Westover Journal Entries for the Year 1862

Westover, LA - 3 August 1862

As we reached the ferry, I discovered I had lost the pass, and had to walk back and search for it...

Westover, LA - 4 August 1862

HERE we are at Dr. Nolan's plantation, with Baton Rouge lying just seven miles from us to the east. We can surely hear the cannon from here.

Westover, LA - 5 August 1862

About half-past nine, as we got up from the breakfast table, a guerrilla told us the ram Arkansas was lying a few miles below, on her way to cooperate with Breckinridge...

Westover, LA - 6 August 1862

We six madcaps got in the carriage and buggy, and rode off in search of news.

Westover, LA - 7 August 1862

Last night, shortly after we got in bed, we were roused by loud cannonading towards Baton Rouge, and running out on the small balcony up here, saw the light of a great fire...

Westover, LA - 8 August 1862

Again last night, about nine, we heard cannon in Baton Rouge, and watched the flashes,, which preceded the reports by a minute, at least, for a long time.

Westover, LA - 9 August 1862

To our great surprise, Charlie came in this morning from the other side. He was in the battle, and General Carter, and dozens of others that we did not think of.

Westover, LA - 10 August 1862

...last evening, about six o clock, as we sat reading, sewing, and making lint in the parlor, we heard a tremendous shell whizzing past...