Journal of John B. Patrick, March 6, 1864-July 2, 1864

Title

Journal of John B. Patrick, March 6, 1864-July 2, 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

Date

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/796

Date Valid

Text

[Page 1]
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,

[Page 2]
and whose remains have recently been brought home. The procession was a very long one. Such manifestations of respect, I have no doubt, tend greatly to soothe the anguish of the family.

Monday, March 7.

The usual routine of duty has been performed.

Tuesday, March 8.

Have been busy as usual. Indeed the hours are few that I can call my own.

Wednesday, March 9.

This evening at prayer meeting, a gentleman, whose wife was baptized on last Sunday who went up to be prayed for and afterwards joined the church. The welcome that his wife gave him was deeply affecting. May he have grace to run with patience the life of a Christian!

[Page 3]
Thursday, March 10.

Academic duties were suspended to day in consequence of the death of one of the cadets. On last Saturday he was consigned to the hospital, on Monday his father moved him to the Hotel and last night he died. Scarlet fever was his disease. How sad to see a young man suddenly cut down. The lesson should be heeded by us all.

Friday, March 11.

Have performed my usual duties to day.

Saturday, March. 12.

Have spent a good part of the day trying to make arrangements for preaching to-morrow. Rev. Mr. Norris, who is in the city will preach to-morrow night, and I hope from what I have seen of him to day

[Page 4]
that his sermon will be of a character to do good.

Sunday, March. 13.

The day is past and I am gratified at having heard two good sermons to day. Bro. N’s sermon was, as I had hoped it would be, a good one.

Monday, March 14.

Bro.-in-law J.R.P.G. - came in from Va. this morning - took us rather by surprise. - I neglected on Saturday to refer to the death of a man who was shot in the streets a few days ago, in an unguarded moment. A desperate man, provoked by a circumstance in which law and equity were against him, saw proper, in his frenzy, and apparently deliberately to shoot the party whom law and equity had

[Page 5]
justified. A melancholy affair indeed it was. Such is human nature.

Tuesday, March. 15.

We attended the funeral of Lt. G - of this city - who died of typhoid fever contracted in camps. Another lesson this to us all, to remind us of our mortality.

Wednesday, March 16.

The usual duties performed. - A very cold day for the season.

Thursday, March 17.

Weather still chilly.

Friday, March. 18. Was surprised to day at receiving a check for a considerable sum of money from what I at first sight supposed to be an unknown source, but on closer examination I found it to be from my uncle. He desired me to fund it for him, in

[Page 6]
four per ct bonds which I have done.

Saturday, March. 19.

Have had a great deal of running about to do to day and hence am feeling weary. Hope to spend a pleasant and profitable Sabbath.

Sunday, March. 20.

In consequence of rain, I did not go out to church this evening.

Monday, March. 21.

A cold rain at first but afterwards a sleet and then a snow. Vegetation will all be killed.

Tuesday, March. 22.

Snow all over the ground and very cold for the season. - I have been concerned for several days to devise a plan for getting my corn here. It is becoming a serious matter to subsist one’s family. There is corn

[Page 7]
in the country but it is so difficult to get transportation, that we are almost as far to seek as if it were not there.

Wednesday, March, 23d

Another year of my life has passed away, and I am now thirty-two years old. My birth-day has passed as does other days - with the usual amount of care and business. I am reminded that life is ebbing away, am thankful that I am as well as I am, and hope that the same Providence that has guided me thus far will guide me in the future. My prayer is that I may be able to accomplish more in future than I have in the year that is past in the way of self improvement.

[Page 8]
Thursday, March. 24.

The usual amount of labor and care.

Friday, March. 25.

Our superintendent is an Episcopalian, and believes it proper to observe the day (Good Friday) as a religious festival. Hence Academic duties are suspended.

Saturday, March. 26.

Succeeded in effecting an arrangement by which I am to exchange corn with the Government. I am to deliver mine at the R. Road and get corn here. - This evening our pastor and the Rev. J.T. Sweat took tea with us. The evening was very pleasantly spent so far as I was concerned, and I feel that I may say the same for all.

