Yankees at Plenitude--Meridian captured

        He tells me the Yankees were at Plenitude yesterday evening. They have pressed Plant's Mill and are hauling corn from the surrounding country to that place. They have no waggon train or artillery along with them: consequently they must be taking people's waggons and teams as well as corn. They move very slowly and some think they design remaining in that country. There is much alarm at Pontotoc: everybody that can get away are going to the flatwoods, to remain untill the Yankees pass on. About Columbus there is much apprehension. The city is almost deserted: all the stores have been moved and the citizens have moved out to their farms in the surrounding country. About Starkville there is concern from the apprehension of being cut off from Mobile. The Yankees took possession of Meridian saturday at 12 o'clock. All of the army has gone to Mobile, Loring's division excepted. Mobile is threatened by a heavy column from Pascagoula. To sum up today's news in a few words Mississippi has fallen into the hands of the Yankees, the Confederate army having evacuated the State. I can hear nothing of the State troops. Forrest is at Abbeville. It seems he has repulsed a federal column which was attempting to cross Tallahatchie at Tobatubbies's ferry. What the upshot of present movements will be: time alone

will reveal. Jo Phillips heard at L. W. Brown's Mill that the Yankees were 4 miles from there today. These moves indefinitely postpones some of my cherished plans, but God reigns.

February 17, 1864

From New Albany

        I neglected to note yesterday that Mr. Rogan of Ripley belonging to Wilcox's Brigade, Anderson's Division, passed on his way back to Virginia, I think he expects to make his way to Tuscaloosa, Ala. He reports that on monday the Yankees sent a scout from New Albany to within 10 miles of Ripley.

        This morning is very cold--ice is to be seen wherever there is water. The day has been bright but cold. This evening late it clouded & tonight is closely clouded but it is too cold to rain. A Tennessean of Madison Co. near Denmark passed up from Okolona with a wounded son this forenoon. The son was wounded at Chickamauga. About Okolona the people are much stirred up. Forrest and Gholson are at Pontotoc. The Yankees are still at New Albany 40 thousand strong. Elij Seals passed down this evening. He gives He gives later news from N Albany. The federals left there monday morning, leaving 200 men to guard the bridge across Tallahatchie. The Yankees represent their numbers as 10,000 but Seals thinks 5000 will be nearer the truth. They are said to be under the command of Grierson and say they are going to Okolona. Another regiment crossed at New Albany yesterday evening going below, and they say that more troops are

coming on behind. Some say the baggage train is still to come. Evidently there is a strong federal column passing below. I have not heard whether they have gone below Plenitude yet or not. This evening I hear that Gholson is at Chesterville-- but if the Yankees are as strong as we hear, we have no troops to retard their advance much. Wrote to Todd Young this morning. Rode up to J. O. Nelson's this evening to take some letters to W. R. Nelson to convey to the army. Did not see him. His sister Mrs. Miller told me that his plan was to start tomorrow but she did not know whether he would get off or not. The other boys (Lowry recruits) also intended leaving tomorrow, but it is doubtful whether they get off.

        Uncle Jo over this evening. My ride to Nelson's was very cold and unpleasant.

February 18, 1864

Additional from the Yankees

        It was snowing this morning when I got up. Elij Seals told me yesterday that on tuesday evening late 8 or ten Yankees were at Porter Duff's foraging, they came from New Albany. The morning was very cold. It continued to snow for a few hours, the ground was a little whitened. But it then cleared and was bright and clear but cold--very cold. Some say this evening is colder than the morning. Tonight is a swinger.

        This morning Uncle Jo came over and reported the Yankees not far away. far away. Uncle Wash's negroes came over with their stock,

and said there were plenty of Yankees at Jno. MacDaniel's this morning. I did not credit the report, but Pa sent his mules to the woods immediately after dinner. I went along, and we sat around a blazing fire in the woods untill after sundown when we came in. Nothing more was heard of the Yankees and I am of the opinion that the alarm was a "hoax". Saw a Mr. Roberts from off Tallahatchie pass the road just after dinner. He said that the Yankees were in the Pannel settlement 3 miles west of Ellistown day before yesterday (tuesday). They tore up Capt. Pannel and Jonathan Dye and in that county are hauling off all the corn and meat and taking all the stock they can find. They were camped at Boswell's near Liberty Church. Robert thinks they are still getting reinforcements from above. Lowry's regiment were to leave West Point tuesday morning for Redland. This is the first reliable news from the State cavalry. Two soldiers passed this morning just from Dalton the 10th inst. They came via Tuscaloosa walking from that place. Tuscaloosa is the nearest point to which they can come by public conveyance. Everything is quiet at Dalton. The troops are reinlinting. It is supposed that the Yankees have Meridian. The 32nd is still at Tunnel Hill when he left.

February 19, 1864

Yankee devastations

        This morning was cold--The day has been bright and clear. Walked over to Uncle Jo's, learn that yesterday's alarm was groundless.

        This evening after dinner rode down to Mr. Young's in search of items, and have gathered a good many items. The Yankees are slowly advancing southward devastating and destroying as they go. They have stripped Esq. Huston, Isaac Smith, Cannon and many other citizens. Have taken every one of Joshua Pitts' negroes. They have done a heap of mischief. On wednesday their waggon train was rolling down the road continuously. Corn & provisions & fowls and negroes have been taken with unsparing hand. A heavy guard was still at New Albany. They camped tuesday night at Cherry Creek, and were in Pontotoc on Wednesday. Mr. Privet came up late and says the Yankees have all left New Albany yesterday evening late, and this is confirmed, and I suppose is really so. He also reports that at Pontotoc the Yankees took the Grenada road. I do most heartily sympathize with the friends in Buncombe.

        Came up home later, a cold ride. Find some of Forrest's men here hunting their command. Capt. Anderson of McNairy, Capt. Timberlake of Madison & Hart of Henderson. They are very nice men belonging to Wilson's Reg't in Bell's Brigade. They are hunting Forrest and think they will find him down below Okolona. A Mr. Mayes of Medon furloughed from Dalton (a footman) also here tonight. He walked from Demopolis. We have no soldiers there. It is thought some troops will be sent there from Dalton soon.

        Rogers' negro passed back from Cotton Gin this evening. He says a courier came to Mooresville yesterday who reports the Yankees between Pontotoc and Houston, and it was expected that Forrest

would give them fight today. Mr. Mayes had a Mississippian of the 13th. Nothing special in it, Mississippi news there is none. Gen. Wise has driven the Yankees from John's Island, near Charleston. The Gov. of Ala. calls for the boys &c to organize to repel raids which now threaten the heart of that State. Mr. Mayes says that the Southern Road at McDowell's Landing is crowded with trains & enemies. The impression at Demopolis is that Polk has fallen back to Enterprise. No trains run farther west than Demopolis.

        Much uneasiness prevails about Selma

February 20, 1864

        Messrs. Mayes, Hart, Anderson & Timberlake left after breakfast for their respective destinations. See 3 furloughed Tennesseans of Haywood Go. pass up the road this morning. They came on foot from Demopolis.

        The day has been pleasant. Uncle Jo was over and dined here. We imagined we heard cannonading in a south west direction, but may have been mistaken. Several persons, furloughed Tennesseans, have passed during the day and our news is very conflicting. No two men tell the same tale. The Yankees were reported a few miles west of us but I discredit it. This evening Mr. Thomas and 2 others, furloughed soldiers of the 54th Tennessee stopped and are spending the night. They are on their way back to Johnston's army: & live in Madison Co. Tenn. The Yankees who have gone below through N. Albany came from Union City through Madison Co.

        After dark a Mr. White, son of Dr. White, Episcopalian minister

at Memphis, came in on his way to Hernando to visit his wife. White is now a transportation agent at Atlanta. He came through from Selma by private conveyance. Mr. Todd of Pontotoc Co. is taking [him] in a little waggon. White reports the Yankees at Aberdeen on thursday. They are said to have passed through Tupelo yesterday. These Tupelo Yankees are supposed to be a detachment from a Camp at Poplar Springs this side of Pontotoc. On yesterday I heard they shot and killed Rev. Lewis Ball, a popular Baptist preacher.

        Polk has fallen back 15 miles south of Meridian, Sherman commands there. His force consists of McPherson and Hurlbut's Corps, about 35,000 men. Mr. White has some Atlanta papers of the 12th which I looked at tonight. Thackeray, the author, died Dec. 24th. J. B. Clay died recently in Canada. There is a rumor that the Yankees are flanking Johnston towards Rome. On friday the 12th Forrest fought the Yankees at Wyatt, and repulsed them. His present whereabouts is unknown. It is rumored below here that Gen. Gholson has been mortally wounded somewhere within a few days. The soldiers (furloughed) of whom I have seen a goodly number, all seem in good spirits. Evidently Mississippi has been abandoned to the complete possession of the Yankees. To use a common expression "our State has gone up."

        Received tonight a letter from John Agnew dated the 6th inst. The project of reinlistment is being agitated in the 32nd. Only 3 persons in Co. B favor the scheme. This was my evening to have gone to Hopewell but I have deemed it inadvisable to go in consequence

of the unsettled state of the country. I am unable to ascertain whether there are any Yankees near that neighborhood, but think it very probable there are some about Poplar Springs.

February 21, 1864

An alarm at church--Yankees at Chesterville

        Sabbath. Our lodgers of last night started on their way after breakfast. They considered it "a work of necessity" to travel on the Sabbath.

        The day has been very pretty: tonight however is a little clouded. Rode out to Church--a respectably sized congregation were present, but before the people went to the Church, Uncle Young's Jo came up bringing the report that the Yankees were in Yarnaby bottom coming up this way. The congregation took the alarm and immediately dispersed. Came over home and read Calvin's Institutes. Finished the 2d Book of the work today.

        Have heard several items today but what we hear is very contradictory. John McGee is home on furlough from Tunnel Hill. Thad Bryson also reached his father's this morning. The report of the Yankees being at Aberdeen is contradicted. The general report at Church today was that they were in Yarnaby bottom, and tonight I have certainly learned that there was a batch certainly at Chesterville. Six of them were captured by some of our men in that neighborhood this morning. It seems hard to get the truth about the Yankees. It is now said that none are camped about Poplar

Springs. Neil Galloway went down into Buncombe yesterday evening. He will bring an account of things in that country. Tonight about 8 o'clock or a little after Uncle Jo passed going to the Cross Roads. Some 15 of Ham's men are camped tonight in Brice's wood lot. A man passed Uncle Jo's after dark running from Gambrell's. He told the negroes that the Yankees were coming across country and had drove him from Gambrell's since dark. I do not know whether there is any truth in the account or not. A Negro Thomas belonging to Jno. Hanna of the 54th Tenn. Reg't passed this evening making his way from Gibson Co. Tenn. to his master in Johnston's army. He is a faithful servant. His master gave him a pass home from Dalton in Dec. and now he is making his way back. He certainly deserves credit for his fidelity.

February 22, 1864

Current reports

        Up early and immediately after breakfast rode west to ascertain facts in reference the report of Yankees at Gambrell's. At Uncle Jo learned that it was not so. A young Jones, son of widow Jones, started the report. His conduct is worthy of the severest censure.

        The day throughout has been clear and pretty. Wrote a letter to Jno. D. Agnew in the forenoon, Uncle Jo over this evening. He has heard that the Yankees are building a bridge across the Tombigby at Aberdeen. E. S. Hammond passed this evening. He has recently married a daughter of Orlando Davy. He says that through a negro he understands that more Yankees were passing through Alabama saturday

and sabbath. Forrest on tuesday was at Sarepta, Chalmers at Houston, and Gholson at West Point. A Memphis Bulletin of the 17th reports the Federals at Meridian. Polk is represented as being between Meridian and Jackson. Banks is moving along the coast against Mobile, the bombardment of Fort Morgan is reported to have commence. There is also a movement from Larkin's Ferry on the Tennessee down the Coosa Valley. Gen. W. L. Smith commands the Feds who have passed through New Albany.

        Rode over to Aunt Rilla's late this evening. Was surprised to find Aunt Sarah Agnew there. She came up from Verona saturday. There had been no Yankees there up to saturday morning: neither at Tupelo. There were some at Okolona on friday and they had burnt some stores. They had also been at Egypt--and the idea below is that they have gone from Okolona down the Rail Road. Aunt Sarah did not know whether any had been at Aberdeen or not. About Verona the country has been full of the wildest kind of reports, but they have nearly all proven false. It is thought these false alarms mostly are started by deserters. Noticed this evening two Tennesseans going back to the army, they are from Shelby Co. One was named Herring, the other was an Irishman who Herring called Dennis. They were fotting it.

