Journal of John B. Patrick, November 10, 1863-March 6, 1864

Title

Journal of John B. Patrick, November 10, 1863-March 6, 1864

Description

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.

Source

A1993.4

Publisher

The Citadel Archives & Museum

Rights

Materials in The Citadel Archives & Museum Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. For more information contact The Citadel Archives & Museum, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, 29409.

Relation

John B. Patrick Civil War Journals

Format

application/pdf

Language

English

Type

Text

Identifier

https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/795

Date Valid

Text

[Page 1]
Tuesday, Nov. 10.

The weather is quite cold and has been for two or three days past. The poor must certainly suffer unless something is done to enable them to get wood at a reasonable price. It has been suggested to hold a public meeting to take this matter into consideration, but whether it will be done remains to be seen.

Wednesday, Nov. 11

My horses arrived this evening, but it was so dark when I saw them that I could not see well enough to form an opinion an opinion of them. I have made strenuous efforts to secure a wagon & harness, but have not yet succeeded. I saw one that would do, and the owner said it was for sale, but he would not say

[Page 2]
what he would take for it so that there was no chance to trade.

Thursday, Nov. 12.

Father is here to night. He came very unexpectedly to me. I had bargained with a man to drive me two or three milch cows and when the time came to start with them he declined to comply with his promise. Father engaged another man to start drive them and he made two or three promises to start with them & failed each time till finally Father determined to drive them himself. Had I been aware of Father’s determination, I should have insisted on his not undertaking it for I fear the fatigue will make him sick. As it is I am very thankful to him and hope he will experience no

[Page 3]
inconvenience from it. He has given me two cows and calves instead of one, and for this too I am thankful, yet I cannot but fear that he has deprived himself of more than he could well spare.

Friday, Nov. 13.

Father started back home this morning. He could not be contented to remain from home long enough to spend a day with me. - I rode with him a few miles from on his way home. - Hope the weather will continue good & that he will reach home without injury to his health. - I bought a wagon to day for $450, an enormous price, but not more so than we pay for other things. The harness I have yet to get.

[Page 4]
Saturday, Nov. 14

There was some rain this morning and I fear that Father was in it, though it may be that there was none where he was. I shall be anxious about his health until I hear from him again. I attended a public meeting to day, which had for its object the adoption of a plan by which the price of the necessaries of life are is to be reduced. I was compelled, however, to leave before the meeting adjourned, and hence do not know what was done. The object is one that most commend itself to every right-thinking man, but whether it can be accomplished is another thing.

Sunday, Nov. 15

I spent the day as I usually do my Sundays.

[Page 5]
Monday, Nov. 16.

Have been very busy all day. This evening I had a box made for two pigs and took them down to the Express office & shipped them to Father. He will get them to-morrow if they are not detained on the road, which it is hoped they will not be, as they would suffer for attention.

Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Father-in-law came down this evening very much to our surprise. He is on his way to Wilmington. - As usual, I have been busy to day, but cannot see that I have accomplished much.

Wednesday, Nov. 18.

After spending the day in anxious concern about business matters, and being somewhat depressed

[Page 6]
by the receipt of unwelcome news from home, I found it pleasant to attend the prayer-meeting. Dr. Broadus was present, and gave us a short lecture in which he was very happy. He spoke my feelings and sentiments, and what he said tended greatly to relieve my mind. Hope Mother will be better again soon. I cannot expect, however, that she will ever be strong again. Her increasing years & infirmities forbid that she should ever be real strong again in the flesh. I trust however that her spiritual strength will become more vigorous to the last.

Thursday, Nov. 19.

I spent another day - one which has had like others its own trials and anxieties. But care is incident to this life, and

[Page 7]
every one has his share. I have just written a letter to an orphan boy who is seeking admission into our Academy which must disappoint him. But it could not be helped. He asked for information and I was obliged to be candid in giving it, even though it is not such as he desires. I sympathize with him for I know well what it is to desire an education and not have the means to obtain it. I wrote him a kind letter, for apart from the above circumstances which of itself is sufficient to arouse one’s sympathies, I believe that there is something good in the boy.

Friday, Nov. 20.

Father-in-law is here, on his way home from Wilmington. Hotel fare there was twenty dollars per day, and very little to

[Page 8]
eat at that. What it will be if things go on as they are for some time no one can tell.

