The Diary of Sarah Espy, 1862, Cherokee, Alabama

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This file was contributed and copyrighted by:
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September 2003

Original of this diary is held at the Alabama Department of Archives and 
History (ADAH), Montgomery, Alabama.  

Transcribed by Martha Lyle and used with permission from ADAH.

 
SARAH R. ESPY, PRIVATE JOURNAL 1859-1868
Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama


January 1862

1.	New-years-day. A cloudy dark morning, but broke off about twelve and is 
clear this evening and getting cold. At work on MarcellusÕ coat; heard from 
Alfred; he is thought to be worse.
2.	Clear and warm day. Thomas and Lizzie returned this evening, in good 
health, they left a great many sick with measles in that neighborhood.
3.	Warm and getting cloudy, T. left this evening for Ball-play church, to 
whose pastorate he has been called.
4.	A rainy day, none of us went to Yellow Creek.
5.	1st Sabbath. Still inclement, T. returned this evening.
6.	Clear and getting cold, T. rented Dublin to Mr. Hays, - making me a dress.
7.	Very cold, we killed our two last hogs; we now have over 18 hundred lbs of 
pork; cloudy this evening; salted our meat to night.
8.	Cloudy, rendered up the lard and made sausage meat. 
9.	Rainy day. Mr. Brewer came up, and had a settlement with us; I paying him 
my last year's blacksmithing-- heard from Alfred; they think he is better, but 
still very low; received a letter from C. yesterday; he is not in good health 
and has not been since he had the measles; he thinks they have settled on his 
lungs, as he has a dreadful cough; I much fear that it has, poor fellow!
10.	Some appearance of clear weather.
11.	Warm and cloudy, T. went to see Alfred this morning; found him better; he 
went to see Elder Hood this evening, who has returned on account of ill health.
12.	2nd Sabbath. Still warm and very windy, M. went to Cedar Hill to hear the 
new preacher, Mr. Palmer. I and the girls visited the graveyard there this 
evening; found several new graves of which I had no knowledge.
13.	Cloudy and cold, Lizzie and I visited Mrs. B. this evening; Miss M. Echols 
there; T. came this evening.
14.	Rainy day.
15.	Hard rains last night and a great deal this morning.
16.	Clear and cold, hung up our meat this morning. I am troubled in spirit, 
for to all my other griefs it seems a new one is to be added; from a quarter, 
too, which I hardly expected so foolish a thing to come. Truly it seems there is 
little else than trouble in this world. I look back three years, when about this 
time I had a heavy grief to bear; how much am I changed since then and how many 
changes has taken place; I hardly realize that I am the same woman, Mr. B. 
brought a letter from Centre for Olivia.
17.	Cloudy again, and cold.
18.	Still rainy, T. went to Shady Grove, and returned this evening; I am 
unwell with sick-headache.
19. 3rd Sabbath. Still cloudy but getting cooler; Thomas, Lizzie, and Berenice, 
went to Shady Grove, they went to Mr. Davis's, and B. remained to pass a week 
with them.
20.	Cloudy with hard rains, wind, and thunder this evening. 
21.	Still cloudy, heard today that two others of cousin J.'s family are sick; 
I must go and see them.
22.	Cloudy.
23.	Cloudy and cold, and fair this evening, went with T. on the mountain; 
found Cousin Agnes and one of the children sick; it is thought they are mending; 
Alfred also is mending, but he can not stand alone yet. It is a dreadful thing 
to have so much sickness in the family. I thought of the poor soldiers in the 
Hospitals while I sat there
24.	Cold clear morning, T. started this evening to Caladonia to the pastorate 
of which church he has been called. Lizzie, will be lonely with only the boys 
and myself.
25.	Clear and quite cold, sent some things to the sick this evening; a cold 
night.
26.	4th Sabbath. Very cold morning, no preaching to day; Mr. Hanner brought B. 
home; Mrs. Davis, sent me a treat of fine yam potatoes; T. came home; he visited 
L's parents, - found all well or nearly so.
27.	Cloudy and much warmer, T. and the girls went this evening to visit family 
at Mr. Hale's.
28.	Warm day, I went this evening with Lizzie to Dublin as it is boat-day and 
some of Cunningham's company was expected back; they did not come however; L. 
received a trunk and her medallion by it; we called at Mr. Hays's; also I 
stopped at Mr. Patterson's; Mr. Tatam stayed here last night; he and Thomas did 
not arrange their matters; I think he has some deep-laid plans in soak.
29.	Inclement day.
30.	Still inclement.
31.	Still a cold rain falling.

February 1862

1. 	Rainy morning, did not go to Yellow Creek today; T. started this evening 
to Ballplay.
2.	1st Sabbath. Still inclement, none of us went to church; T came back this 
morning as the waters were too high.
3.	Still rainy, T. went to Virginia's and Mr. Morgan's.
4.	Cloudy, I sent M. down to Mr. Morgan's to see if he could buy any sheep; 
but Mr. M. was not at home; got our cotton home, also bought sugar; clear this 
evening.
5.	Beautiful frosty morning, I went on a visit with T. and L. to Mr. Howard's 
whose first wife was Lizzie's aunt; we had to go out our way to cross the creek; 
spent a pleasant day, and came home in the rain as usual.
6.	Rainy day, a traveler took dinner here; a night of almost incessant rain.
7.	Still raining.
8.	Cloudy and cold, John and Virginia came this evening; the baby has grown a 
good deal, and is very quiet and good; we hung our last meat tonight.
9.	2nd Sabbath. Clear and very cold, no preaching today; Mrs. B. came this 
evening; J. and V. went home.
10.	The coldest weather we have had this winter, T. went to Centre to day.
11.	Still cold, Mrs. Finley's little girls spent the day here; B. went home 
with them; Mr. R. Hays spent the night; he is at home on furlough.
12.	Clear frosty morning, and windy. B. came home.
13.	Cloudy; Thomas, Lizzie, and Berenice, went to Cousin James's; found them 
on the mend, yet they nearly all have the mumps; Alfred can go about a little; 
this is T.'s birthday; rain to night.
14.	Cold and cloudy, Marcellus, and Dick started over the mountain to Nelson's 
mill; I did not like the prospect much, but we have been waiting a long time on 
the weather and concluded to risk it.
15.	Sleety and very cold, when we rose from the breakfast-table we found that 
one of the mules had come home; this is unfortunate; I got Ellis Hale to take 
her back; a dreadful day with snow and sleet; M. came home this evening all 
right.
16.	3rd Sabbath. Very cold day. The Misses Hale, and Pullen came this evening 
to see us; also Mr. W. Mynatt, who intends taking the boat on Tuesday.
17.	Rainy day, we have had a long and uncomfortable spell of weather surely, 
and no prospect of it breaking up.
18.	Still rainy, Mr. M. took the boat today for Greensport, the nearest point 
to his father's who lives in Talladega Co. Mr. Chisolm called; Mr. John Mynatt 
came today also on his way to his father's. He had a good school in Wills 
Valley, but it was broken up by other denominations, - he being a Baptist, and 
on that account offensive; news came by the boat that the Yankees have taken 
Nashville, but I hope it is not so. They are getting very near us it is is true.
19.	Still inclement, Mr. M. left early; a great deal of rain this evening, 
with wind and thunder. Thomas went to Hales' this evening and learnt that the 
rumor of our disasters in Tennessee were but too true; he and Marcellus both 
talk of entering the service shortly; Oh! this dreadful war! What miseries are 
to follow when such lads as M. have to leave their peaceful homes for the 
unhealthy and disagreeable camp-life; we have heard that the regiment to which 
C. is attached was ordered to Pensacola and then to Tennessee. I have had no 
letter lately and know not where the poor boy is. God help him, and all the rest 
of us, for we are sorely troubled. May our enemies be turned backward.
20.	Cloudy, Thomas and Lizzie left early this morning to take the boat and pay 
a visit to her parents, I visited Mrs. B. this evening; I do not think the boat 
has reached Dublin yet; our boys commenced breaking up corn-land this evening; 
we have had so much rain that but little work has been done.
21.	Still cloudy, Mrs. Blevins came this morning to me to cut and make a coat 
for her husband who is about entering the service; cold - I wonder why Olivia 
does not come home.
22.	Still rainy, cut a coat for E. Hale this morning; - the taking of 
Nashville is now contradicted; - I hope it is true, but it seems, that truth is 
nearly extinct now; hard rains.
23.	4th Sabbath. A clear and beautiful morning; Berenice, and Marcellus, went 
to Cedar Hill; no preaching, they went this evening to Mr. Hays.
24.	High winds, I finished Mr. B.'s coat and took it home this evening; also 
called on Mrs. Phipps.
25.	Pretty day, - sewed garden seeds, T. came home by the boat, leaving L. at 
her mothersÕ, he still appears to be in the notion of going to the wars: this is 
the 26th anniversary of my marriage; - another year with all its carking cares - 
its few joys - and its many sorrows are added to the past. May the next find us 
as happily situated as we are now.
26.	Slight rain falling this morning, wrote to C. today and took it, and some 
things down to Mr. Hays's this evening, to send to him by the boys who are to 
start back tomorrow.
27.	Pretty day, went this evening with Mrs. B, to visit Mrs. Hampton, Mrs. 
Cunningham and Mrs. Snider there to night. Mr. Brewer came for me to go to Ellis 
Hales,Õ where wife is sick.
28.	Fine weather, came home this morning, Mrs. H. has a fine boy. This has 
been a fine day.
 
