I arose early and took my breakfast, our infantry still passing through and gathering up the remaining chickens. About 6 o'clock the last of our infantry had passed, and our Cavalry skirmishers were collecting in the yard, they informed me that a detachment of our Cavalry had formed in an open field a few hundred yards south, to check the advance of the Federal Cavalry. The firing soon commenced. I placed the servants and children for safety in the stone wood cellar, where I remained with them the most of the time, the firing continued about half an hour while the Federal Cavalry were advancing from the Powder Springs Road to our house. Many of them were killed or wounded—near the house, our Cavalry fell back near 1 o'clock, some passing over the Railroad embankment, and others over the Atlanta Road, and for some time kept up a fire on each other with small arms, the balls falling about the yard. After 7 o'clock all was quiet again on the premises, and we in possession of the Federal Army. The advance Cavalry was a detachment under command of Lieut. Harvey of 15 Ill. Reg. of Gen'l Hooker's escort, his behavior was very gentlemanly, he asked me if I had any Rebel soldiers. I told him but one, who was sick, and him I delivered up. A Major and Col. soon after made their appearances, all with the men conducting themselves very properly. I was asked what supplies I had and arms, which I informed them, Lieut. Harvey took the 3 Pistols and a Hammock leaving the double barrel gun. The Pistol and Hammock he stated should be returned to me. The corn and fodder were all wanted for the horses and mules which were greatly in need of provender. I remonstrated about the taking of all the corn as I needed a part for food for myself and servants. They offered to supply us with wheat flour, but upon my urging our preference for corn, they asked how much would be needed by us for food, I replied 20 bushels, they kindly left me 30 bushels, taking 100 for which the Q. M. (Capt. Geo. R. Cadwallader, 1 Br: 1 Div: 20 A. C.) gave me his certificate for payment, including 1000 fodder. Nothing else on the premises was disturbed by them. Lieut. Harvey left me 2 guards to remain with me until the next morning. Many officers called on me during the morning, all of whom I found to be very gentlemanly men particularly so with Gen'l Elliot Chief of the Cavalry, who remained with me about half an hour, with whose visit I was greatly gratified as a man of education, polish and laudable sentiments, and have seldom met a more agreeable companion. He promised me another visit. As my guards were to leave me the next morning, about 3 1/2 o'clock, I went to town to procure other guards for the next morning, which Col. Stone (acting Comm't) promised to send to me in the morning. On returning home about 5 o'clock, Sharp met me at the cemetery nearly out of breath, informing me that men had broken into the House and were committing great robberies. I asked after the guards, he stated they had left, soon after I had gone to town. I immediately returned to Col. Stone, informing him of the circumstances, and asked him for a guard at once. He stated he had not a solitary man to spare me then, but he very kindly promised to ride out himself in a few minutes, which he did before I got home, and advised me as I went out, to stop at Gen. Thomas' Hqs. and procure a guard [torn], and a guard [torn] with whom I returned home after an absence of about 2 hours, when I found Col. Stone and a guard which had been placed on the premises by Gen. Whipple during my absence in town. My short absence had afforded ample time for the robbers to commit the most thorough depredations, one of the guards left with me by Gen. Hooker's escort, was the first to commence the robbing, he broke in the first door soon after I left, multitudes followed him, every room, closet, wardrobe, and trunk was forced open, nothing escaped their examination, and almost everything of value which they could remove was taken, and what remained was strewn about the room, but few books were taken, but nearly all the clothing for persons and beds and provisions were appropriated freely and extensively. Much was however saved by the fortunate arrival of Gen. Thomas at the House, who had much returned, and 6 or 7 of the Robbers (a chaplin among the number) were arrested, and requested Gen. Whipple to leave a guard on the premises. The 2 guards left by Gen. Hooker's escort had left before the arrival of Gen. Thomas. Gen. Thomas very kindly sent me a message by his Ass't A. G. (Maj'r Hoffman) that the severest penalty of the army regulations should be enforced on the robbers; many other officers called on me during the afternoon and evening expressing their sympathy and condemnation of the outrages which had been committed. The loss of so many articles of provisions, all sugar, syrup, coffee & tea, &c. and soap and most of my clothing and money will subject me and the servants to much inconvenience, but nothing connected with the loss occasioned as much grief as the entire loss of the clothing of Mr. MacLeod, the Robbers knew nothing of the sacred value placed upon those relics, but had they, it would have availed nothing towards saving them. So closed this painful Sabbath day, and leaving me a restless night to follow.

Monday morning, bright and clear in nature, but my spirits much depressed I went to town. Every thing looked changed, all strange faces, but few acquaintances to be found. I visited a few friends and then returned to my lonely Home, feeling solitary and deserted, cut off even from correspondence with my family and friends, and feeling as I was entirely among strangers, gave me another dull night for rest, and compelled me to indulge many painful reflections upon the sad consequences of war, and particularly this war, for which I was in no way culpable and had exerted all my powers to prevent—and from which I so sadly suffered.

I felt dull today, too much so to go to town. I visited some of the neighbors, heard their complaints and indulged in sad reflections on the consequences of this sad war, and thanked God that I had no agency in involving our happy country in it. How desolate do I feel in witnessing and hearing of so much distress & heartlessness for the safety of my two sons in the Armies of Va. and Geo. and my wife and other members of my family, so separated from me that I can neither hear of them nor partake of their counsel nor sympathy. How cheering is the hope of Heaven under such circumstances and the knowledge that God overrules all things. During the day the supply train of 1st. div. Cav. Corps of Dept. Cumberland encamped on the premises under Maj'r Flag, Capt. Rankin Garfield, the train consisted of about 100 wagons, 1000 mules and horses and 400 men, the intelligent and gentlemanly deportment of the officers & men relieved me a little from depression of spirits, and rendered the evening less sad than the morning.

I went to town and saw a few friends, heard added statements of depredations and believe but few in the town and county had escaped the visits and terrors of the Robbers. I returned home to suffer from my own reflections upon the sufferings of all and the debasing effects of war and to enjoy some relief from my own thoughts in the society of the pleasant strangers who were encamped about me.

Another day has dawned upon my dreary life. I went to town for a short time and returned home, this day in common with the preceeding, I have had visits from many officers, some spending the nights with me, all pleasant men, and each man [torn] sympathetic spirits. I [torn] Federal Army [torn] Nothing has yet occurred to change my opinion of them—as men of good character and reprobations the many depredations which are being committed by the stragglers of the Army.

Saturday has pretty much passed away, as the preceeding days, with a few visits among friends in and out of town, trying to cheer and comfort them as cheerless and comfortless as I felt myself— this afternoon Capt. Rankin informed me (rumor of which I heard yesterday) that all of the Roswell factories had been burnt by order of Gen. Sherman, the causes which prompted the order he did not know; he stated that he had conversed with many of the operatives who had been brought into Marietta, to be sent North; he stated that they all spoke in very bitter terms of my brother (B) and of some other officer there—he thought his name was Camp, they seemed to hate them both with a bitter hatred; he asked them if they knew me, they said yes and spoke in the kindest terms of me.

I went to town but was informed that there would be no Church service. I saw Col. Gleason (Com't of Post) and asked if he would allow Mr. Benedict (the only remaining minister) to have services in his Church he said no, as he would not pray for to Pres't of the U. S. I suggested that he would omit that part of the service, he said no, Mr. B. was too unsound, that he was the most ultra Secessionist he had met. I afterwards learnt that Mr. B. for some days had not been permitted to go beyond the limits of his lot. While in town I met Mr. Eldridge and Mr. Bonfoir (the Sup't Of the Roswell Cotton and Wool factories), they inform me of the sad condition of things at Roswell, that the factories had been utterly destroyed and they and all the operatives, men and women, had been arrested and were in Marietta on their way to the North, that with the exception of Brother Pratt's house, every one of the houses of the resp. settlers of Roswell had been broken open and plundered and everything of value had either been taken away or destroyed and done almost entirely by the operatives, that the soldiers had committed but few depredations. What a comment upon the human character. They stated that Brother P. & Cate were both well, but very anxious and wanted to see me; and although I no less anxious to see them, I could not prudently leave here even for a day, with such a multitude of depredators roving over the county. I returned how with many sad feelings. What a world of sin we live in. I would not live always. The greater part of the day I remained at Home, in the afternoon I had much and pleasant company, some performing well on the Piano, others good singers, they refreshed me by playing and singing much pleasant sacred music. I told than not to sing Home, Sweet Home, that I did not want to hear it until I and my wife were within the same lines. Today closes one week since I have been under Yankee [torn]. I thank God that my experiences far exceeded my most sanguine anticipations. I have suffered but little annoyance, exclusive of the robbing by the stragglers last Sabbath. I have suffered no more from the soldiers of the Federal Army than from those of our own Army. I have mingled and conversed freely with officers and privates. I have not met a single individual whose department and language has not been gentlemanly, nor a word nor opinion has been expressed to me in the least discourteous manner. Although in many cases our opinions materially differed, we pleasantly discussed them. And greatly to my surprise, even among the common soldiers with whom I have also conversed freely, I have seen exhibited no exultant spirit nor expression at our army having so constantly fallen back; but more a spirit of sympathy for us, and simply a desire to avoid any expression which might be painful to me. All which I have seen compels me to admire the men—they do not seem to feel any hatred toward us, but speak favorably of our army and our people, they say we are one people, the same language, habits and religion, and ought to be one people, they have a higher opinion of the people of the South than before the war; and I am sure even an ultra So. Carolinian can never again say that 1 So. Ca'n can whip 5 Yankees, to have effected such a change of sentiment North and South toward the people of both sections, has been one of the favorable results of this sad war.

