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1864
Jan. 1-2
The New Year comes in bright and blistering. How many changes are in store for me this year? I can and will trust all to Him who alone can direct all events. Spend the day with cousin Isabella ....Get home late in the evening after the coldest ride I ever had (was in the waggon). Saturday set my house in order which means my closet, drawers, shelves, etc.
Jan. 3-9
No church. A quiet Sunday. Monday begin school ....[Letters written.] Am in great worry about the servants. Mr. Brown and I have a meeting at Uncle Sam's on Friday where he makes me an offer [to purchase Louisa's slaves] which I'm much inclined to take. It will be decided soon, I hope and then I will not be troubled any more with the darkies ....
Jan. 10-16
No church. Bad roads again. Have an invite to a real dancing party at Rugby on Friday night. It was Mr. Brown's party and not a starvation. I do not go. The present seems no time for such gaiety and yet such an amount of merry making was never known around here and I hear its the same thing all though the Confederacy. To any one who though about it, it is plain we are now under God's frown and is such indulgences of our animal feelings a way to appease Him? Does this look as if we are humbled and we looked only to Him for help? Dave attended the party and gave me the points. Wrote to Mary Lewis. Finished reading Horace Walpole's Letters. I'm alternately entertained and offended; pleased and disgusted! Nannie and I have begun reading aloud Little Dorrit. I proposed it, because I though it would bring us more together and she seemed to feel so lonely since Mary Lewis left .... We missed getting ICE. The river is too full.
Jan. 17-23
A bright day but I'm sick and can't go to church. Begin Gregory's Evidences. The hen house is in operation, at least we, Met and I, have commenced in Ma's duck house. Mr. Pemberton makes us two visits this week. His Regiment, the 4th Cavalry, was disbanded on Thursday and the men sent home for a rest until some time in April unless they are needed. On Friday, Nannie and I attended a party at Mrs. McGhees. I enjoyed it but my conscience did not feel quite easy ....[A letter from] Cousin Bob [Minor who] was one of the band that lately made an attempt to liberate our brave men imprisoned on Johnson's Island. Tells they were betrayed in the hour of success and their plan failed.
Jan. 24-30
I'm at church and hear Mr. Nelson....He is hard on the gay times. Well, he's right but I don't believe preaching against it will mend matters. A long letter from Sally and Jabe. They are very comfortably fixed at Shelby Springs, Alabama .... I'm in trouble about the darkies. Have Uncle Bob and cousin Howel to advise me ....
Jan. 31-Feb. 6
At church and have sermon from Mr. Meade....He too is down on the gaiety of the people at such a time as this; says it is a spark of madness. Thinks we compare well to Nero's fiddling while Rome burnt. There was but too much truth in all he said ....It was decided on Monday that my darkies should be hired for this year. Something may be done next; perhaps it is all right for the money is worth so little now ....
Feb. 7-13
A rainy Sunday so no church. Ash Wednesday the l0th we attend church and have a very suitable address from Mr. Boyden. Dr. Douglas Meriwether and Miss Nannie Page were married on the 9th. They get home this week. I make a visit to cousin Sarah and Aunt Sally. Have a private chat with Sister Mary, Aunt Sally and Lyd and make matters all right .... [Letters received and written.] Lyd is in great excitement about getting home [to Missouri.] I hardly think it practicable.
Feb. 14-20
At church and hear Mr. Boyden read the Bishop's Letter. Find sister Betty at Music Hall on our return. Monday I spend with cousin Peggy Nelson. Am quite sick this week with a cold. Bad news from home. Peck has been caught in the Steel Trap and lost a leg. Make the acquaintance of a nice little soldier while down, Lieutenant Smith. He is Aunt Sally and cousin Sarah's pet. His health is very bad. Get home Saturday after quite a number of adventures. Among them was the non-arrival of the cars which obliged me to stall all night at Cobham which was much against my will as there was a large party going on in the house all night. However, I did not appear in the ball room. The next day coming up I mashed my hand badly with one of the car windows. Do not get home til near night .... Peck is getting much better but his leg is clean gone. I'm glad to be home again. Nanny is confined to her room with a frostbit foot. Great excitement everywhere about the new money arrangements. It will fall heavily on Mary Lewis as her pig money had all been paid in large notes. It was afterwards satisfactorily arranged.
