The following diary entry contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the entry is provided unedited for its historical content and context.
May, Thursday 5, 1864
I have spent a most unhappy day,—half sick, and the “black spirits” haunted me teribly—oh! I don’t know what is the matter with me—or what on earth is to become of me. I spent the evening sewing on Harriet’s dress—Laura and Bettie both sewed late, yet I am left alone, and no prospects of sleep relieveing my poor, weary, aching heart—I pray for hope, and patience, yet virtue is lost in everything to me in my present state of feeling. Old Mrs. Holmes, Mr. Wormely, & Bedford came over this evening, no news except a rumor that Forrest had beaten the Nigger troops who left Memphis—God grant it may be so. Poor Danie Donelson’s body has been found, at Pounder’ ford, he was murdered, on his way back to the Army—his only Bro was killed at battle of Chickamauga—oh! heavenly Father, give us peace, crown our Sunny land with victory & peace, guide my dear Brothers, and return them safe to our Father’s now lonely fireside—we humbly crave thy pardon, thy forgiveness and peace.