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1866
Jan. 1-6
Monday Jan. lst. A letter early this week from sister Betty. They had a gay Xmas ....Lily [Brown, Louisa's niece] and Frank have desolved partnership. I'm, really sorry to hear it for I liked the match. John Mac leaves for Richmond on Wednesday. Dull times.
Jan. 7-13
Letters from my niece Lizzie and Ellen Lewis. Ellen says they had a gay Xmas though without servants. Uncle Bob was helping to wash and to bring water. Lizzie tells me they had company Xmas night when Miss Annie Laurie [Lewis] made her debut and was introduced to the gentlemen ....I read aloud to Ma Dickens' Tale of Two Cities and Cooper's Lionel Lincoln. Very cold weather and plenty of ice but we have no hands to get any. It is very tantalizing. Quite an exodus of the Freedmen from the place since the New Year came in. Adeline and her family left the 6th and Nancy and her tribe the 13th. They both go to homes provided by their husbands and I hope will do well. It is very sad to see the servants we have been living with all our lives moving off. It is such a breaking up of old ties and affections for we were attached to them both for past kindnesses to ourselves and to our loved ones now sleeping beneath the sod. It was very hard for the children to give up Nancy for she had been a faithful Black Ma to them all both in sickness and in health but now they are free it is right for them to consult their own interest and it seems proper for them to follow their husbands as they will have to look to them now for support. Anne and her children will leave soon. Mammy and Aunt Peggy are the only remains of the old set left us and I do not suppose they will tarry very long.
Jan. 14-20
Go to church and hear Mr. Meade....The Xmas decorations are very pretty. The motto "In Fashion as a man" ....A long letter...from little Sis and a note from Jabe. They are living in Holly Springs and manage to make out on the proceeds of Jabe's profession. He says the Glorious Union is no place for a white gentleman and he intends to be off as soon as he makes enough-proposes Brazil. John Mac turns up again on Tuesday the 16th. Ellie has returned to nurse Bully which causes rejoicing through the whole house. She is such a good "Mammy" to him. The hogs belonging to the female part of the family are killed on Wednesday. It creates quite an excitement in the household from the fact of scraps of green paper being more plentiful in the family then they have been for some time past.
Friday the 19th, Troubles of the Darkest Kind come upon us. What a wicked world this is and what a constant need we have to pray that we may not be led into temptation. Saturday is a day of woe to us all. [It has been learned that Nannie Anderson is pregnant and very near to full term. The father is cousin David Anderson.]
Jan. 21-27
Monday the 22nd John Mac and Nannie are off on their long and perilous journey. May that Eye that never sleeps watch over and protect them. A long long weary week. Write to Lizzie Minor and Ellen Lewis. The juveniles all have whooping cough.
Jan. 28-Feb. 3
On Tuesday the 30th a telegram from John-"All's Right." On Friday the 2nd letters from John and Nannie. The best news we could hear vis Nannie and Dave were married on Sunday the 28th of January at two o'clock in the day in St. Louis by the Rev. Mr. Morris.
Feb. 14-20
On Monday the 5th Rose Sheppherd has nine puppies .... [Letters received and written.]Little Eliza is very sick.
Feb. 11-27
Mary Lewis and I go to church and hear an old sermon from Mr. Meade....On Monday the 12th John arrives. We are so glad to see him back and to hear that affairs have turned out so much better than we feared they would. He left Nannie comfortable and in kind hands. Her Aunt Bet says she means to take care of her. Dave is kind and attentive to her. I believe he will try and make amends for the past. Nannie's little babe was born on Friday the 2nd of February. My kindest wish for it is that it may not long sojourn in this world of woe for being the child of sin and shame naught but misery can be before it. She called it John after John Mac. Poor Nannie! She has indeed fallen from her high estate. What poor frail creatures we are, every hour turning aside. Oh, for more faith in the daily prayer that we may not be led to temptation! John Mac had only a peep at the Pike neighborhood and the natives. He got to sister Bets in a "storm party" and was introduced to a number of the clan. Brother Peter among them. He saw Sam Eastin and his new wife, [and] Sam and Lizzie Minor. John thinks Missouri a great country .... Daddy gets me such a nice shawl in the place of mine that Nannie carried with her. It is a perfect beauty. A letter this week from Lyd. She tells me some bad news. Brother Garret's oldest daughter [Bettie Minor] was burnt so badly that she died immediately. It happened on the 3rd of Feb. The child was in her sixteenth year. Brother Garret was also badly burnt trying to help her. Poor little Eliza very sick all the week. Friday night the 16th at about nine o'clock her sufferings ended for God called her home. Dear little babe, it ought to be a matter of rejoicing to us all for you to be called away from your sufferings for your whole life has been one of misery. It is hard for Sue and John to give her up but they both say they cannot wish her back afflicted as she was. She was two years, six months and one day old and in all that time I don't suppose she even enjoyed a whole day of perfect ease. This world was in reality a vale of tears to her but she is at rest now.
