Sarah Dawson Journal Entries for the years 1862 thru 1865

Baton Rouge, LA - 9 March 1862

HERE I am, at your service, Madame Idleness, waiting for any suggestion it may please you to put in my weary brain, as a means to pass this dull, cloudy Sunday afternoon

Baton Rouge, LA - 7 April 1862

Until that dreary 1861, I had no idea of sorrow or grief. . . . How I love to think of myself at that time! Not as myself, but as some happy, careless child who danced through life

Baton Rouge, LA - 12 April 1862

Day before yesterday, just about this time of evening, as I came home from the graveyard, Jimmy unexpectedly came in.

Baton Rouge, LA - 16 April 1862

Among the many who visited us, in the beginning of 1861, there was Mr. Bradford. I took a dislike to him the first time I ever saw him

Baton Rouge, LA - 17 April 1862

What was the use of throwing a nice, big cannon ball, that might have knocked a man down, away on that poor little fellow, when a pea from a popgun would have made the same impression?

Baton Rouge, LA - 18 April 1862

Another date in Hal's short history! I see myself walking home with Mr. McG just after sun down, meeting Miriam and Dr. Woods at the gate

Baton Rouge, LA - 26 April 1862

There is no word in the English language that can express the state in which we are, and have been, these last three days.

Baton Rouge, LA - 27 April 1862

What a day! Last night came a dispatch that New Orleans was under British protection, and could not be bombarded

Baton Rouge, LA - 5 May 1862

Vile old Yankee boats, four in number, passed up this morning without stopping.

Baton Rouge, LA - 9 May 1862

Our lawful (?) owners have at last arrived. About sunset, day before yesterday, the Iroquois anchored here, and a graceful young Federal stepped ashore, carrying a Yankee flag over his shoulder

Baton Rouge, LA - 10 May 1862

What tales they had to tell! They were on the wharf, and saw the ships sail up the river, saw the broadside fired into Will Pinckney's regiment

Baton Rouge, LA - 11 May 1862

I am disgusted with myself. No unusual thing, but I am peculiarly disgusted this time.

Baton Rouge, LA - 14 May 1862

I am beginning to believe that we are even of more importance in Baton Rouge than we thought we were.

Baton Rouge, LA - 17 May 1862

Four days ago the Yankees left us, to attack Vicksburg, leaving their flag flying in the Garrison without a man to guard it, and with the understanding that the town would be held responsible for it.

Baton Rouge, LA - 21 May 1862

I have had such a search for shoes this week that I am disgusted with shopping.

Baton Rouge, LA - 27 May 1862

The cry is "Ho! for Greenwell!" Very probably this day week will see us there. I don't want to go.

Greenwell, LA - 30 May 1862

After all our trials and tribulations, here we are at last, and no limbs lost ! How many weeks ago was it since I wrote here?

Greenwell, LA - 31 May 1862

It was long after nine when we got there, and my first act was to look around the deserted house. What a scene of confusion! armoirs spread open, with clothes tumbled in every direction...

Greenwell, LA - 1 June 1862

From the news brought by one or two persons who managed to reach here yesterday, I am more uneasy about mother and the girls. A gentleman tells me that no one is permitted to leave without a pass

Baton Rouge, LA - 3 June 1862

Well! Day before yesterday, I almost vowed I would not return, and last evening I reached here.

Baton Rouge, LA - 4 June 1862

Our condition is desperate. Beauregard is about attacking these Federals. They say he is coming from Corinth, and the fight will be in town. If true, we are lost again.

Baton Rouge, LA - 5 June 1862

Beauregard is undoubtedly coming to attack Baton Rouge; his fire would burn the town, if the gunboats do not; the Yankees will shell, at all events, if forced to retire.

Baton Rouge, LA - 6 June 1862

We dined at Mrs. Brunot's yesterday, and sitting on the gallery later, had the full benefit of a Yankee drill.

