January 1861

1. New Year's Day. Very cold, and plenty of snow, our boys commenced rail-splitting this morning, I am much depressed in spirit and perplexed, for I know not how to order things for the best, I wish to send the boys to school yet It seen a bed chance and make a crop too, a heavy responsibility rests upon me.
2. Cold and inclement, Mr. Tatum, Mr. Griffin, Cousin I. spent the night here, Mr. G. gave Thomas a deed-of-trust on his land to secure a debt to which our estate is bound for him. Mr. T. wishes to sell him a piece of land that is somewhat bound to the estate but he asks an extravagant price for it.
3. Still cold, and cloudy, they have gone over this morning to examine the Tatum land, they did not agree on a trade, Thomas and he have gone this evening to see Virginia about it, but I have no Idea that she wants It.
4. Cloudy and cold, J. Trippe came up today and looked over the place, but did not buy it, I am perplexed in regard to this matter, for it seems that Tatum, knowing he has the advantage of us asks so great a price for it, I know not what to do it seems that we must lose any way. Tatum called this evening and I gave him my plain opinion of the matter.
5. Clear and cold, Mr. T. came in this morning again; he now proposes to leave it to arbitration, and Thomas agreed on the instant, I think he had better have considered it awhile, for Tatum had matured his plans, I fear he will have cause to repent it. Thomas and Berenice went to Yellow-creek, Elder H. came with them to dinner, and he and T. went to Mr. Haygood's to preaching tonight.
6. 1st Sabbath. Cold, clear morning, Elder H. called on his way to preaching, also Mr. Wilder; they came to dinner, also Mr. Hall; tonight Mr. Livingston came.
7. A good deal of rain, Cousin I, called on his way to Centre; elder E. and Thomas, went with him, it it election day, to fill the vacancy of Mr. Hardwick.
8. Cloudy. Thomas started with Victor this morning; the child was much affected at leaving us; he has been with us a good while. and seemed as one of us. I saw him leave with regret, visited Mrs. B. this evening.
9. Cloudy and warm, making a coat for James Pulling; Mr. Adams, Mr. Aubrey, called today.
10. Turning cold, with some prospect of clearing off.
11. Cold with plenty of ice; we killed the remaining four of our hogs, we have over 2000 pounds of pork, enough I hope, for our use; turning warmer this evening.
12. Warmer. A letter today to Thomas from Columbus stated 12 December, he was well then; had made no collections, but thinks he will during the winter, was sending his cotton off to the city. Olivia went to Cedar Hill; no preaching. Our boys helped Mr. B. raise a house.
13. 2nd Sabbath. Cloudy and cold, no preaching, disagreeable day.
14. Cold and inclement day. T. came home this evening; left the relatives well.
15. Still raining, very hard rains this evening.
16. Cleared off this morning. T. went to Centre and Hale’s--he mailed a letter to Columbus.
17. Cold and Cloudy, received a barrel of syrup of Hale today, Virginia came up this evening and sat an hour--she wanted red pepper--they are slaughtering hogs, hard rains again this evening, there is but little chance for out-door work, which is a grief to Marcellus especially as he wishes to start to school soon.
18. Misty morning, Mr. C. Dupree called this morning; some prospect of clearing off this evening.
19. Cold but pretty day, hung up our first meat; the girls went to visit Mrs. Echols this evening. Thomas has gone to Shady Grove.
20. Cold,and somewhat cloudy,--no preaching today. Olivia rode out this afternoon with Mrs. Phipps.
21. Still cold and cloudy, T. came home this morning. I warped a web for flannel. Mr. E. Adams dined here.
22. Cold and cloudy, drew in my cloth today.
23. Rainy day and cold.
24. Still inclement,--our boys are resetting the fence of our corn-land.
25. Cloudy and disagreeable, the girls visited Mrs. Mackey today; I finished my flannel.
26. The ground covered with snow this morning, clear by 12 :00 and a pretty day, T. went to appointment at Centre.
27. 4th Sabbath. A brilliant but very cold morning, Marcellus went to Concord. John and Virginia came to dinner.
28. Cold but pretty day, Marcellus started to school this morning to Mr. Gallaway.
29. Pretty weather, T. came home this morning, I went to the Brewer’s this evening, commenced sowing oats.
30. Beautiful weather, T. went to Centre.
31. Pretty morning, finished making up my flannel, and cut a pair of pants for Virgil. Cloudy this evening, T. has been ploughing all day. Heard of the death of Mrs. Thornton--who died on the 26th. Her husband died in June and now she has followed him, I trust to the land of rest and peace. They were both useful citizens, and their loss will be felt.

February 1861

1.A day of incessant rain, and the most of the time very fast; waters rising rapidly.
2. Rained all night, I have not for many years seen so much water on the ground, Cousin I. came this evening, with the bad news of our saw-mill being washed away, this is important, he says Yellow-creek is higher than he ever saw it before.
3. 1st Sabbath. Cold and cloudy, no preaching I presume today. R. Espy dined here. The river it still rising. It it feared that our warehouse at Dublin will be swept away, the water is now over the floor
4. The water not rising much now but T. went to Dublin this morning and he thinks the house is in no danger of being washed away. Still cloudy but some appearance of fair weather this evening.
5. Clear though cold. T. went over to Wills Valley. Waters going down.
6. Clear and pretty cold. Dr. Bean, Mr. Welsh, spent the night here.
7. Clear and pretty weather, the waters go down slowly.
8. Still clear fine weather, Mrs. Finley visited us this evening, I divided my plants and rose-bushes with her.
9. Somewhat cloudy, no mail, owing to the high waters nearly all the bridges are swept away. Elders Hall and Glasner spent the night here.
10 Cloudy with light showers. Elder H. preaches today at Yellow-creek. I did not go, as the morning was so unlikely--they left this evening--rainy.
11. Cleared off this morning. T. started to Georgia to see his brother J. as the land sales come off next Saturday and tho' he wrote to him about it yet as we have had no mails lately he it fearful the news did not reach him, -- pretty day.
12. Clear and beautiful weather, Dr. McMichael has commenced enclosing the graves of my Mother and Sister at Lighth, I have tried to get someone at it. F. came home this evening; received a large mail.
13. A little cloudy,--went with Thomas to visit Mrs. Hale, pretty day, this is his birthday. I bought coffee and other things for family use. Letter came from C. yesterday he was well at that time. Sixth of January had his sale, bought in the land but let the negroes go. They sold for near $5500 said nothing of coming home, had not collected any money.
14. Rainy morning with high eastern winds, cleared away this evening. I had our last meat hung up. The Southern States have seceded, have organized a government by electing a temporary President and Vice-president; Jeff. Davis, and A. E. Stephens, the North threatens coercion.
15. A very windy day, I visited Mrs. B. James and his cousins. James, Joseph Espy's son arrived this evening prepared to take Olivia home with them.
16. Rainy and cold with showers of snow. The sale of our land took place today, few people here. There was 800 acres of valley and mountain land to sell. We bought it mostly in ourselves as it went very low. I bought the homestead and the Mitchell's 80, for which I gave $1450, the mountain lands were bought by Cousin J. his son Robert, and J. B. Espy; John and Virginia came up; I think I never saw people show plainer their wish to despair the widow and orphan. Those too, who are already well off, would have taken my children's land for a trifle If they could. J. R. Espy this evening bargained a part of what he bought to Mr. Finley; Mr. Hall came tonight. Thomas also sold his buggy.
17. A very cold windy day. J. B. Espy went to Cousin J's. T. and Mr. Hall to Shady Grove and O. and her cousin to Concord, no preaching however.
18. Cold morning. Mr. Finley came to breakfast, he and James arranged their matters. Olivia and her cousin J. started early, J. B. left about eleven, we were till then arranging our matters, he stood my security and I his. In spite of all efforts to the contrary I cannot help feeling dissatisfied for the present, and apprehensive for the future. The fear of my children being reduced to poverty sits heavy upon me.
19. Snowy. T. has gone to Centre to make a return of his sale. It is five years since we moved to this place,--how many things have taken place since that time--and how happy we were then but we did not know it. May it be as well with us for the next five, and may they be five of peace. I Miss Olivia very much. Thomas did not accomplish his business-- as the land did not sell for its worth, he could not take the oath.
20. Clear morning. Berenice and Miss Phipps went to Mr. Dupree's. I am quite unwell today with headache; and much depressed in spirits. As time passes on I grieve more, and feel my desolation and the great responsibility resting on me more and more. I feel the need of one stronger than I to direct affairs and go before. Engaged making shirts for Marcellus.
21. Pretty day I’m feeling better today. B. came home this evening; she brought crape-myrtle, and flowering almond to set out; she also visited Mrs. Goss.
22. Clear and windy. Thomas ploughed part of my garden this morning; -- went this evening with Berenice to set out trees and plants at my mother's and sister's' graves, -- we planted a cedar at the head of the wall, (which is a very substantial and handsome one) and inside we set mother's favorites, which she always carried with her, when she moved -- namely white lily, purple-shade, white and yellow jonquils, and perpetual, and white roses. -- It it nearly 20 years since she died -- and nineteen since Diana died, but it seems that I saw them but yesterday; -- all my kindred are gone, and I am alone, with my poor children; Sahara, itself, cannot be more desolate than we; God help us and keep us from all evil.
23 Rainy day, -- Which has prevented me from sowing seeds, -- the little boys planted peach seeds this evening -- quite warm.
24 4th Sabbath. - Clear and windy and turning cold. T. went to preaching on the mountain. A very disagreeable day.
25. Clear and something warmer. T. came home today. Looking over some old books and magazines given me by brother Horace, how painfully was I reminded of him and others who have gone to the world from which there it no return: I shall see them no more. Twenty-five years ago tonight I was married. Of those present that night, but one remain except myself - the Magistrate J. Whitten. How sad to think of! Truly the world is getting to be a wilderness to me.
26. Cloudy cold morning, but turned warmer as the day advanced, - we sowed a good many seeds today in the garden. T. started to see his brother J. before he leaves for South Georgia; his first sale there, comes off on the 5th March; and we have found that we must have two securities to our notes here; I went this afternoon to see the Misses Patterson; they gave me some garden seeds.
27. Warm and somewhat cloudy.
28. Warm, pretty weather, seems like spring-time. Transplanted vines; visited Mrs. Rudd this evening.