"Another little form's asleep
And a little spirit gone
Another little voice is hushed
And a little angel born
Two little feet are on the way
To the home beyond the skies
And our hearts are like the void that comes
When a strain of music dies."
Feb. 18-24
Raining hard all day Sunday. Little Eliza was buried on Monday. No one here but Mr. Meade and a few other gentlemen. Write to brother Peter on business this week.
"Disasters come not singly but as if they watched and waited, scanning one another's notions; when the first descends the others follow, follow, gathering, flocking round their victim sick and wounded. First a shadow then a sorrow till the air is dark with anguish."
Such seems to be true of our household. On Friday night at about ten o'clock, the 23rd of Feb., my dear Mammy Eliza was taken from us. Her death was very sudden. I had spent the evening with her and Daddy in the dining room and thought she had been unusually cheerful. I left her about nine o'clock and after getting to bed an hour later heard such a stir in the house that I got up and went down to the chamber and found her a disfigured corpse. Daddy and Mary Lewis were standing by her, begging her to speak but it was all over. The spirit had returned to God who gave it. The voice was hushed and the life gone. Daddy said she had gone to bed quite well but soon jumped up and complained of a feeling of suffocation; had gone to the out door to get some fresh air but in a few moments sat down and said she believed she was dying and never spoke again. When Mary Lewis got to her she was dead. We rubbed her with different things, put her feet in hot water and Daddy bled her but could only get a few drops of blood. Dr. Nelson came in about two hours but he said we could have done nothing for her for she had heart disease and he knew she would die suddenly though he did not think it would be so soon. Well, I believe she was ready to go and it is all well with her now but it would have been consoling to those she left behind to know her last wishes but God knows best and we must all feel that our loss is her gain for her troubles were many and very grievous to be bourn and yet how meek and uncomplaining she was under them all. She is now at rest with those who have gone before in that house of many mansions and may this sudden warning not fall on us unheeded [but] reminding us to be also ready, "For what hour ye know not the Son of Man cometh." Poor Daddy seems crushed and I can't wonder at it for a more devoted wife a man never had. May this heavy blow prove a message from God to him causing him to consider his ways and to turn unto the Lord God with all his heart. This is a mysterious Providence. The Stay and Prop of a whole family taken and so many entirely dependent on her left but God's ways are not our ways and we must believe it was all done in kindness. Poor Nannie. How bitter must be her grief. May God help her. Ours is a sorrowing household now. A desolate hearthstone. The children all feel their loss much but it is heavier on little Dick and Ellen, they being the youngest of the flock. Ma stands it bravely but she feels that her earthly sojourn cannot be much longer when she will join the Loved and Lost. Mammy Eliza was in her 51st year being 50 years old the 23rd of last August. Our neighbors are very kind; stay with us and do all in their power to help us. Cousin Isabella, Cousin Ann Watson and Sarah get to us early Saturday and are such comforts to us all. John Mac also gets home Saturday morning. He knew nothing of the trouble that had befallen us until he got to the house.
Feb. 25-March 3.
On Sunday we buried our dead out of our sight. Quite a number of friends were present and among the number cousin Lou Leitch. She remained with us until Friday and was such a help and comfort to us all. Mary Lewis will take the management of affairs. I will act as one of her subs. I had a letter from brother Peter last week. He is living in Fulton, Missouri and practicing law. He sent me a picture of himself and Lewis ....I do some trimming in the garden.