February 23, 1864

Tennesseans going to the army

        After breakfast rode home. Met in Phillips' lane several footmen and one horseman: they were Tennesseans from Fayette and

Tipton Counties going to Bragg's army as Johnston's troops are still called. They were here last night and I hear give very entertaining accounts of the times in West Tennessee during the Yankee occupation. Maj. Beaty told me this morning that he saw Alex Lowry yesterday evening. Lowry told him that the Yankees were scattered from Aberdeen to Meridian. Our troops were concentrating at Starkville opposite them. The day has been clear and pretty. Mr. Bryant was here for dinner, he was hunting corn. This evening Uncle Jo was over. During the day the news was that the Yankees were all gone down the Railroad below Okolona.

        Late this evening rode down to Uncle Young's & spend the night, Miss Mollie McGee was there. As I went down Frank Branyan told me that there was an alarm of Yankees this evening. They were reported 4 miles this side of Chesterville coming this way. The neighbors there had their stock out. Went on to Mr. Young's. The alarm had subsided. Gambrell's scout got back this evening and they report Forrest driving the Yankees back. Forrest could not get in their front untill they got down near Tibbie. There he got them turned. At Okolona they made a stand on monday, but Forrest drove them away with considerable loss. Col. Jeff Forrest was killed at Okolona. Forrest with one regiment charged 4 Federal reg'ts and routed them. There we captured 15 pieces of artillery, which some say is all they had. The pursuit still continues. There was fighting near Redland monday evening. The Yankees passed through Pontotoc monday night going towards New Albany. As the Yankees retreated they

destroyed vast quantities of corn and burned every gin house they came to. Gambrell's men heard firing this evening towards Poplar Springs and they conjectured the Yankees were in that quarter.

February 24, 1864

The Yankee retreat

        Uncle Young's negroes report having heard firing last night about 10 o'clock in a western direction. Came up home soon after breakfast, and have lolled about doing nothing of much moment. From several passers by have heard several items confirmatory of yesterday's news. The Yankees have gone back towards Memphis, having crossed Tallahatchie at New Albany 3 o'clock monday evening and fed that night at Norvell's and Graham's. One of them told a citizen that they had been south and got whipped like hell. They filled the ford of the river with logs &c so that Forrest could not cross after them. He however sent 60 men over to follow and see where they went. Forrest pressed them hard between Pontotoc and New Albany, especially at Cherry Creek, and Oconita. The road from Aberdeen to Pontotoc is strewed with dead Yankees. The Yankee loss is heavy in killed, wounded and prisoners: ours comparatively light. Col. Jeff Forrest at Okolona killed a Yankee Colonel, when two of his men shot him, Gen. Forrest killed 2 who were trying to kill him. We have not the particulars in reference to the localities and details of the different fights. The Feds travelled the whole of Monday night going towards Holly Springs. The enemy on the route lost all their artillery and waggon train. I think

it cost them more than it came to. Mrs. Abrams was here this evening wanting to get a bale of cotton to take to Memphis. She did not get any. The day has been very pretty, perfectly clear but a little smoky.

February 25, 1864

Gambrell's Independent Scouts

        This day has been fair and pleasant, but very smoky, owing to the prevalence of fires. Uncle Jo had fire out in his farm this evening and was fighting it. Assist the girls in their flower yard during the morning, also finished the 5th Chapter of Romans in my critical studies. This evening study with a view to a sermon for Sabbath.

        Saw R. C. Richey this morning. He tells me that Ham has been ordered back to West Point. Ham in the pursuit was the last to leave off. His Battalion drove the Yankees from Pontotoc and Cherry Creek. At Pontotoc Jas. Sutherland was severely wounded. Tonight a Mr. Beanland, a lad, is here. He belongs to Gambrell's Independent scouts. Gambrell is just back from a scout after the Yankees. He killed 1 and captured 2 about 3 miles this side of Tippah on yesterday. The idea among the Yankees was that they would stop on the other side of Tippah and rest a few days. The most important fight was between West Point and Tibbie. This was on Sabbath. The 7 Indiana, 14th New Jersey and 4th Regulars were along. Gambrell has captured 10 Yankees during this Yankee expedition. He is a brave man and an effective scout. He proposes making a scout towards

Meridian soon. They start on the 8th inst.

February 26, 1864

Sermonizing

        This day has been fair but very smoky, especially early in the morning and late this evening. I have been busily engaged writing a sermon, Micah 2:10. This has kept me engaged the whole day. I finished it tonight.

        Mr. John Anderson, wife and child called in before dinner and sat till about 4 o'clock. They had been to Guntown. Pa had gone over to the Hughes' farm and did not return till the middle of the afternoon, and it devolved on me to do the entertaining: not a very pleasant task especially as I had a sermon on hand and wished to devote my entire time to that. My guests were not of the most refined character and it was rather an unpleasant service. Harvey Hawthorne called at the gate this evening. He has been down in the neighborhood a few days and was returning, He had no news. It is rumored that Col. Inge was killed at Okolona. Hear from two passers by tonight that it is rumored that the Yankees have been driven from Meridian, and it is thought that in 5 or 6 weeks trains will be running up the M & C R R again. But it is a rumor and may or may not be so. Have tonight a singular pain in the large intestine opening at the anus, a short distance above the anus.

February 27, 1864

Smoke--depredations

        This morning and entire forenoon has been very smoky, as much

so as I have seen lately. The sun shines out however in a dim way.

        Have been all forenoon writing a letter to N E M to send by Uncle Jo to West Point. I have not seen anyone outside of the family and have not heard any news. About 1/2 after 1 I started to Hopewell, and rode to Hugh Caldwell's where I spent the night.

        This evening the smoke very dense. It looked as if the whole country was being burned off. Saw no fire out but notice considerable tracts of woods which have been burnt within a short time. This will perhaps account for the superabundance of smoke.

        Got from Mr. Caldwell reliable accounts of the Yankee depredations in that neighborhood. The accounts we have had were much exagerated. They camped several days at Cornelius, above Tardyville, and the people along the main Pontotoc road were badly torn up. Sloan's crib was burned, B. Harper's gin was also burnt. In the Hopewell neighborhood they did much damage, searching houses, and taking corn, fodder and meat, and pilfering little articles from their houses. At Houston's they only took 3 negroes who are believed to have gone away of their own accord. They took none of his corn and very little if any of his meat. John Stephenson had all his fodder and a good part of his corn taken. Barton Jones, Isaac Smith, Jerry Neal, Mrs. Stephenson &c were principle sufferers. They were at Wiley's Mill but not at his house. They did him no harm. They captured Moses Roberts, some think that Mosey threw himself purposely in their way, but I cannot think so. They did not interfere with

citizens who are not in the army. Tonight I hear that Forrest was fighting the Yankees about Holly Springs on friday and got the worst of it. But the report is discredited. I was also told this evening by Jno. Wages, Sr. that the Yankees were at Holly Springs reinforcing from Memphis and swearing by all that is good that they will go back and give Forrest a thrashing. They acknowledge that Forrest gave them the worst kind of a whipping.

February 28, 1864

A sad occurrence in Buncombe

        Sabbath. This morning was still smoky but by noon the smoke lifted up and it was cloudy and tonight a cold mist of rain is falling.

        Rode out to Hopewell and preached from Micah 2:10. Had one of my sick brushes during the sermon and had to conclude with a very short prayer. Dine with Maj. Wiley and rode home after dinner. Had a respectable congregation. The chief topic of remark was a sad occurrence which transpired last night. It seems that some men (supposed to be Steel and Coleman) went last night to Milton Dunlap's and fired his fodder stack. Dunlap went out to see about it, and the scamp fired at him inflicting dangerous wounds in his right breast and the calf of his leg. Mrs. Sim Pannel and Miss Sallie McKeown being near neighbors, hearing the cries of Dunlap children, went to see what it meant, accompanied by Allen Miller, who was spending the night at Mr. Pannel's. When they got near Dunlap's the scoundrels fired on them, hitting Mrs. Pannel in the right shoulder, left side, and ankle. Miss McKeown's clothing was

pierced by the bullets. The scamps then went to Pannels corn crib and burned it to the ground. This was a high handed proceeding. Messrs. Steel and Coleman have been arrested. What could have impelled any one to commit such a deed cannot be imagined by me. The wounds inflicted on Mrs. Pannel and Mr. Dunlap are very severe but it is hoped they will not be mortal.

        Hear today that on the 17th Polk was at Demopolis fortifying and Sherman at Meridian engaged in the same way. Later accounts report the Yankees to have fallen back to Jackson, some say after a fight, and others without one. Charlie Liddell and Silvanus Johnson furloughed from the 45 Reg't were at Church today. H. Mitchell got home yesterday. On the way he heard that their reg't would be sent to Meridian very shortly.

        Rec'd tonight a letter from J. F. Y. dated the 13th. Nothing special in it. Rev. Wilson Frierson died about the 25th ulto Jan'y) at Meridian. He was on his way home. Aunt Sarah came home with our people from Church and she and Mary are at Uncle Jo's tonight.

February 29, 1864.

A rainy, inclement day.

        First noticed peach blooms for this season on saturday evening the 27th. Mother saw one on friday, but the first I saw was on saturday. It rained I think all of last night. And the day throughout has been rainy, cool and inclement. It has rained slowly but almost continuously and has been so unpleasant that I have mostly sat by the fire within doors, amusing myself by teasing and quizzing

Erskine. Miss Davis was down this forenoon. Her father is no better, but perhaps worse. Frank Young came up this evening and sat awhile with us. Have heard from several sources today that the Yankees have left Meridian. Some say they have gone away and others they were driven. An ox waggon from Memphis passed this evening with the body of Lt. Col. Hamilton who died recently at Johnson's Island. It is being carried home for burial. The gentleman along told me they left Memphis wednesday and he says they met the worst whipped set of Yankees he ever saw. He also reports having heard that the Yankees were driven back from Meridian and also that there has been a big battle in Virginia in which the Yankees were as badly whipped as they ever have been. These are the reports he brings. Time will prove whether it is true.

        Tonight the rain is still falling--more heavily I think than in daylight and without intermission. The water gurgling through the gutters and falling on the housetop makes a monotonous music which courts sleep.

March 1, 1864

Rain--freshet--

        When I lay down last night it was raining--when I awakened (before 5) it was raining heavily--when I got up it was still raining and the presumption is that it rained the entire night, without any intermission. About 9 o'clock it sleeted awhile. After that a fine mist of snow fell. This evening has cleared and it is cold. The creeks and branches are very full, much water having fallen.

        Pa had the young sow which he has been fattening killed this evening. She weighed 203 lbs. Took a long tramp down the creek in the wheat field hunting some hides which were soaking in the creek and which were washed away this freshet. Three are still missing. Perhaps when the water runs down we may find them, The walk was wet and muddy.

        John Martin over this morning and sat till near noon. Pa has been making himself a pr of pumps today. He has finished one of them. Do a little on critical study. Have not heard any news during the day. And the day has been so unpleasant that there has been very little passing. Drayton Bryson is home from Va.--he will start back thursday next.

        On Sabbath Hugh Jams & Mrs. Margaret Caldwell paid me $20.00 stipends. I learn that Bill Wiley and wife are at Mrs. Phillips' now.

March 2, 1864

Company

        We have this morning a white frost, the ground is frozen and now that the sun has risen everything in smoking as on a winter morning. Attend to the salting away of the hog which was killed yesterday. We have had a very pretty day overhead but very muddy under foot. We have had a great deal of company during the day. William Wiley and wife, and Mrs. Phillips dined with [us] and spent the day here. Also Aunt Sarah, Mrs. Henderspn, Petty Twitchell, & Alfred O. Shields. This was a considerable company. Mrs. Phillips

paid me $7.00 for schooling, but unfortunately I have lost it and cannot find it. Aunt Sarah and Mary came over before dinner. She (A. Sarah) is in trouble about her interest in the estate. Mrs. Henderson met her here desiring to go over and assist in packing up her things but she went home as she had not time to do much. Aunt Sarah has gone to Gambrell's this evening taking Mary with her. Uncle Jo passed on to his command this morning. It is now at Buena Vista. He carries my letter to N E M to mail. I understand they have mails again at Okolona. This is good news to me. Trains are said to be now running to Meridian and the hope is expressed that they will soon come up into our country. The Yankees have certainly fallen back to Jackson, or Vicksburg, from Meridian. There was no fight. What it means I am unable to think. Forrest's repulse of Smith and the evacuation of Meridian, and the reconstruction of the Rail Road all combine to present our public affairs in a cheerful light to us.

