Diary of Samuel A. Agnew E-Book

Samuel Andrew Agnew

• Herausgeber: Andura Publishing
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Beschreibung

A true and powerful story of the resilience of the human spirit. An American classic.

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Leseprobe

Diary

September 27, 1863--June 30, 1864:

Samuel Andrew Agnew, 1833-1902

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DAILY JOURNAL

September 27, 1863

        Sabbath. This has been a pretty Sabbath. Rode out to Church. The body of John Caldwell [was buried] about 10 o'clock. The coffin was at the grave and his mourning friends took a last look at his face. He was a good man, one of the [page torn] of Hopewell. When I looked at his dead body, I could not but think of the remark of Dr. Jno. M. Mason in reference to one of his pious dead friends. "Here lies sacred dust." A large congregation was out. Mr. Francis Young came down from Bethany. Mr. Young [preached] the action sermon from John 21: 17 [page torn] Daniel fenced the tables and served--[page torn] the 1st and Mr. Young the 2nd. I returned thanks and dismissed the congregation. After the burial we did not have time for a sessional meeting. A good many of our members [were] detained from church by sickness [page torn] day. Moses Young must have been [page torn] as also did Mr. M. made an appointment at [page torn] o'clock and preached sessional meeting was [page torn] session though--bring the exercises to a close. I acknowledge that I was disappointed at the results. I went down to protract the meeting with enlarged expectations [page torn] to an increase of our members but in both respects I have been disappointed. I should submit with patience for God will make it all right, it will be gathered in due time if we faint not.

        There is a good deal of sickness in the neighborhood. Mr. Snipes [saw him] ere I dined) had another severe attack of his

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cramp last night and his family was kept from church. The elders did not think that protracting the meeting under the circumstances would be prudent. One H. Caldwell [left] to go to his command (Mulls com[mand] Tilghman Scouts.

        Tuesday morning [page torn] other J. Wiley was fixing for mak[ing] dam this week. There was no marked religious interest manifested during the meeting. Went to Josiah Caldwells and spent the night pleasantly. Today and yes[terday] we have heard various r[umors]. The accounts in reference to enemy loss are conflicting, some in reference to our own loss. [Say the loss] in officers is heavy. A General S [page torn] is killed. On Monday the 21st, I think it was, there was a stubborn fight 2 m west of Ringgold, lasting from 10 A. M. [until] night. Of course there is much anxiety to hear from our friends in that area.

        Ferguson's command is still about New Albany. The people complain of the lawless proceedings of some of the men who are gathering up beeves and corn in that country. Chalmers command up in Lafayette, Falkner's Regiment is camped at the mouth of Tippah, so Br. MacDaniel who was at Shiloh last Sabbath informs me,

September 28, 1863

        Start this morning calling at Wm Reids to see the sick. Find them better. Call also at John Caldwell's in order to get some dates so as to forward to the Telescope an obituary for publication. Leave there near ten o'clock and reached home at 3 o'clock. I

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called at Hams camp on the way. See several friends. Went to the Dripping Spring of which I have heard since I have been in the country but never saw it untill today. The camp is close to it and they use [water] out of it. Ham himself is absent, has gone to Okolona.

        They have nothing definite in reference to the late [battle.] Bragg has issued an address to the troops in which he states that [they] have driven the enemy back 20 miles and have gained a decisive victory. He furthermore states that at that time the enemy was recrossing the Tennessee. Pa has heard glowing reports if only they be true, as follows; their loss is 5,000. The enemy has lost over a hundred pieces of artillery and we have 52000 men in our hands as prisoners. We have lost five Generals, two killed and three wounded. It is also reported that we have captured their entire waggon train. I do not doubt from the reports we have that a decisive victory has been gained, but I cannot but think that the results are exaggerated.

        Erskine was over at Brice's this evening. He heard that we had not captured the enemies waggon trains, they burnt them. Chattanooga is not burnt. The Yankees are North of the Tennessee. I think that perhaps in a few days we will have some reliable facts from that quarter. This evening I have not done much but writing up my journal. I saw a Missouri Democrat of the 15th, but did not read much in it. Mr. Simone had it. The day has been pretty, early this morning and late this evening there was

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some appearance of clouding. It is very dry and dusty.

September 29, 1863

        Dr. Bynum and Kimmins, his father-in-law called in this morning. Their families are at Brice's, they have had to leave their homes. Kimmons was burned out on the 19th. Dr. Bynum came up from Tibbie Station yesterday. From him we gather some items in reference to the recent battle. It is called the battle of Chickmaugua and was fought the 19, 20, and 21st inst. Gen. Hood had his leg shot off. Maj. Karr of the 32nd M was killed. Bragg in an address to his soldiers tells them they have fought nobly but the victory is only half won. He states that our loss is 10,000 of which 6/7 are wounded. The enemy's loss 25,000, of whom 7,000 are prisoners. We have taken 68 pieces of artillery, stands of small arms, 150 waggons, knapsacks, &c. &c. This is the first reliable intelligence we have had in reference to these matters. Longstreet and Breckenridge attacked the centre. The Yankees fought bravely. Prisoners report that Rosecrans is wounded.

        It is rumored that the Yankees are fortifying at Chattanooga. Bragg has ordered forward his troops. It is supposed from this fact that the Yankees have crossed the Tennessee. The battle of Chicamauga [page torn] divisions (one of them Negleys). The remainder of Rosecrans army retired in good order. The Yankees took 6 pieces of artillery from Cleburnes division during the night.