Saturday, Nov. 21.

Had Lt. Mazych to tea with me this evening. Was glad to be able to reciprocate the kindness ne showed me when I was in Charleston. -

Hoping to spend a pleasant and profitable Sunday I now retire.

Sunday, Nov. 22.

Heard a sermon this evening from the text “Behold the man.” Rev. Mr. R- of Miss. preached it. It was a feeling discourse and contained a great deal that ought to be remembered.

Monday, Nov. 23.

I started my team to day. My horses are awkward, not having been accustomed to work together, but with careful management I hope they

[Page 9]
will make good draft horses.

Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Our annual examination began to day. Thus far, I regard it inferior to our usual examinations. This however is to be accounted for on the ground that the class was interrupted during the session. Had the two months we were in Charleston been employed in study their knowledge of the course would have been much more thorough than it is. -

I wrote a letter of recommendation this morning for a young man who is now a midshipman in the Navy, to present to the Board of Examiners before whom he is soon to appear. His letter to me soliciting it was expressed in very kind terms.

Took a share ($100) in the Columbia Mutual Aid Association

[Page 10]
to day. It gives me the privilege of purchasing $25 worth of provisions & fuel per week at cost. It is thought that this association will do a great deal toward bringing down prices, but on this point I am not as sanguine as some others.

Wednesday, Nov. 25.

Unfavorable news from Bragg’s army this evening. It seems that he has been compelled to retreat a few miles with part of his army - the part that was engaged. When will we have peace? I trust in God it may be soon.

Thursday, Nov. 26

Our examination closed to day, the merit roll has been completed & we have had a meeting of the Academic Board. It is decided that we recommend that three of them be discharged for deficiency in studies.

[Page 11]
This is a matter of regret, but as it will not do to let down the standard of scholarship too low we have it to discharge some nearly every year. It is the only mode to of preserving the usefulness of the institution.

Friday, Nov. 27.

Met with the Board of Visitors to day. His Excellency the Gov. was present and I made his acquaintance. I take him to be a pleasant man.

Saturday, Nov. 28.

Met with the Board of Visitors again to day. - Unpleasant news to day from Bragg’s Army. I fear he has been badly beaten and that it will prove a serious disaster to us; but our trust should not be in men, there is One who doeth all things well that will do right.

[Page 12]
Sunday, Nov. 29.

The morning was unfavorable yet we had preaching. Bro. Phelps gave us an excellent sermon from Job 14:19, “Thou destroyest the hope of man.” It is to me, not a little surprising that Bro. P’s sermons are not more popular. True he reads closely, but how it is that an intelligent man cannot listen to an ably written discourse and profit by it I do not altogether understand, except it be accounted for on the ground that prejudice takes the place of reason.

Monday, Nov. 30.

Closely engaged all day with my duties as secretary of the Board of Visitors. -Have been a little disappointed at their action in regard to salaries of officers, and a little

[Page 13]
pleased that they elected my friend Lanneau to a position in the Academy on my recommendation. I am assured that he was elected solely on the basis of my representation of his reformation. I trust that I am not deceived in the man and hope that grace will be given him to enable him to maintain the character that I have given him.

Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Was a little mortified to day at the action of the Board in regard to salaries. To my surprise my salary was increased only one hundred dollars, while all the other professors, except one, had received an increase of $500. Even the Asst’s had received an addition of $500. I felt indignant at this

[Page 14]
and let it be known that I regarded it wanting in respect to the position I hold, & on this ground claimed a proportionate increase. After a little consideration, the Chairman added three hundred more to mine & the other that had been similarly treated. This was not altogether satisfactorily, but I deemed it improper to say more under the circumstances. I let it be understood that it was not the money merely, but that it was respect for my position that I contended.

Wednesday, Dec. 2. 1863.

The weather is still cold though it is clear. I have had a good deal of running about to do, & hence have accomplished but little notwithstanding I have been busy.

[Page 15]
Thursday, Dec. 3d 1863. Have been busy as usual, and am now feeling the need of repose.

Friday Dec. 4. 1863.