This morning a Brigade of Cavalry under Gen. McCook, Com'd, with a supply train encamped here, past from the front towards Lost Mountain. Yesterday afternoon 2 of the men with the supply train had broken into one of the servant's rooms and was committing depredations, one of the servants (Tabby) came into the House and informed me, I stated the fact to Capt. Rankin, who was writing in the house at the time, he immediately jumped up and went to the servant's house. The men had left. He ordered a Possy of men to pursue and take them, in less than 1/4 of an hour then were taken, identified and secured; this morning their case was represented to Gen. McCook, he ordered that they should be placed in irons and sent to the front for trial and punishment. I went to town in the morning, visited some friends and found all things going on quietly. I asked Col. Gleason if there was any objection to my visiting the Rev. Mr. Benedict, as I understood he was confined to his lot, he said I could visit him whenever I desired, I spent 1/2 hour with him and Mrs. B.—these trying times make us all feel a warm sympathy for each other. Nothing of importance has occurred today.

I visited town as usual this morning and was informed James King had been taken prisoner on Saturday and was then in town to be sent North. I tried to find him among the prisoners and learnt that he had already been sent off which I greatly regretted, not being able to see him and knowing the great anxiety of his family and friends. What sufferings have been occasioned by this sad, useless war—how much happier would we all be had not the political demagogues North and South been permitted to force this war upon a happy, prosperous people. Mr. Goodman this morning informed of a pleasant incident of which he was a witness on Sabbath last, he with a few others had attended the burial in the graveyard of a child of a poor woman who was a refugee from the county, she was greatly afflicted, at the grave he met a Federal officer (Capt'n) who had prepared the grave and who he then learnt had assisted in attending the sick child, procured the coffin and prepared the grave, he stood by the poor mother, comforting her, while the Federal soldiers were filling up the grave, and when done the poor mother overcome with grief, threw herself on the grave, the Federal officer knelt by her side speaking comforting words, some higher spots still left in the Human heart, not all godforsaken. We had some rain last night to lay the dust. The flies have been more numerous and annoying for a month past than I have ever known before. Mr. Bonfoir just from Roswell delivered me a message from Sister Cate and Bro. P. to go to see them, as they were anxious to consult with me about their exposed situation and the propriety of their moving into the Southern lines. I feel greatly for them, but I cannot prudently leave home, I will write to them by the first opportunity to remove all of their supplies here and to come and stay with me, we may be able to mittigate each other's anxieties and trials. Their situation I know is much exposed to the multitude of Robbers.

I made a few visits in and about town this morning. Large Federal forces have been passing since yesterday, all night and this morning, from the front towards Roswell it is supposed, as it is surmised Johnson is massing a large force there. May God protect Bro. P. and Sister Cate from being in the vicinity of a battle. Our good and gentlemanly Com't (Col. Gleason) has today been ordered with his brigade to the front, his successor is Col. Ross; during the short interval of the change of Comm'ts many depredations have been committed, and all [torn] recalled, good new ones had not been placed by Col. Ross, [torn] Fitch and myself immediately called on Col. Ross at the Military Institute, and represented Mr. Benedict's case, he at once provided a guard for his protection. I found my neighbor, Mrs. McClatchy, in great distress, her guard having been withdrawn, and the Robbers about her House awaiting their favorable opportunity. I called on Col. Ross who had removed his Head Quarters into town and he provided a guard for her, who I took out with me, and thus had the gratification of cheering her up as I had done many times before; the assistance I have been able to render her and others has greatly compensated me for the deprivations I have been called to endure in my separation from my own Home. Col. Flag today informed me that his cook was such a poor one he would like to join his mess and his Brother-in-law's (Cambell) with me, which was gratifying to me, to afford me company, and our united supplies would afford better provisions for the servants and myself. In the afternoon my good young Guard (Wm. Vickers 35 Ohio) had to leave me & join his Reg' t in front, he is the 5th. Guard I have had, and has been with me for near a week, he was such a fine fellow, I formed quite a strong attachment for him— being now well protected by the officers around me, I can safely do without a guard so long as they remain. This afternoon Rev'd Wm. Holsinger (Chaplain of 1st. Tenn. Cav.) stopped with us & will probably remain some days, he is a Cumberland Presbyterian from Ea: Tenn. How often do I wish I could write home to my wife & hear from her, this interruption of intercourse is now one of my greatest trials, being kept in perfect ignorance of their condition & anxious about her, if I could only inform her how comfortable I was situated, it would diminish my anxieties, & this painful state of anxious feelings may exist for months—cut off from all whom I love & for whose happiness & comfort I chiefly desire to live. In God I must place my trust & abide His time.

I remained at Home this morning, & have heard nothing to excite nor depress me, this day as for days past has been dry & hot, during the morning a part of Gen'l McCook's cavalry passed through ret'ing from Lost Mountain. Col. Brownlow informed me they had taken upon many men, soldiers & Citizens for misdemeanors. In the afternoon I went to town to make a few visits, the Rain interrupting me in part. I saw several of the Roswell factory operatives. Mr. Wood among the number on their war to the North, having a Letter to send to my Sister (Mrs. P.) & hearing that Mrs. Gossett was going to Roswell today, I went to see her & gave her the Letter, as it was raining heavily, I remained some time with her in her Room which was very poorly furnished. I noticed a very rich Mahogany Beaureau, with a large glass on Marble slab, a piece of furniture which was probably worth $75. a marked contrast with the rest of her plain & scanty furniture, it occasioned some painful suspicions of the manner in which she became possessed of it. I heard the Report in town of a large portion of Wheeler's Cavalry being on this side of the river again—this sad war, how many anxious feelings does it occasion. Will not God soon bring it to a close!

It rained and blew heavily last evening, this morning pleasant and the dust well laid. I did not go to town, but remained at Home to write letters, hoping that I may be able to get one to my wife via N. Y. I sent one to her in the same way about a week ago, I do not know when that letter will reach her if ever—if I could only communicate to her that I was getting on comfortably and all well, I would be relieved from much anxiety. Heavy firing has been heard this morning towards the South between 9 and 10 o'clock, about a regiment of the Fed. Inf. on foot passed on the R.R. track from front to the rear—but few cars have passed for some days past. I understand that the traveling on the Road above this has been greatly disturbed and endangered by parties of Bushwhackers firing into them as they pass. I have today written my 2nd. letter to my wife via New York. In the afternoon I went into town, heard nothing new, interesting. The Comm't (Col. Ross) was ordered to the front with his Reg't, his successor as Commandant of the Post was Col. Bishop. The change of Commandants rendered necessary a change of guards. I found Mrs. McClatchy again in much distress at being without a guard, I endeavored while in town to procure another guard for her without success, I could only get the promise of probably one for her tomorrow—she being very uneasy I got two of the young men about us to sleep in her House tonight. I called to see Col. Howell's family, and found he was that afternoon the father of his 8th. child about two hours old, being my first to him he seemed much gratified to see me as he seldom went out of his house. I have not seen him in town since the arrival of the Federal Army, he informed me that he was getting on well and had had but little annoyance, one of his servant women had left him the day before, but had returned to him again this morning. Our servants are all getting on well, I having but little for them to do, they are enabled to make money by washing and mending for the soldiers. I today heard of the sad condition of Mr. and Mrs. Greenlee Butler, they had remained within the Lines of Judge Irvine's place, he was very feeble, and they in common with all their neighbors had been robbed of all their provisions and nearly everything else. [torn] to go into our Lines the sufferings from the depredations of the robbers is very great. Many who were well supplied for months and some for a year, have been compelled to come to town and perform day work for a living, the man making $30. & $35. per month and the woman 5 cents or 10 cents a piece for washing. Large numbers of families are quitting the county, and going to the North to seek a support for themselves and families—such are the consequences of a needless war on domestic comfort and the prosperity of a county.

