Journal of John B. Patrick, January 1, 1863-April 23, 1863

Journal of John B. Patrick, January 1, 1863-April 23, 1863

John B. Patrick was a member of The Citadel's Class of 1855. He served as a professor of mathematics at the Arsenal Academy in Columbia from 1859-1865 and as secretary for the Board of Visitors from 1862-1865. During the Civil War, he was lieutenant in charge of the Battalion of State Cadets. His journals span from 1861-1865 and detail his personal life and health, religion, his work at the Arsenal Academy, cadet discipline, and Civil War activities.

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John B. Patrick Civil War Journals

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[Page 1]
Jan. 1st 1863

This is New Year’s Day, and I have been busily engaged a good part of it, in examining young men preparatory to their admission into the Academy. One youth, I am sorry to say, was not qualified for admission and was rejected - a rare thing indeed since we only require them “to read and write with facility.” The youths generally are apparently intelligent - more so than usual.

The first day of the year has passed off pleasantly.

Jan. 2nd

A few more recruits reported to-day and were examined. I think we will have a large and an intelligent class. Capt. T. not being well this afternoon it fell to my lot

[Page 2]
to write to the father of the youth who failed to pass his examination yesterday. I was moved by sympathetic emotions on seeing the poor young man in tears. But duty would not permit me to act differently, and I could but express to him the hope that we might yet be favored with opportunities for improvement that would enable him to become useful. May it be so!

Jan. 3rd

I am not well to-day, yet I have to be up and engaged in the discharge of my duties. Bro. George arrived this evening from home in order to commence school on next Monday - he left all well, for which I am thankful. I attend church conference this evening and find it pleasant.

[Page 3]
Sunday, Jan. 4th 1863.

Attended church and S. school exercises as usual - feel refreshed and comforted from having done so.

Monday, Jan. 5th

We began to-day to hear recitations as usual and will now proceed to regularly with our duties.

Tuesday, Jan. 6th

There is some uncertainty about the condition of our army in Tenn. under Gen. Bragg. It seems that he has had to fall back, but notwithstanding this I hope he has in reality achieved a victory.

Wednesday, Jan. 7.

Nothing has yet been heard so far as I know to throw light on Gen. Bragg’s position. I still hope all is well.

[Page 4]
Thursday, Jan. 8. 1863

My wife and one servant are sick, which adds considerably to my cares and responsibilities. Moreover I have company this evening. Life is full of cares and the older we get the more we have of them. At this we should not repine but endeavor to meet them with a firm reliance on Him who directs all things well.

Friday, Jan. 9th

I hope the sick are better this evening. And now my thoughts turn [to] those who are in the army this cold and disagreeable weather. Theirs is a hard life.

Saturday, Jan. 10th

I am happy that the sick of my family are convalescing. Hoping to spend a pleasant Sabbath, I now seek repose.

[Page 5]
Sunday, Jan. 11. 1863.

Was prevented, by sickness of the family, from attending S. school this morning, but went to church where I heard a good sermon by Dr. Reynolds. Spend the afternoon and evening in reading.

Monday, Jan. 12.

Discharged my usual duties to-day.

Tuesday, Jan. 13.

Had a call this evening by Rev. R. Furman D.D. He is much interested in our Academy now, the more so perhaps as he has a son here now.

Wednesday, Jan. 14.

A few only were at prayer meeting this evening - a place that all ought to be more frequented.

Thursday, Jan. 15.

The usual routine of duties has

[Page 6]
been performed, and having no notes to make I now retire.

Friday, Jan. 16.

We all have our burdens to bear, and he that is wise will endure them with fortitude and patience - tempered by faith.

Saturday, Jan. 17.

Have collected some pew rent to-day, and presented accounts for some that ought to have been paid long ago. Men have an erroneous view about debts of this kind. Some, at least, seem to think, if they pay it at all, that they are to be applauded, and hence we may call time and again and yet be asked to come again as is not convenient at present.

Sunday, Jan. 18.

Heard a good sermon to-day

[Page 7]
from Dr. R-. Indeed, he never preaches any other kind. This evening I am at home. Our pastor is sick and hence the church is not open.