March 1861

1. Very warm and pretty weather. T. came home this evening, left all well in Floyd; Olivia he says seems to be enjoying herself very well; he exchanged her horse today for a very good looking one. J. started down the country on Thursday, last. This time last year Mr. Espy was on the same route; he perhaps little thought, that in one short year his son would follow to mind up his business; but so, it is.
2. Still clear and warm, fingering a counterpane. T. went to Yellow Creek today, Elder H. preached a good sermon from the 4th Chapter of John; excommunicated two, - a pretty good congregation. T. went this evening over to Ball-play.
3. 1st Sabbath. Warm cloudy morning. It is Virgil’s fourteenth birthdays and the second anniversary of Virginia's marriage. Vegetation will come on rapidly If
this weather continues; the fruit-trees are nearly in bloom now. There is a grand display of the yellow jonquil in the garden; - rain tonight with wind.
4. Cloudy morning, but cleared off turning cold; Miss Phipps visited us this
evening. T. came home. -- Today the northern President takes his seat; I hope all will go off quietly. Cousin I. spent the night here. B. put in a quilt.
5. Cold blustering day, Berenice went on a visit on the mountain with Almeda to Mr. Haygood's.
6. Very cold with ice in abundance. I molded candles today though I fear hardly enough far a year. I am unwell with sick headache.
7. Still cold, we finished the quilt today. Miss Patterson here this evening.
8. A cloudy, day with high eastern winds. Mrs. Rudd visited us this evening. Mr. Grogan spent the night here; hard rains tonight
9. Clear morning and windy day; the children are making an arbor for the grape-vines. One year ago this evening Mr. Espy returned from a journey for the last time in his life. He had overstaid his time, and we were secretly uneasy; it seems that I had a presentiment then of what was not far off, T. went this evening to Wells Valley.
10. 2nd Sabbath. A clear and beautiful morning; the cold, high winds. Berenice and Virgil went to Cedar Hill. T. came home this evening.
11. Pretty morning, tho’ plenty of ice, - went this evening with Berenice to visit Mrs. Finley; Mrs. Truitt there. Spent a pleasant afternoon. (Cousin I. spent the night here.
12. Weather fine; sowed parsley and radish seeds.
13. Pretty day, commenced dying thread for a web of cloth; our boys are bedding cotton land.
14. Turning cold, Dr. Bean spent the night here.
15. Very cold and plenty of ice - the doctor plugged several teeth for Berenice and Thomas. T. has gone this evening towards Ball-play.
16. Warmer, we took up and bedded out our last sweet potatoes today; commenced raining this evening.
17. 3rd Sabbath. Dark, rainy morning, - this time last year brother James was suffering in his last sickness and though I know It not, the beginning of sorrow had commenced with us. A cold day.
18. Cloudy with a slight snow falling this morning. I visited Mrs. B. this evening; quite cold, Cousin I. spent the night here.
19. Clear and cold, -- the birthday of Columbus, and the anniversary of my brother James's death. I think now how happy I was this day last year, in my blissful ignorance of what was then taking place, ant what was to follow more dreadful If possible, I am getting uneasy about Columbus, for I think It it time he was here. Thomas has been to Centre today, and heard bad news concerning our new republic; that the North is determined to coerce the leading states; and that Lincoln has ordered 12 war-vessels to Mobile. The volunteer company of this county is ordered there to assist in repelling them. I feel badly, for when the war commences when is it to end and what dire consequences will not fall on us! I fear our happy days are all gone. Mrs. Echols visited us this evening. About sunset Columbus arrived, to our joy, in good health, and has enjoyed good health all winter. Times were so hard in that country he collected but little money. He paid over to Berenice and myself 100 and 15 dollars each of my father's estate. The remainder is in good hands and well secured. Seeing him, brings all our distresses with renewed force upon me. His trunks he sent by the boat have not arrived. He came by James's and saw O. She was in good health, also the family.
20. Cold with eastern winds. I am unwell with sick headache, - rain this evening with wind.
21. Clear and cold, the largest frost we have had lately. Still feeling unwell and depressed in spirit. Columbus went down to see Virginia to day. Laying off corn-land.
22. Very cold morning with hard ice. Columbus came home this evening.
23. Rainy morning, which prevents C. from going to Georgia to accompany James up the country to sell the lands there; the lands in lower Georgia he had bought in for the estate: only one of C’s trunks have arrived at Dublin, which was brought home this morning; It contained keep-sakes of the clothing of my Father, Brothers, and also some of my husband's; also, my Father's Family Bible and some other books of his. How melancholy was the sight to me! and how I grieve that they are all gone and left my poor children and myself in the wilderness of this world in which I feel there are no strong friends now. May the great and compassionate Being be with us in our desolation and keep us from all evil. If only one of my brothers was alive, how much strength would It be to me. Columbus assisted the little boy today in finishing the arbor for my grape-vines.
24. 4th Sabbath. Pretty day, I went with the boys to Cedar Hill and heard Mr. Nicholson preach a good sermon; Mr. and Mrs. Bearden came home with us. Went with Columbus, Berenice and Virgil to visit our graves. The things which we set out, are growing finely.
25. Pretty day. C. started to Georgia this morning, our folks commenced planting corn; I still feel that strange depression of spirit, and dread of coming evil for which I cannot account; it seems that something dreadful is before us. Commenced fringing a counterpane.
26. Warm and somewhat cloudy, I am feeling somewhat better, - last night some robbers broke into our smoke house and took ten or eleven pieces of meat; this it hard on us, but I am thankful it was not worse; we still have enough left I think. This evening I recorded the date of the deaths of my brothers, and husband in the old family Bible; it and the other books C. brought look familiar as would the face of an old friend. Hard rains tonight with wind and thunder.
27. Clear and cooler, B. visited Miss Burnett at Mr. Brewer’s.
28. Cool with high winds, - working the road today. Marcellus stays at home in Dick's place; finished dying my thread; getting cloudy this evening; the children will finish one piece of corn-planting today.
29. Somewhat cloudy. Marcellus sick this morning with headache, - scoured, and scalded today, and planted Irish-potatoes; Mrs. Truitt visited us this evening - they finished working the road.
30. Rainy morning. Thomas resold some of the land today. Few persons here: Mr. Hall came here, and went with T. to Shady Grove this evening. I loaned Thomas fifty-two dollars to pay him for bacon Mr. Espy bought of his father last year -- clear this evening.
31. 5th Sabbath. Clear and beautiful morning. I went with Berenice and Virgil to the rocks on the mountain opposite this place; - the view is most magnificent, the country it spread out below as on a map, dotted with houses and rich wheat-fields, while afar off and folded in a drapery of blue mist lie the Talapoosa mountains. The Coosa is distinctly visible in one place - its bright waters glancing in the sun-beams. Miss Burnett, the Misses Rudd, visited us. Mr. Hall came, and spent the night.