        This day has been clouded and appearances indicate rain soon.

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        I rode over to Aunt Rillas tonight. A Mr. Randolph and Smith were there. They drove up from about Booneville and are on their way back to Ham's camp. Mr. R. has resided in California for the last 9 years, (in Merced Co.) He returned to his father's near Booneville in January or February through Corinth, and is now in the service.

        Aunt Rilla had news from the boys. Cole Nelson got back from Okolona today. He saus Bragg has Chattanooga. Mr. Brice expects to start to South Carolina Monday.

September 30, 1863

        This morning was dark and lowering and the day throughout has been drizzly and this evening is raining. Came on over home early and remained indoors most of the day owing to the wet and drizzly character of the day. Brought over from Aunt R. a volume entitled "the Waldenses," and have read it I may say through today. Those people of God have passed through horrible persecutions by the papists. It is as interesting as a romance. Pa called at Mrs. Abner Branyan's to see [her child] who has the croup. He called back [page torn]

        Falkner was in camp and made a speech this morning. He is a candidate for Congress. Beverly Matthews of Columbus is also in camp. Pa is of the impression from what he hears that the matter is being considered whether Ham's battalion shall not be turned over to the Confederate service.

        Dave Crockett was over this evening to see if he could not buy

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"Kit" mule Pa was not here and I gave him no encouragement.

        No news from the Chickamauga battle today. Engaged in critical studies this evening.

October 1, 1863.

        This day has been part clouded. After dinner the sun shone out prettily. The day however has been damp and chilly. This evening I rode over to Ham's camp, hoping to hear some news, but this objective measure failed. They have no news and the reports they hear from Bragg do not vary greatly from Dr. Bynum's statements of Tuesday morning. Everyone seems to be in the fog in reference to the details of the battle. A Mr. Beechum of Itawamba told me that Gen Wood was severely wounded though he was not dead.

        From what I can gather I think it altogether probable that the Yankees still hold Chattanooga and are fortifying but no one seems to know anything of the posture of affairs in that quarter. I rode over to Uncle's and spend the night.

        Ham will move his camp tomorrow down near Clark's again. The object of Matthew's visit was to obtain the command of Ham's Battalion. It is not probable that he will gain his object. Micajah Berry was in camp yesterday electioneering for Congress.

        A party went up to the Yankees, (Vicksburg deserters) a few days ago and captured 9 Yankees and some horses. The Yankees say they intend to be at Ellistown and Guntown on the day of the election and help vote. A party of 300 Yankees came down in 3 or 4 miles

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of New Albany a few days ago. They returned in safety, although Ferguson with 2 regiments was at Albany.

October 2, 1863

        Up very early and breakfasted by daylight as Uncle Jo wished to return to camp by times. Sat awhile after breakfast and then came on home. Ham's battalion moved this morning. Today has been a most beautiful day. The sky was a deep blue and very clear. I do not remember to have seen a single cloud this day. Mrs. Abner Branyan came over after dinner to get Pa to see her child's throat. The uvula is elongated and is presenting an unusual appearance and she became alarmed. Mr. Brice sent after Pa to go and set his arm which had got out of place at the shoulder joint while holding the mule he was riding, the bridle thrown across his arm, the mule became frightened and jerking the bridle, dislocated the arm.

        Smythe is up on a visit from below, happened there and made an unsuccessful effort to set it. Pa succeeded in doing the job.

The situation at Chattanooga

        Have some items in reference to the situation in Chattanooga. Rosecrans with his army is at Chattanooga. Bragg's army is scattered from 2 to 7 miles this side of the city. Longstreet's Corps occupy Lookout Mountain and it is said that with his artillery, he has complete command of the city. The Yankees have but one door of escape, that is across Wallen Ridge, but for some reason they do not fancy that route. We hear that Rosecrans has made two efforts

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to get out but was unsuccessful each time. Bragg is in no hurry: perhaps having cut off their supplies, he hopes to starve them out. Longstreet can shell the city when he wants but will not. We have no particulars about the late battles, they seem slow coming. Mr. Edwards told me that he understood the 32nd Miss. suffered severely but has no particulars. Wrote a rough draft of an obituary for my aged and pious friend, John Caldwell, who died last Saturday.

October 3, 1863

Quiet and dull day.

        This has been another pretty day: clear and pleasant. This evening I noticed a few dry small clouds floating about, the most marked feature of the day has been its dulness. I have not noticed anyone passing the road today and consequently have no news. Every thing is quiet and still and dull. I have done nothing but loll about and scribble. Studied a little on Romans. As I have not written a sermon this week, today was too late to begin the work.--I must try to write a sermon every week hereafter.

        Saw a "Clarion" of the 23d which was left here yesterday by Mr. Lewis envelloped for Mr. Bullock. From it I infer the battle was fought on the 19 and 20th, on Peavine Creek, 11 or 12 miles West of Ringgold. Gen. Preston Smith of Tenn. was killed, also Gen. Helm, [Gen.] Wofford and another whose name I do not remember. Several Generals were wounded. Did not from this paper get a very satisfactory account of the battle: the accounts being too meager.

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It is unusual for me not to hear some rumors and reports every day but today I have none. After we lay down, between 10 and 11 o'clock a party of serenaders came and standing on the portico played on the accordian. It was very pretty. We do not know who our entertainers were. They were three in number, only one performed.