        Rode o er to Uncle Jo's this evening and gave Aunt M. J. $10.00 which Uncle Jo requested me to hand her. Henry Branyan was there. He has heard that the Yankees are taking all the Memphis traders and sending them all--men and women-- north. This is improbable.

March 3, 1864

Meridian evacuated--army movements

        Immediately after breakfast rode over to Aunt M. J's and find my lost money there, I had dropped it and they found it on the hearth.

This ends the search.

        Saw a furloughed Tennessean of Johnston's army who had left Selma on the 25th ulto. Cheatham's division was there then--a part of them had been to Demopolis. Cleburn's division had also come as far as Montgomery to reinforce Polk, but was stopped there. The Yankees have all left Meridian and gone west of Pearl river. The move to Meridian must have been a feint to draw troops from Johnston, in which they succeeded. Now the enemy are pressing us at Dalton & Tunnell Hill. On the 21st there was a fight at Tunnell Hill, our men driving the enemy back several miles. Gen. Cheatham thinks there will be a fight there by the time his Division can get back.

        The morning was clear but this evening was clouded. A Mr. Neely from near Orizaba passed this evening with a mule for Aunt Rilla, recently sold to her by Harvey Hawthorne. He also had one for Frank Young. He insisted on me going to Aunt Rilla's with him and I reluctantly consented although I felt unwell and would rather not have gone. I have been very hoarse all day and my throat is sore and I have a severe cold. Found some company at Aunt Rilla's viz Mr. McHarvey, Mrs Pannell and a little girl of Rienzi. They were from Okolona. Mr. Neely remained there for the night also.

        Gather some items. The trains are expected to be up at Okolona unless something adverse occurs. The impression below is that Forrest has gone towards Grenada which it is rumored is again threatened with a raid. Sherman has fallen back beyond Big Black. The report is that the Yankees are robbing the Memphis traders and

puttint them in the Irving Block. Fears are entertained respecting those who left the neighborhood for Memphis, as they have been longer absent than was expected. It is reported that there has been a battle at Culpeper, Va. and Lee is marching into Pennsylvania, but I do not credit it. Nine of the wounded Yankees have died at Okolona, and 9 or 10 more are expected to die. It in reported that Lee & Forrest are both at Starkville, but I doubt it.

        Took a dose of pepper tea for my cold tonight.

March 4, 1864

Negroe rascality

        Feel better this morning but am still hoarse. Aunt R's lodgers all left early. I sat awhile and talked. Aunt Rilla has had a good deal of corn and some meal stolen recently. The theives are a crying nuisance.

        Came on home. Find Aunt Sarah here. She and Mary returned yesterday evening. She remained till the middle of the afternoon when she went to Aunt Rilla's. Sat and talked with her the most of the time. She gave me some particulars in reference to the manner in which the estate negroes are namaging. She gets her information from Gambrell. Verily they are very great rascals. They have big parties at which Uncle Jo's, Brice's and our negroes resort. Our Caroline is the belle. Every negroe that comes must bring a hank of thread to pay expenses. Old Isham is independent, sits in his house and works at coopering, pocketing proceeds. These

parties explain the stolen thread, wheat and chickens which have been missed in the neighborhood. Old Ross, Isham and their gang are verily great rascals.

        The day has been mostly clouded--tonight is blustry, and windy. At night there was a little flurry of rain. I am still hoarse with my cold, but am not sick with it.

        Some mules got out of the lot this evening. Erskine & John followed them a long round and finally got them. Have not heard any news during the day.

March 5, 1864

Correction of an appraisement

        This has been a very pretty day. This forenoon I lolled about reading some old numbers of Harper's Magazine, and glancing at the Spectator in miniature. This evening Messrs. Jno. Haddon, J. O. Nelson and J. B. Gambrell met here to correct some discrepancies in the bill of appraisement of the personal property of Dr. Washington Agnew, dec'd, and also to revise the property given to the widow. The error is supposed to have originated in an omission of H. L. Holland, who was the clerk when it was made May 11, 1863. They discovered what was wrong and righted it. I don't think that Aunt Sarah will be satisfied.

        The Memphis waggons have returned. They were not molested, but had to remain in Memphis 5 days to transact their business. Some of the waggoners passed this evening. They were from about

Guntown. I have not heard any items of news which they bring. Only 50 lbs. of salt is allowed to be brought out to a family now.

        A Lt. Wallis & Mr. Bromley were arrested a day or two back for horse stealing. The horses were stolen below here. Lt. Wallis is the principal. They are sent below for punishment. An old man was murdered near Pleas Thomas' by a Mr. Nelson and Thomas' son for money. They pretended to think he was a spy. Lawless acts are growing common. It is rumored that Johnston is moving into Kentucky, but I do not credit it. The talk is still there has been a big battle in Va. The Yankees are preparing for another on to Richmond, and had brought over the Rappahannock a large quantity of commissary stores. Lee getting wind of the move pounced upon them before they were ready and captured the entire stores, & 9000 prisoners, and drove the enemy back a considerable distance. There may be some truth in the report, but don't regard it as certain yet.

        John Q. Adams, Qr master of the 4th Miss. was killed recently by the discharge of a pistol as he was mounting his horse. It occurred near Columbus. Wrote to J. F. Young this morning. I expect to send it by Jno. McGee, who starts monday for the army.

        My cold is better but I am still hoarse.

March 6, 1864

        Sabbath. This has been a pretty day. Rode out to Bethany and hear Rev. J. L. Young preach from Psalm 138:3 Respectable congregation was out. More men than common. Pa had a chill at

Church. Came on home and read Calvin's Institutes. The subject today is faith. Hear some items at Church. The report is still there has been a battle in Virginia. It lasted a day and a half. The enemy attacked us, Lee fell back slowly the first evening. The next morning Lee's order was Charge and the enemy were routed and every vehicle and supply this side of the river was captured, also 19000 prisoners. This news has come so often that it may be so. There is also a report that there has been a three days battle in Georgia, but my informant (S. Bryson) did not believe it but thought Longstreet and Johnston are forming a junction and will march into Ky. I think the battle rumor more probable. They are working on the R. R. Tibbie Bridge is to be built, which will take some time. Forrest has moved from West Point toward Jackson with all his available force. This morning an independent company (Boling's) of Kentuckians passed up the road. They left Demopolis on the 20th and say they are going to Kentucky.

March 7, 1864

Memphis goods

        This morning was cloudy and heavy looking, and a sprinkle of rain fell in the forenoon. This evening has been sunshiny. Tonight there is a cloud in the north and it is thundering and I would not be surprised to have a flurry of wind and rain before morning.

        Rode up to Esq. Nutt's this morning. He is disposing of goods

he brought from Memphis. He sells for nothing but greenback or cotton. He has dry goods, shoes &c &c. Pa went up this morning and got a sifter, some ribband, needles, pocket handkerchiefs &c. The Esq. told me he brought some papers but they were at Mrs. McGee's, and I could get them there. His house was crowded with persons in search of Memphis goods. He could not get any medicines out. I went to Mrs. McGee's after the papers. She was not at home. Find but one paper there, a Chicago Times of the 20th. Brought it home and look through it. See that a war has broken out between Denmark and Austria & Prussia. A battle was fought on the 2nd Feb. at Missunde also there had been an engagement at Bestor. This is called a Schleswig war but I do not know the points in dispute. Marshal Wrangel is the general of the Prussians, and Austrians. Notice nothing of special importance in reference to our war. Three gentlemen, one of whom is Capt. Daisy, dined here. They have heard that Johnston has fallen back 14 miles below Dalton. The Yankees are at LaGrange & have been there near a week. It is thought they intend establishing a post there. This does not bode well to this section. They believe the reported battle in Va. Starkville Pate and John McCandless (Yankee John) are here tonight. They have no news-- worth noting. George's baby has been sick for a day or two. It has convulsions.

        Hear today that Forrest is pressing all the horses about Starkville, and it is thought he contemplates a movement into W. Tenn, but this is only a guess. I regard none of our rumors as reliable, for they are contradictory.

March 8, 1864

Divers Items

        We had a heavy fall of rain and hail last night. The house top roared with hail. Thunder and lightning was loud and vivid, early this morning was clear and pretty. The day was pleasant.

        Mr. Anderson Reeves was here today wanting to get cotton to haul to Memphis. Aunt Mary Jane sent over for me and I rode over after dinner and went with her up to John Squires' to settle up her Memphis cotton business with Mrs. Squires. Got bothered in my calculations. Returned home with Aunt M. J. and spent the night there figuring up the matter. Finally got it correctly estimated.

        The night is very pretty. Have not heard an item of news that I remember.

March 9, 1864

Cotton settlement--women

        When I got up it was clouded closely. Before noon however the sun shone out. Rode up to Squires' to conclude the settlement. Find that Mrs. S. is not in a good humor. Although she talked and seemed disposed to do what was right yesterday, she is not so this morning. The cotton sale was for 177.00, charges 18.00 nett, proceeds 159.00. Each one's share 79.50. Under the head of charges there is 15.00 for Repairing and Light. This she is disposed to have Aunt M. J. pay, saying she will not loose the damaged cotton for it is not her fault. It is a misnomer to call repairing and light "damaged cotton". Rode over to Esq. Nutt's. He said my

calculation is perfectly right. This still did not satisfy Mrs. S. Aunt M. J. has 73.50 worth of goods assigned to her leaving 6.00 still due. Mrs. S's stand closed my proceedings and I returned home, fixed up a statement of the whole affair thus far and took it over to Aunt M. J. Squires had been there and had presented the case as for damaged cotton, and Aunt M. J. relinquished her claim for 7.50 of goods, the 1/2 of the charge for "damaged cotton." So she is chiselled out of 7.50 of her just due. This is dishonest dealing, but perhaps it was best for the sake of peace. Ill gotten gains never profit.

        Waited at Aunt M. J's for Larkin to get back with what belonged to Aunt M. J. Larkin reports that Mrs. S. is vexed and won't do a thing. Squires evidently wants to do what is right, but I can't say as much for his wife. She evidently has the "studs" and is very much out of humor. She makes a few dollars in the opperation. She has either a bad head or a bad heart.

        After dinner it commenced raining. Some Memphis waggons broke down near the house and I got 2 Papers from one (T. Godfrey) a Memphis Argus of the 1st. and Bulletin of the 2nd. Get to look over them. The Yankees took Tunnel Hill on the 24th and on the 25th they were in 3 miles of Dalton. Beauregard is at Tallahassee, Fla. to oppose a federal movement in that quarter. Meade has fallen back towards Washington.

        Came on home by 3 o'clock through the rain. Mrs. McGee sent me over the Bulletin of the 26th and Argus of the 27th. Read them.

The principal subject is the reorginization of Tennessee State Government. There seems to be 2 parties, one for a new freedom constitution, and the other for the old State constitution. I notice that "obstructionist" is the name of one of the parties. The republican nomination for the Presidency is also the subject to which some prominence is given, Lincoln, Chase and Fremont seem the prominent aspirants. Their national convention is to meet on the 7th of June in Baltimore. In Arkansas a provisional government is formed with Isaac Murphy as Government. They are to have an election for State officers on the 14 March. Michael Hahn has been elected Gov. of Louisiana. These governments are formed in accordance with the President's amnesty proclamation. These papers are fuller of political than military items. The war of Denmark has some prominence in these papers. The Dannework seems to be the Danish stronghold. In the Argus of the 27th there is a notice of the late raid into this part of the country. It says the Yankees were successful. It gives a false account of their success. The fruits of the raid were 2000000 Bush. Corn & 2000 Bales cotton burned, 100 prisoners, 1500 negroes and 3000 horses. Their loss of course was very small.

        This evening has been very rainy. It has been also been very blustery during the day.