April 1861

1. A great deal of rain fell this morning, Mr. H. left, after it ceased, T. went to Centre this evening. It has turned out to be a pretty day. The trees are putting on leaves rapidly. Went to Mr. Rudd’s.
2. Cloudy and cool, - planted sweet potatoes, and bunch beans; - preparing thread for the loom. We settled with our lawyer, and the probate-judge, for what B. and I owed on the Louisiana business.
3. Rainy morning, but sunshiny afternoon. One year ago at sunset, my brother Horace died. At the same time this evening, I sit with the old Family-Bible in my hand, which he requested Columbus to hand to him. The venerable old book has been a great traveler, twice having journeyed to Georgia, and twice to Alabama.
4. Cloudy and quite cool, winds from the east; got in a web of cloth today.
5. Cloudy and cool. T. started to Ball-play this evening.
6. Rainy day, It seems that we will not p]ant any more corn soon, Mr. D Hail here today. The woods are nearly green now.
7. 1st Sabbath. A cold cloudy uncomfortable day, Berenice and Marcellus went to Yellow Creek; Elder H. came with them to dinner.
8. Rainy morning, and cloudy and cold all day.
9. Still cloudy,- T. came home this morning.
10. Clear and cool morning, - had my peas stuck and the young apple-trees staked, - this evening our folks resumed corn-plantlng, though the ground is still very wet. Commenced raining again this evening; I visited Mrs. Brewer.
11. Still showery, I never knew more rain than has fallen since Christmas; we can do nothing at planting; surprised that Columbus and Olivia does not come home.
12. Rainy morning. C. came home this evening from his rough journey to North Georgia. O. did not came with him, he brought a letter from her, however, in which she says she will be at home in three weeks; is well satisfied and enjoying her visit very much. He brought the walking-cane of my Father which be had left at James’, a silver-headed cane which I think brother Horace gave him, and which C. carried in his hand all the way from Louisiana.
13. Clear day and windy, the ground will soon dry and people can resume their planting.
14. 2nd Sabbath. Pretty morning, B. went with Columbus and Virgil to Cedar Hill; - we went this evening to see the Misses Patterson. Misses Hale, Pulling and Mackey, spent the night here.
15. Still cloudy. T. returned from Wills Valley. A storm of wind and rain tonight.
16. A stormy day and getting cold. I fear a killing frost tonight; - Thomas went to Hale's and learned that the Carolinians have taken Fort Sumter and that our other volunteer company is ordered to Fort Pickens; so I suppose the war it now opened; may the Lord be with us in our weakness, and grant that we may conquer the strong. Columbus went to see Virginia. Her husband will have to go; and I doubt not C. will too.
17. Still cool -- our folks commenced planting cotton today.
18. Warmer, Columbus came home this morning; Miss J. Patterson visited us this evening. T. went to Cousin James’; finished weaving.
19. Windy day, -- preparing C. for the service, as he is determined to enlist and will have to depart at a day’s notice-- I do not like it much but will have to submit.
20. Clear and windy, T. went to Shady-Grove; C. went to Centre and joined the volunteer company; it it not completed yet. I went this evening to Mr. Rudd’s.
21. 3rd Sabbath. A beautiful spring morning, went with Columbus and Virgil to Concord and heard Mr. Galloway preach; a rather small congregation; Mr. and Mrs. B. here this evening.
22. Pretty day, making pants for Marcellus; went with Berenice this afternoon to visit Mrs. Haines, became acquainted with Miss Mary Haines; Mr. Tatum came here, to see about their land matters; I deeply suspect the man of trickery, but hope it may prove otherwise.
23. Fine warm weather, Cousin James, his daughter and daughter-in-law here to day; also Mr. T. called; they came to no conclusion about the land. B. went home with the girls.
24. A shower this morning, turning cool this evening; B. came home.
25. Somewhat cloudy, commenced this evening putting plaster on the corn.
26. Light showers. Col. Cobb called on us this morning; I went to Cedar-hill, with Mrs. Rudd, the Elder Mr. Hearne preached to a small congregation. The news is interesting by the mail; in two or three small engagements the South was victorious and have taken two war-vessels it is reported. An action is daily expected at Fort-Pickens.
27. A light rain last night, and cloudy this morning; vegetation is growing rapidly now. On this day last year, I first heard of the death of my brothers; through what scenes have I not come since; Olivia came home this evening, accompanied by her cousin Joseph. She is in good health, and left the relations well. Hard rain tonight.
28. 4th Sabbath. Clear and cool this morning, - the boys and Joseph went to quarterly-meeting at Smiths's Chapel; Mrs. R. and Mrs. D Hales visited us.
29. Pretty day, I went with Joseph to visit Virginia, found her and family well.
30. Rainy morning, yet Joseph, and Thomas started to Georgia, T. having to attend at Cassville, the sale of the town-lots, belonging to this estate; I went with Mrs. Brewer this evening to Hale's; set out cabbage plants.

May 1861

l. Clear and beautiful day, - Mr. Phipps called; Miss Phipps, and the Misses Haygood, spent the day here.
2. Clear and cool. Mrs. Echols, Mrs. Haynes visited us this evening; getting quite cool.
3. Still clear and cool with a slight frost. Columbus is assisting in planting our last
corn; the ground has been too wet to do it sooner. Went to Mr. Brewer’s this evening; great preparations are now making for war, by both South and North,and both parties seem eager for the contest; May Right prevail over Might.
4. Warmer, - putting plaster on our corn; I went with B. to Yellow Creek, - A good many persons there, but no preacher. It is said that he has enlisted and if so, he is today at Centre, as this is drill-day. C. has gone there today, and will probably learn when the company has to leave. He did not come tonight but went to Hales'. The rust has made its appearance on our wheat, and I fear will destroy it. It will be a great misfortune, and I feel badly about it. Should it be common I know not what is to become of the people as it is the main dependence, - rain tonight.
5. 1st Sabbath. Warm,rainy morning, I have sick-headache and feel depressed as I usually do when I have it. Elder Hall came this evening. A close rainy day. C. came home. His company is now made up and awaiting orders.
6. Still rainy. Elder H. left this morning, tremendous rain this afternoon after which it cleared off. The girls went to Mr. Hale's tonight.
7. Warm, I went to Patterson's this evening to see the volunteers of Wills Valley pass, but they did not come.
8. Pretty morning. One year ago, this mornings Mr. Espy left home for the last time in his life in full health, with the promise of many years before him. Little did he or we, think of the grave awaiting him in Louisiana! but so it was to be and be hurried to meet his destiny. Short sighted creatures that we are! It seems now as I look back that it cannot be a year, and yet, what a crowd of events have we passed through. I worked a web of cloth to day. Went with O. this evening to visit Mrs. Truitt, - passed a few pleasant hours as she played, and sang for us, - it is long since I listened to piano music, and am very fond of it.
9. Somewhat cloudy. We drew in our cloth today and got it started. I look with anxiety on the wheat; it lies right before me, and I an fearful it will be cut off by rust, and we have but little grain now.
10. Clear and warm. James came home tonight; he bought in the Cassville lots, for the estate; saw but few persons whom we know; visited our old homestead. The whole county is nearly cleared up. He left the relations well.
11. Cloudy. I went this evening with O. to Mr. Phipps' to visit Mother Echols, cleared off this evening.
12. 2nd Sabbath. Beautiful morning; we have a great many roses in bloom now - the children went to Cedar Hill. Mr. Brewer came here to dinner.
13. Rain today. Marcellus went to school this morning as usual, but the teacher not being there, he collected his books and returned; it is said that he will teach no more; T. went to Centre.
14. Pleasant weather, sent a scythe blade to Mr. Serat this morning to have stocked.
15. Very pleasant, - sold bacon this morning to Mr. Hays. The Confederate guards are having a drill to day at Leesburg, Capt. Cunningham, Mr. Land, came to dinner. Mr. Finley brought his little girls this far with him. Mr. Hays took supper here; I rubbed the skin off my ankle on Monday, and though I have attended to it carefully, yet I fear it will make a bad sore.
16. Beautiful morning, Columbus and Berenice have gone to Hales’. Turning rather cool; my ankle better.
17. Cool morning, - had a mess of green peas today; went with Mrs. Rudd to visit Mrs. Phipps; Dr. and Mrs. Ralls, then; mail-day; no news of importance.
18. Warmer, T. went to Shady Grove, C. to Centre to attend the drill.
19. 3rd Sabbath. Warm with light showers, all the children except Virgil have gone to Concord; Mr. T. and Virginia came home with them; Mr. and Mrs. B. came up.
20. Hard rains this morning; John and Virginia left after it ceased. T. came home this morning. Set out cabbage plants this evening.
21. Very cool day, and cloudy, - went with Thomas on a visit to Cousin James's family; it has been more than two years since I was there, and the place is much altered. Mrs. Hales sent me cabbage-plants.
22. Still cool but clear, - the wheat has improved much in colour since the rains; - it is common in the country, and the crop will be severely injured, heard today that a negro insurrection is on foot in the country, an old negro man of Mr. Dejernette's being taken up, and pretty strong evidence against him.
23. Still very cool, I do not think my ankle mends much; Dick complaining today; I wrote to Margaret Smith; I have delayed doing so a long time, and she is one of my best friends.
24. Cool and clear. I took salts today as my ankle does not improve much; - nothing of much interest by this evening’s mail. Mr. R. Hays spent the night here.
25. Warm to day, C. went to Centre; O. and M. to the drill and speaking at the Academy. It is thought now that no man will be ordered into service till after the 4th of July. Lawyer Thompson, who went from Centre to Fort Pickens is dead. O. received a letter from Mr. Thornton who also went from this county; - no fighting yet - they were in good health, and anxious for the fight.
26. 4th Sabbath. A fine delicious morning, our yard and garden looks gay and splendid; we never had more flowers. The children went to Cedar Hill, to preaching, Mrs. B. came up.
27. Clear and pleasant, I took salts today; my ankle not much better; Marcellus started to school again this morning, as Mr. G. has concluded to try it again - the girls went this evening to Mr. Finley's. Heard of the evacuation of Alexandria by our troops. Turning cool again.
28. Cool morning, - planting our pea crop; we would like to have rain as the ground is getting dusty.
29. Still cool and somewhat cloudy; my ankle is getting better; I am trying a poultice of white-lily root.
30. Clear and warm. Thomas returned home this evening much pleased with his visit to Wills Valley.
31. Very warm and a little cloudy. Thomas and Mr. Tatum had their arbitration to-day. Mr. Brewer being arbitrator for T. and Mr. R. Hales far Mr. Tatum; they priced the land at five dollars per acre. Slight rain this evening. We set out potato slips. Had a general house-cleaning.