Sunday, March. 27.

In addition to my usual Sabbath duties

[Page 9]
I rode over to the Factory to preaching this afternoon. Was sorry to find but few out. I fear the operatives are not as much interested in religion as they ought to be.

Monday, March. 28.

After the days duties were done, met a committee this evening to consider the case of a colored man, a member of the church who has been arraigned for misconduct.

Tuesday, March 29.

Our little boy is sick this evening. - Hope he will be better by the morning.

Wednesday, March. 30.

Weather still cold. Had a conversation with one of my colleagues this evening from which I learn that he has thought seriously on the subject

[Page 10]
of religion. I trust that he will encourage the thought until he feels it his duty to make a profession of religion.

Thursday, March. 31

A pleasant day.

Friday, April 1

The 2nd Regt S.C. Cavalry arrived here last night had a member of it to dinner with me to day. He represents the soldiers as being cheerful, not discontented with hard fare. And it is well that they are so. Some of our people at home would do well to follow their example since beef is five dollars per lb & chickens $5. per head.

Saturday, April. 2.

Was gratified to see our brother against whom I preferred charges for drunkenness some time ago out at church meeting this eve-

[Page 11]
ning. He acknowledged his error regretted it and hoped to be forgiven. The church freely forgave him in the hope that he would have grace given him to live as he seems to desire. At this I am much gratified, for although it was my duty to report him, I had no desire to see him excommunicated.

Sunday April 3d

At communion services this afternoon there was a large attendance, and Dr. Reynolds, as usual, was very happy in his remarks.

Monday, April, 4.

A cold rainy day. The spring is very backward truly but doubtless He that rules all is doing what is best. We mortals however are not apt to remember this.

[Page 12]
Tuesday, April. 5.

I have a slight cold this evening. Indeed I had it yesterday. I have nevertheless endeavored to improve my idle moments by reading algebra.

Yesterday I commenced to give private lessons. A young man applied to me to give him lessons, and after taking him I determined to take more if I could get them. I suggested to our pastor that if he would send his son round I would teach him for nothing. He has accepted my offer and I am encouraged to hope that I shall be able to make something of his son.

Wednesday, April 6.

Another pupil commenced taking lessons with me this day, but I am at a loss what course to pursue

[Page 13]
whether to continue to teach privately or not. It will take a great deal of time and not remunerate me but very little.

Thursday, April. 7.

My family are to go to Greenville to-morrow, a matter that gives me some concern as the children are not well.

Friday, April. 8.

To day was observed by some, as a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer. I say by some, because only a few were at church. Some went fishing, some went gunning, and some perhaps did as I have heard of their doing on former occasions of the kind - went out of the city to engage in cock-fighting and its kindred vices. Such is human nature, that it cannot perceive

[Page 14]
the impropriety of such conduct, unless the heart has been awakened by the quickening influences of the Holy Spirit. It is mockery, yea it is an insult to Deity - thus to spend a day, set a part as a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer. But there were a few, I trust, who observed the day properly and hence I hope that it may please God to hear their prayers in behalf of the country.

I hope my wife and little ones are safe in Greenville by this time. I shall feel uneasy until I hear from them.

Saturday, April. 9.

A great deal of rain to day, or rather it rained a great part of the day. We had some sharp lightning and some thunder, since which is had cleared off.

[Page 15]
Sunday, April. 10.

Spent the day as I usually do on the Sabbath.

Monday, April. 11.

Attended the funeral of Miss Eliza Ruma this afternoon. Her death was, from all accounts, a most triumphant one. A year ago I had no thought that consumption would take her away, but so it has, and it is only another illustration of what we ought to keep in mind, that we know neither the way nor the hour that we must pass away.

Tuesday, April. 12.

Was much concerned at one time to day about getting my corn here but I am thankful that I have made arrangements by which I am to get it.

[Page 16]
Wednesday, April. 13.