March 10, 1864

An unfortunate family

        Foggy this morning. Engaged in critical studies in forenoon. The day was very pleasant and very quiet. Esq. Holmes was in this

evening begging for Mr. Daniel Davis. Mr. Davis was so unfortunate as to have his dwelling house burned down night before last. Fire rolled out of the fire place and lighted a pile of rich lightwood and when Mr. Davis and family awaked they had barely time to escape from the house. Everything they had was consumed, and they are left with nothing but their night clothing. Esq. Holmes is getting from the neighbors contributions of bedding, clothing &c. Money is of no benefit for nothing can be got with money. Aunt M. J. sent for me to go over and stay tonight. I went and she is still dissatisfied with the Squires' settlement. But I don't think anything can be done.

March 11, 1864

        This has been a pleasant day. At Aunt M. J's request rode up to Esq. Nutt's to present the facts of the case to him. She fears that her conduct will be misrepresented. Nutt says that Mrs. Squires is not willing to do what is right. He says now that he did not retain $19.00 of the cotton money in his hands. This opens up a difficulty between Mrs. Squires and Nutt. With that we have no concern.

        Came on home, find Mrs. Mary Bryson, Jane Young and Cousin Laura here. I went on over to Uncle Jo's and reported to Aunt Mary Jane, came back by dinner. Anderson Reeves came about noon and took 2 Bales of Cotton to take to Memphis "one half for half." Hickey brought up his young grey mule "Beck" and Wile put it in the

waggon and worked it. It is wild as a dear, and cut up generally. Conversed with the ladies during the evening and thus spend the evening pleasantly. Rode over to Aunt Rilla's and spent the night. Aunt Sarah there. She hears a good quantity of good news. 1500 hands are working on the R. R. Lee has gained a great victory in Va. capturing 11 thousand Yankees. Johnston has had a fight at Dalton, and the first day repulsed the enemy. Nothing has been heard since the first day. Sherman's entire waggon train was captured before they crossed Pearl River. Beauregard has whipped the Yankees at Mud Creek (where is Mud Creek?) In Florida we have taken some place and captured 4000 prisoners. Banks has been badly whipped in Texas. This may all be so and again it may not be so. Hoskins falls short in his cotton settlement with Brice more than $20.00. Verily honesty seems to have fled the land.

March 12, 1864

"Beulah"

        Hear that George Oliver and Miss Eliza Rowan were married on thursday night, the 10th. Came home, Aunt Rilla came with me. She was going to Aunt M. J's. I brought "Beulah" by Miss Evans of Mobile home with me to read. A few years ago it was a very popular publication. Mr. Brice was here, but just leaving as I came up. He told Pa that he understands that Johnston has whipped the Yankees at Dalton and driven them to within 2 miles of Chattanooga. Mr. Brice called especially to tell Pa in reference to some arrangement in reference to Confederate currency but I am not certain what it is. I think it is in reference to the bonding of notes--and the

thing must be attended to before the first of April or it cannot be done at all.

        The day has been very pleasant, about noon it clouded, but tonight is clear. I have been reading Beulah today-- indeed this has been my principal business, and I acknowledge I am much interested. She was an orphan but very self reliant, and self willed, and talented. She has fallen into an uncertain religious belief, seems to be seeking the truth, but in vain, in the writings of Emerson. Dr. Hartwell is a strongly marked character. Pa is reading Beulah to the family tonight. Aunt Rilla called in this evening. Pa sent by her a note to Aunt Sarah informing her in reference to the appraisement difficulty.

        Saw two waggons pass this evening. A Lady (from near Mt. Pleasant) along told me the Yankees were just behind them. Yesterday and this morning they were crossing Tippah at Beck's Springs, the force estimated at 15,000. At Kelly's Mill this evening it was reported they were not far from there. They say they are after Forrest. I am afraid that another heavy raid is on the way down into the prairie region to destroy more corn. Every grain is needed by the destitute. It looks as Providence is placing insuperable barriers to my communicating with N E M. I hope yet that it will not be as bad as I fear. Tonight is blustery, and March-like. There has been very little passing during the day.

March 13, 1864

An outrage on a traveller

        Sabbath. A most beautiful day. Rode out to Bethany and hear

Rev. J. L. Young preach from Eccles 7: In the day of adversity consider. The chief topic today is the bonding of Confederate notes, which must be accomplished before the 1st of April. Beaty will go down to Columbus to attend to this for the neighbors.

        Kimmons had his horses all stolen thursday night. He is going to Pontotoc and today is his last appointment at Gaston. Uncle Jo got home last evening. He is unwell.

        Nothing definite in the way of news today. Mr. Randall, a Methodist exhorter is here tonight. On friday evening last he was met on Sweeten hill by Jno. Chisholm Watkins &c. & others, and made to stop and was searched. Their plea was they suspicioned him to be a spy. They took nothing from him. He stopped at Lewis Brown's, and during the night his horse was stolen, but was found yesterday back of H. Gober's in a thicket conceild. Napolien Bolen was with the horse. He claims to have swapped for the horse with Jno. Chisholm. An effort was made today to apprehend Chisholm and Watkins, but it was unsuccessful. Chisholm told Randall that his name was Alexander. Bolen when caught gave his name as Armstrong. Bolen is under guard at Esq. Nutt's, and is to be tried tomorrow

        Just at dark Pa had a chill and is very sick tonight. He is now moving downstairs. I hope that he will be better by morning.

        At Church today the people generally did not credit the report of another raid. Tonight Wile tells me that Turner Whitten is in the neighborhood in pursuit of a man who has stolen a horse from him. He has been over west, and he says the Yankees are again at

New Albany. This if true is confirmatory of yesterday's report.

        Read today Calvin--the subject is repentance--also the Popish doctrine of confession & satisfactions.

March 14, 1864

Mr. Randall

        Immediately after breakfast rode down to Uncle Young's. He was not at home. I left with him a hundred dollars to pay Prof. Conkey's account against Pa--also my watch to be repaired by the goldsmith at Pontotoc, if he thought he would be in town long enough for the repairs to be made. Returned home without seeing him, leaving the money and watch with Laura. Came on home early at the special request of Mr. Randall. He is a strange, a very strange man. He did not want to go up to the trial unless sent for, and I believe would not have gone at all if I had not gone with him. I went up with him and we found a considerable crowd waiting our arrival. Esq. Prather advised a course in strict accordance with the law. Randall made affidavit. Prather issued a warrant and Dixon served it on Bolen. 7 Jurors were then chosen by the prisoner and sworn in, and Napolien Buonapart Bolen was put on trial before the magistrate for commitment. I heard Bolen's statement. He denies having stolen the horse, but knew it was stolen. Mr. Randall was unwilling that I should leave him, consequently I remained untill he was released from the trial. He evidently did not feel safe unless I was about. Bolen has made some disclosures in reference to rascals who are theiving so

extensively. Last night his guards took him to Jno. Martin's and during the night they made him believe they were going to hang him when he "made a clean breast" of it. He implicates several persons in horse theiving viz John Watkins, Harrison Gober, John Chisholm, Lit Wages, Lafayette Bolen and Luther Privet. It is thought by some that there are others in this band of horse theives whoose name are not yet known. If they don't mind they will suffer for their transgressions. I feel sorry for Bolen, he is youthful, looks in bad health and there is something prepossessing in his countenance. I have not heard the result of the trial, but suppose he will be sent to Gen. Gholson for trial.

        Learn today that James Davis died last tuesday the 8th inst. He has been sick a long while. Understand truly that on the 26th Grant was driven from Tunnel Hill and our boys are again there. See Uncle Jo this evening. He has a 20 day furlough. Gholson's forces is down at Buena Vista. They are at work on the R R as hard as they can and look for the cars in 3 or 4 weeks. He did not get to send my letter to N E M to West Point untill the 10th inst. Bruton Gambrell over this evening. He wished to see about sending Confed. money to Columbus for conversion into bonds.

        This morning was clouded, this evening however is fair. Randall went on his way late this evening. He has been detained near 3 days by the "kindness" of horse theives. The news of another Yankee raid is discredited.

March 15, 1864

        This morning was cloudy and the day throughout has been cloudy

and cool. Tonight is quite cool, and we may have a frost which would cut off the peach crop, for the trees are now in full bloom. I have lolled about home the entire day. Finished Beulah this forenoon. It is a very good novel. The progress of Beulah through the doubts and skepticism generated by philosophic studies to a simple and earnest faith in the Christian religion was especially interesting to me. The death scene of Cornelia Graham was sad yet instructive, the death of one who had no hope.

        This evening have 4 Bales and a lot of unpacked cotton brought from the gin house and put in the "old house". The theives have recently been taking some of our cotton.

        Have not heard from Bolen's trial today and do not know what disposition was made of him yesterday. Have not heard any news of importance. See some waggons passing from the Prairies with corn. At Okolona there is no news. It is said to be certain that recently a decisive and important victory was gained in Florida. Some think that trains will not reach Okolona before May. Heard cars are now running from Rienzi to Prairie Station, they bring up a hundred bushels at a load. The Yankees are reported to have been crossing Tallahatchie day before yesterday. The report is doubtful. Aunt M. J. was over at Aunt Rilla's today. William has been furloughed and Aunt Rilla is looking for him now any day. It is thought he has called by S. C. and hence is delayed.

        Uncle Jo over this evening. He thinks he will be discharged.

March 16, 1864

Stealing--Bolen's escape

        This morning there is ice and it is cold. And the day throughout

has been chilly and unpleasant. Read some interesting items in Beck's Medical Jurisprudence. Hickey was here this evening. He had some 8 or 9 Bushels of Corn stolen last night. Mr. Brice had his best mule stolen monday night. Verily there is no security to property. N. B. Bolen was turned over to the Military authorities by the jury on monday. He was brought to Watson's monday night and guarded. The next morning Turner Whitten & James Watson started with him to the Cross Roads but they let him escape near Brice's Gin. It is thought by some that it was done purposely. They shot at him as he fled, but did no ham.

        I rode down to Uncle Young's tonight. Randall was there monday night. Some soldiers at Sutherland's told him that if young Bolen was hurt he should suffer for it, and a woman told him to keep his eyes open. He became alarmed and took the woods and came up to Uncle Young's about dark. The man is evidently badly frightened and weak minded. Uncle Young did not get my watch fixed in Pontotoc. Park's regiment (Falkner's) passed through Pontotoc tuesday going northward: they say to Holly Springs. Forrest was to be at Tupelo tonight on his way into Tennessee. Some 1200 Bushels of corn has been gathered at Tupelo for his command. Ham's Battalion is below Chesterville. There has been a victory in Va. 11000 prisoners were captured. We have some particulars but I do not regard them as reliable. There is also said to be a victory in Florida but not much is known of it. A victory is also reported

at Charleston. The federals made a land attack and were driven back to their boats. I do not rely on these items.

        Fleming, Chief Engineer of the M & C R R was at Tupelo last week. He says the cars will be running to that point in 30 days. Notice this evening a squad of cavalry at Mrs. Mahon's. They said they were Forrest's men, so Cousin Laura understood. Sat up late talking with Uncle Young.

March 17, 1864

Rumors--bonding Confederate money

        We had a white frost this morning and the ground was frozen. The thermometer stood at 20°. Understanding there was a letter at Brice's for me I rode there and found a letter from N E M. How it came I know not. She sent it to Pontotoc but I do not know how it came from Pontotoc. Maj. Humphreys sent it to Brice's. She signifies that she will be ready for my appearance any time after the 20th, but fixes no particular day. She wants the ceremony to be performed in the morning before she leaves--there will be no party. Came on home, Messrs. Hickey, Martin, Beaty, F. B. Gambrell, F. Branyan and Corder were here devising or rather seeing about sending their Confederate money to Columbus to be bonded in accordance with the law. I am not in possession of the particulars of the law. Twitchell is going down, but he does not wish it known. This bonding of Confederate money has been a subject of prime interest among the people for several days. Gov. Clark has called the Legislature of the State in extra session to convene at Columbus on the

24th. After dinner aid in nailing up the old-house. We have evidence that burglars are operating on some cotton in the house. This evening wrote a first copy of a letter to N. E. M. Two gentlemen, footmen, furloughed 51st Tennessee, men from Johnston's army, stopped and are spending the night with us, one is Capt. Hall of the mountain neighborhood and the other Lt. Moffitt of Hatchie bottom, both of Tipton Co. Tenn. They have some late papers with them. Look at Appeal of 9th and Montgomery Advertiser of 11. Miss'ian of 12th. The Florida battle was a small affair but a signal success. It occurred at Camp Finnegan near Lake City Feb. 20. The enemy were driven back to Jacksonville. In Va. there has been no great battle. A heavy cavalry raid was attempted on Richmond but signally failed. Johnston has driven Grant back, Grant was feeling our force and found we were too strong. Sherman's army is moving up the Mississippi and is believed to be reinforcing Grant. Longstreet is believed to be fixing for a move into Ky. The enemy is still booming away at Charleston. The M & O R R is running to Quitman and will soon be through to Okolona. The army is in fine spirits and the prospect is bright.