October 4, 1863

        Clear and pretty day but rather chilly. A portion of the day we had some wind and in the wind it was quite cool. Rode up to Mt. Zion but found no congregation. Redding Smith has called here on Friday was a week and told me would sing. I told him to let it be known. Lemuel and Laura Holmes were there. Came on back by Dixon's and dined there. Smith had not said anything about the appointment. He is sick, I don't understand the matter. Sat at Dixon's an hour or two, came home. Overtake a conscripting squad of cavalry with 16 men, caught last night at Concord Baptist Church. Hear this evening sad tidings of the late battle. The 32nd Reg. is badly cut up. A Virginia regiment failed to take some battery of the enemy which it was important should be carried. The 32nd was brought against it and took the battery, but at a precious cost. Company B lost heavily in killed and wounded. We don't know haw many. The following are reported killed. Riley Wallis, Walter White, James Galloway, Capt. Lee Kennedy and Eber Gambrell. Brantly Wallis was wounded in the arm. Winfield was also wounded and his father is bringing him home. He is expected tonight. We

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cannot hear anything of the other boys. More are killed and wounded but there seems to be no certainty who they are. Late this evening Granville Woods passed in a gallop to Ham's camp, reported a small party (40) Yankees above. It was thought that they would feed at Stubbs. Read this evening Homes Introduction.

October 5, 1863

        Yesterday heard that Johnston was at New Albany one day last week, and that he intends bringing his infantry to Pontotoc. Pa heard at Church that his infantry were now at Okolona but "somehow or somehow else", I don't believe it.

        This has been another pretty and pleasant day. Mother and Mary went over to Aunt Rilla's. Pa was also there. We now know some news about the casualties of Chickamauga. Lee Kennedy was not killed. W. White was shot in the head, Rily Wallis in the back of the neck. They died on the field. James Galloway was shot in the bowells and died next morning. Eber Gambrell was shot in the head--though he is still living, he would certainly die. His brain was oozing out. A Mr. Jones and Melton are also killed. Jno. Agnew was severely wounded by a shell Sabbath morning and fell. He was borne off by the boys. He was struck on the hip above the joint, his wound is not dangerous. John Young is safe. Tapp is wounded on the hand. Pat Bryson is slightly wounded on the top of the head. Winfield Scott is badly wounded. Thad Bryson is home, wounded in the arm. The slightly wounded are furloughed for 30 days, the badly for 90. Jno. Agnew cannot be moved yet. This

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particulars are interesting but saddening.

        Uncle Jo & Holland were here for dinner. They started to the precinct but did not go. A mule, Dave, was very sick & we were doctoring him untill it was too late. Uncle Jo was up on a scout last night towards Stubbs. Yankees were there, really, variously estimated at from 360 to 1500. About sundown they were at Snow's and took him prisoner. Ten came out to McCarely's. They left Snow's going towards Kelly's Mill. It uncertain whether they went on down the Wolf's Ferry road or to Kelly's. This evening we have reports of Yankees in another direction. They were reported to be coming down and at 1 1/2 o'clock, were between Rogers and Carrollville. Ham's men are badly scattered at the different precincts and will not be able to do much. A good many are at Baldwyn but I expect the Yankees will scatter them from there. We know nothing of the numbers or movements of these Yankees above Baldwyn. Their object is doubtless to disturb the election. I do not expect there was any voting at our precinct.

        The mule Dave has been very sick this evening. He was first noticed about 1 o'clock. He has colic I suppose and seems to suffer a great deal. We have drenched him with several things but he does not seem much relieved and I will not be surprised to get up in the morning and find him dead.

October 6, 1863

The Yankees on the Pontotoc road--fighting

        As I anticipated the mule Dave is dead this morning. Pa started

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Wile over to Mrs. Watts with a load of cane to have the juice pressed out by her mill. But Wile returned before he got there with the news that the Yankees were again in the neighborhood and that they were fighting over about Humphreys, and after I heard this I myself heard the report of several guns in the direction of the Cross Roads. Wile said Pa had gone on towards the Cross Roads to gather facts. With the mules I with Wile, Neil and Erskine went to the thickets back of our fields. About 10 heard a considerable volley--as of a platoon fired I think in Tishomingo bottom. Occasional firing was heard on down the Pontotoc road. This morning Pa was in a 1/4 of a mile of them in Tishomingo bottom and reports them stretched from Humphreys to Scotts. At Hollands the rumbling of their waggons and the orders of the officers "fall in to the right" were distinctly heard. After dinner I went back to the thicket, having come home for the dinners, and lying a while in the woods rode over to Aunt M. J.'s and sat there a while and then returned to the mules. (Worthy with Watson's stock were near us). Ike one of Watsons mulattoes came over and told us we might come in as the Yankees had gone below, but before we got up to start, we heard the sound of numerous horses feet on the road leading from Uncle Joseph's to my father's (not more than 200 yards N. W. of us). This excited our serious attention and we all kept very quiet. The mule Jake snorted frequently and I felt like I could almost cut his throat. Wile crept up through the bushes to where he could get a glimpse of the road and came back and reported that

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a lot of cavalry was passing along the road and he believed they were Yankees for they were too well dressed for our men. He says one man have on blue pants and several blue coats. They were in great glee, laughing and talking. We (Worthy, Wile & myself) then cautiously came up to the thicket in the back part of the field below the lane, where we could see the lane, and the lane was full of cavalry men. A covered waggon was just passed through followed by troops dressed in black--the most of them--some however seemed to have on blue. Those that seemed to be black were really blue I suppose. Our idea was they were Yankees but where had they come from, that was the mystery--

        After they had passed through Wile & I returned to the mules. (Worthy had gone to Watson's to give notice of our fact.) When we got to the mules we learned that Worthy had returned and having received word that the cavalry we had seen were Ham's men, had gone with their stock home. We could not think they were Ham's men for we had seen them. However we dispatched Erskine to the house on foot to ascertain facts. He soon returned and reported that the Yankees were really there, or rather had been, but had gone up the Ripley road. I then came over and find that we had been "visited" at last. Pa had walked down to Watson's & Branyan's and as he returned had heard the news Worthy took over. He then came home through the wood lot but being warned by Franky kept the bushes. At that time the yard was full of Yankees. John Haddon happened to be here when they came up & they have taken him off as a prisoner.

