March, Saturday 26, 1864
Today everything in commotion, as it is a general cleaning up day. Laura did not give me possession of my room until 12 o’clock—have not set a stitch in sewing today. Mr. Pugh and I spent the morning playing Drafts—I beat him badly. After dinner he very kindly offered to fix my lock, so he & I with Gimlet and other instruments proceed to my little domicile to accomplish the task. I think I shall recommend him as a No 1 Carpenter—although he filled my eyes with sawdust—he fixed it very securely and nice—and I shall always think of and bless him, at the still hour of night, when thoughts and fears of a raide from the Yankees or Robbers are soothed only with it’s security, as my faithful slave Laura, my dog Beulah, & kitty Tippie Dora, are always securely in the arms of Morpheus. I feel so much better about our affairs, I think the bright day is fast approaching. Tate & Anna Nelson got safe from Memphis—Anna got her Bro’s horse through the lines—We have glorious news from Forrest, tomorrow I will give full particulars. God bless my Bro who is with him.