Baton Rouge, LA - 8 June 1862

Yesterday General Williams sent a barrel of flour to mother, accompanied by a note begging her to accept it "in consideration of the present condition of the circulating currency,"

Baton Rouge, LA - 10 June 1862

This morning while I was attending to my flowers . . . several soldiers stopped in front of me, and holding on the fence, commenced to talk about some brave Colonel, and a shooting affair last night.

Baton Rouge, LA - 11 June 1862

Last evening mother and Miriam went to the Arsenal to see if they would be allowed to do any thing for the prisoners.

Baton Rouge, LA - 12 June 1862

I grow desperate when I read these Northern papers reviling and abusing us, reproaching us for being broken and dispersed, taunting us with their victories...

Baton Rouge, LA - 16 June 1862

Do I consider the female who could spit in a gentleman's face, merely because he wore United States buttons, as a fit associate for me?

Baton Rouge, LA - 16 June 1862

Thanks to my liberal supply of pens, ink, and paper, how many inexpressibly dreary days I have filled up to my own satisfaction, if not to that of others!

Baton Rouge, LA - 17 June 1862

Yesterday, and day before, boats were constantly arriving and troops embarking from here, destined for Vicksburg.

Baton Rouge, LA - 18 June 1862

How long, O how long, is it since I have lain down in peace, thinking, "This night I will rest in safety"? Certainly not since the fall of Fort Jackson.

Baton Rouge, LA - 19 June 1862

We after discovered that the man was drunk, and had cursed the woman of the grog-shop, whereupon her husband had pitched him out in the street, where they found him.

Baton Rouge, LA - 26 June 1862

Yesterday morning, just as I stepped out of bed I heard the report of four cannon fired in rapid succession, and everybody asked everybody else, "Did you hear that?"

Baton Rouge, LA - 27 June 1862

A proclamation of Van Dorn has just been smuggled into town, that advises all persons living with in eight miles of the Mississippi to remove into the interior...

Baton Rouge, LA - 29 June 1862

"Any more, Mr. Lincoln, any more?" can't you leave our racked homes in repose? We are all wild.

Baton Rouge, LA - 30 June 1862

As a specimen of the humanity of General Butler, let me record a threat of his uttered with all the force and meaning language can convey, and certainly enough to strike terror in the hearts of frail women...

Baton Rouge, LA - 1 July 1862

These officers say the women talk too much, which is undeniable. They then said, they meant to get up a sewing society, and place in it...

Baton Rouge, LA - 3 July 1862

Another day of sickening suspense. This evening, about three, came the rumor that there was to be an attack on the town to-night, or early in the morning

Baton Rouge, LA - 4 July 1862

Here I am, and still alive, having wakened but once in the night, and that only in consequence of Louis and Morgan crying...

Baton Rouge, LA - 6 July 1862

...Butler has sentenced Mrs. Phillips for laughing while the corpse of a Federal officer was passing...

Baton Rouge, LA - 7 July 1862

He says a boat from Mobile reached the city Saturday evening, and the captain told Mr. La Noue that he brought an extra from the former place, containing news of McClellan's surrender with his entire army...

Baton Rouge, LA - 9 July 1862

If ever I saw two mortified, hangdog-looking men, they were these two as they took their way home. Was it not shocking?

Baton Rouge, LA - 10 July 1862

A proclamation is out announcing that any one talking about the war, or present state of affairs, will be "summarily" dealt with.

Baton Rouge, LA - 11 July 1862

A letter from George this morning! It was written on the 20th of June, and he speaks of being on crutches in consequence of his horse having fallen with him...

Baton Rouge, LA - 13 July 1862

I have been reading that old disguster, Boswell. Bah ! I have no patience with the toady !

Baton Rouge, LA - 14 July 1862

Another pleasant excitement. News has just arrived that Scott's cavalry was having a hard fight with the Yankees eight miles from town.