A gentleman and a lady joined the church at prayer meeting this evening. The former has been a member of the Lutheran Church for many years, the latter has been a member of the Methodist Church. Both have become dissatisfied with their baptisms and for this reason have changed their ecclesiastical relations.

Thursday, April. 14.

Had hoped to get a letter from my family to day, but have been disappointed. We are having more rain.

Friday, April 15.

Hoped from what I heard, that my family would be down to day, but they have not come.

Saturday, April. 16.

Attended the funeral of Mr. G.N.

[Page 17]
Reynolds to day. He was a very old man, having completed entered his eighty-fourth year. His life was that of an upright, honorable man, his death a triumphant one.

Sunday, April. 17.

Heard a missionary address this evening in which the astounding statement was made that there are children within one hour’s ride of Columbia that do not know there is a God and that there are grown people who never heard a Gospel sermon preached. Deplorable ignorance! And it occurs to me that we, in this city, are accountable in some measure for it. A liberal contribution was made to send the word of truth among them, and with the interest that

[Page 18]
is now felt in the matter I hope that good will result.

Monday, April. 18.

Father-in-law came down to day and to my disappointment did not bring my family. I regret that my wife did not follow out her inclinations and come any how, for I fear she will not have another good opportunity soon.

Tuesday, April. 19.

Capt Thomas is away and hence I am in command. I find it very irksome to discharge my regular duties and the Superintendent’s besides.

Wednesday, April. 19.

Had to suspend a cadet to day for disrespect to an officer. I regret the necessity of inflicting so severe a penalty, yet discipline

[Page 19]
must be preserved, even though it calls for stern measures.

Thursday, April. 21

The day passes away as usual. In the discharge of my duties nothing unusual occurs.

Friday, April. 22.

The corps, by invitation, attended a barbecue to day as an escort to the soldiers. The barbecue was given by the ladies to the soldiers of Gen. Hampton’s command, who have been transferred from Va. to our coast. The Hampton Legion also shared the compliment. There were too many other soldiers there, all of whom were welcome. The whole affair passed off well and reflected credit on the ladies. Various mottos worked in flowers were to be seen about the grounds and in front of the tents

[Page 20]
in which were eatables of various every kind the market could afford. There were long table too laden with provisions such as would tempt the appetite. Above all were to be seen the flags of the State, the Confederacy, and of the different regiments, all unfurled to the breeze. Some of these presented a tattered appearance, caused no doubt by bullets, while on others were the names of some of the severest battles through which they had been triumphantly borne. Dr. Palmer welcomed the soldiers in the eloquent and impressive address which was responded to by Gen. Hampton & Col. Gary. Dr. Palmer pinned a Palmetto tree just over prepared and presented by some unknown fair one just over Gen. H’s heart, and predicted that in future years, some flaxen haired girl would

[Page 21]
advert to the circumstance with pride and speak of it as she an honor done to her Great Grand-Father. But I am weary to night and what I have written is no way calculated to do justice to the scene or to myself and with this I close.

Saturday, April. 23.

My family came home to day, a matter which pleases me very much.

Sunday, April. 24.

Performed my usual Sabbath duties.

Monday, April. 25.

Nothing unusual to day.

Tuesday, April. 26.

Went through with the usual routine of duties.

Wednesday, April. 27.

As yesterday all is quiet with me.

[Page 22]
Thursday, April. 28.

All are well, a blessing for which I am thankful.

Friday, April. 29.

A detachment of the 2nd S.C. Cavalry left here this A M. for Georgetown. I hope they will enjoy health there, though they have been accustomed to the climate of Va. so long that they will most likely have to undergo the process of acclimation.

Saturday, April. 30.

Rode out into the country to day to look at the road over which I am asked to haul some wood, one half for the other. I find it heavy and shall not, therefore, undertake it.

Sunday, May. 1.

