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Spend Sunday at home. Get the ice house filled. Mr. Coffman with us last night. He is quite agreeable. Another letter from Nicky, also one from Lydia. She tells me Robert [Lewis] and Jimmy Minor are at home for the winter as they promised to winter a horse for the battery ....Eliza is very poorly. John comes up Friday. He does not leave until Feb. lst when Nannie goes home with him to make a little visit.

Feb. 1-7

News from Missouri [in] a letter from sister Lizzie [Minor] to Lydia. She says Sam Minor has been back to Missouri. Also says brother Garret is living in Pike [County, Missouri.] The first news I've had of him since the first year of the war. Sister Lizzie is anxious for Lydia to get home with J.B. Henderson, Federal Senator from Missouri. It would be a fine opportunity it she could get to Washington. There is another plan afoot too for her to go with Cousin John Thomas to Kentucky and from there she could easily reach home but her going either way is very doubtful as yet.

Feb. 8-10

Had my dog Bruno shot. He had got to be a burden to himself and was very disagreeable about the house so I thought it right to put him out of the way. Feb. 9th Charlotte [Charlotte Nelson Meriwether] was married to Mr. T.J. Randolph, Jr. She had quite a wedding I hear. I had an invite but did not attend as I had no wedding garments.

Feb. 10-20

I'm on a visit to Music Hall .... Sister Mary is so cheerful. Jimmy and Robert both there. I make a short visit to The Creek and spend two days at Uncle Bob's during my stay, both of which visits I enjoy. Nicky was at The Creek sick. I see him for a few moments. From Feb. 9th to Feb. 13th is some of the coldest weather I ever felt. I enjoy sleding on the snow very much, a new amusement to me

Feb. 20-March 2

Get home and find Ma has had a fall on the ice which confines her to her room. Feel troubled about her. Glad I'm at home to attend to her. Thursday February 23rd about 7 o'clock in the morning, Sue's little boy was born. He is to be called Little Sop [after his

paternal grandfather.] He was born on Sue's 32nd birthday. Feb. 25th Nannie gets home. John is along to see his son.

March 3-5

We were passing through a fiery furnace; had the Yankees upon us and oh, the horror of those three days! Had news early Friday that they were approaching but did not realize it until we saw the Depot blazing away. It was burnt by our own people to prevent the Yanks getting the stores. Daddy and Met started off with the horses and some provisions with several of the servants to the mountains but before they could get out of sight the Philistines were upon us. Four Yankee villains came to the house and from the yard and garden took deliberate aim at Daddy and Met before our eyes. Declared that they [Daddy and Met] had shot at them from the hills above the Iron Bridges (where the Yanks were posted.) Our scouts had been in that direction and a few shots had been fired. The wretches said we lied when we told them Daddy had nothing to do with it and declared they would have his head. But he and Met succeeded in getting out of the way with the horses and three of the servants. Those with the carts had to stop and they came back to the house. The four Yanks after walking through the house as if it belonged to them treated us as only cowards would; ate up our dinner and departed. Daddy came back after dark but we begged him not to stay as they said they would kill him, so he went back and got the carts off too. That night the Yanks burnt the factory and set fire to the Iron Bridges. The last were burning for several days. The fire was a grand but awful sight. Saturday, March 4th we did not see much of [the Yankees] until the evening when a large body of them went up the mountain to hunt out the "Johnnie and Black Boys" as they called our people. Our hearts sank when we saw them returning with our horses. Soon received a call from some of them and they said they had Daddy and Met prisoners, describing those persons, clothes and horses so accurately that we thought there could be no doubt of it but we did not know then how perfectly regardless of the truth they are. Said they had the servants too. We were in great distress until about nine o'clock when Lewis [one of the servants] got home and told us they were all safe. About bed time a number of Yanks rode up to the front door and called for Uncle Daniel who had been domiciled in the chamber as our protector. He went out and had quite a long and confidential talk with them. When he came in, told us they wanted him to direct them to Shadwell, Keswick, etc but it afterwards proved that they were making arrangements for taking him off for in the morning he was missing. Four of the other boys went off today. John Trice is also missing. Sunday the 5th. This was a day of terror! The enemy were coming in all day long. Searched Mammy Eliza's room, broke up and carried off the guns and other arms in the house, stole most of Daddy's clothes, went through every drawer in the room, searched the press, broke into the desk, carried off Bonds and other papers of value, were mean enough to open papers of needles and scatter them with spools of cotton about the Yard. Only one set came up stairs but they had their minds so diverted by getting Sue's and Mammy Eliza's watches that they contented themselves with a slight rummage through Ma's drawers, a peep in my book case and some other little boxes, stole the baby's playthings ( a box of Dominos) and so made their exit. Some of them behaved so badly downstairs that I went to the door and called for a gentleman if there was ONE among them. An officer walked up and asked what I wished. I told him how some of the men were acting, asked him to come in and stay and protect us. He and another one came in and said they would stay as long as they could. Others afterwards came in and I made the same appeal to them. We had several sets of protectors and so got off pretty well for the rest of the day. We had some quite animated chats with the Yankee gentlemen? both sides expressing their sentiments very plainly but all in perfect good humor. One asked me if I had seem the Old Flag as it passed early in the morning. I said yes and it would have given me exquisite pleasure to have trampled it in the dust. He seemed to think it was terrible thus to speak of anything so sacred.