        The day has been pretty but cool. Pa complains much tonight of a pain in his left side. He has applied a poultice to it. He has fresh cold and it may be his hard coughing has strained his muscles. I hope it is not serious.

        Gen. Kilpatrick and Col. U. Dahlgren commanded the recent Richmond raiders. Dahlgren was killed. I observe an account of a fight (small affair) near Baldwyn, Fla. on the 1st inst.

March 18, 1864

Cavalry camped here--an advance--

        A very pretty day but this evening a little smoky. Mr. Beaty spent the day with us. Misses Eliza and Katie Watt also spent the day here. Capt. Hall & Lt. Moffitt left immediately after breakfast. Pa sent them on mules above Stubbs'. I have been writing a sermon on Rom. 6:21, but this evening have been so hindered that I have not written more than half the discourse. Jay has a sermon on the same text, and I will be compelled to take his heads and preach extempore. This I dislike but now there is no other alternative.

        Three companies of Barteau's men came here this evening and are camped now between this and the Brickyard patch. They would have 32 Bush of corn. As Pa is unwell (he thinks he had a chill last night and has been lying about all day) I had to attend to it for him. Guards have been placed over the corn and fodder, and soldiers have been crowding about the place thickly. A good many have supped with us. A portion of the command is camped at Uncle Jo's feeding off of him. Another portion have gone on to Stubbs'. They are all to meet there tomorrow morning at 7 o'clock. They are on their way to Corinth. Forrest's entire command moves up today. They are going, it is thought, into Tenn. and probably to Kentucky. Gov. Isham G. Harris is with Forrest. Forrest has gone up the M & O R R. Some think there is a general advance of our entire force northward. These man have little news. Dodge is

reported crossing at Decatur going towards Rome. Some of these men think the cars will not be up in this country in 2 months, others think it will be up in 3 weeks. A sick man of Barteau's is here tonight.

March 19, 1864

Theiving soldiers arrested

        This morning was cool. Barteau's men were off for Stubbs' by sun up. Capt. Estes left a sabre belonging to Lt. Moore in my care. It will be called for. Mr. Cranor the sick man is left here. He is from Rutherford County. The soldiers left a quantity of corn on the ground which they did not use. Soldiers are a wasteful set. Saw Frank Branyan and James Young this morning, they were part of a company following some horse theives. It seems the country is full of straggling soldiers, who are appropriating horses without any regard to whoose they are. Some of these gentry went into Mrs. Mahon's farm and took a mule out of the plough. This crowd were on hot trail of the theif. He came by Uncle Jo's and went up toward Lyon's gin house. Simmons had a horse stolen last night. Dixson was in this morning, also Jno. Martin, they were on the "bonding Business." Uncle Jo and Mr. McGee also here. She pay's me $25.00 for tuition of L S, S C & U McGee. Branyan & James Young passed back after 12 with 3 young Kentuckians prisoners. They were taken at Mrs. Nelson's. They say they have orders, but cannot show them. They took them down to Mrs. Mahon's. They found the mule in their possession. Finished my sermon drawing off

the heads of a sermon of Jay on the same text.

        Today thus far has been cloudy and cool. My horse is at the gate and I am nearly ready to start.

        Started near 2 o'clock and rode to Mrs. Caldwell's where I spent the night pleasantly. The evening was dark, cloudy and cool.

March 20, 1864

At Hopewell

        Cloudy early, then cleared, this evening was clouded, and the entire day has been cool. Rode to Church and preached from Rom 6:21. Announced the Communion. Preaching to commence on Saturday 11 1/2 o'clock, the session to meet 10 1/2 o'clock. Dine at Maj. Wiley's and rode home this evening. Jno. Snipes is sick.

        The Plenitude Company of the 23d Miss. have deserted. They have been acting as artillerists, and now they want to restore them to the infantry: they are not willing: I don't know how they will fix it up. A good many cavalry have passed up the country. A few days since a party of cavalry made a descent on the stills of Buncombe and destroyed them viz Leather's, Cobb's and Houston's. Hodge saved his by hiding it. A Capt. Rogers of the 1st Confederate Cavalry here tonight. He is on his way from Jackson, Tenn. to Dalton. Rec'd letters from Todd Young and J. D. Agnew, dated Dalton Mar. 6. Everything is quiet there. Pa has heard that below it is currently reported that there is an armistice agreed upon, and commissioners are negociating a peace. I doubt the report. Also that our independence has been acknowledged, by France, Spain and Mexico.

This is also doubtful. Forrest men acted scandalously, stealing horses as they went up saturday. 3 men robbed Esq'r Nutt of a mule before his eyes. Tom Stubbs has but one left. The Mahon theives are still under guard. They will be sent to Gholson tomorrow. I understand they are on the stool of repentance now. They are shedding tears plentifully. They are young lads and I pity them, but the way of the transgressor is hard.

March 21, 1864

Sending money to be bonded

        Today has been cool and bleak. The morning was sunshiny but this evening was cloudy, windy and raw. Wrote to N E M. This occupied the whole morning. A good many of the neighbors were in this morning, leaving the money to be taken to Columbus to be bonded. Mr. J. O. Nelson dined here. After dinner I started out to Mr. Twitchell's to deliver him the money to take off. Mrs. Brice stopped me at Mrs. Watts', and told me that Twitchell left early this morning. I think he should have informed us of his purpose, knowing that we expected to send by him. Mrs. Brice told me that Alex Simmons would start tonight or in the morning, went on to his house. He had gone to Guntown, and I had to wait till near night before he came home. I gave him the money of Absalom Lane, A. W. Beaty, A. L. Holland, J. Martin, F. Dixson, J. O. Nelson, Wm. E. Nelson, H. A. Nelson, Tom W. Miller, E. Agnew, J. Agnew, S. A. Agnew, &c. I send $140.00, Pa sends $1300.00. Pa

also sends $25.00 for 1 drachm of Sulph Morphine. I gave Simmons my N E M letter to mail, but he is so forgetful that I fear he will neglect to mail it.

        Rode to Aunt Rilla's, got there after dark. Sarah J. is at Richey's tonight. Met Willbanks this evening. He left Tupelo this morning. He says the armistice rumor came very straight, but he can hardly trust it. Page was at Okolona friday, and the Telegraphic operator there told him that it had been telegraphed there that an armistice had been agreed upon for 60 days. The rumor is also current that France, Spain & Germany have recognized the Confederacy.

        W. P. Hay is dead. He died suddenly at home in Cass Co. on the night of Mar. 4. He was dead before his family knew it. Perhaps it was apploplexy as he complained much of his head, the day previous to his death. On the 12th the 32nd Reg't was still at Dalton. It is said that the Yankees design reestablishing their lines on the M & C R R, also that Dodge is at Decatur, Ala. fortifying &c, &c, &c. These are not reliable, or at least I do not consider them so.

March 22, 1864

After the theives

        Aunt Rilla's Bull was shot and killed by some person or persons unknown last saturday night. He was a fierce and good yard dog.

        The morning was sloudy and dark but before 10 o'clock the sun

shone out and the day may be said to have been bright, and clear. Came on home after breakfast and have not been specially engaged at anything. Bruton Gambrell was over this evening to get Uncle Wash's piano. He will use it by Uncle Joseph's consent. The day has been quiet and but little news is afloat. W. Sanders of the Ebenezer neighborhood dined here. Robison wants me to come up to Ebenezer and aid at a communion on the 2nd Saturday of April. I don't think I can go, my matrimonial projects will I think prevent. I am to let Mr. Young know that he is wanted too. I sent by Sanders a note to McDaniel requesting his presence and assistance at Hopewell on Sabbath. Lit Wages was taken by this morning a prisoner. He was sent to Gholson. The charge against him is horse-theiving. There is a squad of cavalry above us after Chisholm, Gober, Watkins and the other horse theives. Lts. Wood and Finley are the commanders. Gober was shot at 3 times last night. On saturday night Winchester Wileman's horse was taken--he thinks Watkins was the rogue. The Lees of Tallahatchie have been arrested, and sent to Gholson. They were arrested for stealing cotton from a widow lady of Pontotoc County. The theives have become numerous and bold, but the cavalry are after them & they will likely "have a hard row to hoe."

March 23, 1864

An unexpected disclosure

        I have nothing special to note for this day. It has been clear and pleasant. Still cool but moderating, I think. Did a little on Romans in Greek. The balance of my time was unimportantly

employed. Uncle Young up this evening. He had very little news. He has heard that Watson let Lit Wages escape yesterday. Watson seems to be a bad hand to guard prisoners. James Young and Frank Branyan have gone to Tupelo today to testify in the Mahon mule case. Ham is above and sends down every few days a batch of theives or deserters to Head Quarters. By this service he is doing the country a good service. There is still a talk of recognition and the armistice, but I think it is best not to credit untill farther confirmed. There is some talk of Gholson's command being moved up to Corinth but not any reliance is placed on it. Hand cars are run to and from Burnsville to the prairies for corn now, several large loads went up last week. Thomp. Phillips let his horse run away while ploughing today, not much harm was done.

        Pa finished "Beulah" today.

March 24, 1864

An unexpected disclosure

        Mr. Brice came over this morning, and after sitting awhile left, asking me to walk to the gate with him. He asked me if I knew anyone named Annie Agnew. I told him of Uncle Jo's daughter Anna. The old man told me there was a letter at his house for Annie Agnew but it was not to Uncle Jo's Anna but to my wife. Maj. Humphreys had brought it from Ripley and Alice Boyd had written it and Mr. Gray told Humphreys that I was to marry last tuesday night. The old man insisted that I should acknowledge the whole affair.

I told him I knew nobody at Starkville named Annie, and that if I was to marry last tuesday night I did not know it. I told the old man I had a matrimonial project on hand but they had it wrong, The old man then insisted that I should not wait for the R R to get up. I gave him no satisfaction. This unfortunate affair will give publicity to a matter I wish'd kept private, I expect is generally known at Starkville. It ought to have been kept private. But it can't be mended now.

        Uncle Jo was over at Gardner's shop today. He reports to peace rumors as confirmed. Now it is said that Russia, Prussia, France, Spain and Mexico have all recognized us. It has been telegraphed 3 times to Okolona that there is an armistice for 60 days. The people below generally believe it. Lincoln has issued a proclamation calling upon the people to rally to the Union or all is lost. Some measures must be speedily devised, he says, or they will have no army &c. I am incredulous in reference to these peace rumors. I hope they are true but fear they are not. Holland is home, discharged. Forrest's waggon train is hauling corn from Egypt for Gholson's command at Tupelo. The day has been cloudy: this evening is rainy. Tonight the rain is falling continuously: fine for sleeping. Just as I retired Lt. Storey and Thomas passed going up the Ripley road. They have a wet ride. They report the armistice report a hoax. The recognition rumor is modified. Maximillian promises if we recognize him He will recognize us and France and Spain will unite with him. The R R will be up soon.

        Had my neck rubbed with a solution of corrosive sublimate this morning to kill that stubborn ring-worm on my neck.

March 25, 1864

Cloudy and showery

        This morning is cloudy. Mr. Moses Cranor, the sick soldier of the 2nd. Tenn. left this morning for Tupelo or Okolona. The day throughout has been cloudy and showery. Although several showers have fallen not much rain has yet fallen, the ground (the top of it) is slick and wet. Tonight is misty. I have but little to note for the day. Select some old sermons to take down to Hopewell with me. Rode over to the graveyard with Mary. Assist her in planting some flowering and evergreen plants around the graves of Rutherford and Luther. I like to see graves showing some marks of attention from the living: it shows that the dead are not forgotten. Rutherford & Luther would have both had monuments before this had it not been for the war.

        Although the evening was threatening Mary and I made the trip without getting wet. John Martin was over this P. M. He had no news. Met a Tennessean this evening. He told me that Forrest was still moving towards Kentucky and when last heard from was at Trenton. Tonight I have shaved and fixed up for an early start for Hopewell early in the morning. It is reported the Yankees are moving north from Vicksburg & Memphis.

