I forwarded my diary up to Saturday 28th. My long habit of writing a letter every day may impose on you an unnecessary waste of time in reading them, but they serve me a good purpose in partial employ. Yesterday I did not leave the house even for Church. I could not go in any thing like a proper spirit. My guard informs me that Capt. Ramsey with a number of Citizens from Pittsboro crossed Haw River and detected five of the Yankees pillaging a house on this side — and attacked them, killed two and wounded three, which act has been justified by Gen. Atkins , and a Capt and fifteen men have been detailed from here to bury the dead and bring off the wounded. this morning two army wagons ea. six mules drove up to my gate with a Capt and ten or fifteen men to haul off my wood, as the Capt said by order of the Gen. My guard, who is a sterling fellow, demanded the order, which the Capt did not havebut went down to get one. I soon followed. the Genl told me that his information was that I was a farmer and had a large stock of wood to sell, but as soon as I undeceived him he countermanded the order. Mr Mickle has just called in. He has found his watch or rather Lizzie's, which the Yankees gave up upon his paying full value in green-backs, and they threw in all the minor trinkets. Gov. Swain and Judge Battle go to Raleigh to make some arrangements about the meeting of the Legislature and keep out Holden if possible. No indications of a move yet. Nothing of John or Herbert. I have no letters from you since 24th March, and I learn that a Brigade has been sent to Fayetteville. Negroes all free under Lincoln's Proclamation.

I have written thus far, and during the few days occupied by the Yankees I felt much like the monotony of prison life. they left us after seventeen days, and a few days after 15,000 infantry under Genl Couch passed through, doing no mischief. there is a guard of about 40 men left for the protection of the college, to which we add a citizen's patrol, thereby keepingas good order as we ever did maintain. Gov. Swain and Judge Battle went over to Raleigh today, where they are to meet Gov. Graham and others. those Gentlemen are now alarmed at the bare possibility of Holden's election. Gov Swain set so equally poised upon the price, that a small weight carried him over so soon as he became satisfied of the strong side. My man Moses said to me that he understood he was now free, and that he intended to remove his family, which he would doubtless have done but for Eliza' condition. I do not think she can live long, maybe not a week. my present plan is to have the children bound to me at the next court. I am becoming more and more anxious to see you. I cannot live so, I must have something to do, and am as well qualified for any clerical situation as I ever was and have looked to Ocknock or any place for employment. I do not go into the streets. I would suggest to you if not too late that you set about transporting all the coal you have above the ground to Fayetteville and throw it along side the track. otherwise, the Yankee stockholders will come in and lay claim to it. I received your message by young Thompson and was glad to know that John was at home, but could learn nothing of Charlie . Herbert came home on Thursday night, and John Walker the day before. the wagon team and load all safe. your Rockaway and Peters safe. Miss Mary Smith was in to Church on Sunday. I did not go to Church and did not see her. I learn that she met with another loss and disappointment, having sent all her washing to town by her carriage driver, who has not since been heard from. We regret to learn that Marion is still complaining. Sarah begs to join in kindest love to her and all your family. make my kind regards to Miss Maria1 and Mrs. Birdsall and my love to dear John and Charlie if at home, not forgetting Beatty , Mercer , and Alice . I still hope every day to see you, and would have gone down myself but for the negroes. Sarah has been obliged to do the ironing last week and this.

1. Probably Maria L. Spear .