This morning dry and pleasant, dust well laid, I went to town, endeavored to get a guard for Mrs. McClatchey and could get the partial promise of one for her this afternoon—nothing new in town, Rev'd Mr. Fitch informed me Mrs. Sex Morris was anxious to see me to advise her in making some arrangements for passing within our Lines. I sent a message to her, that I would try to see her on Monday, but told her that I did not think she would be able to get through the Lines for some time yet, her family had all gone, she and one of her children had been accidentally left. Rev'd Mr. Holsinger left us this morning to preach to his Reg't tomorrow, promising to return on Monday, he is a good companion. I saw several country people today who told me they had been stript of everything they had by the robbers, one told me he had a little left and was dividing with his more needy neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Butler among the number. I saw a number of Pat Anderson's negroes on the Road to town, women and children, they said they had lost all their provisions, and had to come to town to try and make something to live on, poor creatures they will find it a hard task to take care of so many children, a Master's head and care would now be of much value to them, but the Master was gone and they left to think for themselves. Very few cars running on the Road. I feel quite lonely and dull this evening a country man (Hutchins) who has moved with his family into Mr. Russel's house informed me that he and his family (wife and seven children) living about 13 miles from town on the Powder Spring Road, had a good crop and an abundance of provisions, horses, hogs, & cattle, but had been robbed of everything, excepting 2 days' supply of cornmeal by about 50 Federal stragglers, who came to his House at one time, and he was compelled to move to town to find work to support them—and that most of his neighbors had suffered the same fate, and many must starve unless some provision was speedily made for their support. Those of us who have been more favored can do something but not much, the Federal Authorities provide rations in urgent cases—it is appalling to think of the sufferings which await the poor of this county, this present summer many will be compelled to move to [torn]

Sabbath again but few Sabbath privileges to be enjoyed. I went to town this morning, and learnt that our Commandant (Col. Bishop) had been withdrawn and his predecessor Col. Ross had been replaced; my letters which had been left with him for examination (one of them to my wife) were given to me to be forwarded, which I placed in the P. O. in making the change the young man handed me a 50 cents change bill, which he very honestly informed me was a counterfeit Postage currency bill. I said Well what could I do with it, and Oh he said they pass as currently as the genuine there are so many of them, and that he would take it from me at any time. I told him that would suit me then, and I will reserve it for the P. O. It seemed to me a new way of doing Business. I wrote to my Sister Cate a few days ago, urging them all to move here and stay with me, today I rec'd a reply from Bro. P. stating that they were now getting on very comfortably, since the factory women had all been sent off, and he thought they could safely remain at home as long as the Federal Army remained, when they left they might find it unsafe to remain at Roswell, if so, they move here and stay with me, it would be a comfort for us all to be together, in these sad days. How little could our disunion friends have conceived of the trials and troubles their acts were to bring upon a happy and prosperous people—most of them fleeing away from their Homes. Col. Bishop informed me this morning that there would be preaching in the Presbyterian Church by a member of the Christian Association, I told him I would attend but feeling a little unwell and not liking to be too long away from Home on Sunday, I returned without attending Church, this making 6 Sabbaths since I have attended Church; God grant that peace may soon be restored to our afflicted country. After dinner 3 officers from Gen. Thomas' army, called on me on the way to the front; they were intelligent and gentlemanly men, and promised to make me a longer visit another time. Cannonading was heard this morning toward the S. E. I called to see Mrs. McClatchey this morning, she felt cheerful in having a guard provided for her. I have been trying to get one for her for 2 days, I feel very independent without a guard. I saw Mr. Fitch this morning, he said Mrs. Morris was very anxious to see me, I will try & see her tomorrow. Mrs. Goodman informed me that a servant man of General Hindman, who had been attending on him called to see her thismorning, and informed her that in passing over the Chattahoochee he and a number of the soldiers in Gen. H. Division were taken prisoners, that he had been desired to go into the Federal Army, but he stated he could not take arms against his own people and was anxious to return home, which he hoped to be able to do soon.

I went to town this morning, and learnt from the Picket Guards that they had new orders today not to let any citizens go into nor to come out of town even with a pass, but he kindly consented to my going in. I saw Col. Ross, the Commandant who [torn] these positive orders from Gen'l Sherman leaving him no discretion. I told him how lonely I was at Home and told him that there were many families of females in town after whose comfort I had to see, he promised to come to see me now and then and said he wanted to try and arrange this matter now and then to give me a special pass to come in and go out of town, and said I must try and bear it patiently for a while. I could not complain having already experienced so much kindness from him and this rigid order seems to have been provoked by the bad conduct of citizens about, chiefly above this, in Bushwhacking and interrupting the cars, a wicked course of conduct on the part of private citizens probably more prompted by the desire of plunder and ravage than any other feeling—the whole country in a lawless condition, citizens and soldiers of both armies all alike availing themselves of the distracted state of the country, committing all depredations of plundering and murdering—these are the unavoidable results of war, and which I had foreseen and foretold before this sad and needless war was commenced by Politicians. I saw Mrs. Morris, she was in much distress, and anxious to get within our Lines, I told her it could not be effected just now, but I thought she might be able to get a pass in a few weeks, she begged me to assist her to do so as soon as possible. I told her I would do all I could for her, so soon as I thought Gen. Sherman would grant permission. I saw Mr. and Mrs. Wayland, they were in great distress, having suffered great loss and annoyance. He was very sick and almost lost his mind, both wept bitterly. I could afford them but little comfort, but promised to call and see them again soon. What trials and sufferings many are called to endure. A country and people once so happy now so afflicted, the innocent suffering equally with the guilty—the distress throughout this county is general and severe, few if any have escaped, not from the evil days of the Federal army, but from the army of Robbers which follow in its wake and from the corrupt people living among us. Laws are suspended and the evil passions let loose. I saw Bro. Barrington's 2 men Brunswick and William today, they told me they had been left at Home with their families to take care of things with provisions enough, but all had been taken from them, and having no means of support, they all came over here with the hope of getting work enough to support them, but already found it would be hard for them to make a living for themselves and families, and asked if I could not allow them all to come stay with me. I told them I had nothing even for own servants to do here, but told them however if they should be in want to let me know and I would try to assist them, they told me that they could get $20. per mo. but as everything was very high, that amt. would not support them and their families. Today Mrs. McClatchy sent me her milk cow, stating that she could not take care of it, and feared she would lose it. It will be nearly as much exposed with me, but [torn] it for the milk. While in town today, I was informed that our vault in the grave yard had been opened, in returning home I examined it, and found only a part of the Bricks from the opening had been removed, sufficient to enable the heartless Robbers to see that nothing, which they coveted, was concealed therein. I determined that it was better to leave it as it was for the present, as to close it just now with fresh mason work, would only tempt a new band of Robbers to open it a gain. The coffins were all untouched, remaining in their proper places, quiet and unmoved were the remains of the old gentleman and Fanny in the tomb, while so many of their living friends and family were disturbed and almost heartbroken by the sad troubles in the living world above. I could not but feel grateful to God for his mercy in having removed the old gentleman beyond the scene of the sad trials through which we are now passing, as were he now alive, the painful circumstances by which he would have been surrounded, would soon have hastened him to the grave, and he probably not have died the quiet and happy death which he did. How many of God's seeming afflictions prove to have been blessings—had he been alive and driven to the Low Country how great and many would have been his anxious cares, had he remained here and witnessed what I now do and have done for near 2 months, the wanton destruction of property on his own premises, and those of his neighbors, the heartless cruelty of some and the severe suffering of others, growing out of this cruel and needless war, in what sorrow would it have brought his gray hairs to the grave. I thank God that he was not compelled to pass through so sad an ordeal—and how cheering a thought it is that the pains and sorrows arising from the wickedness of man, are not to last always, to us who now live they will soon pass away—with the hope of the peace and bliss of Heaven in prospect resignation and even cheerfulness becomes us when we remember that the wickedness of the wicked will soon come to an end and must tend to convince us of the vanity of the hope of perfect happiness in this Life—this wicked war may prove to be one of God's blessings to his people.

This morning I have remained at Home, reading and enjoying for a short time the company I had around me, who are very pleasant and intelligent men, with such a good library, had I my wife with me I could be comfortable enough even with the exclusion from town, to which I am now subjected—but knowing as I do how many families there are in town who need sympathy and advice, I must got a special permit (which has been kindly promised to me by the Com't) now and then to go and see them; I am not excluded from visiting any [torn] around in the country, having the liberty of the county, but there is no society near me. I must however endure for a time the privation as best I can.—but how long I can be content to remain here without my family or any other company I do not know, were it not for the charge of the servants, I would quit at once and return Home or go to the North, but I cannot well leave them and the property here— to remain here under existing circumstances may subject me to even a greater annoyance than that of being excluded from town—if the rumors be true that many of our cavalry are in this vicinity, their doings in addition to the many evil disposed persons about, may subject us all to suspicion, and involve us in the consequences of their actions. I think I must so arrange matters as may allow me properly either to go to the North or South for a while, until affairs in this section become more settled, if that happy day can be again before the return of peace, which I fear cannot be, how sorely the fountains of happiness have been broken up by this war. I have not been away from Home today. In the afternoon Mr. Shepard made me a visit, he like myself being excluded from town. This afternoon I was pained to learn that the large cavalry encampment around me (under Capt. Rankin) had received orders to advance nearer the front about Vining Station, and that they would all leave tomorrow, this will prove an additional curtailment of my few enjoyments, they have now been with me 2 weeks, and although many minor depredations have been committed by some of the men, all the officers and most of the men are intelligent gentlemen many of whom will be remembered with many pleasant feelings and hopes of a future meeting of them.