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They mounted him upon one of our old mules which we had left in the lot.

Incidents of our Yankee visit

        They rode all over the yard. Several rode along the walk and sat on their horses in front of the Portico. Mother and the girls talked to them. The Colonel was presented as Col. Heath of the 5th Ohio, he regretted very much that he did not see the Doctor as he hoped &c. Mother gave them all the victuals she had prepared and they stole a good many things, but nothing of much worth. They took her fine knives and forks, all her butter and every egg. One fellow was in Pa and also Erskine's trunks but we have missed nothing from them. They were only in the dining room and Mother's sleeping room--they did not go up stairs--and did not plunder here like they did in some places. They are a "sweet toothed" set. They eat up Mother's pound cake with gusto & all her preserves--taking the jars with them and breaking them when emptied--all the Jellies in the safe &c. &c. They drunk up all the milk they could find--all on the place. The negroes were shucking corn when they came up and the Yankee advent was so unexpected that they could not get out of the way. The little ones held their horses at the gate. They asked them to come and go with them, but no one seemed disposed to accede to their invitation. They had negroes with them. Our negroes recognized Siddall's John and Dobbin's Harry. John said he was doing as well as he wanted to. The mules were the great object and they were vexed when they found

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them not here. May heard a soldier report to the Colonel that he had been around the farm and had seen no mules. They asked the negroes where they were, and one even presented a pistol at the breast of Tom, to make him tell, but fortunately none of the negroes knew where they were. Becky & Eliza were faithful and the Yankees called Becky "Secesh" because she told them she was not willing to leave her master. All in all we have not suffered as I expected we would have done. They told the negroes that Pa had a foreman who was out with the mules and they intended to kill him if they ever saw him. It is wonderful how I did escape. To God alone am I a debtor for my deliverance. To his name be all the praise. Aunt M. J. tells me they came there when I had only a few minutes left and from the way in which they peered in this direction she thinks they got a glimpse of me. She thought they would certainly overtake me, but providentially I turned off the road just this side of the branch, not thinking however of Yankees. It was providential that they did not hear the mule Jake snorting. As they came they examined the thicket and field below the lane, leaving the fence down in three places, and I noticed one of their tracks (a shod horse) going down and up the trail back of the field. It was providential that they did not meet up with us, nor we with them. It was providential that Pa heard of the Yankees at Watson's, else he might have come right among them and been captured. I cannot but see the hand of God in these deliverances. Pa thinks

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that we have fared so well that the Yankees design another tonight or to-morrow. He went out with me tonight and is in the thickets with us. The day has been cloudy and tonight is rainy.

October 7, 1863

The damage done

        Rested badly last night. Scarcely sleeping any. It rained on me and my quilt got wet, and without fire it was very uncomfortable. By break of day were up and got a little fire started by a match. Pa came on home. I went to Uncle Jo's and took breakfast. The Yankees did not do much damage there. They took a mule and left a worn out horse: hoof diseased, took Pa's gun and broke it to pieces--a pitcher and drunk all their milk. Aunt M. J. had nothing to say to them. Nance was their host. Camp back to camp & having fed our stock we moved further away as we wished to be more distant if the Yankees would pass again. Came in by noon having been informed that the danger was over for the present. Now we may look over what the Yankees did. They were ambushed by Ham at the Bluff, this side of Dry Creek, but no harm was done. The Yankees went on down to Camp Creek bridge then they turned back this. At Mrs. Billingsly's they took what edibles they could find and some bed quilts. Ditto at Rice's-- they shot at Rice and it is feared he is killed. They shot at Uncle Tom several times yesterday morning, but did not hit him. At Brown's they did nothing only get some water. They camped at Stubbs last

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night and. tore Stubbs' all to pieces, killing his sheep & hogs &c. Haddon was released at Wiggington's and told to go home and behave himself. The Yankees were very mad because they did not get our mules, and cursed "powerfully" on the subject. They tried to hire Stubbs' Dave and Harkners to pilot them this morning to Oliver Nelson's, but they would not be hired. Siddall's John told then that from above there he could pilot them to Dr. Jessee McGee's, and from there they could come down to the Nelson neighborhood. And it is feared they will make this move. Saw Elijah Seals this evening. He hears Forest has got in the rear of Rosecrans and captured a train of 800 waggons. There was a fight about New Albany within a few days. According to my information 15 Yankees were killed dead, 6 captured. Owing to the information brought by Haddon, Pa deemed it best to take the mules to the thickets again. I went taking Wile, Neil and Harvey. This morning had a heavy dew, the bushes were wet. The day has clouded and chilly. Tonight is clear and cold.

October 8, 1863

        We had a white frost this morning, the first I have noticed this season. The first killing frost we had was on the morning of the 4th but I did not see the frost, lying late in bed. Came in early for breakfast. Pa concluded to have the mules brought in, I did this, & lolled about the house awhile. Martin was over awhile this morning. From what Haddons says I infer Mary made a favorable

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impression on the Yankees. Some of the negroes say they said Margaret was "brazen faced." Haddon was released a mile and a half above Wiggington's.

