January, Monday 4, 1864 I always try to see the bright side of every picture. I have never given up hope but Bettie would come right side up—and I think she is a star darkie—she and Uncle Elum arrived safely at home. Bettie was loaded with contraband—Eddie a suit of clothes, pr Boots, Gauntlets, socks—blacking, [...]

January 3d. Sunday. All quiet last night. Ordered to our camp early this morning. Weather a little more mild. Cleaned up. Attended church in town. All is quiet at this time. Enemy reported well up the valley. Plenty of snow on the ground.

Sunday, 3d–It cleared off this morning and it got quite cool. I was at my post this morning, standing in water a foot deep. When our relief came they had to go back almost to town before they could cross the swollen creek to reach our post. The “Veteran” excitement was raging when we got [...]

3rd. Ordered to fall back to McCook at daylight in anticipation of a fight. Went to Dr. Peck’s. Sent up beef and meal. Went to New Market in P. M. Got receipts and invoices. Let Spike go at 2:40 on a trot. Good chat with the boys around the fire.

JANUARY 3d.—Yesterday was the coldest day of the winter, and last night was a bitter one. This morning it is bright and clear, and moderating. We have had no snow yet. There is much talk everywhere on the subject of a dictator, and many think a strong government is required to abate the evils we [...]

January 3.—Entered on the duties of my office on the 30th of December. So far I like it well. “The Major” is very kind, and considerate of our comfort; the duties of the office are not very onerous, but rather confining for one who left school thirty-four years ago, and has had no restraint of [...]

January, Sunday 3, 1864 Another day has passed, and not one word from Bettie or Uncle Elum—no communication with Memphis today, too cold to go out side of the doors. Still sleeting—house still full, if not a little fuller. Tate is growing very impatient to leave for Dixie—she is really cross about Bettie, but I [...]

January 2nd. In line all night. Not much sleep. Prisoners brought in this morning, captured by scouts, report the enemy going south, owing to the severe weather. Late this P. M. all is quiet. Our company ordered on picket for the night. A double picket line will be maintained for the night. Cold weather holds [...]

2nd. Cold, disagreeable day. Letters from home and Fannie, 1st of Jan. Both happy and sad. Made a fool of myself talking to old Brown at Hdqrs. Wrote to Fannie.

Saturday, 2d–I was detailed for picket again this morning, and the post I drew stationed me on the bottom land. It began to rain late in the afternoon and continued into the night and I was soon standing in water. I tell you, it is poor comfort on picket. The commanding officer banished three women [...]

2nd. Still cold as Greenland. Spent most of the day at the white house. What a splendid day to attack the enemy were our infantry on hand. Wrote letters home, to Fannie and Ella.

1864—January: Saturday, 2d.—Very cold. Gave John Bartly $5.00 to go on guard in my place. General routine of camp life. Prayer meetings, preaching, and debates on such subjects as “Which has the greater claim, mother or wife?” Which is the greater evil, intemperance or civil war?” As to the first decision, argument was about equal; [...]

JANUARY 2d.—Gen. Longstreet writes that it will be well to winter in East Tennessee (Rogersville), unless there should be a pressing necessity for him elsewhere. But his corps ought to be at least 20,000. He says provisions may be got in that section; and if they be collected, the enemy may be forced to leave. [...]

January, Saturday 2, 1864 Bettie and Uncle Elum went in town this morning horse-back. I sent $50. to Mr. Armstrong to get Eddie’s suite of clothes and other articles which he needs. Poor Soldiers, this bitter cold weather I wish I had money to buy every thing they need— Lieut. Spotswood went with two of [...]

January 1st. New Year. Last night on second relief, going on post at eleven o’clock. Remained until one o’clock. Saw the old year out and the new in. This morning before daylight the outposts were attacked. A sharp, hot firing. All the forces around town were ordered out, double-quick time. All under arms. Later it [...]

Re-Enlisting. January 1, 1864. We have now entered on the last year of our soldier service and are looking forward to the end, and may it not only end our service as soldiers, but the war as well, when both sides can meet between the lines, shake hands, smoke the pipe of peace and together [...]

Friday, 1st–This is a cold New Year’s Day, but things are quite lively in camp, the boys being in fine spirits. I got a pass to go down town this afternoon and found the stores all closed for the day. This is the beginning of the year 1864, and this cruel war still continues to [...]

1st. Happy New Year! Gay and festive. Frozen and just starving. Re-enlistment question presented to the boys. Three from the 2nd Ohio. Took dinner at hdqrs., at white house. Cabbage and beef and mutton. Had a chat with the people. All have suffered badly. Even underclothes taken during the late fights by rebs, also wheat [...]

1 January 1864        Mr Grimball was prevented from going to Town by the weather & I am glad he remained for we have always been together on New Year’s day. We are expecting a visit from Lewis on his way to the Western Army.—I thank God for all his mercies and pray to increase in [...]

January 1, 1864. A new year is ushered in, but peace comes not with it. Scarcely a family but has given some of its members to the bloody war that is still decimating our nation. Oh, that its ravages may soon be stopped! Will another year find us among carnage and bloodshed? Shall we be [...]

JANUARY 1st, 1864.—A bright windy day, and not cold. The President has a reception to-day, and the City Councils have voted the hospitalities of the city to Brig.-Gen. J. H. Morgan, whose arrival is expected. If he comes, he will be the hero, and will have a larger crowd of admirers around him than the [...]

Washington January 1st 1864 This has been a pleasant day and people have I think enjoyed themselves much better in making their “calls” than they did last year and especialy the year before. Every one seems to feel in good spirits and very hopeful in regard to the future. Mr Lincoln looks brighter and less [...]

January 1, 1864.–General Hood’s an awful flatterer– I mean an awkward flatterer. I told him to praise my husband to some one else, not to me. He ought to praise me to somebody who would tell my husband, and then praise my husband to another person who would tell me. Man and wife are too [...]

January, Friday 1, 1864 ‘Tis New Year, a happy one to our household. Lieut. Spotswood and Eddie came last night. Poor Eddie is greatly in need of clothes. I do not think we will have much trouble in out Gen’ling the Yanks. I have $50. G.B. left I intend to devote to that purpose. It [...]