To-night my thoughts have turned to the scenes and friends of my earlier days. Alas! where are all of those to-day, who were boys with me, at Fishpond Academy. The men of that day have become gray with years and many of them have passed away. A number of the boys too have gone to their long home. The rest are - I know not where with a few exceptions, and of these some have already realized the folly of trusting too much uncertainty of earthly things. Hopes have not been realized, prospects have been blasted, aspirations chilled. until When I recall the names of my youth-

[Page 8]
ful playmates and review their history - together with my own, I am prepared with the preacher to exclaim, “Vanity of vanities all is vanity.” But if we have not risen to what we desired we should not be discouraged. “Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.”

Monday, Jan. 19.

I am troubled with a cold that I have contracted during the past few days. The weather is very severe, and my duties require me to be in it to some extent. The danger is in passing so frequently from a warm room to the extremely raw air outside. I can but feel apprehensive about my parents in such weather as we have now. They are both infirm and advanced in years, and cannot endure changes of temperature as they

[Page 9]
once did. But while I feel solicitous for their health, I know that they are in the hands of Him who doeth all things well. To the Christian it is a pleasing thought that he is not his own keeper.

Tuesday, Jan. 20.

On inquiring of a shoemaker to-day what he would ask to foot a pair of boots I was told he answered $25. I was prepared to hear a large price but that surprised me.

Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Very few out at prayer meeting this evening. This I suppose, was owing partly to the fact that it was known the [pastor] was sick, and partly to the inclemency of the weather. Those of us who met had a social prayer meeting, and I trust it was not in vain.

[Page 10]
Thursday, Jan. 22nd 1863.

I feel thankful this evening that the sick of my family are better - hope we will soon all be well again.

Friday, Jan. 23rd 1863.

After getting through my usual duties to-day, I drew up have written a letter which I design having printed and sent out with a view of collecting information concerning the graduates of our Academy. At my suggestion, the Chairman of the Board has authorized me to get all the information I can with a view to having it recorded in a durable form.

Saturday, Jan. 24th 1863.

A Cadet was suspended to-day for leaving the Academy when

[Page 11]
specifically confined thereto. Strange it is, that boys act thus. He knew the penalty that would attach to such an offense yet chose to risk the consequences. Alas! for poor weak human nature.

Sunday, Jan. 25th

I attended S. school and church this morning, but my duties as officer in charge, kept me here this evening. Two suspended cadets came to the Academy this evening, endeavored to raise a riot among the cadets, and on being ordered off, became so abusive that I deemed it necessary to arrest them. One of them displayed a pistol at one time though I did not see it. He abounded in threats as to what would be the consequence of undertaking to arrest

[Page 12]
him, but when I ordered his arrest the cadets detailed for that purpose found no difficulty in taking charge of him. He was, by my orders, taken to the guard room together with his companion. They were detained there for a short time after which one, who is a resident of this city, was sent to the his father under guard, while the other, under a promise to leave the premises, was conducted beyond the enclosure and discharged. I never before arrested anyone by force, and hope that I may not have to do so again; yet if a similar occurrence should arise, I should not hesitate for a moment to employ whatever force might be necessary. The young men were partly drunk. Alas! for them, they are on the road to ruin.

[Page 13]
Monday, Jan. 26th 1863.

Besides my ordinary duties, I have been engaged to day in writing a report of the unusual occurrence of last night. I believe the affair has taught the cadets a salutary lesson.

Tuesday, Jan. 27th 1863.

We have nothing new to day.

Wednesday, Jan. 28th

It has snowed to day, though not very heavily. Those who are without shelter this evening to night must suffer. Our soldiers feel it, exposed, as they are without tents and some of them without sufficient clothing. May the Giver of all good sustain them in their privations and hardships.

Thursday, Jan. 29th

Nothing unusual to day.

[Page 14]
Friday, Jan. 30.

