February, Monday 29, 1864 The last day of Winter—Gloomy, oh, mercy how dreary, sleeting all day, the shrubery is all bowed to the earth with the weight of Ice—all nature is crowned with it, yet it is so gloomy out. There is some happiness in our household, the two children Mamie and Robert are all [...]

Feb. 2, 1864—Meet Chaplains. Prayer meeting at Bro. Booker’s chapel. Write to Henry and his mother. Eight years old today! Feb. 4—Walk to Battle’s Brigade and see Bros. Currin and Rutledge, Chaplains. Walk to saw mill and thence to 12th North Carolina. Bro. Evans spends night with me. Feb. 5—Preach in Bro. Booker’s chapel in [...]

28th.—Our hearts ache for the poor. A few days ago, as E. was walking out, she met a wretchedly dressed woman, of miserable appearance, who said she was seeking the Young Men’s Christian Association, where she hoped to get assistance and work to do. E. carried her to the door, but it was closed, and [...]

February 28th. Nothing important has taken place since the last date. Sunshine, cold, rain, and snow has come to us weatherwise. Certain duties must be kept up regardless of weather. Attended church in town. Masonic funeral in town this afternoon. The drum corps of our regiment furnished the marching music. Many soldiers taking part in [...]

FEBRUARY 29th,—Raining moderately. There is a rumor that Frederick’s Hall, between this city and Fredericksburg, was taken to day by a detachment of the enemy’s cavalry, an hour after Gen. Lee passed on his way to the army. This is only rumor, however. A dispatch from Gen. Lee’s Chief Commissary, received to-day, says the army [...]

Sunday, 28th–The supply trains started on ahead for Vicksburg, taking with them about six thousand contrabands and refugees–men, women and children, both white and black, of all sorts and sizes. The rebels drove in our pickets today, but did not come any closer. The report is that it is Wheeler and his cavalry.  

28th. Thede and I attended church together. Heard Prof. Finney in the morning. Prof. Morgan in P. M. Good sermons. Heard Mr. Fairfield in evening. “Repent, lest we grieve the spirit of God.” Thede went forward. I feel determined through God’s grace to do, work and live for Jesus hereafter, less for self. 29th. Thede [...]

Secesh Ladies. Feb. 29. Most of the residents in town are women and small children, and a few old men. Of course the colored people are with us always. All the men being away, makes society for the Indies a little one-sided. At the evacuation most of the women remained here to take care of [...]

I don’t like the idea of leaving our winter quarters this time of the year. We are bound to have some very severe weather yet. CAMP, FOURTH N. C., NEAR ORANGE COURT HOUSE, February, 1864. My Dear Mother: I received your letter dated February 21st, Friday, and I should have answered it yesterday, but for [...]

FEBRUARY 28th.—Bright, cool, and dusty. No war news; nor denial or confirmation of the wonderful victory of Forrest in Mississippi. That he captured the enemy’s artillery and drove them back, is official. Longstreet has retired from before Knoxville; perhaps to assault Nashville, or to penetrate Kentucky. Yesterday the Secretary ordered Col. Northrop to allow full [...]

February, Sunday 28, 1864 Cloudy and raining all day, much colder than yesterday. Anna Nelson and myself went to Mrs. Morgan’s—I went to take those letters to Cousin Cambell Edmondson, he left for Dixie, and will see that they are safely forwarded. Met a great many persons there, all in fine spirits, topic of conversation [...]

Saturday, 27th–We remained here in camp all day. A number of foraging parties were sent out and some of them were captured by the rebels, and so did not have the privilege of enjoying their booty with their comrades. Canton is a very nice little place, and our army did not destroy the town because [...]

27th. Folks returned from Cleveland. Called at Mrs. Hudson’s. F. not at home. Visited a little while at Tutor Fairchild’s. Read Charlie’s last letter. Good time.

Saturday, 27th.—Yanks have fallen back past Tunnel Hill. Cavalry have been to Dr. Lee’s. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

The following diary entry contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the entry is provided unedited for its historical content and context. Guard Duty. Feb. 27. Our guard duty is just outside the town. There are three stations: one on the south side next the asylum, one at the [...]

February, Saturday 27, 1864 Annie Nelson and myself went to Memphis this morning—very warm, dusty and disagreeable. Accomplished all I went for—did not go near any of the Officials, was fortunate to meet a kind friend, Lucie Harris, who gave me her pass—’tis a risk, yet we can accomplish nothing without great risk at times, [...]

Saturday February 27th 1864 The day has been beautiful as could be wished and the streets have swarmed with ladies. The country is getting considerably excited upon the question of the “succession” to the Presidency. Mr Lincoln seems to have the “inside tract,” but he will find a good deal of opposition in the Republican [...]

FEBRUARY 27th.—Bright and pleasant–dusty. But one rain during the winter! The “associated press” publishes an unofficial dispatch, giving almost incredible accounts of Gen. Forrest’s defeat of Grierson’s cavalry, 10,000 strong, with only 2000. It is said the enemy were cut up and routed, losing all his guns, etc. Sugar is $20 per pound; new bacon, [...]

Friday, 26th–General McPherson with the main part of the army left camp at 8 o’clock in the morning and after an all day march arrived at Canton after dark. They crossed the Pearl river at 10 a. m. and then reloaded the pontoons and destroyed what remained of the bridge. Just before going into camp [...]

26th. The day at home. In evening called at Ella’s. Had a pleasant visit and a good game of chess–Prof. Clarke.

FEBRUARY 26th.—Cool, bright, but windy and dusty. Dispatches announce heavy skirmishing in the vicinity of Dalton—and Gen. Johnston’s army was in line of battle. It may be merely a feint of the enemy to aid in the extrication of Sherman. Gen. Lee is here in consultation with the President. They decided that over 1000 men [...]

Feb 26th 1864 As the season advances and Spring approaches the news becomes more interesting. The Armies begin to move and important events are expected to happen soon, are in fact happening at the present time. Genl Sherman has struck out from Vicksburgh with about 30,000 men and has advanced far into the interior taking [...]

February 26th.–We went to see Mrs. Breckinridge, who is here with her husband. Then we paid our respects to Mrs. Lee. Her room was like an industrial school: everybody so busy. Her daughters were all there plying their needles, with several other ladies. Mrs. Lee showed us a beautiful sword, recently sent to the General [...]

Thursday, 25th–The main army moved only eight miles today, when it went into camp for the remainder of the day and night. This is to give the Sixteenth Corps time to cross the river. Our brigade was the first to cross the river, and we went on as far as Canton, about fifteen miles north [...]