June 1861

1. Warm growing weather. I did not attend church as I do not like to be much upon my ankle (which is getting much better). Mr. D. and I. Hale took dinner here. This evening they went to drill at the Academy. Slight showers this evening. Mr. Cason spent the night here.
2. 1st Sabbath. Pretty morning, Mr. Cason left early; the children went to Yellow Creek; a large congregation; slight shower today; C. and the girls walked over to Mr. Echols’s this evening. Very warm now.
3. Warm day. C. helped cut wheat this morning at Mr. Rudd’s; the wheat crop will be heavy generally. Ours though badly injured will I hope make enough for us. It is now believed generally, that a negro insurrection is on foot in this vicinity. The confederate-guards are going to look into the matter. Mr. Savage, Mr. Clark, spent the night here. Thomas came home from Ball-play.
4. Warm and rainy morning. Gave in our taxable property. Mr. L. is the tax assessor. The girls went this evening to Mr. Rudd's to get cherries.
5. Clear and pleasant morning. Marcellus’s birthday. C. reaped a small patch of wheat. T. went to Centre with Mr. Echols.
6. Very warm day. I spent it at Col. Hales'. C. went with me; I made some purchases, and settled back accounts. I have always detested the credit system, and rarely buy anything without paying for it. Goods of all kinds are now going up; and coffee is worth 25 cts. per lb.
7. Still warm and this evening cloudy.
8. Very warm. Thomas went with the volunteer company to the mountain. C. went to Mr. Trippe's. We were very uneasy this morning; Marcellus went to the river to attend to the fish-line, and staid till dinner-time; and we were expecting him back immediately. My ankle it nearly well.
9. 2nd Sabbath. Warm. Mr. T. and Virginia came up today, - they and the children went to church this evening, Mr. Hampton, Mrs. B. came here.
10. Warm and clear. Mrs. Echols, Mrs. Phipps, and the Misses Dupree, spent the day here, Mrs. Finley the afternoon; she brought a child's dress for me to braid, C. helped Mr. Rudd cut wheat today.
11. Sultry, we have 13 hands reaping our wheat today; it is better than we thought it could be; though badly injured; they will not finish to day; our rye it also ready for the sickle.
12. Still sultry. - they finished our wheat, and cut some of the oats; -Mr. Rudd says they have made the greatest waste of the grain he ever saw, - this grieves me very much, for we needed it all; besides, I expected them to be faithful, I always try to be so myself. The girls went to Mr. Finley.
13. Sultry - Columbus and Marcellus are helping Mr. B. today; I am feeling unwell but as this is fast-day, I went with B. to Concord and heard Mr. Galloway preach a war-sermon. A good many out, I fear I have injured my ankle by walking there: it seemed nearly well this morning.
14. Still very warm, Mr. B. helping cut our oats; a pretty rain to day, which we were needing.
15. Somewhat cloudy, Mr. B. helped finish our oats, this morning, and they also threshed some wheat; he and C. went to the drill after dinner.
16. 3rd Sabbath. Clear and pleasant morning, but will be hot after awhile; Columbus, Marcellus, and the girls went to Concord; - heard last evening of the death of Morgan Cumby, of typhoid diarrhea. It is getting common in the country. I fear Virgil is taking it as he does not seem well this morning. Columbus Mackey came to dinner.
17. Very warm. C. and M. helped Mr. B cut wheat today. My ankle is now entirely well, and I recommenced weaving; On this day one year ago, Mr. Espy was taken sick. Heard this evening of a battle having taken place at Yorktown, in Va. in which our people were victorious; may they be ever so. It is remarkable that the closing battle of Revolution took place there.
18. Something cooler, Mr. B. cut oats here till dinner; Our boys then went to hauling up our wheat. Mrs. Truitt spent the afternoon with us. She brought us a fine treat of June apples. We are needing rain now.
19. Clear and warm.
20. Sultry and no appearance of rain. We are needing it now very much. Dick worked today for Mr. Echols. C. at the river fishing.
21. Still sultry. - It is the longest day in the year. Had a great trouble today, C. returned from the river intoxicated, and was violent; his time hangs heavily on his hands, for he expected his company would have left before this; idleness is indeed a great bore. The Misses Haynes visited us this evening. The girls were at Hale's last night, and heard of another battle being fought near Norfolk, in which our troops were again victorious.
22. Extremely warm, I fear it will be as hot as it was last summer, - the boys have gone to Centre as it is a big day there; - They are trying now to make up a company to serve three years, C. joined and also did J. Trippe. The flux it getting very common now and fatal, I hear of a good many deaths. If we could have a good rain it would be healthier.
23. 4th Sabbath. Still clear and hot, yet we have a good breeze. The girls went to Cedar Hill this evening. I think of the suffering of my husband, at this time last year, who was drawing near his end; and in a country where a cool drink of water was not to be had, and no experienced person to nurse him.
24. Still warm, and so dusty. Mr. Finley, who is one of the home-guard, came this morning and set us to work making shirts for the soldiers at Fort Pickens. It seems that the Silver-grays are to have a hard time of it, what with supporting the families, and clothing the soldiers too. Fine rain this evening for which we are glad, T. came home quite unwell; - he says in the neighborhood of Coloma there is hardly a family clear of the flux. On this night last year Mr. Espy ended his sufferings, I hope forever. I dwell in thought on the sad scene, the wan and dejected looks of Columbus and the servants-- while strangers passed to and fro, performing the last duties, -- the strong and active form so still and rigid, and which, we, so little thought of dying so soon; and in our happy ignorance whiled away the hours, which to Columbus were so long and dreary. May we all improve the hard lesson set for us, and be enabled to do all things for the best. C., M. and Dick helped Mr. B. to day.
25. Cloudy morning. -- the girls went to visit Mrs. Truitt. Mr. B. helping with our last oats. A light rain this evening, C. helped him this evening.
26. Very warm; the volunteer company drills today at the school-house. Elder Goss came to dinner. I went with O. this evening to hear the public speaking, and see the drill.
27. Warm with thunder-clouds passing in the evening, I wish we could have a good season. Mrs. Finley visited us.
28. Pretty morning, clouds passing this evening; Mr. F. came for the shirts which were ready for him.
29. Still warm and cloudy, -- sowed a second crop of bunch-beans, also cabbage-seeds; the girls were invited to dine at Mr. Echols's but did go till evening; pretty showers today. T. went to Shady Grove.
30. 5th Sabbath. Pleasant and beautiful morning. The girls went to preaching at Shady Grove. B. remained at Mr. Davis's - Showery.