March 6-10

Early this morning, Monday the 6th, we saw their tent struck and the Yanks depart with the most earnest wish that one yet might never more behold them again! How long, oh! Lord! wilt Thou thus afflict our land? He has said, "Fret not thyself because of evil doers, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass and withered like the green herb." We have faith and wait patiently for Him and in the end He will deliver us from our foes. We ought to have thankful hearts when we remember we are all safe and unhurt. Our losses are considerable but we have enough left to support us. Terrible accounts reach us of their treatment to others in the country so we must feel that we have been spared much. Our losses of much value were as follows: five men servants (and we think John Trice too for he has not come home yet,) all the horses that were of any value but the two that Daddy and Met rode, about half of the year's supply of meat, some flour, all the turkeys but five, the two watches, a good deal of corn, most of Daddy's clothes, all his guns, pistols and papers, some other little things. The servants that did not leave were so kind and attentive to us. Don't know how we would have come through our difficulties without them. Believe they saved us much and we have now full proof that they care for us for the Yanks offered them every inducement to go with them but they declined the honor. On Tuesday the 7th Daddy and Met come home. Daddy's sojourn in the mountains tells on him for he looks very badly. They were so closely hunted by the enemy in the mountains, had to take refuge in the Flat Woods. Have made some narrow escapes from the Yanks. Thank God we are all together again and safe. I had forgotten to say we set fire to the Free Bridge the first day the Yanks appeared but it was burnt so badly that the enterprising rogues soon fixed it so they could cross and thus were enabled to do much mischief all the way down the road from the Rives' [Castle Hill the home of William Cabell Rives] to Keswick, even below that place as we hear they treated cousin Peggy Nelson very badly [at Clover Fields.] The morning they left they fired the Bridge well, so we have no means of getting to town but by crossing in a little boat near the ruins of the Iron Bridge. The Yanks have done much damage on the railroad, burning the Depots at Shadwell and Keswick, also some above town, but have not heard how many. We feel uneasy about Met and Daddy being at home as we know nothing certain as to the whereabouts of the raiders so after they get some clean clothes get them to go off again to the Flat Woods. They come back; however, the next day, Wednesday the 8th, and stay as we hear the Yanks are all gone from about us. Thursday the 9th John Mac comes up to see what has become of us all. He had to walk from Cobham [as there was] no train running higher up the road.

