January, Monday 4, 1864
I always try to see the bright side of every picture. I have never given up hope but Bettie would come right side up—and I think she is a star darkie—she and Uncle Elum arrived safely at home. Bettie was loaded with contraband—Eddie a suit of clothes, pr Boots, Gauntlets, socks—blacking, and in fact everything he sent for—he is so grateful and real proud of all his things. Laura gave him the Gauntlets—he went with me to my room, and I packed his valise, he now has everything in the world he needs—and Company to go South with him, Sam Alexander, one of the Bluff City’s came and stoped over night to go on in the morning, old Mr. Jaison with him. Dear Eddie, this is his last night with us, we all sat up very late. Weather gloomy, bitter cold, ground still covered with Snow.