July 1861

1. Light rains this morning, I went with Mrs. Brewer, to visit Mrs. Hampton. O. busy, preparing C. to attend a camp-drill of some weeks above here. A brilliant and beautiful comet appeared tonight in the same part of the heavens as that a few years ago, the train of this it the longest that I ever saw, pointing directly upwards.
2. Cool and clear morning. C. left this morning T. going with him to bring back the buggy. A large party are going from this vicinity. Commenced making me a dress. T. returned this evening, - the Officers had not arrived, but the boys were having a fine time of it in camp-life.
3. Pleasant, - the young people have a fishing picnic in contemplation for tomorrow as It is the fourth. T. going round this evening making It up.
4. Cloudy, T. and O. started early to Dublin at which place the party is to meet. A light rain commenced falling about twelve. Mr. G. gave the children holiday. Our boys hauled out the last of their grain to day. On this day last year C. reached home from La. with his bad news. As I look back It seems but a short time, yet it is a year. May we pass through the next as well, and each succeeding years of our lives. A great deal of rain fell during the night. Very cool
5. Cloudy and cool. T. went to Ball-play. Showery.
6. Still cloudy, went with M. to Yellow Creek; not many persons out. Elder H. delivered a lecture on church discipline. O. went to visit at Mr. Hollis’s, whose son is sick. Virgil unwell with diarrhea.
7. 1st Sabbath. Clear and pretty morning. V. better; but I gave him oil and turpentine - Went to church with Olivia; a good congregation; Mrs. B. came up this evening
8. Pretty weather but very warm, I visited at Mr. Phipps' this morning and at Mr. Finley’s this afternoon in company with Mrs. Haynes and Mrs. Echols. Virgil improving.
9. Very warm, Berenice came home this morning; Mr. and Mrs. Davis came with her, and spent the day, tremendous rain this evening with wind, I never saw a better prospect for a corn crop, and If the rains continue awhile longer it must be large one.
10. Warm and cloudy, T. went to Spring Creek to carry C. some things, Mrs. Hampton sent us some potato-slips this evening. The girls are gathering blackberries this evening for wine.
11. Cool and clear day, I finished weaving this evening. Still gathering berries. T. returned today, found all well at the camp: heard of a most atrocious murder near the camp: - that of an old lady murdered by her negro woman - the negro to be hung tomorrow - he went this evening to stay with Virginia whose husband is absent.
12. Still cool - house-cleaning to day; put up five gallons of blackberry wine, also made my cordial.
13. Cool, and clear, our relatives Mr. B. and Miss Sallie Coffee came today to visit us. I went this evening to visit the sick at Mr. Hollis's; found them better: heard of an insurrectionary movement among the negroes of Wills valleys which was suppressed, however.
14. 2nd Sabbath. Cool and pretty morning, the children and their cousins went to Cedar Hill this morning; I went with them this evening; John and Virginia came to dinner. Our relatives left this morning. T. went to Centre with them
15. Still cool, I went with Mrs. Phipps on the mountain visiting at Mr. Bearden's - there is a great deal of sickness both on the mountain and in Wills Valley, - very fatal too. Elder Hood spent the night here.
16. Warmer, commenced raining today; Berenice went down to stay awhile with Virginia. Virgil went with her, and returned this evening.
17. Showery, - making starch; Mr. Hall came this evening to attend the Convention with Thomas in Calhoun County.
18. Still raining, Mr. H. and T. left early: I never saw a finer prospect for a corn-crop in my life; it is a treat to look at the rich fields. May the rain continue until it is finished.
19. Still cloudy, worked a good deal in the garden which never looked better; visited the Misses Patterson this evening, M. did not attend school today.
20. Very warm and getting clear; there it a dinner at the drill-camp today and they break up; a good many persons going. Our folks finished planting corn to day- Visited Mrs. Rudd this evening. Columbus came home
21. 3rd Sabbath. Warm, the children went to Concord; B. came home, accompanied by John and Virginia; shower about noon; Mrs. Brewer visited us.
22. Cloudy and showery, C. went to Centre; I, and B. went to see Mrs. S. Hale, who is sick, and to Cedar Hill, to attend the burial of Mr. Anderson; a good rain today.
23. Cool and clear, Mrs. Haynes, Mrs. L. Echols, spent the day here. Mr. Hale sent me notice this evening to provide my part of a bucket-dinner which is to be given to Mr. Hood’s volunteers tomorrow at the school-house, at which place will be public speaking.
24. Cool, O. went with Mrs. B. to an examination in Centre; the other children excepting Virgil went to the speaking; making starch; a good turnout at the speaking and had a fine dinner; Judge L. came home with Berenice.
25. Quite cool, M. did not attend school yesterday, nor will he, any more this week. O. came home this evening, pleased with her visit to Centre.
26. Still cool, Mr. B, Mr. Rudd, are helping our folks thresh wheat; I visited Mrs. Stiff this evening at Mr. Brewer’s, - warmer.
27. Warm; Berenice and Miss Haynes, have gone to visit the Misses Hale; C. went to King's where a volunteer company is to elect its officers; they chose Elder Hood as Captain.
28. 4th Sabbath. Very warm, Mr. B., Mr. J. Pulling, Mr. C. Mackey, took dinner here; the girls went to Cedar Hill this evening, no preaching
29. Very warm and dry. T. came home today. C. went to Hales’; his company has received marching orders; they are to start to Huntsville on the 14th August; Elder Hood's are to start on the 13th to Richmond. So we are to lose our preacher, and the country one of her best men.
30. Getting warmer and If It does not rain soon our corn will be cut short; Mrs. Stiff took dinner with us; I went with Mr. and Mrs. B. to pay a visit at Mr. Echols’s; Mr. Galloway spent the night here; Marcellus is bad off with sick-headache tonight.
31. Sultry, a big day at Cedar Bluff with the volunteers; Hale's wagon, and ours took all our young folks up except M. who went to school; - Sarah Pulling stayed with me. They came home at night-fall, much pleased with the trip.

