake, thus electing him (T.)

        Went over to C. H. at night and talked with Lewis Bryant et al. They say there is no doubt but that Nathan Sweatt was hung last night--


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Jim Cade says yt. a Missourian called Burr or Barrow, came in about 9 or 10 o'clock, and told Sweatt Massey wanted him to go to Carthage,-- yt. Sweatt got up and walked out with Burr and never came back more. Some said they left him hanging to a beech limb about a mile and a half in Yock'y Swamp. Bryant said they had taken him out once before, and had terrified him by choking him & c back of grave-yard.

        Last night about 10 or 11 o'clock it rained, & it was just before the rain Sweatt was taken off--rain then in big drops--I was awake, & heard it pattering.

October 8, 1863, Thursday

        A cool night last night--cool this morning & during day--clear & sunshiny--D. H. L. told me J--r said to his wife last night yt. Sweatt was tied with rope around his neck, drawn up several times, & that he asked if they intended to kill him, and yt. the crowd having him in charge said they did not intend to kill him, but that they intended to let him kill himself.

        Walked with D. H. L. down to Jim Wallace's--L. angry about chat of Jim Taylor's little boy--crowd of conscripts & deserters left for Macon. Went out a-shooting with Henry to Yock'y Swamp--Moore's Landing-- crossed below & went to bridge--Keith at work on bridge--boy with patent auger--Sam Young reported to be dead.

October 9, 1863, Friday

        Rose at daylight and walked, before sunrise, to twin-oak & back--


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        Last night was at L's a few minutes--walk after down to Bill Young's & back with "Al." Clear, sunny. "Rolly" hauled a load of wood.

October 10, 1863, Saturday

        Clear, pleasant--walked with Lindsay out to Mrs. Lile's and back--peach brandy on return. Lewis & myself on the wood question & "Jack's" hauling--cutting wood on Ross land. Walk with Lindsay at night to Buster's, who has just returned from Atlanta--to Mrs. Boyd's--thence to corner of fence below Mrs. Meek's thence home about 9 P. M.

October 11, 1863, Sunday

        Clear, sunny, pleasant--Walk with D. H. L. out to Huffman house on ridge just beyond Ellis's--he had Sidney Smith's "Wit & Wisdom"-- I the "Common Prayer"--We read morning service and ten commandments, with comments thereon, or the deductions to be drawn therefrom--"keep my hands from picking and stealing."

        After dinner wanted a horse left here by Jo Nobles belonging, I believe, to his father-in-Law, Eli Croswell, (Jo has been sent to Macon as a conscript,) and rode out East by Irving's, through old field by Webb's and Munson's, through the swamp across "Yocky" by Knox's & Jamison's to Dickinson's--D. absent--sitting on my horse I talked with his wife a few minutes. Went on up to Wheless's--sat a few minutes at door of his house--old woman cutting his hair--two very pretty young women there--one, his daughter just married to a steamboat pilot named Gill who was present. W. rode with me over the ridges to Presley's,


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thence to Chas. Presley's who had just returned from Macon with wagon. Williams, Jeff's son-in-law, rode up--rode back with old man--supper of rye-coffee, corn-bread, fried chicken, good butter and buttermilk. Talked till bed-time--pine knots burnt brilliantly.

October 12, 1863, Monday

        Rose before sunrise--before day the pine-knots were blazing finely in my room, ignited by the negro fire-builder.

        Walked out--negroes had a pine-knot fire to milk the cows by-- old man showed me his boar, & other hogs, and tobacco, which last was hanging up. Then breakfast of corn-bread, fried chicken, sweet potatoes, rye-coffee, excellent butter, and butter-milk.

        Immediately after breakfast started for home, going by old man Robertson's, the meeting-house, Watson Shumaker's, and Matt Davis's, home, via Knox's. Stopped at Shumaker's--old lady and all hands hard at work making cloth--colored rolls--fell in with Jim Harris at Creek--

        P. M. Col. Colbert and I played checkers, he beating me one game, I him six, and we making some four drawn games. Rain gust at night.

October 13, 1863, Tuesday

        Last night, after supper, Lindsay and I took a walk down beyond Mrs. Meek's and were caught in a rain. We stood for some time under an oak tree--quite dark. Tom Davis died yesterday morning, & was buried this morning. He was about 30 years old--disease of a pulmonary character--Nancy Edwards told me Sunday night that a daughter of Willis


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Barfield, of Choctaw, lately married to one Powell, went, about three weeks ago, in company with two or three other women, to a deep hole in Wolf Creek, jumped in to bathe, and rose not, but is thought to have clung to a log or stick on the bottom, and was drowned. She had been married, I think, about six weeks. Another woman, who plunged in with her, rose and was saved by a stick thrown to her by a third woman on the bank. The deceased was but about sixteen years old.

        Colbert and Draughts--beat him today 10 out of 16 games--

        At night at L's--monster "taters." Coolish in night--roaring in the ears.

October 14, 1863, Wednesday

        Yesterday Colbert, in speaking of Nathan Sweatt, said that a man who in these times uttered disloyal sentiments ought to be shot down summarily, and if he should hear one utter such, and he had a double-barrelled gun in his hand he would shoot the offender down in a moment,

        Tom Beach, his father Abner, (aet. 74) and Horaw Holt here preparing affidavits as to Tom's age. Rainy P. M.

October 15, 1863, Thursday

        Last night it rained--cold rain--wet today--mud--followed "Reub." to secure a load of wood. P. M. walked over to Price's-- "Em." McWhorter there--weaving.

October 16, 1863, Friday

        Last night was at L's awhile--clear, starlight night. Went a-hunting with Henry around Lucas's field--found grapes--H. climbed


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tree & got them. Groves told me he is going to turn merchant.

        Bo't of Miss Stewart (Fancher along) 8 1/4 yds. cloth at 8$ = 74$ in all.

October 17, 1863, Saturday

        Went (A. M.) with Lindsay over to Tipton's--walked through burying ground & read inscriptions. P. M. walked with L. over to Mrs. Lyle's & back, stopping at Price's--Negroes with grapes on our return.

October 18, 1863, Sunday

        It rained hard last night--walked with L. over to Tipton's-- thence down to Jim Taylor's. Saw Jim & old man at fence--Walked thence down towards Mrs. Wallace's field--thence home through woods--read "Memorials of Daniel Webster," & c. Walk P. M. with Al, by Mrs. White's, Greer's, Hammond's into Rockport road--thence home via Thompson's--

        "Hun" sick in bed.

October 19, 1863, Monday

        Prob. Court--old Peter found dead this morning--E. H. S. invited me to a wedding at his house tomorrow--At L's a little while at night. Schrock there. Love (Bob) telling how to bushwack Yankees.

October 20, 1863, Tuesday

        Last night engaged horse from Mrs. L. & this morning left for E. H. Sanders's. Buster went with me. I rode sorrel--went on by Skipper Ridge Meeting House--turned to right--brought up at Crawley's--


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Went on by direction of Stephens to Scott's Meeting-house--got directions, and, (after getting lost again, by which we went down to Miller's,) reached Sanders, about 1/2 past 12 P. M. Crocker had been married to Mag, & many were eating dinner out in the yard. We joined in, after stimulating slightly. Dr. Woodward, Lieut. McGee, Dr. Gill, Dr. Rosamond, & c.

        Left there about 1/4 to 4 P. M. along with Wesley Beacham and Parson Alexander--parson rode a mule--spoke of his having been advised by some old College professor to read Milton's prose-writings--about Baldwin's Flush Times & old Kasm, & the vermifuge. (He knew B.) About Beecher, Alexander (father and sons,) about J. H. Thomas & Bill Polk-- about secession and the war. Met A. G. Noah who told us Dr. Anderson had just got home from Geo. & bro't news that Lee had whipped Meade into Washington City--that Dick Taylor had captured Banks & his Staff & 15 Regts. in La: & that Rosencranz had attacked Longstreet, near Chattanooga--

        Got home about 1/2 past 7 very tired.

October 21, 1863, Wednesday

        Corpus case. Very sore & tired from yesterday's ride--Zollicoffer and his tobacco--read Theodore Parker's sermon on Daniel Webster--Walk down to Mrs. Meek's and back. Awhile at Campbell's. Jno. Hand & Hanna there.

October 22, 1863, Thursday

        Anniversary of M. E. G. at B--on. S. B. card & name. Roane Terry and his account of killing & 1 other in Leake.

October 23, 1863, Friday

        A cold rain fell all day, nearly.


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October 24, 1863, Saturday

        Cold--working hard to get a little wood--got a load from "Reub." Henry also cut & bro't up some thro "Jno. D. & Aldecop's wagon.

October 25, 1863, Sunday

        Walk down towards Yockanookany by Jackson's gate--cows--P. M. walk with children out west to old field--red haws--huckleberries.

October 26, 1863, Monday

        A large crowd in town. Prewett & Jim Cole here--cool-- old man Todd buying out Dr. Lewis.

October 27, 1863, Tuesday

        Went with Henry to catch Dan's "U. S." horse back of Mrs. Wallace's field--rode up to Sims's (Page)--found him gathering corn--Jim there too--field runs close to bank of the Creek--going up met the Bowies and James Canna--returning fell in with Steve Rimmer near Munson's, & rode to town with him. Jno. Robinson returned with Cothran's fiat for writ of Habeas Curpus to C. K. Massay--flew round & got the writ issued by Jim Wallace after supper--hired Jim Lewis to go after Noah, Bill Perkins having refused--was at Lewis's awhile.

October 28, 1863, Wednesday

        Noah came in and served the writ--got ready to leave--went with Lieut. Harris as far as Sam Mitchell's where we stayed all night.

October 29, 1863, Thursday

        Rose at 5 o'clock--walked down to mill--negroes feeding hogs--


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early breakfast and off for Vaiden. Crossed at Denman's ferry--in Zilpha swamp. Harris had a bout kicking his horse in the side--went through George's plantation--reach V. about 10 A. M. Robinson there before us. Ferguson & Maxwell & Beaty there--introduced to Maj. Simmons--Cothran came in--went to Hirsh's store to try Robinson's Habeas Curpus case. Maj. Simmons took the judge & me into the back room, & treated us to a drink of good whiskey, assuring us it was good for brightening a man's ideas--Robinson discharged on the ground that he was over 45 when president's call was made.

        Came back with Dud Harvey & Ferguson as far as ferry--rocks piled upon rocks--Corn bread cold & hard for dinner, with ripe persimmons for dessert--rained a little--Rods D. B. C's "U. S." horse--got home 1/4 past 6--Walked our horses from Vaiden, 4 miles an hour.

October 30, 1863, Friday

        Rainy, and very unpleasant--On Monday last a chap was in town who said that on the 20th Inst. he was running in Pinnishook swamp, 2 or 3 miles from "Fort Growl" in Winston Co., a deserter named Jasper Fielder, with three dogs--that F. shot one of the dogs killing him, that the pursuers came up and asked him if he killed that dog, to which he replied he did: Jno. Henry Davis, (son of Martin D.,) then shot him. dead on the spot with a double barreled shot-gun.

        Roane Terry on Thursday last, stated in John Atkins's store that on the day before (the 21st Inst.) he and three others went out from Carthage to capture 3 bushwhackers, who they heard were at a particular


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locality--they reached the designated spot--found 12 or 15 persons playing cards & enjoying themselves--they crept up on them slyly, & fired without warning into the room, killing Hiram Campbell & Rob't Faulkener, & wounding two others. The crowd ran off, after firing three random shots.

October 31, 1863, Saturday

        Clear and pleasant after the late hard rain--cool--Prewitt here--Mrs. Lucy Dooley & Green Reynolds about getting Jim Meems released. At Lucas's at night.

November 1, 1863, Sunday

        Walked solus over Yock'y to Day's old field--fell in with Elias McKay & Love Jones, they besieged a persimmon tree, while I took up with a black haw. Mrs. Price here at dinner.

        P. M. walked with "Hun", "Pooce" & "Fil," to Yockanookany at mouth of Hurricane--tired.

November 2, 1863, Monday

        Warm & pleasant. Mingo here consulting--horse-race--large crowd of soldiers, ehol--Saw from Mrs. Breedlove of N. O. a letter dated Sept. 26--speaks of Frank's death from lockjaw--of Jim's losing his office & being expelled the city by the Yankees, & being wounded in battle of Gettysburg--of Julia's "going to the Yankees & freedom"--

        Was at L's awhile at night. Sam Conly ibi--his poor opinion of the "Bear Creek" population.


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November 3, 1863, Tuesday

        "Qu," 37 years old today, having been born in 1826. Very warm today--preachers gathering for conference. "Buster" and the soldiers in a quarrel--they broke open his door last night, and caused him to leave--Walked after supper down below Mrs. Meek's--stopped at Campbell's on return--"Uncle Jim" was at Lucas's & Lewis's at night awhile.

November 4, 1863, Wednesday

        Very warm & pleasant--am copying into Common Place or Note Book legal memoranda and notes--Bob Webb telling about a preacher's saying yt. soldiers kissed Jeff Davis at Chicamauga, during his late visit there.

November 5, 1863, Thursday

        Rained nearly all day--Charley Miller here under guard--wants writ of Habeas Curpus--his father here afterwards--prepared petition for writ. Wingo here--drew up petition for him to the President of C. S.--Austin Mabry here--he is ordered to Enterprise.

        Steady rain at night--very dark--am reading Kent on international law. Henry got Martin's negro to cut him a coat--got linsey yesterday from Mrs. Pierce.

November 6, 1863, Friday

        During last night it cleared off "very pleasant"--today has been beautiful--was at the conference room awhile, Bishop [gap] presiding in C. H.--Charley Miller, Unger, Ab Brisky, et al in military prison.

        Was at Lucas's awhile--Mrs. Kimbrough there.


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November 7, 1863, Saturday

        Clear, pleasant, sunny--old man Muirhead here to get petition drawn up for his son's being detailed--read Kent on international law before day, by firelight.

November 8, 1863, Sunday

        Cool and clear--Conference in full blast--read the Foster case in 6th H. awhile--went to Presbyterian Church--full--then to Baptist-- four or five preachers there--no congregation there----crowd Durham said had "not begin to reviberate"--Biggs came in--preacher gave it up & all dispersed. Biggs came here--Sam Allen came to see about Bill's case. Jim Mathis came in--heard Harrington awhile as I stood in the street and near Church door. Came up from Lucas's with Jo Thompson.

November 9, 1863, Monday

        Sam Allen went to Bob Hudson's for Writ of Habeas Corpus for Bill. A shrewd and nipping air. Conf. broke up at night.

November 10, 1863, Tuesday

        Clear, cold, dry. Old man Loftin in prison--62 years old-- offence, feeding a deserter (Fielder)--Allen returned from Hudson's.

        At Lucas's at night. Sally Smith there.

November 11, 1863, Wednesday

        Last night was a bitter cold night for the season--today clear, pleasant though coolish. Miller, Allen et al are still in durance.

        Walk beyond Mrs. Meek's and back.


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November 12, 1863, Thursday

        Started at about 3 o'clock with the Allens to go to Hudson's on writ of Habeas Corpus taken out for Bill's relief--reached Mrs. Teat's about dusk--stayed all night. Lieut Wilson and Geo. Hanna there--two cavalry fellows there--rats "a-rippin' & a-rairin" srysipelas a posteriori.

November 13, 1863, Friday

        Started before sunrise--went by Redding's (Martin Davis's mill-- Struck Robinson road at Renfrow's--crossed Lobutcha at bridge by fording--reached Hudson's ("Refuge") at about 10 o'clock--he is on a branch of Martin's Creek, (a stream of clear, cool, delicious water,) 4 miles from Hooper's Bridge. After waiting an hour or two the Judge, at about 12 M. gave Bill a hearing, and discharged him. Massay not coming up, after dinner the Allens left. I stayed and walked with Bob up towards Hooper's Bridge--at night sat and talked in the piazza a long time--took a walk & bathed.

November 14, 1863, Saturday

        Walked before breakfast a mile or so and back--bathed twice. After breakfast rode with Hudson 4 miles to road leading from Hooper's to Kosciusko. Went by Cheshire's Mill. Martin Davis overtook me in Lobutcha Swamp--met old man Cooper and Donelson from Yazoo in swamp, this side of Center met Bill Cottrell who gave me some account of the late attack on Colliersville in [which[ Gen. George was taken prisoner-- and Martin England missing.


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November 15, 1863, Sunday

        A beautiful day--clear, cool, dry--old man Loftin (John) still here. Charley Miller in trouble about witnesses--Was with Lewis at night at Simon's. "Ike" just back from Mobile says gold is 16 for 1--turkeys $15 apiece--board $12 a day at private houses.

November 16, 1863, Monday

        Probate Court--a clear, cool day, body of Nathan Sweatt was found in Yockanookany about a mile below bridge, floating on water, with a large rock tied to his breast. Went down with cavalry--helped to pull the body ashore. Mosby acting as coroner, held inquest. Went (P. M.) to Sam Mitchell's on way to Vaiden--rode Lucas's fiery "Boomerang"--Started at about 2 o'clock & got to M's about dark--a most glorious day. Mrs. Woolley here.

November 17, 1863, Tuesday

        "Sam" s'd last night yt. once upon a time, many years ago, Judge Huntington, representing some party who was opposed to Henry Tyler, commenced a speech by saying: "May it please your Honor, by the law of England"--Tyler here spoke up and said--"May it please your Honor, I was born in Ameriky: I was raised in Ameriky: and I want to be tried by the law of Ameriky, & not by the law of England." This raised a big laugh and bothered Huntington.

        Rose early this morning, saw the first streak of daylight coming up the Eastennsky, from the hill-top on which Mitchell's residence stands. Went down to Mill and stables where Negroes were gearing up


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the mules. Breakfast of coffee, broiled chicken, fried sweet potatoes, biscuit, ham, fresh butter & c., & c. Left early for Vaiden, a glorious ride--reached V. about 10.

        Charley Miller's case came up & after a full hearing, decided against Charley, on the ground of his (1.) admissions, (2.) his appearance, (3.) his shuffling heretofore, (4.) his suspicious record & his father's inconclusive testimony. Cothran decided that he did not belong to Dave Love's company.

        After dinner came home with Massey & Roberts--old man John Loftin was sent before Hudson yesterday, on writ of Habeas Corpus.

November 18, 1863, Wednesday

        Clear, beautiful & pleasant day--all quiet--no rumors. Was awhile at Campbell's at night. "Lessy" and excitement about the religous meetings--came over from the with Wilson, "refugee"--

        At Lucas's awhile--Sally Smith--"that little thing guard you!"-- at Lewis's--talk about Baccus, Wes. Quarles et al--who lately arrived in Memphis--Walk with Dr. up to Mrs. Atkins, I leaving before we reached the house.

November 19, 1863, Thursday

        Old man Herring & Jno. Anderson here in the morning--no pork to sell. Gov. Chas. Clark's inaugural read by me to the crowd in which was "old Andy." Wish you would take the old cavalry & go to Sunflower-- Old Campbell at night told me that Frank had just written him that Baccus & Wes. Quarles & some 14 others, including Simpson's boys, were in Memphis.


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November 20, 1863, Friday

        Rainy--dull--at night was awhile at old Gould's--nobody there-- at Lucas's awhile.

November 21, 1863, Saturday

        Today it cleared off beautiful. Sam Munson & Ellis today both spoke of their probably being not long for this world, the one with diseased liver, the other with diseased bone of the leg.

        At night was at Lucas's a few minutes--parched pinders. A clear, beautiful night.