Feb. 21-27
Do not go to church as I can't wear my glove. Am in bed a day or so this week with my cold ....We get some ice during a cold spell last week which will be appreciated next summer.-A letter from Bob Minor. He thinks there is no chance for Lydia getting to Missouri.
Feb. 28-March 5
At church and hear Mr. B. B. Nelson....An eventful week. The Yanks are making a raid on us. [This is Custer's Raid or The Rio Bridge Raid.] On Monday there was a little fight at Rio where they burnt the bridge and mill and did much other damage and carried off many servants. We heard the cannonading very plainly and at night saw the light of their destroying fires. Not much sleep all Monday night. Met and the Taylor boys [from Lego, the neighboring plantation] were sent off with the horses to a safe place. The cattle and sheep were in a state of readiness to be driven off if the Yanks got any nearer. The next morning our soldiers arrived and what a feeling of security they brought with them but it made me feel as if the war was being brought to our very doors. The cannons were drawn before the front gate and placed upon the two highest points overlooking the railroad bridge and the whole place swarmed with soldiers. The house was HeadQuarters and we had some nice officers to stay with us; among them Kate Whitehead's brother, Col. [Whitehead.]....Wednesday evening we got news that the Yanks had gone back so our soldiers moved too and by Thursday morning not one was to be seen but we were not allowed to be quiet long for in the evening two brigades from the Valley camped on Pantops and Lego [the home of Jefferson Randolph Taylor] for the night. As a matter of course we had many visitors and some of them not altogether agreeable. Officers to supper. Stragglers for several days afterwards. Thursday night the camp fires were the prettiest things I ever saw. They seemed as countless as the stars in the heavens. It is generally supposed we are on the eve of a great battle. The Yanks, we heard, did much mischief in the county. The raiders seem to have confined themselves to thieving. From negroes and horses to the rings off the ladies hands nothing seemed too trifling to escape the notice of this heroic noble band of braves!? A letter from Bob. He tells me he has found the truth as it is in Jesus and has not been ashamed to confess Him before men. He was baptized and admitted to the Holy Communion on the lst Sunday in February. May God give him grace to keep his lamp trimmed and burning so he may be found ready when his Master calls.
March 6-12
At church and hear Mr. Meade....Such perfect quiet after the exciting scenes of last week. Would not imagine a soldier had been in a hundred miles of us ....[Letters written.]
March 13-19
At church and hear Mr. Meade....Subject: Fasting. Finish my War Scrap Book to March 1864. Do some work in the garden ....Read several letters from Missouri to Dave.--Brother Peter is certainly in Illinois but can't know what he is about. Well, I can trust him!...[Letters received and written.]
March 20-26
At church and hear Mr. Magill....Passion Week. Church every day. I stay with Lizzie Wood and other friends that I may attend. Meet a Missourian and a cousin, Mr. Dabney Carr. He tells me not to feel uneasy concerning Brother Peter, that he is as true as steel . .... Thursday Lydia comes. Her health is not as good as I could wish ....Good Friday the 25th is Ma's 71st birthday. Snowing hard all this evening.
March 27-April 2
At church and hear Dr. Sparrow....John comes today. We are surprised not to see Mary Lewis with him. Monday he and Lydia leave together ....
April 3-9
No church. Some rain and hail this week ....Dave gets in from camp Sunday evening and is off again on Monday making ready to join the Missourians in Alabama. My nephew Sam Minor from Missouri with us. He comes from Illinois where his Father (brother Will) and family are now living. They were driven from their home in Missouri by the Union force. Sam says brother Peter is there and is battling gravely with his longing for the South. A note from cousin Lou Leitch. She intends going to roomkeeping in her old house.
