February, Saturday 27, 1864
Annie Nelson and myself went to Memphis this morning—very warm, dusty and disagreeable. Accomplished all I went for—did not go near any of the Officials, was fortunate to meet a kind friend, Lucie Harris, who gave me her pass—’tis a risk, yet we can accomplish nothing without great risk at times, I returned the favor by bringing a letter to forward to her husband, Army of Mobile. I sat up until 8 o’clock last night, arranging poor Green’s mail to forward to the different command. It was a difficult job, yet a great pleasure to know I had it in my power to rejoice the hearts of our brave Southern Soldiers—most were Kentucky letters for Breckenridge’s command—the rest were Mo. letters for Johnston’s, Polk’s, and Maury’s commands. God grant them a safe and speedy trip.
We have glorious news from Dixie—Forrest has completely routed Smith and Grierson at Okolona—God grant my Bro Eddie may be safe—we hear his Col. Jeff Forrest was killed. The Yanks are perfectly demoralized, all that escaped have arrived in Memphis. I never witnessed such a sight as the stolen negroes, poor deluded wretches—Praise God for this Victory.