November 22, 1863, Sunday

        Clear and cool--windy--Walked out to Price's--back with Dr. Anderson. Texas Cavalry passed up the road this morning.

        Went (P. M.) with Henry down west to Mrs. Treat's place through the woods--drank of the clear, cool water of the branch--the Indian flints--the stone elliptical & smooth picked up by H.

        Cavalry practising with dogs a-running a negro.

November 23, 1863, Monday

        Foggy, misty, cloudy, finally rainy. Dan'l McMillan showed a Memphian letter--Baccus has written yt. 23 of "ye tigers" are in Memphis. Met Hawkins in my walk after supper, who told me yt. Mrs. McCary was attacked with "a specie of cholera morbus"--he was going after Lewis.

        I was at Lucas's awhile--Sally Smith ibi.


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November 24, 1863, Tuesday

        Rainy & unpleasant--but it finally quit--became clear towards P. M.

November 25, 1863, Wednesday

        Eclipse of moon this morning at from about 1 to 5 A. M.--clear & bright. Presley ibi. Walked with him to Huffman's place & back alone--Lucas & Raiford said to be captured by the "Yanks"--At Lucas's at night. Sally & Madam there.

November 26, 1863, Thursday

        A very cool night was last night. Burns, Love Jones, Joab, Elias McKay & "old Gould" trading in land--drew writings for them. At Lucas's at night. Sally & Madam ibi--"That little thing a-guardin' you!"

        Charley Miller at Campbell's ready to go as a conscript to Macon.

November 27, 1863, Friday

        Jim T. says he is 49 years old today--Walked out to Goss's to get my shoes mended. Jim Shelly overtook me--returning met Burt-- corn in the road--bought 14 turkeys, 7 guineas, 18 chickens = $60.00.

        News of Bragg's reverse at Lookout Mt.--

        At Lucas's--"nacquistion to domestic suckle."

November 28, 1863, Saturday

        Wet--rainy last night--cold today. White (Stokely) here--Geo. Lightfoot, Charley Miller off for war--Burns--cold.


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November 29, 1863, Sunday

        Piercing cold--wind keen from N. Walked, or ran, with Henry, out to Treat place & back 6 miles in all--Henry complaining of sore throat--turkey for dinner--Burns--Walk to mound--mouth of Hurricane--back by Adams place--found several bundles of fodder in the road, which I brought along. Met Tinner Thompson & negro, who had also found some.

        Some very fine red haws--got home after sunset. Buster here at Lucas's at night. Jap. Bridges & Jo. Th. ibi--

November 30, 1863, Monday

        Last night was the coldest of the season--thermometer 20° this morning. Rose about 1/2 past 4--Clear and cold enough. Jo Thompson & Jap Bridges here--annual account of Hardy B's estate--

        At Lewis's at night with Canton Citizen.

December 1, 1863, Tuesday

        Last night clear & cold. Presley here at dinner--says his millpond was frozen over yesterday--old Henry Tyler here--"I was born in Ameriky," & c.

        Lewis came over and we read the news of Bragg's late fight out of a bunch of newspapers. Price brought me et Qu. a pair of shoes each-- Walked with him to branch.

December 2, 1863, Wednesday

        Rode Lucas's Charley to Presley's where I eat dinner--grits, pork fried chicken, & c. Clear and cold last night--clear & sunny today--ice


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in the streams--no mud--drew up deed from Mayer's wife to Lazarus.

        Went after dinner at Presley's up by his mill, to Tom Burchfield's, going by Jeff Reynolds's--Tom not at home--Jno. Shaw & Skeen a-black-smithing there--returned. P. went with me to the swamp. I went up by Page Sims's--Page not at home. Met Elisha Dean--bought some cloth of him--At Campbell's at night--clear, cold and beautiful night--owls disturbing chickens.

December 3, 1863, Thursday

        Clear, cool, beautiful weather--took cold last night while up to see about the owls--have a catarrhal affection--two cups of most delicious coffe with cream at dinner. Jim M. here--Dr. L. also--

        "Qu." went to Lucas's, pepper tea, hot foot bath & oil.

December 4, 1863, Friday

        Sick today--headache--stayed in house most of the day--Alf Robertson et uxir ibi. Tom Burchfield here--news of Bragg's being relieved of his command. Clear & pleasant.

December 5, 1863, Saturday

        Margan here--Tilman Campbell here--wanted water--no news from Bragg except that he has been relieved of his command--at Lucas's at night--Tom Wasson & Dr. ibi.

December 6, 1863, Sunday

        Clear--cool E. wind--walked with C. C. P. (he riding) out to


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Webb's--thence I struck out towards Oldham's around by Ellis's, home.

        Went with children Pooce and Hun to swamp after red haws,-- Ramage's wife & son here at supper. At Lewis's at night. Newspapers & & comments & speculations

December 7, 1863, Monday

        Jim Sims here before I was up--I "fixed up" his papers--he left for home--thence is going to Enterprise--old man Presley here-- was taken sick--threatened with paralysis--so Scarborough says-- "engagement of spine"--he started home late P. M.--Dishman here also--

        Off for Enterprise--Bill Allen & "old Balley" here--Bill up for intending to sell out and go to the Yankees--At Lucas's at night awhile.

December 8, 1863, Tuesday

        Rainy--papers from Eastward--corn house fell down, Crowder's old building. At night at Lucas's where I met Lewis & discussed contents of today's mail.

December 9, 1863, Wednesday

        Wet--cold--bo't a hog from Peeler (Sam) for 101$--weight 102 lb. At night went to P. O. Hanna (Tom) came in from Canton late, but bro't no news or papers. A drizzling rain at night. Read Appeal and Weekly Mob. Advertiser.

December 10, 1863, Thursday

        Gov. Clark's Fast Day--cloudy--damp--unpleasant, though not


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rainy--"Qu." cut up the hog and salted it. A set of common knives & forks for 25$ of Simon.

        Turknett and a crowd of Choctaw & Oktibbeha women camped opposite to Jim Taylor's shop--"I wish I was back at old Berry Bruce's"--

        At Lewis's at night, Al going with me to Lucas's--lantern along-- quite dark.

December 11, 1863, Friday

        Mrs. Sam Peeler here. Mrs. Watson here--pork--too warm--Presley here at dinner--ejus filius et P--e S--

December 12, 1863, Saturday

        Warm on the pork. Jno. Lucas returned from imprisonment with Yankees on Miss. river--Dishman right from Enterprise staid here-- he went with Lucas's with me and back--Conly there.

December 13, 1863, Sunday

        Rose before day--rode Lucas's "Charley" up to Presley's--L. gave me detached portions of his observation and experience with Yankees-- was overtaken between Munson's and Standard's by a heavy rain--Met old Manuel riding a mule in swamp--Stayed an hour or two at Presley's and dried myself. Judge Wells right from Columbus came along--

        I went on to Charley Presley's--eat dinner there--rode thence by Jeff Reynolds's with Charley to Jim Sims's. Claitor at Reynolds's-- passed old Jno. McCool and his bride--Sims not at home, returned. I went to Claitor's & stayed all night--overtook Wingate & Samp. Proctor-- it turned off quite cool--Supper--many children. Josiah Rook's widow


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there--Galloway's chat about C's following lead of big men--de meipso, & c.

December 14, 1863, Monday

        Cold--piercing wind--Claitor lent me his thick gloves--went before breakfast with him to the crib & stable and lot where were the hogs, & to the spring--rode from old man P's to town with Charley-- cold riding--met Bayliss Oldham in Swamp--got chilled through and through by time we reached town--

        Henderson called in--do old Mrs. Barnes & her son who walked to town from old man White's.

        At Lucas's at night--Conly and Lewis ibi--account of men & things among Yankees.

December 15, 1863, Tuesday

        Clear and pleasant though cool--Walked to Beacham's--Mrs. B. went to tanyard with me from house--Comstock's talk about Bill Johnson & Kate as usual--exchange of money with B. silver for gold--$63. 5 per ceht premium on gold.

        Hoy & I came back together--he invited me to take a grog--went to Mrs. Haden's and took two--at Lucas's al noche--Geo. Galloway & Lewis there--the talk was of big guns.

December 16, 1863, Wednesday

        Rainy--singular appearance of clouds in morning--read newspapers-- heavy rains morning & evening--Durham bro't me the "Citizen" at night.


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        Walked with Al. & Henry in the gallery. Heavy thunder P. M.

December 17, 1863, Thursday

        A cold day--cloudy A. M. Cleared off--Lem. & J. W. Ward here to see about exemptions--went down to Lucas's in the morning to carry him the "Citizen"--no mail today--At night was at Lucas's--Jo. Thompson there--Lewis came after a while--talk about the situation-- Jo. thinks things are in a bad fix--read over "French Lessons"-- reviewing French.

December 18, 1863, Friday

        Clear and severely cold--walked out to Price's and back, going through the woods, by the Watson's place--he a-cutting out shoes--she a-weaving stripes. Mrs. McCary sitting by the stove--wanted to know how to get to Wayne Co. Miss.

        Air pure and exhilirating--reviewing French a little--Britt a-hauling wood--Sally, Hun, Pooce & "Tood" a-cutting it. At night at Lucas's--Tom Wasson there. Sally Smith, Henry & Alice there too. L. full of narrative of his experience among Yankees on Miss. river, of late.

December 19, 1863, Saturday

        My birthday! Quarante neuf ans!

        Last night was a severely cold one--clear, moonlit, frosty. Old man Beacham brought me yesterday evening 6 bush's sweet potatoes 12$-- 1 do Irish $20.

        This morning I walked out to Cal. B's & gave him 108$ Confed. for


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28$ Tenn. money.

        Charles Presley brought me a note from Jim Sims stating yt. he had been at Enterprise and back, made the trip without difficulty, and got "discharged" from military service.

        Wrote out affidavits for C. W. P. et pater ejus L. P. de aetate Caroli P.--Dr. Jones, (school-teacher) called to consult me about the (Georgia) Masonic Hall, which he wishes to use as a school-house next year, but which some others do not wish him to use.

        Was at Lucas's al noche--medicus ibi. Read a portion of Davis's message--comments by auditors present. Henry sick--he went a-hunting with Capt. Burks--fox & gray squirrels.

        A stinging cold night for this latitude--clear and moonshiny.

December 20, 1863, Sunday

        A keen, sharp air--Crowder dropped in this morning--walk with Lucas around the Ross land by Tipton's old houses. Dave Cook & Glasscock at L's at night.

December 21, 1863, Monday

        Probate Court--many "fixing up" their exemption papers--Jim Mathis at Lucas's at night. "Budd Kimber" there too, on his crutches.

        Walk with Jim up to Mrs. Boyd's and back.

December 22, 1863, Tuesday

        Bates and Mrs. Boone in town--bo't of Sam William 10$ gold for $150 Confed.--20$ Miss. 10 per cent Treasury Note for $23.

        At Campbell's after supper--Dr. Thomas from Yazoo Co. there, who


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knew hosts of Tennesseeans, being himself from Wilson Co.

December 23, 1863, Wednesday

        News yesterday respecting unsuccessful assault of 13th Miss. & other regiments on Fort Sanders at Knoxville.

        Albert Mitchell, just back from Dalton, was here today.

December 24, 1863, Thursday

        Went this morning over to Steve Wilson's, and drank egg-nogg-- Snead, Hilliman, Turner et ux. Jno. Atkins and Hill there. In the afternoon rode Ernest's pony up to Wasson's--Lucas accompanied me-- Jno. along--Ike Scarborough went with us a part of the way. At the fork of the road beyond Stephens's, I took the left, Jno. went my way-- we overtook Miles Hines in a buggy, who is just married to Miss Hearn.

        Read Lincoln's message at Wasson's--boys out serenading.

December 25, 1863, Friday

        Last night was brilliant--full moon--this morning cloudy & windy--rode to town--Simpson's Jo got shot by a soldier--negroes a-hauling wood--At night Pooce, Hun, Sally & Henry went to Alma Taylor's party at the Wash Tipton house--misting, drizzling.

December 26, 1863, Saturday

        Negroes hauling wood & cutting--Egg-nogg at "Steve's" again-- Sam Williams let me have 8$ gold for 140$ Confed. Rain at night.

December 27, 1863, Sunday

        This morning about day, there was a heavy wind, with some rain--


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after breakfast, Frank came down and sat awhile. I got his sorrel cavalry horse, and rode to Presley's, where I was joined by Tom P., who rode with me across to "wire road" as far as Warbington's. Here we found Charles Presley and Jim Sims--eat dinner--that pumpkin.

        Came back with Jim Sims to his house where he handed me 25$ in gold. Thence Charles, Tom and I went on to Charley's, Proctor overtaking us--thence Tom & I went on to old man's where I fed "Sorrel"-- started for home--met Morris Russel broke down with Carryall in Yock. swamp--his wife & turkeys & c. in vehicle.

        Reached home after dark, turning off cool.

December 28, 1863, Monday

        Clear and cold--Tom P. gave me a very interesting account yesterday of his escape from C. House last fall, and of his subsequent rambles. At Campbell's at night--read Chicago Times.

December 29, 1863, Tuesday

        One of the loveliest days of the year--sunny and delicious. Greer (Ira's son) killed in Longstreet's attack on Knoxville. Whitman et al wounded--Jim Comfort missing.

December 30, 1863, Wednesday

        Raining again--negroes a-hauling wood--Jas. M. Sims stayed here--his father the first Probate Clerk of Attala Co.--died near Turnage's about 1846.

        Went down to Lucas's at night with Sims--Wasson, Lucas & Lewis there--newspapers--rainy--Jim's account of his trip lately to Enterprise and back.


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December 31, 1863, Thursday

        Rain, wind, very disagreeable--

        Dishman here at dinner--Jno. A. Smith, of Rankin, here after Habeas Corpus--

        In the afternoon it turned very cold--wind from N. W.--Newell & Dishman here awhile--

        At night was at Lucas's, madam absent--Lewis there. Ward Beecher's lecture at Liverpool, & c.


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1864

January 1, 1864, Friday

        Last night the coldest of the season--thermometer 6° this morning. Walked out to Price's--Roberts there--told of seeing [gap] hung at Sparta in 1835 for killing a man at a spring.

        At Lucas's at night. 13° at sunset--at old place awhile.

January 2, 1864, Saturday

        Thermometer 9° this morning. Thom. Presley eat dinner here--

        At Lucas's P. M. & at night. A batch of late papers--Bill Newell here yesterday.

January 3, 1864, Sunday

        Thermometer about 32° this morning. After breakfast Bill Newell sent me a mare, nearly blind, to go to Jasper County, and requested me to meet him at Mrs. Herring's on the Trace--The ride was a cold one, ground hard frozen--ice all along low grounds--fell in with Newell at Mrs. H's--went on towards Carthage, crossing Yock'y at Fletcher's bridge--about Burt's losing his corn from field and who was caught purloining--the pacing hog at Bill Dodd's--met Newell's ox-wagon at Jug Factory. Reached Frank Burnett's awhile before night--it rained on us occasionally, a slight, sprinkling rain.

January 4, 1864, Monday

        Last night it rained--we were off early, very muddy and slippery


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traveling--Ellen, the mare, not shod. Judge Huntington at Carthage and his great news from Forest--F. had taken 6000 Yankee prisoners, so it was rumored--got a flask of shisky from Jordan.

        Crossed Pearl river at McFadden's (Daniel's old) Ferry--met Dr. Thomas the other side of Pearl--took Hillsborough road--crossed Tuskalameta at Lindsay's bridge, where we stopped "to eat our snack"--"You man with the blue blanket," said Lindsay, former Circuit Clerk--

        Met Holloway some seven miles from Hillsborough--bad road--mud-- hard hills--passed through Hillsborough without alighting. Dick Smith directed us to the widow Lay's 9 miles from H. on Gordonsville road, then about 3 o'clock P. M. On we went, crossing sundry creeks, passing through long-leaf pine woods and reached the widow Lay's on Untuckaloo just before dark.

January 5, 1864, Tuesday

        Last night was cold--it sleeted a little. We had a comfortable place to stay--blazing long-leaf fat pine--Gordon, brother of Mrs. Lay, there from Newton Co. This was Scott, many cases of typhoid fever in the family--child then sick--grown son of the widow there. The woman in Newton Co. who was going to try every man in it but that, & c.--

        After breakfast we started--paid 4$ each for our fare--Went on and fell in with a chap named Barrett who was going to Paulding--

        Crossed Little Warrior, branch of Tuskalameta--Barrett dismounted from his mule, examined bridge, and we led our beasts across. B. took us by what he styled a nearer route, by a fine white house. We stopped


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about 10 o'clock to warm at Clark's--youn[g] soldier there and some pretty girls--pressed on--cold--before we stopped at Clark's, we had crossed the two prongs of Tuskalameta--reached Garlandsville about 2 o'clock--over high hill through prairie mud & miserable road, to William Overstreet's. Brazilian Goose, or "Chinee Hong Kong"-- numerous green willow oaks.

        Barrett left us on the hill South of Garlandsville.

January 6, 1864, Wednesday

        Very cold--stayed about the house--willow wood green--

January 7--8--9

        Very cold--short of wood--pine scarce--in the house nearly all the time--read the "Pilgrim's Progress" all through in order. Very hard to keep warm, either day or night.

January 10, 1864, Sunday

        "Jimmy" and I built up fires out in the woods--Slept cold last night--N. was away--not so cold today.

January 11, 1864, Monday

        Rainy this morning--After breakfast Jimmy and I started to return home--a cold rain. Went to Garlandsville by a different route from that by which we came--abundance of water, some ice, and super-abundance of mud--From Garlandsville we went to Decatur via Newton Station--Went out of our way to cross a creek called Jarlow, the


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Grierson raid having burnt the bridge last spring. Stopped at house of Brady to warm--magnolias--Newton Station burnt by Grierson last spring, finest house in Newton Co. this side built by Blalock, and rented by Marshall from Vicksburg. Crossed Pottux Chitto--forded Turkey Creek-- passed through Decatur, and reached Hollingsworth's, 4 miles North, just before dark--good fare--young lady sitting barefoot by the fire.

January 12, 1864, Tuesday

        This morning we started for Union, six miles distant--paid 2$ apiece for fare--road muddy and bad most of the way. Cloudy and very damp--no sun either yesterday or today, in sight. At Union, a one-house town, we took the Hillsborough road for 2 1/4 miles, then struck out towards Carthage and Hooper's Bridge. A large, old deserted house on the road. Met the Carthage mail-rider in an old field. An old man (Robison) told us we were out of our way, & undertook to set us right-- but after riding out to a church, we concluded to get back into the road we had left--reached Zack Williams's in Neshoba, about noon, having crossed Sipsy Creek--here we took the Carthage road--(14 miles to Hooper's)--"High Hill" & "Standing Pine" post offices on the way, old man Cunningham at latter--reached Pearl river (McFadden's Ferry) about sunset, several wagons there--about [gap] cattle being ferried over. Nearly dark when we reached Carthage--rode on four miles further to Burnett's, bad road, muddy, "gulleged out"--some one rode around us through bushes--Called at Manning H. Mann's to inquire the way.


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January 13, 1864, Wednesday

        A capital supper last night & breakfast this morning--started for "Kozzy"--B. told us that Silas H. Clark was dead--died Jan'y 7th. Told us of Maj. Terry's claim of 250$ for taking up a run-a-way negro.

        I borrowed to read Cooper's "Pathfinder"--Roads muddy & very bad--Ellen, the blind horse, so stiff she could hardly get along-- rode through Lo. Fletcher's farm, Tom opening the gate for us. Sun came out for the first time since Sunday just at 12 o'clock as we reached widon Fletcher's--eat our snack at the Bridge. "Jimmy" left me at Mrs. Herring's. I was two hours in getting to town--met Martin Hays--also Learight and Wm. McMillan in the road--reached home about 4 o'clock P. M.

