FEBRUARY 21st.—Cold, clear, and calm, but moderating. Mr. Benjamin sent over, this morning, extracts from dispatches received from his commercial agent in London, dated December 26th and January 16th, recommending, what had already been suggested by Mr. McRae, in Paris, a government monopoly in the export of cotton, and in the importation of necessaries, etc. [...]

February 21st, 1864.—Yesterday a terrible battle was fought at Ocean Pond, or Olustee, both names are used in the news sent to us of the fierce struggle between the Yankees and our troops. Many are dead on both sides and our loss would have been heavier if the Yankees had been better shots. Our soldiers [...]

February 20th. Detailed for picket duty. It again fell my lot to be located on the Charlestown road and the same post I left on the eve of the 6th when I received my furlough. Weather fine at this time. All is quiet in this vicinity. No one knows how long it will last. Business [...]

Saturday, 20th–The weather is quite cool and has been for several days. We left Meridian early this morning for Vicksburg, followed by large numbers of contrabands and refugees. Some of the negro women have their bedding tied up in quilts, carrying them on their heads, each with a bundle of clothing in one hand and [...]

18-20th. Remained quietly at home resting and reading and playing chess till Sat. P. M. went to C. In evening called on Fannie. Happy time–same creature. (She spent the winter of 1864 in Cleveland at the home of her sister, Helen Cobb.)

Saturday, 20th.—Reported Sherman has taken Enterprise, Miss., and is marching to Mobile. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

FEBRUARY 20th.—Bright, calm, but still cold—slightly moderating. Roads firm and dusty. Trains of army wagons still go by our house laden with ice. Brig.-Gen. Wm. Preston has been sent to Mexico, with authority to recognize and treat with the new Emperor Maximilian. I see, by a letter from Mr. Benjamin, that he is intrusted by [...]

February 20th 1864.—Two more Georgia regiments passed through today en route for Lake City. I am afraid that means a fight. God help us.. Susan Bradford is nearly 17 years old when this entry was made.

February 20th.–Mrs. Preston was offended by the story of Buck’s performance at the Ive’s. General Breckinridge told her “it was the most beautifully unconscious act he ever saw.” The General was leaning against the wall, Buck standing guard by him “on her two feet.” The crowd surged that way, and she held out her arm [...]

Friday, 19th–The quartermaster is sending out large foraging parties today, while the army is preparing to start back toward Vicksburg tomorrow, after destroying everything within our lines. There are no more rebels to be found in this vicinity.

Feb. 19. We have again got somebody to look after us. Two young lieutenants have been sent here from the 148th New York at Yorktown to take command. They have taken the colonel’s quarters and seem to have settled down for a good time by themselves, at any rate they don’t trouble us any. They [...]

Friday, 19th.—Hardee’s Corps reported going to Mississippi. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

FEBRUARY 19th.—Cold and clear. Congress adjourned yesterday, having passed the bill suspending the writ of habeas corpus for six months at least. Now the President is clothed with DICTATORIAL POWERS, to all intents and purposes, so far as the war is concerned. The first effect of the Currency bill is to inflate prices yet more. [...]

February ___[1], 1864.—Blind Tom is wonderful! He plays the Battle of Manassas and, before he begins to play, his master tells you how Tom came to compose this piece. His master, Colonel Bethune, is so proud of him and Tom loves him and is so affectionate; just like some sweet-tempered animal that you have petted. [...]

February 18th. Arrived at Martinsburg at 2 A. M. Left Jersey City early yesterday morning. After an uneventful trip arrived in Baltimore at 4 P. M. Left at nine o’clock. Met other members of the regiment bound for camp. When we got there lay down for a little rest and sleep. At daylight attended roll-call, [...]

Thursday, 18th–Our provision trains came in from the rear today and we are thankful for the hardtack which we have been without for three days.

FEBRUARY 18th.—This was the coldest morning of the winter. There was ice in the wash-basins in our bed chambers, the first we have seen there. I fear my cabbage, beets, etc. now coming up, in my half barrel hot-bed, although in the house, are killed. The topic of discussion everywhere, now, is the effect likely [...]

February 18th 1864 (Thursday) This is the coldest weather that I have ever seen in Washington, that is for Six years. The Mercury was below zero this morning. The River is again frozen over, but there is no snow on the ground and the streets look quite lonesome. A cold cutting wind banishes everybody but [...]

February ___[1], 1864.—Blind Tom is to play at the Capitol tonight. We are going to hear him for he is too wonderful to miss. I am staying at Aunt Margaret’s. Cousin Jim will take Mart and Sue and me to town. It is not very far and I had an invitation to go from a [...]

Wednesday, 17th–The different troops are returning to camp here after destroying about one hundred and twenty-five miles of railroad, stations and all public property. All is quiet around here.

17th. Went on my way rejoicing at 9 o’clock. Found open arms at- home. How good to be here again. I couldn’t realize it down in Tenn. I am happy–one thing short! Treasure Carrie! God be praised for the blessing of home and friends.

Alone Again. Feb. 17. Our Brooklyn friends left us the 13th. They were ordered to report at Newport News, and we to remain here to do guard duty. When they left they expected to return in a few days, but I reckon they have gone for good, as they have sent for their ladies and [...]

February ___[1], 1864.—Mrs. Gamble’s party was delightful, the band gave us fine music, the camp provided plenty of partners and there are young ladies galore in Tallahassee. Last night one of General Cobb’s staff officers told me the Capers Battalion had been sent to guard Tallahassee, in case of invasion. He said General Dickenson and [...]

FEBRUARY 17th.—Bright and very cold–freezing all day. Col. Myers has written a letter to the Secretary, in reply to our ordering him to report to the Quartermaster-General, stating that be considers himself the Quartermaster-General—as the Senate has so declared. This being referred to the President, he indorses on it that Col. Myers served long enough [...]