I called to see Mrs. McClatchy this morning, found her son better and all in more cheerful spirits. I heard nothing new but the rumor that some of our Cavalry in small bodies were about east and west of us, and some apprehension of their making raids upon the town, for the interruption of which trees had been cut and thrown across the Road near Col. Brumby's House. At 11 o'clock today the whole wagon train and horses left us, leaving the desolating marks of an army encampment behind them, fences pretty generally destroyed and the improvement of the place greatly marred, what a devastator is war. Not a chicken nor a pig left on the place; and when about leaving Sharpe informed me they were about taking off our lame mule which by the by I thought had been taken long before. The mule was too lame for much service, still they found she might be made of some service to them, and they needed her, as she would probably be soon stolen from me when well. I agreed with the Capt. (Rankin) if she proved fit for service, he would give me a voucher of value for payment—after all had left I found some one had taken off Old Gentleman's fishing buggy; we have however fared much better than we expected & much better than many others. Among the officers and men encamped about me, who have afforded me much agreeable society, are Maj. Flagg of Rogersville, Tenn.—Capt. Wm. A. Rankin of Lawrence, Kansas, Kansas, A Q M 1 Cav. Div.—Capt. C. S. Garfield of Newburgh, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, W.H. Daniell, Pottsville and Mahoney City, Schuylkill Co. Penn. and W. L. G. Soule, Lawrence, Kansas. I separated with them all with much regret. Maj. Flagg being in ill health and sympathizing with me in my lonely condition, has consented to remain with me a few days longer, greatly relieving me from my anticipated loneliness. Capt. Rankin advises me to bring the Ladies up, and the servants wish me also to do so, but all things look so dreary and lonely and we having neither poultry nor garden and none to be had in the neighborhood, they had better remain where they are now for a while longer, here for a while they would almost feel like prisoners, for almost such do I feel myself to be, so much so in addition to the danger of being innocently implicated in depredations which may be committed by Bushwhackers and Raiders, that I think I had better go to the North for 1 or 2 months, hoping that a more settled state of things may pass over our afflicted country within that time, than now exists. Capt. Rankin (who seems to be a rough, and quiet but good officer) before leaving today, informed me, that at his home in Lawrence, Kansas my People had turned his wife and family out of doors and destroyed his House and all its contents, and that he had sworn, that the first good Library and Piano he found among the Rebels he meant to take them to replace his which had been burnt, and that ours seemed exactly to meet the case, but that he could not think of disturbing anything I had, and we cordially bade each other goodbye. Capt. Garfield the Commissary, informs me that he has been often robbed by their own men, and that they 2 nights ago had robbed him largely of Hams and other provisions, 1 of the wagoners was suspected and arrested; the Robbers steal from the Rebels, negroes and their own people alike; stealing and not patriotism moves them, the thieves infest both armies, but the Federal Army is more largely attended. I discover they have either destroyed or stolen the Ploughs and most of the Spades and Hoes, but few things with us seem to have been wantonly destroyed, at other places I notice much has been destroyed from mischief and badness, such as the breaking of windows, glasses, and defacing walls, etc.—general lawlessness pervades the whole country.

Last night we were disturbed by Robbers, between 10 and 11 o'clock, in a bright moonlight, two men on horseback came in the yard, and stopped under the trees near the well. I asked what they wanted, they replied that they were in search of the train encampment of the 2 div. Cavalry. I informed them that the 1st. Cavalry Div. train had been encamped here but had left during the day, but could give them no information of the 2nd. They rode off toward the western side of the house, where Maj'r Flagg for safety had placed his two horses, under the house, hearing the Maj. and his man in motion below, I gave the men no further attention, as I had a bad cold I returned to Bed, for some time I heard the Maj. and his man, this morning he informed me, that he soon discovered the rascals had stolen one of his Horses, he pursued them to their encampment nearby, as he had taken a near road, he got there ahead of them, saw the Capt. and had the men arrested when they came up, on suspicion, but as they had no Horse with them, & as his Horse he found at the gate on his return without the Halter, he presumes he broke loose from them. Tonight I will put them in the cellar for safety. The Maj'r says about 2 o'clock he was disturbed again by the sound of the Piano, he went to see who was there, and found that the Piano had been carelessly left open, and a rat was running over the keys. He lost so much sleep that he is this morning making up the loss, and Mr. Fletcher called to see me this morning he in common with the rest of us out and in town are prohibited from passing the Lines, he says while going into town a few days ago in his wagon with a load of wood at noon, a band of thieves met him on the road and took away one of his Horses, there is but little safety in moving about now, the strict orders prohibiting going in or out of town just now, I think, is attributable to the apprehension of a raid on Marietta, where the government has a large am't of stores, it is reported that for some days past Conf. Scouts have been seen about at no great distance from the town. The cars are now running more numerously toward the river. Excluded as we are in the country we can gather but little news—I am provided with no guard yet. Long wagon trains are constantly passing up and down the Road. The flies exceed in number and annoyance anything of the kind I have ever known, leaving no comfort for man or beast.

I feel pretty well again this morning, my cold having pretty nearly passed off. I went to see Mrs. McClatchy yesterday afternoon, she kindly requested me to come and stay with them if I got sick, I could not bear to be sick alone at Home. I now suffer more in spirits than in body, I hope after a few days we may be allowed the privilege of going into town again. The greater part of this morning we have heard heavy firing of cannon toward the S.E. I learnt last evening that the Federal forces had gone into Atlanta the previous afternoon, but have heard none of the particulars. I hope the citizens did not abandon their homes as they did here, as painful as it is to be restricted as we are here, it is a duty to remain at home and give personal attention to one's interests, the path of duty is the path of safety, running away from Home even before an enemy is cowardice and weakness—my stay here though subjecting me to many inconveniences, has been and still is a source of much gratification in affording me an opportunity of knowing the character of the Federal Army, and understanding their feelings and plans and so far none, even among privates in their intercourse with me have manifested any other feelings than those which are kind and gentlemanly. I have had nothing to pain me in my free intercourse with them, but everything has tended to allay any unkind feelings which I may have previously entertained and I truly wish all our ultra disunion men of the South could have enjoyed the same privilege I have for the past 3 weeks— both in sorrows and in joys. I had a number of visitors last night who spent the night with me and left early in the morning. Maj. H.C. Flagg left me after an early dinner today for his command in front, much to my sorrow, he has been with me over two weeks having been quite unwell. I formed a strong attachment for him, although an ultra union man, he is a man of generous and warm sympathies, fine talent, and well educated, a native of Virginia near Martinsburg, a lawyer residing at Rogersville, Ea. Ten. about 30 years old with a wife & 2 children; his sufferings and losses he says have been great by the destruction of his property in Rogersville. He often said to me he thoroughly condemned the robberies and destruction of property which was so often done by soldiers, but that if I knew as well as he did, how many of them had suffered severely in the same way and among their friends at their Homes, I would understand what demon passions had been roused, and how difficult a duty it was for the officers to keep their men in check—the brute passions had been aroused, and it seemed nothing short of brute gratification could appease it. I had a short visit this afternoon from 3 young men connected with the Commissary department in town, they asked me visit them when I went to town. Gen'l Rousseau came to town last evening with his command. They are encamped at the Military Hill. I was gratified to hear this afternoon that he had not made an attack on the West Point Bridge, it being too strongly guarded, thus relieving me from much of my anxiety about the safety of our dear little boy—nor had he gone to Montgomery. Mr. Shepard and young McClatchy called to see me today, an old man and wife who live near Ruff's Station, also made me a visit, they say they have been pretty much robbed of everything and they had been trying to get to town to get something to live on, but they would not be allowed to go in; that they had some corn but there was no mill to grind, that some of the soldiers told them that we had a handmill here, and asked me if we would allow them to grind on it. I told them that they or any of their neighbors could do so, he said they have been pounding their corn in a mortar, they said they would come on Monday with corn to grind. How great and many are the sufferings of the poor.

Mrs. McClatchy informed me that when Gen'l Rousseau's Cavalry passed the House yesterday afternoon she noticed one of their soldiers lashed down on his horse, his head tied down on the neck, she inquired the cause, and was informed that he had been caught stealing a chicken on the road, and he had been tied all day in that manner for punishment. The heavy firing has continued all day and still continues at dark.

Sabbath but no Sabbath variations for me, all the days of the week seem alike to me and the servants, no Church and no privilege to visit town, I have to remain at our lonely House, even the poor servants seem depressed in spirits at the disjointed state of affairs, the only cheering thought to me is, time is passing away, and if our lives are spared, within a few months I and my family will probably be at our quiet happy Home again, when there will again be some motive to live—the servants seem dull at the very monotony of life, what an affliction idleness is—not even a garden, chickens, nor pigs to afford us employment, I can vary the scene and enjoy myself by reading, but the servants are deprived of even this lonely enjoyment of life. I feel very lonely this pleasant, bright, cool day, no company—and hearing constantly this morning the heavy cannonading at the S.E. which I am informed was kept up the most of last night - man killing his brother man, like beast of prey, without even the excuse of hunger or passion towards each other—and I am in ignorance if one ofmy poor children may not be among the slain; this sad war, this war brought on by the corruption of politicians— how often are my feelings painfully excited toward that class of human demons, for whose corrupt occupation I have all my life felt the bitterest contempt, the most of them would willingly despoil Heaven for an office. In my dull spirits I made neighbor Sheppard a visit of 2 hours this morning, but there learnt nothing to cheer me, although all their family were together, they were about as dull as I am all alone—nothing without to cheer me, I must place my trust more in God relying on his goodness, wisdom and power. I hear many of our poor fellows have been brought up prisoners within a few days past, I could see none of them, being excluded from town. What a life to live, were it not for the buoyant hopes of the future to cheer.