April 10-16
No church. Roads too bad. Dave and Sam with us. Letter from Sally and Jabe this week. They do not seem settled. Jabe has not been well treated by the Medical Director. Get the garden fixed up and it looks really pretty. We look for Sue and Mary Lewis but they do not come. [General James] Longstreet's Army is passing through on their way back from Tennessee. All seem to think we are to have some war this Spring. Our men are in fine spirits and confident of success. May the God of all power and might be with us and give us the victory.
April 17-23
No church. The Army still passing. How sad to think of how many of the soldiers now so full of life and hope but marching to certain death. Many heads will soon lie low and Oh, the aching hearts at home .... Sue, Mary Lewis, John, Eliza and Co. get up on Monday. The baby has grown some but she is still a very small bit .... Sam says goodbye to me on Saturday as he goes to Western Virginia to join his company. He is in [General Micah] Jenkins Command. I feel quite attached to the boy. I hope he may be safe.
April 24-30
No church ....Willie Minor up today. He tells us Nelly [a slave at Music Hall] is dead. The disease was typhoid fever. The army still passing by night and day.
May 1-7
A bright day but parts of the road too bad for the carriage to get up ....[Letters written and visitors call.] A letter from Sam. [He] is with his command near the Warm Springs. Expects soon to start west on his expedition. A dangerous undertaking. I feel uneasy about him. The fight on the Rapidan [The Wilderness Campaign] commenced this week on Thursday the 5th. I believe up to Saturday we were successful but oh, the suffering around us. Charlottesville is full of the poor wounded soldiers and the cry is "still they come." Col. Warren, Jennie Magruder's husband, is among the killed ....
May 8-14
No church. The fighting continues and Lee still victorious. We also hear that General [Frederick] Steel[e] and his army of 9000 Yankees have surrendered to our brave old General Price in Arkansas. General Dick Taylor has also been successful in Louisiana. Oh, that so many victories would but bring us peace ....Hear of the death of David Watson and James Magruder. The former died from wounds received in battle; the latter was killed instantly while commanding The Light Horse. We are in doubt as to Bob's fate. His company had been nearly all taken or killed. The [Scottsville] Greys are taken but were afterwards recaptured. Anxious times for all. I'm very poorly with my nose cold.
May 15-21
Spend Sunday at home again ....We are still in anxiety about the result of this long weary blood battle. So far we believe our arms have the ascendancy but what will the end be? God only knows and in Him only can we look for deliverance from our foes. Jimmy Lewis up this week and tells us Bob is safe. He managed to make his escape when the Guns of the Battery and so many of the men were taken. The Cadets [from The Virginia Military Institute] have been sent down to General Lee with Jimmy Minor among them. It seems hardly right to put such boys, almost children, in the war. In the late fight in western Virginia [The Battle of New Market] under [General John C.] Breckinridge they were highly complimented for their bravery. Poor fellows, they suffered much too; had a good many killed and a large number wounded. We are in constant expectation of the Yankee Raiders. No trains running so we can get but little news.
May 22-28
Still watching and waiting the end of the battle. Both armies in motion toward Richmond ....Ma very poorly.
May 29-June 4
Ma too sick for me to go to church. She improves; however, in a few days so as to be able to go about. She is getting very feeble ....Some more company too. A Battle [The Battle of Cold Harbor] on Friday near Richmond. We were victorious, killing a large number of the Yankees. Sue and the baby very poorly. No news from absent friends. How I want a letter from my little sister. Feel anxious too to know of Dave's whereabouts.
June 6-11
At church and hear such a beautiful sermon from Mr. Norton....Early Monday morning I get a note from Lydia bringing sad news. Dear little Annie Laurie has gone to join her father in the Spirit Land. She died at three o'clock Monday morning June 6th. She was buried on Tuesday. I was not able to be present as we are in hourly expectation of Yankee Raiders. Dear little niece. I little thought when with you in February that it would be my last sight of you on earth. It is hard to give you up, so bright and beautiful as you were but God knows best and He will someday make it all plain to dim faith. Poor Sister Mary, she is indeed tried sorely. May the Holy Spirit comfort and guide her so she may not faint in this day of adversity ..... I go down to Music Hall. Oh, what a blank the bonnie Annie Laurie has left in that household! Sister Mary is very sad. She makes an effort to be busy about her duties and though so calm I can see the anguish at her heart. Everything and place brings her lost darling back so plainly. May God help her. She talks much about little Annie. Tells me all the particulars of her sickness and death. I enjoy my visit with the exception of the fright I had in hearing the Yanks were so near us. On Saturday the 11th was alarmed by being told that I was really out of Dixie as we were out of the lines of pickets.