March 4-10
Sunday, such a lonely day. The vacant place in our home circle is felt more and seen plainer today then ever. Mammy and Ann [former slave women] have concluded to remain with us. They will change their place of abode as it will be necessary for them to be near the house. On Monday wrote to brother Peter and sister Mary. Busy trimming in the garden ....[Visitors call and letters are received.] I write a long [letter] to Nannie; also a note to sister Betty. Nannie is pleased with the Missouri clan. They are very kind and attentive to her. Tom Davis [a cousin] has been to see her and is very friendly in his offers of assistance. Poor Nannie, she has heard nothing of the late sad event in her home.
March 11-17
Ellen and I go to church and hear Mr. Meade.... Busy in the garden. Saturday morning go up to Rugby and spend a day and night .... Sister Betty has much to tell me of family matters. The part relating to Frank is a sad affair. I'm disappointed in him. Lily made a fortunate escape though I was vexed with her at first for turning him off. My faith in mankind is shaken generally for so many have proved that they were not to be trusted that I once thought "all right."
March 18-24
At church and hear Mr. Meade....I'm so busy in the garden. Tommy and Dick Minor come for the puppy. I've sent off all now. [Visitors call, letters are received and written including one] from brother Peter. It is so kind and affectionate. Says he will send me some help soon; seems gratified that I asked it of him. Letter received from Nannie this week. She has not heard the bad news from home yet. Poor child, she says the Missouri friends are so kind to her.
March 25-31
Spend Sunday at home ....Am reading Kitty Trevylyan's Diary to Ma. It is very interesting. A letter to Daddy from Nannie. She has heard of her mother's death ....On Wednesday John, Mary Lewis, Ellen and I walk to town. We females attend church and have such a good sermon from Mr. William Nelson ....Go again on Friday and hear Mr. Butler....Get my flower garden worked up this week and it looks so nice ....Sunday, Ma's 73rd birthday.
April 1-7
We walk to church and hear Mr. Meade.... A good sermon but one I've heard on a former Easter Sunday ....John Mac leaves for Richmond on Easter Monday.
April 8-14
A rainy Sunday but the rain is much needed for it is very dry. A call from cousins Howel and Sarah and Nannie Lewis. Some other company this week. Mary Lewis and I take a jaunt to town on Friday. We find it rather a hard matter making the trip as the horse works so badly ....
April 15-21.
At church and hear Mr. Meade....Write to Nannie. A letter from brother Peter this week in which he is confidential. Says he will soon send me some aid in the form of money. I answer it the next day after receiving it. Ma, Ellen and I dine with Mrs. McGhee. We all enjoy the visit. Charlotte [Randolph,] cousin Peggie [Nelson] and the children are with us to dinner on Saturday. Cousin Peggie gives me the news of the lower neighborhood. Ellen Lewis and Lunt Smith [Andrew Jackson Smith] are to be married soon. I always thought it would be a be. Affairs at Music Hall, I fear, are in a sad condition. Just what I expected. Poor Sister Mary. What a change for her. Nurse Ellie leaves this week. Poor little Bully. He don't fancy the new mammy ....It is really sad to see him . ....I have a flock of 19 chickens.
April 22-28
No church. Daddy very sick this week. Dr. Nelson to see him. Ellen starts to school this week to Jeff Taylor [at Lego Plantation.] She seems much pleased to go; hope it may improve her both in mind and manners. Dick is my only pupil now. He is a bright chap and I enjoy teaching him. Commenced reading history this week and is nearly perfect in his Catechism. Lizzie Dee and Jinnie Sinclair to dine with us. Lizzie Dee has just returned from New York. Her health is better and she seems to have had a nice visit and seen wonders but I don't perceive she brings back any increase of brotherly love for the hateful Yankees. She met with some big hearted southern people who could sympathize with her. Miss Vallant is in poor health and unable to attend to her school most of the time. Cousin Isabella with us Friday and Saturday. She is a ministering spirit always coming whenever help is needed. Daddy is suffering much Friday and Saturday. News from Missouri. Brother Peter and Pinkie Rootes [Lizzie Rootes] are engaged to be married. He wrote and told sister Betty of it and asked her to send me the letter which she did. He says it will take place sometime during the summer or fall. Well, I like the match though I had hoped to see him before he took unto himself another wife ....A long letter from little Sis and Jabe. They are getting along. No one can expect to do more now. Jabe is as hard as ever upon the Yanks. He thinks they have given the Country entirely over to "The Gentleman who has charge of the fire works." Indeed it looks as if such a personage might be at the head of affairs now. The chicken excitement is at its height. Sue, Ma and I are the interested parties and Mary Lewis says we do not talk of anything else. Ma begins to send the asparagus to market. Mary Lewis is sending milk every morning.