March 1862

1.	Cloudy, Berenice went to Yellow Creek; no preacher. A. Espy came to 
dinner; he is much improved; the Misses Haynes visited us this evening.
2.	1st Sabbath. Cloudy morning, and warm; B. and Virgil went to church; no 
preacher again! had prayer meeting; several of Capt. Truitte's company have 
reached home; it is now certain that our people have given up Nashville, after 
bringing away and destroying the public property; this is a dreadful stroke on 
us; it seems that our enemies will overrun us; M. went down to John's; a great 
deal of rain with wind.
3.	Cloudy and getting cold, M. returned this morning; left all well; T. went 
to Centre on Saturday, and we learn found the Gadsden company; this is Virgil's 
birthday; getting severely cold this evening.
4.	Cold, Marcellus went with Mr. Patterson beyond Centre, and joined Mr. 
Alexander's company; this is painful to me, but I cannot remedy it; he thinks be 
ought to go and fight for his country. T. came home this evening; he is much 
concerned about M. joining the company and wants him to stay at home.
5.	Still cold, Lizzie came early this morning, she came down on the boat last 
night and stayed at Mr. Hay's. - she is in much distress, as are all the rest of 
us. This dreadful war! When will it end? Making shirts for Marcellus.
6.	Cold and cloudy, I sent Jane up to Cousin James's to wash, and it is 
getting so cold and snowy that I am sorry I sent her; Cousin J. came here and he 
and I had a settlement, came out about even; Mr. Clark came here to night; a 
severely cold night.
7.	The coldest weather we have had this winter; we paid our tax this morning; 
T. started to Gadsden; he has persuaded M. to join the Gadsden company to which 
he is attached; I am much better pleased that if he has to go, that he will be 
with his brother; more pleasant this evening. L. making pants for Thomas.
8.	Very cold. The girls went to pass the day at Mr. Hale's; Mother Echols 
visited us this evening; Olivia reached home this evening with her cousin Joseph 
in good health, and left the relations well; but alas her cousin James, who was 
quartered at Savannah died on the 19th Feb., and was brought home and buried on 
the 23 inst. - This was a fine healthy young man and his family deeply feel his 
loss, his parents especially, who never lost a child till now.
9.	2nd Sabbath. A pretty day; Mrs. A. Thornton came up today; I went this 
evening to see Mrs. E. Hale; she and her babe are getting on finely, cloudy - a 
great many wild-geese going over this evening.
10.	Raining, M. went to Patterson's this morning and bought 3 yards of jeans; 
we then sent him home with Joseph to see how he could buy things in Rome; this 
country is pretty well cleaned out of such things as soldiers require; we are 
very at work getting them ready to start next week; drew in a piece of cloth 
today.
11.	Clear and pleasant, - making pants for M. Olivia weaving; no news of 
importance by the boat today; I am deeply grieved about Marcellus leaving, and 
feel that cannot consent to it.
12. Clear cold morning, Mr. Finley came over this morning to see me about an
	unpleasant thing. He thinks that a week or so back, Dick took his horse 
and rode it to a negro-wedding over here; this is a strange thing for him to do, 
for he has hitherto been a very correct boy; F. went out today to make inquiries 
and is satisfied of the truth of it; it seems that I am to have trouble in every 
possible way. Mr. F. came back this evening and punished him for it. I felt that 
he had better do it than anyone else. May he be better for the future.
13.	The hardest rains this morning that has fallen this winter--quite warm 
tool I fear our land is much injured by the floods of water which are going over 
it. M. will hardly get home today; making clothing for him.
14.	Still rainy--- and this evening most tremendous rains; we will have a 
freshet; I am getting very uneasy about Marcellus, as the waters are rising 
fast.
15.	Heavy rains this morning. Still busy sewing; M. has not yet arrived; the 
river is rising rapidly.
16.	3rd Sabbath. Still cloudy. T. started up the country this morning to see 
after Marcellus but did not get farther than Yellow Creek as the bridge was 
floating; he stayed there till night, but M. did not come. I went with O. and V. 
to Dublin to see the river; it lacks two feet of being as high as it was last 
spring, and at a stand now.
17.	Clear and pretty morning. T. is out, arranging matters for his start on 
Wednesday. This evening M. arrived safely, with his brother James; left the 
relatives well. They found the waters very high. The girls went to see Mr. 
Hollis, who has gone home on furlough; he left Columbus well; but brought no 
letter.
18.	Pretty day and a busy one; we made two shirts for the boys today. We have 
succeeded in persuading Marcellus to remain at home a while longer. I feel 
better satisfied now; it is bad enough for Thomas to go. Virginia and Mr. T. 
came tonight. Thomas went to Centre; Cousin James here.
19.	Rainy mooning. Thomas left early. Mr. B. taking their mess to Oxford in 
wagons, at which place they will take the cars to Talladega. He was deeply 
grieved at leaving, as are all the rest of us, May the lord preserve him, and 
return him and the other relatives and friends in peace. On this day last year 
Columbus reached home from La. What revolutions have not taken place since then; 
a great deal of rain this morning. I fear the company cannot travel for the 
waters are high. V. went home after dinner. Mr. Finley called this evening. The 
second anniversary of my brother JamesÕ death.
20.	Clear and windy. James and Olivia went to Mr. Trippe. I went to see Mrs. 
B. this evening; heard today that the regiment to which Columbus is attached has 
been ordered to Bethel Church, Va. The place of the first battle in this war. I 
am sorry to hear it for after spending the winter at Mobile, they will feel the 
cold of Va. too sensibly.
21.	Cloudy and getting very cold. James and O. came back this morning.
22.	Very cold with some sleet. James left this morning. It is probable that he 
will soon enter the service; we may never see him again.
23.	4th Sabbath. Still cold and cloudy with light showers of snow. Went with 
O. and B. to Patterson's to bid farewell to the volunteers who are leaving this 
evening; a good many persons there; we went with them to the river; it is still 
very high; Mr. Brewer got back tonight--he said that they got along very well; 
the high waters were in the way some; he brought news of battle being fought at 
Corinth, Miss., and that our people are beaten; our boys are still there and it 
is likely were in the battle.
24.	Continues cold and cloudy. Mrs. Cumby, Mrs. Cannon called this morning; 
Miss Hale, Miss Mackey spent the night with us.
25.	Pretty day. I went with Berenice, and Lizzie to Dublin this evening to get 
news by the boat; it brought the welcome news of their having been no battle at 
Corinth; it seems there are people in our country whose only business is to 
fabricate news.
26.	Cloudy. I went with L. and Marcellus to pass the day with Mrs. M. Davis 
about 4 miles below here. Spent the day pleasantly; Mrs. D. made me a present of 
a bushel and a half of fine potatoes; I also called on Mrs. L. Davis, whose 
husband is with Thomas in camp. Clear this evening.
27.	Clear spring-like day. We commenced planting corn. M. is having his colt 
learning to plow. He seems as gentle and steady as an old horse.
28.	Cloudy and warm. M. went to help the Espy boys roll their logs. I visited 
Mrs. Rudd this evening. A letter came this morning to Lizzie from Thomas, also a 
breast pin containing his miniature; I received one from Mr. Y. saying that he 
does not expect to collect enough, money to pay the tax on the estate. He has 
been able to rent only 25 acres of the land; expects soon to join the service 
and will leave our business in the hands of Mr. Grigsby; I fear it is being 
badly managed; that property seems destined to prove a curse to us all; God help 
us.
29.	Still cloudy, We bedded over 2 bushels of yams this morning, also our 
Spanish potatoes; J. and B. went to Yellow Creek; Mr. Hood preached and also 
consented to attend the Church the remaining of the year; Olivia very badly off 
with neuralgia.
30.	5th Sabbath. Beautiful spring-like day. Berenice, Lizzie and Marcellus 
went to Church; a good congregation. Elders Hood and Glasner came here to 
dinner; A. Espy also; our folks this evening fought fire awhile as it was coming 
down the mountain on the plantations.
31.	Warm pretty weather, L. and J. visited Mrs. Echols this evening; Miss M. 
Haynes came home with us and spent the night; Mr. McNeely came tonight to take 
L. home with him to stay awhile.