March 10-13

Lizzie Minor ( or rather Lewis) is very sick. John Lewis and Jimmy and Tommy Minor come by on their way to town to get a doctor to go down but they do not succeed in getting him til Sunday morning [the 12th] as the river is so high. Dr. Nelson on his return, spends Sunday night with us and he tells me Lizzie is better. Monday the 13th I get a note from Sarah Leitch telling of the mischief done by the Yankees to some of my friends. Her family, as well as most of the other town people, came off very well, as they had guards but many of those in the country were treated shamefully. Mr. Brown, I hear, has suffered much. The low dogs even broke up the furniture and tableware. Hear my two boys, Davy and John, are supposed to have gone with them. The Orange Dale family were completely broken up. Everything in the way of provisions was carried off, the house searched about twenty times and all their silver taken and they treated in the rudest manner. They are all in town now. Suppose it is a temporary thing [and] that they will go back to Orange Dale when things get quiet. Oh, these are troublous times. We seem to have fallen upon these evils days spoken of in holy writ. How many happy homes have been broken up and how many hearts have been made to ache by the merciless foe!

March 14-18

We have no certain news of the enemy. Hear they are going towards Richmond. We have no mails from that place as the Yanks are somewhere on the railroad. We hear our Cavalry are after them. We hear a rumor that we have whipped Sherman south. God grant that it may be true. John starts for Richmond the middle of the week, via Lynchburg. He will have to do some walking on the way as the road has been much injured. Little Eliza very sick after he leaves. Poor little thing, she suffers so much. It would be a mercy for her to be taken. Ma is getting much better. Spring is coming on very fast. The flowers are blooming out and looking so charming and hopeful.

March 19-25

A bright beautiful day but no church as we can't get over the river. Fear we will get to be very heathens as I see no prospect for attending church for a while. Eliza continues very ill. Sue and Peggie Taylor both help to nurse her. Monday John Trice comes home. It seems he had no intention of going to the Yanks but high water and sickness kept him away so long. Eliza is better after Monday. Do some gardening during the week. Thursday the 23rd Dave arrives from the South. He is off on sick furlough and has been very ill and still looks badly. Tells us much of the Southern kin, their kindness to him, etc. Saturday the 25th is Ma's 72nd birthday. She is getting slowly over her fall; fear she will never be so active again.

March 26- April 1

A bright beautiful Sunday. We walk with Dave to see the ruin of the Iron Bridges. What a wreck of nature?

April 2-8

Sunday Richmond was evacuated by our Army. The Yankees occupy the city Monday morning at nine o'clock. Our fate is pretty well decided for the war at least as we may now consider ourselves out of our lines. Hope; however, we will not be honored by a visit from the Yanks very soon as we have not much to tempt them in the way of provision, valuables, etc. Tuesday night the 4th about midnight John Mac gets in. He has made the trip from Richmond partly by cars and the rest of the way on foot. Friday the 7th John and Dave start for the Army. John returned the same day as he hears good news, so concluded he need be in no hurry. Suppose we have seen the last of Dave for the war as he will not feel safe to return home now. Sad, sad, times.

April 9-15

Dark Days are upon us! Oh for one day of light. Sunday the 9th of April, General Lee surrendered the remains of the Army that left Richmond to General Grant at Appomattox Court House. This is a dark chapter in the history of the Old Mother of States and in the place of our proud motto we may well write Ichabod for our glory is gone. Our Hope seems to have bidden us adieu; may it be but for a season. We must learn to bear the yoke with meekness and patience and trust to the Good God to make it all right for us in His own good time. And our brave Old General, how his heart must ache for his country and all his brave men who have been with him through so much suffering. But both General and men must feel that no want of valor on their part has brought about the present state of affairs. Wednesday Dave gets back home as he finds he cannot get to The Army of Tennessee.

April 16-22

Easter Sunday. This joyful season is one of gloom and dread to us this year. May our present trials lead us to look now to Him who alone maketh wars to cease. Cadet Hugh Fry with us several days this week. We have some nice walks with him and Dave. Monday the 17th John Mac starts for Richmond. Thursday the 20th Dave says goodbye again, hopes he is now enroute for Missouri. Many rumours of help from the French this week but it all amounts to nothing. Get my flower garden worked up. News comes to us on Thursday the 20th that Abe Lincoln has been assassinated at the Theatre in Washington on the evening of the 14th by [John Wilkes] Booth, the actor. Seward [William H. Seward the Secretary of State] is also badly wounded.

