FEBRUARY 27th.—Columbus is to be evacuated. Beauregard sees that it is untenable with Forts Henry and Donelson in possession of the enemy. He will not be caught in such a trap as that. But he is erecting a battery at Island No. 10 that will give the Yankees trouble. I hope it may stay the [...]

Thursday, 27th–There are no hopes of leaving this place. We cleaned up for inspection and muster tomorrow. The five companies of the Eleventh which went to Fulton, Missouri, last December, are still at that place.

February 27th. Practiced the ship’s company at target-firing with the battery; thirty to forty rounds were fired, at some fifteen hundred yards, and some splendid shots were made. The marines were also drilled with muskets at a target.

27th.—Nothing new or important in our army. We were relieved to hear that the number who surrendered at Donelson was not so great as at first reported; the true number is 7,000, which is too many for us to lose! I trust they may be kindly treated. I know that we have friends at the [...]

27th Feb.        All the boys except W. are now out again, B & A joined the Marion Artillery and Lewis the 1[?] Regiment Infantry as Assist Surgeon quite distinguished with his uniform &c. William still unfixed. Lotty and Ella & Harry have had the Measles are now better. Things are very dark just now & [...]

27th.–Three days ago we received orders again to be ready to move at a moment’s warning. But here we are yet. I was in Washington to-day. Went intending to. spend two days and witness the “doings of Congress.” But, on my arrival got intelligence that Gen. Banks had crossed the Potomac at Edward’s Ferry; that [...]

Feb. 27, 1862.—The people here have hardly felt the war yet. There are but two classes. The planters and the professional men form one; the very poor villagers the other. There is no middle class. Ducks and partridges, squirrels and fish, are to be had. H. has bought me a nice pony, and cantering along [...]