Saturday March 14th 1863
News that Vicksburgh is evacuated by the Rebels comes tonight pretty well authenticated. Nothing further from “Yazoo,” but we are expecting good news from that section all the time. I am rather in hope that Vicksburgh is not evacuated. I think its Capture by Genl Grant a sure thing and I would like to have the Rebel Army captured too. I realy hope they will not be allowed to take away all of the three hundred cannon which they say they have there. The rebels had captured the Gun Boat “Indianola” but blew her up on the approach of a Sham “Iron Clad” which was made out of an old barge and sent floating down the River in the night. They are now mourning over it. I have attended to some business today for Mr Short. Went on to the Av’e after leaving the office and purchased a pocket Dictionary. I am frequently bothered and in doubt about my spelling and have had nothing to refer to. I suppose my folks are much disappointed that I am not at home tonight as I presume they expected me. I must go the forepart of the week. I have been quite busy this evening. Called at Charleys, at Doct Munsons & Mr Reeds, [and] Mr Schrams who was not at home and spent most of the evening at Mr Haws on I Street. They are very pleasant people. Got back to my room about 11 o’clock.