April 1862

1.	Beautiful warm day. Lizzie and her Pa left early. Capt. Clare's company 
came home on the boat last night. Mr. Hays called today to make new arrangements 
about keeping the warehouse at Dublin; I went with Mrs. Rudd, to see Mrs. 
Greenway, who is sick this evening.
2.	Warm, cloudy with light showers, Clark Shackleford, one of the returned 
volunteers came to see us this morning.
3.	Very warm. I would like so to hear from Columbus on this evening. Two 
years ago, my brother Horace died. I grieve more as time goes on that they were 
taken away especially at this juncture of affairs. I feel the need of a good 
disinterested friend.
4.	Very hard rains this morning with lightning and thunder; I never saw 
spring advance faster. The woods are nearly green, and wheat is larger than I 
ever saw it at this time of the year; I dread a frost for it is beginning to 
head, had my grapevines trimmed today,
5.	Showery morning. M. worked on the kitchen this morning; had the last of 
our cottonland bedded, and the gin house yard broken up. Clear evening.
6.	1st Sabbath. Clear morning and getting windy and I fear a cold spell. 
Olivia and Marcellus went to visit L. Mackey one of the sick volunteers, who 
will shortly start back. Lander came home with them and spent the night.
7.	Cloudy; commenced dying thread today and put away our bacon.
8.	Still cloudy. Hard rains today.
9.	Showery. I warped my thread this morning and commenced drawing it in the 
loom this evening. I'm going to try to weave jeans for the boys. There is no 
goods brought to the country now and people are thrown on their own resources. 
The ladies are trying now, who can make the best cloth.
10.	Cloudy still. My cloth does not work well, for one thing I do not know how 
to fix it. Went to Patterson's this morning, and to see Mrs. Greenway.
11.	Cold cloudy weather, Mrs. Rudd came this morning and helped me fix my 
cloth; the girls sat up tonight at Greenways, saw Dr. Pratt, who gave them the 
joyful intelligence of a splendid victory our people has gained at Corinth, but 
we suffered a heavy loss. I shall be uneasy till I hear from there for Columbus 
is there. Rainy.
12.	Rainy cold day; there are many accounts floating concerning the battle. 
Our loss is said to be 1200 in killed and wounded, while the Yankees lost 10,000 
killed, and 18,000 wounded and prisoners.
13.	2nd Sabbath. Still rainy, Mrs. G. died last night. B. went with Mrs. 
Brewer to the burial this evening.
14.	Still cloudy. J. and O. went on the mountain to visit Cousin James & 
family; they are getting well again; M. worked on my loom today.
15.	Cloudy still, I have got my cloth to doing pretty well now.
16.	Warm and cloudy--planting cotton--- The girls spent the night with the 
Misses Patterson; they are quite lonely now, since their brother left.
17. Still cloudy and warm. Wrote to Mr. Yarbrough.
18.	Pretty weather. Miss. J. Patterson came over early to give us good news 
from Corinth, Mr. L. Hays has returned wounded and says that Columbus is also 
wounded but not badly; a flesh wound in the leg. He will be at home today 
perhaps. He went to Rome. He says our forces have whipped the Yankees to death; 
taken their gun-boats and everything else; I hope this is the beginning of the 
end of this war; the enemy are also driven from Huntsville.
19.	Cloudy. John and Virginia came today thinking to see Columbus. Rain this 
evening. The girls went to visit Mrs. Rudd, the baby is growing finely.
20.	3rd Sabbath. A very inclement day. Mr. B. called.
21.	Cold and cloudy. J. and V. left early. M. went in the buggy this evening 
to Dublin to meet C., as it is thought that the boat will be down today, but it 
did not come. A good many persons there.
22.	Very cool. M. went again this evening to Dublin. The boat came early and 
brought C. accompanied by his brother James. His wound is on the thigh and is a 
worse one than we had heard it was, but is healing very nicely. He spent three 
days in Rome at the house of Mr. Burnett, and received every attention 
necessary, and that too gratis, also Dr. Underwood waited on him free of cost. 
Bless them! several of the neighbors in to see him. O. sold his horse to L. Hale 
for 140 dollars, 56 of which was paid.
23.	Fine weather, C. is doing very well. Miss E. Patterson, Mrs. Brewer in to 
see him. Mr. and Mrs. Rudd tonight. J. made C. some crutches today.
24.	Still fine weather. James left this morning and the girls went with him to 
Dublin to await the boat, did not come; Mrs. King, Mrs. Landrum, Miss Mitcham, 
Mrs. Huff, came to hear from C. about their friends who were in the battle, Miss 
Hale and Pullen here this evening and Mr. Galloway spent the night.
25.	Cloudy and warm. M. started with James this morning in the buggy. Mr. 
Duncan and Mr. Patterson here today. Thomas came this evening in good health 
except sore eyes. He likes camp life very well; he is on furlough for 10 days. 
Columbus is getting on very well; a great deal of rain tonight.
26.	Cloudy. Mrs. Truitt, Miss Hale, Mrs. Phipps, Miss Echols, came to see C. 
this evening, also Miss Shackleford.
27.	4th Sabbath. Still cloudy. C. is getting on very well and is quite lively; 
it is 3 weeks this evening since he was wounded, which was on the 8th of April. 
John and Virginia came early. Mrs. Williams, Cousin Agnes, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Hays, 
Mr. Phipps, Mr. Hudgens, and the Misses Rudd, also came to see C. The girls went 
this evening to see M. Hollis, who is no better. This is a fine young man, who 
is afflicted with fistula. Thomas went to M. McNeely's to bring L. home.
28.	Cloudy and cool, J. and V. left early. Dr. Bean came and inserted a tooth 
for Olivia. The Misses Haynes visited us this evening.
29.	Pretty day. Mr. M. Davis came today. Thomas and Lizzie came home this 
morning. Her brother, who is badly wounded has not yet got home. Mr. Galloway 
came this evening. Dr. Sparks came to see Columbus, and reports his wounds are 
doing well.
30.	Rainy, It seems there can be but little work done. Mr. D. Hale, and 
several others here this evening. B., who has taken cold, is quite unwell.
 
May 1862

1.	Clear and pretty day. Mr. Galloway left this morning. The rust has been on 
the wheat some time and it is thought the crop is ruined, it is a great 
misfortune to the country, especially just now. Mrs. Truitt, Miss Mackey came 
this evening. Mrs. T. brought C. a bowl of fine strawberries and some potatoes. 
T. and L. went down to visit Mr. Hollis. C's wound mends slowly.
2.	Pretty weather. Thomas left this morning for Talladega. Marcellus taking 
in the buggy to Jacksonville. He had intended staying till Monday, but a letter 
from the lieutenant recalled him. I bound Mrs. Davis's magazines.
3.	Fine day. B., L. and myself called on Mrs. Finley this morning on our way 
to Church. Elder H. preached to a small congregation. Mr. Smith called. I 
trimmed Columbus's hair this evening.
4. 	1st Sabbath. Somewhat cloudy. C. complains of his wound hurting him more 
than it has for some days, I fear he has hobbled about too much lately. John and 
Virginia came up today, the baby grows finely. Elder H. came to dinner, also Mr. 
A. Thornton; Mr. and Mrs. Echols; the Misses Hollis came this evening.
5. 	Rainy, Mr. Hays called, heard of the death of old Mr. Land; also of 
Margaret Wilson.
6. 	Clear. I went to Cedar Hill with Lizzie to attend the burial of Mr. Land 
this morning, but it does not take place till evening; B. and O. visited Mr. 
Mackey this evening with Mr. Hollis; he is not better. Dr. Sparks dined here; he 
says Columbus's is doing very well, it is strange that it should pain him worse. 
Mr. A. Mackey called this evening.
7.	Fine weather but cool, R. Espy called. C. still complains of his wound, it 
must be from lying so still.
8.	Fine day. Two years ago, Mr. Espy left home for La., would that he had not 
have gone; he would have been a tower of strength to the country now, besides 
being invaluable to his family; we learn that the regiment to which T. is 
attached has been ordered to Chattanooga. I finished my jeans today, a fine 
piece of cloth it is, and I am quite proud of it; Virgil and Dick started to the 
Valley this evening.
9.	Pretty day. C. is improving. The girls went to Mr. TruitteÕs this evening; 
rain late this evening. 
10.	Clear day. Mrs. T. and the girls spent the day at Mr. Hales. They came 
home this evening.
11.	2nd Sabbath. Pretty morning. The Misses HaleÕs, Mackey, and Pullen, spent 
the day here. C. as usual.
12.	Fine weather. Making C. a pair of pants.
13.	Clear day. I went with Lizzie, and Berenice, to meet the boat at Dublin 
and get news from Corinth, and our forces whipped the Yankees again. They fought 
there Friday and Saturday. We also learnt by Mr. Davis, that Thomas's regiment 
is ordered to Cumberland Gap, and he does not know when he will see us again. He 
has been elected Chaplain of the regiment. Our forces have beaten them also in 
Va. lately. The girls fished awhile, but caught nothing. A soldier spent the 
night here.
14.	Warm day. Miss Haynes, Miss Chisolm, visited us. Mr. Galloway, dined here. 
I paid him for Marcellus tuition. Miss J. Patterson, Mrs. Rudd, called this 
evening.
15.	Somewhat cloudy; rain last night. A light shower.
16.	Clear and warm. Making pants for C. N. Hill called.
17.	Cloudy and some rain this evening. L. and B. went to Mr. Davis's. Set out 
cabbage- plants. Mr. Phipps, Mr. Hollis called. His son, he says, is not better. 
House-cleaning.
18.	3rd Sabbath. Beautiful morning. Mr. B. dined here; I went with O. and M. 
to Cedar Hill this evening to hear Mr. Dobbs preach; small congregation; heard 
of the marriage of I. L. The girls came home this evening.
19.	Cool morning; Lizzie and I spent the day at M. Hale's pleasantly. B. not 
well.
20.	Cloudy morning; news has come that the Yankees are in considerable force 
at Gunter's Landing, intending to pass through here to Rome, at which place is 
an armory. Our people excited, and the men meet at Cedar Bluff today to devise 
means to stop them. May the Lord preserve us from our enemies, and turn them 
back to their own country. Slight shower.
21.	Cloudy with a shower this evening. We set out potato slips. I am troubled; 
it seems there is to be little else for me in relation to that person. A curse 
appears to attend all I do in that quarter. It has been a many years 
wretchedness to me, and will be, no doubt as long as I live.
22.	Warm and cloudy, with a good shower at noon. O. and L. visited at Mr. 
McGhee's. Two soldiers dined here. Reading one of DickensÕ works.
23.	Cloudy. Had a mess of beets today. M. took C. down to Mrs. Hollis's this 
evening to visit Hugh, then he went to Mr. Davis's and got 2 bushels Irish 
potatoes. A great deal of rain tonight.
24.	Rainy. I set out cabbage-plants. O., L. and M. went this evening to Mr. 
Howard's. I gathered a large mess of peas for tomorrow.
25.	4th Sabbath. Still cloudy and quite cool. The girls came back this 
morning; they found the creek very high and had a disagreeable time of it from 
the rain. They all went to Cedar Hill this evening to hear Dr. R. preach. C. 
going also. Mrs. B., Mrs. E. Hale here this evening.
26.	Getting clear. C. started home with L. this morning. I fear he will have 
cause to repent it; preparing thread for the loom. I am very unwell with a cold.
27.	Clear and pleasant. C. returned this evening. They found Mr. McNeely very 
sick with typhoid fever. Miss Rosa Hale here this evening. We are planting our 
late Irish-potatoes. Several of us are unwell with colds.
28.	Warm. Having our clover cut; also making starch. I warped my thread this 
evening; had a mess of Irish-potatoes today.
29.	Clear and warm. B. very unwell with a cold. C. went on a visit down to 
Col. Hale's.
30.	Very warm. The neighbors came today and helped cut our wheat; it is very 
sorry. The wheat crop is cut off nearly everywhere, I believe; they finished 
ours this evening and went into Mr. Rudd's. I visited Mrs. Jones who is sick. C. 
came home this evening. Virgil is very sick tonight.
31.	Very warm. V. some better. Mr. Hollis came to see us today. He thinks he 
is getting better.