Have spent another busy day, without accomplishing much. Gen. Ayer called on me to day, and desired me to take charge of his son for one month with a view of preparing him to enter the Citadel in Jan. next. My own impression is, that the young man cannot accomplish enough in so short a time to secure his admittance, and I told his father so. Yet the Gen. desires that he should make the effort. I promised, in view of his father’s past kindness to me, to do all that I could for him in mathematics, provided he could secure a teacher in French.

[Page 16]
Dec. 5th Saturday

Bought corn to day at $6.00 per bushel. What the poor will do, I cannot tell, for prices are getting so high that it seems that some must suffer. It is to be hoped that our Mutual Supply Association will do something toward relieving the threatened distress.

Sunday, Dec. 6.

I have not been to church to day, and hence do not feel right. This morning I was kept at home until it was too late for service, in order to see a policeman whom I sent for in regard to some depredations that were committed in my yard last night by a thief. This after-noon and night I have been kept at home by Mrs. P’s indisposition. It is a great privation thus to have

[Page 17]
to forego the pleasures and duties of attending public worship.

Monday, Dec. 7.

Brother Charles, whom I have not seen before in a year & a half arrived this evening. He is looking remarkably well. It seems that a soldier’s life such as he has been accustomed to, agrees with him.

Tuesday, Dec. 8.

Bro. C & I went down to the State house to day and spent about two hours in listening to the debates in the Senate. We heard two or three very good speeches. Indeed the rhetoric and elocution were fine, but one of them was, in my judgement, in the wrong a wrong cause, viz. denouncing the President of the Confederacy, or rather finding fault with him on unjust grounds.

[Page 18]
In my opinion no man could have done better than Jeff Davis has done and is doing, and therefore I feel that it is the duty of all to support him and not be spending time in useless fault finding.

Wednesday Dec. 9

Bro. C. left this morning, to spend a day or two at home and then return to camp. I am sorry that he has so short a time to be at home, but it cannot be helped. The exigencies of the service will not permit long furloughs, it is right therefore for him to return soon to the post of duty. Bro. George returned home with him.

Thursday, Dec. 10.

To day was set apart by the Legislature of our State, as also by that of Ga. & N.C., as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, but like all other

[Page 19]
days thus set apart, it was not as generally observed as it should have been. It seems that there are some who cannot lose a day from the acquisition of wealth in order to implore the favor and protection of God. We had a sermon suited to the occasion, but only a few were out to hear it.

Friday, Dec. 11

Have done a great deal of walking about, but have as I feel & think accomplished but little.

Saturday, Dec. 12.

A very rainy afternoon. I have had a great many calls to answer to day, mostly from cadets. Several are going on furlough in the morning and we for this reason desires leave of absence & some other indulgences in order to

[Page 20]
get ready to start. Some came to say good-bye as they did not expect to see me again, so that altogether I have been busy during the day.

Sunday, Dec. 13.

In consequence of Capt T’s unexpected absence I had to attend to the duties appertaining to his office this morning, and therefore did not get to attend Sabbath school. This to me is a matter of regret, for although my excuse for non-attendance was good, the duties I had to discharge were not pleasant or profitable to me like those of the S. school.

Monday, Dec. 14

Have been busy as usual. All appears to be quiet, but who can tell how long it is to remain so.

Tuesday, Dec. 15.

I went down to the State House

[Page 21]
to day to hear what the Legislature was doing. The thing that impressed me most was the fact that most of the members seem to pay no attention to what is going on. One gets up and makes an eloquent speech and one half the members, at least, pay no attention to him, and I very much question if when they go home, they can tell what bills passed and what did not. In the Senate there appears to be more order.

Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Have just returned from prayer meeting, where it was pleasant to be, (and ought always to be so) after being engaged in the duties of the day. Would that I could think less of worldly cares, and dwell more on things divine.

[Page 22]
Thursday, Dec. 17.

Have been on the street nearly all day and have accomplished very little so far as I can see now. - To night I had expected to do some writing, but company came in and prevented my doing it.

Friday, Dec. 18.

Cold and clear again. Have been engaged in writing a good deal to day - hope to finish early to-morrow all that I have on hand for the present.

Saturday, Dec. 19

Finished the recording that I had on hand and now hope to feel comparatively free until January. I am weary enough this evening. Hope to rest to night and to be prepared to enjoy the services of to-morrow.