January 14, 1864, Thursday

        Last night Lucas and Lewis called in to hear the news after my return from below--Stayed about the house nearly the whole day--

        At night was at Lucas's--"Booker" ibi--Presley here.

January 15, 1864, Friday

        Reading up the papers to post myself--bringing up arrears.

        Lucas, Lewis & Carr rode along on their way to Raiford's--

        At night at Lucas's.

January 16, 1864, Saturday

        Roads bad--deep mud--unpleasant, very--Load of wood from Carr's negroes--At Lucas's at night.


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January 17, 1864, Sunday

        Rain--at night a hard rain--Wm. McMullin here about his son--

        Jenny lost my knife--Sarah found it.

January 18, 1864, Monday

        Probate Court--cool--waters rising. Biggs--Henry Jamison & Stokely White here.

January 19, 1864, Tuesday

        Anniversary of the Battle of Mill Spring or Fishing Creek, two years ago. Knox at Lucas's--Lewis & myself there awhile.

January 20, 1864, Wednesday

        Dr. Todd here--20$ gold for $47 Tenn. money. Metts's company going to Canton. Morfett here at night--Got my Canton paper at Durham's--

        At Lucas's awhile.

January 21, 1864, Thursday

        Walked with Lindsay down to the Bridge and across & back. Henry Jamison came back with us--Sally sick--Pleasant, sunny day.

        Memoranda of Trip to Jasper

        At Mr. Lay's and at other places, we learned that the house of a widow named Abbott in Newton County had been burnt by the cavalry because some dogs had been poisoned by her--also that a Dr. Morris had been killed ("shot all to pieces") in same county by bushwhackers, for piloting cavalry--that in Wayne Co. a woman by drawing a gun on a


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deserter had "stampeded" him--that in Jones Co. a deserter named Warren Waters had been killed and some of "the cavalry" killed and wounded--

        In Hannah More's "Practical Piety" I remember she cites a celebrated Professor, who "taught Chemistry that he might learn it." Also Dr. Johnson's question--"Where is the world into which we were born?" Also some author's remark that "Hell is truth seen too late."

January 22, 1864, Friday

        A clear, sunny, springlike morning--last night was at Lucas's-- Lewis there--Dr. Todd married yesterday Fanny Kimbrough--read Goodrich's sketch of Junius, of his Letters, style and of the authorship--

January 23, 1864, Saturday

        Clear, sunny and pleasant--newspapers but no news--At Lucas's at night.

January 24, 1864, Sunday

        Clear, sunny & delightful--borrowed Lucas's "Boomerang" horse, and rode across creek on Keith's bridge just rebuilt--thence up the road toward Louisville by Joshua Brooks's--on to Gilmore's where I saw old Joshua & Gilmore--thence up by Dickenson's to Jim Sims's and the other side, where near Kyle's creek I met John Quarles & a few others awaiting Geo. Hanna's return from hunting his quilt--returned with them to where the road forks to go to Presley's--rode to P's--Old man sick in bed--James there--came on by Presley's bridge home. Met Jack Crow & Joel Wilson in swamp--

        Came through and reached home after sunset.


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January 25, 1864, Monday

        Clear, sunny and beautiful day--a good many people in town-- Jo Thompson and Jack Crow & Thom. Wasson at Lucas's at night. Clear, brilliant moonlight night--Lodge

January 26, 1864, Tuesday

        Clear & sunny still--Mrs. Irving here to see about a letter with $300. in it mailed to her from Greensboro for Frank. Sundry papers--

        Was at Mrs. Irving's a few minutes at night--then at Lucas's awhile--L. on floor dozing.

January 27, 1864, Wednesday

        Another clear and lovely day--Mr. L. M. Ball, of Winston, here to see about a writ of Habeas Corpus to test the substitute question-- rather it's repeal & putting the principals in--

        Yesterday and today amusing myself with Ovidian extracts and quotations--no paper from Canton tonight. At Lucas's al noche--Lewis & Martin Hays there--Henry walked out to Price's after supper, and got his shoes half soled. Beautiful night.

January 28, 1864, Thursday

        Another clear, sunny day--"Adam" a-hauling manure for garden-- brickbats heretofore to fill gulleys, & put around lot fences--At Mrs. Irving's a few minutes after supper--then at Lucas's awhile-- "Budd" & "Bev" there--Lucas absent. Lewis called ab domum to inquire about Jim's case (J. T. H--d's)--Party at Campbell's--Tom Ford and Mahala Hammond married.


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January 29, 1864, Friday

        Walked after breakfast down beyond Mrs. Meek's, to bridge & back-- cloudy and warm. Jim Taylor a-cutting up a pine tree by the road-side.

        "Old Tommy Dillon" died the fore part of this month, so I hear.

        Frank Olive's negro woman Maria died last night. "Infair at Ford's"--At Lucas's a few minutes at night, no one there.

January 30, 1864, Saturday

        Some little rain today--Sarah went out to Olive's to see the sick blacks there--At Lucas's at night--Lewis there, he just from Dave Crow's sale--very dark--borrowed his lantern.

January 31, 1864, Sunday

        Warm with S. E. wind. Frank Olive here with his face caked with dirt, & his hands,--pah!--Sarah down there still. Al. et Qu. a-cooking-- scrap-books and paste. Walk with Henry out East and back through the old field--At Lucas's at night--rain at night. Qu. with dumb chills these days.

February 1, 1864, Monday

        Warm, pleasant and spring-like, after rain of last night. Frank Olive here again--"real estate,"--some men ought to be assessed as--

         Smith, of cavalry, here wanting to get off from service. Thirteen years ago today rode with Zollicoffer up towards Multona to attend Justice's Court--Phil Low & Jo Parker & c.

        Ferguson's brigade passed through--Col. Earl, of Calhoun Co. Ala.,


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with a Capt. [gap] called on me and wished to get a map of Miss.--let them have two, and a quire of good foolscap paper.

        At night was at Lucas's--had Tri-Weekly Citizen along.

February 2, 1864, Tuesday

        Last night the camp fires burnt bright out west--beehives were robbed--Ike Scarborough lost his saddle--various petty thefts complained of.

        Walked out to Barham's this morning, along with Lucas, who rode Boomerang--looked at a mule and arranged terms of trade for the horse (Boomer)--Alex Overstreet told me that Zack Sanders died today from injuries rec'd yesterday from the bursting of a millstone in McGee's mill on the other side of the river Big Black, at Whitehead's Bluff.

        Old Esop had the "big oak" cut down.

February 3, 1864, Wednesday

        Windy like March--Baccus, in letters from Memphis, reports Matt Durham alive in Washington.

        At Lucas's at night--L. just from above (Geo.) about how fast horses can walk, & c. Walked to Olive's and back this P. M. Sarah there since Sat'y. Seeny sick. Cater there on horseback.

February 4, 1864, Thursday

        Went out to old man Dickeson's on Shakey (Buzzard) with Sam Hyman and Fayette Merrill--had been at Lucas's before in the morning, and got Boomer. Went by Towers's and by Love's & Kime's--Took Barney


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Miley's affidavit, and I then went to A. M. Davis's. D. not at home till after 9 o'clock. Sat up till 11.

February 5, 1864, Friday

        Came home via Tanner's--met Eveanbrack going to Attalaville-- rather a pleasant day than otherwise--clear, windy, & c.

        Sam Hyman told me yesterday that a ruffian named Bob Kirkwood in 1839 kept a grocery at Rockport, & for stealing negroes was three or four years afterwards castrated & tied to a willow, after being thrown into Miss. River at Grand Gulf.

        Mrs. Davis told me she was educated at Nazareth, 2 miles from Bardstown, Ky.

        Hyman saw Hand kill himself at Rockport about 1844--

        Nell & her calf.

February 6, 1864, Saturday

        Wynne & widow Wallis (Jo Wallis's widow) here--cool N. W. wind-- mounted Bones and rode S. E.--crossed Yockanookany & paid Keith $5 for 1 year's crossing. Passed on by Jno. Robinson's--signs of a tornado beyond his house. Luce at Gregory's place--Ayers, (old man) killing hogs--crossed Lobutcha--went up by Jim Kelly's--his wife said she "hadn't sense enough to direct me" through to Robertson road along the route old man Presley and I used to travel. Numerous roads--one led me to Gibbs's--got back and another took me to old man Elkins's-- thence I followed Philadelphia road up to Dr. Dodson's. D. a-stilling.


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Dock Davis's wife sick in bed. Widow Koonce and her pipe--several horses around the still-house--old lady from Franklin Co., Tenn. He from Lincoln. Old Jim Ivy dropped dead (A. D. 1850) right before D's house,--battle fought between Jo Ivey and his crowd & Martin Davis and his crowd on same site A. D. 1851.

February 7, 1864, Sunday

        Rose before sunrise this morning and walked out to the wood-pile where negroes and white boys were cutting wood to make a fire--Walked out a short distance on Kosciusko road--Went back to the house and thence to stable where negroes & white boys were feeding horses and driving hogs out of the lot. Walked down to the still-house--beer-- big wheel--ice on the water--up to the house at breakfast--eggs-- sample of whisky made--had my horse caught, he started homeward-- Dodson mounted a mule, & caught him. D. sent his son to show the way to the ford on Bayou Bilookta--went on by old man Myers's--provisions stolen--to Robinson Road--to Williams's (Joel)--to the old houses a moment--thence to Hudson's. Stayed till after dinner--Jones there.

        Started homewards at 1/2 past 2 P. M.--left Robinson Road at 3 P.M. went by Myers's, Henderson's, Perry Magees, Davis's, Barnett's, Brock's, Parson Wells's old place, to Lobutcha at sunset. Called at old man Ayres's.

February 8, 1864, Monday

        Clear, frosty and cold last night. Old man Ayres and I stayed in a house "to ourselves" last night--horse tied near the house--Started


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directly after breakfast for home--met a woman from Choctaw, and her child, a girl walking. Met Collins going to Meridian--met Hendricks returning from the wars, who gave me an account of Yankees occupying Jackson--fell in with Jeff Reynolds going to town--fell in with Bill Ross who told me of circumstances occurring on old Dick Ross's death-bed. Jeff Jinkins & Cullen Harris eat dinner here. Bets and her calf.

February 9, 1864, Tuesday

        Clear and cool. Presley here at dinner--$15 in gold from Jim Sims. At Lucas's at night--at Campbell's first--Canton mail discontinued.

February 10, 1864, Wednesday

        Ellis had his right leg amputated yesterday. Andeeson, Scarborough, Geo. Galloway and Lewis operators--

        Clear & cool--hung meat, "niggery Zhim" aiding--old Presley, Charley and John Bailey here at dinner. Henry started to school to Farish on Tuesday last, the 9th. Berry Sims and his sisters here to prove up his age. Went out to Ellis's after supper with Glazier, and sat up with him till 2 o'clock A. M. when I lay down and slept--Oldham there.

February 11, 1864, Thursday

        Clear & cool--walked into town after lunch at Ellis's--rumors of Federal advance through Scott County, and of burning of houses as the army proceeds.

February 12, 1864, Friday

        Clear, sunny & pleasant--Alex Mabry here at dinner--rumors


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regarding progress of Federal armies through Miss. South of us--

        At Lucas's at night--smoky--

February 13, 1864, Saturday

        Clear, sunny, smoky, pleasant and springlike--2 Yankee deserters in town--Farrish a-speaking at the Court-House--Bill Clarke here for Ratliffe ("Zach.") petition for writ of Habeas Corpus.

February 14, 1864, Sunday

        Cloudy with prospect of rain--Bill Little & Miller here with drove of cattle--Started about noon for Carthage--fell in at Wm. Fletcher's with fellow named Niver from Wyoming Co., Penn. now resident in Leake, & a paroled Vicksburg prisoner--had been at Kos'o to take up a Federal prisoner--drove back the mule the Fed. rode. Triplett's little boy & negro fell in with us--Sam Parrish and the two women, one of whom, a young girl, wanted a pin to fasten handkerchief over her bonnet--Reached Frank Burnett's about sunset. J. B. H. there.

February 15, 1864, Monday

        Commenced raining early this morning, and it rained very hard. John Jones of Leake came in--about 9 or 10 we were off for Carthage the rain having measureably ceased--roads slippery--crowd in Carthage-- some from near Meridian--no court--three years since there has been any at C.--saw McDonald of 1861 there--Luckett Oliver A. there & his plow--

        Went back to Burnett's and stayed at night.


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February 16, 1864, Tuesday

        Clear and cold, with strong wind from North--rode home from Barnett's--arrived about 1/2 past 12 M.--"Ancient Mariner" at night by firelight.

February 17, 1864, Wednesday

        A cool day, clear and sunny with wind from the North--rumored that Confed. forces have fallen back from Meridian to Demopolis--also, that on Monday there was a fight at Chunkey river in which Federal wagons and 700 prisoners were captured--

        Cloudy at night--Lucas's--"Confed. Spirit & Knapsack of Fun."

February 18, 1864, Thursday

        Started at 6 o'clock A. M. for Hudson's--very cold--it commenced snowing just as I started, and it continued to snow on me till I reached Kern's, twelve miles--here I stopped to warm. Kern was sick of chills--

         After warming, I started on, and fell in company with Dr. Ely, going to Neshoba--he stopped at Center a few minutes to warm, while I sat on "Boomer" and held Ely's mule and talked with Kelly--passed on-- some of Dan's mean whisky at Lobutcha--crossed Lobutcha & Bayou Bilookta, and passed on by Scribner's old mill--struck Robinson Road near Stone's-- Left Ely--went on by Stone's, Allen Jones's and Mrs. Hammux's to Hudson's reaching there about 12 M. (a few minutes before.) John A. Smith there-- discharged on Habeas Corpus--L. M. Ball there, his case continued--

        At night Hudson told me of the following law points having arisen:

        (1.) A. makes a will, bequeathing property to B. C. & D.--B.


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dies before testator. On A's death, children of B. take their father's share of the estate, no mention being made of Children in the will.

        (2.) A. dies leaving will--property to be kept together till youngest child becomes of age, or marries--one of the children marries and dies without issue. What interest has her husband in the estate? None.

February 19, 1864, Friday

        Last night was clear and severely cold--I forgot Molly's most excellent egg-nogg yesterday evening--

        Hudson spoke of the wretched state of things that will be, if Lincoln's negro equality scheme prevails--of negroes being naturally inclined to be familiar and impudent--of their thieving propensities, and of there not being enough penitentiaries made to hold the convicted negro thieves if they are to be punished as whites are--of his determination to leave this region when that scheme is carried out, & going anywhere, (except to the North,) rather than stay here--of Andrew Johnson's 8th of January speech--"an out & out Abolitionist."

        This morning was clear and sunny--ground generally dry, but muddy places frozen--Walked up to Robinson Road & back nearly four miles in all--after breakfast started for Koskiusko--dinner at Kern's-- old man Hollingsworth there. Young lady at Fox's--"if you anticipate to go to Dr. Winnick's, you ought to take this road"--met McKimmey & Donaldson's son--parson Cooper--Capt. Burks overtook me at bridge, and rode on to town with me.


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February 20, 1864, Saturday

        Clear & decidedly cold--Burks's company of cavalray moved over Yockanookany today. Young Peters here --

        Went down to Lucas's awhile--Jim T. M. there.

February 21, 1864, Sunday

        Presley, old Johny Allen & Crowder here awhile in the morning-- clear & sunny--rumored that Forest & Grierson are manoeuvering and skirmishing at or about West Point--Burks's cavalry stampeded last night by Morgan.

February 22, 1864, Monday

        Clear and warm--rumors from Forest and Grierson.

February 23, 1864, Tuesday

        Still clear and springlike--At night Tom Presley came in after I had gone to bed, and told me that the Yankees had captured him & Jim Rimmer just at dark, and had made Jim show them the Philadelphia road, and had then turned them loose.

        We went and notified Lucas and Lewis, & I then went to Bill Young's and Riley's, after which I secreted some papers & c. Then returned from my hiding trip and walked about town. Boys on their horses ready to start--Comstock knocking about. I then went to bed and slept till day. Bright moonlight. Town all astir with wagons and horses a-clattering.


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February 24, 1864, Wednesday

        Again clear and springlike--all awaiting the Yankees--Many of the population had disappeared--the "Yanks" not coming as soon as we expected, I rode with Fremonce Brontin nearly down to the Creek to see why they didn't "come along." Just before we came in sight of the Keith old house, we met Mrs. Boyd's Abe coming as fast as his mule could carry him, and a mule rode by Tipton's John coming also, with halter under his feet. John says he was fired on, jumped down from his mule, and took to the woods. Fremonce & I then turned back also, but my horse pestered me so much to hold him in (it was Boomer) that I got down and led him awhile--I then got up again and rode on to town, while Fremonce turned back, to see if they were coming. I sent Henry with horse and saddle to the woods--directly Fremonce came a-tearing, his hat off, and the stirrup-leathers broken, and himself in such a fright that he could not recollect Mrs. Thompson's name ("on the hill there by,--by--by")-- "Mrs. Thompson's," suggested I. "Yes." He said they had shot at him and cut a bush by his horse's neck. In a few minutes they came in sight-- a few scattered themselves over the town, going to the stables, looking for horses, and one went to the Court House, burst open the office doors & c. But the main column traversed the street and made no stay. They took Dr. Lewis's 3 mules and 1 horse--took the money out of Dan Comfort's safe, Dan's negro boy (Dan) two mules and a horse and whatever goods they could pillage out of his drug store--he opened his safe to them and they took $34 or 5000 in money--$2 or 300 in gold--took old man Tipton's


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mule that John abandoned. Hawkins's mule--4 horses and a saddle & saddle bags--the column was 38 minutes in passing. They took Joab's meat & all his clothes--

        Was at Campbell's tavern awhile--old man White (Stokely) there & others. Negroes talking of following them--watching stables--Henry kept Boomer out till night. I sent him to Presley's but he turned back in morning at Jim Davis's. I went twice to the mound for him.

Thursday, February 25, 1864,

        This day again clear & sunny--in the morning a panic was caused by a report that the Yankees were at Marshall Gregory's, burning everything as they came--wagons thundered--horses galloped--women packed up what they could, & moved it to the woods. Henry Jamison & Ed Cates came in and quieted people's minds by the assurance that the report was false. Scouts from Ross's cavalry came in and all fear of Yankees died out. Sent Henry to Presley's--at night at Lucas's.

Friday, February 26, 1864

        Ross's brigade & Cosby's passed through on their way below, the former on way to Goodman, the latter to Canton. Long lines of cavalry-- reported that Sherman has fallen back towards Vicksburgh, and that Forest has whipped back Grierson, and that Col. Jeff Forest has been killed, and McCullough wounded. Constant horse-stealing & c. going on. Lewis is a-foot.

        Another clear and sunny day--roads getting dusty--atmosphere smoky.


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Saturday, February 27, 1864

        Clear, sunny and warm--rose early--went via Knox's to Bob Hudson's in Leake, 24 miles distant--rode "Boomer." Met Rimmer (Jim) & two Texas cavalry near Bill Rimmer's--Met old man Dandy, who turned back, passed McAdams's--shucks, corn and other remains of Yankee camp, road littered with letters and papers--picked up one from Mary G. Moore.

