April 27-May 3
A beautiful Sunday over head but we have no way to get to church. It is too muddy to walk. Monday we walk
over [to town] and I do some shopping. Get a letter from Mrs. Pegram which troubles not a little. It is about
Susan [Louisa's slave woman who is hired out.] I get Daddy's advice. He thinks I ought to see Mr. Brown so
accordingly I walk over Tuesday and get him to meet me at Dr. Leitchs. Would have gone to his house but it
rained. I write a very nice note to Mrs. Pegram. Also a letter to Sally asking her not to let Susan suffer.
Wednesday morning feel used up by my two long walks. So much to do in the garden but I do not feel equal to
it .... Mary Lewis, Nan and Dave out dining so I'm all alone . ....[Letters written.] Get the garden finished ....
The news is confirmed the last of the week of the surrender of New Orleans. The whole affair is a mystery -traitors in the camp, I fear .... [Jabe] came Thursday and back again Saturday. He is poorly. The Peninsula does
not agree with him. Sis is thinking strongly of going to Richmond as there she may have an opportunity of
seeing him oftener. She wants me to come down in case she does go and I will go for a day or so if she sends up
the carriage. Sister Mary and the girls still in The Green Springs. She does not think of returning for a few
weeks yet. Getting on with the quilts bravely. Read this week Canlincourt's Napoleon and His Times. Saturday
evening have a nice walk on the river with Dave, Nan and Bruno. The times very exciting. We hear Stone Wall
Jackson is in Albemarle. Can't imagine what is intended.