It is stated by a Northern newspaper correspondent, who writes from Washington, that the Radicals have determined to prosecute the war with vigor for the next two or three months, and if at the end of that time the rebellion is not crushed, they will recognize the Southern Confederacy, upon condition of gradual emancipation of slavery. For one, I must confess a fear of the result of such a policy. The nations of the earth are not friendly to slavery, and I think it possible, that they might coincide with the Lincoln Government in that policy, and endeavor to force our assent. Should this be the result, trouble awaits us.

[Page 15]
Saturday, Jan. 31st 1863.

My duties as officer in charge have called my attention a good deal to day. Still all has gone on quietly.

Sunday, Feb. 1st 1863.

Lectured the S. school this morning, on the propriety of endeavoring “to be good and do good” now while we have time and opportunity for the night cometh.

Monday, Feb. 2nd

Went to the depot this afternoon thinking it possible that sister would come. She has not arrived, and I therefore expect her to-morrow.

Tuesday, Feb. 3rd

Sister has come, and brought with her several articles of a substantial and useful charac-

[Page 16]
ter. They remind me how much my parents have done for me in days gone by, and assure me that they are still trying all they can to advance my interest. None save the Omnicient knows how thankful I am for such parents. May God enable me to act in a way that will prove to them that their kindness is not misplaced! May the Giver of all good be near to them in the decline of life to support and comfort them.

Wednesday, Feb. 4th

It was rumored yesterday that Charleston is to be attacked by a large naval and land force in a few days; but I doubt it. It is perhaps an effort on the

[Page 17]
part of the enemy to revenge themselves for the damage done their cause, by raising the blockade in that quarter. They endeavor to create the impression that an attack is to be made, thus giving us some inconvenience and deceiving foreign powers.

Thursday, Feb. 5.

I awoke this morning to see the ground and every place covered with sleet. Soon it commenced raining, and the sleet began to melt. It continued thus nearly all day, and yet the ice is not all melted. Very disagreeable to those that are at home. What must it be with those in the army without tents & poorly clad?

[Page 18]
Friday Feb. 6th 1863.

It is officially stated that sixty of the enemy’s vessels of war are at Port Royal entrance, and it is thought they design attacking Charleston or Savannah. I cannot feel that they design attacking Charleston, but if they do, my quiet conviction is that they will be defeated. My opinion of our ability to hold Charleston has changed here of late.

Saturday, Feb. 7.

The weather is better to day. Hope for a pleasant Sabbath, or Sunday rather.

Sunday, Feb. 8.

Spent this day as I usually spend the Sabbath - in going to S. school and church.

[Page 19]
Monday, Feb. 9.

I am feeling depressed this evening.

Tuesday Feb. 10.

As yesterday, so this evening, I am feeling melancholy. All men no doubt, have their hours of sadness. One circumstance or another conspires to make them feel at times that this world is not their home. It is well it is so.

Wednesday, Feb. 11.

A little circumstance occurred to day which called for discipline, but I managed to accomplish my purposes without referring it to the Sup’t. There were few at prayer meeting this evening. “It ought not so to be.”

[Page 20]
Thursday, Feb. 12.

This world is full of trouble, or rather this life is beset with many sore trials. It is a sweet consolation to know that there is a state of existence where troubles do not come.

Friday, Feb. 13.

Nothing unusual to day.

Saturday, Feb. 14.

A dispatch has been received to day, which indicates that the State of Ohio & three others adjoining are determined to have peace, or cease warring against the Confederacy and fight the usurper. I think the report is exaggerated, yet believe that such will be the case ultimately. Indeed, I predicted this some time ago. The west will leave the

[Page 21]
North. So may it be!

Had a serenade this evening from some of the cadets. They came out to pay a compliment to my colleague who has just returned with his bride, and took occasion to serenade me also. Music has its charms.

Sunday, Feb. 15.

Was pleased to day to have the see some of the cadets at S. school. They have joined a Bible class and will I hope be much profited by it.

Monday, Feb. 16.

Had the pleasure of Prof. Edwards and Rev. Mr. P’s company to tea this evening. A pleasure it was too. Their visits are profitable as well as pleasant and hence the more appreciated.