Baton Rouge, LA - 17 July 1862

It is decided that I am to go to New Orleans next week. I hardly know which I dislike most, going or staying. I know I shall be dreadfully homesick

Baton Rouge, LA - 20 July 1862

Last night the town was in a dreadful state of excitement. Before sunset a regiment, that had been camped out of town, came in, and pitched their tents around the new theatre, in front of our church.

Baton Rouge, LA - 21 July 1862

If we could keep all the dispatches that have passed between us since the battle of the forts, what a collection of absurdity and contradiction it would be!

Baton Rouge, LA - 22 July 1862

The excitement is on the increase, I think. Everybody is crazy to leave town.

Baton Rouge, LA - 24 July 1862

Where shall I begin the story of my wanderings? I don't know that it has a beginning, it is all so hurried and confused.

Baton Rouge, LA - 25 July 1862

An old gentleman stopped here just now in a carriage and asked to see me. Such a sad, sick old man!

Baton Rouge, LA - 27 July 1862

have my bird back! As I waked this morning, I heard a well-known chirp in the streets...

Baton Rouge, LA - 29 July 1862

This town, with its ten thousand soldiers, is more quiet than it was with the old population of seven thousand citizens.

Baton Rouge, LA - 31 July 1862

I believe I forgot to mention one little circumstance in my account of that first night at the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, which at the time struck me with extreme disgust.

Baton Rouge, LA - 2 August 1862

I did not notice the report of the attack that was prophesied for night before last, and went to bed without gathering my clothes.

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...

Randallsons Landing, LA - 11 August 1862

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Linwood, LA - 12 August 1862

Another resting-place! Out of reach of shells for the first time since last April! For how long, I wonder? For wherever we go, we bring shells and Yankees.

Linwood, LA - 13 August 1862

I am in despair. Miss Jones, who has just made her escape from town, brings a most dreadful account.

Linwood, LA - 17 August 1862

Thursday, we heard from a lady just from town that our house was standing the day before, which somewhat consoled us for the loss of our silver and clothing; but yesterday came the tidings of new afflictions.

Linwood, LA - 18 August 1862

Yesterday, two Colonels, Shields and Breaux, both of whom distinguished themselves in the battle of Baton Rouge, dined here.

Linwood, LA - 20 August 1862

Last evening, after hard labor at pulling molasses candy, needing some relaxation after our severe exertions, we determined to have some fun...

Linwood, LA - 21 August 1862

Miriam and mother are going to Baton Rouge in a few hours, to see if anything can be saved from the general wreck.

Linwood, LA - 23 August 1862

He confirms the story about all the convicts being set free, and the town being pillaged by the negroes and the rest of the Yankees.

Linwood, LA - 24 August 1862

Soon after dinner yesterday two soldiers stopped here, and requested permission to remain all night.

Linwood, LA - 25 August 1862

She says when she entered the house, she burst into tears at the desolation. It was one scene of ruin. Libraries emptied, china smashed, sideboards split open with axes...

Linwood, LA - 28 August 1862

I saw the first Yankee camp that Will Pinckney and Colonel Bird had set fire to the day of the battle. Such a shocking sight of charred wood, burnt clothes, tents, and all imaginable articles strewn around...

Clinton, LA - 29 August 1862

Yesterday I was interrupted while writing, to pack up for another move, it being impossible to find a boarding-house in the neighborhood.

Clinton, LA - 30 August 1862

Still no prospect of a lodging; so here we remain. I never before lived in a house without a balcony, and have only now found out how inconvenient it is.

Clinton, LA - 1 September 1862

How shockingly I write! Will I ever again have a desk or a table to write on? At present, my seat is a mattress, and my knee my desk; and that is about the only one I have had since the 2d of August.

Linwood, LA - 2 September 1862

Does it not seem that this war will sweep off all who are nearest and dearest, as well as most worthy of life, leaving only those you least care for, unharmed?