        Met Bill Thomas & Jno. Henry Davis & another chap going to McAdams's, to make him divide his horses obtained from Yankees--crowd at Center-- Chesnutts, Kelly, Pierce et al. Woods on fire near Hudson's--Allen Jones's premises enveloped in flames--he a-fighting the fire at his fence. A reed-brake near his on fire, and the flames roaring like a hurricane. L. M. Ball & Dr. Dodson at Hudson's.

Sunday, February 28, 1864

        Last night landscape lighted up with fires--picturesque scenery-- Hudson told me that Dr. Harrington informed him that Wm. G. Oxford and one of his sons had been killed by a negro regiment lately at Neely's plantation near Liverpool in Yazoo County and another son carried off.

        Robert came with me to Donelson's riding a mule which fell with him while crossing a boggy ditch near Allen Jones's--Met Winnick, who told us of Dr. Dodson & Jno. Henry Davis having a prisoner when they passed McLawrin's last week. Came by Garner Dotson's--parson Sime there--fell in with Jack Shumaker who went with me to Big road, on by Ike Dean's to where road turns off to Peeler's (Sam's)--he went on to his brother's--I to Peeler's, stopped. Meal--corn--horses--pressing--


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stealing--reached home near night--Day warm, windy, smoky. Slight sprinkle of rain in morning, while I was out a-walking, very slight.

Monday, February 29, 1864

        Sam Young just back from Mobile--new currency bill--new military bill--suspension of writ of Habeas Corpus for 90 days after next meeting of Congress--cold, misty day--At Lucas's at night.

Tuesday, March 1, 1864

        Awoke this morning, and heard the rain falling--a very cold rain, and most chilly, unpleasant morning. Rode out to old Billy Adams's-- called at Cagle's to warm--then sat on my horse awhile at Brett's-- then to Adam's where I stayed an hour--old man crippled and childish--

        Stopped at Brett's on my return--thieves pressed a mule ($2000) from Brett last week--third beast "pressed" from him and no pay--tried to press his fine bay--he had given him to his daughter for working in crop last year--the girls and their Mother stood in the stable door and by a demonstration of physical force kept the thieves at bay, and saved the horse--Clear P. M.

Wednesday, March 2, 1864

        Clear, and cold in the morning. Lucas & Martin Hays here after dinner--At night was at Mrs. Irving's awhile.

Thursday, March 3, 1864

        Clear and cool in morning--walked out to Price's and back--Goss ibi--Ch. England here with a flask of his best--late P. M. rode to


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Goss's--got Sallie's shoes--returned via Price's, where Goss was.

        At night was at Lucas's--Mrs. Lewis there--men gone to Lodge.

March 4, 1864, Friday

        At Lucas's P. M.--Dave Wasson there. Jno. Ford & Lizzie Boyd married last night--infair today. Mrs. J. A. P. Campbell sent for me to make a settlement of matters between "Mr. C." and D. L. Young, of Carroll. Young informed me that Geo. McLean had been dead nearly two years. Windy at night--turned cold.

March 5, 1864, Saturday

        Went down to Lucas's A. M.--he preparing to circle his land.

        Reported (1.) That Johnston has achieved a great victory over Grant near Chattanooga; (2.) that Longstreet has captured Knoxville and all of Burnsides's army; (3.) that Ross's Texans are falling back from Yazoo City, & c. At night walked with Henry out to Price's and back. Camp-fire near branch.

March 6, 1864, Sunday

        Walked after breakfast down to Day's bridge, crossing which I met Keith & old man Nash. "The Yankees" had burnt it in eleven places. They also burnt the house at the further end of the bridge and the old mill-house with some 40 bales of cotton in the latter.

        Walk after supper to twin oak. At Lucas's.

March 7, 1864, Monday

        Ploughed the garden. "Niggery Zhim"--T. D. Akin here with


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Cincinnati Times. Zach. Ratliff, Bill Clark and Fletcher Moore here--writ of Hapeas Corpus. Walk with Dave Lindsay down to Ike Herring's and back, afterwards with Steve to the Big Oak and back to Lucas's. Stopped at Ls's--Sam Conly there. Detectives to be sent out.

March 8, 1864, Tuesday

        Walk with Lindsay out beyond Price's & back--clear & Springlike.

        Richardson's Dic'y.

March 9, 1864, Wednesday

        Today it rained, and cavalry & wagons ploughed up the roads to their full depth of mud--yelling of cavalry.

March 10, 1864, Thursday

        Many a wagon passed through town--mud in abundance. Jno. Stephenson after a stolen horse. Sam Conly after two--one also & two saddles stolen from Wells's last night. Al noche at Lucas's-- Conly there & Joab. Walk with Lucas--sat awhile on steps of Male Academy--beautiful starlight night.

March 11, 1864, Friday.

        Walked out to Ellis's and sat awhile. Clear and sunny. He read the Bible, & is nearly through--at Epistle of James--Long line of cavalry passing through the Huffman lane visible from the house.

        Sally lost the Stable key. In afternoon walked to Yockanookany


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bridge with Evan Boyett & Eph. Dicken--old Johny Cooper joined us.

        Antoinette Jennings & Rimmer's relations & Tom Ford's wife, on the hill this side waiting--old man Jennings & a soldier at the bridge--All busy repairing the injuries done to it by the Yankees.

March 12, 1864, Saturday

        Left home this morning before 6 o'clock to go to Hudson's, crossed the Day bridge--on by Jim Rimmer's. Rimmer came out to tell me about meeting a couple of chaps whom he suspected to have been engaged in the devilment practised at Steve's--they promised to meet him this morning (they didn't come though)

        Tom Reed & Dr. Terrill from Winston passed Jno. M. Robinson & Miss Adams (Musselwhite) sitting on their horses in the road just this side of Ayers'--crossed Lobutcha, and rode to Jim Kelly's, met Scribner boys in the road this side, their oxen attached to a wagon, headed up against a plum tree in blossom, near old Abner Kelly's old domicile. Jim Kelly directed me to Perry McGee's--passed near Widow Scribner's. At Perry McGee's old man Sanders directed me to Myers's--found the road to Hudson's from Robinson road obstruected by abatis--his gate gone and fence in its place--reached Hudson's about 12 M. L. M. Ball and Geo. Ruff there--Zach Ratliff came in after awhile--tried his Habeas Corpus case--Zach discharged, Ball's case continues to 4th Monday in March.

        P. M. returned as far as Stanmore Bates's, fell in with McGee, rode a little way with him--he from Lincoln Co. Tenn. About 9 miles


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from Hudson's to Lobutcha bridge. Tom Barnes at Bates's when I reached there--old lady & Mary--boys all gone.

Sunday, March 13, 1864

        Clear & cool--left Stanmore's for home. At Jim Rimmer's I learned that on Friday P. M. (the 11th Inst.) John Key killed Charles W. England at the still-house, by shooting him near the left nipple with a Derringer pistol. England never spoke. Key escaped--

        Texas soldier stopped old Bob Clark, & was going to kill him as "a d--d old Attala County Union Man" but was too drunk readily to get his pistol out, enabling Clark to persuade the fellow out of intent.

        Fell in with Sam Tittle at Rimmer's, right from Kemper Co.--rode along with him to the bridge. At night at Lucas's. Alexander & his "nodding like an old Muscovy drake."

Monday, March 14, 1864

        Election day to fill vacancy occasioned by Clark's death. Sam Young running without opposition. Sam rec'd 95 votes here, 12 at R. Point, 9 at Rochester. Last turkey today.

Tuesday, March 15, 1864

        An extremely cool day. Sam McAdory, Riley & Bob Webb started eastward, a-funding. Handed Sam 3100$ of Huntington's money to be funded, also a 50$ Mobile (Sou. Bank of Ala.) to be exchanged for specie in Mobile. Land (Bill) lost his mare today & Henry found her.

        At Lucas's at night, Lewis there. Article in Charleston Mercury on similarity between Russia & U. S.


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Wednesday, March 16, 1864

        A very cold day for March--Walked after breakfast down to Day's bridge and across, with Frank Irving, and back--de bello civili.

        J. A. P. Campbell here in the evening, in town from --- brings intelligence of Jim's death at Johnson's Island on the 4th of Feb'y-- disease inflammation of the stomach & liver.

Thursday, March 17, 1864

        Walked out to Price's this morning. Geo. Crowder there, having a pocketbook made. Judge Huntington took dinner with us--Cool & windy.

Friday, March 18, 1864

        Dr. Benj. Holmes of Yazoo Co. (Benton) now living near Bluff Spring, Attala Co. called on me today and stayed till after dinner--he is, or was, partner of Henry Yandell's--wished to ascertain if his profession exempted him. Jo & Chas. Campbell here--also Chas. Clark & Tom Presley. Wasson in town this morning & at Lucas's last night.

Saturday, March 19, 1864

        An unpleasantly cool day--wind N. E.--it turned cool last night, and I took a cold which affected my head. Old Jim Ellington & McClintock here--many wanting to fund their Confed.--At night at Lucas's--got flour from Atwood's thro' Evan Boyett.

Sunday, March 20, 1864

        Last night when all was still, large hail stones rattled on the


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roof--thunder--cold. A shower of hail today which whitened the ground--cold rain--stayed in the house and doctored for my cold-- hard rain at night.

March 21, 1864, Monday

        A most unpleasant day--stayed in the house most of the day on account of my cold. Several persons called who wanted to fund the Confed. Treasury notes. Sleet at night. Riley just back from Columbus, gave an account of the difficulties in the way of funding--only registered bonds--one bond for all of ones notes.

March 22, 1864, Tuesday

        Four inches of snow on the ground this morning--stayed in the house--my head still not free from effects of cold--Several deaths have lately occurred in this County, last week: Mrs. Jesse Bates, old Henry Emmerson & John Jamison, Wat Mabry is reported dead, (a prisoner) and Jno. Hall Kinbrough, (at Fort Delaware), Nov. 9th/'63.

        Qu. made an egg nogg just before dinner--Sun shone fair overhead-- snow mostly melted.

March 23, 1864, Wednesday

        Everybody a-funding--thoughts of running for Pres't of Board of Select Men to keep out of the war, will think of it.

        At night at Lucas's--"Jim" there. Dr. Lewis getting ready to leave. "Qu" there this afternoon.


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March 24, 1864, Thursday

        Legislature to meet today--raw and rainy in afternoon. Tom Birchfield here a-winking. Wagoner et al drank up Bob Mosby's whisky.

        Read letter from Walker Wood to Jno. Atkins. Alice at Beacham's al noche.

March 25, 1864, Friday

        Cold. Ellis back at store again. Peter gone to clerk for Buster.

        Party at Beacham's at night. Henry went, stayed till about 3 o'clock. Ellis about Easter.

March 26, 1864, Saturday

        Clear & pleasant. Dr. Lewis and family left Kosciusko this morning--rumors of recognition afloat. Jim Haynes here.

        At night at Lucas's--Jo Thompson there.

March 27, 1864, Sunday

        Old man Campbell started with Jno. Ford & Wagner for M. & O. R. Road. At Lucas's P. M. & at night, Jo Thompson there. Lewis came back today after a mule force.

March 28, 1864, Monday

        Warm--rainy in the morning. Paid my State & Co. tax say 163$.

        Bill Steen and his "devil shoestrings." "Steen if you don't shoulder your gun and fight like a Turk they'll hang you," dit Sauvage. At Campbell's office P. M. He gave me one of his Archy briefs. Smoky or rather misty looking P. M.


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Tuesday, March 29, 1864

        Cold and cloudy--reading the Federalist. Last night after supper walked with Lindsay (D. H.) and gave him two drinks of tafia, he was wet, having walked from the other side of Lobutcha & got wet.

        Today we walked over the other side of the Perkins old place-- maple blossoms. At night at Lucas's--Gov's message down on distilleries.

Wednesday, March 30, 1864

        Long walk around Price's with D. H. L. Washington here on his horse awhile--been up at Columbus a-funding--counterfeit 20. Jake Vick here right from Demopolis. Clear & cool.

Thursday, March 31, 1864

        Weems, from Holmes Co. here--also Dr. Moore. Bosworth from Canton. B. said yt if peace came this year it w'd be through our subjugation, yt Lincoln w'd be re-elected & w'd continue the war to subjugation, or so long as he w's Pres't. Capt. Burnett came up and imbibed a small quantity. Bosworth y yo had preceded him in that behalf.

        Rain a-brewing--near night it poured.

Friday, April 1, 1864

        Last night went out & found a stray chicken near the stable which I bro't home & had put under the old hen under the kitchen--"as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings"--A cold, gloomy unpleasant day. Steve came in with three newspapers. Lindsay came in for "Recollec's


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of a Lifetime" and a walk. Walked around by Miah Thompson's, Hammond's, Jackson's, hotel & home. Judge Huntington here P. M. At L's noche-- lantern.

Saturday, April 2, 1864

        Clear & pleasant--walk with D. H. L. around by Oldham's--

        Read Jno. W. Woods' "Union & Disunion" pamphlet issued by him in Memphis--self-glorification therein. Read in Walker's Am. Law, introductory chapter. Atwood and old man Allen about feeding families of fellows lying in the woods--Eddy told me. Doss was reported to have been hung by citizens last week near Hooper's--At L's at night. J. L. S's wife & children there. Sallie's eye hurt by Henry.

Sunday, April 3, 1864

        Windy--dust a-flying. Dick Henry's tobacco struck me in the eye (a crumb)--Dick borrowed 5th Macaulay & 1st vol. of Mahon. "Qu." went with "Mely" to Glazier's--walked down town just after supper. Steve & Lucas on Dan's steps. McAdory & Riley came in from Mobile & Macon bringing papers. Walked with Lucas out to site of the Big Oak. Clouds dark, wind high. At night heavy rain.

April 4, 1864, Monday

        Cool & unpleasant. B. P. in session. J. C. L. de officio of Commissioner for soldiers' families. Weems (Sam) here--concerning Cade Kirk's substitution. Tafia--J. A. P. here. At L's at night.


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April 5, 1864, Tuesday

        A lovely day, the first for some time. Judge H-nt-n here-- case of Myse vs Dandridge in 6th Geo. which Judge seemed to think changed the rule about sale of chattels. Tom Burchfield here a-winking.

        Capt. Ford came here to inquire about the meaning of a military order handed to him. Baccus's family left. At L's at night.

April 6, 1864, Wednesday

        This morning about 1 or 2 o'clock, some person or persons, (supposed to be two together) went to Zollicoffer's, called him up, and as he stepped out into the gallery, shot him in the abdomen with thirteen buckshot. Wm. McMillan & W. G. Haynes told me the particulars as derived from Z.

April 7, 1864, Thursday

        Last night kept "Boomerang" tied in the yard all night to prevent his being stolen--it rained pretty hard. Old "Uncle Enos" came here today on two crutches--he has lost horses, saddles, bridles, & all his gear between Yanks and Confeds, so he says--lost his money too-- he and Judge H. eat dinner here. Sam Young just back from Legislature (Macon)--A roaring rain P. M. Mr. Fletcher staid here at night.

April 8, 1864, Friday

        Anniversary of J. P's premium for spelling, & c. Read sundry Northern newspapers at Ellis's. Fast day by Jeff's proc'n--Clear and pleasant P. M. & part of A. M. "Fletch" eat dinner here, he then returned to "Joab's" on his crutches.


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April 9, 1864, Saturday

        Cold--windy--walk with Lindsay out to Oldham's, and around home through the old field. Judge Hunt'n & old man Bain here.

        Jennie fell on andiron and burnt her face.

April 10th, 1864, Sunday

        Three years ago today Lucas and Wasson, old man Kimbrough and myself were on the road from Jackson to New Orleans, having started the day before & gone to Goodman in buggy, thence by cars to Jackson, where we staid till noon next day. The great storm or tornado swept over this County on the 10th.

        Today clear and delightful--walk with "Steve" out towards Oldham's and around back--found Bob and Bill McAfee & Marsh. Thompson here on returning. Old man Bain & Judge H. here again. Dick Henry came in and sat awhile.

        Corpse of Cromwell, brother-in-law to Geo. Washington carried through today--killed by "one of our own men" on Big Black, near Edwards's Depot, on the 4th--lost his wife (a sister of Washington) & child by burning of Eliza Battle an Tombigbee River some years ago.

        At Lucas's at night.

April 11, 1864, Monday

        Walked out to Price's this morning. Carr rode along with me. Price walked back with me to see "old Gould" who was going to Carthage with Huntington, thence to Jackson--Dead body of man, supposed to


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be a Yankee soldier, found down near Big Black--supposed to have been lost by the Texas cavalry. Mrs. Perkins here--she lectures on the war. Walk with "Steve" at night--he gives an account of the killing of Elias Peters's mother by a negro--of the negro being killed by a man who was lodged in jail with him on a sham larceny charge in order to get a chance at the negro. Of a great battle between the Dixons and Bob Peters & Godfrey at Wheeling, Holmes Co. in 1837, in which 2 Dixons were killed, one wounded, & Bob Peters killed, of their revengeful disposition.

April 12, 1864, Tuesday

        It sprinkled a little in the morning--cool--town dull--Call in Canton Citizen for those between 17 & 18, & 45 & 50. At Price's at night, where I got my shoes half-soled. Stayed till 1/4 past 11-- got home 1/4 to 12 P. M. Clear, moonlight night.

April 13, 1864, Wednesday

        Bailey Guess accidentally shot and killed himself yesterday at his house. Jno. Wilson (son of Jeff.) recently did the same, at-- or near Demopolis, Ala. Columbus Cooper, (son of old John J. C.) was accidentally shot & killed by a soldier in Smith Co., Miss., on Thursday last, the 7th Inst. Clear, sunny and most lovely day, though rather cool--a very backward Spring--very little corn up.

        J. P. Campbell left for Dalton, Geo--drank a glass of tafia together--he said as we parted, "I'm opposed to the next war; I stand on that platform."


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April 14, 1864, Thursday

        Buzbee & "Bill" here at dinner today, they reported yt old Guy Ray died yesterday morning, went to bed well, night before, died before day--supposed to be 65 years old. Jno. F. Bosworth here. Drank 3 drinks with me--borrowed Chas. Lamb's Complete Works.

        "Aaron" worked repairing butter-bean arbor. A cool and unpleasant day.

April 15, 1864, Friday

        A clear, cool and pleasant morning--cloudy, windy and cold later in the day. Jim Sims (on Louisville road) eat dinner with us & stayed several hours--distressed about the war, late call gets him.

        John Pain died a few weeks ago at Connor's--Walk with Riley Allen to bridge beyond Mrs. Meek's & back, after supper. Thunder cloud north--rain at night.

April 16, 1864, Saturday

        Clear & cool A. M.--weather unspringlike--last night it hailed, rained, sleeted and snowed, it is said. Man named Rice, from Louisville, Ky. preached at Presby'n Church last night, during the thunder storm.

        Walk after supper down as far as Mrs. Meek's. Farish along, "riding bareback"--Jno. Atkins fell in with me coming back--At L's al noche. Martha Booker & Babe there--draughts.

April 17, 1864, Sunday

        Frost this morning--clear. Old Johny A--n here, smelling strongly


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of sulphur--Donaldson at Young's Drugstore on his way to Yazoo-- rode "Boomer" down to Yockanookany Swamp around by Jackson's houses, where some of Carr's (Helm's) negroes were nursing some hogs--someone, probably a negro, fired off a gun or pistol.

        P. M. rode around by the Tipton houses, out by site of "Big Oak," via "Dog Thompson's," Maddox's, at Hurd's, down by Mrs. Treat's place, by Crowder's, home--

        Walked after supper down to Mrs. Meek's & back with Henry. Heavy hail, rain & thunder at night.--

Monday, April 18, 1864

        Last night there was a hard hail storm which knocked off the young pears & peaches. Aaron & Charles moved our stable from Price's lot to mine. Dr. Barksdale here on Probate Court business.

