Dolly Sumner Lunt Journal Entries for the years 1864 thru 1865

Burge Plantation, GA - 1 January 1864

A new year is ushered in, but peace comes not with it. Scarcely a family but has given some of its members to the bloody war that is still decimating our nation.

Burge Plantation, GA - 23 July 1864

I have been left in my home all day with no one but Sadai. Have seen nothing of the raiders, though this morning they burned the buildings around the depot at the Circle

Burge Plantation, GA - 24 July 1864

No church. Our preacher's horse stolen by the Yankees.

Burge Plantation, GA - 27 July 1864

Major Ansley and family have remained.

Burge Plantation, GA - 28 July 1864

We were just rising from breakfast when Ben Glass rode up with the cry: "The Yankees are coming. Mrs. Burge, hide your mules!"

Burge Plantation, GA - 29 July 1864

The report is that the Yankees have left Covington for Macon, headed by Stoneman, to release prisoners held there

Burge Plantation, GA - 2 August 1864

Aunt Julia [a slave] called me to look down the road and see the soldiers. I peeped through the blinds, and there they were, sure enough, the Yankees the blue coats!

Burge Plantation, GA - 5 August 1864

Mr. Ward has been robbed by the Yankees of his watch, pencil, and shirt.

Burge Plantation, GA - 8 November 1864

If Lincoln is re-elected I think our fate is a hard one, but we are in the hands of a merciful God, and if He sees that we are in the wrong, I trust that He will show it unto us.

Burge Plantation, GA - 12 November 1864

Oh, this blockade gives us work to do for all hands !

Burge Plantation, GA - 15 November 1864

Went up to Covington to-day to pay the Confederate tax.

Burge Plantation, GA - 16 November 1864

On our way home we met Brother Evans accompanied by John Hinton, who inquired if we had heard that the Yankees were coming.

Burge Plantation, GA - 17 November 1864

Have been uneasy all day.

Burge Plantation, GA - 18 November 1864

Went out doors several times and could see large fires like burning buildings. Am I not in the hands of a merciful God who has promised to take care of the widow and orphan?

Burge Plantation, GA - 19 November 1864

I heard that the Yankees went to neighbor Montgomery's on Thursday night at one o clock, searched his house, drank his wine, and took his money and valuables.

Burge Plantation, GA - 20 November 1864

Oh, how I dreaded those that were to pass, as I supposed they would straggle and complete the ruin that the others had commenced, for I had been repeatedly told that they would burn everything as they passed.

Burge Plantation, GA - 21 November 1864

We had the table laid this morning, but no bread or butter or milk. What a prospect for delicacies ! My house is a perfect fright.

Burge Plantation, GA - 22 November 1864

After breakfast this morning I went over to my grave-yard to see what had befallen that. To my joy, I found it had not been disturbed.

Burge Plantation, GA - 26 November 1864

Elbert [the negro coachman] has to go to mill this morning, and I shall go with him, fearing that, if he is alone, my mule may be taken from him, for there are still many straggling soldiers about.

Burge Plantation, GA - 22 December 1864

The Yankees found Mrs. Glass's china and glassware that she had buried in a box, broke it all up, and then sent her word that she would set no more fine tables. They also got Mrs. Perry's silver.

Burge Plantation, GA - 23 December 1864

It is confidently believed that Savannah has been evacuated. I hear nothing from my boys. Poor fellows, how I miss them!

Burge Plantation, GA - 24 December 1864

No confectionery, cakes, or pies can I have. We are all sad; no loud, jovial laugh from our boys is heard.

Burge Plantation, GA - 25 December 1864

Sadai jumped out of bed very early this morning to feel in her stocking. She could not believe but that there would be something in it.

Burge Plantation, GA - 30 January 1865

As the moon has changed, Julia [the cook] has gone to making soap again. She is a strong believer in the moon

Burge Plantation, GA - 29 April 1865

General Lee has surrendered to the victorious Grant. Well, if it will only hasten the conclusion of this war, I am satisfied.

Burge Plantation, GA - 7 May 1865

He said that he left Jeff Davis at Washington in this State, on Thursday morning last. His enemies are in close pursuit of him, offering a hundred thousand reward to his captors.

Burge Plantation, GA - 14 May 1865

I had a long conversation with my man Elbert to-day about freedom, and told him I was perfectly willing, but wanted direction.

Burge Plantation, GA - 29 May 1865

He tells me the people below are freeing their servants and allowing those to stay with them that will go on with their work and obey as usual.

Burge Plantation, GA - 24 December 1865

My freedmen have been with me and have worked for one-sixth of my crop.

Burge Plantation, GA - 25 December 1865

Sadai woke very early and crept out of bed to her stocking. Seeing it well filled she soon had a light and eight little negroes around her, gazing upon the treasures.