        Everything was quiet about Nelson's this morning. Rode over to the Cross Roads to Brices. Ham's men got back this morning and are at their old camp. The Yankees have gone back. They were at the Widow Carpenter's yesterday about 10 o'clock. It is said they captured about 6 of Carpenter's men. They burned down Youngblood's workshop. His wheat & oats in it were burned. At Brices they did no plundering. Some of Ham's men fired on them from near the Church. They pursued and captured Maj. Belsher. Yankees stood in line of battle on the roads leading to Ripley, Jacinto & Fulton while the column advanced down the Pontotoc road. At Uncle Young's he ran from them through the fields, they shot at him several times but he escaped. They did no plundering on the Pontotoc road, Ham's men being the object of their entire attention. They pumped Mrs. Brice closely in regard to Ham's numbers, whereabouts, &c. A Mr. Patton, another one of Ham's men was captured, 1 Yankee was certainly killed at Clayton's and several were certainly wounded. Bloody rags were seen in our lane. Easely Clark went to the Yankees, so Mrs. Brice tells me, and he is the "gentleman" who piloted the Yankees through from Camp Creek here. He did not show himself to our negroes, but the Yankees told our negroes that a negro from below had come to them and showed the way. Got a Mississippian of the 30th and looked at a Mobile paper of the 30th & Oct. 1. Rosecrans

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is being reinforced from Meade's army. Nothing important from Charleston or Bragg. The Yankees report that our Wess is dead. He died of fever this summer. Eliza tries to believe that it is a little Wess who belonged to Clark because Clark's Gus paid for the coffin. The Yankees told Haddon that our Wess was dead.

        Rode aver to Aunt Rilla's tonight & took a letter from John which Watson handed to me this evening. On the 30th John was in the 3d Georgia Hospital at Augusta. He would go to Due West on furlough soon. Uncle Jo passed me this evening. He understands that the cavalry were all to meet at Tupelo a few days back and had been ordered to Chattanooga. Mr. Brice told me this morning that 5000 cavalry had passed up east of Guntown yesterday evening. What the move means we know not. Brice thinks they are going to attack Corinth, but the force in not strong enough for that. I can hardly think the cavalry from this county will be sent to Chattanooga for that will leave us without the shadow of defense. It is a mysterious move. Richy's Dave returned from Okolona Tuesday evening. He says "Mr. Bragg has gone to Corinth" but he may have the wrong name. The day has been clear and bright.

October 9, 1863

        This has been a bright, pleasant day, the night and mornings however are cool. Came on over home after breakfast. Aunt Rilla came over with me nearly to Phillips where she met Pa and turned back. She wished to consult him in reference to some medical matter. Pa spent this forenoon at Mrs. Watts' grinding his sugar cane. Pate

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of Starkville came in at noon. He is just from below. People around Starkville are generally well. Pressly is having a protracted meeting, Lowry and Barkly are assisting him, from what Pate says it is a Union meeting of different denominations. It has been continued for about 3 weeks and a great many have joined the Church. Pate is of the impression that Lowry is living in Oktibbeha now on the Bell place, but I think he must be mistaken.

        Serg't Childs of the 1st Confed. Cav. passed this evening on his way to Bragg's army. He has been in West Tennessee recruiting. He has several youthful recruits along. Uncle Young passed up to Ebenezer this evening. I expect to start in the morning.

        Wrote a letter to Bonner enclosing 5 dollars for the Telescope and an obituary notice of John Caldwell. Learn that Ferguson's Brigade of Cavalry consisting of Bartow's Tennessee and Cunningham's and Boyle's Alabama regiments have gone to strengthen Bragg's left wing. And this is the mysterious move of which I heard yesterday. This weakens the cavalry force here considerably. But I don't know what force we have here. Pate gave me a Mobile Telegraph of the 6th. Bragg has suspended Polk, Hindman and Forest from their commands for disobedience of orders in the recent battle. This paper reports all quiet about Chattanooga, Charleston & other quarters. Magruder sometime lately has gained a victory at Sabine Pass, a bloodless achievement on our part. We captured 2 Gunboats &c. &c. Pate says it is rumored that Longstreet is on the other side of the Tennessee. He thinks that Clark is undoubtedly elected Governor.

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        Cannonading was heard yesterday in a N. W. direction and Childs reports that Chalmers is between Holly Springs & LaGrange fighting. Pa understood him to say that some cannonading was heard in the same direction this morning. Notice in the Mobile Telegraph that the Hon. J. J. Crittenden is dead. Pate tells me that Wm. B. Montgomery of Starkville will be here about the 20th inst on some business with him.

October 10, 1863

Fighting in the direction of LaGrange

        Up early and fixed for being off to Ebenezer. Started near 7 o'clock and rode on. Mr. F. A. Young caught up with me near Knox's. I stopped at Kelly's and sent mine and Holland's watches to McAllister's by a Mr. Pitner together with a note instructing him what to day. Mr. Guyton told me as I went up that we have taken LaGrange and 3000 negroes. Also that Rosecrans has surrendered his entire army to Bragg. These reports must be confirmed before I have any confidence in them. I met Worthy and H. Branyan coming from Mill near Wilhites. Reached Ebenezer during the prayer before sermon. Mr. Young preached from Gal. 6:7. After preaching went to Mr. Robison's and dined. He has a wounded soldier of Bragg's army (Robinson, of Gibson Co, Tenn.) stopping with him a few days.