        Pa commenced planting corn yesterday and is still planting today.

March 26, 1864

Saturday at Hopewell

        Up early and breakfasted by sunup and was off for Hopewell early. Reached the Church by 1/2 after 10. The session met but there were no applicants. Robison came up the road from Aberdeen where he had been bonding money. He stopped untill after preaching. Messrs. Young and McDaniel were both there. Mr. Young preached from Deut 30:15. After preaching Robison & I dined at Mr. Snipes and Robison went home in the evening. An appointment for preaching was made at Am. Reid's at 4 o'clock. Rode down there and hear McDaniel preach from Matt. 22:5. A most excellent discourse. Mrs. Simpson had sent for me to go to her house and after preaching I rode there, getting there about good dark. McDaniel and Young went to Wiley's. See at Simpson's an Appeal of the 19th. It is thought that Grant is concentrating a powerful army at Chattanooga and Huntsville to move against Atlanta & Montgomery or Selma. April 8 has been appointed a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer by the President in accordance with a request made by the Confederate Congress. Robison tells me that Loring's Division will reinforce Johnston soon. Forrest is moving for Columbus or Paducah. Longstreet is reported to be mounting his men as fast as he can. Some say, and this is the general talk, that the cars will run up to Okolona on the 1st of April. Others think it will be 3 or 4 weeks first. James West is home on furlough. Also Lee Snyder. Mrs. Simpson has received a letter from Mrs. Henry informing her of Mrs. Hay's

death. She reports the death on the 5th March. A Mrs. Long, a stranger, is at Simpson's. She was confined a few days ago. They knew nothing about her. Sat up late. Pleasantly situated.

        The day has been perfectly clear and very beautiful.

March 27, 1864

Hopewell communion--spiritual drought

        Sabbath. Communion Sabbath. A pleasant day, a little clouded this evening. Rode out to Church. There were no applicants to the session. There is a lamentable torpor among the people in reference to their souls. They hear and attend the sanctuary but seem unaffected by the preach's word. It is discouraging, but it is God that is the efficient worker. Ministers can only dispense the word, and ordinances faithfully, leaving the issue to God. A large congregation was gathered. McDaniel preached the action sermon from Eph. 5:25-27. Mr. Young fenced the table and served the 1st, McDaniel the 2nd. I returned thanks and dismissed the congregation. Very few communed. More members were absent than ordinarily, and some who were present did not commune. I noticed that Polly Caldwell did not commune. There is a spiritual drought in that community. May God bless my labors to the good of that people. Announced that the fast would be observed there on the 8th. McDaniel promises to preach for me at that time for my arrangements render my presence uncertain. Mr. Young and I dined at Esq. Huston's. Mr. Black was down today. Maj. Wiley was the only elder present. Hugh Caldwell is at home but was afraid to

come out, as he is absent from his company without leave. At Huston's saw Lt. Duff just up from Madison Co. Inge's Reg't is not at Calhoun Station.

        Rode with Mr. Young via Hodges to the Cotton Gin Road. He went on home, I came to Uncle Joseph's and spent the night.

        Rec'd $29.50 aditional salary during this trip.

March 28, 1864

Hail--cloud--windy

        Morning was cloudy and threatening. Rode Home after breakfast. The Martin box is up, these little black warblers first made their appearance on saturday the 26th inst, later than usual, I think.

        The day has been quiet. I have lolled about home reading some in Medical works, anatomical and physiological. This evening a heavy hail cloud arose in the Northwest, the weight of it passed North of us, however a little hail did fall here as also a heavy shower of rain. The day throughout has been very windy, the windiest day we have had I think in this March. This evening after the shower rode down to Uncle Young's and spent the night. Met Jimmie Martin near Branyan's. He has heard that a column of Yankees 10,000 strong had gone down into Alabama from Decatur. Forces had been sent to meet them. I don't know whether there is any truth in the report or not.

March 29, 1864

Gossip about my prospective marriage

        This day has been cloudy and cool throughout. Sat after breakfast

and left about 9 o'clock, bring the 1st and 5th vols. of Rollins History with me to read.

        Before I left Cousin Laura gave me to understand that I was to marry soon--as soon as the cars got up. She would not tell me who or where or how she learned these facts. Uncle Young and James have the same impression. They think I was trying to surprise them, but the matter has leaked out, and I am disappointed. When I came home found Aunt Rilla & Sarah here. Aunt R. too had to tell me about the letter to Mrs. Nannie Agnew at Brice's and thinks that I have been trying to keep everything close and surprise them, but am foiled. She hears that I was to have married on the 8th inst. That letter of Alice Boyd's has let the cat out of the wallet, and Mrs. Brice will keep the report agoing. I very much regret this publicity of my arrangements but it can't be helped now. All that I can say is there is some mistake about it and it certainly is premature. The secret has leaked not from me but from Nannie--as it is I am the victim of the tattlers of the neighborhood. Hear that the R R will not be up in this country for 3 or 4 weeks. I earnestly trust that it will get up this week. We have no military news of importance, I may say, of any kind. Pa has commenced reading Rollin's History. Mary went home with Aunt Rilla today. Margaret is at Uncle Jo's tonight. Loaned "The True Psalmody" to Aunt Rilla today.

March 30, 1864

        This has been a beautiful day, clear and pleasant. And it

has been quiet too. I have noticed several passing but did not speak to any of them. Betsy Ann Martin spent the day here. Margaret got back from Uncle Jo's this morning and Mary from Aunt Rilla's this evening. Uncle Jo over this morning. He has heard that Forrest captured 2000 prisoners at Union City and they will be brought down in a few days. Some one tells him that the exploded reports of recognition and an armistice are still believed down in camps. There were 2 Gunboats sunk by some of our forces near Hamburg, Tenn. recently. Mary hears that trains will be running to Okolona on saturday. They will either be at Okolona or Egypt, she hears. Wrote to Nannie telling her that I will come down as soon as the cars reach Tupelo, which will I think enable me to be off on the 4 or 11th inst. I expect to send it by Uncle Jo, who expects to leave for camp tomorrow.

March 31, 1864

Accidental killing of a little negroe

        Uncle Jo passed soon after breakfast and I gave him my letter to N E M to have mailed as soon as he can. The forenoon was very pretty and clear, this evening has clouded, and it commenced raining steadily between 4 and 5 o'clock and since then has been raining continuously, and tonight is a very wet night. Even while I am writing I hear the rain drops falling on the housetops and the water gurgling through the tin gutters, a fine night for sleeping.

        Cleared off my table in order to find the manuscript of my

critical notes. Find them and finished today the 6th Chapt. of Romans. This evening rode over to Simmons to hear from his Aberdeen trip. He has a receipt for the whole amount and will have to go back after the certificates on the 15 or 20th April. Pa sent by him for some Morphine, but he could find none for sale.

        A melancholy occurrence took place at Aunt Rilla's today between 11 and 12 o'clock. Melly shot a little negro child (Franky) of Abe and Adaline, and the child died in a half hour after. It was accidental. Aunt Rilla sent melly out with a gun (Mullinix's) to shoot a hawk. The little negroes were in great glee running after him. He wanted them to go back, and to frighten them he pointed the gun at them, when contrary to his expectation it went off, killing Franky. Melly thinks the gun was only half-cocked. The little negro was shot in the head, 5 bullets entering, 2 in the forehead, 1 at the outer corner (below) of the left eye, and 2 near the nostrils. It is indeed a sad occurrence. Poor Melly no doubt bitterly regrets the circumstance. What an admonition in reference to the uncertainty of life. "In the midst of life we are in death." Truly as David says there is but a step between me and death.

        We have no news today, of the war, or Railroad. Mrs. Brice is fixing to be off for Memphis with some cotton. Aunt Rilla sends a bale with Mrs. Bishop. Claunch passed with a bale for Mrs. Mahon today. We have not heard anything from Reeves who took 2 bales for Pa on the 11th inst. Franky who was killed today was 4 or 5 years old. Aunt R. sent for Pa and he went over there soon after it happened.

April 1, 1864

Cool, misty and unpleasant day

        This has been a cloudy day throughout. Dark, gloomy, damp and misty and cool. Altogether it has been an unpleasant day. Not much rain has fallen, but an almost continuous mist has fallen. Tonight is just like the day, only the mist has become rain--and occasionally I hear the rain falling on the top of the house as I do even now. Read Rollins-- the History of Alexander, and of Alexander's successors.

        Saw about a dozen furloughed soldiers footing it up the road this morning. They were from Dalton on the 22nd. All is quiet there: no prospect for a fight soon. Some of them had walked from Rome, others from Meridian. One of them told me that he did not think the cars would be at Tupelo before 2 weeks, another told me he heard they would be there this week. I fear that I will not be able to go to Starkville next week as I had hoped. Cousin Laura and Calvin were here today. Calvin remained, and Mary went with Laura to Mrs. Watts' and spent the day. Cousin Laura has heard that another grand move of 250 thousand is being made against Richmond, by Grant. It is said that his furloughed men are ordered to meet him there, and that 2 Corps of the Tenn. army has been sent there. Gambrell's Scout is back from W. Tenn. Covington was his Head Quarters in that country. Forrest captured the 7th Tenn. Fed. Reg't at Union City. The idea I gather is that Forrest is still about Union City. They report that Sherman has gone up the Mississippi either to Chattanooga or Virginia.

April 2, 1864

News from Forrest

        This day has been fair and pleasant, but not clear-- this evening especially has been a little clouded. Misses Sallie, Anna and Mahala Gambrell spent the day here. I rode down to Uncle Young's this evening. This forenoon read Rollin and also Whelpley on the latter days of Greece. Aratus of Sicyon and Philopoemen were heroes of whom I had but little knowledge.

        Two couriers from Forrest dined at Uncle Young's today. They left him at Jackson. They confirm the capture of Hawkins Tories (7th Tenn) at Union City. A dash had been made into Paducah and the command supplied themselves with such goods as they needed. They did not attack the fortification in the vicinity of Paducah. These couriers report that as they came down they heard there were some Yankees about Purdy. I fear they will come from middle Tennessee and force Forrest back. Have seen several cavalry men pass up the country. They say they belong to Wisdom's Reg. (Forrest formerly) of Gen. Forrest command. One told me that Roddy had a fight last week between Decatur and Tuscumbia. He gave no particulars. I have inquired particularly in reference to the Railroad as that is a matter of great importance to me now, and I have not been able to learn anything satisfactory. One told me it would be there in 2 days. Almost all agree in saying it will be up soon. But some say that only a construction train runs the upper part of the road, and it runs just when they please and there is no regularity

about it. It is said that some destroyed bridges below Meridian prevent trains from coming from Mobile. I had hoped to have started to Oktibbeha on monday. But my way is not yet opened, but I hope ere many days it will be.

        Rec'd a letter from John Young dated Dalton, Mar. 21. All is quiet there. The Yankees run trains to Ringgold. Hand cars and lumber cars are passing up the Railroad carrying corn to the destitute every few days. It is taken to Rienzi and ground up and the meal distributed to the destitute. For this 40 Bushels are required every week.

April 3, 1864

Sabbath at Bethany--the Rail Road

        Sabbath. This has been a quiet and peaceful Sabbath. Rode out to Bethany and heard Mr. Young preach from 1 Tim. 1:16. The subject was the history of Paul an encouragement to believe. He announced public service on fast-day for next friday. As I went to Church my horse took fright beyond Brice Gin and ran with me. The bridle rein broke and I was thrown, but was not hurt.

        Read Calvin as usual. Tonight have been interested in looking through the life of David Brainerd--a good and devoted minister he was. Sam (Big) Nelson was out at Church today. He left Camp friday. He told me the cars would not be there for two weeks yet. Dr. Tom Miller is just home from Dalton, he thinks 3 weeks will intervene before trains come up. So my Starkville trip is indefinitely postponed. The day has been pleasant. This evening clouded.

Tonight a shower has fallen & heavy with heavy thunder: we will probably have more before morning.

April 4, 1864

News--Yankees at Purdy--the R. R.