Took my little daughter to Sun-

[Page 23]
day school this morning. She remained satisfied for a little while, but not being a position that enabled her to see the other little ones, (for which I was to blame) she desired to leave and accordingly I sent her home. I trust the day will be when she will not only be a regular attendant of the school, but also an earnest useful one. - In church to day, I could not keep awake, for two reasons as I think, one was that I have lost sleep of late, and the other was that the sermon was dry.

Monday, May. 2.

My regular duties have been performed.

Tuesday, May. 3d

Nothing to record to night.

[Page 24]
Wednesday, May. 4.

At prayer meeting this evening, the pastor was particularly severe on those members who had a sleepy appearance at church. I took part of it to myself, for I feel that I have been inattentive, though it has been from physical exhaustion, and not of a want of interest.

Thursday, May. 5.

My duties have been quietly discharged. I have offered an humble prayer for the Friday success of our army in the engagement soon to come off in Va.

Friday, May. 6.

I can but feel some apprehensions about the result of the pending battle of Va. - Grant will doubtless endeavor by constantly throwing forward fresh troops, to wear out

[Page 25]
our troops, and my fear is that his superiority in numbers will enable him to do it. But our trust in is God.

Saturday, May. 7.

It is announced that a great battle has been fought & the enemy repulsed. But with this it is stated that Gen. Longstreet is severely wounded, and that Gen. M. Jenkins is killed. Many other prominent and good men are also among the dead. That it always is, - our cup of joy has its bitter ingredient.

Rev. W. G. - who is to preach for us to-morrow is with me this evening. Rev. Mr. N- is also to tea, - the evening passes away pleasantly. - Hope to enjoy the services to-morrow.

[Page 26]
Sunday, May. 8.

Was pleased with the exercises of the sanctuary to day, and I hope profited also. - But there is still a latent apprehension that the result of the battle in Va is not as favorable as it was desired it would be. I am saddened by the intelligence that my friend Col. Nance is among the killed. He was a young man of high promise, and was too, a sincere and unostentatious Christian. - Gallant brother! thy race is run, thy warfare is ended and henceforth thou wilt dwell where wars are never known.

Monday, May. 9.

I am more hopeful to day, that the enemy will not succeed in wearing out our men. Our trust is in God who is able to make wars

[Page 27]
to cease at his own bidding. May it please Him to smile upon us in this hour of trial, turn back the foe and dispose him for peace. Began to teach a private pupil to day, - a cadet who finds it difficult to get along with his studies.

Heard to day of the death of one of my uncles, a brother of my Mother. He was advanced in years, but from the account that I have, was in his usual health, and was at his work when he fell dead. Solemn warning this to all to be ready at any time to meet the bridegroom.

Tuesday, May. 10.

The news from the army is still encouraging, for which we should all return thanks to God, the ruler of all.

[Page 28]
Wednesday, May. 11.

There was a “fete” served in the park to day. Its object was to raise funds for hospital purposes, and hence is more excusable that it would otherwise have been. But even this does not altogether justify it in my mind. There is too much gaiety and hilarity on such occasions for it to be harmless in times like the present when great battles are pending.

Thursday, May. 12.

We had a good rain last night, and this morning, early, I transplanted a number of cabbage and tomato plants, which I hope will do well.

Friday, May. 13.

I am not as well as usual this evening, but hope I shall feel better to-morrrow.

[Page 29]
Saturday, May. 14.

This morning the 2 ½ Reveille was sounded, and at 3, the corps proceeded to the depot to meet the remains of Gen. Jenkins. The body now rests here, under a guard of honor, awaiting directions from his family. - His career has been a short but brilliant one. His deeds will live in the memory of his countrymen while his name will occupy a conspicuous place in history. But to him alas! this can do no good.

Sunday, May. 15.

This morning we rose at 3 and escorted the remains of Gen. Jenkins to the S.C.R.R. depot. His friends will inter the body at Summerville for the present, and at the end of the war it is understood

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that it will be moved to Edisto Island where his ancestors repose.

Monday, May. 16.

Our semi-annual examination began to day. The class thus far has done as well as usual perhaps better.

Tuesday, May. 17.