[Page 22]
Tuesday, Feb. 17.

The Supt. has published a card, calling for a company of one hundred men to participate in the defense of Charleston in the event an attack is made on it soon. It seems that he obtained the permission of the Chairman of the Board to go himself if he can raise a company. The Chairman told him however, as I am informed, that he would not allow the Academic duties to be suspended; it is needless therefore for any of the rest of us to think of going in the same or with a similar company. Indeed I would not care to go in his company as he did not give me any intimation of his intentions before publishing his card. I do not think, however, that he will be successful in raising a company.

[Page 23]
Wednesday Feb. 18.

A rainy disagreeable day. I went to the church this evening, thinking there would be prayer meeting, but found no one out.

Thursday, Feb. 19.

Nothing unusual to day.

Friday, Feb. 20

Had my colleague and his bride to tea visit this evening. It is pleasant to see young people enjoy themselves.

Saturday, Feb. 21.

Had the the company of a young friend this morning to breakfast and at dinner. He arrived this morning and left this afternoon.

Another present from my kind Father was received to day. Such donations are very useful in these extortionate times.

[Page 24]
Sunday, Feb. 22

The weather is very unpleasant, and hence not many at S. school or church.

Monday, Feb. 23

The indications are that the attack on Charleston is postponed, so says the paper this morning. We hope it is so, indeed we feel that such is the case, and return thanks to the Ruler of us all for his goodness and mercy to us.

Monday, Feb. 24, Tuesday

Have what I call a Confederate suit of clothes. The cloth made on Father’s place, was given to me by my good Mother. The suit is both neat and comfortable. I prize it because of the source whence it came, and for its utility too. If the war lasts long then will be more such suits.

[Page 25]
Wednesday Feb. 25.

This afternoon, I took some exercise in the garden. I planted peas, beets and radishes, all of which would perhaps have done better had they been planted earlier.

Thursday, Feb. 26.

Took some more exercise in gardening to day. I like the recreation and hope it may be profitable to me in two senses. I think I should like much to have a place of my own, and the means of carrying on a farm. It is an independent and a pleasant life.

We had an invitation out to tea this evening, which we accepted and found the company agreeable.

Friday Feb. 27

It is better to go to the house of

[Page 26]
mourning than to the house of mirth said the wise man. This afternoon, I helped to inter the remains of one of my little Sunday school children. He is the fifth one that his father has lost, and now the only one that is left is sick. Truly, the ways of God are past finding out. Yet we know that He doeth all things well.

Saturday, Feb. 28th

A very rainy day this, yet I have been out on the street twice, and once without an umbrella. I do not however, feel any inconvenience from it. I took off my wet clothing on coming in, as is my custom, in such cases, and hope therefore to experience no evil effect from going out. A motto of mine is not to allow the rain to in-

[Page 27]
terfere with anything I have to do in the way of duty.

Sunday, March 1.

Heard an excellent sermon this evening, considering that it was from by a young man. The only objection to it was that , that is peculiar to young ministers, rather too much ornament. Age will correct this and he will I think make an excellent minister. His name is Adams. At present he is a student at the Pres. Theo. Seminary in this place.

Monday, March 2.

Spent the evening with one of my colleagues - found it pleasant.

Tuesday March 3.

Planted some corn in my garden

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to day; also some okra. I fear it is rather early for the latter to do well, however I also transplanted a few peach trees - a work that ought to have been done some days ago, but was neglected.

Wednesday, March 4.

Rather a cold day for the season, and hence perhaps the reason so few were at prayer meeting this evening.

Thursday, March 5.

To day was set apart by the Governor as a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, and was observed by the citizens generally, though not altogether in the manner that it ought to have been. A few were at church where all ought to have been, and where by the way Dr. R. made some very interesting remarks. The stores

[Page 29]
were, almost without exception closed. I do not know that I have ever seen so general an observance in this respect of a day in of thus set a part. Would that all might or could observe the day in an acceptable spirit.

Friday, March 6.

I am in command for a day or two. To day has passed off very pleasantly.

Saturday, March 7.