August 1861

1. An excessively warm day, - I wrote to Mr. Yarbrough - suffering with neuralgic affliction. C. is going round collecting brown-jeans, of Which their uniform is to be made.
2. Excessively warm and dry. I an still suffering much and slept but little last night; Virgil is also unwell with diarrhea; making pants for Columbus; Mr. Hollis dined here; O. spent the night at Mr. Echols'.
3. Still warm . I am much better this morning; gave medicine to Virgil; had a fine rain this evening which made us glad far we were needing It very much; Mr. Hollis spent the night here; he came with C. from Cedar Bluff.
4. 1st Sabbath. Pleasant morning, all nature seems revived; Virgil no better; gave him oil and turpentine again; Columbus, Marcellus, and the girls went to Yellow Creek. Elder Hood, who it going off soon with his company, preached his farewell sermon to a large congregation. L. Hale, C. Mackey came here to dinner. Quite a number of young people here this evening. T. came home and preached tonight at Yellow Creek.
5. Cloudy, - election day; T. went towards Spring Creek; C. went to Mathis's precinct; making Columbus's uniform; Virgil better to day.
6. Still cloudy. C. came hone this morning; busy sewing for the soldiers; heard from the election; the best men were elected; Hardwick senator.
7. Still cloudy; Mr. Dupree came to see us C. came home from Virginia's. V. mending,
8. Light shower; Mr. D. and Columbus went to a dinner and public speaking at Mathis's; a volunteer cortege passed here this evening, It is now certain that our troops achieved a splendid victory at Manassas - on the 21 July. Such a battle has never been fought in America. Marcellus has not attended school this week. The girls went to Cousin J's. to help sew there.
9. Still showery, finished our sewing today
10. Cloudy. Virginia came up early for us to help her with J's uniform; he, and C. went to Cedar Bluff. I do not like the idea of John going, for owing to being near-sighted, he it not subject to military duty and be leaves his family in a very helpless situation, V. being alone.
11. 2nd Sabbath. Still inclement tho’ but little rain has fallen, Virginia left early to go to Smith's Chapel; C. and O. also went there, and took dinner at Mr. Dupree's - came home after dark.
12. Still rainy, Columbus went this evening to Hales’s. Thomas came home tonight.
13. Warm, a fine rain to day; Mary Espy spent the day here; busy preparing C. for his start tomorrow; I have sent his provision to Hale's (they go by public conveyance but find themselves) and packed his carpet-bag, it may be for the last time. Mr. Hollis called here, and C. went with him to Hale's.
14. Clear and cooler, we went with Columbus to Dublin, at which place a good many of the volunteers took the boat; a large assemblage of people were there to take leave of them; the scene was most Impressive for we cannot expect to see them all again; Olivia, and several other girls went with them to Cedar Bluff; Thomas and Marcellus went with Mr. Brewer in the wagon to bring them back; Berenice went home with Virginia who is now alone. This evening brother Joe Espy with his sons Joseph and Thomas, and his daughter Mary (J. B. Espy's wife) arrived. Mary has a fine boy now nearly a year old. Getting cloudy.
15. Cloudy, this evening brother J. and Mary and Marcellus went to see Virginia. We cut peaches and put out but weather it so rainy we cannot dry them.
16. Still rainy, - they came home early, Virginia came with them to bring Berenice; and returned this evening; I sent Virgil with her; brother J. went to Cousin James's this evening.
17. Inclement. The old man came home this morning very unwell, T. went to Shady Grove this evening.
18. 3rd Sabbath. Still cloudy, brother J. who it still sick started home this morning with his sons and Marcellus, who went along to ride back his uncle's horse. He, going in the buggy, and leaving Mary; Joseph will return for her. T., B., and Virgil went to Cousin James's - rain this evening.
19. Warm with showers, Mary and O. came home this afternoon; the baby unwell and quite restless tonight.
20. Still rainy, Mrs. Brewer came up this evening; Joseph and Marcellus returned; he left his father better; the baby is not well today.
21. Joseph and Olivia went to see Virginia today; very hard rains this evening; Mary and B. visited Mrs. Brewer.
22. Still cloudy, Mary and Joseph left early; we shall miss them much, especially the baby, which is a pleasant child; I went with T. to Hale's to see a horse-troop parade; a good many persons there; a close rainy evening; I had to remain there; T. came home.
23. Hard rains this morning. Held up about ten when Virgil came for me; I never knew such a time of rain at this season before. Thomas went to a meeting above Cedar Bluff.
24. Still cloudy, the boys went to a drill at Leesburg; getting clear this evening.
25. 4th Sabbath. Clear and cool, Marcellus went down to see Virginia; the girls, to visit Mrs. Hampton; a letter came to day to T. from Richard Hays, who is one of our volunteers at Camp Jones Huntsville . They are all well he says, thinks they will not remain there long. He is not much pleased with camp life I think.
26. Cloudy again, I went over to Patterson's this morning to see Mr. Morgan who with some others are going to Huntsville, to join Cunningham's company; gave him a letter for Columbus; hard rains this evening.
27. Showery, knitting woolen socks for the Volunteers; every lady in the state is requested by the governor to knit one pair of socks; the girls went this evening to Mr. Rudd's.
28. Hard rains last night, and again this evening.
29. Still showery, Miss T. Hale, Miss Mackey, spent the day here.
30. Hard rains today at noon; finished a pair of socks for Alfred Espy, one of Mr. Hood's company, who leaves next Wednesday.
31. Clear day, went with B. to Yellow Creek; no preacher; called at Mr. Finley's. T. Hales called here to know if we wished to send anything to Columbus by him; the last day of the wettest August I ever knew.

September 1861

1. 1st Sabbath. Clear and pretty morning, Elder H. preached to a good congregation for the last time as he leaves in a few days. John and Virginia, Mrs. and Miss Haynes, the Misses Rudd, here this evening; light rain.
2. Clear pretty day, our folks are pulling fodder; T. came home this morning; the girls went to Mr. Hale's this evening. Miss Cobb, Miss Hale called to day.
3. Pretty weather, - making a dress for Berenice; - she and Olivia went to visit Mrs. Truitt; the boat (Bill Ramey) which is to take the volunteers tomorrow, arrived at Dublin last night, and it lying there now. Elder Hood came home with T. tonight.
4. Pretty morning, we went to Dublin early; a large concourse of people assembled there to witness the departure of the volunteers; considerable excitement; we are busy preparing Berenice to go to Winchester, at which place she designs entering the Mary Sharp college; Virgil confined to the house with a sore foot.
5. Getting cloudy, we will get through with the sewing today; a good deal of rain this evening.
6. Still raining, Mr. Wilder came and paid to B. the money he had borrowed of her; clearing off this evening.
7. Cloudy; Thomas and Berenice left early, intending to stop at Lebanon and attend the association which is held at that place; showery; wrote today in Miss Haynes's Album.
8. 2nd Sabbath. A great deal of rain last night, clearing off this evening; I would be glad to have clear weather awhile.
9. Cloudy again, Olivia unwell with neuralgia.
10. Cloudy weather, sunshiny this evening; had out my bacon to day to sun; everything needs sun.
11. Warm, sunshiny day, I visited Mrs. B. this evening.
12. Clear and warm, Mrs. Bearden, Mrs. Cumby spent the day here, we are all taking cold.
13. Pretty weather, our folks finished pulling fodder. Marcellus complaining a good deal.
14. Very warm, T. came home about noon, had a pleasant time; got Berenice a good place to board at in a private family; he is much pleased with the institution; came back by Huntsville to see Columbus ; left him well, but I fear not doing well, there is so much dissipation in camp. Mr. I. Morgan, came back with T. to visit his family; Virgil went with him nearly home, and thence by Mr. Trippe's to return the buggy, M. is quite unwell, and so are O. and myself; I never had a worse cold.
15. 3rd Sabbath. Clear pretty morning, Marcellus, who took pills last night seems better today; I feel better myself; T. and O. went to Shady Grove. The servant man, Joe, of Mr. Patterson, died to day about noon, - he had been declining a long time.
16. Very warm, we are all better this morning; I went to visit the family at Patterson's, awhile; the neighbors seem careless about assisting them; only three persons can be got to work on the grave.
17. Still warm, I spent the day with Mrs. P Echols, - pleasantly, - bought several articles.
18. Warm, preparing a web of cloth for the loom. T. unwell with neuralgia, gathering a piece of early corn.
19. Cool nights, but very warm days. Miss Jane Patterson visited us this evening. The garden is gay now, with fall flowers, and cabbage are also fine; in fact we never had so many vegetables as this summer.
20. Pretty weather.
21. Cloudy, - the boys are picking over our cotton; we are all getting over our colds except Olivia and she today has fever, and is quite sick. Took pills.
22. 4th Sabbath. Cloudy and very cool, - seems that autumn is commencing. O. better this morning.
23. Warmer, drew in our cloth this morning, this evening O. went with me down to the tan-yard, to see about getting our winter shoes made. Mr. Mackey agreed to make them; called on Mr. M. and came home by Mr. Hale's, - his daughter- in-law, Julia, very low with consumption. I wanted groceries, but he had none. It seems we must learn to do without such things.
24. Still warm, commenced weaving, T. came home still bad off with his teeth. I am very unwell myself, took fresh cold; have had headache.
25. Somewhat better this morning, T. as usual; Olivia and Virgil went this evening to Mr. Truitt.
28. Cloudy. Thomas went with O. down to Shady Grove church, at which place, the ladies are to meet, and make the uniforms for Capt. Truitte's company. Only a few met, and concluded to divide the work among them and meet there no more. O. brought two suits home with her; one of them for the Misses Patterson; a good deal of rain to day.
27. A change last night to right cool weather; the wind blows like winter time; sewed closely all day; we shall be hurried with the work; letters came this evening from Columbus and Berenice. C. was well - he wants more clothing - I thought he had enough; but he is no hand to take care. B. was not well she wrote - had severe cold and cough; was well pleased in every respect, except the water, which is cistern water, and very bad, I think withal that she is badly home-sick. T. went to Ball-play.
28. Clear and quite cool, Mr. Truitte called this morning to see about our work, I got him to order two sacks of salt for me; it is now worth 5 dollars per sack, and is going up; bacon is worth 25 cts. per lb in Rome, and everything else in proportion. Miss Mollie Haynes came over and helped me with the sewing; she and O. went to Mr. Hale's this evening; Julia, no better. I finished the coat about sun-down. Mrs. Finley's little girls came this evening and got flowers.
29. 5th Sabbath. Clear and cool. Olivia, and J. walked over to Mr. Patterson's this evening.
30. Beautiful weather, Capt. T.'s company left this morning for Gadsden. T. came home; Julia H. is getting worse, they say; wrote to Columbus; may the Lord be with the poor wild boy and preserve him from evil.