June 1862

1.	1st Sabbath. Warm. I went with C., O. and M. to Yellow Creek; a good 
congregation; Mr. Morgan came to dinner; a storm of wind and rain this evening. 
V. still unwell.
2.	Rainy. Set out a good many potato slips. Hard rains this evening. The 
storm has blown down the wheat so badly that it cannot be cut, which is a 
misfortune, sorry as it is. C. and B. went down to Mr. TrippeÕs. Rains again 
tonight.
3.	Drew in our cloth today. Still cloudy. Our boys are cutting rye; V. 
getting better.
4.	No rain today. C. and B. came home this morning; left all well at John's. 
The girls went this evening to Mr. Rudd's. V. is nearly well.
5.	Pretty morning. Mrs. Finley sent for us to spend the day with her. I felt 
too unwell to go.
6.	Clear day and pleasant. C. and J. went to visit Capt. Truitte, who is at 
home on furlough; he had the misfortune to get his back hurt in a skirmish at 
Corinth. I do not think he will soon return; he thinks a grand battle was on the 
eve of taking place when he heard of a battle at Richmond, in which our troops 
were notorious, but both armies had stopped to bury their dead, and resume 
hostilities afterwards.
7.	Clear morning, but we had a fine rain at noon. C. and O. went this evening 
to Col. Hale's.
8.	2nd Sabbath. Cool clear day, but the atmosphere is filled with smoke which 
is singular at this time of the year. B. and Miss Rudd visited Mr. R. Hays who 
reached home yesterday from Corinth. C. and O. came home this evening. Our 
armies are said to be falling back at Corinth on account of the scarcity of 
water and sickness also; this is bad, after making such fortifications. The 
provisions, and clothing of the men were put in heaps and burnt. But the news 
from Va. is cheering. Stonewall Jackson is driving all before him there; has 
crossed the Potomac and the Marylanders are flocking to him by thousands. 
Success attend him.
9.	Fine day. Commenced starch-making; Lizzie came home this evening 
accompanied by her brother; he is not recovered of his wounds yet.
10.	Cool morning. The girls and Mr. Reeves, went berrying this evening.
11.	Still cool, Mr. R. left this morning. We sat up tonight and witnessed a 
total eclipse of the moon. It has been long since I saw one; the night was clear 
and the scene beautiful.
12.	Very warm and dry. C. spent the day at Mr. Phipps. His leg is mending, but 
he still limps badly, and I fear always will.
13.	Warm. The regiment to which T. is attached has been ordered back to 
Chattanooga, and it is thought they are fighting there now. May they succeed in 
routing the enemy before they overrun the country.
14.	Clear and warm. C. visited at Mr. Echols and went this evening with Mr. E. 
to Centre; we made aprons today.
15.	3rd Sabbath. Clear and warm. C., L. and O. went to Cedar Hill to hear Dr. 
Ralls; John and V. came home with them. The baby has one tooth and can sit 
alone. Mr. B. came up here this evening.
16.	Dry and warm. Mr. Hollis spent the day here; O. went to the bend this 
evening. Cloudy.
17.	Cloudy with wind from the east and cooler. Letters came from Thomas; the 
Yankees had been bombarding Chattanooga but had now left at double quick for 
Huntsville; cause unknown. The girls went to Dublin; I finished weaving.
18.	Getting clear with cool winds. I spent the day with Mrs. Brewer.
19.	Very cool and clear. Mr. R. Hays spent the day here.
20.	Still cool and getting very dry. This has been so far the most pleasant 
summer I have ever known. B. and L. went to Hale's this evening. He is expecting 
his two sons home from Corinth tonight.
21.	Warm and getting very dry. C. spent the day at Mr. Hays's.
22.	4th Sabbath. Very warm and dusty. C., O. and Mrs. B. and myself went to 
Cedar Hill. Few persons there. C. and O. went to Col. Hales to visit the boys, 
who reached home the other day.
23.	Still warm and dry. Mr. and Mrs. Truitt spent the day here; he is not 
mending much he thinks.
24.	Warm with a light shower. O. and myself went to Mr. Echols's this evening. 
Thomas came by the boat. He is not well; having had a vaccination is 
consequently feverish.
25.	Still very warm, the young folks are on fishing party this evening. Mrs. 
Hale came and bought shirting of me; Mr. and Mrs. Finley spent the afternoon 
here. She brought sewing.
26.	Very warm. Mrs. and the Misses McGhee, spent the day here. T. and L. went 
with them to Patterson's.
27.	Warm. T. and C. started to Gadsden. T. is on secret business of the 
Colonels. A good shower this evening.
28.	More pleasant. Set out potato-slips. A good rain this evening. C. has not 
yet returned.
29.	5th Sabbath. Warm. Mr. Echols sent L. a note this morning informing her 
that Thomas is sick at Gadsden and wished her to come down today. She cannot go, 
as neither C. or M. who went to TrippeÕs last evening, are at home. The young 
folks from Col. HaleÕs here this evening. C. came home.
30.	Warm. C. took L. to Gadsden today; found Thomas much better and thinking 
of coming home.

July 1862

1.	Cloudy, B. and I spent the day with Mr. Finley. Light showers today.
2.	Still cloudy. Commenced sewing for Mrs. F. T. and C. came home tonight. T. 
looks thin but has no fever.
3.	Very cloudy. M. took the horse and buggy back to Gadsden for T. I wish it 
would rain.
4.	Very cloudy, but no rain. A large party of young people are having a 
picnic to the mountain. Five soldiers dined here. T. and L. went to see V. this 
evening. All appearance of rain gone.
5.	Clear and warm. B. and myself called on Mrs. F. on our way to Yellow 
Creek. Elder H. preached to a small congregation and came home with us.
6.	1st Sabbath. Warm. Went to church. Large congregation. Thomas preached. 
Miss Woodrow, Miss Howard dined here. T. started again on his expedition 
spending this night with Elder H.
7.	Warm and dry. We need rain so much now.
8.	Still warm. B. and Mrs. B. went to Hale's this evening.
9.	Sultry. Making starch. Miss Finley sent her little girls over this 
morning; a cavalry soldier dined here. C. went to Centre. We are weaving straw 
bonnets. They are so fashionable and pretty. The blockade of our ports have 
thrown us on our own resources and nobly are we coming up to the conflict. Our 
troops are gaining the day at Richmond from the last accounts.
10.	Still sultry. M. and Dick started to Wessons' Mill. We had two fine rains 
this evening for which we are thankful.
11.	Still showery, but we have not had a season; cleared off this evening. M. 
came back from mill.
12.	Pleasant morning. We threshed our wheat today. We had 15 bushels, which is 
getting back our seed and a little over; better than common, this year, for the 
wheat is almost cut off. Two soldiers dined here. T. not yet returned. O. went 
this evening to Mr. Brewer's.
13.	2nd Sabbath. Clear warm day. B., 0, and C. went to Cedar Hill. I went this 
evening with O. and L. to Mr. RuddÕs. Very warm.
14.	Sultry. C. and O. visited Robert Espy, Mrs. Haynes and daughter visited us 
this evening.
15.	Clear and hot. C. and O. went to Mr. Howard's. Virgil started to school 
yesterday to Mr. Hill, who is teaching at Yellow Creek Church. I went to Dublin 
with the Misses Haynes. I saw several wounded soldiers on board from Richmond; 
paid Hale for salt, and gave him my shoe bill.
16.	Cloudy. C. started to Ga. We were thunderstruck this morning by the news 
of the death of Mary Espy, who died last night of rain fever, after an illness 
of two days. B. and O. went up there. L. and myself met them this evening at the 
grave-yard; a great many persons there. This is a dreadful stroke on her mother; 
the only daughter she had near grown, and her husband sick too, in the army. 
Making starch.
17.	Cloudy and warm; we are needing rain badly; J. Pulling came up this 
morning to inform C. that the boys will start on Monday for the seat of war, and 
for him to be ready to go with them. A very slight shower today. Finished 
weaving our bonnets.
18.	Sultry. O. and myself making jeans pants for C.
19.	The crops will soon be ruined if rain does not come; we are uneasy at the 
prolonged absence of Thomas and fear he is taken prisoner. Mr. T. and Virginia 
came up this evening. Mr. Hill also came to get B. to assist him with his 
school. Slight rain.
20.	3rd Sabbath. Very warm. Misses Howard, and Woodrow, called this morning on 
their way to Church at Cedar Hill. Our folks also went. V. left the baby here 
till her return. They went home this evening. B. and M. start to school 
tomorrow.
21.	Still sultry. Commenced making up our bonnets. C. came home this evening 
with M. Espy with him. Left all well. Mrs. B. came up.
22.	Sultry. C. went to Centre to get a certificate of Dr. Sparks as he intends 
taking the next boat for the seat of war; he is hardly enough recovered, but it 
seems that he is uneasy and wishes to go. B. and C. Hale, came from school at 
dinner time to inform us of the burial of Mrs. Wilder who died last night and 
will be buried this evening. Margaret, Olivia and myself went and large crowd of 
people there; this was a fine woman. She leaves three small children.
23.	Still hot. C. came home this morning. L. Hale with him. We are busy 
getting him ready as the boat is expected tonight. Mr. Mountain came this 
evening, also the Misses Haynes to bid C. goodbye. He took supper and left about 
sunset. May he have better luck his next battle. His regiment is quartered at 
Lattilla, Miss. I fear for his health there.
24.	Cooler and dryer. We heard the boat this morning leaving Truitte's 
landing; It passed Dublin a few hours before day. The Hays boy went also. 
Finished our bonnets.
25.	Still dry. We are suffering badly for rain. The garden is burnt up nearly; 
Margaret and O. went to see Cousin Agnes this evening. Mrs. Finley came to get a 
bonnet of us; but we had none for her, making Jeans pants for Marcellus; 
commenced a pair for Mr. Finley.
26.	Pleasant, but no appearance of rain; Mr. and Mrs. Davis spent the day 
here. L. and Miss Shackleford visited at Mr. Hale's this evening.
27.	4th Sabbath. Clear and beautiful morning with no hope of rain. The girls, 
and M. went to Cedar Hill. Mrs. Thornton and her sister, Miss Hughes came to 
dinner. No news of Thomas yet, it must be that he has fallen into the hands of 
the enemy.
28.	Still hot and dry. Finished Mr. F.'s pants, also made a hood for Mrs. 
Finley. Making one for Margaret also, she and O. visited Mrs. F.
29.	Clear. L. and Maggie went to see Virginia this morning. Mrs. B. and her 
sister spent the day here. I made a hood for Martha; fine shower at night-fall, 
for which we are glad. 
30.	Cloudy. The girls came back this morning. All well at John's. They 
commenced making willow-baskets. Rain this evening.
31.	Showery. Joseph Espy came this evening, also a couple of cavalry men spent 
the night here. Rain.