Sunday, Dec. 20.

As I am on duty, I did not go out to church

[Page 23]
this evening, but remained at home and spent most of the time in reading. I have found it pleasant, and I trust it has been profitable to me and my family thus to have spent the evening. -There are cares upon my mind which I would gladly have removed, but they are such as are incident to this life and hence must be endured until it may please an all-wise Providence to remove them. My Mother is suffering much physical pain and has been for some time. It seems that she can’t enjoy her health long at the time. Here has been a life of much affliction,. May the Comforter draw nigh to her and be with her at all times!

Monday, Dec. 21.

The day is cold, my family is sick and I remain about the house a good deal. This world is full of trials and he that is wise will not rely upon his own strength to meet them.

[Page 24]
Tuesday, Dec. 22.

Father-in law writes me that he is thinking about moving to Florida - a matter that gives me some concern, as I fear my wife will never be satisfied here should he do so. But I read that all things work to-gether for good with them that love the Lord, and I therefore endeavor to hope that all will be well.

Wednesday, Dec. 23.

Learned to day that I have been fortunate enough to have secured for me 100 bushels of corn at $3.00 per bushel. To get it here I shall have to pay nearly a dollar per bushel, but even then it will be much better than to have to give 6 or 8 dollars, the price in this market. -

If all were well at home, I would feel better, but I hope for the best.

[Page 25]
Dec. 24, 1863. (Thursday)

Very busy to day, - accomplish my business. Am taken by surprise by the arrival of Father-in-law and Bro.-in-law, the former on his way to Richmond, the latter to his place in the army. -

This is Christmas Eve - a great day with many people and with the little folks in particular. They are speaking of Santa-Claus and what he is to bring them, and seem already to enjoy the presents his invisible personage is to bring them. I am not in favor of practicing anything that would give credit to superstitious notions, but I feel that I must make a little present to my little girl in the name of Santa-Claus. Her stocking is hanging up and I do not wish her to be disappointed at his not putting

[Page 26]
something in it. It will make her happy a little while to find something in it.

Friday, Dec. 25, 1863.

It was pleasant this morning to see how the little ones appreciated the gifts left them during the night by that, to them, mysterious personage Santa-Claus. Apart from this my gratification has been no more than that which arises from aiding others in the transaction of business, for it so happened that a friend was obliged to attend some little business to day in which it was possible for me to aid him. There was a very general suspension of business in the city.

Dec. 26. (Saturday)

A more quiet Christmas I do not remember, ever to have seen. Very little noise or demon

[Page 27]
-stration of any kind, either yesterday or to day.

Sunday, Dec. 27

Heard two good sermons to day. -”To-morrow shall be as to day, and much more abundant” & “He hath done all things well” were the subjects.

Monday, Dec. 28.

Should like to hear from home, - expected to hear this evening but was disappointed.

Tuesday, Dec. 29.

Have not heard from home yet. Spent a good part of the day in collecting pew rents.

Wednesday, Dec. 30.

According to promise, I conducted the prayer meeting this evening. I read the IX. Chap. of Ecclesiastes and made some comments on the duty and

[Page 28]
privilege of offering prayer to God.

Dec. 31. 1863.

The close of another year has arrived, and in reviewing my history, I feel thankful that I am able to say that I have been blessed with good health, and that I have been prosperous in every respect, beyond what I could have expected in times like these. True, I have to acknowledge that I have failed to accomplish much in the way of study, which perhaps I might have done, had I been more studious. It is my desire, in future, to apply myself more closely and thus, Providence permitting to prepare myself for usefulness on a more extended scale than I can hope to be with my present acquirements.

[Page 29]
Friday, Jan. 1, 1864.

Closely engaged in the discharge of Academic duties in the forenoon and part of the afternoon. My attention has been called too to the relief of suffering. The partner of my cares in this life, is sick and it has been necessary to have the doctor with her. Mother, when last heard from was quite sick. Under these circumstances I have a good deal on my mind, and can but hope that they will soon be better. We are all in the hands of God, and He will do right.

Saturday, Jan. 2.

A very cold day. I am at home most of the day in consequence of my wife’s indisposition. Still I have done a good deal of duty in connection with the Academy. I regret

[Page 30]
that I cannot attend the regular church meeting this evening for I think it likely that there will hardly be enough members out to constitute a quorum.