The examination in my department closed to day, and I am thankful to say that as a whole the class did remarkably well.

Wednesday, May. 18.

This afternoon, while coming in the house a very acute pain struck me in the region of the right kidney, and apparently went through the body to the left. For a little while I could not walk, but after being assisted to a lounge where I lay down

[Page 31]
a short while I felt easier and have since been moving about. Once before I had a similar attack though it lasted but a short time compared with this. I am still sore.

Thursday, May. 19.

This afternoon, we had a meeting of the Academic Board. As usual an unpleasant question arose for our consideration, that was which of the cadets were able to progress with the class, and which were not. It fell to my lot to be opposed to all the others in my view on this subject, and for a long time it appeared that we would not come to a conclusion, but at last it was left to the Supt to decide the matter, whereupon he endorsed my views,

[Page 32]
and hence my proposition was adopted. I hold that as we are teachers, it is our duty to do the most we can for the cause of education, and hence as long as there is hope of a boy’s improvement I am for retaining, unless by so doing we injure others.

Friday, May. 20.

I am weary this evening. Have walked about a great deal to day on business. Among other things I succeeded in obtaining some corn to day that I exchanged with the government.

Saturday, May 21.

Have been closely engaged to day. A part of the time I have been preparing matter for the “Official Register” of the Academy. Hope to rest well to night and be able to enjoy the Sabbath.

[Page 33]
Sunday, May. 22.

Lost a great deal of rest last night in consequence of sickness in the family - and hence did not feel bright enough to keep awake at church this morning. I therefore came home - a thing I did not like to do but thought better than to remain and attract attention by sleeping in church.

Monday, May. 23.

Completed my compilation for the “Register” to day.

Tuesday, May. 24.

We, all, have taken cold within the last day or two, but hope that it will soon pass away.

Wednesday, May. 25.

Succeeded in effecting an arrangement by which I am to take my family to see my parents - if it

[Page 34]
please Providence to let us go.

Thursday, May. 26.

We are all more or less unwell - the effect of cold I suppose. It is still doubtful whether we will be able to make our contemplated visit. - Hope, however, that all will be well enough to warrant our starting in the morning. It is but seldom that I have an opportunity to visit my parents and hence I feel the more anxious to go. It is a pleasure that I cannot hope to enjoy for many years longer. They are both getting old and in the regular course of nature must pass away though it may be that they will survive me. We know not when we are to be called home and it is well that we do not.

[Page 35]
Friday, May. 27.

Start by private conveyance to visit my parents - take the wrong road - and travel through a thinly settled part of the country - can see no one to give me directions, there is very little water on the road and indeed very little of anything that can sustain life. After a long while discover a little log house in a field - stop to inquire the way - the old lady tells me all she knows and then asks about the news “from where they are a fightin in Virginy.” Her husband is there and her oldest son though “he won’t be sixteen till the 20th of this May.” I inquire about the hour - am told that “it is about twelve o’clock,” though she has been “a scaldin to day and it may be

[Page 36]
a little later.” I bid good day and drive on to the next house where I again make inquiries about the way. The good lady cannot tell me much but directs me to Mr Wise who lives near by. I go to him and learn that I am a long distance out of my way - stop and feed the horses - start out again get in the right road travel till dark receive various answers in regard to the distance I am from my destination - one calls it ten miles, the next says it is five the next thirteen - finally at dark I stop for the night having traveled full thirty five miles and yet I am only twenty six from Columbia.

Saturday, May 28.

Did not rest well last night. I do not understand how it is that some

[Page 37]
people will permit their houses to be so infested by bed-bugs. - Get out of the way again to day, cross the river at Halmon’s bridge instead of Binnaker’s - one of my horses is tired down and I stop before night at Mr. E’s. - Meet here an old school mate that I have not seen in twenty years. We did not recognize each other such is the change that time has wrought upon each of us. This is a pleasant place. Mr. E. is a pious and a hospitable man. He is perhaps too generous, for he refuses to have any remuneration for entertaining me.