June 12-18
At Grace Church and hear Mr. Boyden.... Great excitement about the Raiders on the 12th. They fought us near Travilians in Louisa and we whipped them well. Anxious times for us poor women. All the men in the neighborhood have gone to the fight and we can get no news of anything. All we can hear and see is the heavy cannonading and the thick black smoke which tells us the vandals are at work. There are no news either up or down and we hear such wild rumors that I begin to feel troubled about home and its inmates. However we gradually quiet down. On Wednesday General [Jubal A.] Early's corps passes up the road. A party of us go up to the Shop to see it, the Army, pass. We have a very pleasant time. Major General [S. Dodson] Ramseur introduced himself and his staff to us and who should be of it but my old acquaintance, Mr. Tom Taliaferro. He recognized me. We had quite a pleasant chat of the old times and the people who were then young. General Ramseur was very agreeable, also his subs. Through Major Douglas the General gave me a S.C. button off the coat in which he was wounded. Altogether I had a very pleasant day. Made quite a number of visits while down .... Sam Minor comes one day this week. Says the Yanks came in too fast in Western Virginia and did not give him a chance to get out. However, he hopes to do so yet.
June 19-25
In church. Monday I get home in Cousin Peggy's carriage. Find the Yanks had not hurt any of them. John still here. A deal of company this week. We are all quieting down about the Raiders. The mails are coming in again and we have the good news that they (The Yanks) had been whipped at all points. Oh, how blessed we have been. All around us we may say they have gone but we have been spared and spared oh, how much, for the heart sickens at the account of outrages committed by the barbarians, for they well deserve the name, in all places that have been visited by them.
June 26-July 2
At church and hear Mr. Latane....Monday say goodbye to Sam. He hopes to get off to Illinois this time. We hear from Dave he is in Shelby Springs and is with Sally and is sick. Uncle Bob calls Thursday morning; tells me Gandy Lewis was killed near Petersburg, on the 26th of June I think, while acting as a sharp shooter. Captain Gibbs also falls in battle last week. Such hot dry weather. A hard season on the crops and so much depending on them. Write a long letter to Sally and Jabe. Hear from Sam when he got to Staunton. His Regiment is at the Warm Springs ....
July 3-9
Mr. Slaughter preached for us ....Go home with sister Betty where I stay until Wednesday. Have a pleasant time. She and I go visiting. One evening we are invited to take tea and eat ice cream at Mrs. Dukes and a very sociable time we had. I spend Wednesday and Wednesday night with cousin Lou. Enjoy being with her once more. Ma and I spend a day together at Orange Dale. I get home Thursday evening .... The dry weather still continues. Get a message from Miss Morril [Carrie Morril had left Virginia and gone north to her home in Bangor, Maine] ] in a letter from her to Lucy Butler about my friend Emily. It amounted to the fact that Emily was still in Africa and would not return to America until failing health obliged her. So far she had been blessed with good health and strength for her work a fact unknown of in all the history of the mission for the first trial of the climate. God watches over and kept his own ....
July 10-16
At church and hear Mr. B.B. Nelson.... Another letter from Sam. He has been sick but was better when he wrote; was then in Bath County and expected to start the next day for the West. The drought continues. News from our Army. We have crossed the Potomac again. It is thought there is a plot in hand to take Point Lookout and liberate our brave men imprisoned there. The affair must have been decided in this but events are kept very quiet as to (General Jubal) Early's movements. Little Eliza very ill. John comes up the last of the week. Cousin Isabella and Sarah come to help to nurse Eliza. I'm sick enough to see cousin George. Write a long letter to Dave.