Sunday, Jan’y 3.

I am detained at home to day by the same cause that kept me here yesterday.

Monday, Jan’y 4.

To day, my wife gave birth to a fine son, and I feel that I have cause for gratitude that she and the babe are both so well. It was my desire to have a son, and now that God has blessed me in this I trust that he will bless me in another, and that is, that He will enable me to raise him up in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord,” and that He will make

[Page 31]
of him a good and acceptable minister of the Gospel. I have no other desire in regard to him, than that he shall thus honor his Creator and be useful to this race.

Jan. 5, 1864. Tuesday

I have nothing to say, except that I am still uneasy about Mother, not having heard from her in a much longer time than usual.

Jan. 6. Wednesday

The weather is still disagreeable - a hard time it surely is on our soldiers. I often think of them.

Jan. 7. Thursday

Cold, freezing rain and sleet. How our soldiers in the field stand it I can’t imagine. Truly this is a hard time.

Jan. 8. Friday

I find the weather severe, but what

[Page 32]
it is to be out in it as our soldiers are, without proper shoes or clothing I have not experienced, and hence can only imagine. May they be sustained by Him who alone is able to give fortitude.

Jan. 9. Saturday

I know not how we are to get along at present prices for fuel and subsistence. I am informed that beef sold in the market to day for two dollars and two & a half per lb., and I bought a load of wood, not quite a cord for $35. I also paid $5. for a little repair to my boots that could not have taken the workman an half an hour. I trust I am not disposed to complain unnecessarily, but it does seem to me that there is no just ground for these prices. But I will dismiss them from my mind and retire.

[Page 33]
January 10. (Sunday)

A cold day - but few at S. school and church.

Monday, Jan. 11

The weather is still inclement. I met a young man to day, who had just arrived here on furlough, who was once connected with our Sunday school. It is the first furlough he has had since the war began. - He has enjoyed good health, - has had but one slight wound, nevertheless he was looking quite weary and war-worn.

Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Our duties are regularly discharged. We have at present 133 cadets.

Wednesday, Jan’y 13.

It is still very disagreeable out of doors. - I am thankful that mine are as well as they are. I sympathize with soldiers.

[Page 34]
Thursday, Jany’ 14.

After my duties at the Academy were discharged, went down to Confederate Baptist office to meet a committee of the church-appointed to digest a plan by which to raise funds for missionary purposes - had a pleasant interview.

Friday, Jany 15.

I am not feeling very well to day - have a cough which has been irritated by having five hours duty in the recitation room and two hours squad drill.

Saturday Jan’y 16.

Was out nearly all day trying to attend to business, though I accomplished but little. I saw fodder selling at ten dollars per hundred & hay at eight. This I confess has depressed my spirits. - People surely have but little confidence in the currency.

[Page 35]
Sunday, Jan’y 17, 1864.

Attended S. school and preaching this morning. This afternoon was present at communion services, but to night I am at home. I am suffering some from a cold, and this perhaps has something to do with my present melancholy mood. It may be, however, that I am only under the influence of that a wholesome depression of spirits, such as not unfrequently comes upon me. I review the past, contemplate the present, and anticipate the future. In the past I see many errors, the present is beset with difficulties, but the hope of a blissful immortality cheers me onward and enables me to view with some degree of patience the

[Page 36]
the melancholy scenes that are acted here below.

Monday, Jan. 18.

I am feeling badly from a cold.

Tuesday, Jan. 19.

A very destructive fire occurred here (in the city) to day. A large amount of cotton was destroyed together with some real estate. It is supposed by some that it was the work of an incendiary. What a fiendish act!

Wednesday, Jan. 20.

I am engaged very closely at my regular duties, besides having to attend to the sick members of my family. I have no time for quiet meditation - a matter which I very much regret.

[Page 37]
Thursday, Jan’y 21. 1864

I am more cheerful this evening.

Friday, Jany, 22.

Am thankful that this is the last day of the week so far as the recitation room is concerned, as I am feeling weary.

Saturday, Jan’y 23.

A day of anxiety of mind. Our babe has been quite sick all day, but is a little more quiet this evening. Hope it is better and that it will soon be well.