April 29-May 5
I'm in bed all day Sunday ....Reading history and knitting. Aunt Peggy [a freedwoman] is installed as Mammy for Bully. They seem to be on very amicable terms. Letters from brother Peter and Lydia. They both are contemplating matrimony. Lyd thinks her intended perfect. She does not give his name.
May 6-12
No church. Wrote to Lydia and sister Betty; also to Mr. Brown on business. Sue and I spend Monday morning with Charlotte [Randolph.] Walk with Met and Ellen to school and back. Have a pleasant time. Discourse much on the subject of raising fowls. Charlotte is as much interested as we are. A letter from Nannie. She writes cheerfully. My nose cold beginning. Get some money from T.J. Randolph for interest in part of Dr. Meriwether's bond this week so Saturday Mary Lewis and I go to town shopping. I pay all my debts and buy a few necessaries ....Saturday May 12th [is] Dick's 9th birthday.
May 13-19
Go to church and hear Mr. Meade....Go after church with sister Betty home where I remain until Monday morning ....Attend service in the University Chapel at night and hear a good sermon from Mr. Lindsey....Mr. Coffman tells me he expects to live next year at Mr. Keating Nelson's and teach school. Get home Monday evening. Am very poorly this week with my Spring cold. It keeps me in bed for several days. Read Dicken's last Our Mutual Friend. John makes a visit of three days this week. He is busy at work engineering in Princess Anne County. Is really raking among the oyster beds. Says there is not much down there but sand and fish. Begin teaching Ann's little Sue. [Sue is the daughter of the feedwoman, Ann.]
May 20-26
Whit Sunday. Hear Mr. Meade....Write to Nannie, brother Peter and Aunt Sally. Mary Lewis and I are among the bidden guests to Ellie Lewis' wedding on Wednesday May 23rd. The invite did not come to hand until the very day. We could not have gone; however, being in the lamentable condition of Miss Flora MacFlimsey having nothing to wear ....
May 27-June 2
No church. Monday write to little Sis and Jabe. A visit from Uncle Bob. He brings Ma a present of some money from Aunt Alice and Aunt Jane[ who live in Missouri.] Uncle Bob tells me Ellen left for her new home in Fauquier County the Friday after her marriage. Friday Ma and I start out visiting. We dine with Cousin Isabella and go in the morning to Orange Dale. While in town, Ma has her picture taken and Cousin Isabella and I do some shopping for her. We have a nice time at Orange Dale. They are all so glad to see Ma. Come home Saturday evening in such a hard rain. I met with a great loss while I'm away. Nearly all of my fine chickens at one full swoop are carried off by those blood thirsty monsters, the rats. They played sad havoc with the chickens that night. Sue lost nearly all of hers. I'm really disturbed about mine for they were out of danger and were so handsome.
June 3-9
No church. Mary Lewis kept in town by high water. She gets home on Wednesday. Daddy makes a visit to The Creek. He finds Sue Stanford [Bacon] there. We have some company to dine this week ....Ma gets such a nice present from Miss Vallant by Sue Bacon-two beautiful calico dresses, handkerchiefs, caps, etc. The old lady is in luck of late ....Write to Miss Vallant on Sunday.
June 10-16.
No church. Mary Lewis and I go to town shopping. Buy me a new black dress for which I paid $12. Coming home we get fastened in the ford by a rock. Have to stay in the river some fifteen or twenty minutes. It seemed a perfect age to us for it was anything but pleasant to be in the middle of the river and unable to move and night at hand. George [Cousin George Meriwether from Missouri who is visiting] succeeds at last in extricating us. I write to Aunt Alice, a letter of thanks for her and Aunt Jane's nice present to Ma ....