April 23-29

No church. Monday Lizzie Dee, Lyd, Jimmy Minor and Nicky Lewis dine with us. Lyd tells me Mr. Coffman is living at Rugby attending lectures at the university and teaching the Rugby children. He is a paroled soldier ....[Visits made.] John Mac was heard from this week. He was three days getting home. All right at Ashland.

April 30-May 6

Sundays all spent at home now. Quiet times but we feel restless to hear what is to be our fate. Aunt Sally with us.

May 7-13.

The Yankees are about quite often now but they seem to have had their fangs drawn for they disturb no one and appear harmless. Dave sends us a supply of newspapers both Yankee and Richmond Yankee. The whole North seems to be howling over Lincoln's death. The Army of Tennessee under Joe Johnston surrendered to General Sherman on the 26th of April at Raleigh, N.C. Dave has turned up in Albemarle again. He did not get off to Missouri as he hoped [and] is waiting for funds. He has not been home yet. My nose cold is very bad, makes me really sick. Much stir and talk among the "people of color" about their freedom. May it prove as great a blessing to them as they anticipate .... [Had visitors and] Dave at home again.

May 14-20

John Mac with us for a few days this week. Calls at night on two occasions from our Yankee neighbors which causes a panic terror to the woman kind. We live in a state of constant excitement caused by the insolence and bad behavior of the darkies but poor, ignorant creatures they are hardly to be blamed. Their Kind Friends the Yanks have sadly disappointed them and the much talked of freedom has proved anything but a blessing so far. I'm very poorly with my cold; never had it so badly before.

May 21-27

Sunday at home as usual but it is anything but a day of rest. We all feel so uneasy and troubled in mind about the servants. The Yanks meddle so much with them and put such high notions in their heads. They (the servants) have an idea, say the Yanks told them, that we are to be driven off and all we have to be divided among them. Poor things, they'll soon find out that their share of anything the Yanks take from us will be but a small part, the Yanks taking the Wolf's share and the negros must be content with what the little lamb got. John leaves the middle of the week. He expects to return soon. I'm still very poorly with my cold.

May 28-June 3

Another Sunday of unrest. Oh, for some of the quiet peaceable days of yore!!! Fear they are never to come to us in our poor down trodden oppressed land. Charlotte and Mr. Randolph call one evening this week. My cold is no better. The news reaches us that [General Edmund] Kirby Smith has surrendered his command [all the Confederal Troops west of the Mississippi] to the federal govenment on the 26th of May. Well our last show for fight in the Southern Confederacy has gone now and we much acknowledge, galling as it is, that we are an over-powered and conquered people. The cherries are ripe and fine. A visit from Mr. Beach, the minister.

June 4-10

We are quieting a little; suppose we are getting used to the times. [This is] another proof of the wise Saul that we can get used to anything, even to taking off of our skins .... My cold quite well, it seemed to disappear in a night. My sympathies are all roused for our fallen Chieftain, Jeff Davis. The papers tell us that his captivity is attended with every severity and petty meanness that a Yankee can devise but the fallen hero will, I doubt not, rise above their indignities and show to the world how a true Patriot can suffer for his country. John arrives on Saturday.

June 11-17

Dull times ....On Wednesday the 14th, Dave says goodbye for Missouri. Believe he is really off this time. Emily and Tim [who had been slaves of the Anderson's] leave us this week. It makes me sad to see them go. It seems such a breaking up of old ties. I truly hope it will be for their good. Five of the women have left and nearly all the men so our household is much smaller.

June 18-24

Sick in bed all day Sunday. So much wet weather all this week which is bad on the harvest now in progress.

June 25-July 1

Dull times and warm weather. The Confederate Colonel Lady to dine with us this week. We are all of the opinion that he was nothing more or less than a Yankee. Make a visit to Rugby this week. Mr. Brown came for me in the little carriage on Wednesday and I have such a pleasant visit. They were all so glad to see me. Lydia comes up so we have quite a meeting. She has heard from home and her father has sent funds to carry her back so she is only waiting now for an escort. The dear child seems so happy at the prospect of soon being with her loved ones at home. Make some visits with sister Betty. Find Mr. Coffman, Mr. Shay and Dr. Moses numbered among the Rugby household. Am as much pleased with the last named gentleman as the rest of the family. Wonder how it will all end? [Dr. Moses will marry Louisa's niece, Betty Brown.]