Sunday, Jan’y 24.

A very pleasant day indeed. - Some sickness in my family, but not serious I hope.

Monday, Jan’y 25

How pleasant all would be we think, but for the war!

[Page 38]
Tuesday, Jan’y 26.

Another day of anxiety to me. I hope however, that there was and is not any just grounds for the intense uneasiness I felt in regard to our sick child.

I regret that rather an unpleasant state of feeling between me and the Supt grew out of an official decision of his. I dislike to feel any coldness toward my fellow men, yet it sometimes happens that one’s self respect requires him to manifest some spirit.

Wednesday, Jan’y 27.

The unpleasantness to which I alluded on yesterday has been smoothed over. The prayer-meeting this evening was well attended and was more interesting and more instructive than usual.

[Page 39]
Thursday, Jany 28.

Was invited out to tea this evening - enjoyed myself tolerably well - indeed I passed the time very pleasantly, compared with what I generally do at such places. I certainly was not intended for a fashionable man.

Friday, Jan’y 29.

The weather is mild and pleasant.

Saturday, Jan’y 30.

Another day - another week is gone. Its hours have been busily employed, and now on retiring I hope to rest well and be prepared to enjoy the privileges of the Sabbath.

I must, however, add that I have received a present from my sister C- that I did not anticipate and for which I am under obligation to her.

[Page 40]
Sunday, Jan’y 31.

Was at S. school and church this morning, but am detained at home this evening by being in charge. A great privation indeed to be kept from church on Sunday evening.

Monday, Feb. 1.

The “Bee Company,” opened a new supply of goods to day, and I am told that the crowd that was there was even more dense than heretofore. Numbers of people could not get in the store, and of those that did get in comparatively [few] could be served. How people rush after the goods of earth!

Tuesday, Feb. 2.

The day has been closely employed as usual. All is quiet here, hardly anything save uniforms and high prices

[Page 41]
to remind one of a state of war.

Wednesday Feb. 3d

Sister left for home this morning. Mother-in-law and her daughter went home so that we are rather lonely now.

Thursday, Feb. 4.

How pleasant it would be if all was peaceful and quiet instead of tumultuous and warlike. But we should not murmur at the dispensations of Providence. There is some good to come not as a result of this war, however unseen it may be to us.

Friday Feb. 5.

Heard a man ask ten dollars per bushel for corn to day. I paid ten dollars per hundred for fodder. There seems to be no limit to prices.

[Page 42]
Saturday, Feb. 6.

The day has passed pleasantly away, and I hope it will be succeeded by a pleasant and profitable Sabbath.

Sunday, Feb. 7.

Rev. Mr. W. for many years a Methodist minister, was baptized at our church to day and this evening he preached for us. I was unavoidably late getting to church, and consequently did not hear all of his discourse, but from what I heard, I feel satisfied that he is capable of teaching and that in an impressive manner.

Monday, Feb. 8.

I am told that Gen Kershaw is to be serenaded to night, but I shall not have the pleasure of manifesting my regard for him by being present.

[Page 43]
Tuesday, Feb. 9.

While I write there is a party serenading someone on the opposite side of the street. I know not who it is, but I suppose it to be some military character. If so, I regard it as proper, if not I think out of taste in these times.

Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Have just returned from an interesting prayer-meeting. It is hoped that the interest now manifested in the prayer meeting justifies the opinion that there is deep feeling in regard to religion, and accordingly another meeting has been appointed for Friday night. - My throat is a little sore from drilling so long and often.

[Page 44]
Thursday, Feb. 11.

Am still feeling an unpleasantness about the throat from commanding so much.

Friday, Feb. 12.

Attending the prayer-meeting this evening was I trust profitable to all that were there, for it was unusually interesting.

Saturday, Feb. 13

Was taken by surprise this afternoon. My Bro-in-law Dr. G. came in, after an absence of over two years and a half, just after I had finished a letter to him.

Sunday, Feb. 14

Attended S. school & church this morning, and this afternoon, contrary to my custom I took a walk with Bro-in-law, Dr. G. and his friend Dr. Conway, who dined with us. This evening I have been to church where I witnessed the ordination

[Page 45]
of a brother who has been for nearly thirty years a Methodist minister. At present, I am weary, and not well satisfied with the way in which I spent the day.