June 17-23
A letter from Nannie this week ....Read, sew and teach school. John Mac gets home Saturday night. A letter on Saturday from brother Peter. He tells me he and Pinkie are to be married on the 26th of this month.
June 24-30
No church. Such warm weather. Go Wednesday evening to church and hear Bishop [John] Johns .... Some 40 persons were confirmed by him. Thursday Ma spent with Charlotte [Randolph.] She is getting to be quite a gad. We hear Uncle Robert is very poorly so on Saturday Ma and I go down to Castalia and find Uncle Robert in bed. Have a warm welcome from all. Go in the evening to see sister Mary and Lizzie. Am introduced to my great niece, little Annie. She is not pretty but very bright.
July 1-7
At the brick church and hear Dr. Jones....Such a beautiful sermon. It did me good. Dr. Jones and his two sons are friends of Robert's and are putting up at Music Hall. They are nice people. The Dr. is an elegant gentleman as well as a scholar. He is a native of South Carolina though he lives in New Jersey; is a true Southerner in feelings. I was much pleased with both Father and sons. I divide my time between Castalia and Music Hall. Ma and I spend a night with Alice [Lewis] and a day at The Creek. Lizzie Dee is at home and gives me the benefit of a very interesting correspondence she has lately had with a genuine Yankee. It is very amusing. She gives him fits. See Sue Stanford. She is so cheerful and pleasant. She spends a day and night with me at Music Hall. On Saturday Ma goes home. I expected to go too but sister Mary and Aunt Sally say they have not (seen) anything of me so I conclude to stay a week longer. Jimmy Minor takes Ma home. She seems improved by her visit. Only wish she would be satisfied to stay longer.
July 8-14.
Go on Sunday to Grace Church and hear Mr. Boyden. Uncle Bob starts on Monday for the Springs. He could get about a little before he left. Jimmy Lewis went with him. A Convocation at Grace Church this week. There were two sermons each day but I was never in time to hear but one ....They were all fine sermons and I would have enjoyed them more but for the weather which was the warmest I ever felt and we had to walk to church each day. On one occasion I really feared that I had had a sun stroke but I got over it. Sister Betty, Betty 0 [Betty 0. Brown, Louisa's niece] and some of the young ones are down at Music Hall this week. I enjoy seeing them though the house is most too full for comfort. Dr. Jones and his rebel son still remain. The other son left last week. Lizzie Lewis and I spend a night at The Creek. Have a gay evening. there are so many real young people there. Am introduced to Florence Benton. We take a kiss and agree that we are not unknown to each other having so many mutual friends. She tells me that I remind her of Kate, which of course please me. Cousin Sarah is rusticating on William's Hill, [at her son William Stanford Lewis' home in the Flat Woods] so the young people have entire possession of the house. Sue Stanford keeps them in order. Nicky is at home and in bad health. Read two new novels which are lent me by Mr. Chester Jones (the rebel), Hand and Glove and Sans Merci. A letter from Sue. All well at home. Ma has improved in health since her trip. How I miss dear Mammy Eliza's long newsy epistles that I always had from her during any stay from home. It was always such a pleasure to receive them.
July 15-21
Convocation ends today. Mr. Meade preached an old sermon ....''It is time to seek the Lord." Such a warm day and we foot it to church. In the evening sister Betty returns from Aunt Sally's where she and the children have been staying for a day and night. We have a pleasant quiet evening. Dr. Jones is so agreeable and has so little bigotry for a Presbyterian. He talks so beautifully of our trials and troubles in this life; why they are sent and how they should be borne by us so that in the end they prove themselves blessing in disguise. I feel it a great privilege to be in the company of such a godly man. Monday Dr. Jones and Son and the rest of the Music Hall family are invited to Castalia to breakfast. We have a most sumptuous repast. About 10 o'clock say good bye to my friends all and start for home. Sister Betty and Co. are with me as far as town. Find Mary Lewis at Dr. Nelson's waiting for me. We do not go home until later in the evening on account of the heat. All well at home. I'm right glad to be back though I had a very pleasant trip and those whom I care for seemed really glad to see me once again. I've promised Aunt Sally and sister Mary to try and visit them again in the fall. Music Hall is a sadly changed place to me but sister Mary and her children are still and ever will be very dear to me and I shall always try to see something of them even though I feel that I'm not a welcome guest to all in the family. From sister Mary and my brother's children I'm always sure of a welcome. Find a letter waiting me at home from Lydia; also one from my dear old friend, Miss Vallant. She is in very bad health. Fear much she will never be well again. She writes very affectionately and says we have her heartfelt sympathy in all our troubles. She sends me a picture of Mrs. Arrowsmith and herself which I shall prize much. A call this week from Mr. Bennet Taylor and his bride [Lucy Colston.] The warmest weather I ever felt. Some nice rains the last of the week which makes the crops grow. Write to brother Peter and Nannie. Ma very poorly.