        At Lucas's at night--Mrs. Thompson there, Jo's wife. Lucas to be sub-commissioner for supplying indigent families of soldiers.

Tuesday, April 19, 1864

        Cool--N. W. wind. Aaron & Charles finished the stable-moving. Mrs. Hallum here at dinner. Spring uncommonly late. Read Bancroft's account of the Battle of Lexington, 89 years ago today.

Wednesday, April 20, 1864

        Clear, but frosty this morning. Walked out East, by old field, by Tipton old houses, back by Story road. Mounted "Boomer" and rode up to Presley's, leaving at 10 & getting there at 1/4 past 12 M. Walked


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old horse 9 miles 2 1/4 hours. After dinner rode with Senex up to Charley's--by the spring--out into field. Ch. & negro boy George a-ploughing. Sat a long time near bank of Turkey Cr.--returned & stayed at P's. Tom from town reported capture of thief who had stolen Drennan's horse.

April 21, 1864, Thursday

        Rode by "Gam" Williams & Westbrook's to Burrill Fullilove's shop. Mrs. Thad Beall there--shearing sheep--got Boomer shod--dinner at F's. Rode over to Biggs's--he & et fils a-cutting up sweet potatoes from a bank. Jim Davis came--a man by the name of Kirkwood with lime for sale, 2 mules & a jinny in team--Rode with Jim to Buffkin's, thence to 4 mile post near Standard's, met Dulin, also Sam Young reading a novel.

April 22, 1864, Friday

        Old Rollin Sugg & young Paty here--Wasson here at dinner. At Lucas's after dinner. Walk with Steve at night.

April 23, 1864, Saturday

        Three hundred years since Shakspeare was born--(1564-1616)-- on dit, that he died on his birthday aet. 52.

        Ike Herring was telling today about the capture recently of Fort Pillow--681 of the garrison killed, about 200 prisoners. Forrest's loss 50 killed 100 wounded (about)--Rainy P. M. John Burns died about March 28th at Marietta, Georgia.


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April 24, 1864, Sunday

        A hard rain yesterday P. M. & night. Old Johny here in morning. At Lucas's A. M. Jo Thompson & Dave Carr--"Babe" & Lou. Th. ibi.

        P. M., L., Jo., & Dave here awhile. Walk with Lucas out to Mrs. Treat's place, & back by the Ross place on Rockport Road. Com'n Prayer.

April 25, 1864, Monday

        "Colded" slightly--irritation of throat. Drew up petition for Ben T. Clark. Jim Sims here. Weather pleasant but coolish in the morning.

April 26, 1864, Tuesday

        Read Shakspeare's "Merry Wives of Windsor" through. Irritation of throat and lungs from cold. In our walk on Sunday Lucas remarked that Meeks had stayed here three years waiting for a return of better times, and had worn his eyes out a-looking for them. (His eyes are much inflamed, & his sight not good.) At Lucas's at night--Jim Ferguson & Jim Mathis there. This was our first warm day this Spring.

April 27, 1864, Wednesday

        Sore throat & lungs--a severe cold. Presley, Tom Rosamond, Maj. Binford et al here. B. trying to recover a stolen mare in possession of Lewis Nash. Walk with Lindsay P. M. out by Oldham's--really warm day--Shakspeare.

April 28, 1864, Thursday

        Last night g--d C--ll showed me a letter from M--t W--d


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in which Dr. L's safe arrival at his destination was announced.

        Sneed at al here to see about the horses left by the Yanks with McAdams et al. The Two Gentlemen of Verona & Measure for Measure.

        Zack Ratliff here, s'd yt Thad Beall's "Old Josh" was found hanging to a black jack limb yesterday morning. Hot--At L's a few minutes at night.

April 29, 1864, Friday

        Warm summer weather--S'all--Steele Armstrong here.

April 30, 1864, Saturday

        Hot--cloud & rain at night.

May 1, 1864, Sunday

        Cool--rode to Kelly's (M. D.)--thence to Noah's--thence to Love's. Love told of a wounded Yankee requesting some one to shoot him to put him out of his pain; & of a boys doing so. Rode back with Mingo as far as Towers's--thence home. Dew here about Bell Tory.

May 2, 1864, Monday

        Mrs. Guy Ray came here last night about 1 A. M.--complaint about taking horse. Election of Town Officers. J. Niles elected Justice 31 votes (all)--Glazier, Const. 23. Select Men, Durham, Richardson, Comfort & Perkins.

May 3, 1864, Tuesday

        A frost this morning--Gave bond as J. P. today. Groves about


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the children burning his cotton. T. H. P. just back from the Miss. Swamp. Love, on Sunday, said yt he saw a young chap (Yankee) killed not long ago, for whom he felt sorry, he was crossing over the crest of a hill, leading his horse, when he was fired on, & shot with four balls in the breast--he buried him--he had no beard.

May 4, 1864, Wednesday

        This morning Lucas on Glazier's mule, & I on "Boomy" went to Attalaville--met old man hauling corn. At Bluff Spring we stopped and chatted with Jo Coffey a few minutes. Sam Allen and Jabez Meek there. Sam Lowell's dwelling house, smoke house & kitchen were destroyed by fire this morning--children took a torch to go into the loft to see some kittens, & set cotton on fire. Bill Foy tried at Attalaville for stealing Jno. Dew's mare bound over in $1000 bond. Dyer defended, I prosecuted, returning, rode with Wade & Steve Sallis.

        Lucas went on to Newport. "Dell Foy" at the trial.

May 5, 1864, Thursday

        Board of Select Men met at my house--new members sworn in.

May 6, 1864, Friday

        Rode out beyond Crowder's, far into the woods & swamp, & returned about supper time.

May 7, 1864, Saturday

        Started soon after sunrise for Judge Hudson's, in Leake Co., 24 miles distant. Went via Center--stopped and chatted a few minutes


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with old man McAdams, at his house. Met Scurlock, saw Jim Kelly, Jno. Bailey & Bill Kelly at Center--chatted a few moments, forded Lobutcha--bridge burnt.

        Arrived at Hudson's about 1/4 past 11 A. M. found Tom Rosamond & Steve Armstrong there--the first discharged from Love's Company of cavalry because he is a Justice of the Peace, the second because he is a constable, proceeding under writ of Habeas Corpus.

        Hudson making palmetto hats. After dinner R. & A. left, I remained an hour and a half longer, then started, reached Stokely White's--11 miles--just after sunset--directly Rosamond & A. came up with White, Harv. White's son. Ann there, mistress of the house.

May 8, 1864, Sunday

        R. & A. left soon after breakfast for home. Jno. I. Roberts came up & stayed awhile. I rode through the woods via Dunc. Massey's to Jim Chesnutt's--Jake there--stayed till after dinner. Came on to Watkins's--stopped. Old man Brooks & Doc Burt there--reached home awhile before sunset. At L's al noche.

May 9, 1864, Monday

        Many persons in town--excitement about exemptions & details. Meeting of Board of Select Men at my "room."

May 10, 1864, Tuesday

        Today we had a hard rain--hail in some places--cool at night.


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May 11, 1864, Wednesday

        Extremely cool--The late news from Va. is to the effect that Grant has been worsted by Lee--Banks defeated in La. near Shreveport-- Plymouth, N. C. taken by Hoke.

May 12, 1864, Thursday

        Frost this morning, so several persons say--cold--fires comfortable & indispensable. Buster, Fremonce & Chenault's here--preparing detail papers. Rode out to tanyard. Wrote out a short speech for Jim Burt, on "Agriculture."

May 13, 1864, Friday

        Frost this morning--a fire extremely pleasant. Yankees about Center, on dit. Bacon & his Philosophy according to Macaulay. Steele captured at Camden, Ark.

May 14, 1864, Saturday

        Many persons in town. Wrote out papers for Beacham, Hughes, et al. Started to go up road with Lucas--rode out to near Groves's old place where Jno. T. Nash overtook us. I turned off to tanyard, and thence (after going to Beacham's Spring) rode over to Steam Mill, & thence home. "Eddy" here.

May 15, 1864, Sunday

        Macaulay's Lord Burghley--Jeff's message. Cool enough for fire A. M.--Ride by Crowder's, Treat place, "Harrycane", Ross place, home.

        P. M. "Qu." y yo y infantas. Walked to Price's Spring. Pickwick with illustrations. Chops and tomato sauce. At Lucas's at night.


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Monday, May 16, 1864

        Fire in morning--cool. A large crowd here "fixing up" applications for exemption and detail. Neely from Warren Co. rode P. M. with Rosser out to his plantation on the hilltop, by the gin-house & Fausett's grave--negroes hoeing corn. R. told me of S. C. habits--where boys were educated, & c. Told of his travels in the swamp--his place on Miss. River.

Tuesday, May 17, 1864

        Rode out just before night around Tipton old houses--back by the Story road--At night at Lucas's. L. "in the doldrums"--Read Gov. Clark's proc'n defining more particularly exemptions.

        Browns (H. B. & R. D.) here at dinner.

Wednesday, May 18, 1864

        Hume's account of reign of Chas. 1st--large crowd here--too large for me to quit writing--lost my dinner. Bob Mims, "Lebe", Dr. Smith et al here--A sprinkle of rain P. M.--Pleasant ride just before sunset over Story road, around by Tipton house, Oldham's summer house, home--air sweet, cool and pleasant.

        Great rumors afloat--e. g. Grant routed in Va., Thomas in Geo., war soon to end.

Thursday, May 19, 1864

        Hard at work writing out applications for exemptions & details. Superintending work on streets--hauling brickbats. Presley hic--


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Jim Doss et al --Jo. Thompson. Lovely moonlight night.

        Lazarus Simon just back from Mobile brings dispatches that Banks got back to N. Orleans with 5,000 men--lost 45 boats, 14 of them gunboats. Baton Rouge evacuated by Feds. Natchez a-fire. Grant's loss in Va. 45,000. If true, "the beginning of the end"approaches.

May 20, 1864, Friday

        Warm--rode out in morning to Beacham's, going part of the way with old man Hearn and Carr. Dishman after detail.

        Haley Cotten of Thomastown was found dead sitting in his chair day before yesterday, 18th Inst. Clear moonlight night, concert at Male Academy,

May 21, 1864, Saturday

        Hot--Landrum here--says Haley Cotten died with one foot on gallery railing--72 yrs. old. Shade Bruce & Sorelle eat dinner here.

        Hume's account of Charles 1st's reign.

May 22, 1864, Sunday

        Hume & Civil War--rode out A. M. fell in with Wash Tipton--rode down by the Treat place. Macaulay on Hallam--Hume. Rode out just before supper around by Tipton houses--hot.

May 23, 1864, Monday

        A slight sprinkle of rain P. M.--Hume--Rode P. M. down to Frank Olive's and back. Frank just caked and crusted with dirt--he is reading Buchan. Prewitt & Jim Cole here today.


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May 24, 1864, Tuesday

        Finished Hume's account of the Commonwealth. Rode via Mrs. Jackson's and Crowder's around by Mrs. Treat's old place into road through the Hurricane, home. Hammond in the road where Caesar was ploughing, wanted me to teach. At Lucas's at night--Jim Bruce there.

May 25, 1864, Wednesday

        Alex M. Swayze, of Adams Co., called on me to write him a power of atty. Jo. Kimbrough here, Jim Mathis here. Read a letter from Baccus--one from Dr. Lewis. Speaking at night by Farrish's School. Laura, "Sip" & Alice went. Henry spoke Sidney Smith's "Taxes"--did as well as any of them--rain came up and hurried us home. "A mighty nice" little shower, and greatly needed.

        P. M. rode with Jim Mathis and Jim Sorelle up to Hurricane Creek.

May 26, 1864, Thursday

        Steve Wilson told me that John Wilson, of this County, was shot by order of a drumhead court martial, on Friday morning last, near Schufordville, Coahoma County, by Sanders's Company, for stealing and rascality generally. He called himself Johnson--represented himself as a single man, courted (on dit seduced) a young lady, stole some jewelry, stole three horses from Sanders's company, stole other horses and mules; and was making his way to the Yankees, when Sanders's Scouts arrested him on Thursday night last, tried him & shot him Friday morning the 20th Inst. Steve was present--said he begged


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piteously--when the order to fire was given, he didged behind the tree against which he stood unbound, and after the discharge of the guns by the file, he ran. Sanders fired a pistol at him which caused him partly to fall, but he recovered, and a Texas man (Capt. Roffe) fired at him, upon which he jumped up from the ground, and fell with the back part of his head shot off. He was buried near where he was. shot. Read Scott's Tales of a Grandfather.

May 27, 1864, Friday

        Hall's company from Leake came here--Claitor here at dinner. Bot. 20$ worth of postage stamps--Quite cool--had a fire in the morning. Old Johny Allen called in.

May 28, 1864, Saturday

        Read Everett's 4th of July Oration for 1861. Old man Presley and Parkington here. Reaves (Andy) Holloway, and Nath Morff here-- Scott's Tales of a Grandfather. Rode with old man Weatherly 2 1/2 miles.

May 29, 1864, Sunday

        An unusually cool morning, for the time of the year--had a fire in my study. Scott's Tales of a Grandfather. Walk around by Mrs. Thompson's and grave-yard just before noon. Qu. sick with cold. Albert Mitchell & Lucas here P. M.--rode out beyond old Jno. Taylor's and back.

May 30, 1864, Monday

        Sam Y--g & 2 drinks of tafia at my office. Rumored yt. Johnston


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has whipped Sherman. At Lucas's at night.

May 31, 1864, Tuesday

        Bob Kelly & Bill Ross reported killed in Va. Crowded with for details. Charley Presley elected Constable over Bill Kelly yesterday--vote C. 29--K. 26--D. 26--Chenault 18.

        Old Mrs. Harrison here--"Jee-thro"--

        Alice went up to Presley's. Finished Scott's "Tales of a Grandfather" --1st series, embracing Hist'y of Scotland. Second time I have read it--first time was Oct'r 1833.

        Walked down below Mrs. Meek's and back after supper--then at Lucas's. Cows came up after we went to bed.

June 1, 1864, Wednesday

        Started to Leake Co. to attend the trial of two negroes belonging to Mrs. Scott, charged with having burnt Bob Hall's gin-house, with some forty or fifty bales of cotton on night of May 20th. Negroes named Tony and Levatt. Rode in company with Miss Narcissa Dodd from the bridge to her father's. She had a little sister behind her, she had one eye covered by a handkerchief on account of a stye. Stopped at Holloway's and eat dinner there--stayed till about 3 o'clock-- rode down in the direction Shumaker's Mill. Met Newell's old Harry driving ox wagon--crossed Cobb's Creek--passed Bell's blacksmith shop--crossed Robinson Road--arrived at Mrs. Scott's. Bob Ware there--daughter's Mrs. Gordon (whose husband was killed by Abe Bilbs.)


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and Henrietta, who sings anthems.

June 2, 1864, Thursday

        Rode to Carthage along with Dixon Williams, met Plunkett. Britton's Mill on Pollard's Creek. Boozer and his salt-patch.

        Reached town about 9 A. M. Negroes tried before Justices Williams and Triplett--Renfro, Wm. Hall, Mrs. Bob Hall principal witnesses. Eads & Hine prosecuted--I defended--bound them over in $6000 recognizance--it rained--rode back in the rain--travelled back to Mrs. Scott's in company with Plunkett, Britton & the Scotts-- it rained on us hard--stayed at Mrs. Scott's--(Jordan's sells tafia at 2$ a tin cup thimblefull)

June 3, 1864, Friday

        Cloudy and damp--rode with Dixon Williams over to Bob Hall's to view the scene of the gin-burning--the bridges--the fields--potato patch--horse-lot--burnt gin & c.--returned to Kosciusko. Met old Jno. Jones with a sack of meal. Dotan's--Collins's--where I stopped and took refuge in a stable from the cataract of rain. At Holloway's pottery--eat dinner at H's, came home P. M.

June 4, 1864, Saturday

        Read Shakspeare's "As You Like It," and "Midsummer's Night Dream"-- writs of replevin to recover possession of property seized by Hall's cavalry company. Stokely White here at dinner. Lucas and Jo Jinkins here at night.


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June 5, 1864, Sunday

        Shakspeare's "Much Ado About Nothing"--Mrs. I. here in quest of something to read--"Stratford Gallery"--ride down to the Jackson houses and back. At Lucas's at night. Carlile preached Sweatt's funeral.

June 6, 1864, Monday

        Riding out this morning on Attalaville road I saw all the signs of rain--and soon returned. Freeman Barnett, Jno. Robinson, Bill Little, "old Sammy" old man Dickson here. A slow rain P. M.--read Westminster Review on "Mary Stuart." Rode 2 miles down "the Trace" and back. Jimmy Young after cows. J. M. Hooper, of Hooper's Ferry, died Monday, May 30th.

June 7, 1864, Tuesday

        Last night "Qu." was telling me of a pain in the left breast which has afflicted her for several years occasionally, but latterly, since she suffered from cold, almost constantly--it seems to be in, or near, the heart. Mrs. Fawsett here--staid to dinner--gives a doleful picture of her extreme destitution--not a particle of meat for months--a little corn meal all--she ploughs. Rain P. M. Rode out to Burnley place--staid under an oak during rain.

June 8, 1864, Wednesday

        Rain--at Ellis's A. M. Mrs. W. J. Young on novels--dislikes Dickens--Lucas here awhile--read in Living Age article from Christian


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Remembrances on Mary Stuart--read it in 1851--it agrees substantially with West'r Rev'w, and produces a condemnatory sentence on the wicked siren.

June 9, 1864, Thursday

        Rode this morning out to Godbold's Camp on the railroad, along with Lucas. G. gone to the salt-works, Crooker & "Mag" there--fine, elevated location--talked of the war. C. thought it would about wind up this year. A raspberry pie for dinner--

        Among casualties recently occurring are--Jno. Miller McAffee, killed, Wm. Ross, do. Denson of 2nd Miss. Cavalry killed.

        Rode around over Story road by Tipton houses--rained a little.

June 10, 1864, Friday

        A. J. Boyd (J. P.) from Leake here to get out of Army by writ of Habeas Corpus. Showery--bad on the wheat.

June 11, 1864, Saturday

        Rained a good deal--replevin suit of Jno. Smith before Mosby & Seal Sallis--Smith arrested--cavalry stationed around the door of C. H. to prevent egress. The Greer women here. Sam Allen, Proctor here P. M. At Lucas's at night.

June 12, 1864, Sunday

        Rain, rain, rain. Countess of Desmond, who died in 1604 aet. 140 years--article on Wellington in Lond. Quart'y Review. Rode with Lucas P. M. out to Ross place going by Hammond's, where was Jim Taylor.

        Cool at night.


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June 13, 1864, Monday

        Cool A. M. and damp--had a fire in my room. Qu. has the blues, elle dit, do "coming events casting a shadow before"--Reeves, Prator, Cudd et al hic about details--Rode out late P. M. around Crowder's, Mrs. Treat's deserted place, through "the harrykin," to the hill-top, thence home by Ross place. Poetical recitations, chantings, and musings.

June 14, 1864, Tuesday

        A very cool day--for June--fire pleasant--cloudy. P. M. rode by Ross place, "hurricane," Treat house, Crowder's, home. Pleasant sleeping with ample cover.

June 15, 1864, Wednesday

        Cool, quite so--fire necessary. Qu. out of the blues. Old Presley here awhile. Children reciting in Colburn & Gould Brown-- Rode with P. out near to Munson's. Concert at night. Alice, Henry & Sally went. Lucas here awhile at night, then about Court House.