        At Candle-lighting I preached at the Ridge Church to a house full from Job 7:20. Spent the night at Mr. Black's. He is sick at this time. Gather up some items during the day. The Ebenezer

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boys in the recent battle all escaped except Wm Liddell who is dangerously wounded. Our cavalry have certainly gone up towards the Railroad and on thursday there was cannonading heard in that direction, and it is certain there was fighting near Salem. It is also reported that Richardson has made an attack on the M & C R R near the Wolf River Crossing. It is reported that we have captured LaGrange and Grand Junction, and from the fact that our cavalry in still above, not having fallen back, the most regard the rumor as probably true. One thing is certain, our cavalry have been fighting up near the Railroad-- certainly near Salem. Some think it is only to divert the attention of the enemy untill Ferguson can get to Bragg. Others think the object is to let Richardson back up in West Tennessee. The day has been mostly clear and pleasant. This evening some small watery looking clouds in the west.

October 11, 1863

Communion at Ebenezer

        Sabbath--Communion Sabbath. This morning study some. Then rode over to Mr. Wiseman's and called to see the old man. He is in bad health having dropsy. His abdomen is much swollen.

        From thence to Church. A large congregation, especially of ladies, present. I preached the action sermon from Rom. 1:16. Mr. Young fenced the tables and served the first table, Mr. Daniel

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the second and I the third, at which there was no one seated but an old negro woman. I also returned thanks and dismissed the congregation.

        Dine in company with Mr. Young with McDaniel. Mrs. McDaniel is much distressed her brother Worden Baird having been killed at Chickamauga. Esq. Baird has lost all (3) of his sons in this war.

        Rode over to Mr. Wm. Sanders where there was an appointment for preaching. Mr. Sanders united with the Church this evening. He is prostrated on a bed of sickness having had a long and severe spell of fever. He has a large and painful rising back of his left jaw under the ear. He thinks he is some better but is still very weak. Mr. Young preached from Matt 11:28. After preaching 4 or 5 of his children were baptized by Mr. Robison. I remember the following names. Anna Fair Jefferson Davis Rebecca &c. On Yesterday Thomas Augustus and Margaret Henrietta Hawthorne were baptized.

        The day has been pleasant. The appearance of the clouds indicate the approach of rain. Today we still have the rumor that our troops have and hold LaGrange,

The raid of the 3d Michigan Cavalry

        It is said that all of Phillips' Reg has been captured but 14 men, but there is not much certainty in these rumors. Bro Robison is at Mr. Sanders with us. It was the 3d Mich. Cavalry that passed by Stubbs last sabbath evening. They camped at Knox's that night. The next day they burned Lees Mills. They advanced down through

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New Albany. Inges men met them at the Creek just below James Hill's and they fired at Long range. Some Yankees were wounded. They came on back and camped at Footes. A Yankee died there, supposed to be one wounded at New Albany. The New Albany fight was not so important as we had heard. These men while at Knox's sent a squad and searched the house of Wm. Sanders last Sabbath night. They are said to be new recruits. They went towards Corinth crossing Tallahatchie at Kelly's upper Mill.

October 12, 1863

        This forenoon was clouded. Mr. Sanders was about as he has been this morning. Start for home. Mr. Young stopped at Kelly's while I rode up to Col. J. H. Barry's to get some watches which McAllister had to leave there. The Col. was very friendly. Got the watches, the charges were extortionate. Mr. Young was charged $10 for repairing & cleaning. He charged me five dollars for fixing my watch. Say the chain of my watch was not broken but the main spring was. The same was the matter with Holland's watch--and the same charge was made. I do not think that anything was the matter with the mainspring but I do not know, I am "satisfied" with McAllisters charges.

Reports from above

        Rode on home. Mr. Young went by Gambrell's leaving me at Snow's. I caught up with D. Humphreys, Mrs. S. Rowan and Sam Porter at Hatchie. I had company home. This evening has been rainy and

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damp. It is still current that we have LaGrange, a lady Mrs. Spencer passed Kelly's yesterday who was returning from Memphis. She says it is so, but yet I cannot rely on the news without further particulars. On Saturday a great smoke was seen from Ripley in the direction of Pocahontas and it is conjectured that that place was being evacuated, and burnt. Chewalla is said to be evacuated. Our cavalry move on the railroad is no doubt important, but we know very little about it. They went up well supplied with crow bars and hence it is conjectured their object is to tear up the railroad. Pa tells me that he hears that a very large number of troops were passing through Corinth last week going west to reinforce Rosecrans. If this is so, the object may be to tear up the railroad and prevent them from travelling that route. Rosecrans is said to be surrounded, longstreet having crossed the river.

October 13, 1863

R. Winfield Scott dead--rain

        Mary tells me this morning that during my absence intelligence of the death of Winfield Scott has been recieved. He died of his wounds. When his father left him he thought he was doing well and would get well. But how often are human hopes disappointed.

        Pa started about 9 o'clock to the Poplar Springs Tan yard to see if he can got some leather there. The day throughout has been cloudy, this morning the sun did shine out for short intervals, tonight is rainy. Heavy showers are falling with sharp lightning and heavy thunder. Uncle Jo is home on a two day furlough to get

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him a pair of shoes if he can. He has no news. It is reported that Corinth is evacuated, a scout has been sent up to see if it is so. Ham is absent, having gone to Tibbie. The report of the capture of LaGrange is still current. There are no doubt movements along the M & C R R which are important but we can only conjecture what they are. Very much interested reading Josephus' 2 vol tonight. Mrs. Hickey here this evening. Mr. Brice started to So. Ca. on Monday. Very little passing today. All's quiet.