This afternoon I visited Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Brewer[?]. Mrs. Brown has lost nearly all of the little she had, and continued to be pilfered all the time—living on the high pathway to Atlanta, constantly travelled by wagons, horsemen and footmen—the old woman is all alone, excepting a little daughter of Mrs. Brown's she had with her. Mrs. Brewer [?]says she has had but little stolen from her, excepting her cow and calf which had been taken. I could not but think the cause of her exemption indoors was either she had nothing to steal, or the want of cleanliness may have disarmed the Robber's voraciousness. Mrs. Brown says 2 soldiers stopped at her House and asked what kind of man I was, she said a good one. They inquired if I was a Union Man, she said the people called me so, they said how could he be a Union man and had so many d--m negroes about me, she says she heard some of them say, and I have heard the same remark the soldiers, that they hated the Negro race, and they would as quickly shoot a negro as a dog—one said to me and he was a western man, that such was his hatred to the negro that rather the negroes should be sent among them, or even kept in this country, he was willing the war should continue for 7 years longer if only to kill the Negroes off. What is to become of this poor race after this War God only knows, we can only hope and trust that he will so overrule all things, as to result in the advancement of their happiness and usefulness—during my absence from Home, Maria said I had missed much good company, that many gentlemen had called to see me, and some had waited a long time for my return, they did not leave their names, some she said were "big officers." Towards evening, I went over to Mrs. McClatchy and made them a short visit, and found her like myself very anxious about her sons in the Cadet Batt'n. I told her we must try and place our trust in a merciful God, but my own heart was very, very full with anxiety about my children so exposed to danger in this sad war, a war towards which I have always been exposed, and after supper I returned to my solitary room, read until Bedtime, and was soon released from my anxious cares by sleep, but I am now too anxious about my family to sleep as soundly as usual.

Another day of trial and anxiety has come, all nature seems cheerful, the skies bright and clear and the weather very cool for the season, and after Breakfast as I could not go to town I walked to the Picket station near the Graveyard, gave one of them a letter to take to the P.O. for me and asked him to inquire for letters there for me, I sat there some time with them and on my return made Mr. Marks (at Col. Brumby's House) family a long visit where I met two Federal officers, there I learnt that the report of the Federal Army having entered Atlanta some days ago was untrue, and that they were still out of it up to yesterday evening, that the fighting on Thursday and Saturday was very severe and the loss large on both sides, that on Thursday Gen'l McPherson (one of the best of the Fed. Gen'ls) was killed and Gen'l Hardee was killed on Saturday and a large number of other officers on both sides, and the sacrifice of men great on both sides, how this needless war is spreading mourning and distress throughout our once prosperous and almost perfectly happy county—if the politicians were out of the way, how soon could the afflicted people reconcile their differences, and terminate this appalling and wicked sacrifice of Life and happiness. One of the officers (Capt. Krif) who I met at Mr. Marks' seeing my great anxiety about our dear little boy, very kindly offered to examine among the prisoners whenever they come up, to learn if he should be among them, should he ever be one I will follow him and share his fate wherever he go, for this purpose he wrote down his mane and command, I still hope however, that the Cadets may be stationed at the West Point Bridge. It is reported that 1100 Conf. Prisoners came up today. Some difficulties seem to be apprehended above that Gen'l Rosseau's Cavalry which had just reached here from Ala. and expected to remain here at rest for 2 or 3 weeks was hurried off on Saturday evening and a large Cavalry force passed up on the Atlanta road on Saturday evening. We are kept in perfect ignorance of the causes of these moves—an old man (Hendricks) and his two little boys came some miles today with corn on their backs to grind on our mill. I gave them about 1 peck of Rough Rice. Mr. Sheppard made me a visit this afternoon and so did Mrs. Brown, but neither had any news worth recording. Mrs. Brown related her troubles and losses but all did not amount to much excepting her cow, and knives and forks—her condition now is nearly Robberproof, excepting her little garden, which she says has been spared. In the evening I went to the Picket Line to inquire if they had any letter for me, but they had inquired and found none. I returned to my solitary home for the night.

2 gentlemen from Capt. Rankin's train stopped about 8 o'clock & spent the night with me, after breakfast they left for Marietta. About 7 o'clock a Company of Cavalry under Capt. Shultz connected with Gen. Gerard's Division came up & encamped under the Trees, they were just from Roswell and now passing around to the West. One of the officers told me he saw & spoke to Bro. Pratt yesterday, that they were well, & seemed to be getting on comfortably, that a Regiment of Inf'y had been sent to Roswell to remain on duty there, which would afford them protection. So soon as the men had got their Horses fixed, they commenced prowling about for plunder no doubt, I had to keep a close watch on them. Some had got into the kitchen and were taking off things, I made them replace them & leave, others had forced the cellar door and were overhauling, I made them quit & again fastened the door. Nothing outside of the doors was safe without close watching, but as I had weeks ago had every thing of much value, even the unshucked corn, placed within the House, there was very little to watch out of it, & the House & all within I could very easy protect even without a guard; I notice a number of men closely looking into the Box bushes in the circular garden, so thoroughly searching it excited my own curiosity. I said to them you can find nothing there, they said O Yes, we found some apples hid—their predecessors, I presume had hid them. After they had made a general search all over the premises, they seemed to come to the conclusion, either I had nothing to steal, or that I had placed all beyond their reach, and became quieted —during the day a number of wagons have camped about, and they think it probable they may have to be stationed here for some days. Also a Cavalry Co. under Com'd of Capt. Irwin, with a Captain Scott, a young & intelligent Irishman, and one with very just & liberal in his sentiments, all of them are agreeable companions apparently. Mr. Shepard came to see me this afternoon in much distress; he wanted a guard, the soldiers have been committing depredations, & so many stragling about him, he felt apprehension of further annoyances. One of the soldiers about me got drunk this afternoon, and became very unruly, all the officers being absent, the men could not control him, he broke into Sharper's House & run him, he ran to me for protection in the House. I went out to see after one of his officers, but none were there. I got the other men to keep him from disturbing the negroes & to keep him away from their Houses, he is the first unruly & bad one I have yet come accross, but he was crazy from drinking, and I expect naturally bad,—he cursed the "damned Nigger" and said he would like to kill the whole race. He has greatly alarmed the servants. What a sad fate awaits the poor Negro race—the drunken soldier cursed them & said they were the cause of this war, the prevailing feeling of this army as far as I have been able to notice, is bitter hatred towards the poor negroes, and the officers having employed so many of them as servants about them, tends greatly to increase the hatred of the soldiers. Large trains of Wagons have been passing nearly all the afternoon towards Marietta & many encamping all around us, these with the many Cavalry command all about, require great watchfulness to guard against depredations. I get along with them very well, by mixing & talking freely with them, watching them, & keeping every thing out of reach, keeping nearly every thing in the House, & the doors always locked—to leave any thing exposed for a few minutes, is certain loss, such is War among civilized & enlightened men, and the men of our own army, from my own experience, are but little if any better. We feel a pitiable contempt for the natives of the Pacific Islands for their aptness & habit of stealing, they cannot well surpass the soldiers in the Army. Most of them to feel as if robbing their friends & enemies alike is a part of their duty as soldiers, & I think it probable many of them enter the Army chiefly for the purpose of Robbing. I truly wish all the advocates of this sad war could partake of my painful experiences for the past 2 months, to convince them of the Evils of War, & of my wisdom in having been so opposed to this War. They would be more reluctant in future to involving a happy & prosperous country in such a War as we now have upon us, but many of them will never have much personal experience of its evils & calamities, to understand fully its terrors.

