June, Monday 13, 1864
[The following entry is in a different handwriting]
Nice morning, clear, and rain ceased. Met Miss Belle E. Miss Hal R. Miss Hellen E. & Miss Nannie P. all looking pleasant and gay as larks. They are en route for Tupelo and other important points in Dixie. It is a gay party, and I would be delighted to accompany them, but duty &c admonishes me not. Miss Belle says she feels sad—wonder why? I wish her sweetheart was here to accompany her. This would make her feel cheerful I know. Who is the favored gentleman, I wonder. Wish I know, for he is destined to be a happy man. From indications I fear my hopes for Capt. H. must cease. The ladies are now ready to start. Pleasant trip to you ladies, & may each one of you soon meet your sweethearts & have a gay and happy time, not only until you return, but through life. W.M. McConnell.
We are camped 6 miles from Lafayette Springs, nowhere to stay all night. Jim, Lt. McConnell’s cook, who is driving our baggage wagon, cooked us a delightful supper—fried ham and eggs, Butter milk & Corn bread. We threw heads and tails and decided not to go on tonight—10 o’clock, after tea, Jim cleaning up. Helen & John building a fire in an old store which we are to inhabit. Nannie & Hal sitting over the fire, I alone, writing the record of our adventures. Lt. McC. wrote for me before leaving Oxford, and I have no room —will recall all tomorrow.