June 17-23
No church. Poor little baby still very ill. The dry weather still upon us. It is fearful to see vegetation all brown and dry but we must not forget that a wise and good One sends the drought upon us and tho the fields and crops be parched by scorching beam yet our trust must be in Him for though His power is just, His mercy is Supreme. The Cockade City [Peterburg, Virginia] holds out bravely. There is some chance I should suppose for U.S. Grant changing his Vicksburg laurels for Chickahominy willows. Old Jubal [Early] may well be dubbed the Hot Boy of the war for it seems he went into Maryland with no intention of fighting but for the sole purpose of driving off cattle and horses and picking up anything in the shape of provisions that came in his way. Well! Perhaps it was the wisest policy for we can very well afford to rest upon our Laurels just now, but short rations are not altogether comfortable. We hear Saturday of a great victory gained by us at Atlanta. General [John Bell] Hood has made a good beginning. The baby is much better this week; has engaged a Nanny Goat to supply her with rations. Ma quite poorly for a day or two this week. Two slight showers of rain but it benefits vegetation but little. Had a letter from Dave. He is with the Army of Tennessee and is having a hard time in the trenches. Has found some kin way down South. Wrote to him in reply on Saturday.
July 24-30
No church. Might say with Mrs. Browning, "A week which perished silently," so little of incident was there in it. A good rain Sunday night (too late I fear to help the corn) ....The baby better. Old [General Jubal] Early has gone into Maryland again. [Louisa is probably referring to Early's Washington Raid, July 2 thru 13.] This time it is said to fight. Hope he may get as far north as Pennsylvania. I'm rather conscientious about any depradations committed South of Pennsylvania. A letter from Sally. Jabe has been ordered to Atlanta. She is still at Shelby. She thinks Jabe will return when the battles are over. Nannie and I have some reading together. No more at present-Yawns etc.
July 31-Aug. 6
No church. A good rain today ....Some...company....
Aug. 7-13
At church and hear an old sermon from Mr. Meade....The baby poorly again. Poor little thing, her trials of this world and its pleasures has been naught but bitterness so far. A Vale of Tears in reality. Late Saturday evening Dave gets home from the South. He has had fever and is off on sick furlough; looks very weakly ....
Aug. 14-20
No church. Fine rains this week ....A letter from Sally. She is still by herself. Jabe is at Covington, Georgia, but expects to go back to Shelby. Also a letter from Lydia; she is at Rugby.
Aug. 21-27
No church. Do some work for Dick. Make him four jackets. Niece Lizzie and Bob Lewis to dine with us. The light of other days is faded and all the joys are passed. Well such is the way of the world. Will I ever learn wisdom by sad experience? [I] fear not.
Aug. 28-Sept. 3
At church and hear Dr. Sparrow....A visit from three cadets-all from Mississippi-friends of Dave's.Nannie and I read Ivanhoe aloud.
Sept. 4-10
At church and hear a sermon from Mr. Meade. Early Monday morning Madam Nanny Goat and her two infants arrive. They are friends of Elizas ....Atlanta has fallen. We evacuated it on the 3rd. Well, Old Abe, no doubt, considers it another feather in his cap. It seems a hard matter for those southern cities to stick.
Sept. 11-17
No church ....Mary Lewis and I go to Sister Mary's on Thursday [where] Sally Pride joins our party ....Arrive at Music Hall to dinner and find all glad to see me. A wedding on the carpet! In consequence of the tale of Atlanta, Robert thinks that he and Lizzie ought to hurry up things. Sister Mary finally consents and Wednesday of next week is fixed upon. I do some visiting around and enjoy myself ....