July 2-8

At church for the first time since the winter. Have no sermon but Mr. Meade gives his reasons for using the prayer for The President of the United States and all in Authority. Put it on the sense of duty and supports his opinion by Bible authority and the true teachings of Christianity. I think he is all right but there are some among his congregation that do not agree with him. Mr. Meade and Miss Ann Leaton [principal of the Piedmont Academy] were married on the 27th of June. I get home from Rugby on Monday. Ellie Macmurdo comes up this week.

July 9-15

Quiet times at home. Mary Lewis and I walk one day to town to do some shopping. John goes off to Richmond this week. Eliza is very sick. Hear that Sue Bacon has arrived in Virginia [from Brooklyn, New York.] Can imagine the rejoicing over her at The Creek. Do some sewing. Make Ellen's dress and some other jobs. Read East Lynne.

July 16-22

A letter from sister Betty this week enclosing one from brother Peter written 30th of June. He has gotten back to Missouri; also brother William and both the Sams have come in. Little Sam surrendered with [General Kirby] Smith's army in the South. Sam Eastin was taken at Mobile and paroled. Brother Peter says he finds Missouri much changed during his four years absence .... Eliza is very ill all this week. On Wednesday we thought her dying but she revived a little towards evening. Mr. Meade was sent for and baptized both her and the little boy. John got up Wednesday.

July 23-29

Eliza is better. The cars run to town this week for the first time since the raid in March. The bridges have been rebuilt ....A long letter from sister Betty, also from Dr. Moses. They are very anxious for me to come up so Wednesday morning early I start off and walk up ....So much company but I don't enjoy it as they are really all strangers to me. Dr. Moses will leave on Tuesday next. I like him very much. Hope we may meet again. Lydia left Albemarle July 9th and as Dr. McGuffee met with a friend going direct to Missouri who took charge of her suppose she has reached home long ere this. I hear that Miss Vallant has arrived at Uncle Bobs. Oh, how I would enjoy seeing her. Don't know whether I am to have that pleasure. There seems to be so much bitter feeling afloat. I can't see or feel how and when she has done us so much wrong. I get home Saturday morning and find Eliza no better ....

July 30-Aug. 6

A dull quiet week. Nothing to note but John's departure on Wednesday for home. He may go as far as New York before he returns. I read Joseph II and his Court. It is very entertaining.

Aug. 6-12

Quite an unusual proceeding in the family. Mary Lewis and I walk over to church with Met for our escort. I stay the day with Cousin Isabella. We walk home late in the evening and are much surprised to find what a small undertaking it proved. Mr. Meade gave us a sermon ....Get a letter from Rugby telling me of Dr. Moses' departure; also of Lydia's safe arrival in Missouri.

Aug. 13-19

Go to church in the waggon and hear Mr. Meade.... See my old acquaintance Carrie Walker. She was in Yankeedom during the troubles. A letter at last from Lydia written a few days after her arrival home-July 28th. Must have been a long time making the trip. Says she had a pleasant trip home. Her brothers and sisters she found so much grown and changed. She would never have known them. Her father and mother both look older. Her Uncle Peter she thinks will be married soon. Lyd thinks Missouri "don't do to live in" after Virginia. Says the people are so Yankeeized there she thinks she will never be satisfied to live among them. A letter was also received in the house from David dated July 27th informing us of his safe arrival in Missouri. Said he was living on the fat of the land and enjoying himself much ....[Letters received and written; visits paid and received.] Sister Betty sends me a long letter which she lately received from brother Peter. It is very satisfactory for he gives an account of himself and his peregrinations during the last four years. He laughs at the report of his taking unto himself another wife but did not positively deny it. Says he must leave Missouri. Thinks something of Danville, Kentucky.