Closely engaged all day. The Supt being absent, I had his duties to discharge. This evening, I attended the regular church conference, which was a little more interesting than some we have had. We passed a resolution inviting the S. Baptist Convention to meet here in May next. In an informal conversation that occurred, I alluded to

[Page 30]
the prejudices that exist here against the Baptists, and from this [illegible] I was drawn into a discussion on preachers and preaching. To my great surprise, I heard a minister spoken of as a third class minister while to my mind he was is a first class. Another was referred to as not being a popular minister while it is known that where he lives the church is always thronged whenever he is to preach, and that too with persons from all denominations. I could but think that envy or prejudice had something to do with the utterance of their opinions.

Sunday, March, 8.

Bro.-in-law J. R. P. G. arrived this afternoon from Va. This is the first time he has returned since he he enter-

[Page 31]
ed the army in June 1861. He looks healthy, and appears to be very cheerful. He will go on home on Tuesday, and Lou will accompany him. I expect therefore to be alone for some time.

I met, at church this evening, Lt. L. J. S. - the son of my old friend Dr. B. S. S. - The young man was very happy to meet me but not more so than I was to meet him. He informed me that he had made a profession of religion. This did not surprise me because from what from what I know of his character, I felt that he would at no distant day “forsake the error of his ways.” May he have grace to enable him to hold out faithful to the end.

[Page 32]
Monday, March. 9.

I am feeling depressed this evening. I feel that there is danger of contracting disease by traveling now-a-days and hence feel apprehension about my family as they are to go to Greenville to-morrow.

Tuesday, March 10.

I am well, but a little lonely, as much so in truth as a man can be who is constantly engaged.

Wednesday, March. 11.

Nothing unusual to record to night. Indeed I might say this almost every night, for my life is a very monotonous one.

Thursday, March 12.

I have been trying to read more than I have for some time past. Would that I could command more time for study and improvement.

[Page 33]
Friday, March 13

No news to day worth recording. Rumors of an attack on Charleston, to be made soon, are current, but no one knows when it will take place. I am inclined to think that it will not take place at all. God grant that I may be correct in this view. If comes, I hope to be able to discharge my duty in whatever position it may cause me to be placed.

Saturday, March 14.

I am weary this evening. Close attention all day has caused me to feel the need of repose. Apart from this I feel lonely and unsettled in mind. This latter feeling is no doubt the result of the threatened aspect of affairs at present. Hope it will soon

[Page 34]
be past and that all will be quiet again.

Sunday, March 15.

Attended the S. school and church as usual to day. The sermon this evening was better than that we usually hear on Sunday evening, though I think it was not exactly adapted to the audience. It was too much after the cold argumentative order for young people. To impress them there should be more pathos than our minister usually exhibits.

Monday, March 16.

I was notified to day by Gen. Jones to hold myself in readiness to move to Charleston at a moment's warning with the Corps of Cadets. Should the city be attacked, he thinks of ordering me to take the Cadets and go down. Capt. T. will have

[Page 35]
his own corps to command, and hence the command of the Cadets will devolve upon me. On his asking me what I thought of it, I informed him that I held myself ready to obey any order that he might give on the subject. - I have written to my wife who is now at her father’s telling her about it, in order to prepare her to hear of my leaving for Charleston should the attack be made. I have also written to my parents to the same effect. It would be a pleasure to me to see them all again, before going into battle; but it may be that I will see none of them. However this may be, my duty is to obey the orders received, and that I propose doing, trusting that Providence will so order my course, that I may meet them

[Page 36]
all again. The Almighty arm of Him who rules above can shield me from harm and to him I trust my all.

Tuesday, March, 17.

I have, in addition to my duties in the Academy, written four letters, notifying young men of their appointment, as state cadets, by His Excellency the Governor. This consideration has been extended to them, because of gallant and meritorious conduct in battle, either by them or their parents. This is as it should be.

I planted some beans to day.

Wednesday, March 18.