Linwood, LA - 3 September 1862

This Kentuckian pronunciation grates "hairshly" on my Southern ears.

Clinton, LA - 3 September 1862

But if we get home, what will we do for bedding? The Yankees did not leave us a single comfort, and only two old bars and a pair of ragged sheets..

Clinton, LA - 4 September 1862

I hear to-day that the Brunots have returned to Baton Rouge, determined to await the grand finale there. They, and two other families, alone remain.

Beech Grove, LA - 6 September 1862

General Carter, who spent the evening with us day before yesterday, remarked that the first thing he heard as he reached town was that all the gentlemen and ladies of Clinton were hunting for country lodgings for us.

Clinton, LA - 9 September 1862

It is said the enemy were cut off from Washington, and that we were pursuing them. O my brothers! If God will only spare them!

Clinton, LA - 10 September 1862

We cannot do too much, or even enough, for our soldiers. I believe that is the universal sentiment of the women of the South.

Clinton, LA - 14 September 1862

There is one thing in which Sophie and I agree, and that is in making Stonewall Jackson our hero.

Clinton, LA - 16 September 1862

Go or stay, the danger seems the same. Shall we go, then, for variety, or die here of stagnation while waiting for the Yankees to make up their minds?

Linwood, LA - 17 September 1862

Many soldiers were aboard on their way to Port Hudson, to rejoin their companies. One gallant one offered me a drink of water from his canteen, which I accepted out of mere curiosity...

Linwood, LA - 21 September 1862

...to add to our distress the odor of broiled chicken and hot biscuit was wafted up stairs, after a while, in the most provoking way.

Linwood, LA - 24 September 1862

Now, in present phraseology, "Confederate" means anything that is rough, unfinished, unfashionable, or poor.

Linwood, LA - 26 September 1862

...to-day we hear that McClellan's army has been cut to pieces; but whether it is the same old fight or a new one, I cannot as yet learn ; for reliable information is not easily obtained in America at this period.

Linwood, LA - 27 September 1862

I often wonder how lies first came into the world, and whether those who originate them do not believe them as firmly as any one else would believe truth.

Linwood, LA - 28 September 1862

We were roused up at four o'clock last night by the arrival of Lydia and Eugene Carter... of course, there was very little sleep for any of us, so anxious were we to hear the news they brought.

Linwood, LA - 1 October 1862

A dispatch just received from Gibbes, from Mobile, on his way home. I am so happy!

Linwood, LA - 2 October 1862

Why was I denied the education that would enable me to be the equal of such a man as Colonel Breaux and the others? He says the woman's mind is the same as the man's, originally; it is only education that creates the difference.

Linwood, LA - 4 October 1862

While Anna and Miriam went out riding last evening, just as I put down my pen, I went out for a solitary walk down the road that Gibbes would have to pass ; but saw nothing of the carriage.

Linwood, LA - 6 October 1862

Last night, I actually drew from Gibbes the outlines of Jackson's campaign.

Linwood, LA - 9 October 1862

I never was known to laugh aloud, no matter how intense might have been my mirth...

Linwood, LA - 11 October 1862

Oh, how willingly I would return to the old wreck of our home! All its desolation could not be half so unendurable as Clinton.

Linwood, LA - 16 October 1862

Night before last Lydia got playing the piano for me in the darkened parlor, and the old tunes from her dear little fingers sent me off in a sea of dreams.

Clinton, LA - 18 October 1862

I hardly know which I was most amused by: the giddy, lively girls to my right, or the two ladies to my left who were as cross and ill-natured as two old cats...

Linwood, LA - 18 October 1862

Last night mother arrived from Clinton with Gibbes

Linwood, LA - 22 October 1862

We left Clinton this morning, and have just now arrived by the cars.

Linwood, LA - 24 October 1862

A letter from Jimmy, the first we have received since New Orleans fell. It was dated the 10th inst., and he spoke of being on the eve of running the blockade...