        This morning was dark and cloudy. As Jimmie Haddon got home last night from Dalton I rode over to see him. He walked from Tibbie, he thinks trains will not get up to Tupelo in two weeks, and it may be three weeks. The bridge across Tibbie is not yet completed. He brought an Appeal of 22 and Mississipian of 31st. Read them, noticed nothing of great importance. The general impression is that a grand move is on foot against Richmond to start after Apr. 15. The Appeal doubts the report. Longstreet is at Greenville, Tenn. Beauregard is in Florida. Fremont has been assigned to command in Florida. Gen. W. L. Smith, it is said, will succeed Meade in Va. The Appeal contains the official report of Johnston of opperations in Mississippi last summer. He blames Pemberton for sacrificing the army at Vicksburg. Hear today that Gholson's command left Tupelo yesterday morning going up. Some say that they are going to Ripley to receive some prisoners to be sent there by Forrest. He captured 2 Reg'ts at Paducah, one of them a negroe reg't. Kentucky Falkner captured Union City and took between 500 & 600 prisoners. Others have it that he is going up to reinforce Forrest. Forrest is at Jackson, but a large Federal force have crossed the Tennessee, near Savannah, and are at Purdy. This

force is both cavalry and infantry. And some think there will [be] fighting above us soon. Tonight I hear that the Yankee force at Purdy are estimated at 6000. Three gentleman passed up this evening all connected with the Rail-road. They said the bridge across Tibbie would be completed last Saturday and they think that trains are running from West Point to Mobile now. In 6 days they think trains will run to Okolona. If so they can run to Tupelo against monday--they say if the Yankees keep out of the country the road will be completed to Corinth. Rode over to Aunt Rilla's and spent the night. Went to Maxwell's & gave him $5.00 in addition to $25.00 Pa had sent him to get some morphine for him at Okolona. I gave the money to Maxwell's wife, as he was not at home.

        The day throughout has been cloudy and this evening is cool.

April 5, 1864

Small pox--prisoners taken below

        This has been a clear and beautiful day. Though early in the morning it was a little clouded. Maj. Humphreys called in with a letter for Aunt Rilla from John dated 27th. He was well. Rode over home. A. W. Beaty here and spent the day. Have been thinking a good deal in reference to a fast day sermon and have tonight finished the plan of this discourse. The text is 2 Chron. 20:3. Rode up to Nutt's this evening to inquire qbout Reeves who took some cotton from Pa to Memphis about 3 weeks ago. He could tell nothing about him, only that Reeves was an honest man &c.

        Hear that there is some cutaneous disease at Mrs. Arnold's

which Minor Pannel pronounces small-pox. Have heard very little news. Gholson camped Sabbath night at Kelly Mill. On Yesterday 550 prisoners were taken down the country. Forrest only captured about 40 persons at Paducah, instead of 2 Reg'ts. Understand that on saturday 9000 Yankees were 5 miles beyond LaGrange. They are after Forrest, who is at Bolivar or Jackson. I do not implicitly credit the report,

        Mary rec'd this morning from some unknown friend 2 copies of the Southern Illustrated News. The illustrations are poorly executed wood engravings. These papers contain likenesses of Brig. Gen. James L. Kemper of Va. and Maj. Gen. Simm B. Buckner.

        The day has been quiet, pleasant and springlike.

April 6, 1864

Martin-birds

        Had Mother to cut my hair this morning. The forenoon was clear, this evening in somewhat clouded. The day has been pleasant and springlike--rather warm. Notice the buds on the forest trees are swollen considerably and I think in a week will be green. I have been very busy all day. Wrote a fast day discourse, this occupied the most of the day. After I finished my sermon I worked on my saddle till near night. I expect to complete my saddle repairing in the morning. Have not seen anyone passing except John Holland, and he was inviting to a log-rolling at his father's tomorrow. I have not heard a solitary item of news of any kind during the day: this is an unusual circumstance. The Martin birds

have returned and enliven everything by their merry chirpings. They were heard and seen on the 26th ulto but disappeared. Today they have returned. Some think one always comes 8 or 10 days in advance to explore, and it looks like it. I think I heard one chirping about a week ago. As the Martins have come I suppose Spring has fairly opened at last. Pa is reading the history of Socrates in Rollin tonight.

April 7, 1864

The fight at Paducah

        This forenoon has been clouded and threatens rain. The first thing I did this morning was to repair my bridle and saddle. Then I wrote a letter to Jno. D. Agnew, leaving it with Mary to send by Lt. Ed Harwell who starts monday for Dalton. Then I have fixed up for my trip to Ebenezer--and the morning thus occupied has been busily employed. Have not seen any one and have consequently heard no news. I am now nearly ready to start: & will take my watch by McAllister's for repairs. Started about 1 o'clock. From Mrs. Wilhite learn that Reeves has not been to Memphis. Get to McAllister's. He repaired my watch--the chain was broken. He charged me nothing. While there Dr. Simmons passed down the road. He told me that he was carrying a dispatch from Forrest to Polk. Forrest is about Jackson still. There are no Yankees anywhere in that country. At Paducah we were repulsed in the attack made on 24th of March. We made 3 assaults on the fort and were repulsed every time. We had

75 men killed. Gen. Thompson was killed, on the 2nd inst. Forrest drove back a party of Yankees who were advancing under Smith from the direction of Savannah. 240 Yankees were captured. Hurst was stamped near Bolivar on the 4th, 80 men were captured. Another detachment came out from Columbus, Ky. and were driven back. In all Forrest has captured about a thousand men since he went up.

        Rode from McAllister's a pathway via Hall's, West's & Lathan's to Wm. Sanders where I stopped and spent the night. Lt. Bearden was there. It is reported at Okolona that Vicksburg is captured by our men. The evening has been cloudy and tonight it is raining.

April 8, 1864

Fast day

        This is Fast day, appointed by Jefferson Davis at the request of our Congress. Rode over to Robison's about 8 o'clock. The morning was rainy but about 10 o'clock it cleared and we rode to Church and I preached from 2 Chron 20:3. The congregation was respectable in size. After preaching rode to Robison's and spent the day. Did not partake of any food untill between 4 and 5 o'clock.

        In the way of items have nothing of importance. Understand that the Tibbie Bridge has sunk in the middle and that the necessary repairs will detain the completion of the R R several days. This if true will prevent my trip south next week. Robison has been over in Marshall this week. He saw a Yankee paper of the 3d. The Copperheads are rebelling in Illinois. Large numbers are gathering

to resist Lincoln. The infected district is between Mattoon and Charleston. They are encamped and fortified at some Mills in that county. Col. Mitchell had made a reconnoisance and meeting a party of the insurgents a skirmish ensued. The Federal loss was 7 killed and wounded. Mitchell was wounded. Troops are being sent there, and furloughed men are ordered there to "squelch" the affair.

        John Cole died recently. He had moved to Chickasaw Co. His body will be brought to that (Cotton Plant) neighborhood for burial.

        Although the morning was unpleasant the most of the day has been bright and pleasant.

April 9, 1864

At Ebenezer--items

        Rode out to Church. Mr. Young got up by 11 1/2 o'clock. I preached from Prov. 3:6. Dined with Mrs. Ellis. This evening rode down to the Ridge and heard Uncle Young preach from 1 Tim. 1:16. The morning was clear and beautiful, but about 10 o'clock it clouded and the day has been windy, raw and with an occasional fall of rain. Old Winter is giving us another visit. Some think it will be cold enough for frost tonight. Rode with Bro. McDaniel and spent the night. Uncle Young was with me. Strong is expected at Presbytery. There is much disaffection in the Salem congregation. Things are getting along badly there. Meet Mr. Cole's body this evening. It was brought from Chickasaw and will be buried at Academy tomorrow. He was an old and useful citizen of that neighborhood. Capt. Robert J. Hill is now policemen for our district.

When Cole left Hill was elected in his place.

        Two joined the Church today, viz Jane Bryson and Robert O. Jones. In the way of war news have not heard anything today.

April 10, 1864

Communion at Ebenezer

        Sabbath. Communion Sabbath. The day has been very pretty-- much pleasanter than the last two days. Study, go out to Church. A Large congregation was assembled. Mr. Young preached the action sermon from John 1:46. I made the prefatory remarks from Matt. 26 Chapt to verses and served the 1st Table, Mr. Young the 2d and McDaniel the 3d. The congregation was then dismissed. Came to Robison's where I dined--thus detained one hour. Started from their home 1/2 after 4 o'clock. The sun went down when I was just beyond Snow's, and I rode from Gober's home after it was close dark. Got home 1/2 after 8. Mr. Young I left at Robison' s. He sent a watch to McAllister by a Mr. Thomas and wants to see about it. Robison & McDaniel fear that there is some danger of the watch never getting to McAllister's. This man Thomas told Mr. Young he lived near Orizaba. They know no such man in that country. I hope it will all turn out right, but fear that it will not. Send Reeves a message by Dick Kelly as follows "Dr. Agnew would like to see or hear from him soon." At home find a letter from N E M dated Feb. 8. There is no news of the cars at Tupelo yet. Uncle Jo is coming home from Tupelo friday. They are looking for them soon. So I am disappointed again. I had been calculating on going down tomorrow but will have to defer my trip another week and if I

get off next week I cannot get to Presbytery. It does seem to me that those Railroad constructors are getting along very slowly.

April 11, 1864

Fishing

        Mrs. General Thompson staid here Saturday night on her way to her Mother's in Mayfield, Ky. Her husband was a resident of Paducah, and by a coincidence he was killed near his own home. Mrs. T. was escorted by some soldiers going to their command which is with Forrest.

        This morning was perfectly clear and during the day the sun shone out warmly. This evening is clouded. Rode out to Camp Creek and fished about 4 hours and caught only 4 fish worth bringing home. I have poor luck fishing, Pa says I don't know how to fish. Margaret was out on the creek in the farm this evening, and she had much better success than I. As the dogwoods have blossomed I expect to devote much of my leasure time to this recreation. Saw a large blackish snake about 6 or 7 ft. long on the creek today. I did not succeed in killing it. This is the first snake I have seen this spring.

        Walked down to Watson's this morning to hear news from the R R but got none. He came home Saturday night. This day is a blank in the way of news.

April 12, 1864

No news--peaceful and quiet

        When I awakened this morning it was raining. By noon it

cleared, and this evening has been bright and pleasant, but windy. We had no rain after breakfast. Today has been very quiet, and to me rather dull. This evening rode out to Dry Creek & fished a few hours but caught nothing. Pa, Margaret and Erskine were at the same business in the Fork quarter, and had nearly as poor success as myself. Tonight Mother rubbed some solution of Corrosive sublimate on some remains of my neck ringworm. It seems to be hard to kill.

        A gentleman passing up the road this morning tells me that some one told him at Tupelo on Sabbath that he thought the cars would got to Tupelo today. A "big business" is looked for in Virginia. He heard that Polk's army and part of Johnston's army have gone there. This man is the only one I have seen today and he says there is no news at all below here. Everything with us is as peaceful and quiet as if there was no war raging in the land. I fear that ere many weeks we will have intelligence from Va. or Ga. which will excite the whole country.

        The dog Kate has commenced dogging again.

April 13, 1864

The impending battle in Virginia

        This morning was clear and pleasant. Late this evening it clouded. Mother had the house washed and the beds sunned today. I did a little on my critical studies and looked through some old Medical Quarterlies. This evening with Mary rode down to Uncle Young's. From there I went on to Copeland's, Uncle Young being

with me. He expects to go to Mobile soon, and Pa wanted him to attend to some business for him. Copeland expects tp start the last of this week as he thinks the cars will be up by that time. He learns that the gravel train already runs to Okolona. S. Bryson was there. He saw Mr. Brice who today was down about Saltillo and learned that the hand cars were ordered to be stopped as they were in the way of the trains. This is good news to me. From all that I can hear I think that a terrible battle is impending in Virginia. Our forces have I hear, been reinforced by Longstreet, Beauregard, Polk, and part of Johnston's army. Mr. Hyatt from near Kelly's Mill told me today that a Mr. Wilhite got back from Memphis sabbath night and says that the news in Memphis is that the Virginia fight is over and they are whipped. Lee has fallen on their right wing and captured it, and the balance of their army is badly cut up. And now Lee is on the other side of the Potomac. I cannot altogether credit this Memphis report. I think a battle is impending but this is earlier than I think it could come off. Another reason for discrediting it is that we hear nothing of it from below.

        The Legislature has empowered the Governor to turn over the State cavalry to the Confederacy if he thinks proper.

        Uncle Young found his watch matter all right at McAllister's on monday. Jimmie Haddon is at Uncle Young's tonight.