Monday, Feb. 15.

My duties have been discharged, and now I propose to retire, hoping as the night is unfavorable for attending service, to rest quietly and be prepared to enjoy the meetings in future should they be protracted.

Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Attended an auction of books to day. They sold well.

Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The prayer-meeting this evening was interesting, though I think the exercises were protracted too long for the generality of persons. One lady joined - hope more will do so.

[Page 46]
Thursday, Feb. 18.

A very cold day. Sent some money by letter to a young man, who asked me to lend him a small amount for a time. It gives me pleasure to oblige those who need, when in my power.

Friday, Feb. 19.

A very cold day indeed. - After my usual duties attended prayer meeting - was encouraged at the seeing so large a number present.

Saturday, Feb. 20.

Dined with my friend Mr. J-. to day in company with other gentlemen - found it pleasant.

Walked about a great deal to day distributing invitations to join the Ladies’ Bible Class in connection with the S. school, taught by Mr. T-. He is an energetic man - a man “zealous in good works.” I trust he will accomplish great good.

[Page 47]
Sunday, Feb. 21.

I am detained at home this evening by sickness. My brother and my little daughter both have measles, and the latter thinks that she must have me with her all the while.

Monday, Feb. 22.

My usual day’s work is done.

Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Went to hear the Rev. Dr. Hoge lecture to night. His theme was the “Social & Domestic life in England.” He is evidently an admirer of the beautiful both in nature and in art. He has an ear for the ludicrous too, as well as for the grave and the sublime.

Wednesday, Feb. 24.

Have just returned from our usual Wednesday evening prayer meeting and lecture. There was not

[Page 48]
so much feeling manifested this evening as on one or two former occasions.

Feb. 25 Thursday

My duties, performed as usual.

Friday, Feb. 26.

This afternoon, for the first time, I went into the “Bee Store.” I found a great crowd there, though I learned that there were not near so many as are there sometimes. Such is one of the effects of war.

Saturday, Feb. 27.

I have felt very dull to day. Two or three causes have conspired to make me so, one of which is a torpid state of the liver. A letter from home tells me that Father is better, and hence I am relieved on that score.

Sunday, Feb. 28.

My usual Sabbath duties have been performed.

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Monday, Feb. 29.

I am thankful that the health of my family is becoming good again.

Tuesday, March. 1.

On yesterday we had a faculty meeting, at which it was resolved that in consideration of the fact that one of the young men we have here lost an arm in the service of the country, we would grant him unusual indulgencies and retain in the Academy, notwithstanding his deficiency in studies. To day he deliberately violated the regulations to an extent which led to his suspension. Such is his appreciation of the kindness and indulgence of the faculty.

Wednesday, March. 2.

Was surprised, agreeably so, this evening by seeing my friends J. F. L. & D. C. A.

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The latter takes the night with me and gives me interesting details of his experience in the army.

Thursday, Mar. 3.

Have gone through with my usual routine of duties - found it necessary to reprove a cadet for his bearing the recitation room. He saw his error and apologized.

Friday, March. 4.

Attending preaching to night after the duties of the day were over.

Saturday, March. 5.

This has been a very busy day for me. Was discharging official duties this morning till 12. N. Next attended to private business. - At two met with a committee and went to summon an erring church brother, to appear before the church. He acknowledged his error and said he would appear

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before the church this evening but he failed to do so. Dined at 3 P.M. - Planted some seeds in the garden, - took a long walk to see a shoe-maker, - on my return wrote a business letter, and after tea attended a business meeting of the church. - I know retire, with the hope of resting quietly, and of spending a peaceful and pleasant Sabbath.

Sunday, March 6.

Heard a blind man preach to day, Rev. Mr. Lunn of Darlington. He recited the 90th Psalm, and all the hymns from memory. His sermon was a very good one indeed, from the text, “Serve the Lord with gladness and walk humbly in the sight of God.” In the afternoon, I attended the funeral of a soldier who was killed last fall,

Citation

Patrick, John B., 1832-1900, “Journal of John B. Patrick, November 10, 1863-March 6, 1864,” The Citadel Archives Digital Collections, accessed March 28, 2024, https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/795.