July 22-28
A Sunday at home. Ma very sick all day. The doctor to see her. By Monday she is relieved but in a weak condition. A note from Susie Brown telling me Mr. Folkes will be at Rugby this week and wants me to be with them. Ma is too poorly for me to leave her .... [Visitors call.] Ma able to get about the house by the middle of the week. Read Hawthorne's Scarlet Letter, a strange story. Saturday Sue and I go over to see Mat Woods and her new baby. It is a girl and was born on Monday the 23rd. Mat is very smart.
July 29-Aug. 4
No church. Ma much better. Mary Lewis had a letter from Nannie. She has been very sick with fever but is about again. She says brother Peter and his bride are in her neighborhood so he is really married. Tuesday evening Ellen returned from her visit in town bringing Carrie Minor, Hattie and Nannie Meade with her. They seem to enjoy their visit. I had a letter from Sally, also one from Lizzie Dee. She tells me Uncle Bob has returned home much improved in health. Dr. Jones and Son tarried some days after I left. Sister Mary, Lizzie and some of the children are in the Green Springs neighborhood [with sister Mary's twin sister, Lizzie Watson.]....Friday take breakfast with cousin Lou, also dinner. Have such a pleasant day. Almost like old times ....After tea at cousin George's [George Macon] I walk up to Rugby with Susie and Jimmy. Sister Betty and all are glad to see me. Mr. Brown is away at his mother's. Mr. Folkes is stopping at Rugby for a few days. I like him so much. Enjoy seeing he and Susie together ....
Aug. 5-11
At church and hear Mr. Meade....Get home Monday evening. Find Kate Powell staying with Ellen. She is a nice ladylike little girl. Ma is very poorly again this week. She has the doctor to see her once. John Mac is up again. Thursday John, Sue, Mary Lewis, Bully and Ann go down to The Creek to dine. They conclude to remain all night. The next day John, Mary Lewis and Ann return and left Sue and Bully. John and the nurse Ellie join her Saturday. Sue and Bully will make a little stay in that neighborhood. John was enroute for Richmond. A letter from brother Peter. He and Pinkie are really married. Have been on a bridal tour to the Prairieville [Pike County, Missouri,] neighborhood. Kate Powell was with us Saturday when her mother sent for her as her little baby brother has died. Such dry weather. Call on Monday to see my old friend Kate Whitehead. She has just come up form Suffolk. [She] is looking thin and badly. Says her health is indifferent. The Yankees have behaved shamefully towards her. It is shocking to hear of the indignities she has been obliged to submit to. Also saw Cousin Mary Lewis. She has been a fellow sufferer with Kate from Yankee insults, roguery, etc. How long, oh , Lord, how long wilt Thou thus allow our enemy to trample us in the dust.? Of thy mercy hasten the time of their punishment.
Aug. 12-18
No church. Ma sick again....[Letters written.] Make a new screen last week for our room which as a Work of Art is much admired. Put on some horses for Bully's benefit .... Tom Randolph sends me the rest of my money. Go to town Saturday to spend my money ....Got the house white washed this week which is a great comfort . . . .
Aug. 19-25
No church. A letter from Mary Davis and Nannie. Say the dry weather is becoming a serious matter out there. A note from Kate. She wants to make us a visit. Wednesday Sue, John and Co. get home. We are right glad to see them. Bully fell back into his old ways as if he had never been away. Mary Lewis and Daddy go dining at Castalia on Wednesday. Ellen Smith has come home on a visit. Thursday Kate comes. I enjoy being face to face with this dear little woman once more. She has much to tell me of her troubles and trials whilst among the Yankees. She leaves on Saturday. We make arrangements for a correspondence this winter ....