Sept. 18-24
At Aunt Sally's. A rainy Sunday so we do not go to church. Monday at The Creek with Aunt Sally and Sally Pride. Cousin Howel comes in after dinner with a report that the Yanks are near at hand via Gordonsville. We hasten home and oh, what excitement. After dark it is thought advisable that the younger women should be sent off to the mountains, so we are roused up from our beds. I decide to stay with sister Mary at the house. About midnight our fears are quieted and we hear the Yanks have all gone back so the household subsides into quietness. The idea of taking to the woods was very ridiculous to me. It originated in Bob's fears for his treasure. All busy getting ready for the marriage. There is but little preparation but even little made work. Wednesday the 21st of September-Lizzie's Wedding Day! A gloomy day out but I trust it is not ominous. By night it is rainy. The only guests were Uncle Bob's family including Sally Pride, cousins Sarah and Howel, Nannie, Julia, Nicky, [Sarah, Howel, Nannie, Julie and Nicky Lewis of The Creek] Mary Lewis and I. All is done very orderly and quiet. Lizzie and Bob are made man and wife by Mr. Boyden who uses my book. A nice plain supper; ice cream and cake afterwards. Well the young people have my best wishes for their welfare but I can't help wishing it was put off until times were more settled. Thursday night we are at Uncle Bob's to supper and have a pleasant time. Jimmy Minor is at home now and is so much improved. I enjoy myself laughing at him and Julia. Poor Sister Mary, it seems a hard trial to her giving up her daughter into another's keeping. Quiet times after the wedding. Some few callers [and calls made.] ....Nanny Anderson comes down Friday and stays until Saturday. Says Eliza is much better.
Sept. 25-Oct. 1
At church and hear Mr. Boyden. A quiet week. Mary Lewis leaves for Uncle Bob's; also Alice and Co. Monday I go to Mechunk to see Cousin Lucy and enjoy my visit though it was a sad one. Feel that it is good for me to go to the house of mourning for it opens my heart and arouses my sensibilities. Am introduced to the teacher, Miss Wilson from the Cockade City. Alice's little boy George very sick from Tuesday with dyptheria. Saturday night he died. Poor little child, his sufferings were great through the whole of his illness but it is well with him now. He was put away on Monday Oct. 3rd at Music Hall by the side of dear little Annie Laurie.
Oct. 2-8
A big Yankee fight. We hear early in the day they are certainly in Charlottesville and were then on their way down the main road. Never did as much hiding before. Put away all our clothes. Sent all the provisions to the mountain, also the stock of all kinds and after all our trouble about 3 o'clock in the evening hear there have been no Yanks near town though the people there were as much frightened as we were. Well we sleep well that night after our hard work. It certainly had not been a day of rest to any of us. A "Stir Up Sunday" though out of time. Mary Lewis very ill Tuesday night in consquence of over working herself nursing little George and helping to hide things from the Yanks. Doctor sent for in the night to see her. Sunday, Uncle Bob's house was a scene of strange confusion. Everyone excited to the highest pitch, running to and fro putting out of sight as best they could everything valuable. Jimmy Lewis and Uncle Bob in the mountains afraid to venture back and little George [George Lewis was the toddler son of Jimmy and Alice Lewis] a corpse in the house. Truly these are sad trying times when we are not even permitted to bury our dead in quietness. By Wednesday, Mary Lewis is quite well again so I come up home on Thursday. Music Hall will be quite short of males soon. Bob [Lewis] and Jimmy [Minor] (the cadets have been ordered to report for duty in the field until the lst of Nov) in the Army; Jimmy Lewis with the Reserves and Willie [Minor] at school. Only the two little boys at home. Find all well at home. Mary Lewis does not come with me. Ma is busy with her apple harvest. A long letter from Sally and Jabe. The Yanks have run them from their late home. Jabe has a post in Cuthbert, Georgia, which both he and little Sis like as a home very much ....Sue left Pantops while I was away. John was afraid the Yanks would get her up here so took off Sue, Eliza, Emily and Nanny Goat. Quite a void they make in the household.
Oct. 9-15
Do not go to church. Have diptheria for the first time; a mild case, however. Nanny acts the Good Samaritan and tends me most carefully but I can't say that her caustic felt like oil to my tender throat. A visit from my nephew Sam Eastin from Missouri. He has come to join the Army of the South. [He] is a great big man and rather good looking ....