Aug. 20-26

At church and hear Mr. Meade...Go after service to Mr. Woods to eat watermellons. Tuesday Mammy Eliza, Met, the children and I take a peach hunt. Have a nice ride but find but few peaches. Wednesday go down to Music Hall with sister Betty and Jimmy Brown. Have a gay time. Sister Betty is in such fine spirits. See Miss Vallant and Sue Bacon. Miss Vallant has improved in appearance and health. Sue is the same cheerful happy body of old. They both seem very glad to see us all again. Miss Vallant tells me of her plans and prospects. She seems to be doing well; has a large and growing school and lives with Mrs. Arrowsmith in Brooklyne. Mr. Bacon has made money during the war. Sue talks of buying a part of The Creek Farm and building on it. Says she can't live among the Yanks any longer. I don't think any of us Rebs can hate the Yankees any harder than she does. We have some pleasant little gatherings at Music Hall, The Creek and Castalia. Robert's friend, Mr. Ford, is stopping at Music Hall and we find him very entertaining. He repeats poetry so beautifully. His brother is also down; he is a pleasant old man. Saturday, sister Betty leaves me .... George Macon calls to pay me some money [this is probably interest from Tom Meriwether's bond] which is very acceptable.

Aug. 27-Sept. 2

No church. I'm with Miss Vallant then at Music Hall or Castalia until she leaves on Tuesday when Lizzie and I take her to the Depot in the ox cart a la King of Dahominy. Sunday evening Sue Stanford [Bacon] and Nicky [Lewis] join us at sister Mary's and we have a quiet happy time. Mr. Ford makes himself very interesting. We propose that he and Miss Vallant should "join forces" and fix up matters between them. [With their] being compatriots it seems very suitable. Well, I'm glad I've seen the little woman. She is just as dear to me as she ever was. My friend Emily Griswold, I hear from Miss Vallant, has been in New York and is still in America. She expects to return to Africa again this Fall when she intends to take herself a husband who is a missionary, of course. Aunt Sally and I take a jaunt to the Flat Woods to see Alice and Jimmy [Lewis.] They are living in a tiny little house but large enough for the times and their family. There will be quite a Lewis Settlement in The Flat Woods when Sue Bacon and Willie [William Stanford Lewis] both pitch their tents there as they both expect to. Find Mr. Coffman at Music Hall when I get back in the evening. He is making a visitation in the neighborhood before commencing his school at Rugby. Thursday I get home escorted by Mr. Coffman and Jimmy Brown. Find Ma very poorly. She has been quite sick while I've been away. Daddy is off on a trip to the Blue Ridge. John is up. A letter from Dave waiting for me at home containing a very pretty picture of Maggie [Dave's sister, Maggie Anderson.]

Friday, Ellen and I go shopping, an unusual proceding these hard times. Mary Lewis is staying in town having her teeth fixed. Daddy gets home Friday. The children quite sick ....

Sept. 3-9

No church. Quiet dull times. Bully [son of Sue Anderson and John Macmurdo] very poorly. I do some sewing and begin to dry apples for winter. As warm weather as I've ever felt. Met starts to school on Monday to Jeff Taylor at Shadwell. Make my new calico dress and commence Ma's. The baby is better.

Sept. 10-16

No church. Monday cousins Howel and Sarah and Sue Bacon dine with us ....Sue will wing her way northward soon but she hopes to come back sometime soon and live in Virginia. Wednesday Mammy Eliza, Daddy, John, Ellie and I go to dine at Shadwell by invitation. Find Mrs. Bennet, Helen Carlton and Mary Meriwether there. Have a pleasant day. Charlotte [Randolph] is very sweet and kind in her own house. A letter from Sister Betty enclosing one from brother Peter. Sister Betty says they commenced their school with 23 pupils; could have gotten forty if they had only made arrangements in time. [Mr. Coffman is the teacher.] The lovers have all been heard from lately. Dr. Moses was at the White Mountains. M.H. Frank and his sister expect to be in Albemarle in October. Susie's Folkes [Susie Brown's friend, Mr. Folkes] has just left Rugby. Brother Peter's letter was to Susie. He had just returned from a trip to Kentucky and Tennessee attending to the settlement of Cousin Laurie Vaughan's affairs. Finish Ma's new calico this week. Get on finely with the apple drying. Dave has been heard from. He expects to go into the mercantile business ....I can see Dave behind a counter measuring off Calico, tape, etc. How are the mighty fallen!...