Sunday, May. 29.

Regret having to travel to day. I expected to get home last night

[Page 38]
but in consequence of getting out of the way I was unable to do so. Hence have to drive seventeen miles to day. Arrive at home between one and two P.M., take all my surprise; our meeting is pleasant of course after so many months absence.

Monday, May. 30

I am pleased to see father’s crop looking so well. I have seen no better between this and Columbia.

Tuesday, May. 31.

Enjoy the quiet of the country. There is, too, a comparative freedom from care, that I am unused to in Columbia. I say comparative freedom, because such a thing as entire exemption from care I never expect. When nothing else weighs upon the mind, the work of slander’s vile tongue mars what would

[Page 39]
otherwise be pleasant. I trust, however that a just God will not allow harm to grow out the fiend’s attacks.

Wednesday, June. 1.

Remain quiet during the day.

Thursday, June. 2.

Nothing to record.

Friday, June. 3.

Rode down to what is known as Nimm’s Mill this morning to meet Father. It has been some years since I was there before and I find things in places there and on the way very much changed.

Saturday, June. 4.

The day passes quietly away.

Sunday, June 5.

Heard Rev. Mr. Buist, pastor of Springtown Church preach to day.

[Page 40]
He depicted the character of Jonah; also that of our Saviour, but according to my view he made Jonah a worse man than he really was. His object was to show that if the Ninevites repented at his preaching, it was far more imperative on us to believe the preaching of the Gospel.

Saw a number of my old acquaintances there who seemed glad to meet me.

Monday, June 6.

The time to start home has arrived and we bid good bye. Father sends a boy and a mule to assist us beyond the river, for which I am very thankful though I am sorry to hinder a plow in this busy time. In the afternoon we take the wrong road and go some distance out of the way. About dark we

[Page 41]
get to a house, and after much entreaty, the land-lady (her husband is in the army) consents to let us stop for the night. - The fair is plain, yet I am thankful that we did not have to drive farther, for the horses are tired and I am unacquainted with this part of the road.

Tuesday, June 7.

Settled my bill and started early. Arrived at Mr.R’s between one and two P.M. and stop for the night. The afternoon is very rainy indeed. Here too we are unable to sleep much, and the night passes away slowly.

Wednesday, June 8

The early part of the day is cloudy and drizzly but more favorable to the horses than

[Page 42]
if the sun was shining. The road is very bad - some part of the carriage is broken, and I fear it will not last us till we get home. - The sun shines in the afternoon - it is very warm - about 5 ½ o’clock we get home and feel thankful that we have been preserved from injury and calamity of any kind. I have enjoyed the pleasure of visiting my parents once more; when I shall again meet them is known only to Him that knoweth all things. Hope to enjoy that pleasure again oftentimes on earth and when life is over to meet them in a better world than this.

Thursday, June 9.

Have been busy answering letters that accumulated during my absence, and in correcting part of

[Page 43]
the proof sheet of the “Register.”

Friday, June 10.

Discharge my military duties at the Academy, and such other incidental duties as have arisen.

Saturday, June, 11.

No record to make, except that it is raining a great deal this evening.

Sunday, June 12.

In consequence of the rain I think it proper to remain at home to day as exposure might increase my cough which is already annoying.

Monday June 13.

Another rainy day, and so cool that a fire is comfortable.

Tuesday, June 14

Weather still cool, though the rain has stopped.

[Page 44]
Wednesday, June 15.

Have walked about a great deal to day, trying to get a load of fodder but have seen none. Went to prayer-meeting this evening.

Thursday, June, 16.

Have take a good deal of exercise to day. - Went round to see our pastor this evening - found in the act of starting out and hence came back home without making my stay.

Friday June, 17.

Have been perplexed no little to day. It has come to my knowledge that my horses are roughly handled out of my sight. I have given orders forbidding unkind treatment time and again but all to no purpose, they have not been obeyed - hence the reason the horses look badly.

[Page 45]
Saturday, June, 18.

