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, 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, 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 [...]
October SUNDAY 18, 1863 Eddie, Ebb, Mr Imes & Rawlings all left for their command, Forrests Division. They are all fixed for this winter’s Campaign.
September WEDNESDAY 23, 1863 Stayed last night with Mrs Moore. Rose early & had the blues all day. Have been troubled with some of Capt H’s Scouts all day amongst whom were Lt McConnell & S.B. Wilson. Capt H.1 & Bro [Sam) called on me after Tea. Had quite a nice time but he is [...]
September TUESDAY 22, 1863 Left Grenada for Panola on train at 8 o-clock A.M. Cars ran off the track & murdered a (illegible] No one else hurt but all badly scared. Reached Panola at 1 o-clock P.M. & found Capt H. & Company anxiously awaiting our arrival.
July SATURDAY 4, 1863 Vicksburgh, surrendered this morning1 and an exulting foe, madened by success, imagines the Rebellion crushed—poor deluded fools—tis just begun. Tis God’s will you should prosper, and devastate our lovely land so far, and it may be even more than this, yet our faith is perfect. God will bless us. No matter [...]
May SUNDAY 24, 1863 The raide passed in to Memphis this evening. Col Strunk’s company1 allowed our Negros to come home—the horses & Dashiell taken in. Mr Seymour sent for Mrs Taylor and Patton, they went over to Mrs Duke’s preparatory to going up River. Union
May SATURDAY 23, 1863 Poor [George] Dashiell1 was taken prisoner first thing this morning—two Regts of Yanks in front of the gate, before we knew anything of it. My uneasiness about Geo is now solved, they took also, three Negros Elam, Lee, and Ben, horses for cash. Captain George Dashiell, chief paymaster to Nathan Bedford [...]
May FRIDAY 22, 1863 I returned home this morn. My friend Mrs Clay Taylor and friend Mrs Patton arrived from Dixie. No late news.
May THURSDAY 21, 1863 I found my little friend George easily influenced, and willing to leave this morn if I said so. I am restless I cant account for, he started early. Shallie and I went back to Memphis. God bless Geo, and grant him a safe & speedy trip to dear Gratz.
May WEDNESDAY 20, 1863 Geo Atchison will remain with us a day or two. I love him poor low one—he seems lost. I am very uneasy about him and will prepare his things to night and infuence him to leave in the morning.1 to join the Confederate army.
May TUESDAY 19, 1863 Shallie Kirk & Mr Geo Atchison came with me Home this evening, no trouble with the Pickets. Mr Atchison leaves in a day or two for the Southern Army—and we were fortunate enough to get every thing through which he will need.
April THURSDAY 30, 1863 Shallie & I went to Maj Nace, 15th Ill whom I nursed while a prisoner in our Hospital—he recovered my things, and kindly gave me a permit, but being old Abe’s fast day, I came home without them and will return tomorrow.
April WEDNESDAY 29, 1863 Tate, Florence, Nannie & myself came to Memphis this noon. I was arrested and taken to Gen Aubrand’s Hd Qts1 sent back to get a permit. May God forgive me if there be sin in hating the Yankees—remained with Florence all night. No General by this name. Belle probably spelled the [...]
March SATURDAY 28, 1863 Shallie and I went on board the Mary Forsyth to bid Mrs B. farewell. I carried all of the letters brought from Dixie, on board and gave them to Mrs MacLean, who is a St. Louis’n and will see them all properly mailed and delivered.
March FRIDAY 20, 1863 I came in this morning to spend a few days with Shallie (Kirk] & Florence [Molloy], although in the Federal lines. We all attended prayer meeting, and observed our President’s fast day. Mrs. B. has not gone yet, met her at prayers.
March FRIDAY 20, 1863 Left at daylight, arrived at my Fathers about ten OC. Mrs B. and I staid, the rest went on to Memphis. She will remain several days—until the talk of our arrival has died away. I am happy to reach home yet tis terible to live under Yankee Tyranny—found all well, and [...]
March THURSDAY 19, 1863 Left Senatobia very late, having to wait for the Ambulance. Arrived at Hernando at 3 OC—passed all of our Cavalry on retreat, at Cold Water Ferry.1 Bivouaced for the night at MrChristophers ten miles from Hernando. Mrs B. and I have been quite buisy making preparations to enter the Federal [...]
March FRIDAY 13, 1863 Battle at Greenwood,1 had a long walk with Dr Moses to listen to the echoes of the distant cannons. Fate—how strange, and yet how blessed and happy. “Oh! who, in the course of his life, has not telt some joy without security and without the certainty of a morrow”— Battle of [...]
March 9 MONDAY, 1863 Gen Price and Staff left for Arkansas to day. Lucy Gwin, Miss Freeman, Mrs and Miss Martin, Mrs Taylor and myself went as far as Hazelhurst1 with them. There we bid them a long farewell. General Price crossed the Mississippi with a small bodyguard and his staff.
March WEDNESDAY 4, 1863 Danced at the Castle, on the Green until one OC. Left Vicksburg at three, arrived at Big Black [River] after dark. Walked the Trestle, met another train, proceeded one mile ran off the track, where we went up to Landis’s Batery1 and had a splendid cup of Coffee in honor of [...]
March TUESDAY 3, 1863 Gen (Stephen D.] Lee1 gave Gen Price a Ball at his Hd. Qts. Mrs Willis’s Residence. We visited all of our Fortifications around the City, and also the battle ground2 seven miles above. We have a splendid view of the Yankee fleet oposite the City. Stephen Dill Lee Battle of Chicasaw [...]
March MONDAY 2, 1863 Left Jackson for Vicksburg at daylight—on a pleasure trip in company with, Gen Price and Staff. Mrs Taylor, Mrs and Miss Martin, Mrs and Miss Freeman, Miss Lucy Gwinn and Miss Waugh. Spent a delightful evening at the Castle dancing.