August 1862

1.	Still showery. We were painfully surprised this morning to hear of the 
death of Cousin James Espy, who died at Columbus, Miss, on 27th of June. He 
leaves a large and distressed family. It seems Cousin Agnes will be overwhelmed 
with trouble. Two travelers spent the night here.
2.	Cloudy. The girls and J. Espy started to visit Mr. and Mrs. Davis, but met 
Mrs. Hale and Susan, and turned back with them. Cousin James went down today, 
the letter which he had written the night on which he died. It has lain in the 
office at Blue Pond several weeks, and came at last, as a message from the 
eternal world. Mournful present, it spoke of peace and readiness to depart 
though his mind was anxious for her and his children whom he desired she would 
bring with her to Heaven. Poor things. I know not what is to become of them. I 
heard today that Thomas is taken by the enemy sure enough. I had given it up 
long since as being the case. May they deal gently with him, but I fear he will 
suffer much. It was highly imprudent in him to place himself in power for he had 
not dissimilation enough, to pass among them as a citizen, as he intended doing.
3.	1st Sabbath. Light showers this morning--no preaching at Yellow Creek this 
time, Maggie and Lizzie went to see Cousin Agnes, Joseph and Olivia to see 
Virginia and M. and L. came back, Cousin Agnes not being at home. We all walked 
to Dublin this evening.
4.	Very warm. Many soldiers passing today. Ten of whom took dinner here; they 
say the baggage wagons of Bragg's command will pass through this valley, if so, 
they will sweep it with the broom of destruction as there will be seven hundreds 
of them. I know not what is to became of us.
5.	Very warm with flying clouds. We filled both scaffolds with peaches; L. 
received a letter from Dr. Bennet informing her of the capture of Thomas by the 
enemy, near Summersville on the 14 July. He had put up for the night and the 
Yankees came to the house in quest of Col. Hunley whose family T. went after and 
took him prisoner. The Dr. thinks he will soon be exchanged.
6.	Warm. A light shower near night.
7.	Still sultry. We refilled half our dryers with peaches; 30 baggage wagons, 
passed up today on the other road, the remainder have been ordered to take 
another route for which we are intensely glad; B. went to HaleÕs tonight.
8.	Extremely warm. Mr. I. Reeves, came today after L. His mother is in bad 
health; Parson Williams came tonight and about 1 o'clock, James and Joseph Espy 
came. They were hunting a mule which was stolen from James the night before; it 
seems there is not any security now for anything.
9.	Still hot and dry. The garden is nearly burnt up. L. started this morning, 
so did the others. B. and V. went to Mr. TrippeÕs this evening. I sacked 1 
bushel of fine fruit this evening. 
10.	2nd Sabbath. Clear and warm; went to Cedar Hill. Two cavalry men dined 
here. Mr. & Mrs. B. here this evening. 110 baggage wagons camped in a half-mile 
of us; five of the men supped here. It was not the calamity we dreaded for they 
did no harm at all. Had their provisions already collected by their forage 
wagons, they take corn wherever they find it at 1 dollar per bushel; they are 
taking a good deal that way from men who were holding it back for the purpose of 
extortion. Very well, I say.
11.	Clear and warm. We again filled our scaffolds with peaches; O. making a 
gingham dress; calico is now worth 80 cents per yd., shirting (common) 40 cents; 
such times. I little thought of seeing O.! Went this evening to the burial of 
Rosa Hale, who died last night.
12.	Still dry and sultry. We put out apples today. Miss Mackey called. O. rode 
with her to Mr. Hollis's to assist her with her bonneting. Seven hundred cavalry 
passed on the other road this evening.
13.	Very sultry. Miss J. Patterson called. Sent cakes to C. by G. Hale.
14.	Still sultry. We put out peaches. Light shower tonight.
15.	Somewhat cloudy and very warm; I sent Dick yesterday down to see how V. 
was coming on, as she is now alone, John having to go to Chattanooga to be 
examined, by an army surgeon as he is subject to the conscript law, which by the 
bye, is as shameful a one as congress ever passed. They also passed a law giving 
themselves $2700 a year, and the greater part of the time they are at home 
attending their business. I look for a rebellion among ourselves at that rate of 
going on, for the war taxes the people heavy enough. This evening Thomas arrived 
accompanied by Parson Hood, he is in good health, and has kept the most of the 
time in Huntsville, and well treated and finally released unconditionally. As 
the Lord would have it, Gen. Rousseau was in command there, who is a cousin of 
mine, and was a good friend to Thomas and sent him home. He did not get Col. 
Hunley's family as he was arrested before Mrs. H. crossed the river. The Gen. 
sent me a paper containing his speech at the Rousseau banquet; he also wished T. 
to remain a day longer that he might have an ambrotype for me. I would have been 
pleased to see his likeness for T. says that he very much resembles my father, 
and is a superior man, despite his political notions. He is a Kentuckian and is 
now engaged in fighting his southern brethren; very zealously too; may he see 
his fault, and amend it.
16.	Cooler. Parson H., Thomas and the girls went to Shady Grove; T. was 
divided in his mind: he wished to go to Mr. McNeely's and he also felt that he 
ought to attend the meeting as Parson H. is in feeble health.
17.	3rd Sabbath. Clear and warm. I went to see Mrs. E. Hale this evening. T. 
and B. came home. O. stayed to attend the meeting; the prospect is good they 
think for a meeting.
18. Cool winds, but the sun hot. Thomas left after dinner. M. going with him to 
the ParsonÕs. I wrote by him to Gen. Rousseau to be mailed at Chattanooga. Mr. 
Hollis dined here.
19.	Still dry. Commenced making hats of the long leaf pine. Mr. Jones, a 
cavalry man and an old college mate of T. came this evening. M. returned. Mrs. 
McNeely in better health.
20.	Warm. Miss E. Hale spent the night here.
21.	Still very warm. Mr. J. left this morning. I went with Mrs. B. on a visit 
to Mrs. HamptonÕs. Her child is sick. Elder Hodges and family spent the night 
here on their way to the Association. M. and V. commenced foddering.
22.	Dry and warm. I have made two hats, very good ones too. O. is also hat-
making. Slight rain tonight. 
23.	Cooler this morning, but sultry this evening. Three gentlemen, two of whom 
are surgeons in the army, spent the night here. A fine rain this evening.
24.	4th Sabbath. Cloudy. O. and myself taking Dick with us went to Shady 
Grove. Large congregation. Mr. Witt preached. We dined at Mr. Davis's. Parson 
Williams here tonight.
25.	Clear and pleasant day. Sowed turnip-seed.
26.	Clear and warm. J. and Mrs. B. went to HaleÕs. He thinks now, that he 
cannot have my shoes made owing to the scarcity of leather. I fear I shall have 
some difficulty in getting them.
27.	Cooler. I went with M. to Cousin Agnes this morning. The family is not 
well; O. and I made a shirt for M. B., who is going to start tonight to the Va. 
salt-works. 3 counties join and send men to work there, in order to get a supply 
of salt, which is now getting to be the want of all wants.
28.	More pleasant. Hat-making; Brother Joseph Espy and his wife came this 
evening; It has been many years since I saw her; she looks natural however; left 
all well.
29.	Very warm. Mrs. Haynes spent the day here. Two soldiers dined here; a 
regiment of cavalry is encamped on the river road. John and Virginia also dined 
here on their way to Georgia. I sent Virgil down to Mr. Morgan's today and got 
the wool he gave to Thomas.
30.	Still warm. J. E. and his wife went to see Cousin Agnes today. A fine rain 
this evening. 
31.	5th Sabbath. Cloudy and warm. Cousin Agnes and children came today. 
Tremendous rain tonight.