        Concert lasted till past 1 o'clock.

June 16, 1864, Thursday

        Rode in the morning, my favorite round, by the Ross place, Mrs. Treat's deserted place and Crowder's. "Nancy & Sis" here at dinner-- wind and rain P. M. Wheat is injured by late rains, it is said.

June 17, 1864, Friday

        Read Bancroft's and Botta's accounts of the Battle of Bunker Hill,


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fought 89 years ago--read also a little book (bo't by me at B. Hill in May, 1845) very minute full; and, I think, mainly very accurate.

        At night read Webster's Bunker Hill Oration. Lucas and I walked over towards Female College at night where Wall's examination was going on.

June 18, 1864, Saturday

        Gen. Leonidas Polk killed by a shell on the 14th Inst. Bill McCain & John Mathis (Jim's son) recently died in Memphis--read Alison's account of Battles of Ligne, Quatre Bras, & Waterloo.

        P. M. rode around by Ross place, (Maddox there overseeing for Heard) through the "Harrycane" by Mrs. Treat's place, & Crowder's, home. At Mrs. Treat's old kitchen I saw a heifer hung by the horns, her head being inextricably fastened under the sill. I told Crowder about it.

June 19, 1864, Sunday

        This morning I rode with Lucas out to Ben Rooks' (Harlow's old place) thence to the widow Rooks', thence to Sinclair's Spring-- thence home. L. told me C. K. Massey was killed, "Citizen" announces death of Colin Pearce. Jap Bridges & Dave Brown in trouble at Canton-- praying to be released. P. M. rode out there again--arriving just at sunset--stayed till 9 o'clock.

June 20, 1864, Monday

        Mrs. Kimbrough here attending Probate Court--A hard rain and high wind came up from North--ran hard from C. H. to get home.


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        At night was at L's a few minutes. Jo Th. & Tom Wasson there. Rain poured into H--y's room. Mike Dickinson eat dinner here.

June 21, 1864, Tuesday

        Rode out to Price's A. M.--he gone from home. A shocking rain-- floods of it. Got some corn from Rosser--rain began at M. Read Roderick Random.

June 22, 1864, Wednesday

        Cloudy--east wind--earth saturated--rain P. M. Steve Armstrong here at dinner. Capt. Stephen W. Jamison died a few days ago of a wound.

June 23, 1864, Thursday

        Last night I finished Roderick Random, which I read in Meigs Co. Ohio in 1838. No rain today.

June 24, 1864, Friday

        No rain here today--Plums back of the Ross field N. W. of town. Geo. Thompson I met coming from there. After eating a sufficiency I went through the woods by the Treat house, & Crowder's, home.

June 25, 1864, Saturday

        At the plum trees again--thence via Crowder's, home--stopped and talked with "Steve"--Horse pressers about--rode out to Wells's along with W, Cagle & Savage. Rosser called in this morning to look at my libary, il dit.


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June 26, 1864, Sunday

        Rode over to Price's this morning. Mrs. Crowder and daughters there. Albert Mitchell & Lucas here P. M.--rode with M. 3 miles P. M. At night a sudden shower. Turner Price died 17th Inst.

        Old man Robertson (hatter) yesterday--man named Land hung in Carthage on 17th for murder of Ward in 1860. A very warm day this.

June 27, 1864, Monday

        Rode (P. M.) to the Creek and back. Bill Oxford here at dinner--told many things about the Yankees, cavalry, smuggling, & c. Lives 4 miles from Mechanicsburg. "Mely" 44 yrs. old today. Al, Em & Mely went off together--Al staid there at night.

June 28, 1864, Tuesday

        Old man Deen & wife here from Leake Co. Jno. Donaldson's wife & Proctor here.

June 29, 1864, Wednesday

        Mrs. Bailey came here for a writ of H. Corpus for "Frank"--Very hot--no rain here today. Wrote to Campbell at Atlanta.

June 30, 1864, Thursday

        A hot day and no rain here, but plenty not far off. Alison's revolution in Greece, A. D. 1821-27--rode out to Rosser's plantation-- he and Hammond there. Dog flew at me at Carr's. John Bailey went to Bob Hudson's and back today.


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July 1, 1864, Friday

        Rode to Creek and back. "Boom" got scared on bridge at old McAdam's sheepskin--rode with him to town. Campbell's little boy along. Allison on Greece & Turkey in 1827-8-9. Irish potatoes for dinner--rain P. M.

July 2, 1864, Saturday

        Henry went to Bill Young's Mill, carrying 2 bushels of corn on "Boomer"--returned in a short time with his meal. Alison's War with Russia & Turkey in 1828.

July 3, 1864, Sunday

        Rode to Mrs. S. G. Peeler's--thence to Dickerson's--met Evan Boyette in the road, long talk with him. 6 W. P's girls at D's--Jim Kelley there--dinner there--old Bally Allen & Buzbee came along.

        Started up to Claitor's, McAdory & Jno. Riley came along--right from Mobile. Claitor & wife not at home--at Cumming's. Stopped, returning, at Wingate's--read news rec'd from McAdory--rain came up, but by hard riding, reached Lewis P's before it reached me. Waited there till it was over--reached home just at dark.

July 4, 1864, Monday

        Old Tom Burchfield came over, sat awhile in the shade, talked and winked. Capt. Pepper and Standbury here at night--very hot these days.

July 5, 1864, Tuesday

        Bill Kelley, Thos. Johnston, & Crawford here, Lewis P. do. Thad.


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Beall's wife here yesterday. Rode P. M. with Presley to Munson's bridge.

July 6, 1864, Wednesday

        Rumors of "a raid" at Jackson. Alison on Irish Ribbon Men--rode out in morning & evening--at Lucas's at night.

July 7, 1864, Thursday

        Rode out by Bill Young's Mill--home with Mosby from Price's. M. had his long lost horde (hired to Capt. Donnelly and not returned according to pledge)--Very hard rain.

July 8, 1864, Friday

        Rumored Johnston has fallen back to the Chattahooche--yt. raid from Vicksburg is retiring--yt. Gholson is wounded.

July 9, 1864, Saturday

        Rode "Boom" to Judge Hudson's in Leake--started soon after 5 o'clock A. M.--went by Rimmer's and Ayres's & Jim Kelley's to Perry McGee's, Henderson's and Myers's, Robinson Road to Judge's, 26 miles. Never saw the flies so bad as between Kelley's & Robinson Road. Frank Bailey was to have a hearing on writ of H. Corpus, but Alex Hall failed to bring him up--hot and rain P. M. Hudson told me of the threats made against him by deserters, of Mack & Holden being killed, and Peterson & Blount shot & wounded in Yazoo County by our cavalry--of Armfield staying with him recently--of bushwhackers watching his field to shoot him--of their turning stock into his field, & c.


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July 10, 1864, Sunday

        Came home from Bob's via Centre--six hours a-coming--water at Luse's well--forded Lobutcha--water at Kern's, and at a house this side McAdams's. Albert Mitchell here P. M.

July 11,1864, Monday

        Crowd here after exemptions--rain. Parson D. K. Young eat dinner with us. At night at L's--Conly there. News yt. raid is coming out from Memphis.

July 12, 1864, Tuesday

        A rain P. M.--L. P. hic--Dan C. in trouble about being denied an exemption by Stinson.

July 13, 1864, Wednesday

        Saw yesterday letter from Baccus saying Lewis's people were dissatisfied with things generally--that Dixon Simpson had died (June 10th)--Geo. Hopkins about the 7th. Jim Searight's son died at Memphis.

        Parsons Burt & McKay here from Leake on account of captured conscripts & deserters. Eli Croswell & Mrs. McKenzie about a mare which they couldn't get. Jno. Richardson going to Hudson's for Hab. Corp's. D. B. C. in trouble about exemption.

July 14, 1864, Thursday

        Alison--Parson McKay here about Long, Burt's son-in-law. Very hot, day and night.

July 15, 1864, Friday

        At L's at night--invitation to dinner tomorrow--hot, hot.


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July 16, 1864, Saturday

        Crowd here trying to secure exemptions & details, Blumenberg, Burnett, Hughes, et al. Dr. Todd here, sat in the grove awhile.

July 17, 1864, Sunday

        Rode out to Price's A. M.--"Em" ibi. It is said Dick White died in Marion Co., Ala., June 18th. Cephas Clements is dead, so Calvin says--"Bets" crippled--succotash for dinner.

July 18, 1864, Monday

        Rode down the Trace, around by East's old place, & Price's, & home--reported yt. Forrest has whipped Washburne--large crowd here seeking details. Rode out with Burnett & Townsend in the evening towards Standard's. At Lucas's at night. Jo Th. & Bev. there.

July 19, 1864, Tuesday

        Mrs. Lewis McKay died last week quite suddenly. L. P. & T. H. P. ibi hodie--hic de Patre Fluviorum. Hughes here and Meeks, Jno. H. & Dr. Todd & Holloway. Rode out P. M. cum patre & filio to near Munson's--met Knox returning.

July 20, 1864, Wednesday

        Sixteen years ago today I first set foot in Kosciusko. Rode out just before night--met Miss Rachel O--turned back with her & rode to town--she said Judge Ross told the Sunday School children that they hadn't been far from home, nor seen much of the world, and didn't know much, and ought to imitate Mr. Rosser's people who had lived in


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cities and knew how to behave. Said Ross told her that he had said to Martha McKee that the scripture had spoken of a time when seven women would take hold of one man, and that the time had now come. "Matt" replied: "Don't be alarmed--none of them will lay hold of you."

July 21, 1864, Thursday

        Alison--Rode to Price's--thence to Perkins's--thence home.

July 22, 1864, Friday

        Rode out to Thos. Rosamond's--Went by Rochester Mill--Cone, et al ibi--found Thomas R. at Addison's. My watch stopped without having run down--first time since I bought it, more than eight years ago. Started to "Thad's"--met Mrs. B. in the road--eat dinner at Addison R's--Tom there. Ad. in the army--negro belonging to Shehigh, of Holmes Co.

July 23, 1864, Saturday

        A cool morning--rode with Jno. T. Richardson & Steve Gayarre to Hudson's via Centre. Luce overtook us and rode in company several miles--reached Bob's about--1/2 past 11. Kit Allen, Ellick Hall et al there--Case of Frank Bailey decided adversely to him--Richardson's postponed. After dinner awhile, we started back--came by Jim Kelley's-- stayed at Starmore Bates's, widow Harrison there. Rich & Steve stayed at Ayres's.

July 24, 1864, Sunday

        Rode up by McClanahan's to Burchfield's, thence to Claitor's--


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dinner fine, spring water--walk over corn-field. At Presley's awhile, home.

July 26, 1864, Tuesday

        Henry rode "Boom" up to Fullilove's and got him shod. Talk of Forrest's late fight, in which Isham Harrison was killed--Forrest's loss very heavy--fight was at Harrisonburg & Tupelo. A. J. Smith commanded enemy.

July 28, 1864, Thursday

        Henry rode "Boom" to Atwood's and got, through Jas. E. Hughes, 100 lbs. flour. "Pooce" cramming on "bixsit." Walk 1 mile & back after supper, below Mrs. Meeks's--

July 29, 1864, Friday

        It is said yt. Chap Tims is killed in Geo. Thos. Wade & Mid. Pool's son, Frank Pullen, Brunt, Best and others in Forrest's late fight. Pink Cochran (Capt.) mortally wounded. Wasson yesterday showed me a letter from Dave & one from Wm. A. Smith.

        Capt. Turner here today--says Forrest lost killed & wounded, 2800 men--had 600 killed--says he was badly whipped.

July 30, 1864, Saturday

        Qu. et children went to Mrs. Price's. I walked out there & back, they stayed all day. Cullen Harris here at dinner. Henry went to Sam Peeler's for meal--At Lucas's at night.

July 31, 1864, Sunday

        Alison on French Revolution of Feb'y 1848--rode out by Wells's on


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road to Rochester, home by Harrel's. Fremonce came here and sat awhile at night. A sprinkle of rain today.

August 1, 1864, Monday

         Rode out to Price's in morning, Mrs. Crowder & Em there--A. M. a hard rain--divers rains. Met "Em", "Bet", & "Alba" the other side of the Wallace Branch--coming home the two last named met a bull near corner of square, and took fright. Alb't Mitchell at Lucas's at night--reports of killed & wounded.

August 2, 1864, Tuesday

        Sick today. An old letter from Lewis to Lucas--dissatisfied at Henderson. Croswell & Mrs. McKenzie here--she got her mare from the "prevoster."

August 3, 1864, Wednesday

        Capt. Kimbrough told me Parson Duke, Bill Green, (East of Yocky.) Pat Harmon and Andy Johnson are killed--Harry Harlow & Levi Murff's sons wounded--others also. Sick. Widows McKay & Boone & Jeff Jinkins here.

August 4, 1864, Thursday

        Wiley Mathews here. Henry says "they've caught Peyt. Ellis," & that "Peter shot him."

August 5--6

        Puny these days. It is said that Jno. Meek, Jo Ball and Jas. Nash are killed at Atlanta, also Bill McClannahan killed in Forrest's command. Geo. Wallace, Jim Boyd & Bill Love wounded.


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August 7, 1864, Sunday

         Rode out a little while in the morning--chat with Lucas. Hammond came up, sat on our horses, rode with Carr. Jo Thompson at L's.

August 8, 1864, Monday

        Working on streets--rumor of fight in Mobile Bay. At L's at night. Th. went home in night.

August 10, 1864, Wednesday

        A crowd here about going into companies of reserves--Veazey-- Prewitt on his horse. L--s P--y last night. Al and Mary Perkins here in rain--stayed till morning.

August 12, 1864, Friday

        Worked streets--superintended. Hard wind just at night and rain.

August 13, 1864, Saturday

        "Marty's" birth-day--hard rain. Alison--"Have a piece of cake?"

August 14, 1864, Sunday

        Lucas & Lazarus here with paper brought through by Mrs. Kestin. About 9 A. M. started for Carthage--staid at Holloway's several hours. Bill lying abed sick of his wound--piece of shell came out while I was there. Reached Mrs. Scott's near night--staid there.

August 15, 1864, Monday

        Rode to town--Mrs. G. & Dick Williams along. Gov's proclamation calling out those between 16 & 55--Court opened--was appointed Dist.


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Atty. pro. tem.--back to Mrs. Scott's--rode back with "Jake" Plunkett.

August 16, 1864, Tuesday

        Yesterday Bob H--n made a war speech--steps were taken to form a company. Grand Jury at work, P. M. West foreman. John Richardson's case tried and decided adversely to him. Andrew Boyd's case yesterday decided in his favor, vs J. P. Richardson, a select man of K--o. A hard rain on hill north of town--To Mrs. Scott's along with Plunkett.

August 17, 1864, Wednesday

        Drawing up bills of indictment--rain just ahead of us as we went home, P. & I.

August 18, 1864, Thursday

        Old Mr. David Hughes's case about a slave (Jo) alleged to have been given to his son Virgil, tried and determined against him--He & old man Huey had some short words after Court. Back with Plunkett-- all abed. Great war meeting in C, "Bob" spoke. Kit Allen Captain--

        Barnes rode with P. & me.

August 19, 1864, Friday

        True Bills--Court adjourned to Monday--left C. at 1/4 to 3 P. M. reached K. at 9. Rain from ten miles this side of Carthage to Lo. Fletcher's--roads slippery. Jo. Ryal's son & Alewine. Concert going on.

August 20, 1864, Saturday

        Dark--cloudy--rainy--Sundry applicants for details--at Lucas's


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at night--Memphis news is that Lewis has gone to Ill. Eli McWhorter is dead. Steve Boyett has killed a man. Baccus has paid out of the service. Harlow is a-marketing--Sternberger in Phila., etc.

August 21, 1864, Sunday

        At Simon's awhile--his aunt just from Memphis. Eli McWhorter dead--died near Memphis in June.

        Rode to Burnett's, 4 miles this side Carthage, Hutchins there, Moriarty, Irishman, there. Walk through cornfield and potato patch, sugar-corn. Got water at Mrs. Falkner's--stopped in woods and let Boom feed on grass awhile. "Histy" of Greece, Bustamanti's.

        Dogs bit Hun today.

August 22, 1864, Monday

        Rode to Carthage--Morrow, Geo. Thompson et al. going to Grenada.

        Indictments a-finding--rode back along with Mann & Burnett-- Hemphill at Burnett's--cool night.

August 23, 1864, Tuesday

        Rode to Carthage, along with Burnett, Mann & Hemphill--a delicious peach from Eads--eat dinner at Eads's--kid, peach pie and good things generally. D. Todd, Logan Harper, John D. Alex Gordon there. Bilbo's case with Scott's boys et al. about leather--decided in favor of Bilbo & Mosby. Rode out with Mann, Burnett, Hemphill & Thos. Pettigrew-- staid at Mann's--Pettigrew there.

August 24, 1864, Wednesday

        Closed out Court this morning--officers of the County all


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indicted for not arresting deserters, many presentments for fornication and adultery. Came to Burnett's for dinner--came home by dark.

August 25, 1864, Thursday

        Mrs. Forrester there about a watch case--Soldiers in town. Thos. N. Davis here, One of Albert Mitchell's sons recently killed in Geo, 2 now killed and 1 a prisoner.

August 27, 1864, Saturday

        "Dan" just back from the "Old Melish" at Grenada--very hot day & night. Lucas's infant child died today. Newell's was buried today.

August 28, Sunday, 1864

        Hot enough. Mrs. Knox, (David's wife) died today--or yesterday.

        Alison's Europe--Austerlitz.

        Newt Harrison's son said to be killed.

August 29, 1864, Monday

        Very hot. Capt. Turner & Bill Dodd reported killed or captured near Oxford, Miss.--Are J. P's exempt? Matthew Bell warning in the delinquents.

August 30, 1864, Tuesday

        Very hot--Old Frank here, talking about going to the war. Newell & Steve got off this morning. Mrs. Autrey died last night.

        T. S. P. started for the war--returned.

August 31, 1864, Wednesday

        Hot--L. P--y here at dinner. Anternet and "Em" also--At


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night was at L's--molasses making.

September 1, 1864, Thursday

        T. S. Pr-ct-r here at dinner--he started with petition for writ of Habeas Corpus to Hudson. Walked after supper to Mrs. Meek's-- met G. C--ll and rode back with him. At L's moloaaes making.

September 2, 1864, Friday

        Dry and hot. Jim Mathis & Jno. & Newton Wasson here for detail papers. At Lucas's at night where syrup was boiling.

September 3, 1864, Saturday

        Rode out to Jno. B. Rives's--Land there, Miss R.--Gilliam from Carroll there--dinner there. At Wm. C. Sutton's--thence home--a burning hot day.

September 4, 1864, Sunday

        Hot--secured Judge "Bob" a boarding-place at Gould's--first called on Bill Th'n about it.

September 5, 1864, Monday

        Circuit Court today--the first since Jan'y 1862--News is that "Atlanta has gone up"--Intensely hot every day lately--Argument of Hab. Corp. cases about Justices of the Peace by Sam & I.

September 6, 1864, Tuesday

        Hot, very--boiling sugar--corn juice at Lucas's at night.

        Court dragging along.


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September 7, 1864, Wednesday

        Gen. Jno. Morgan killed at Greenville, Tenn. Atlanta certainly evacuated. Grand Jury adjourned to Monday. L. P. stayed here.

September 8, 1864, Thursday

        Yesterday I got a divorce for Ashley Jones, today one for Martin P. Roberts--Judge went home--refused to discharge Gober Jamison's substitute.