Aug. 26-Sept. 1
Am kept from church by a sore eye ....Read Prison Life of Jefferson Davis by Dr. Craven. It works me up to the highest pitch of indignation against the cowardly mean Yankee nation. Their treatment of this Hero will be a lasting stain of Yankee History. Monday we have the Miss Macons to call and Ellen Smith and Willie Minor to dinner. Ellie seems very happy and is looking really pretty .... Company to dinner on Saturday ....Mammy [the freedwoman has apparently been visiting her daughter Emily] returned from Ashland Wednesday.
Sept. 2-8
No church. A quiet day. Write to Nannie this week. The children, Met and Ellen start to school on Tuesday to Mr. Jeff Taylor. John Mac taking for a model wise old King Soloman has intruded into the lumber business. Sue thinks he may go into winter quarters either in the Flat woods or perhaps in the Royal State of Fluvanna in which case she may join him for a time at least. Kemp [a dog] disappears very mysteriously. He has not been seen since last Saturday, Sept. lst. We feel troubled about him for thought too old to be of any use yet as a part of the establishment we miss him. He has no doubt gone off and died for he had long been ailing.
Sept. 9-15
No church. Mary Lewis in town sick for a few days. She gets home Wednesday. Ann, Bully and I dine with Cousin Isabella on Monday [and pay other calls.]
Sept. 16-22
At church and hear Wm. H. Meade....
Sept. 23-29
At church and hear Mr. Meade....I had forgotten to note that last week Rose Shepherd had added eleven dear little puppies to our dog family. They were all of the Black Republican stamp so we committed all but four to a watery grave. The four saved were for friends. Company this week .... John Mac goes to Richmond on Saturday. There is a probability of his getting some work there.
Sept. 30-Oct. 6
A rainy Sunday. Write to brother Peter. News from John Mac. He has succeeded in getting a place on The Danville [Rail] Road and will send for Sue and Bully next week. John gets up late Saturday night.
Oct. 7-13
At church and hear Mr. Meade....We are all in the depths of woe when Sue, Bully and John leave us Sunday evening. They spend the night with Cousin Isabella [and] go off on the early train. I'm truly glad that John has got work but it is a hard trial giving up Sue and Bully. Dear little fellow, he is indeed a gleam of sunshine in our broken house. Ah, well, we must believe it is all for the best. She has been with us now over three years. Cousin Howel and Sarah and Alice with us Tuesday. I enjoy cousin Sarah. Made my Mexican pickles this week. So much rainy cloudy weather ....
Oct. 14-20
Letters from Nannie and Sally. I write to Sue, Nannie and Mary Davis. Aunt Peggy, the old cook, leaves us this week on Saturday Oct. 20th. It is rather late in life to be making a new home. She has my best wishes for her welfare. Ellen and her young friends have a chestnut hunt.
Oct. 21-27
No church ....A letter from brother Peter. He hopes soon to send me some money. Dull times and I'm feeling very poorly. Saturday I go up to Rugby to take a peep at them all. Find two missing from the home circle vis Susie and Lily. Susie is teaching school for her Uncle James Brown where she is as happy as she can be anywhere from home. Her Aunt Jane is so motherly and attentive to her. Lily has gone to see Susie. Sister Betty and all seemed so glad to see me ....Sister Betty gives me letters to read from many of the absent friends ....
Oct. 28-Nov. 3
At church and hear Bishop Joseph [Pere Bell] Wilmer ....Such a beautiful sermon ....[Visits paid and letters written.]
Nov. 4-10
No church. Mary Lewis, Ann and I make a visit to town Tuesday and do some shopping. Wednesday Ma and I start in the carriage for the lower neighborhood. We dine at Cousin Fannie Meriwether's and are introduced to Mrs. Geiger and Mr. Gamble. Have a pleasant day. Get to Aunt Sally's about night. She gives us a hearty greeting and a good supper. Uncle Bob is in town. It seems strange with such a small family at Castalia. All the children away but the four youngest. Lilla Boyden [the daughter of Ebeneezer Boyden, the rector of Grace Church] teaches Mag and Lydia. She is very pleasant. I spend a day with sister Mary and enjoy seeing them all at Music Hall. Little Annie has grown much and is getting to be quite accomplished, talking, walking, etc. Uncle Bob gets home Thursday. He is much improved in health. Alice [Lewis] is up Friday night with Warner, [her son, James Warner Lewis.] We get home Saturday to dinner. It was a short but pleasant visit ....