September 1862

1.	Showery. Joseph Espy and wife, left this morning. Virgil and myself 
accompanying them home, which we reached about 5 o'clock. Found the family well 
and glad to see us. This is a romantic mountain country, and I passed over as 
bad a road as ever I saw in the mountain passes.
2.	Clear and cool morning . I am pleased with the prospect here; visited the 
grave of James, this morning, and this evening Maggie and Thomas went with us to 
J. B. Espy's where we found John and Virginia. Victor was glad to see us, and 
Bartow is getting to be a fine boy. The boys went to Rome today, and heard of 
our troops gaining great victories in Va.
3.	Cool morning but hot day. Mary and the children came with us back to J. 
Espy's to dinner. Mrs. Davis, a sister of Jane Espy and an old acquaintance of 
mine also dined here. J. B. Espy took supper here and bid us farewell as we 
leave in the morning. Mrs. Franks spent the night here.
4.	Very cool and getting cloudy. We left early in company with John and 
Virginia. much pleased with our visit to Floyd County. Mine was a short one, but 
I preferred returning with company. J. and V. left us 4 miles above Cedar Bluff, 
Virgil reaches almost 5, and found all well, and a letter from C. with the 
pleasant news of his good health. They were ready to start toward Nashville and 
he expects hard marching and fighting soon. He says he has sent me $80, but I 
have not received it yet.
5.	Clear and cool. Virgil and I went to the tan yard. I engaged leather for 
shoes, also a man to make them, Mr. Hale having disappointed me; thence to Mr. 
Morgan's and spent the day. I engaged wool at $1 per lb., also a sheep, at 3 1/2
 	dollars per head; they are severe rates, but we cannot help ourselves; it 
is the villainous work of speculators who are taking this time of trouble to 
enrich themselves; this was another pleasant visit.
6.	Clear and cool morning but hot day. B. and J. went to Yellow Creek, few 
persons there. The parson was there, but did not preach; our people are 
threshing oats today. J. this evening had Trusty killed. He was so old and 
infirm that we decided it would be a mercy to put an end to his miseries. He was 
a good dog, and has been my constant companion for 12 years. I shall miss him 
much.
7.	1st Sabbath. Warm day. B. and I went to church. Elder Hood preached to a 
small congregation.
8.	Pretty weather. I resumed hat-making. V. want to school this morning 
again; Miss J. Patterson called this evening. She is very uneasy about her 
brother, who is in the service.
9.	Still fine weather. Mr. Hale came by from Centre, this evening and bought 
me the money which C. sent me.
10.	Cloudy with good rains this evening. Olivia went to Capt. Truitt's. Mattie 
Haygood spent the night here.
11.	Perfect day. O. cane home this evening. She and Mrs. T. spent the day with 
Mrs. Mackey. Our troops are still victorious, driving the Yankees before them 
like sheep. It is said that a part of them, has crossed into Ohio and demanded 
the surrender of Cincinnati.
12.	Fine weather. J. Trippe dined here; the conscript law seems a hard one; it 
takes all between the ages of 18 and 45, not considering infirmities not 
considered; a boy of 18 was here this evening who has had Phthisic all his days, 
and looks like death, but he has to go; there is a great deal of dissatisfaction 
in the country, about it. I should not wonder if we soon or late have a 
rebellion among ourselves. Our Congress seems headstrong, and cares more for 
their own interest than that of their country.
14.	2nd Sabbath. Delightful weather--getting cloudy; O. went to Cedar Hill. 
Mr. Lucy came home with her. A vary pleasant man.
15.	Showery. Making a vest for C. I shall have a chance to send clothing to 
him this week by Mr. Mountain.
16.	Pretty weather. Mrs. Whitten called this morning. I went to Dublin this 
evening, but the boat did not come. Lizzie came this evening with her brother; 
her mother it in better health.
17.	Pleasant, Mr. Reaves left early; a letter from T. this evening. He is in 
tolerable health. He is in camp near Cumberland Gap. Rain tonight.
18.	Showery. This is the day appointed by the President for fasting and 
Thanksgiving in honor of our late victories; a good congregation. I am not very 
well, but O. and myself went to church at Cedar Hill. Mr. Lucy preached.
19.	Still cloudy. Lizzie and myself drove this evening to Mr. TruitteÕs. Had a 
pleasant visit.
20.	A fine day. L. and O. went to Mr. Howard's and Mr. Beall's. We are trying 
to get more wool, but make a sorry out of it. L. got a little of her aunt, 
however. Two soldiers spent the night here. Mr. Hale brought L. $230 which T. 
had sent her.
21	3rd Sabbath. Clear beautiful day. Col. Hunley's battalion of Partisan 
Rangers passed this morning. A fine body of men too. B. and M. went to see 
Virginia, but she was not at home, and they returned. Three soldiers spent the 
night here.
22.	Cloudy. I sent Marcellus and Dick to Mr. Morgan's after the wool and sheep 
which I had engaged, they got the sheep (3 head) but only one pound of wool; so 
great is the desire of gain, that some people do not mind breaking their word; 
this is a serious disappointment to me, for C. is by this time in Kentucky where 
it is cold, now; but they care nought for the soldiers.
23.	Warm. I went this morning to see Jane Patterson thinking I could probably 
get some wool of her, but could not. I went this evening to get thread, but the 
boat brought none for this place. It seems a hard case, that we can get nothing 
for the suffering soldiers.
24.	Rainy. I sent Dick to Mrs. Truitt and engaged rough wool of her, at $1.40 
per lb. This is an enormous price, but I cannot help myself; the speculators 
have everything their own way now. May their day soon close.
25.	Clear. Hat-making.
26.	Pretty weather. Mrs. T. sent me 5 lbs. of wool today. M. went to W. mill 
this evening. I sent her 1 bushel of dried fruit in part payment
27.	Somewhat cloudy. Made a Confederate candle today, as tallow is so scarce 
we cannot get it to make candles. It is made by dipping a wick in a preparation 
of tallow and turpentine, and winding it round a bottle; I went to Mr. Hays's 
this evening to see Mrs. Blevens, who is sick. This is a fine family, though in 
lowly circumstances, they are, I think, the soul of honor. The boys got back 
from WilsonÕs Mill.
28.	4th Sabbath. Cloudy and very cool. The girls went to Cedar Hill this 
evening to hear Mr. Dobbs preach. He came home with them and spent the night.
29.	Pretty day. Mrs. R. and myself spent the day at Mr. Hale's. I wished to 
see him, but he was not at home.
30.	Very warm. Preparing a little piece of thread for the boys winter clothes; 
went to the boat again, but no thread came; it is said now, to be worth $7 a 
bunch. We called on Mrs. Blevens, who is not any better. Saw several soldiers, 
who were left sick, and taken prisoners by the enemy and released on parole; 
they brought news of the death of Ellis Hale, one of our neighbors. He leaves a 
wife and two children. Bragg's division is now at Glasgow, Ky.; performed the 
whole distance from Chattanooga, on foot across Tenn. They say that Columbus 
stood the march very well, but I cannot believe it.

October 1862

1.	Very warm. Hat-making. I went to the tan-yard and bought sole-leather at 
$.75 per lb. The side I got cost me $9. Stopped at Mr. Duncan's and left our 
measures.
2.	Still very warm. I warped my thread, and drew it in the loom this evening.
3.	Commenced weaving this morning. I think it is very pretty jeans; Lizzie 
and Marcellus started to her mothers. Miss Woodrow, Miss Howard spent the day 
here.
4.	Still extremely warm. I went to Yellow Creek, but no preacher came, as the 
Association is in session
5.	1st Sabbath. The warmest weather I think I ever felt at this season. I am 
unwell with sick headache.
 6.	Very warm. Dr. McMichael came today to get out rock for our chimney; found 
a ledge of fine building-rock; this mountain abounds in it. I am getting on very 
well with my jeans.
7.	Extremely warm. I went this evening to see Mrs. Blevins. She is thought to 
be better.
8.	Warm. Getting on slowly with the rock-hauling. It is a bad way down the 
mountains. A cavalry man spent the night here.
9.	Still warm and so dry and dusty. I went to Mr. Phipps this evening to see 
about getting my molasses made up; Mr. Hollis, who is making his there offers to 
do it for me.
10.	Cloudy. I finished weaving my jeans. Commenced raining about the middle of 
the afternoon. The doctor went home.
11.	A dark rainy day. Mrs. B. and J. Espy called here; sold a hat to J. E.--
some bacon to Mrs. Brewer.
12.	2nd Sabbath. Inclement day. Had a mess of our winter Irish potatoes. O. 
went to see Mrs. R. this evening.
13.	Cloudy morning. The doctor came after 12 and resumed his work. I sold oats 
to Mr. Rains.
14.	Clear and cool. J. Espy came today and got oats. The girls went to sit up 
with Mrs. Blevins tonight.
15.	Pleasant. Mrs. B, no better. I finished a pair of gloves for Columbus, it 
is said that Bragg and Buell have had a battle near Louisville, Ky. and that 
Bragg routed them and took a great many prisoners, I hope it is correct, but we 
can get no letters now, as the enemy is between us.
16.	Fair weather. Cut and commenced making a coat for Columbus. I wish to have 
his clothing ready in case a chance should offer itself of sending them to him. 
I wish he had them now
17.	Beautiful Indian Summer day. Mr. Burnett sent and got 2 bushels of oats 
today.
18.	Fine day. The doctor finished the chimney this morning and went home; he 
has worked here 9 days. He is a well informed man, and a pleasant companion; he 
was brought up in Walton County, Ga., and was acquainted with a good many of my 
old acquaintances; it is pleasant to meet with one who can talk to us of old 
times and friends. I finished C's coat today. The girls went to Mr. Davis's this 
evening to attend preaching tomorrow at Shady Grove. Mrs. Finley sent for me to 
come as her little Coosie has just died. I spent the night with them. Became 
acquainted with their niece, Miss Finley who came home with them from N. C.; 
also Miss Grey.
19.	3rd Sabbath. Fine day. I came home awhile this morning to get white rose 
buds, and chrysanthemums to deck the little corpse. I returned after dinner to 
attend the burial, which took place at the grave-yard at Yellow Creek church 
just by where they live. Mrs. Blevins, also died this morning about 9 o'clock. 
The girls came home.
20.	Cool day. J. and B. went to Mr. Hays's this morning to attend the burial 
of Mrs. B. but were too early for it, and came home. It took place about 12. 
Gathering corn, which is very light.
 2l.	Fine weather. I learn that a good many soldiers came on the boat today. 
Got our syrup home, 14 gallons of it.
22.	Cool. John and Virginia came today. The baby is walking a little. She is 
preparing for the quarterly meeting which will be held at the camp-ground this 
week.
23.	Fine Indian Summer day. The girls went to Col. Hale's tonight. Mr. McNeely 
came. Lizzie gave birth to a daughter on the 7th. Both she and it are doing 
well.
24.	Still fine weather with slight frosts; Mr. M. went the tanyard to see 
about getting leather; he left after dinner.
25.	Somewhat cloudy. The girls went to the camp-ground; not many people there. 
Turning very cold this evening and plenty of sleet tonight, which is the 
strangest occurrence I ever saw at this season of the year. Sold 13 hats, at 
$.75 each to a teacher.
26.	4th Sabbath. Very cold disagreeable day, with high winds and flying 
clouds; none of us went to the meeting today. A traveler and 5 soldiers spent 
the night here
27.	Very cold with plenty of ice, I went to see the sick at Mr. HayÕs --- 
found them no better; thence to the shoe shop to pay for B.'s shoes; then to 
Hale's and got military buttons for the boys coats; Cousin Agnes, Mrs. Smith 
called here.
28.	Still cold. Amelie Espy came to dinner; Mr. and Mrs. Dobbs, Mr. McNeely, 
spent the night here. Digging potatoes.
29.	Still cold, but fine weather. Our visitors left today. The girls called on 
Miss Finley this evening. 
30.	Fair pretty day. Virgil and Dick started to WilsonÕs Mill this evening. 
Uncle Joe and Tommie came this evening, they have been below taking some 
soldiers on their way home; they left all well at home; J. has entered the 
service and the family are distressed as are many others.
31.	Fine day, Uncle Joe left early. The boys returned from mill. Hat-making. 
Sold 2 tonight to a tobacco-trader at $1 each.
 