Linwood, LA - 26 October 1862

Everything points to a speedy attack on Port Hudson. Rumors reach us from New Orleans of extensive preparations by land and water, and of the determination to burn Clinton...

Linwood, LA - 2 November 1862

Yesterday was a day of novel sensations to me. First came a letter from mother announcing her determination to return home, and telling us to be ready next week.

Linwood, LA - 4 November 1862

O what a glorious time we had yesterday ! First, there were those two gentlemen to be entertained all day, which was rather a stretch, I confess, so I stole away for a while.

Linwood, LA - 6 November 1862

We three girls fancied a walk last evening, and immediately after dinner prepared to walk to Mrs. Breaux's, only a mile, and get her to come to the sugar-house.

Linwood, LA - 9 November 1862

And to think old Abe wants to deprive us of all that fun! No more cotton, sugar-cane, or ric! No more old black aunties or uncles! No more rides in mule teams, no more songs in the cane-field...

Linwood, LA - 10 November 1862

In spite of its being Sunday, no sooner was dinner concluded yesterday than we adjourned, as usual, to the sugar-house to see how much damage we could do.

Linwood, LA - 12 November 1862

Once more a cripple and consigned to my bed, for how long, Heaven only knows.

Linwood, LA - 15 November 1862

I think I grow no better rapidly. Fortunately on Wednesday night they succeeded in turning me over; for my poor elbows, having lost all their skin, were completely used up.

Linwood, LA - 16 November 1862

What if the fight should come off before I can walk? It takes three people to raise me whenever it is necessary for me to move; I am worse than helpless.

Linwood, LA - 18 November 1862

A note just came from mother, telling me that the most awful Yankees were coming to burn Linwood and take Port Hudson...

Linwood, LA - 21 November 1862

Lying on my face, as it were, with my poor elbows for a support, I try to pass away these lonely hours.

Linwood, LA - 4 December 1862

A rapid step was heard in the hall; the bride groom had come!

Linwood, LA - 7 December 1862

With a forced laugh he said, "Where is my bride? Pshaw! I know she has gone to Clinton!

Linwood, LA - 12 December 1862

My cripple friend that I mentioned so far back continues to send me the most affecting messages.

Linwood, LA - 14 December 1862

Yesterday evening, some time before sunset, Mr. Enders was announced, to our great surprise, as we knew he had been in Clinton all the week...

Linwood, LA - 26 December 1862

We had an exquisite Christmas gift the night before, a magnificent serenade, a compliment from Colonel Breaux.

New Orleans, LA -

Coming out of church this morning with Miriam, a young lady ran up with an important air, as though about to create a sensation.

New Orleans, LA -

Write me down a witch, a prophetess, or what you will. I am certainly something! All has come to pass on that very disagreeable subject very much as I feared.

Linwood, LA - 1 January 1863

1863! Why I have hardly become accustomed to writing 62 yet! Where has this year gone?

Linwood, LA - 3 January 1863

Some one suggested calling the Spirits, which game I had imagined "played out" long ago; and we derived a great deal of amusement from it. Six of us around a small table invoked them with the usual ceremony.

Linwood, LA - 4 January 1863

One just from Baton Rouge tells us that my presentiment about our house is verified; Yankees do inhabit it, a Yankee colonel and his wife.

Linwood, LA - 15 January 1863

Two months last Sunday since I have been lying here a cripple, and I am not yet able to take a step.

Linwood, LA - 19 January 1863

Wheeled into the parlor, there I beheld not my friend alone, but several other individuals whose presence rather startled me.

Linwood, LA - 22 January 1863

...I can't help wondering if he would be sticky if I touch him. Indeed, I think his hands stick, at least; for when he told me good-bye, it was with the greatest difficulty that I extracted mine from his grasp...

Linwood, LA - 23 January 1863

A very few people have been insolent enough to say to me, "Your brother is as good a Yankee as any." My blood boils as I answer, "Let him be President Lincoln if he will, and I would love him the same.