Oct. 16-22
I'm too poorly for church. Monday my throat is well enough for me to go anywhere I like. Begin school. Write to Mary Lewis. Finish Dick's jacket which will set off the new shirts finely. Nanny and I call at Mr. Taylor's. We are introduced to Mrs. General Trimble, [the wife of General Isaac Ridgeway Trimble] a pleasant lady. Merry Anderson [Meriwether L. Anderson son of Dr. M.L. Anderson of Locust Hill was a member of General Fitzhugh Lee's Cavalry] was killed in one of the fights last week in the Valley. [Sheridan's Valley Campaign.] His body was brought home and buried. He was a noble boy. On the 27th of September died my friend, relative and Godmother, cousin Sarah Gilmer. None knew her but to love her. It grieves me to think I shall see her sweet kind face no more but my sorrow is selfish for hers is perfect enjoyment now being joined to that multitude which no man can number who sing the praises of God and of the Lamb forever and ever. She was over 80 (in her 82nd year) years of age. A letter from Nicky Lewis.
Oct. 23-29
Hear Dr. Sparrow....Working hard at my school and knitting all the week. A visit of two days from Sam. Write to Sally and Dave. We hear from the last he is in Montgomery, Alabama, with his cousin Mathews. Mary Lewis still away ....
Oct. 30-Nov. 6
At church and hear Mr. Meade....Going home we have a smash up with the carriage. Nannie and I walk back and stay in town until Monday. I spend the night with cousin Lou. Go at night to the Methodist Church and hear Mr. Lindsay.... Get home Monday to dinner. Write to Nicky Lewis, Dave, Sam and Lydia.
Nov. 6-12
Hear Mr. Meade....Get through much work. A letter from Nicky and Kate Whitehead and an invitation to Emily's (black) wedding on the 12th. Got a new calico dress. The price was $100.
Nov. 13-19
Hear Mr. Meade....A letter from Dave. He is still in Montgomery. Wednesday the 16th at church and hear Mr. Meade....Lincoln has been elected President of Yankeedom for the next four years or for as long a term as he chooses. Early's Army pass in route for Richmond. Hope the beleaguered city is not in danger. Wrote to Nicky and Kate. A letter from Lyd who is at Rugby. On Saturday the 19th John, Sue and Co. come up. Sue and Eliza will be a fixture for the winter. Eliza has not improved very much.
Nov. 20-26
A rainy Sunday ....Another letter from Dave. He is still in Montgomery in a perfect paradise of cousins ....A letter from Nicky. He is very prompt.
Nov. 27-Dec. 3
I do not go to church. The boys leave Sunday evening .... [Write letters.]
Dec. 4-10
At church and hear Mr. Meade from II Cor 5-17. See my cousin Frank Anderson. Write to sister Mary, Lydia and Nicky. Sam Eastin spends Sunday night with us; says goodbye Monday as he expects to be off this week for the Army of Tennessee.
Dec. 11-17
No church. Go Saturday to Rugby ....Mr. Brown and I arrange about the servants for next year. Hope they may all get comfortable homes.
Dec. 18-24
A rainy sunday. Go in the evening to prayer meeting in the University Chapel. Get home Monday and that night get very deaf. Can scarcely hear at all. Have to give up my school. A letter from Lydia. Jimmy [Minor] is at home on a furlough. He will join the Army after Xmas. A long letter from Sally. She and Jabe are still at Cuthburt, Georgia. Jim Buckner turns up this week. He belonged to Sam Eastin's party but was wounded by bushwackers in Western Virginia and had to be left. He got well and succeeded in making his way here. He seems an intelligent boy. He will try to make his way to the Trans-Mississippi Department; commands a Company there.
Dec. 25-31
Xmas Day. I'm too deaf to go to church. John and Nannie Macmurdo come up Monday. A dull Xmas. Had the Taylor's up one evening and we get up a dance in which Mammy Eliza and Daddy join. My deafness still continues. Feel uneasy about it.
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