November 1862

1.	Warm day. Went to Yellow Creek with B. Elder Goss preached. Few persons 
there. Mr. Finley, who has seen Col. Hale informed me that Columbus is sick with 
jaundice. The girls went this evening to see Mr. Blevens who has just returned 
from the army, he says that C. broke down on the march to Ky., and has been sick 
ever since, first with fever, then Jaundice; he is now at a private house near 
Knoxville and is badly off; as Ky. has voted to remain in the union, our forces 
had to leave and the Officers as usual, ordered the clothing of the men to be 
burnt. To get the chance of selling them more at exorbitant price I suppose 
there never could be, more corruption in any Government than in this, thoÕ in 
its infancy; such laws as Congress has passed can only produce a revolution 
among ourselves. I do not look for anything else. A man who owns 6 slaves is 
exempt from military duty, and they have given themselves a salary of $900 a 
month as badly pressed as we are to support the war, and uphold the Infant 
Government.
2.	1st Sabbath. Cloudy and very warm. A great difference from last sabbath 
when everything was white with snow. John and Virginia came to dinner. I did not 
go to Church; received a letter from Thomas dated the 27th in which he describes 
the march to and from Ky., and the battles fought there. He says he had a hard 
time, and if he, who could favor himself, had, what must the poor private have 
suffered? He met with Columbus on his way to rejoin his regiment from which he 
had been cut off by sickness--poor fellow he was even then sick and broke down 
and discouraged, and in the enemiesÕ country, where perhaps, not a soul would 
assist him, at any rate he was walking; T. gave him his horse to ride, while he 
walked by his side and talked to him of home--poor fellow. I am glad T. met with 
him and helped him on, and would be still gladder if they were in the same 
regiment. He thinks that C. will soon be well as he has learnt that he did not 
have to walk on the retreat. They left Ky. in consequence of Price and Vandons 
defeat at Corinth, but they brought away at least fifty million dollars worth of 
army stores, captured from the enemy.
3.	Cool. J. and Virgil went early to see Col. Hale this morning. He saw C. a 
few days before he left,and thinks that he will be well in a short time. He was 
sitting up, but was looking thin, and as yellow as a pumpkin, he is at a good 
house and is well treated. He intends staying there until he is able to rejoin 
his regiment, which is about to move southward. He is needing clothing badly, 
and I am distressed about how I shall get any to him. Mrs. Truitte spent the day 
here; Parsons Williams and Neely, dined here.
4.	 Warmer. I fear we will lose all our potatoes as they are rotting now. 
Ploughing wheat land. Hat-making.
5.	Cloudy and warm. Mr. Hays called. His family is improving some he thinks. 
Turned cold tonight. Commenced sowing wheat.
6.	A cold windy disagreeable day. Mr. Phipps called; an unpleasant 
circumstance today, has put me much out of sorts. Ah me! there is trouble on 
every hand in this world.
7.	Still cold. Hat-making, Mrs. Brewer came this evening. She informed me 
that one of the houses at Dublin was burnt down. The boys went and found it to 
be the old warehouse which stood in a few feet of the store-house, which was 
saved altogether by a strong wind blowing the other way. Some careless people 
who were waiting for the Boat built a fire in it and left it to burn down. None 
of the neighbors thought fit to inform us of it.
8.	Ice this morning and cold all day. Preparing C's clothing to send him, Mr. 
King called this evening to give me news of C. as he saw him a few days ago. He 
thinks he is mending. I sent $10 to Col. Hale this evening to initiate me in the 
salt company.
9.	2. Sabbath. A cold clear icy day--it seems that winter has set in in good 
earnest. I went this evening to see the Hay's family. They are all mending. The 
girls went to Mr. RuddÕs.
10.	Very cold. Preparing cloth for the loom; Miss J. Patterson visited us this 
evening. Making a vest for Marcellus.
11.	Still cold, and the driest, dustiest time I ever knew at this time of the 
year. Finished wheat-sowing. A traveler spent the night here. I called on Mrs. 
Rudd.
12.	Something warmer. I warped my thread today, which is a bunch of No. 12. I 
gave $10 for, it will warp 30 yds. I made a mistake and over-warped it. O. went 
this morning to Col. Hale's to order some things from Rome.
13.	Fine weather, we drew in our cloth today which is for winter dresses, and 
will be very pretty; our folks are husking corn.
14.	Still dry and warm. Miss Octavia Finley and Ella visited us this evening; 
she brought me a letter from Lizzie; she and the baby are doing well, she says; 
she will be home the last of the month --- was looking for T. in a few days.
15.	Pleasant. A letter came today from Margaret Espy--she writes that her 
brother Joseph is sick near Knoxville and that James has gone after him; I hope 
she will hear of Columbus and bring him also. O. spent the night with Mrs. B.
16.	Cloudy windy morning. The girls went to see the sick at Mr. Hay's, All 
better.
17.	Pretty day. Sent this morning to Centre for a letter I heard was in the 
office; it was from C. as I supposed he is recovering, and is coming home, 
consequently does not want me to send his clothes to the regiment. 
18.	Fine day. This evening Columbus, Thomas, Lizzie and the babe, came in the 
boat, we were not looking for them much. C. is a perfect shadow and so weak that 
he cannot walk without assistance; he left Dr. FrazierÕs, a week ago, and 
reported himself at the hospital at Knoxville to get a furlough, at which place 
(the most loathsome one on earth) he had to stay a week and took so much cold he 
soon became as bad as ever; has a dreadful cough, also chronic diarrhea, how he 
got along I know not; T. is in good health and looks well; Lizzie and her babe 
look well also; she has not named it yet.
19.	Rainy, sent M. for Dr. Sparks, but had the good luck to meet him at the 
river; the Dr. thinks he can manage C.'s case without any difficulty. A good 
many friends in to see Columbus today. The diarrhea troubles him badly.
20.	Cold. C. much the same. Several in today. Miss J. Patterson brought a 
present of butter for him.
21.	Very cold. One day passes as another, I do not see much change in C., only 
that he is weaker; has fever every evening. Lizzie's babe annoys her sadly, I 
think it is not well.
22.	Still cold, Mr. Finley came with a present of wine for C. Several friends 
in today. C. much the same. The doctor came today.
23.	Cold. John and Virginia came today; her child is not well; several others 
were in today also. I am afraid that Columbus is in for a spell of fever, and 
being so weak it will go hard with him. Mr. Hale sent a bottle of wine.
25.	Thick ice this morning, Mrs. Truitte came this evening. Having just heard 
of C.'s return. She brought some fine apples. 
26	Cloudy. C. no better; Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Haynes, Mrs. Echols, Parson Hood in 
this evening to see Columbus; T. went to Mr. Dupree's to see about getting corn 
for me, as we will not have enough, I think.
27.	Still cold. I think C. is going down fast; cannot get rid of the diarrhea; 
his cough, too, is very distressing. Several of the friends in today. We sit 
with him at night; tonight while B. was up with him he expressed a wish to talk 
with me; said that he has wished to do so for a long time; she waked me and I 
went to him; he wished to know if I thought it possible for one who has been 
regenerated to fall away and be lost? I told him that I did not think it 
possible, he said he thought that he had experienced that change during his 
first sojourn in La. after the death of his uncles and from the tenor of his 
letters home I thought so too at that time; he is not afraid to die, for he 
hopes to go to Heaven. This is very consoling to me, for I think he will not be 
with us long.
28.	Very cold. C. much distressed with diarrhea this morning, but I must leave 
him, and try for corn myself; I took Virgil and went first to Mr. Thornton's; 
but he had sold out; then to Mr. Blanks and Mr. Croft's, but all have quit 
selling; found C. no better at night when I got home. He had a bad night 
tonight. Talked again of his prospects beyond the grave. I asked him if he 
wished to see any particular person and he said he wished to see Mr. Hood but 
when I spoke of sending for him, he said no, that he would not die tonight.
29.	Cold this morning. We sent for Mr. Hood, also for the Dr., as C. fears 
that he might not come till evening, but M. met him on the way; C. is now too 
weak to cough and throw off mucus in that way, therefore he is much distressed 
with the phlegm, the Dr. applied a blister about 12, and I have him chicken-soup 
for his dinner, which he seemed to relish; I little thought it was the last time 
I should feed him; when I came in from dinner, I saw a change in him, he talked 
all the time and told us how happy he was and repeatedly prayed that he might 
die now, soon he said, "I want to embrace my Mother for the last time;" I went 
to him and was pressed in his dying arms; he called each one of the family, and 
begged them not to delay as his time was short; he also bade the negroes 
farewell; Mr. Hood came now; C. knew him, and seemed glad to see him; told him 
he was willing to die, that he was going to Heaven; asked him to pray for him; 
and to pray for me, and in about 5 minutes he was gone; what a change from the 
sick, weary, harassing camp--life to the joy of Heaven: I feel that we should 
not grieve for him; for it is a happy release from these distressing times. Mr. 
Rudd, Mr. Brewer, Mr. Patterson laid him out. Death had composed his countenance 
to a beautiful calm, quiet, expression. We are debating where we shall bury him; 
there is a public burying grounds in this vicinity, but I do not like to put him 
there, the friends spent the night with us; Mr. H. had to go home as his wife is 
sick; we sent for Virginia and she came, but too late to see him alive. His life 
had been short, but eventful. He was aged 24 yr., 8 month, 10 days.
30. Still cold. Mrs. Hale, Mrs. Hampton, spent the day with us, and prepared C. 
of interment; we have him in full dress as is now custom; Mr. Williams getting 
things for us at Coker's. A good many person in. We are making his grave at home 
on a hill a few hundred yards east to the house, where we will bury him in the 
morning of tomorrow. The Miss Hale' s, Mr. Truitt, sat up with us tonight.