I had a quiet night last night & slept well, the passing away of each day adds to the cheering feeling, the knowledge that my sad separation from my family & friends has been reduced one day; but how many days more remain for this painful separation, & how many of us will be, at its termination, permitted to meet each other on earth God alone knows. Soon after Breakfast this morning, Capt. Irwin having left for town, some of his men commenced annoying the servants, & were in Sharper's House taking their things, as he had no officers at hand I had to act the part by making them put back his property & shut up his House, so soon as I left they renewed their depredations. I was about going for [torn] when fortunately Col. Egleston leading the whole Reg't [torn] to the House with the Balance of his Command, the disturbers immediately became as quiet as Lambs. The Col. & his Regiment will probably remain with us for some time, I hope so, as all the officers I have seen are gentlemanly pleasant men, and will afford me agreeable company & afford me the opportunity of visiting about a little more, feeling confident all things at Home will be kept safe & in good order while I am away. Yesterday I was compelled to remain at Home the whole day to protect the negroes. I have made the servants move all their property into the H ouse, where I may protect them from the thieves. Young McClatchy came to me this morning before Col. Egleston came, saying that the Robbers had been annoying & stealing from them, & they wanted a guard. I sent him to Maj'r Rider who was about 1/4 mile off, who I felt confident would provide him with a guard. I will go over this afternoon and see how they are getting on. I have felt much sympathy for them. I was informed this morning that an extensive raid under Gen'l Stoneman (15,000 Cavalry) had left a few days ago for the South, probably to release the prisoners at Andersonville. My anxiety has been greatly excited by information today, that an expedition was probably on foot of a large force under Gen'l Banks, being sent from New Orleans to attack Savannah soon. If such be the case, what is my wife, Mother and Aunt to do? Could I be there to advise them, I would urge them to leave & come up to Marietta. I know they could get permission to pass through the Lines, and here we could endure our trials and troubles and enjoy our pleasures together. I truly fear the great anxieties of this Summer & the warm climate of Sav'h will wear out my wife and the old ladies. I often wish I could be with them to extend my sympathy and advice. I think I ought to get permission to pass the Lines and bring them all home. I am at a loss to determine what to do. What an amount of sad anxiety this terrible War occasions to us, who have had no agency in bringing it on. We can only confide in God's wisdom and goodness & do whatever we may deem to be our duty, and leave the results to Him. I this afternoon rec'd a Letter from Brother Ralph dated Saratoga Springs 19th July in reply to my Letter to him of the 7th. inst. urging me to make them a visit, which I would gladly do, if I can so arrange affairs as to prudently leave the servants, but fear for their protection I will have to remain at my present lonely home. O for one half hours talk and conference with my wife, Mother and Aunt, as this privilege I cannot have, I must pray to God to guide us all in the discharge of our duty. I made a short visit this afternoon to Mrs. McClatchy, she had got a guard, and was getting on very comfortably, but felt some anxiety in consequence of one of the pickets about 200 yds. from her house had been fired at about 1 o'clock, causing an apprehension that Bushwhackers were near her. Having much company now Home is not so lonely.

I had a comfortable nights rest last night & no noise about. Col. E. had appointed guards [torn] of the House, with the officers with me, everything is orderly & quiet; without them I have to act officer myself. I made Mr. Shepard a visit this morning, all getting on well, but he getting very anxious to make such a disposition of his 37 Bales Cotton as to enable him & his family to leave for the North, he like myself getting very anxious to get to town, but we still are excluded and this Bushwacky excitement will keep us the longer out. Some of the soldiers told me this morning that it was reported that some of our Guerillas had been seen in the neybourhood. The provost Marshall from town was here yesterday, I asked what probability there was us country people being allowed to go to town, he said it was very uncertain. I asked if they would give me permission to go to the North, he said they would any time I may desire to go, if I am to be excluded from town long, I will either go North or South, provided I can get some good family to take care of the House & servants during my absence, for I cannot leave without some careful person in charge, without every thing would soon be destroyed or stolen, & the servants driven to find some thing to eat. As anxious as I am to be away from this solitary Home, I cannot leave as things are. Messrs. Shepard & Goodman are much disappointed and annoyed at the delay in arranging for their cotton to enable them to leave here for the North. The Government will not yet consent to cotton being sold or shipped to the North, which compells them to remain. I heard this afternoon that there had been some fighting the day before yesterday to the West of Atlanta near G. but have not heard the result. We heard the heavy cannonading, every severe fight increases my anxiety about our little boy.

I went to see our neighbour Mr. Marks (at Col. Brumby's) this morning, I found the old man quite unwell & has been so for some time, they are getting on pretty well, they like myself feel much anxiety about their son in Johnson's Army—how many poor hearts are burdened & breaking by this needless war. What a joyful day will it be to me when peace returns. God grant that it may not be far distant; all the Federal soldiers I converse with seem as anxious as I am for peace, that they may be allowed to their families & domestic enjoyments at Home—all the feelings they express seem kind & sympathizing with us. My intercourse with them has greatly elevated my opinion of the character & feelings of the Federal Army. I have but little bitterness expressed except towards the poor negro, they all seem to hate those poor creatures. Mr. Shepard called to see me this morning while I was absent from Home. I made Mrs. McClatchy a short visit [torn] all pretty well & comfortable. I learnt that the firing at the Picket a few [torn] only a little mischief of some of his comrades, as he was a new soldier, they only wanted to frighten him a little, they shot above his Head. I was gratified to learn from Col. E. this evening that it was rumored, & which I hope may prove true, that Gen'l Johnson had again assumed command of our Army, as Hood would soon kill off all our poor men in fighting, an act which the nobleness of Gen. J's heart will not allow him to do, for the cause of humanity I sincerely hope that Gen'l J. has again assumed the command. I saw a poor woman yesterday evening with her little son on Horseback, going into town to seek protection, from the Federal Army, she informed me that the Bushwhackers & Guerillas had been to her house in the morning, and had threatened to kill her husband who was sick in bed, & to destroy every thing she had. She had fortunately got her husband off for town in a wagon before she left, & desired help to move her little property to town. She lives near Powder Springs; as bad as it is to be in the wake of an Army, it in much worse to be on the Wings, where you are constantly exposed to the danger of inroads from the stragglers & scouts from both Armies. What terrors & cruelties accompany Wars.

Another Sabbath has come, without its accompanying enjoyments, all bustle & noise, with the regular performance of secular duties. I asked Col. E. why he had no Chaplain to his Reg't, he said they had one at first, but though he was a good & learned Man, he finding he could do no good, resigned & they have had none since. I am almost tempted to offer him my services while he remains here, but do not know how acceptable it would be. I think I will delay it for another Sabbath, should they remain here so long, he says many of his men are religious men, and hold prayer meetings regularly. I must form the acquaintance of some of them, as I am not allowed to go to town to attend Church, nor do I know if there are any Church services there. None of us county people are allowed to go to town nor the town people to come in the county—a great privation to me. Mr. Shepard with his 2 little daughters made me a visit this morning. Capt. Scott has been sick with fever for 2 days in the House, he is better today. We had a good dinner today, Col. E. having sent me a fine piece of Beef for roasting, regular genuine Yankee Beef. Maria cooked it in fine style & I had Col. E. & 2 of his officers to dine. We all acted well our part, I praising the Beef which was very fine, much better than any of Shugirts, & they praising the cooking. We have had a rainy day today. Rain much needed. I have written a Letter to my Wife to go by New York. How I wish I could see them all, the hope in the future is all which cheers. Col. E. informs me this evening that he has orders to leave with his Reg't at 5 o'clock in the morning to protect the Wagon train to Buckhead near Atlanta, how lonely again will it leave me to leave such pleasant company as he & his officers have been; they have added greatly to my comfort, I went to bed early this evening as I intended to be up early in the morning, knowing that stragglers would remain behind.

The morning has been clear, cool and pleasant , with constant moving of Wagons & Cavalry, every thing seems animated with the spirit of War. My friend Maj'r Flag made me visit today & took dinner with me, he is still quite unwell & thinks he will return Home, he like myself thinks there is no place like Home. When he left me about 10 days ago, I jocularly said to him, as he was going then to join his Reg't in front for a raid, that should he be taken prisoner, be sure and write to my Wife, giving him her address, which he promised to do, but being too unwell he did not accompany the Reg't, nearly the whole of his Reg't (Brannahan's) has been taken prisoner, had he been with the Reg't my wife would probably have heard from me. I regret now I did not make the same request of Col. Eggleston, who has gone on a Raid. In the afternoon Mrs. McClatchy wrote me a note expressing great anxiety, as her guard was about to leave her, & desired me to try and get another for her. I went to encampments at the Tan Yard & Mr. Barkers, but there they could spare no guard. I went to see Mrs. McC. & found her so very anxious, that I determined to procure a guard for her if possible. I soon after learn that a Michican Reg't of Cav'y had just arrived guarding a train of 400 Wagons from Kentucky, & were encamped near Col. Brumby's. I called to see the officer in command, the Col. was not there, but the Maj'r a very gentlemanly man, informed me that they had just arrived, & did not expect to remain here longer than 1 day, still that the Lady should not be distressed for want of a guard while they remained, and that he would provide her with one, & kindly went to see her & told her that she should be protected. I witness a constant exhibition of such kind feeling. I ret'd to my lonely Home for the Night.

Long trains of Wagons passing today and as usual well guarded with Cavalry, during the morning a portion of the Kentucky Reg't of Cav'y with large strings of pack mules encamped on the premises, they informed me that they were on the Raid by Gen'l Stoneman, and had just returned, that they had reached within a few miles of Macon, and after much skirmishing, had a severe engagement with Wheeler's Cavalry, near Clinton about 12 miles from Macon, that they were defeated and scattered, with a heavy loss in killed, wounded, prisoners. Among the prisoners lost was Gen. Stoneman himself, their loss not yet ascertained as their men are coming in all the while. About noon a large body of Cavalry, mostly dismounted men, came to encamp on the premises, they are of the 6th. Reg't Ind'a Cavalry, and had been with Gen'l Stoneman on his Raid, and one of the escaped who are coming in the Col. & Lt. Col. (Butler & Biddle) were taken prisoners, & the command now under Maj'r Carter. Having so many soldiers encamped about me, it is quite a relief to know that we have nothing out of doors to lose, Hogs, poultry & gardens all gone— nothing to lose but 1 old Sow, 1 Hen with 6 chickens, & about 20 Pigeons, so far they have managed well to take care of themselves by taking to the Woods, whenever large Bodies of soldiers encamp here [torn] so soon as the encampments leave.