October 14, 1863

From Chattanooga & the M & C Railroad

        This morning was rainy and the day has been mostly cloudy. Tonight I think it is cooler. Pa returned from his leather expedition to Poplar Springs. He could get no leather there. Tonight rode over to Aunt Rilla's & spent the night. See a Mobile Evening News of the 7th. An attack has been made (on the 6th) on the Federal ship Ironsides at Charleston which was only partially successful. On the 5th the batteries of Bragg opened on Chattanooga. On the 6th up to 11 o'clock there was no firing. The Tennessee was rising and one of Rosecrans' Pontoon Bridges had been swept sway. Rosecrans has artillery posted an Wallen's Ridge and Chattanooga is being well fortified. The rumor is still very current that Rosecrans has surrendered to Bragg. It is said to be published in Yankee papers, and a great many believe it, but I acknowledge I am slow to believe it. It is also reported that Forest has captured Gen.

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Hookor. From the M & C R R every thing is still indefinite. Pa heard while below that our men have torn up 40 miles of the R. R. above and below LaGrange, though it is now said that we have not and do not hold LaGrange. It is also said that Chalmers is advancing towards Memphis with the design of burning it. I hear nothing confirmatory of the reported evacuation of Corinth. We hear many rumors but have but little on which we can place much reliance. The rumored surrender of Rosecrans may be true, but I am of the opinion that it is premature, originating from the fact that this is thought to be the only course open to him. I give some credit to the tearing up of the Charleston R Road, for I know that preparations were made to this end.

October 15, 1863

        A pleasant day. This morning was rainy but by noon it cleared up and this evening was bright and sunshiny. Rode home soon after breakfast wearing William's overcoat to protect me from the rain. Have lolled about home doing nothing very special.

        A Mr. Bowlen from near Chesterville, passed just before noon. He bought Erskines goats at $2. apiece. He says it is certain that Rosecrans has surrendered to Bragg. We have 86000 prisoners. He says there was a dreadful slaughter before they would give up. Bowlen says this was telegraphed to Okolona Saturday and Sabbath. This rumor coming as it has done for the last six days every day must have some foundation. This I have hitherto been reluctant to

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believe. Bowlen also says the Charleston Railroad is certainly torn up, and the Yankees have drawn in their lines, the nearest Yankee being just a half mile this side of Corinth.

The Chickamauga casualties

        Rode with Mary down to Uncle Young's and spend the night. Uncle Young says the Rosecrans rumor was telegraphed but lacks confirmation. See from his papers that Rosecrans is being heavily reinforced from Meade's army. See also the Casualties of the 32nd Reg. The following is the list for Co B. Killed-- Andy Baker J. P. Galloway, T. R. Jones, J. B. Milton, Walter White & R. R. Wallis.--Wounded--1st Serg Wm Phillips, Serg B. Wallis slightly, Corp. J. D. Agnew dangerous, Corp. J. N. McGee slightly, Corp. W. F. Rowan serious, Privates T. M. Bryson, J. C. Daniels, J. H. Garrison, J. H. Harris, Charles Kramer, M. M. Morgan, Franklin Shepperd, R. W. Scott, W. E. Gambrell seriously. Privates Porter Bryson, William Chastien, W. J. Davis, S. L. Davis, F. M. Daniels, W. J. Jones, B. P. Strickland, B. F. Smith, Levi Tapp, T. J. Taylor, Color Corporal, Josiah Watts slightly. In the 45th Co. G the following are the casualties--Capt. J. N. Sloan wounded Dangerously, under jaw shot off, James Hatfield, J. R. Henry, David Morgan, Ed Morgan, W. D. Pannel, W. T. Stacks, Wm. Wiley slightly, Corp. John Roberts, Allen Roberts, A. Parker seriously. Maj. F. C. Karr was dangerously wounded in the lungs. The above is a long list, but I know the most of them, much interested looking over Uncle Young's old papers.

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October 16, 1863

A battle being fought at Chattanooga--lies

        Up early and after breakfast rode on home with Mary coming by the Cross Roads to get some mail that was there. News of the 1, 6, 7 & 8th inst. Mississippian of the 7th & letters to Pa from J. H. Cole and Cousin Lizzie Agnew, also a letter enclosed to Mary & myself from Aunt Sarah. Mrs. Brice tells me that Mr. Kimmons returned from Okolona yesterday evening and says that before he left a dispatch had been received stating that Bragg & Rosecrans were fighting at Chattanooga. The fight had lasted for two days and was still going on. Of course the result of the engagement was unknown. This dispels the rumor of Rosecrans surrender. Mrs. B. also told me that Corinth was alive with Yankees. The reinforcements sent by that route to Rosecrans were cut off and are still there. From other sources I learn it is Sherman's Corps. A gentleman told me yesterday that 4000 Yankees were now at Iuka. Met a Mr. Chisholm just before I got home. He dispels the good news from the Rail roads. Our forces never got to the R. R. at all. There was a fight near Salem. On Monday Chalmers was at some bridge on Wolf, but the Yankees were reinforcing pretty strong and he thought our men would have to get away from there. One object was to help Richardson across the Rail Road but this was a failure. So it seems that for several days we have been the victims of most unmitigated lies.