September 9, 1864, Friday

        Alison--Gordon here from Holmes detailing outrages committed by Charly Miller, Sam Teague et al. Holloway brought John Ware in, with Maddox's horse.

September 10, 1864, Saturday

        Rode out to Perkins's in the morning--met Mary coming from Robinson's--brought Henry's hat home with me ($10.) Grapes near Male Academy. Very hot.

September 11, 1864, Sunday

        Rode around by Crowder's and Mrs. Treat's--hot--Alison--

        Rode at sunset down to near Cox's old place. Cate going to Perkins's.

September 12, 1864, Monday

        Resumption of Court. Alison--Little or no business outside grand jury.

September 13, 1864, Tuesday

        L. P. stayed here--gardens burnt up--vegetables gone--cows going to the swamp for their feed. Hot.


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September 14, 1864, Wednesday

        Militia getting home from Grenada yesterday & today. At night was at L's. Albert M. there. Talk of militia 30 day campaign.

September 15, 1864, Thursday

        Cool morning--decrees for Harlow & Harrington to Tax Lands.

        Alison--

September 16, 1864, Friday

        Cool weather--Last night was at Campbell's, at Hudson's room. Dr. Hemming was and Steve Wilson, Hudson and myself constituted a Euchre party. Steve and I beat them one game at the sitting. Met Frank Irving as I was going home--full moon.

        This morning was very cool, and I had to put on a thick coat-- boys had a fire in clerk's office--Court closed today. "Bob" congratulated Grand Jury on their faithful discharge of duty, and complimented Confederacy on its having upheld the civic power, while carrying on a mighty revolution. At L's at night.

September 17, 1864, Saturday

        Rode up to Treadaway's along with J. C. L.--Jno. Wasson a part of the way, Carr a part. Eat dinner at Jeff Wilson's--returned by Nathan Sweatt's. Jane & Amanda and widow there--via widow Lucas's to Wasson's. Dave Brown's widow preparing to move. Carr moving to her place.

September 18, 1864, Sunday

        Dry, dusty, earth burnt up--no rain since Aug. 20th. Perry


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Porter & Traweek just from the Bankston Factory.

        Rode up to Jo. Thompson's, Ferguson & wife there--capital dinner-- excellent syrup made of sorghum.

        Jeff. Wilson there, Bev. do.

        Came home by Mrs. Bradley's, Kemp's, Harrison's, Simpson's.

September 19, 1864, Monday

        Cool morning, kindled a fire in my room. "Qu." complaining latterly of pain in the region of the heart.

        Bill Chapman died a few days ago, some one says of yellow fever.

        At Lucas's at night. Probate Court--Bruce, Sorelle, Aunt Nancy, Mr. Owens.

September 20, 1864, Tuesday

        Charley Campbell (J. A. P's son) had his hand or arm amputated today, it having been injured by a molasses mill, (sorghum.)--

        Alison on U. S. and War of 1812--Rode to swamp after cows.

September 21, Wednesday, 1864

        Still dry and dusty--no rain since Aug. 20th--vegetables all dead--no beans, pease, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, beats, turnips.

        Alfred W. Kelly here, just from "Bob's" with writ of Hab. Corp. for his son--abandoned his writ.

September 22, Thursday, 1864

        Rode out to Crowder's in the morning--he making molasses--dry--


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        Letter for "Mely," from P-r-a. P. M. a slight sprinkling of rain, the first we have had since August 20th. Everything in the gardens burnt up.

        Jim Mathis and Jno. T. Nash overtook me near Paris as I was returning from a walk beyond Mrs. Meek's--at Lucas's--they had walked from near Canton to Burt's.

September 24, 1864, Saturday

        Rain this morning--Presbytery in session. L. P. and two boys here at dinner. Cleared off P. M. Geo. C. & his Co. left. Noah going to hunt deserters tonight.

September 25, 1864, Sunday

        Started this morning for Greensboro--quite cool--Rode "Boom"-- Hight (Jno. M.) walked with [me] to near Buffkin's--fell in with Sam Young at old Willis Hughes's. "Miss Matt"--at French Camp Sam & I got a drink of sulphur water at a Spring--he went on to Black's Well, I to G--o, put up at old man Wilkinson's from Greenville Dist. S. C.

        Pass & Dr. Wall there.

September 26, 1864, Monday

        Circuit Court of Choctaw, Cothran presiding--Sweatman, Albert Brantly & Pass, Dist Atty. the only lawyers present. A lovely day-- Walked down to Cullebeta Creek, and back, about sunset.

September 27, 1864, Tuesday

        Tried Mrs. Frances Bruce, wife of Jim Bruce near Springfield, for


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an assault and battery on the wife of old Lamech Edwards and cutting her with a knife. Mrs. Rix and her daughter, Miss Sally Sellars, among the witnesses--jury couldn't agree today. I defen[d]ed Mrs. B. assisted by Ab. Brantley. She is a daughter of old man Bishop.

September 28, 1864, Wednesday

        This morning the jury agreed to convict Mrs. B. and [make her] pay her fine. She made her statement and was fined $20.00. Tried the corn case between Bryant Eyland and Lindsey Campbell--late at night jury found for Eiland, pltff.--$150.--mathematical calculation.

September 29, 1864, Thursday

        Judge granted a new trial in Eiland and Campbell's case-- (Campbell is a blind man)--Left G. about 10 A. M.--Court adjourned this morning. I left for Tol. Lindsey's, traveling the old road by Banks Dean's old place. Miss Graham--"them women wants to know if you're a doctor--" Got lost several times--got to Bramlett's-- thence to Lindsey's. Dr. Satterfield, Bob. Love there.

September 30, 1864, Friday

        Came from Tol's to Huntsville along with Love, who is running against Wade Harvey for Circuit Clerk--thence by Best's, Tom Jones's, Tom Holland's, Leonard's, home. Very tired--got lost after leaving Tom Jones's--innumerable roads and cross-roads--Met Townsend electioneering--met Crossley & Bob. Sweatt--Rain at night.


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October 1, 1864, Saturday

        Warm, moist--rained last night. J. A. Hale and N. C. Wasson here. "Tom" Hale--at Lucas's at night--roasted pinders.

October 2, 1864, Sunday

        Everett's 4th of July Speech at Cambridge 1826--also his G. B. K. speech of 1824--also Story's speech of 1826--something of lapsed legacies, and wills.

        Qu., Sally, "Hun" "Pooce" and Jenny went to Crowder's. I went also but returned immediately.

October 3, 1864, Monday

        Election for Co. & Beat Officers--acted as returning Officer-- Contest in town between Riley and Flanagan--tie between Richardson and Thweatt (Uriah)--decided in favor of Rich'n by lot--rain P. M.

October 4, 1864, Tuesday

        Returns from Co. coming in--Noah 472, Jno. Durham 199. Scarborough 491, C. H. B. Campbell 179. Prob. Clk. T. D. Sallis 402, P. M. Burt 177. Scurlock, Coroner, Sam Munson 323--Bill Perkins 119, F. H. Presley 100, J. C. Ashley, 109. Bob Welt for Treas. 342, Jim Anderson 95, W. S. Donald 41, S. Carter 74, J. J. Elliott 125, Len. Nash 365, Tom Terry 244, Ranger.

October 5, 1864, Wednesday

        Jim Hutchins shot Byrd at Burk's Box on Monday--rainy yesterday & cool--Today old man Biggs brot. Jim Comfort to the bull-ring for striking him with a gun, & robbing him of a mule. McFarland had Biggs arrested.


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October 6, 1864, Thursday

        Biggs & Comfort case compromised as to the robbery charge--Jim restores the mule--Biggs withdraws the prosecution for robbery. McFarland ("prevoster") releases Biggs. Mosby bound Jim over to answer for assault & battery.

         Wm. Fletcher died Tuesday--Miss Lou Palmer Monday--Jackson Owsley died last month.

October 7, 1864, Friday

        L. P. brot us a turn of sweet potatoes--he eat dinner here. On dit Calton Lindsay is elected Shff. of Choctaw, over Plattner & Addcock. Tom Davis beats Killough & Thompson for Probate Judge. Wade Harvey beats Love for Circ. Clk. Ira McDowell beats Avent for Probate Clark.

        Cincinnati Gazette of Sept. 26--Chases Speech--At L's at night-- J. Wasson et "Sally" there.

October 8, 1864, Saturday

        A clear, cool autumnal day with a keen wind from the North.

        Yesterday bought a small piece of nitrate of silver for Harriet's hand, which is suffering from tetter. Gave $10. for half a stick.

        Rode out just at night--met Dishman at Campbell's--rode back from bridge along with Campbell Gould, he being in carryall. Webster & Hayne's speeches.

October 9, 1864, Sunday

        Rose at dawn of day--frost this morning but not sufficient to


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damage anything. Memorials of Dan'l Webster--Rode P. M. down to Perkins's--Mary out a-chinkipining. Dishman here this morning.

October 10, 1864, Monday

        My watch stopped last night--rose before daylight--frost again, but not a killing one. Memorials of D. W.--Cool, but clear & sunny.

        Wilson here about the Land & Sutton business.

October 11, 1864, Tuesday

        One of the loveliest days in the year--clear, delicious--rode to Sam Little's--thence to widow Joel Anderson's, by Gullege's, Morgan Guess's, in sight of Jack Hambrick's, by Kunce's, old man Dickeson's, Geo. Anderson's & Havens's place. Old lady paralyzed--could scarcely speak so as to be understood; hasn't walked a step for many years.

        Saw where Tom Galloway, last spring, killed his Uncle, Gay Duty-- stains of blood still on the floor of the gallery--dinner of beef, corn bread, eggs, milk and preserves. Went from there to Jno. C. Rives's via Alex Davis's, Jack Evans's & Hollingsworth's--came home by Mitchell's, R. Point & Conner's.

October 12, 1864, Wednesday

        Clear, sunny, delightful. Read Webster's Correspondence--for a few days past I have been reading Websteriana--Toler, Lucas and Ryan (Johny) here about a mile taken by Jim Comfort--At Lucas's at night--

        Galloway (Geo.) there. Pinders a-baking. G--y said he had "an inspiration today"--to wit that the war would go on till slavery was destroyed--Children went to Perkins's.


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October 13, 1864, Thursday

        Started this morning about sunrise for Springfield, Choctaw Co.-- clear and pleasant. At Mrs. Kimbrough's--Buster Hazelitt there--

        At the tanyard (Mathis's)--Jo. Thompson there--thence to Dishman's where I fed "Boom" and got dinner. Hal Brent and Stephen Neal there-- Brent and Dishman rode with me to the Camps. I went on to Mosse's-- thence to Bob. Love's. L. just back from Mobile, reports Altoona captured with 4,000 prisoners--reports railroad destroyed & c. & c.

        Rode on to Springfield--thence to Mrs. Childers's--saw the pine thicket away to my right which struck as forcibly in Nov. 1858 when going to Starkville--passed Mrs. Rix's on Louisville road--went to Jim Bruce's--stayed at night--chestnuts--Miss Parlee Watson--

        Slept very soundly.

October 14, 1864, Friday

        Pleasant though cloudy. Mrs. B. paid me $100. ("Confed.") for defending her at last Greensborough Court. "Tarcoon Crickets"--

        Stopped at Mrs. Rix's a moment. Miss Sally Sellars ibi--reached Dishman's about 12. Saw Jack Crow there, Mrs. Neal there, Brent (Hal) do. Got Boom fed & my dinner--left with Jack. Stopped at Mrs. Bridges's-- Barmore there. Stopped at Mrs. Kimbrough's and got my saddle bags full of pease.

October 15, 1864, Saturday

        Sutton, Cain & William H. Green here from Holmes Co. Miss Rives with Sutton--Sutton has just returned from his captivity among the


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Yankees, says Bill Dean, White and Kibble were killed--

        Sprinkled rain--S. here about the Bill Land negroes.

October 16, 1864, Sunday

        A pleasant day--cool and smoky--rode with J. C. L--s down to Noah's, where was Tucker Sanders--stayed till past 2 o'clock P. M.--eat dinner there. Lucas bot. some chestnuts of a negro boy--going down we gathered some few chinkipins sitting on our horses. L. is reading Webster's speech in reply to Hayne--he thinks it unsurpassable.

        At supper Bets got choked on a piece of bread--old Johny Allen there.

October 17, 1864, Monday

        John Waddell and his land trade with Lloyd--bill to correct mistake.

        Penn., O., & Indiana all gone for Lincoln men--

October 18, 1864, Tuesday

        Brett here about mare claimed by Spell--at Ellis's, who is glad when he hears that one of these old fogy fuss-makers "has gone up."

        Newspapers P. M.

October 19, 1864, Wednesday

        Walked out to Crowder's, and back. Brett overtook me--he eat dinner here. Brownlow on John Morgan--the farmer--the black-tongue in cattle, and a judgment. Anniversary of Cornwallis's surrender in 1781.

October 20, 1864, Thursday

        Clear, cool and pleasant--started for Carroll. Went by Rochester,


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and Tom Rosamond's--Tom harrowing in wheat--Lewis Nash came along-- rode with him a short distance--Went on by Dudley Harvey's & Randall's to Denman's Ferry--corn bread and a few slices of fried sweet potatoes--

        Passed through Vaiden, up to Shongal's road, thence on through Middleton to Mrs. McLean's--reached there about dark. Mrs. Sheperd, Miss Betty, her brother and Freeland there, besides overseer (Spivey.)

October 21, 1864, Friday

        Rode to Grenada on "Boom" and back--quite cool with sharp North wind--passed Young's tanyard--overtook two young fellows, who directed me in Grenada road--in sight of Duck Hill--overtook two cavalry men, Hamilton of Amite and McGehee of Franklin Co. Miss.--14th Miss. cavalry. Hamilton's comparison of Confed'y to a toad saving himself from being swallowed by a snake by blowing himself up. H. gave me some excellent grapes. At Grenada saw Ben Saunders--Jo. Gray and his commissionership for C. S. A.--wearing out old clothes--Left G. 10 minutes past 2 P. M. & rode Boom to Mrs. McLean's by about 7 P. M.-- 48 miles in all, going & returning.

October 22, 1864, Saturday

        Started for home at 8 o'clock A. M.--a killing frost this morning, the first this autumn. At Mrs. Kennedy's--young ladies only at home. Learned names of heirs--at Vaiden bought of Dr. Tait, at Young's drug store, De Tocqueville on Democracy in America, $5. Confed.--

        Came as far as Ferguson's near ferry with Jack Arnold--came home by Wm. Moore's.


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October 23, 1864, Sunday

        Lay in bed awhile after dinner, on account of sick stomach--felt quite well when I got up--Lucas came in--was at L's last night.

October 24, 1864, Monday

        At night took Canton mail down to Durham's & back. Hammond, Gresham and Love here about the Ballard Land.

October 25, 1864, Tuesday

        Clear in morning, cloudy in the afternoon, rainy at night. Read Boyce's Letter to Pres. Davis regarding peace overtures to U. S.

October 26, 1864, Wednesday

        Rainy and warm in the morning. Brewer, from High Hill, Leake Co., here--his talk de bello.

October 27, 1864, Thursday

        Clear, pleasant. New Hat for Henry at Mrs. Russell's--$5. in silver.

October 28, Friday, 1864

        Rode out to Knox's--fell in with Burns on the way--Knox being absent for a time, I amused myself gathering hickory nuts. Got a gallon of whisky made at State distillery by Strong ($13.)--came home with Virg. Wallace--rode to Newell's--staid till after supper--piano-- music--Left at 1/4 past 7 with Jimmy Young, who stopped at Addison's old house. "Old Fletch" here since yesterday evening. Jimmy told me about Love Jones's wife smothering her baby yesterday.


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October 29, 1864, Saturday

        Fletch left. $5. for small load of wood of Tom Jackson--

        Methodist quarterly Meeting--rain at night.

October 30, 1864, Sunday

        Rain this morning & last night. Townsend & Mitchell here after the news. At Glazier's, where I read the newspapers, resolutions of the Governors.

October 31, 1864, Monday

        A gloomy time--clouds--rain in store. Alex Davis, Tanner & Strong's liquor in Circ. Clerk's office.

November 1, 1864, Tuesday

        Miss Alice Ray & Miss Rives here in the rain. Rode to Jo Thompson's stopping at Brett's & old Billy Adams's, & Wasson's Tanyard--hard rain-- chap named Finley here. Jim Mathis came over and stayed till morning.

November 2, 1864, Wednesday

        Bill Clark & Sims (Zack) came over prepared petitions for writs of Habeas Curpus--left about 10 A. M. for Multona, thence across to Hanna's, Alston's & Spiva's--thence to Elisha Dean's, Alf. Kelly's via Presley's, home. Rain P. M.

November 3, 1864, Thursday

        Kimes arrested for adultery, and in the Court-House a prisoner-- Jim Brown (Lieut.) arrested as a deserter. Cold today. Cut out shoes at George's at night.


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November 4, 1864, Friday

        Started this morning for Spiva's--met Proctor near Standard's who went back with me. Stopped at Nowell's and got my horse (Boom) fed, and eat dinner. Prepared petitions for writs of Habeas Corpus for release from military service of Riley Nowell & Jim Kelly. David Nowell himself is sick or has a diseased leg--Went on to Alf Kelly's left the shoes cut out last night by George to be made up by K.--

        Went on, Proctor still with me, to Spiva's and stayed. Proctor went back and Judge Hudson came in.

November 5, 1864, Saturday

        Clear, pleasant, sunny--hard frost. Bill Clark & Zach Sims and Zeke Bridges came in. Kelly, Proctor, Donnelson, Bailey Dean, Nowell's son and Jim Kelley, Mrs. Nowell & Mrs. Kelly there. Nowell's son, & Kelly's discharged by Hudson--came homeward after dinner with Hudson, Proctor & Donnelson to Alston's. John Hanna stalled with a load of Irish potatoes. Donnelson gave me the history of a hog case. Hudson & I came on to Jim Davis's, & stopped--stayed till morning. The women old and young Mrs. D. favored us with their presence. "Boom" started to leave me for home, but couldn't get out of the lot.

November 6, 1864, Sunday

        Hudson & I came on to town--he left for Durant & Lexington.

        P. M. Henry & I went after hickory nuts, took "Boom" along--was at Hammond's just after dinner, on Antoinette's business. At L's at night.


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November 7, 1864, Monday

        Rode over towards Crowder's in the morning--fell in with Jim Davis et al. Mrs. Price and Dan a-trading. Last night Fremonce came in--talked and talked--then we went to Lucas's--he had gone to bed--and talked and talked. Came up towards home and talked and talked. Capt. John B. Moore of the "Yellow Jackets" died about the 26th of ult. in this County.

November 8, 1864, Tuesday

        Started for Lexington, went via Durant--eat dinner at Bill Wynn's-- Cobb's N. A. Reader--(went by Olive's)--Women & children crossed Big Black after scaly-barks--saw cars come into Durant. Forest captures Federal fleet on Tenn. river. Went on by Castalian Spring-- The. Doty overtook me. Stopped at Mrs. Stroud's--Knight overtook me just before. Jno. Cain and Stroud there--warm and very windy.

November 9, 1864, Wednesday

        High wind--rose before day--went down to look at the hogs-- started after breakfast for town. Rain and much wind--lost umbrella & hat. At town saw Gen. Miles--looked old--beard and hair almost white--in court, divorce case of Watson tried--then Z. Sims's & Bill Clark's Habeas Corpus case--latter decided adversely--rode up to Mrs. Hall's--she a Norvell from Horse Mountain--another woman there-- Walton her brother's name. Came on to Durant, scaly-barks in swamp.