This afternoon a Lut. who had been on Stoneman Raid & had just come in, informed me of their adventures & route, they went by the way of Covington & M to Macon, with about 2500 Cavalry, at Macon about 3 miles east of it, they were met by the militia & there had a hard fight & were repulsed; and hearing that Wheeler was nearby in pursuit of them, they retreated towards Clinton, a few miles beyond it they were overtaken by Wheeler's forces, & had a hard fight & were defeated, Gen'l Stoneman surrendered with the larger portion of his force, a large body however made their escape & retreated by the way of Eatonton, Madison, Watkinsville within 4 miles of Athens & Hog Mountain, & passed the Chattahoochee about 2 miles above McAffer's Bridge by a ford, to Roswell. A portion of Wheeler's command in close pursuit of them all the way until they passed the Chatt'e River, now & then attacking their rear. I asked the Lut. if they did not travel faster ret'g than going, he said much, taking only 4 hours sleep out of the 24, and had no time to cook, but had to take cooked provisions wherever they could find any. All of them were much pleased with the county & people through which they passed; they found them pleasant & intelligent, and treated them with much kindness, at the same time told them that they were determined enemies.

Last night we had encamped about us over 800 men, under t he trees, with about 100 Camp fires burning, with varieties of singing, sacred & mirthful, the Scene was truly a wild one, & while sitting on the Piazza with some of the officers after supper, I could but feel and remark to them what a contrass to former summers, when I and my family & friends were in the habit of sitting on the same Piazza, gently & peacefully enjoying the pleasant evening breezes, & now to be surrounded by the wild scenes of War, although I had so much company, the thoughts soon brought on a fit of the Blues, & I retired early to bed, and soon drowned my dull thoughts in sleep. This morning all is life & bustle again, all preparing for their breakfast. I have had much conversation with the men as well as the officers, all exhibiting good feelings, & anxious for this sad war to close, and deploring the necessity of 2 people so much alike in feeling & character fighting against each other; but that they cannot stop short of reestablishment of the Union. I this morning became acquainted with the Chaplain of this Reg't (Rev'd Mr. Griffith) a Welch man but for a long time living in Indiana, he is a minister of the Presb. Church about 50 or 60 years of age. A sensible, pleasant & intelligent man, he tells me he will probably have services here tomorrow, much to my gratification, as I have not heard a sermon for about 2 months. I asked him to take a Room in the House with me, but he, like the officers generally, declined, saying it is better for them to share the accommodations as the privates, & refrain from the enjoyments of Luxuries & comforts, but that he will spend much of his time with me while they are encamped here. I suspected last night while we were all talking on the Piazza, from his manner & conversation, that he was a Chaplain. Mr. Shepard called to see me this morning, they are all well, he had no news to comm'e, but misery likes company, & situated as we all are, we make the most of each others company—he very anxious to get away, but cannot until he can make arrangements to get rid of his cotton, the same is Mr. Goodman's case.

Tabby has been working at Mr. S. for 3 days past, it has been raining hard all the afternoon; soldiers busy fixing up the tents to keep out of the Rain; the soldiers from Stoneman & McCook's Army continue to be coming in, many have lost everything but a part of the clothes on them. It continued to Rain until bed time—heavy cannonading all the afternoon.

Sabbath again, every thing noisy & bustling about. Clear, bright& cool this morning. I went over to Mr. Shepard, heard no news, there I met Capt. Wilson a Chaplain (Rev'd Mr. McFarland) from Ohio, he was unwell& taking rest at Mr. S. for a few weeks.

Soon after returned Home, the Chaplain commenced his services, under the trees in the Yard. I sat in the Room Window and attended his services, not 1/3 of the men attended & but few of the officers; those who attended were very attentive; the services were short, the whole occupying less time than an hour. The sermon was from 1 Rom: Verse, a plain good discourse, but not exhibited the spiritual unction I had expected. A number of the men from Stoneman's Raid are coming in today, many without shoes, Hats & coats, and almost all on foot & well worn out, these Cavalry Raids must be very uncomfortable undertakings. In the afternoon the Chaplain had other services, I did not attend but went to visit some of the neighbours, his services at night I attended, he had a larger audience, but much noise & disturbance around. The officers do not seem to feel much interest in the services, neither attending themselves nor using their influence to preserve order. During the afternoon I visited Mrs. McClatchy & Mr. Marks, all half sick at Mrs. McC. caused I think more by cares & anxieties than anything else. I saw many officers & men while out & was generally pleased with them & their conversation, but the unanimous feelings all seem to express, although opposed to the War & anxious for peace, are that they cannot stop short of a restoration of the Union & the abolition of slavery, they generally hate the negroes, & believe they are better off as they are than to be freed, but they say slavery is the cause of the War, and that there can be no permanent peace between the 2 sections, if slavery is allowed to remain, & to continue it would be to retain the causes for future disturbances.

On my return home I found my young friend and former guard (W. Vickers) who had come all the way from the vicinity of Atlanta to make me a visit & to remain with me until tomorrow morning, and then to return to his command near Atlanta, his term of service expires within 2 weeks when he returns to his Home in Ohio, he is a fine & sensible young fellow, a Harness Maker by trade. While out this afternoon I learnt that Rev'd Mr. Benedict had been guilty of some imprudencies a few days ago (the nature of which I could not learn) and that he was closely confined to his House under a guard—being deprived still of the privilege of holding intercourse with the town people & they with us in the country, we know but little of what is going on there; they say the restriction will be removed in a few days, but such has been the promise for some time pass. I suspect it will continue until the Federal Army occupies Atlanta. I have seen no Negro Troops in this Army, nor can I hear of any being with it, there are more or less Negroes in every regiment, but all employed as servants, cooks, and in performance of the low & menial duties, the soldiers general hate them.

We had quite an excitement last night, about 10 o'clock I was awoke by the noise & stir about, I looked out and saw every thing in a bustle. I dressed and went down, when I learnt from the Maj'r Commanding the Reg't camped around me that he had rec'd orders to get every thing in readiness to move at a moment's notice, & await farther orders; after a little conversation I suspected it was only a prudential order under the apprehension of a Raid, and returned to my Bed, but did not undress, asking the Maj'r to give me notice if he should receive orders to move, & slept quietly until day Light, and found all still quiet about. The command having rec'd no further orders, they have again put up their tents & unsaddled & unharnessed their Horses & Mules, the Mules were kept in the Waggons all night, ready to move off any moment. Lieut. Osborne called to see me this morning & spent some time with me, he is a very intelligent & agreeable young man—the old Chaplain (Mr. Griffith) spent about 2 hours with me, affording me very pleasant company. He gave me a description of Col. W.H. Stiles' House near Cartersville, he says it was not burnt as it was reported, but was much damaged by the soldiers & Robbers, the owner not being there to take care of it, much of the furniture was damaged & so was the Library, the bedding was thrown out of the doors by the soldiers to sleep on, & then left, he advised the servant who was there to replace them all in the House, as they were about the last Reg't to pass, they would not probably be disturbed again, but the great enemy are the stragglers & Robbers & they come at all times & places where there was anything to steal, he said his piano had not been injured. What a sad demoralizer is War! During the afternoon an old gentleman called to know if he could stay with me for a few days, that his name was Taff, & was Chaplain of the 11th. Ken'y Reg't Cav'y that he was too unwell to continue in active duties and desired to take a little rest, he is a Campbellite Minister, & seems to be a very good man. I told him I should be much pleased to have him with me, as long as he could stay, being greatly in need of company. I made Mrs. McClatchy a short visit. During the afternoon I had some conversation with Maj'r Carter, being the first of any length I have had with him, there seemed to be so little congeniality between him & myself either in mind or spirits, that I have had but little intercourse with him, contrary to my course with all the other officers who have been here— in this interview I found him to be a fair set off against our fire eating disunion men at the South. With him as with them, governed by passion and not by reason; he considered all the Citizens at the South rebels, and as such had forfeited all their rights to life, liberty and property, and not only had the government a right to do with them as it pleased, but the individual soldiers had also the right to appropriate to their own use all they could find of Rebel property which would contribute to their comfort & gratification, the depredations comm'd by his Reg't exhibits some of the fruits of his opinions & feelings. It affords me much gratification however to record the fact, that this case of Major Carters is the first instance I have yet found of such opinions & feelings in officer or private, after a free and extensive intercourse with the Federal Army for more than 6 weeks, and this single exception can have but little influence in affecting my very favorable opinion I have had occasion to form of the sound sense, good feelings & good conduct of the officers & privates of the Federal Army, so far as my favorable opportunities of determining has enabled me to do—it has as greatly amazed as it has gratified me to find no other exception to this noble feeling in the Federal Army—even with my previous favorable opinions of the North, I had anticipated many exceptions.