Linwood, LA - 5 February 1863

A letter from Lavinia has come to me all the way from California. How happy it made me, though written so long ago!

Linwood, LA - 9 February 1863

A letter from my dear little Jimmy! How glad I am, words could not express. This is the first since he arrived in England...

Linwood, LA - 18 February 1863

Gibbes has gone back to his regiment.

Linwood, LA - 22 February 1863

Mother has come to me! O how glad I was to see her this morning!

Linwood, LA - 23 February 1863

Here goes! News has been received that the Yankees are already packed, ready to march against us at any hour.

Linwood, LA - 24 February 1863

All our friends would be so disappointed at not having an opportunity of saying good-bye.

Linwood, LA - 25 February 1863

Here we are still, in spite of our expectations.

Linwood, LA - 10 March 1863

I had so many nice things to say which now, alas, are knocked forever from my head. when news came that the Yankees were advancing on us, and were already within fifteen miles.

Linwood, LA - 14 March 1863

They are coming! The Yankees are coming at last! For four or five hours the sound of their cannon has assailed our ears. There! that one shook my bed!

Linwood, LA - 15 March 1863

To my unspeakable surprise, I waked up this morning and found myself alive.

Linwood, LA - 17 March 1863

Yankees have gone back to Baton Rouge, hearing we had sixty thousand men coming down after them. I believe I am positively disappointed! I did want to see them soundly thrashed!

Linwood, LA - 25 March 1863

Those vile Yankees have been threatening Ponchatoula, and his battery, with a regiment of infantry, was on its way there to drive them back.

Linwood, LA - 31 March 1863

"To be, or not to be; that's the question." Whether tis nobler in the Confederacy to suffer the pangs of unappeasable hunger and never-ending trouble, or to take passage to a Yankee port, and there remaining, end them.

New Orleans, LA - 3 April 1863

To-day, thousands of families, from the most respectable down to the least, all who have had the firmness to register themselves enemies to the United States, are ordered to leave the city before the fifteenth of May.

Linwood, LA - 7 April 1863

I believe that it is for true that we are to leave for New Orleans, via Clinton and Ponchatoula, this evening.

Clinton, LA - 8 April 1863

What a delightful sensation is motion, after five months inaction!

Madisonville, LA - 12 April 1863

"...don't pay any attention to her. Pick her up, just as you would a child," said my incorrigible mother.

Madisonville, LA - 13 April 1863

I don't know how any one can believe the whole world so wicked; for my part I have met none but the kindest people imaginable; I don't know any wicked ones.

Madisonville, LA - 14 April 1863

Ah! another delightful glimpse of society has been offered to our charmed view. Such a treat has not often fallen to our lot.

Madisonville, LA - 16 April 1863

Mr. Halsey brought us each a little tortoise-shellring he had made for us by his camp-fire, as a keep sake, and of course we promised to wear them for him, particularly as they make our hands look as white as possible.

Bonfouca, LA - 18 April 1863

I have read descriptions of such houses and people, but I have not often seen them. The man and his wife were perfect specimens of the low Canadian, speaking only French.

Bonfouca, LA - 18 April 1863

Friday morning we arose and prepared to resume our journey for Bonfouca, twenty-three miles away.

New Orleans, LA - 22 April 1863

Yesterday we arrived ; I thought we should never get here. Monday we had almost given up in despair, believing the schooner would never return.

New Orleans, LA - 26 April 1863

I am getting well! Bless the Lord, O my soul! Life, health, and happiness dawn on my trembling view again!

New Orleans, LA - 9 June 1863

There are no Southern young men left in town, and those who remain would hardly be received with civility by Miriam and myself.

New Orleans, LA - 14 June 1863

If I was a man, if I had the blessed privilege of fighting, I would be on the breastworks, or perchance on the water batteries under Colonel Steadman's command. But as I was unfortunately born a woman, I stay home and pray with heart and soul.