Nov. 11-17
No church. Write to Kate. Letters from Sue and Lydia. Sue says Bully is getting very smart, talking and walking. Lydia writes mostly of her sweetheart. Do a good deal of sewing this week. Have worked out for myself. A visit from one of Ma's old Irish friends who left Virginia forty-two years ago, Mr. Mark Graham. He lives in Kentucky now and is uncle to the one we knew in Orange.
Nov. 18-24
No church. Write to Sue. Letters from Nannie and brother Peter. Nannie, poor child, is in trouble ....Brother Peter says he has made arrangements for sending me money. I may receive it any day ....
Nov. 25-Dec. 1
The Bridge is ready for use now. We all feel very thankful that we are no longer at the mercy of the river for whenever we had a hard rain we were unable to ford the river and very often the ferry was not manageable at high water and it was truly a serious matter to be so entirely cut off at times from town. Begin my rag carpet. Wonder if it will ever turn out anything. I shall try to make it. Spend Monday at Shadwell. Charlotte has such a sweet pretty little baby. It is my first visit there since cousin Peggie [Nelson, Charlotte's mother] has been one of the family ....
Dec. 2-8
Write to Nannie this week. I'm suffering much with a boil on my arm. A letter from sister Betty. Quite a family bulletin as there was news from all. Ellen and I go to town Saturday. Find the little city all excitement about the two fairs vis The Memorial and Mrs. Rives. They are to come off next week. I don't expect to attend either as I'm low in finances just now. Cross the bridge for the first time.
Dec. 9-15
Dull times. Mary Lewis and the children attend the fair on Wednesday night. I stay home with Ma. She brings us some cake and oysters. Mr. John Carter of Missouri spends a night with us this week. He brings but discouraging news of Nannie. Poor child, I fear sorrow is to be her lot now. Mr. Carter gives me a good many points about the Missouri clan. Sell my hog this day but only get $11.30 for it which amount was far below my expectations. Go to town Saturday and spend most of the money.
Dec. 16-22
A rainy Sunday. Monday get a letter from brother Peter in which he sends me $25. I now pay off my debts but have little left ....Wrote to brother Peter, also to Sue.
Dec. 23-29
A Sunday at home. Letters on Monday from Sally and Jabe. They are uneasy at my long silence ....Write Sally a long letter on Xmas Eve. Go to church on Xmas Day and hear Mr. Page ....The church is very prettily decorated for the season. The singing was cheering. After church I go up to Rugby and stay until Thursday morning. Have a pleasant time. Wednesday is Susie's 21st birthday so we have a dinner party in honor of it. Only some young men invited. Plenty of good cheer and a dinner in the evening. Thursday I take dinner with cousin Isabella and see cousin James Watson. He was released by order of the President. [James Watson was a postmaster under the Confederacy.] He and his wife and daughters are now enroute for home. Ma and the children dined with them at Orange Dale on Xmas Day. I get home Thursday evening and am suffering with toothache. Mary Lewis in town for a day and night. Such----
[Here the diary ends abruptly. There appears to have been a last page which is now missing. The last word, "such" probably introduced the phrase "Such quiet times or such dull times." Missing from the year 1866 is Louisa's usual New Years Eve appraisal of the prior twelve months. Surely she looked back at the three big tragedies, Nannie and Dave's "child of sin and shame," little Eliza's death and Mammy Eliza's death and concluded that the rod was still upon them. She may also have though of the freedmen and freedwomen who had left Pantops for their independent lives. Louisa may also have wondered what the year ahead would hold for her and the reduced household. Times had changed, responsibilities had passed to new hands, the family must now pick up work done in former times by the servants. With all the changes, two things remained. The inportance of family had not diminished and the religious faith relied upon for courage was more necessary then ever.]
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