        Went to Sanders's and staid.


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November 10, 1864, Thursday

        Clear and sunny--came home via Olive's--reached home about 1/2 past 12.

November 11, 1864, Friday.

        Rode to Hammond's--then to Ross place--then to Hammond's with H.--then home--then to Biggs's where I got dinner and some sole leather.

November 12, 1864, Saturday

        Seal Sallis died aet. 47. A beautiful day--Aaron finished our crib. Prepared Kimes's bail-papers and sent them by Sanders.

November 13, 1864, Sunday

        A clear, beautiful and most lovely day. Started early this morning for Hillsborough & Garlandsville--reached Frank Burnett's a few minutes after 12--dinner--Moriarty there. Saw the first reports regarding Presidential election in U. S. showing that Lincoln is re-elected--proceeded on to Carthage. Judge Huntington and Howard told me Lincoln was reelected, according to reports. Passed on to McFadden's Ferry. Bob Luckett was just crossing as I arrived--going to Walnut Grove to assess Confed. Tax. Said he had belonged to --th Miss. Reg't.--had seen a Fed. & Confed. soldier lying dead at a battery, each bayonetted by the other, and clenching each other, with features distorted by rage. Had seen Gen. Magruder so drunk that he had to be held on his horse by two aids. M. ordered 17th Miss. Regt. to charge the 13th, swearing the 13th were Yankees. McLaws tried to undecieve him, but M. ripped out an oath that they were Yankees, and


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to charge them. Barksdale, Col. of 13th cried out--"Better mind how you charge, if you come charging down here, somebody will get hurt." Said he had slept with his head on a dead Yankee for a pillow-- another soldier had his head on the dead man's feet, cursed him and told him not to kick him. Said when a rapid discharge of small arms took place, fellows would exclaim--"By G-d they're making widows for Mississippi now."--

        We went as far as Lindsey's, 11 miles from Carthage, & stopped. L. and Parson Boydston came up. B. very hoarse--told an anecdote of a Va. Regt. parching coffee by the sack--and of a N. C. fellow replying to nickname of Tar-heels, "If you'd had a little more tar on your heels, you'd have stuck better at Marye's heights."

        Lovely, moonlight night.

November 14, 1864, Monday

        Rode on to Hillsborough, passing Mormon's and Townsend's--met A. B. (Dick) Smith in the road--at H. saw Clarion of 13th which had returns showing Lincoln's election. Paid Dan Comfort's taxes on Land (State, County & Confed.) and left for Garlandsville. Many chimneys in H. showing destruction caused by Sherman's army last winter. Gum Springs--Mrs. Lay's--her son's house burnt--in lonesome woods about two or three miles from Mrs. Lay's, met a chap a-walking--said he belonged to Col. Scott's cavalry--had been to Mobile to see his father, who was in the artillery service--at Meridian had been robbed at a Dutch Tavern--therefore was walking--was grandson of O. H. P. Davis


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of Carthage. Just then two ragged looking fellows, one of whom was barefoot, came up, with guns, and passed on. I passed too--went on by widow Ware's to McFarland's and stopped.

        Young wife, curly hair--rained in the night.

November 15, 1864, Tuesday

        A rainy morning--started for Overstreet's--passed on through Garlandsville by the widow Walton's and Chatfield's to Overstreet's-- reached there about 1 P. M. Stayed here at night.

November 16, 1864, Wednesday

        Rainy in the morning until P. M. Was at Aaron Bolton's--Parson Gillespie there--was at Oliver's (Asa) awhile. After dinner started homeward--overtook Chatfield the teacher and preacher--went by John Chapman's whose house was burnt last night, he being absent in the army. Passed Newton Station--stayed at Blalack's--he a deformed monster--his wife a keen, blackeyed, redfaced termagent, pretty looking woman. B. told about his meeting five Yankees, who professed to be Confeds. going to fight d--d Yankees. "You'd play h-ll a-fighting Yankees"--they went back on his telling them Ross's command was not far off. Told about his going to Carrollton and swimming Big Black.

November 17, 1864, Thursday

        Started out--- went by the chimneys of Decatur--by Isham Hollingsworths. H. showed me where "they fought all along his lane"--showed me a tree scarred by a ball in the fight. Capt. Raybun was killed


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here--Reached Union about 1 P. M. Went on towards Hooper's taking the Dixon & Laurel Hill road--1st take left hand, then the right which brings you to Walton's--go on through Walton's lane and beyond on hill-top, take the right which soon brings you to Boler's--then on through the woods and an old field with deserted house in it, to Hadley's--then on, taking 1st a right hand, then a few steps taking a left where a tree lies across the road, then on across Hillsborough-- Philadelphia road to Tom Edwards's--here I saw Miss Margaret Parker-- she marked out the route for me--take right hand at Edwards's--(left leads to Dutch Store)--go on take right at end of the lane. Keep across two or three roads--take a trail, follow it two or three hundred yards--then cross a big road--take a right hand, and it will lead to Mr. Jos. Parker's. I blundered here and went to Dr. Lewis's quarter on Dutch Store road--negro directed me to Parkers's. Missed way again & got into dense woods--took back track and at last found my way to Parker's. Emma sick in bed--many people sick in neighborhood--his wife gone but came home--window up, but put down. Daniel Baker Parker, his son, heard me call, when lost.

        Weather damp but warm.

November 18, 1864. Friday

        Started for Hooper's--took the right hand a mile or so from P's-- at Hooper's saw Jordan Allen, Hooper (Charley) Luckett (Bob) et al.

        After going about two miles towards home, concluded to go back and go by way of Carthage--reached Carthage about one o'clock, having


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crossed Lobutcha at Gray's bridge. Met Dr. Plunkett, who directed me up above the usual crossing-place of a "slue"--Had "Boom" put up at Jordan's--went to Huntington's, then to Howard's, P. O., saw Eads--also Huie, who wishes to stop the war--rode out to M. H. Mann's and stopped--Eliza--camp, drizzling and cheerless--sore throat.

November 19, 1864, Saturday

        Rainy and unpleasant. Burnett came in after breakfast--started for home and reached there about 1 P. M.--throat sore, suffering from cold.

November 20, 1864, Sunday

        Throat and lungs sore--An unpleasant day--At night at Lucas's.

November 21, 1864, Monday

        Joyce and old Jim Ellington came in--old Jim took a drink of Strong's liquor--Mrs. Ray's negro after attachment papers for Mrs. Hays's negro, & Haynes's of Noxuber Co. A bitter cold, disagreeable day.

November 22, 1864, Tuesday

        Extremely cold--clear--Mrs. Bridges and Mrs. Owens here about the Bridge estate--old Shade and Jim S. also. Jim Mathis & Jo Thompson here and at Lucas's at night--a piercing cold wind which went through & thro'.

November 23, 1864, Wednesday

        Still cold--rode out to Munson's to see about some corn--no


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corn for sale--severe cold for some days past. Dock Hughes's son went along with me to M's--his tale about emptying 30 saddles on Deer Creek--his love of the scouting life. Old Beacham here--with beef and sweet potatoes for sale.

November 24, 1864, Thursday

        Warm again--Raiford in town, who told me his Uncle Bob was dead-- that G. W. H. had moved to Mo.--that he had joined Fort's Co. He was under arrest but discharged.

November 25, 1864, Friday

        Henry & Reub. went out to Britt's after a load of corn--pleasant-- rumors of a Yankee raid below--fellow here with fine hat which I tried to buy. Shelled corn tonight--to go to Mill tomorrow.

November 26, 1864, Saturday

        Rose early--at Bill Young's before breakfast--no newspapers and no news--pleasant.

November 27, 1864, Sunday

        Jim T--r says he is 50 years old to-day--rode up to Presley's-- Jim Davis there--thence to Claitor's with Charley--dinner at C's.

        Charley's filiae ibi--after dinner rode up by Cumming's, Green Reynolds's place, over high hills & ridges by Mrs. Maddox's and Charles Sims's to Alf Kelly's across Turkey. Saw two didgers who avoided us.

        No shoes for me at K's--came back to L. P's with C. Reached home about 6.


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November 28, 1864, Monday

        Among those who have lately died in this Co. are Dr. Carr A. King, about the 6th Inst; Henry Frazure a few weeks ago; Seal Sallis about the 12th Inst. Tom Land, of Harvey's Scouts, reported killed.

        Rode out of town, beyond Mrs. Meek's P. M. & met Hanna coming from Canton, with mail on a mule--old fellow leading horse along. H. reports Big Black railroad bridge burnt, Billy Mitchell killed, & W. C. Love wounded. At L's at night. Bob M. & I went to Knox's & drew our "allowance of sperits."

November 29, 1864, Tuesday

        Last night great panic about Yankees a-coming--wagons rolling all night--everybody "moving their stuff." Lay down and slept soundly till daylight--reported this morning that Big Black Bridge (Clark's) burnt yesterday P. M.--excitement on the streets--rumors.

November 30, 1864, Wednesday

        Last night was at Campbell's awhile--read in Mobile Evening News the various war items. Sherman a-marching through Georgia, & doomed to come to grief. Pillow's catching a private soldier killing a hog, and shooting him for refusing to quit--the various mishaps of Hood trying to cross the Tennessee--

        Sam Sanders returned yesterday from Goodman--buildings this side the railroad all burnt, do tank, Mill, & c.--piano removed by Yanks & saved from a house fired by them.

        It is said that Jim Davis yesterday shot & Killed his negro man


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Nelse--I rode out this morning on Rockport road & met Noah coming in--fell in with Hammond--rode out P. M. with Charley, Tom & S. P. & "Gum." A warm, pleasant day.

December 1, 1864, Thursday

        Last night Frank O. came in and eulogized castor oil--talked of niggers and the war--Today warm and pleasant. Yankees said to have passed through Milledgeville, Ga.--Story here P. M. Paid $1471 for Huntington-Irving's Life of W--n.

December 2, 1864, Friday

        Warm--Mrs. Thad Beall here at dinner--rode around by Crowder's and the Treat place after breakfast. John Mills, Jim Cyphers and Owens here for writ of replevin vs. Geo. Campbell to recover horse. Cyphers got his horse--rain P. M. Rode down to Yocky Swamp (Jackson's gate) just before night, and back. Al noche at Lucas's--at Campbell's just about supper--East Lynne, & c.

December 3, 1864, Saturday

        Last night it rained hard at times & clear & cool today. Irving's Life of W--n. Sent by Bain Atkinson $100. Confed. to Goodman to buy me a hat. Henry went a-hunting--four squirrels--rode out with M. H. Gregory and others across "Yocky" and back. Clark has called out the militia again from the Southern half of the State including Attala.


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December 4, 1864, Sunday

        A most lovely day--rode "Boom" to Ratliff's via Brett's & Edmund Adams's--Newt Wasson there--turkey for dinner. Went via widow Laban Holt's and Bill Clark's to Haran's Church where there was a singing. Mrs. Amos Allen on the road,--Dolf Pender--Rode with Ellick Wassons to the old man's. Perry Porter there--Newt & John ibi.

December 5, 1864, Monday

        Rode home--Lewis Walker on the way. Met Simpson yesterday near Cagle's & to-day in town--whisky--bot. a pair of calf-skin boots and two pair of women's calf shoes of Ellick for $8. in silver--

        Wasson boys robbed by soldiers a few days ago. Wasson & Conly at Lucas's at night.

December 6, 1864, Tuesday

        Warm again--walked with Wasson out towards Groves's old place-- read newspapers P. M. which were filled with accounts of Sherman's progress through Geo., with Clark's proclamation and account of raids--

        Rode "Boom" just at night.

December 7, 1864, Wednesday

        Mathis & Thompson here--it turned suddenly cold--wind from North--a norther. Jim, Jo and Raiford, Mitchell & Cone at Lucas's at night. On dit a fight at Harpeth Creek on 30th between Hood & Thomas. Feds were 4000 killed & wounded. Confed. 3500 & 6 Generals killed, Confed.


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December 8, 1864, Thursday

        A bitter cold wind from N.N,E. At night went to widow Chas. England's & married Geo. Thom. Davis to Ann England--rode out with Dodd. Old Geo. Davis rode with me down--cold enough.

        Came home--Bill Pullen came to Reuben Sanders's old place--

        Atwood and "carn."

December 9, 1864, Friday

        Sleet--snow a little--cold. Irving's Life of Washington--

        Awhile at P. O. at night.

December 10, 1864, Saturday

        Daniel Briggs died of chronic diarrhoea at Memphis, Nov. 11, 1864.

        9 hogs from Dave Carr for $910.00 weighing 910 lbs. Cold.

        Richmond Whig at night. Cold & unpleasant.

December 11, 1864, Sunday

        A bitter cold day. Qu. et les noirs cut up the hogs--Irving's Life of Washington. A huge pile of wood at night, & rousing big fire.

December 12, 1864, Monday

        Cold--rendering out lard. Vie de Wash'n--stayed in the house-- big fire. Pooce, Jenny, Al.--at Lucas's at night. Ellick Wasson ibi.

December 13, 1864, Tuesday

        Ayres, Moore, Blumenberg et al here. Militia men met to see about going to the war in response to Clark's calls. Lewis Nash says 3 went--


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Cool & windy--Yesterday I rode via Price's old place to "The Trace," where I fell in with one of Harvey's Scouts--he said Tom Sauls was killed in Geo.--that himself had been shot through--he wanted some of Knox's whiskey--my ride chilled me.

December 14, 1864, Wednesday

        A lovely day--warm and pleasant--Case of Mrs. Ratliff & Jack Prewitt, about the sorrel horse of Pink's--Wrote to Clerk of the Supreme Court of N. C. for opinion in the case of Kesler v. Brawley as to right of the senior reserves to be discharged on arriving at the age of 50 years--Old Mrs. Young died today and about 85 (Mrs. Durham's Mother)--At night read the Yankee news via Senatobia-- Lincoln's Message--battle at Harpeth Creek--S. P. Chase appointed to U. S. Supreme Court vice Taney. Nothing from the Shubuta raid, nor from Sherman's march through Georgia.

December 15, 1864, Thursday

        Warm and moist--no rain. Jno. M. Clark here reporting that Dr. Hemingway said yt. we lost but 500 in battle at Harpeth, & c. That Sherman's soldiers in march through Geo. had but one cracker to each, a day.

December 16, 1864, Friday

        Pleasant, damp a little, and warm. My Confed. Tax as follows-- New issue $113.82--bonds $569--total $682.82--With Citizen at Lucas's at night--rumor about battle at Franklin, Tenn.


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December 17, 1864, Saturday

        H. A. H. L-w-s-n would be 50 years old today were he living, having been born Dec. 17, 1814--drizzling rain--warm--rode out as far as old man Taylor's to see Tom Galloway. Met Ernest Kelly and returned. Saw Tom G. at Thompson's--rode back with him a short distance. Talk about the Anderson estate.

December 18, 1864, Sunday

        Warm--damp--Irving's Life of W--n. Rode out P. M. as far as Olive's. Frank reading old newspapers & some book on Masonry-- said no man who had a head shaped like Frank Smith's could have much mind. Dock Hughes came up--Dock and I rode to Dick Henry's--thence I came home alone--arrived just before dark.

December 19, 1864, Monday

        Today I am fifty years old, having been born Dec. 19th, 1814.--

        Probate Court day--many people in town--old Jim Ellington bored me a great part of the day. Mrs. Hearn (Asa's widow) presenting her account in probate court--R. W. Townsend giving bond as constable for Beat No. 2. Weather warm and moist in the morning--rain before noon--rainy P. M. and rain from N. E. all night--cold, ceaseless, pitiless, pelting rain--

        Today "Qu." made me a glorious egg-nogg.

December 20, 1864, Tuesday

        Last night read Cin. Gazette of Nov. 23d left here by Wasson.


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        Cold, wet, cloudy--rained nearly all day--streams all up--

        2 Memphis Appeals today, now printed at Montgomery, Ala. Noah here making out his Accounts of Admin'n.

December 21, 1864, Wednesday

        Cold & windy--Henry rode "Boom" to Wasson's--at Mrs. Irving's a few minutes--at Lucas's at night. Lewis & Clark's Travels.

December 22, 1864, Thursday

        Severely cold--no mails yesterday--read Prentiss's N. E. Soc'y (Pilgrim) oration of Dec. 22, 1845--also Webster's do. of Dec. 22/1820.

        Jim Ellington and Jno. Cone here at dinner. Went P. M. out to widow Mayfield's and married her, and James Morris, of Lexington, Mo.

        Stopped at Pullen's--Capt. Tom Murff & Morris there--little boy sick in bed--hemiplegia--rich pine and a roaring fire--reach the widow's just before dark--came home. Met Jim Mathis at the gate, he came in and sat till 10 o'clock.

December 23, 1864, Friday

        Bitter cold, but clear. 2 papers ("Citizens") from Canton tonight. Cin. Gaz. correspondents account of Battle of Franklin.

December 24, 1864, Saturday

        Clear and pleasant A. M.--cloudy P. M. & at night--egg-nogg at L's at night. Rode P. M. across Yocky--Sam Dodd overtook me-- creek very high--


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December 25, 1864, Sunday

        Egg-nogg at Glazier's in morning--rainy--misty--muddy--

        Riley, Simon & Sam Young back from Mobile--papers--rumored that one of Forest's own men killed him--that Hood has fallen back to Franklin from about Nashville--that Sherman has taken Savannah & that Gen. Sterling Price recently died of apoplexy in Ark. Bayliss O. & Dan Comfort at Simon's, arguing about reconstruction--says Bayliss--"What would you do if you should go back?" Dan--"Do as we did before--a plaguy sight better than we're doing now." At Lucas's at night--Glazier & Bill P. ibi--eke uxores.

December 26, 1864, Monday

        A misty morning--warm, moderately so--boys a-drinking, and some a-quarreling. Children went to Jackson's to a party--got home about 3 A. M. of

December 27, 1864, Tuesday

        I sent a 50$ bill Sou. Bank of Ala. to Mobile a few days ago, and Simon handed me 25$ in gold yesterday with which sum the Bank redeemed the bill.

December 28, 1864, Wednesday

        Cool--clear--dry--Dr. Satterfield last night at Davis's-- Ellington (Jim) Spiva, Alston, old Campbell, Spiva Blumenberg et al here--on dit Hood was whipped at Nashville on 15th and 16th Inst.

December 29, 1864, Thursday

        Married Wes. Beacham & Josephine Gayarre at Davis's hotel--At


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Lucas's--Jo. Thompson, et al ibi. Betty Dickerson here--children's party at Campbell's hotel--went after Sally & Hun.

December 30, 1864, Friday

        Hun 9 years old today--walked with Alice and Sally out to Beacham's--infair--dinner--At Lucas's at night. "Qu." & children eat supper there--negroes singing in a circle out of doors--rain at night--muddy and dark coming home, lantern, palpitation of the heart at night. Fremonce helped Jenny home.

December 31, 1864, Saturday

        A bitter cold wind from North--A glorious egg-nogg at Dan's upstairs. Mitchell there--Jim Mathis--Bev. Macadory--Bob Webb-- hammond--hurrying up the old issue & 4 per cent certificates to pay Confed. Tax--Rumored yt. Hood is retreating out of Tennessee-- that there is a raid up about Mobile & O. R. R.--that Greensboro was burnt night before last & c--

        At Lucas's at night--Nathe Murff et uxor here at dinner.


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        This manuscript has been copied with faithful effort to reproduce it, preserving as far as possible the original spelling, punctuation etc. Where there is grave doubt as to a word or name, this is indicated by a question mark.