March, Monday 21, 1864
Wake’d up almost sufocating with the Smoke—wind from the East. Laura had to throw all the fire out of the stove. Began my work early, nothing to disturb me all day—finished two widths on my dress in braiding. Sat in the Parlor, no companion. Father came in once or twice, sat in his easy chair and read. Laura & I sat an old Goose this evening, and I think she acted her name to perfection about the nest we fixed for her—how cold today, it is real winterish. I am afraid we will not have much fruit this year. I sat in the Parlor a little while after Tea—Father was reading, so I thought my own little room much more agreeable, as the rest all went in Tate’s room.
Beulah has run off again tonight, and I expect will certainly get herself in trouble. Bettie and Laura in the same old style with their spelling lesson—all over, and here I sit alone, rocking, rocking, rocking—with the few embers in the grate my only reflection to the thousand thoughts which crowd my poor, clouded mind—oh! for sleep, deep sleep to relieve me.