October 1861

1. Pretty day, Mr. B. returned me this morning, the money I loaned him some time back; Mr. Tatam called this morning to get some papers, for which he holds Mr. Espy's receipt. T. looked, and I looked over all the papers today, but we cannot find them. We are to have a difficulty with him yet I fear. It seems that foes are to rise up in every quarter. Elder Livingston came to night; - rainy.
2. Rainy morning, Elder L. and T. left after dinner to attend an association in Calhoun County, - making clothes for Dick.
3. Still cloudy, wrote to Berenice; Olivia and Miss Mollie went down to sit up tonight at Hale's.
4. Warm, O. came home this morning; Julia no better.
5. Very warm and oppressive, went with Virgil to Yellow Creek; Elder Appleton preached, and is to attend the church the remainder of the year; he is a fine preacher; - Mrs. Rudd visited us; O. went this evening to Cedar Hill, to the quarterly meeting. Parsons Williams, Nicholson, and Sylvest spent the night here.
6. 1st Sabbath. Cloudy, I was sent for early this morning by Mrs. Hale; Julia died about 7 o’ clock. A good many persons there; I remained all night; Virginia and Miss S. Trippe came with O. to dinner, I was sorry I did not see Virginia; rainy evening.
7. Rainy morning, I came home at 12; they wait till the boat passes this evening before they bury Julia. They are expecting her husband by the boat; Olivia went down to the burial; turning cool.
8. Clear and quite cool, I went this evening with Mrs. Rudd, to visit a sick woman at Mr. Greenways'.
9. Pretty weather, O. is learning to weave very well.
10. Still fine weather, O. and myself, visited Mrs. Finley this evening.
11. A good deal of rain today, letter came from Huntsville to day; there is a good deal of sickness in camp. Columbus was well, but was in the Hospital waiting on the sick; I fear he will have the measles too.
12. Clear and cool, - no mail to day; it seems that we had quit trying to get any news; Mrs. Truitte called this evening.
13. 2nd Sabbath. Clear and beautiful morning, Olivia and Marcellus, went down to see Virginia, found her well, a letter came from Columbus this evening, he has not taken the measles yet but was expecting it.
14. Pretty day, commenced making dresses of domestic gingham; it is getting quite fashionable, since we receive no goods from the north, people are put on their own resources.
15. Fine weather - Marcellus, and Dick started to mill in Wills Valley; I got my salt home from Mr. Truitt's.
16. Cloudy, Virgil picked cotton for Mr. Finley; M. came home this evening; - got our shoes this evening.
17. Rainy morning, and a great deal of rain fell last night; wrote to Columbus, to send by Mr. Hale, I will send butter and other things, but I am sorry I have no clothing ready for him.
18. Showery, J. Trippe brought some thread for us to weave for Virginia; he also brought the little dog Bessie, as a present for Virgil.
19. Cloudy, I went this morning and paid Mrs. Truitt for the two sacks of salt, Mr. T. had brought for me, - 10 dollars, and 60 cents freight. Clearing off this evening but very warm.
20. 3rd Sabbath. Fine warm day, went with O. to Concord, and heard M. Galloway preach; few persons there; - walked down to Mr. Hollis's this evening; rain this evening, and tonight.
21. Still inclement. - sold 75 lbs. bacon today, Mr. Kitchen called this evening; T. came home; he attended an association at LaFayette Ga.
22. Cloudy, Misses Hale, and Pulling, came up this morning to get flowers; the rosebuds are beautiful; the chrysanthemums are also in full bloom. They had heard from Huntsville, that Columbus has the measles, and is very sick. I hope it is not so bad as represented, but am very uneasy about him. T went down to Mr. Davis's. The mule threw him today but did not hurt him.
23. Cooler and clear, Mr. D. came home with Thomas to dinner. They went to the tan yard this evening. The corpse of Mr. Hodges, a volunteer of Huntsville, went by today.
24. Pretty weather, sold Mr. Hale 19 1/2 lbs. of bacon; heard of the death of J. Aubrey, a young man who lately married; has died of consumption. I went this evening to see Mrs. Copolin who is sick.
25. Cloudy. T. went to a cotton-picking at Mr. Hays's. We had a mail today, for a rarity, - letters came from Berenice, and Mr. Yarbrough - B. was well, and well pleased; Mr. Y. writes that he thinks he will not be able to collect any this fall; they have no courts, and he cannot force them to pay; heard from Columbus, through Mr. Hollis; he is getting about again; which sets us easy about him.
26. Rainy morning; this morning Hale's volunteers leave; a good many persons at Dublin; I sent 53 lbs of bacon, to J. W. Trippe, and got 11 Bushel of seed wheat, and 1 of grassing oats, Mr. Finley's gin house burnt last night
27. 4th Sabbath. Pretty day, O. took Jane and went by Cousin James's; Mr. and Miss McGhee, came here this evening.
28. Beautiful Indian-summer Day, finished V.'s weaving; making drawers for Virgil.
29. Fine weather, T. returned from Chaladonia; Mrs. B. visited us; making clothes for Jane.
30. Cooler, and beautiful; finished yesterday, getting in our corn crop; a bountiful one too, for which we should be thankful. The crop generally is abundant; O. went to Mr. Mackey's, and spent the night; Leah, a servant, who formerly belonged to my father, and with whom I was brought up, came to visit us; turning colder.
31. Ice this morning, Leah left early; we commenced digging potatoes; Mrs. Rudd, Mrs. Blevens, called this evening.