An honest negro is indeed, hard to find. I discovered to day, to my regret, that the wagoner that I have in my employ, has been withholding a large part of what the wagon makes per day, and of course I shall take measures to stop it. - But I will try to lay this matter aside for the present and hope to enjoy a pleasant and profitable sabbath.

Sunday, June 19.

Was mortified to day, to find a hymn-book which I left in my pew - also one left there by someone else, mutilated and otherwise defaced. This has been done by young and thoughtless people who go there at night, more for pleasure

[Page 46]
than profit. In order to stop such conduct, I prepared a notice in the form of a request and had the pastor to read it out from the pulpit this evening to the effect that the parties in questions are respectfully requested not to repeat the misdemeanor.

Monday, June, 20.

When shall this war terminate is a question that every philanthropic man asks himself very often. Indeed a desire for peace is the constant feeling of every human heart. For one I do not see the beginning of the end. Without some Providential interposition, I see no prospect of peace until both parties shall have been literally exhausted. Still I am not despondent of the outcome.

[Page 47]
Tuesday, June, 21.

Bought a horse, dray-wagon and harness to day for one thousand dollars. Whether I shall run the wagon for any length of time is uncertain. The party desired to sell, and it occured to me that the price was a fair one and for that reason bought. With the blessing of Providence, I hope to make the investment clear expenses while I keep the team.

Wednesday, June, 22.

As I am the only officer here I could not attend prayer-meeting this evening.

Thursday, June, 23

From the silence of the Telegraph between here and Richmond and from other indications, I fear that the situation is not as fa-

[Page 48]
vorable to us as it we could desire. The Federal commander, Grant, has no regard for human life, and hence I shall not be surprised to hear any number of casualties.

Friday June, 24.

There was a man hanged in this city to day for murder. I am informed that a vast assemblage composed ot men, boys and women both white and black witnessed the scene. Strange indeed it is to me that anyone should desire to see such a death.

Saturday, June 25.

Attended the funeral of a young soldier to day, one who never participated in any of the vices of the camp. Alas! that such a boy should fall mortally wounded. - Attended to various duties during the day, was

[Page 49]
at prayer-meeting this afternoon, when by request I offered a few words of exhortation. I hope the series of meetings now begun will result in much good.

Sunday, June 26.

Attended S. school & church this morning. Heard an address in behalf of Sunday schools this afternoon and to night heard a good sermon from the text,”Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, &c.” I am not very well which together with weariness makes me feel the need of repose.

Monday, June, 27.

We had a pleasant time at prayer meeting this evening. I trust that the feeling manifested may continue to grow until many very many shall be converted.

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Tuesday, June, 28.

Left home at 3¼ A.M. with wagons - proceeded into the country about 26 miles - had them loaded with fodder, took the cars and came home leaving the wagons to come on to-morrow. I hope not to go on another such expedition. After a rough ride to get to the end of my journey, had to walk and drive the wagon for near a mile, for the driver seemed not to know or care how he managed and the road was too rough and the fodder too high to attempt to ride. The wagons over the worst part of the road I left for the R.R. about two miles distant would not have been in time perhaps, had not a lady taken me up in her carriage. This evening I attended preaching

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though much fatigued by day’s journey.

Wednesday, June, 29.

Attended prayer-meeting this afternoon and preaching this evening - was rejoiced to see such evident tokens of the Lord’s presence.

Thursday, June, 30.

Passed the day very much as I did yesterday, with similar feelings.

Friday, July, 1.

We resumed our duties to day. I also heard a private pupil recite his first lesson by way of preparing to enter here next year. - Our meeting is still interesting.

Saturday, July 2.

Walked about a great deal to day, presenting pew bills - found it exceedingly warm. An interesting time at church this

Citation

Patrick, John B., 1832-1900, “Journal of John B. Patrick, March 6, 1864-July 2, 1864,” The Citadel Archives Digital Collections, accessed March 28, 2024, https://citadeldigitalarchives.omeka.net/items/show/796.