May, Thursday 19, 1864
It seems that trouble and misery will never cease. Miss Em almost killed herself with chloroform last night, did not get up until late this evening, and is still very feeble and miserable from the effects. Nannie has been in bed all day, seems to be quite sick tonight—poor old Father, he is almost prostrated with trouble. I wish I had some influence, oh! that I could be the medium of reconciliation & peace between Miss Em and the family—there is a breach which can never be healed—she is raving mad whenever she speaks or thinks of Tate and Helen—poor little Emie, the child is miserable. Heard from Dashiell last night, but do not dare to show the letter to his Mother. I think the scriptures are truly fulfilled in this war, Child shall be against Parent, and Parent against Child—Col. Perkins did not come—We have heard nothing deffinite from our Armys. Joanna got back last night with Helen’s cotton.
I have been unhappy all day, no one could be in this house at this time and not be—