April 14, 1864

A backward spring

        This morning was cool and cloudy. After playing a few games

of checks with James rode on home, bringing the 6 & 7ths volumes of Rollin with me. The day throughout has been cool, and mostly clouded, though the sun did shine out awhile this evening. Tonight is closely clouded. Chiefly read in Rollin's 6th volume.

        This evening rode over to Aunt Rilla's and spent the night. Aunt Sarah was there but she left after supper for Mr. Twitchell's who had sent for her because her brother Phil had got there from Corinth. Today I have not heard any news of importance. Some say another batch of prisoners, 500 or 300, have been sent down by Forrest. Everything is very quiet and peaceful in the country now. Pa gave me an order for his R R dividend to take to Copeland tomorrow. I notice that the forests is becoming green. This spring is regarded as very backward. The forest trees present a russet appearance. Wheat is small and thin and the ground seems cold. I have heard of no corn being up.

April 15, 1864

The Railroad

        After breakfast I rode down to Mr. Copeland's, but found that I was too late. He started to Mobile this morning. Mrs. Copeland told me that some soldiers were at their house last night, one of them from Demopolis. He came up to Okolona on the gravel train wednesday, and they were looking for the passenger train that evening. They thought in a few days the passenger train would run to Tupelo. Dr. Bynum came up yesterday. He reports that Ham's men are ordered

to Virginia. Loring has moved from Demopolis. Some think he has gone to oppose a Yankee move, who it is said have crossed at Decatur and are endeavoring to flank Dalton. Others think he has gone to reinforce Lee or Johnston.

        Came on home by 11 o'clock, the ride back was cool and unpleasant, and the day has been unusually cool throughout. Such cool weather is not common at this season of the year. I have been reading Rollin. Now Achaia and Etolia now are the prominent Grecian States. I have just got through the career of Aratus, Philopoemon is just entering on the stage. The Romans too now find a place in the picture.

        Rode over to Uncle Jo's this evening. He tells me that he does not think there is any good "stopping place" at Tupelo. This consideration induces me to think of having the carriage meet us at Verona. My arrangements and plans are not fully chalked out yet. I have determined to start monday, as I am satisfied the trains will be running to Tupelo by that time. I hear this evening that they are already coming to that point. It will be some time before the cars come to Saltillo, for I understand that there are 17 bridges to be built between Tupelo and Saltillo.

        The sun shone out brightly this evening for a while. The authorities stopped the hand cars at Tupelo yesterday, as they were looking for the trains up, and the running of hand cars would be likely to retard and hinder regular trains.

April 16, 1864

The Rail-road--making arrangements

        Beautiful morning, but the day became clouded and it was quite cool. Mr. Copeland called here this morning. He did not got off to Mobile yesterday as the cars are not running to Tupelo. Trains however are now running to Okolona. There are 80 hand cars on the track between Okolona and Tupelo, and they have been ordered to clear the track by monday morning, as they design sending up the hands to work above Tupelo at that time. And then trains can, and doubtless will, come up to Tupelo. I have been making my arrangements to start to Oktibboha monday. I have got James Young to go down to Tupelo with me and bring my horse back. And as there is no stopping place at Tupelo, I will have the carriage to meet me at Verona on thursday. Aunt Sarah will go down in the carriage. Tonight I have written a letter to J. F. Young and also a draft of a report which I will send to Presbytery.

        Rode down to Uncle Young's this morning to arrange with James. McDaniel and Robison came there yesterday evening. Rode with Mc to Church. Robison preached from Heb. 6:12, and after a recess of 12 or 15 minutes McDaniel preached from Amos 6:1. Susan, a servant of J. Epting's joined the Church and was baptized after the last sermon. McDaniel and Aunt Sarah came home with us and are spending the night with us. Copeland was telling me this morning that there has been a battle in Louisiana, and Price and Kirby Smith have defeated Banks. I understand it occurred about Shreveport. From

Va. there are different reports. Some say Lee has been badly whipped and others that Grant has been whipped. From Yankee sources hear that there was a heavy battle commencing on the 1st and ending on the 3rd, their left wing was whipped, their centre were repulsed or rather were hard pushed, their right gained an advantage. Their accounts make it a drawn battle. The most of the people think there has been no battle there but I am inclined to think there has been, but not a decisive engagement. Gov. Clark will be up at Tupelo on next friday to review the State troops and turn them over to the Confederacy. Uncle Jo will go down tomorrow to see about getting a discharge. Cannonading was heard at Cotton Plant on wednesday in a western direction and it is reported that Forrest is making an attack an Memphis.

April 17, 1864

Communion at Bethany--Fort Pillow

        Sabbath--Communion Sabbath. This day has been warmer than some we have had. Early it was clear but about 11 it clouded, and was closely clouded the most of the evening. Rode out to Church. The congregation was unusually small. Went with McDaniel to the stand and heard him preach to the negroes from 1 Peter 4:18. Robison preached the action sermon in the house. After a short recess I made the prefatory remarks from Matt. 26:17-30 and served the first table, McDaniel the 2nd, and Robison the 3d. McDaniel gave thanks and dismissed the congregation. After preaching go with Robison

to Mrs. Watts' and dined there with him, came on home. Tonight is rainy, and as I design starting below in the morning I apprehend some difficulty with water courses.

        Hear today some items from Forrest. It is said he has recently captured Fort Pillow. This place was garrisoned by negroes mostly-- the garrison numbered about 500. They felt secure and at the outset hoisted the black flag and consequently no quarter given them and many were slaughtered. Forrest is said to have been slightly wounded three times in the fight. Forrest I hear had only 7 killed. Ferguson passed up through Holly Springs a few days since. Cannonading was heard in the neighborhood of Ripley on friday and it is said that the Yankees were fighting Ferguson somewhere about LaGrange. Cal Lindsay of Due West recently married a Miss McCaslin. Aunt Sarah is with us tonight.

April 18, 1864

Off for Oktibbeha

        Up early and fix for my trip below. Pa mended my stirrup-leather. Shaved &c. Miss Jane Bryson & McDaniel came in and they with Robison started for their homes about 8 o'clock. I was also busily engaged packing &c and started about the same time, taking my clothing &c in a carpet bag. Rode down to Mr. Young's and gave him my missionary report to hand in to Presbytery.

        After sitting about an hour I started to Tupelo with James Young. Found Yoniba saddle-skirts deep. Reached Tupelo at 4 o'clock

in the evening. Stopped a while in Ham's Camp and then rode to town. Learn that a freight or construction train runs from and to Okolona, and this train had left at 2 o'clock. We hence were disappointed in not finding, as we had heard, that the passenger train came up to Tupelo. Go to Gen. Gholson's Head Quarters to learn whether he could give me a recommendation for passports. He told me he would if I would bring a man to vouch for me. Gholson is a very plain looking and wears no clothing indicative of his rank. As we saw no chance for accommodation at Tupelo we rode back to Ham's Camp and lodged with some acquaintances. I with Uncle Jos. and James with John Turner. Hear some items during the day. Forrest is on his way to Okolona. He is going to reinforce Lee, who has already proceeded to Ala. Polk's army is at Montevallo. A movement is threatened from N. Ala. towards Selma with the view of destroying some Iron Works in that country. 250 prisoners are on their way from Forrest to Tupelo. The State Troops will be turned over to the Confederacy soon.

        The small pox is being scattered in the country. A man died of it at Dr. Silman's on saturday.

April 19, 1864

At Tupelo

        This day, as yesterday, has been pretty. I did not rest well last night. The tent in which I lay was much crowded and being "scrouged" I could not sleep. James Young's horse got loose during

the night and is missing this morning. Mine also broke loose but did not leave. He left about 8 o'clock riding my horse. I fear his horse will not be found. Got Maj. Ham to go with me to Head Qrs. and vouch for me. Gholson gave me a paper recommending me to passport agents. At his suggestion I went to Col. Wynn of the Conscript bureau and showing him my proofs of exemption he gave me exemption papers. I then returned to Camp, and getting my baggage I returned to Town and lolled about waiting for the train. Columbus Bigham and Mr. Ratliff went down with me. They were on their way to Tibbie to purchase corn for the destitute. About 1 o'clock the train left and we reached Okolona between 3 and 4 o'clock. Mr. Simpson & daughter Mrs. Murray of Marietta were along. Also Steph Huff, Dave Crockett, Dr. Bynum &c. At Okolona. see evident marks of Yankee vandalism. About the R R track every R R building has been consumed. Stopped with Simpson and Murray at Pound's Hotel. Cox is the bar keeper, a refugee from Gainsboro, Tenn. Walk about town and find that Okolona is a place of some importance. Got a passport from the Provost Marshall. Hear some particulars in reference to the late battle in Louisiana, but nothing very definite, Pound's Hotel was crowded tonight. I and a young gentleman from about College Hill occupied together a single bed, and we had to lie very close. The evening and night was truly cold, fires were altogether necessary for comfort. One of the most observable features of Okolona is the multitude of rats, which abound in that burg. Everywhere you go at night you can see them, and in our room which

was occupied by 7 men the rats seemed to hold a carnival. They were rollicking and capering over the floor the whole night and I apprehended that before morning they would make off with some of our plunder.

April 20, 1864

At my journeys end--

        Up before four o'clock in order to take the train at 5 1/2 o'clock. Left about light having paid $4.50 for my tavern bill. We left Okolona about sunup and sped on our way to Mayhew. As we passed through the prairies a melancholy spectacle presented itself at every station. The blacked remains of burnt stations, corn-pens &c were to be seen at Okolona, Egypt, Prairie, Lochaton and West Point. Reached Mayhew about 9 o'clock. A hack was there going directly to Starkville. I engaged a seat in it and went to Connell's and shaved and put on a clean shirt, but when I had finished my change I found that the negro who drove the hack had proven traitor and left me afoot. I then went to Connell's and got a horse from him, but could not get off untill 1 o'clock. Dined with Connell and as I had no breakfast it suited me very well. Pay Connell $2.00 for my dinner and 10.00 for my conveyance. Went directly to Mrs. McKell's, reaching there about 4 o'clock. Meet Nannie and make our arrangements to marry at 1 o'clock tomorrow. Enjoyed myself finely in her company. From there rode on Mrs. Nason's horse to Mr. Pressly's where I spent the night. Johnny Yates was there. He and Calvin were going a turkey hunting in the morning.

Ann is teaching 5 miles from home. James Rogers is dead. He died last April. Lee's cavalry passed through that country last week on their way to Polk, who is at Montevallo. Sat up till 11 o'clock and was very sleepy as on Monday night.

        I slept only a little, and did little Tuesday night. This morning notice frost at Okolona. The day has been very clear, as was yesterday. This evening was warm, and about sundown I noticed a bank of clouds in the west.

April 21, 1864

Married

        Slept very soundly last night. The morning was dark and lowering and it looked as if we would have a rainy day, but before 10 it cleared up and the day was beautiful and pleasant. Dressed and rode with Mr. Pressly to Starkville. Got my license from Dr. Bishop the probate clerk. It was completely signed and left in the office.

        Bought 1 ounce of opium for Pa, it cost $20.00. Was introduced to several persons, Dr. Parker, Barry, Esq. Miller &c. Rode on to Mrs. McKell's, Robert Montgomery overtook me on the way and stopped with us. We reached Mrs. McKell's a little after the time. I was ushered into a room where Nannie was alone, and soon I lead her to "the altar" and the knot was tied by Mr. Pressly in an exceedingly neat manner. A good many of the relations and friends there. Recieved their congratulations, dined. The table was finely furnished.

After dinner Nannie, now my own dear Nannie, and I took our seats in a carriage and were driven to Mayhew. We reached there about 3 o'clock. After sitting an hour the train came along and we wended our way homewards. Saw J. H. Snow at Tibbie.

        Reached Okolona 1/2 after 8 o'clock--after dark. There was no hacks to convey passengers or baggage to Town. Ran over to the Hotel near the R R and was told that it was impossible to get lodgings at a Hotel in that place. Then went off leaving Nannie with some other ladies sitting near the track and tried at 5 different private houses but could not get lodgings. I then thought of Sam'l McCarly and went to him, telling him my situation, that I was there with a newly married bride, and asked him to lodge me. He did so, and we spent a very pleasant night there. Learn that the Alabama raid is a hoax and Forrest has been ordered back to West Tennessee.

April 22, 1864