New Orleans, LA - 17 June 1863

Lydia has another boy! Letter has just come, and I am demented about my new godchild!

New Orleans, LA - 21 June 1863

How about that oath of allegiance? is what I frequently ask myself, and always an uneasy qualm of conscience troubles me. Guilty or not guilty of perjury?

New Orleans, LA - 26 June 1863

It is so delightful to see these frightened Yankees! One has only to walk downtown to be satisfied of the alarm that reigns.

New Orleans, LA - 10 July 1863

What a scene I have just witnessed! A motley crew of thousands of low people of all colors parading the streets with flags, torches, music, and all other accompaniments, shouting, screaming, exulting over the fall of Port Hudson and Vicksburg.

New Orleans, LA - 10 July 1863

Day before yesterday came tidings that Vicksburg had fallen on the 4th inst. The "Era" poured out extras, and sundry little popguns fizzled out salutes. All who doubted the truth of the report and were brave enough to say so were fined or imprisoned

New Orleans, LA - 15 July 1863

Dreadful news has come of the defeat of Lee at Gettysburg. Think I believe it all? He may have been defeated ; but not one of these reports of total overthrow and rout do I credit.

New Orleans, LA - 18 July 1863

It began by Miriam sending Mr. Conn a box of cigars when she was on Canal the other day, with a note saying we would be delighted to assist him in anyway. Poor creature!

New Orleans, LA - 23 July 1863

Put a creature you don't care for in the least, in a situation that commands sympathy, and nine out of ten girls will fall desperately in love.

New Orleans, LA - 14 August 1863

DOOMED to be bored! To-night Miriam drags me to a soiree musicale

New Orleans, LA - 24 August 1863

I consider myself outrageously imposed upon! I am so indignant that I have spent a whole evening making faces at myself.

New Orleans, LA - 10 September 1863

O my prophetic soul! part of your forebodings are already verified! And in what an unpleasant way!

New Orleans, LA - 6 October 1863

I hope this will be the last occasion on which I shall refer to the topic to which this unfortunate book seems to have been devoted.

New Orleans, LA - 9 November 1863

Another odd link of the old, stale story has come to me, all the way from New York.

New Orleans, LA - 22 November 1863

A report has just reached us that my poor dear Gibbes has been taken prisoner along with the rest of Hayes's brigade.

New Orleans, LA - 26 November 1863

Brother has applied to have him paroled and sent here, or even imprisoned here, if he cannot be paroled.

New Orleans, LA - 30 November 1863

Our distress about Gibbes has been somewhat relieved by good news from Jimmy.

New Orleans, LA - 31 December 1863

The last of eighteen sixty-three is passing away as I write...

New Orleans, LA - 3 February 1864

Not dead! not dead! O my God! Gibbes is not dead! Where O dear God ! Another?

New Orleans, LA - 0 March 1864

Dead! Dead! Both dead! O my brothers! What have we lived for except you?

New Orleans, LA - 2 November 1864

This morning we heard Jimmy is engaged to Helen Trenholm, daughter of the Secretary of the Confederate States.

New Orleans, LA - 31 December 1864

O sad, dreary, fearful Old Year! I see you go with pain! Bitter as you have been, how do we know what the coming one has in store for us?

New Orleans, LA - 19 April 1865

Thursday the 13th came the dreadful tidings of the surrender of Lee and his army on the 9th. Everybody cried, but I would not, satisfied that God will still save us, even though all should apparently be lost.

New Orleans, LA - 22 April 1865

For the more violently "Secesh " the inmates, the more thankful they are for Lincoln's death, the more profusely the houses are decked with the emblems of woe.

New Orleans, LA - 2 May 1865

While praying for the return of those who have fought so nobly for us, how I have dreaded their first days at home!

New Orleans, LA - 15 June 1865

Our Confederacy has gone with one crash - the report of the pistol fired at Lincoln.