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Contradictory reports from the M & C R R

        Read the paper, my principle employment. From what I see it is very probable that Gen. Charles Clark has been elected Gov. of this State, also that Joseph E. Brown will be the Georgia Governor for another term (his 4th). The day has been pretty and pleasant. Hear this evening that our cavalry are coming back from above, i. e. Chalmers' command, learn also that Ham's Battalion has moved today somewhere below. The news of today in reference to Chalmers' cavalry proceedings about LaGrange are so different from what I have heretofore heard that I am curious to learn the real facts of the case.

October 17, 1863

        This morning was lowering and cloudy, and I thought that we would certainly have a wet day. The whole forenoon has been threatening but now, at noon, it promises to be a fair evening.

        This morning I have been chiefly employed on my critical studies, having now finished the 1st Chapter of Romans.

        Have heard some items. Tom was telling me this morning that Lieut. Burrow met up with some Yankees between Ripley and Saulsbury and being too strong for him he had to return. He lost a fine horse and a negro boy. Several tell me that our cavalry have certainly torn up 15 miles of the Charleston R R--yesterday's information to the contrary notwithstanding. Saw John Allen going to Uncle Joseph's after the horse the Yankees left there, it

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being the property of David Allen.

Rumors of the day.

        Allen told me that he understood (from one of Barteau's men who came up from Okolona day before yesterday and says) that Bragg had another big fight on last saturday and sabbath the 10 & 11th near Chattanooga and whipped the Yankees worse than they ever had been. Mr. Kitchens was here awhile and says he saw a man who was close about Corinth thursday night who reports a wonderful commoton there at that time. The cars were running in and out the whole time. There are a good many Yankees there now.

        It is now 1 o'clock and I must begin to prepare to make my trip to the Hopewell neighborhood this evening. Started at 2 o'clock and rode to James Caldwell's where I spent the night. Tonight at 9 o'clock we had a heavy rain. Saw Allen Roberts. He has a bad hand. One finger was shot off at Chickamauga, and the other was so shattered that Dr. Beach had to cut it off last Sabbath. John Roberts got home friday night. A minnie ball entered on the outer edge of his right eye and passed out back of the ear near a large artery. It was a narrow escape. The wound is an ugly place but has healed up rapidly. John left Augusta on the 10th. Before he left another corps of Lee's Army had passed through going to reinforce Bragg. The battle reported there on the 10 and 11th was false. It is thought that a great, the greatest battle of the war will be fought there shortly. W. Wily is wounded on the wrist.

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Roberts left him at Augusta.

October 18, 1863

        Sabbath. This morning is clear and pleasant, heavy rains have evidently fallen during the night. James Carlile slept with me last night.

        Rode out to Church and preached from Deut 32:46. The congregation was not large. Dine at Wiley's and rode up to Aunt M. J's and spend the night. Meet this evening an unusual number of persons: citizens passing from one house to another. Learn today that on friday they were moving the papers from the County offices at Pontotoc for safety, the place being threatened with Yankees. Of the whereabouts of the Yankees and our Cavalry learn nothing very definite. Chalmers is said to have fallen back and the Yankees are pursuing him. The Yankees are reported to be about Oxford, and our men somewhere between this and Oxford. One report represents our men at Abbeville, another as near Grenada. I am of the impression that but little was accomplished on the Railroad but have no definite information. Mr. Corder told me this morning that he has heard that Jeff Davis and Lee have come on to Bragg. The day throughout has been pleasant.

October 19, 1863

        Came on home after breakfast. J. Curtis Bolton of Pontotoc was here yesterday, also Saturday night. He was hunting beeves for the army. He is an acquaintance of Mary's. Understand that Ham is camped on Yarnaby near Judge Harris' some 6 miles S of Birmingham.

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This is so far south of us that this section will reap little or no advantage from them--we are left to the mercy of the Yankees.

President Davis visits Bragg's army

        Read the Mississippian of the 14th. Pres. Davis has gone to Bragg's army. He reviewed the army on the 10th. Curtis Lee is with him and not the famous Robert E. Lee as we had understood. Everything was quiet on Missionary Ridge on the 10th. Mary rec'd a letter from John Young yesterday dated Missionary Ridge Oct 6. He thinks there is less prospect of a fight than was two weeks before. Davis' visit has some significance. His object doubtless is to inspect the army and give personal assistance in preparing for the decisive struggle which is generally believed to be not far in the future. Gen. Wood has become offended, resigned and gone home.

A case of horse-stealing

        This evening we had one more case of horse-stealing. One of Ham's men came up into the neighborhood below this today to get some baggage he had left. On the route somewhere he found some of the ardent--and I have reason to think drank more than enough. He came on to the head of Holland's lane and concluded he would take a nap, especially as he had been on picket last night at Knight's Mill and had lost sleep. So hitching the horse by the roadside he lay down and went to sleep. A footman however came

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along and appropriated the horse. He passed by here. I stopped him to hear the news but he had none. My father was out at Uncle Wash's place this morning and met him footing it. He claims to be one of Mat Carpenter's men, seems to be quite a youth. Had on as dirty clothing as I have seen in a long while. His pants had a huge hole in the left knee, he was barefooted. He seemed very attentive to the road, keeping his eyes open, I supposed at time that he was on the lookout for Yankees but it was really caused by a fear of pursuit. The horse was a fine, large sorrel horse. The owner came on about an hour after he had passed, afoot. He went on in pursuit. He says he would not take a thousand dollars for the horse. Hear that a Miss Burrow's horse was stolen out of J. D. Nelson's pasture Saturday night.