Last night I was informed by Major Carter that as I was a man of great intelligence & observation, he thought it imprudent for me to have the liberty of going where I listed, and that for the present I must not leave the House without his consent, so I have been a prisoner at home since 8 o'clock last night—so [torn] punishment for being ‘intelligent & observing.’ It however changes my habits [torn] as for weeks past I have been but seldom out of the House [torn] affords me more attraction at Home. So if ignorance is freedom, it is folly to be wise. Maj'r Carter further enjoined upon me that I must not hold intercourse with his men, but could with his officers. This restriction I regret more than the curtailment of my personal liberty, as naturally and from habit, I am more fond of conversing with the poor and ignorant than with the Rich & intelligent—however for a while an extensive and varied library will afford me a good substitute for the company of either, being so happily constituted, I can easily accommodate myself to circumstances.

Mr. Shepard made me a visit this afternoon, & was detained by a heavy Rain, he informs me that Dillard Young had passed through the Lines & returned to Marietta & he heard had been asking particularly after me there. I should like to see him to learn something of my friends, but as neither of us can go in nor out of town now, we cannot have the interview for a while, he had left his family here. An officer told me today that some time ago he had read in one of our papers, he thinks a Sav'h Paper, a terrible account of the doings of the Federal Army in & about Marietta, and a most slanderous one of the insults and indignities to Women, some stript of their clothing and turned into the streets. I was in Marietta nearly every day the first 3 weeks of their arrival here & mingled a great deal with the inhabitants, and have never heard of a single case of insult or indignity to any female, had such a case occurred there or in the vicinity I know I should have heard it. Robberies were the chief depredations done, and much of that, as in the case of Mr. Page & other stores, was done by our own Army when retreating the night before, Saturday. I have heard of but little wanton damage done, & such cases mostly to houses left deserted; every effort as far as my experience extends, has been made to protect property by the Fed'l Army. I learnt a few days ago, that when Gen'l Thomas had the Thieves arrested at our House on the first day, he also had a Captain arrested, who was only a quiet spectator out of doors, for neglect of his duty in not having stopped the Robbers, and that he was to be Court Marshalled for his neglect of duty. I hear orders have been sent to burn the Bridge at Roswell, which had been rebuilt by the Federal Army, as they needed the Bridge no longer. I fear their forces are to be withdrawn from Roswell, and that Brother Pratt & family will be exposed to the ravages of the bands of Robbers pouring over the country. Lawlessness pervades the Land. O this War!

Cool & pleasant this morning, how cheering it would be if I were in Savannah to take a ride with my wife out to the Bridge for the day, instead of being as I am today confined at Home, away from all who render life dear to me, but the varieties of Life are beneficial, & therefore out to be cheerfully submitted to. Mr. Shepard made me a visit this morning, nothing new. I had an interesting visit this morning [torn] in a Kentucky regiment who has been with the Stoneman Raid [torn] Reg't under Col. Adams, his narrative of their retreat was very exciting, & retreating, he states that when they had reached 4 miles North of Clinton Jones Co. they met Wheeler's force entrenched accross the Road, & while contending with them a force of Infantry came up in the rear & they were entirely surrounded and after fighting for hours, Gen'l Stoneman finding nothing could be done, determined on surrendering. Col. Adams stated that his men would not surrender, that their time of service was nearly out, & they meant to fight their way out. Gen'l S. magnanimously said they would fight on longer to afford them a better opportunity of making their escape on another Road, which they did making quite a circuit around, but were pursued by our Cavalry nearly the whole way to the Chattahoochie River, which they had to fight many times, that they were treated with much kindness by the people, that they were only fired on once by a Bushwhacker & that was by an old gentleman riding in a Buggy, they shot him breaking his arm which they dressed & then let him go. They escaped with the greater portion of their men, they also picked up & brought in with them many of the straggling men of 2 Ill's Reg'ts under command of Col. Caperton, which Reg'ts had been sadly cut up. Whenever they could pick up a Horse they took it, & dropped one of their worn out Horses, they had very little sleep while on the Raid.

I had a long and interesting conversation today with my friend & companion, the Campbellite Chaplain, he says he is a Lawyer by profession as well as preacher. Mrs. McClatchy's guard came to see me today, he says she is much distress of mind. I regret I cannot go to see her this afternoon, her son continues quite sick—the guard is anxious to return to me. This evening another sick officer asked if I could not allow him to occupy one of the Rooms, he was so comfortless in his Tent, I gave him a Room.

Early this morning while dressing, hearing some one walking in the passage, I looked out & saw a soldier going down the steps with something like Blankets, not knowing but that they were his own, I requested the servants to look among the things upstairs, & notice if anything was missing. Eliza said 2 of her Blankets were gone, I reported the case to a Lieut. who was upstairs & described the man to him, he immediately identified a man who had been in his Room, & sent to him to bring the Blankets back at once if he desired to avoid trouble. They were immediately returned, he came to me to apologize, saying he did not mean to keep them but a few days until he could be supplied, as he had just returned from the Stoneman Raid & had lost every thing. I told him he ought to have asked for the use of them, as Eliza consented I told him to retain them for a few days, taking his name, Comp'y, Reg't and requested the Lieut. not to report him. My guard (Caldwell) whom I had a few days ago transferred to Mrs. McClatchy [torn] called as usual this morning to see me & asked me to provide another guard [torn] & let him return back to me as he much preferred being with me [torn] so I am getting popular. I told him to wait until tomorrow. This afternoon Mr. Shepard & his 2 little daughters made me a visit, it was cheering even to have a sight of children—so lonely exceedingly lonely am I, with little other company than books, that visits of any kind are very acceptable— time is however passing away so very rapidly, that dull cares are often driven away. When I remember how rapidly the winter is approaching, when I may hope to return to my family if I can then make any arrangements for taking care of the servants & House during my absence. This War is a sad destroyer of comforts.

Tabby's child has been sick for 3 days past, better today. Tabby has been remaining at Home for 2 days to attend to it. This afternoon is cool, clear& pleasant, every thing looks so bright & green & peaceful, with the marks of War all around me, in Wagons, Tents & Soldiers; Soldiers all cheerful & merry, with nothing to do but amuse themselves; a band of Music performing nearly every evening on the premises. This afternoon one of the servants say a soldier coming in from the shed window up stairs with an arm full of clothing, which had been washed and put out on the shed to dry. She told him if he did not put it down at once she would call out for me, who at the time was in the front room reading, he immediately replaced them & went out. She then pointed out the young fellow to me, but I do wish to report him to his Commander. Large force of Cavalry passed up the Road this morning towards Marietta. Nothing new to day.

Another Sabbath has come, how rapidly time is passing away & now how it rejoices my often depressed spirits to know that if we all live & I get permission, after 9 more Sabbaths shall have been numbered with the past, I will be in the enjoyment of the society of my family & friends, God grant that I may then find them all alive & well and if we can only then be in the enjoyment of the Blessings of Peace in our afflicted country.

The day is very pleasant, but still I have to remain at Home. This morning my young friend Evans again called & spent an hour with me. At 10 o'clock the Chaplain Mr. Griffith had services, his congregation did not exceed 150 attending—his services were short not even an hour—his sermon a good one on the necessity of the Reformation of our natural lives & dependence for the atonement of Christ for Salvation. I was surprized to see the small number attending the services, the most of the men on the outskirts—how little do men think of their duties to God and of the condition of their souls on the final day of accountability. Death & the great exposure to death, tend it seems to render men more thoughtless. This afternoon the restrictions of my liberty to the limits of the House were removed, and I free again, some explanation of the cause was given, that of the spies who was reported to have been taken up some days prior 1 stated that he was well known to me, & in addition to that, that 3 men known (to the observer) officers had called to see me on the Sunday afternoon preceeding and who were suspected to be the same spies. I was at the time absent from Home, the 3 officers who called on me then, I learnt on my return Home, were 3 Fed. Officers on duty in town & not spies. From all I have been able to ascertain that no spies have been taken, & that the suspected persons proved their innocence. This circumstances however occasions me much anxiety, & leads me to belief that it is better for me to leave here & go either Home or to the North. Being so well known to the members of our Cavalry companies, some of the scouts from [torn] be induced during the which often extends within [torn] to call on me & I may thus become innocently involved in difficulty; being a stranger to the Federal Army and a Southern man, may be suspected of designing mischief. Were I so well known as I am at Home, I would never be suspected of plotting mischief against any people among whom I may be sojourning. Whatever I do I hope to do frankly & above board & not clandestinely. Last evening I heard another good sermon from Mr. Griffith, under the Trees just South of the House, he had an audience of about 300 & the services were very pleasant, evincing much good Christian spirit. While enjoying the services, it was painful to think how many ardent followers of the Prince of Peace on both sides to be engaged in so deadly a War against each other.

Prospects of a dry warm day, Lieut. Osborne, a