Sept. 17-23

No church. A little touch of Fall this week; cool enough for fire. Write to Dave. Had a long sweet letter from brother Peter. He tells me dear little Sally is at Holly Springs and very poorly off in the world. Jabe lost everything he had with the Confederacy. Sally is selling her clothes for the necessaries of life. Brother Peter intends helping her. He seems to have determined to stay in Missouri. Will go to his farm and stay. Says he is now much the Ban of the Empire. Cannot practice law but he can't give up Missouri. Will stay, hoping for better times. Will keep Lewis [his son, Nicholas Lewis Minor] at home with him. Has engaged an educated north to instruct him. I read The Adventures of Philip by Thackeray and enjoy it ....

Sept. 24-30

Such an excitement during the night and early Sunday morning. The stable was broken open early in the night and one of the best horses taken out. John Mac and Daddy start off in the night to try and overtake the rogues. They return about night fall-bring no tidings of the horse. Don't suppose she will ever be heard from again. This is the second fine horse Daddy has had stolen from him since the first of July. Mary Lewis gets home on monday with a fine new set of teeth which are a great improvement to her appearance. Saturday John and Ellie start for Richmond. Poor little Bully, I don't know how he will exist without his "Ministering Angel." We will all miss Ellie for she is a sweet good girl. Very dry weather.

Oct. 1-7

Ma, Ellen and I go down in the waggon to Uncle Bob's on Monday to spend a week. Mammy Eliza and Dick are also of the party but they return after dinner. Ma seems to enjoy herself. I make sister Mary several visits; also call on Cousin Peggie Nelson but Uncle Bob's is Head Quarters. We return on Saturday. Quite a motly crowd in the waggon vis the White Folks, Ann, Uncle Hatter, two turkeys, a goose and sundry bags, bottles, jugs, bundles, etc. Find a letter for me at home from Dave. He has decided to make a doctor of himself which profession I imagine will be much more to his taste than that of merchandizing ....

Oct. 8-14

A dull Sunday. Monday, I hear my cousins Frank and Lou Ellen Anderson have arrived at Rugby. Sister Betty sends me word to come up. Wish I could go. Make my pickles this week ....Friday John Mac comes.

Oct. 15-21

A dull rainy Sunday. Chilling winds tell us that winter is at hand. Monday I go up to Rugby to see Frank and Lou Anderson. Find them away on a visit to cousin Fanny Hart but they return in time for me to see them. They are both as affectionate and sweet as I could wish them. Both say, "Aunt Lou." While at Rugby sister Betty and I take a tramp to town visiting. Dine at Cousin George's and call at several places. The young folks at Rugby have a a gay time-company every evening. Susie's old beau Julian Pruitt is married. I feel glad of it on his account. Get home Thursday evening. A letter from Sally. She is living at Holly Springs and though poorly off in the world thinks she will be able to get along. As usual she finds kind friends who help her. Jabe is practicing his profession and hopes to make a living in time. A note from Lizzie Dee. She is a real friend. I feel thankful to her for her interest in me.

Oct. 22-28

Do a good deal of sewing this week. Have our neighbors ....to dine with us ....[Letters received and written.]

Oct. 29-Nov. 4

Go to church. Mr. Meade being sick we go to the Presbyterian Church but are too late to hear anything but the conclusion of Dr. McGuffie's sermon. See sister Betty and Frank. Have a kiss in the church door. Finish Ma's chemises and do some other work. A letter from brother Peter. He is down on Robert Lewis for some of his impertinent meddling. Get my flowers in winter quarters. Start a hen house again ....