December 1862

1.	Inclement morning, but after a while the rain ceased, and the friends 
assembled when we committed our beautiful dead to the earth from whence he 
sprung. The grave is in full view of the house, and I can see it when ever I 
look out. I am deeply thankful that he was permitted to come home and die among 
us, as was his earnest desire to do, I am better satisfied than I otherwise 
should have been, yet, it is still a deep grief that I shall never see him 
again; that he has passed away from all the uses and purposes of life; he will 
never assist me again, however, great my extremity may be, but will lie in his 
grave unheeding all my grief. Such are we all. Marcellus took V. home this 
evening. We put things to rights and it seems almost like a dream, the events of 
the past two weeks.
2.	Cloudy. We went to work on Thomas's coat, as he will leave the last of the 
week. I sent to Mr. R. Hale and got thread enough to warp 25 yards of cloth for 
$5. He bought it in Tenn. Rainy evening
3.	Still cloudy. Mr. M. Davis, J. Trippe, Roberts, dined here. I loaned 30 
lbs. of salt to John. Wove a little this evening.
4.	Inclement day. M. went to Coker's and returned some goods we did not want. 
C. and V. went to Hale's to get vaccinated, but did not do it. The smallpox is 
in Rome. Preparing T. for his start tomorrow. O. suffering with toothache.
5. 	Rainy morning. T. started early, M. taking him to the house of his brother 
James, who is to take him to Rome; resumed my weaving; a cold damp day.
6. 	Clear and cold. We did not go to church, as it is uncertain about the 
pastor being there.
7. 	The coldest morning yet; my 47th birthday. Age is creeping on me, and the 
prospect is dreary. The stoutest one of my children is in his grave, and the 
others must wear their lives away as he did, in the service of their country---
We did not go to church today either. Mr. J. Trippe came after B., who is going 
to spend some time with Virginia. O. went to HayÕs.
8. 	Very cold with hard freeze.
9. 	The ground perfectly white with frost and very cold.
10.	Still very cold, M. came home this evening, in good health, but left his 
Uncle Joe and Margaret sick; several of the family has been sick with fever; he 
got 6 lbs. of his cotton carded which he took; the rolls are very fine.
11.	Still severely cold. Virginia and Berenice came this morning on their way 
to CokerÕs, Marcellus went with Virginia; she bought a few things; calico is now 
$1.50 per yd., and other things in proportion; she and B. returned this evening. 
Sent my wagon to Gadsden to convey a corpse there, (a soldier).
12.	Very cold, I went to Yellow Creek this morning with O. to attend the 
burial of Mr. Hendricks, a soldier, who was brought home on Tuesday, and died on 
Wednesday; some fears among the people of small-pox, as it is nearly everywhere 
now, among the soldiers; called on Mrs. Finley, who is seriously injured by 
being thrown from a carriage; took dinner there and spent a few hours 
pleasantly. Dick returned from Gadsden this evening. Getting warmer.
13.	Fine warm day; Tommie Espy, Mr. Gozie called here.
14.	Pleasant day. The birds are singing as though it was spring; a great 
contrast from last Sabbath, which was so cold; O. received letters from the army 
yesterday; the boys bade her tell Columbus that they wished to run his name for 
3rd lieutenant; it would have pleased me highly for him to have been advanced 
and consequently saved from hardships but he does not need it now; the boys 
little thought that C. was in Heaven and needed no further help from them. It is 
true, he did wish to distinguish himself for he told me, he went into the battle 
of Shiloh with that hope, but was too soon wounded to do so; it is all nothing 
now to him; the transactions of this world are nought to him. I visited at 
PattersonÕs this evening. Warm.
15.	Still warm, and rain today, I finished my weaving; there is 34 yds in it, 
a fine piece of dress cloth; has been a tedious undertaking (the weather is 
suitable).
16.	Turning cold, we are thinking of killing hogs tomorrow if--
17.	Very cold. We got a hand each from Mr. Hale and Hay's and killed 6 of our 
hogs; they were small and owing to the scarcity of corn, not so fat as they 
ought to have been; they weighed 839 lbs. We shall have a short allowance, I 
fear.
18.	Hard ice, we rendered 12 gallons of lard, and ground 42 lbs. of sausage 
meat. This evening a month ago C. came home for the last time, and we little 
thought to stay with us so short a time. Time has passed slowly since he died to 
all of us; we recollect his many endearing qualities and mischievous tricks for 
he was as full of mischief as a monkey; still he would, at any time disoblige 
himself for a friend.
19.	Still cold; we drew in the negro-cloth and commenced weaving again. We 
also prepared our souse meat; the Misses Haynes brought a bonnet this evening to 
be made for Mrs. Echols who is going to Va.
20.	Pleasant day. O. and Mrs. B. went to Coker's. They bought several things 
for which they pay enormous prices.
21.	Very cold. O. and M. went to Shady Grove. Lizzie and I went to Mr. HayesÕ. 
B. came home.
22.	Cold, but fine day. I went with Lizzie this evening to visit the Echols, 
and Haynes family who are going to move to Centre. Mr. and Miss Reeves came this 
evening.
23.	Very cold, Mr. R. left early; Miss Kate is to stay some time; the Boat 
brought 70 sacks of salt which is a welcome thing to the people here; J. Trippe 
came from Dublin with M. He and Virgil both sick tonight
24.	Cloudy and warm. V. very unwell, Vivia is too; she has been here since 
Sunday and has been unwell all the time; I vaccinated some of the family today 
from Mr. Hale and Miss R. sent me word to keep Dick at home as the man with whom 
he went to Gadsden has the small-pox; I trust it may be otherwise.
25.	Christmas day, but there is no excitement among the people; I have not 
heard a gun fired; how unlike the Christmas times of my youth, when there were 
almost a constant roar of artillery; but the scarcity of powder will in some 
measure account for it; John and Sis came up; Vivia and Virgil are both better; 
the young folks went to a quilting party at Mr. Hay's; Virginia took the baby 
home with her. I am not very well today. Knitting a shawl.
26.	Cloudy and warm. Lizzie and I dined with Mrs. Brewer. Miss Kate R. and 
Marcellus went to Col. Hale's --- made a silk apron; showery this evening, rain 
all night.
27.	A morning of incessant rain. The young people came back this evening; had 
a great time of it; it is now four weeks since Columbus died, but it seems like 
at least four months, to all of us. We frequently speak of it among ourselves.
28.	4th Sabbath. A clear pretty morning. Miss Kate, Olivia and Marcellus went 
to Mr. Howard's. He is sick of typhoid fever.
29.	Fine pretty, frosty morning, I went with Marcellus to Centre to arrange 
matters for the collection of what money is due Columbus from the war 
department. Capt. Echols having given me instructions in a letter received last 
Tuesday how to proceed. I found the new Probate Judge quite gentlemanly, 
managing everything to my satisfaction--dined with Mrs. Stiff and returned this 
evening. Getting cloudy. The girls took supper with Mrs. Brewer. This day last 
month Columbus died--yet the world still continues--the sun shines as brightly 
as when he was here--all nature moving on in its accustomed course. Rain 
tonight.
30.	Rainy morning, the young peopleÕs party to the mountains consequently 
broken up. Clearing off this evening; an aged man stayed here tonight; O. had a 
chill and is quite sick tonight. Took pills.
31.	And last day of 1862. Clear and cold with wind. Miss Kate, and M. went on 
a party to the mountain. I sorted over the letters which I have received from C. 
and piled them away. How dear to me now, and ever will be the mournful package! 
I know he can never write me another, but I trust his angel watches over me and 
the children, and will to the end of our lives. The last sun of this year is 
fast sinking to the west. May this tine next year find us better and happier 
than now.