September 15th, 1861.—All the troops are not sent to Virginia, the Dixie Yeomen have been incorporated into the Fifth Florida Regiment and they have gone to Palatka to be drilled. So far the troops, which have been sent had been drilling for some time and were considered fit for service but these fresh companies have to learn.
Brother Junius went to Palatka, and we miss him very much but it is not like he was going away off. Palatka is so much nearer than Virginia, and then, too, they are fighting in Virginia. I must tell you my Diary what happened to Buddy. (I forgot, Mother says I must call him Cousin William.) But this is what happened. He has been practising medicine in this county for twelve years and everybody loves and trusts him. When the men composing the Dixie Yeomen came forward to be sworn into the Confederate service, first one man and then another, until nearly all had spoken, said he could not take the oath nor sign the Roster unless Doctor William Bradford would consent to resign and stay at home. Some of these men grew quite eloquent about it. They said they could not leave their wives and children unless the doctor would stay with them. “I should be obliged to desert,” said one man, “if Doctor Bill was not in call, when my home folks got sick.” So after much discussion he consented to resign. I know his mother rejoices in this for she has consumption and is never well. His young wife and baby need him, too, but then so many wives and babies have to suffer. This is a great compliment to our doctor and Father and Mother are delighted. He is their adopted son, you know. They love him as if he was their very own and no brother could be dearer to me.
Susan Bradford is 15 years old when this entry was made.