My family returned to day. They had not contemplated doing so before next week, but on the reception of

[Page 37]
my letter, stating that I had received orders to hold myself in readiness to go to Charleston at a moment’s warning, they Lou at once determined to come home. I am glad she did so. I now feel that I could be more content to leave. True, the parting would be a severe trial but after that I should feel better than to have had to go without taking leave of them.

Thursday, March 19.

“All quiet” to night. Had Pro. P. to tea with us.

Friday, March, 20.

A cold day for the season, this. But it is doubtless for good or it would not have been so. We all know how to complain, and oftentimes complain at what we

[Page 38]
ought to be grateful for.

Saturday, March 21

A very unfortunate accident occurred in his city to day. A prominent merchant, a member too of the Baptist church, shot a man inflicting a severe wound in the thigh. I regret, at all times, to hear of one man shooting another but this is more than usually painful for me to contemplate. I believe him to be a good man, though subject to weaknesses, like most other men. One of his, is a very excitable temperament. What the circumstances were that led to it, I do not know.

Sunday, March 22.

Attended the funeral of one of my neighbors’ little children this morning. This evening I went to our church as usual. Bro. B. read his sermon

[Page 39]
which, by the way, was one of the best I have heard from him in some time. Still there are those doubtless, who will condemn it simply because it was read. Such is the power of prejudice.

Monday, March, 23.

This is my birth-day, and I am reminded that I am now thirty-one years old. My reflections are not as agreeable as I would have them. I feel that I have accomplished, very little, almost nothing for one of my age, and hence would gladly be younger in order that I might have longer to labor in the hope of doing good to my fellow men. But time that is past cannot be recalled. In future, I must try, with the favor of Providence,

[Page 40]
to make amends for the loss I have sustained from ill-health and other adverse circumstances.

Tuesday, March, 24.

Nothing to record to day.

Wednesday, March, 25

One of the cadets asked me for my autograph this evening, which of course, I consented to give.

Thursday, March 26.

I am feeling very unwell from the effects of cold this evening. I will take a cup of sage tea this evening when I retire, hoping to be better in the morning.

Friday, March 27.

To-day having been set apart by Pres. Davis as a day of Fasting, humiliation and prayer, there were no Academic exercises. I was pleased, at church, a more general attendance than

[Page 41]
on previous occasions. It is a good indication of better times to see people generally more impressed with a sense of dependence on God than they formerly were. When we are properly humbled we will have peace, not before.

Saturday, March 28.

Had Major W. & wife, also Mr. & Mrs. B - to tea with us this evening. The company was an agreeable one and the time passed pleasantly.

Sunday, March 29.

A very damp day, and consequently very few were out at church. People do not go out to church much in this town unless the weather is good. Rev. G. W. Hicks preached for us, and very acceptably too. His text this morning was

[Page 42]
from the 140th Psalms “Blessed is he who hath the God of Jacob for his heritage:” this evening his subject was the fall of Peter. The beads of his discourse were 1. The ingredients of Peter’s sin, 2. The causes that led to it, & 3 the aggravations and extenuations of his sin.

Monday, March 30.

A very cold rain to day for the season.

Tuesday, March, 31.

The war casts a gloom over every thing. When will it cease? When we are sufficiently humbled in the sight of God and not before.

Wednesday April, 1.

The weather is still unseasonable. There was a good attendance at prayer meeting this evening, - a very good sign of a proper state feeling.

[Page 43]
Thursday, April. 2.

A little exercise in my garden to day has served to make me feel the need of repose.

Friday, April 3.

I am in command again, the Supt being absent for a day or so. By his authority, to-day being Good-Friday, Academic exercises were suspended. He is an Episcopalian and regards the day as a religious festival. Were I in authority, I would, it occurs to me, pursue a different course. Indeed with my views I should do wrong to lend official sanction to such an observance of the day. I find no authority in Scripture for regarding it as a religious festival, on the contrary I find that such an observance is of is the

[Page 44]
offspring of Heathenism and Catholicism. Had our Saviour deemed it proper that His followers should keep such a festival, he would have left directions concerning it.

Saturday, April, 4.