November 1861

1. Much dismayed this morning to find it raining; fear we will lose our potatoes; a close rainy day; our folks shucking corn; T. started to Ballplay,
2. Cold and cloudy, - did not go to church; sent M. and got 61/2 lbs of wool at cousin James's. Miss S. Hale sent for O. this evening. J. Trippe dined here.
3. 1st Sabbath. Clear, I went with Virgil to church; Elder Appleton preached to a small congregation; had a letter yesterday from C.; he thinks that he will soon be well; that the sickness there is abating; thinks they will remain there 6 weeks longer at least. Mrs. and Miss Whitten came home with us
4. Beautiful day, commenced spinning wool for Columbus's clothes; public speaking today at Hale's, Col. Cobb, came home with T. and spent the night. Dr. Ralls is his opponent for a seat in Congress.
5. Cold morning, Col. C. left for Blue-pond , Mr. Galloway called this morning, commenced wheat sowing.
6. Election day. T. went to Blue-pond; Dr. Ralls greatly ahead there; drew in a web of flannel for Columbus; the Misses Haynes, here this evening; pretty weather now.
7. Fine weather, Cousin J. dined here; T. went by Centre this evening; Dr. R. ahead, so far as heard from.
8. Pretty day, Marcellus is much disabled by a bite on the shoulder; Virgil picking cotton at Mr. Finley's since Tuesday; O. making pants.
9. Cloudy and warm, got out the flannel; finished sowing one piece of wheat; hard rains this evening,
10. 2nd Sabbath. Warm and cloudy; Thomas, and Olivia went this afternoon to Mr. Haygood's to preaching.
11. Warm, had my cabbage put away this morning; making up Columbus's flannel; Mrs. Finley visited us this evening.
12. Still very warm, the boys commenced moving a house from Dublin for a kitchen; busy sewing.
13. Warm as summer, O. went to Hale's, heard of the removal of our boys from Huntsville to Pensacola, - we were going to start Mr. Brewer in a few days with a load of clothing to them and other things; the Abolitionists are invading our sea ports in large numbers, and I much fear will get the advantage of us, for they have so many ships and we, but few; finished the flannel, and cut a pair of pants for him.
14 Still warm, the boys got their house up, helping O. make a green merino dress; Mr. Lynch spent the night here,
15. Warm; prepared Columbus's things and sent them to Hale's who will forward them to Pensacola, turning cooler.
18. Cooler, T. went to meeting beyond Centre; O. and M. to a corn husking, at Cousin J.’s; it was a novel affair, - a lady-corn-husking; the absence of the men in the service accounted for it; finished O.'s dress: - Mrs. Hale, sent me a coat to make for one of her boys; getting quite cool. We learn that our boys are sent to Mobile, instead of Pensacola.
17. 3rd Sabbath. Cold morning and getting cloudy, - there are still some beautiful roses, and marigolds.
18. Still cold, - busy making a coat for J. Pulling.
19. Warmer, and cloudy; finished the coat and sent it home; T. and M. at Hale's tonight at a corn-husking; I visited Mrs. B. this evening.
20. Rainy and cold, Mr. Hays dined here. A dark disagreeable night for Marcellus to go to Dublin, at which place he must stay, as it is boat-night.
21. Still cloudy dull weather, the boat did not pass till this morning, clear and pretty evening. Our people are husking corn.
22. Raining this morning, and a tremendous rain this evening with wind and thunder; Perry Nicholson spent the night here; he came after freight at Dublin; his sister Martha was married a few weeks ago, to Mr. H Small; turning colder, finished the corn.
23. Clear and cold with ice, T. started to Calcedonia, Mr. Sarrat came this morning, and I paid him for the work he did for me, and took his receipt; a real blustering winter day; and getting colder.
24 4th Sabbath. - Very cold and windy, J. Trippe, and sister came here this morning; Virginia is confined at home by her negro-woman, who has a young child; letters came from Mr. Beasley, and Miss White; Berenice has had the measles, and it has settled on her lungs confining her to her room. They think she will be unable to attend school any more this winter so she wished T. to come after her; at this time of the year it will be extremely awkward for her to take such a jaunt ; I am much put out about it. Miss Moore, Miss Hollis here this evening. Cold.
25. The coldest morning yet, plenty of ice, T. came home this evening; he came by John's, V. wants O. or myself to come down, but I do not see how either of us can go soon. T. does not like the idea of a trip to Tennessee at all; on account of some arrangements he has lately made.
28. Clear and very cold, I am unwell with sick head-ache; T. has made arrangements for Mr. B to go after B. but he cannot start till Monday next, on account of having to attend a muster; the boys have gone to a husking at Mr. Patterson's.
27. Commenced raining. I am feeling better. O. bad off with tooth-ache; T. went to Mr. Dupree; he is trying to collect the debts, but it is a bad chance now to do it
28. Still rainy, O. went this evening to see Miss Hale.
29. Inclement, - had house-cleaning notwithstanding; T. returned from Wills Valley this morning.
30. Some appearance of fair weather, colder; the boys still at work on their house, Cousin J. came with a letter from C.; his son Robert, has returned. C. wrote that he was in tolerable health, but had not then received tie things I sent him. He is encamped near Mobile, and R. says they have plenty of every sort of provision necessary. I did not go to church.

December 1861

1. Cold morning, but getting cloudy. Olivia, Thomas and Marcellus, went to Yellow Creek. Mrs. B Came here this evening.
2. Rainy day, Mr. Brewer started this evening.
3. T. went and brought Miss T. Hale, up; Mr. Mynatt, and Mr. Hall also came this evening to attend a party with Thomas.
4. Clear and extremely cold, the young people set out this morning on their trip; Miss H. going with Mr. Hall, and O. with Mr. Mynatt, to Mr. McNeely's whose step-daughter, Thomas is to marry to night.
5. Still cool, the young people returned this evening in safety but Mr. Hall is quite sick with cold. Thomas's wife is quite a fine-looking girl; they had a wedding at Mr. McNeely's and they say a fine time, of it. I invited Mr. Brewers family to supper but gave no party, for I felt this to be no time for merriment here.
6. Warmer, the gentlemen left early; Mr. H. no better; Marcellus took Miss H. home; this evening Berenice arrived looking thin, but much better than I expected to see her; she had resumed her studies thinking we were not going to send for her. She will not return before spring, as the weather it too cold for her there
7. Pleasant weather, I am knitting a comfort, for C. B. seems pretty well today; T. went to a muster; there it a call for 60 more companies from this state and it is said that all between the ages of 16 and 60 are subject to military duty; if so, Marcellus is subject and I shall miss him more than any other of my children, and will dislike so much for him to be exposed to the evils of camp life. He and O. went to see Virginia this evening. My birthday.
8. 2nd Sabbath. Beautiful day, no preaching; B. is improving I think; the Misses Hale, Mackey, and Pullen, called this afternoon to see Lizzie, and B.
9. Pretty day, Mrs. Haynes, and daughter visited us this evening; Berenice is mending very fast. T. went to Mr. Hale's, who is going to start tomorrow to Mobile; I sent some things to C. by him.
10. Beautiful warm day, T. and O. went to visit Allen Thornton, who is at home on furlough and will leave in a day or two.
11. Cooler B. still improving;
12. Pretty cold morning, we killed 8 hogs to day which weighed out 1777 lbs. Mr. Rudd, and Mr. Hale helped us, B sick to night
13. Ice this morning, we rendered up our lard; had about 19 gals. also ground 27 lbs of sausage meat. Mr. McNeely, came tonight to attend Thomas's ordination on to-morrow at Shady Grove.
14. Cold, we are having a fine tine on our meat; we finished oar sausage, and souse meat to day.
15. 3rd Sabbath. The coldest morning yet, O. went with T. and D. to Shady Grove, I did much wish to go and see Virginia to day, but had no chance; I learn that she gave birth to a daughter last Thursday night,
16. Pretty day Mr. MoNeely left early, I went with T. down to Mr Trippe’s; found V. pretty well, and the babe also doing well; the Misses Trippe called in tonight
17. Fine weather, V. I think, is getting on finely; I have sickheadache to night, made clothing for the baby.
18. Flne open weather, T. came for me this evening as Olivia, Marcellus, and Virgil, all have the measles, they caught the infection from Mr. Hall; I found them in bed and thickly broken out with them
19. Still pretty weather, this morning Lizzie shows that she has also taken the infection. Berenice and I, have our hands full in waiting on the sick.
20. Pretty day, our sick ones doing very well, Dick was taken today; we now have five down with it.
21. Cloudy, no new case to day; our old friend Mr. Smith and his son Cyrus, came this evening. C. has been at Mobile since last spring and was discharged on account of low health. Being with them, brings old times up before me very vividly.
22. 4th Sabbath. Rainy day yet nevertheless, Mr. T. would start homewards; I fear he thinks they are in our way; our patients getting on very well.
23. Getting very cold, I keep our sick very closely, they sat up awhile to night; sent by I. Pullen and got some whiskey for our sick ones; knitting stockings for the baby.
24. Christmas day, and very cold; had our customary egg-nog, this morning, our patients are able to be up some now; I never knew so still a Christmas, but men are scarcer now.
25. Cloudy. Thomas and Lizzie had intended taking the boat this morning to Mr. McNeely's, but it passed before day; they went this evening in the buggy; I thought L. was risking a good deal as she is still broken out with measles; I went with M. to Cousin James's this afternoon; his son Alfred who lately returned from the army is very sick still; I fear he has consumption.
26. Clear and cold, our folks are out of danger now I think with some care.
27. Very cold. Joseph Espy came this evening; left all well at home.
28. Still cold and clear, Joseph went this evening to see Alfred Espy, who I learn is no better.
29. 5th Sabbath. Warmer and getting cloudy, our folks are all going about now. Joseph came back this morning; Alfred no better; I visited Mrs. B. who is not well.
30. Cold and clear, B. and Y. went down to see V., found her up, and the babe also doing well. Helped O. today, who is preparing to go home with her cousin to-morrow.
31. Cold morning, Joseph and Olivia started, however, she was not sufficiently recovered I think for the journey; I went with Marcellus to Hale's and paid up my score with him this evening; also cut a coat for M. The prices of everything continues to advance, salt is now worth 20 dollars per sack in Rome. The last day of the old year; may the close of the incoming year, find us better and our country in peace and happiness.

Intro