Nov. 5-12

On Saturday the 1lth, I had a letter from Ellen Lewis telling me Lizzie Minor Lewis had a daughter born on Thursday, Nov. 2nd. They think of calling her Annie Laurie after sister Mary's dear little lost darling. Lizzie is doing well. A quiet week at home teaching, reading, sewing etc. I'm reading over some of [Sir. Walter] Scott's novels. Write to brother Peter and Lydia.

Nov. 12-18

Spend most of Sunday reading Cardophonia. Go on Tuesday to Rugby to attend a party which the young folks have on Wednesday night. I enjoy it much, especially the dancing and supper. Make some nice acquaintances ....I get home Thursday feeling tired and stiff which is not surprising when such old people indulge in such gaieties. A letter from Dave. He is working hard; wants to accomplish in 18 months what usually requires three years. While at Rugby see Mr. Shay who has called on his way to New Orleans to say good bye. Believe he was really grieved to take leave of his Virginia friends. [He will return and marry Julia Lewis of The Creek.]....I forgot to mention that while at Rugby I was introduced to Susie's betrothed, Mr. Folkes. He is pleasant looking and is agreeable. I think I shall like him on better acquaintance. Write to Ellen Lewis.

Nov. 19-26

Dull quiet contented times. Finish Ma a calico dress and do some knitting for Mr. Brown.

Nov. 26-Dec. 2

Go to church and hear Mr. Meade....An old sermon but one I had wished often to hear again. Mary Lewis and I spend a day this week with Charlotte [Randolph,] at least I stay one day, Mary Lewis several. Read Lyrelea aloud to Ma. It is fascinating but a very uncomfortable kind of a book. Ma gets so nervous towards the end that she declines listening .... [Letters written.]

Dec. 3-9

A Sunday at home ....[Letters written and received including one from] Ellen Lewis. She tells me Lizzie Dee has gone to New York to see Miss Vallant and Mrs. Arrowsmith. I think I should be afraid to venture among the Yanks unless I was certain their claws were cut. Our convocation going on. I attend Wednesday and hear a good sermon from Mr. Latane .... Also attend Saturday and Sunday ....Come home in the snow ....[Letters written.] Mary Lewis staying from home. We have quiet dull times. John Mac leaves for a visit to Ashland Saturday.

Dec. 10-16

Hear Mr. Latane....Finish reading Cardiphonia. Letters from Lyd and Dr. Moses. Lydia's is quite a family letter as she tells me about each member of her family circle. Dr. Moses was still in Yankee land, but expected to be in Tennessee by the New Year. He expresses many kind wishes for my welfare and hopes we may meet again, in which I heartily join. Sue and I call at neighbor Taylor's. Sue Taylor lends me a supply of books.

Dec. 17-23

Do not go to church. Read The Lives of the Three Mrs. Judsons. A very readable book. A letter from Dave. He tells me The Conquered Banner is by a lady of St. Louis, a Miss Irene Schomberg. John Mac comes home Tuesday. The hardest times I ever saw. Even in the days of the Confederacy money was never as hard to get. No one seems to have any. People really appear to be living without money but it is right hard to do. Hogs killed this week.

Dec. 24-30

A very quiet Sunday at home. Monday is Xmas Day but we are dull in the superlative degree. The Freedmen seem to be having all the fun and goodies. We find it very hard to get them to attend to any of our wants. They seem to think we have no right to ask any favors of them for they are as free as we [while] at the same time they are getting their daily allowance from the whitefolks. This is a sad change for us, certainly, but we must be patient and hope for better things. I spend my Xmas writing and reading .... Mary Lewis comes home Thursday. She seems to have had a nice time. Brought us a piece of wedding cake. Our only visitor during the holidays was Met Macmurdo who spends a day and night with us. He has now a place on the Central Railroad ....

One year ago-what loves, what schemes,
Fan into life!
What joyous hopes, what high resolves,
What generous strife!
Lord of the living and the dead!
Our Saviour dear,
We lay in silence at Thy feet
This sad, sad year.

Yes, it has indeed been a sad, sad year but may we have faith to believe it will be all right in the end. God is now afflicting us for some wise purpose, I doubt not but if we fear the rod and Him that appointeth it, in His own good time He will deliver us from our oppressors.