At church conference this evening, a brother acknowledged having been guilty of a serious error in his Christian walk, and expressed sincere penitence for the same. A motion was made to excuse the brother and pass it over without making any record of it, but it occurred to me that it should be on the record. I suggested that it ought to be done, and after a full and free expression of views and feelings on the part of the brethren that course was adopted. I am satisfied it was the proper course.

[Page 45]
Sunday, April, 5.

We had a pleasant communion season this afternoon. To-night I remain at home; so that one of the servants can go to church who would have to stay at home were I to go.

Monday, April, 6.

To day has been one of more than usual excitement with us. Capt Thomas received an order to go down to Charleston with his company at once, and I have been expecting one all day to go down with the cadets. This afternoon the cadets asked me to suspend academic exercises for a few days which I declined to do. Employment is the best remedy for their excitement, and moreover it will keep them out of mischief. - This evening

[Page 46]
I learn with sorrow of the death of some of my relatives; and to add to this Mother is quite sick. This of course gives me a gloomy feeling. Still I am indulging the hope that she will soon be well again.

Tuesday, April 7.

This has been a day of suspense to all of us. It is stated on good authority that the attack on Charleston has commenced, and as we are under orders to move at a moment’s warning, the cadets are anxious to hear all the news. They are, however, ready to obey orders of any kind nature - a good mark of discipline. This evening I heard there was a dispatch in the city for me, and concluded it contained the order

[Page 47]
to move. When it came, however, it referred to another matter altogether. To my family this was a great relief for they had concluded that I was to leave in the morning.

Wednesday, April 8.

There has been more quiet to day. It is said that one of the most formidable of the enemy’s monitors was sunk by our batteries on Morris Island this morning. - At prayer meeting this evening the attendance was not large, though there were a few who I trust feel that it is good to have gone out to the house of prayer.

Thursday, April 9.

With thankfulness to the Giver of all good I retire this evening. He has seen proper to check Mother’s sickness, and I hope she will soon be

[Page 48]
well again. - We have had another quiet day. It is reported that the enemy’s fleet has gone southward.

Friday, April 10.

Bro. in law J. R. P. G. - called here this evening on his way to Charleston to join his chieftain Gen’l Hampton. He saw the Genl’s call or request last night and left home by the next train. I hope, however, that there will not be any use for them.

Saturday, April 11.

Close attention to duty all day causes me to feel weary this evening. Hope to rest quietly tonight and to spend a pleasant sabbath.

Sunday, April, 12.

Another Sunday is past, and I feel thankful for the quiet I have enjoyed.

[Page 49]
Monday, 13th April.

Was gratified this morning, to learn that the fleet of the enemy left Charleston yesterday - hope they will not return.

Tuesday, April 14.

A very busy day this has been for me. A case arose requiring some discipline and I called the young man to me, showed him wherein he had erred, and then had to conform to my notions of what was proper.

Wednesday, April, 15.

Nothing unusual to day.

Thursday, April, 16.

Wrote a letter of introduction to day for a youth who recently left us with an honorable discharge. He desires to go elsewhere to school, hoping for better success.

[Page 50]
Friday, April 17.

Capt T - returned this morning, and will take command in a day or so I suppose. I shall thus be relieved of some of my responsibilities. He seems to have had a pleasant time.

I was somewhat disappointed this afternoon, to hear that our salaries were not increased at the recent meeting of the Board of Visitors. I had hoped the stringency of the times would induce them to raise the salaries temporarily, but fearing the institution would become involved in debt they did not do so, at least I suppose this was the cause.

Saturday April 18

Was made to feel sad this evening to hear that Mother’s health is still bad.

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Sunday, April 19.

Spent the day as I usually spend my Sundays.

Monday, April 20.

Began to prepare my papers for the “Official Register” of the Academy this evening.

Tuesday, April 21.

My engagements to day were as usual.

Wednesday, April, 21.

After the duties of the day I went to prayer meeting this evening. Only a few were out.

Thursday April, 22.

I am weary and feel the need of rest.

Friday, April 23.

Had some of the cadets and a few girls to tea this evening. They appeared to enjoy themselves. It gave