Journal of John B. Patrick, June 29, 1864-October 13, 1864

Journal of John B. Patrick, June 29, 1864-October 13, 1864

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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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

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evening - two wounded soldiers and one young lady joined.

Sunday, July, 3.

Our protracted meeting still goes on. - Fourteen - seven whites and seven colored were baptized to day.

Monday, July, 4.

This morning a cadet called on me and requested that I would prevail on the Sup’t to allow him to attend prayer-meeting. He was allowed to go, and this afternoon he united with the church. What touched me more than this, however, was the fact that one of my colleagues, went up among the mourners this evening. I have a hope that my prayer in his behalf is about to be answered.

Tuesday, July, 5.

I am kept at home this evening by

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company from which I could not well excuse myself, in as much as he came late and leaves in the morning before day on the train.

Wednesday, July, 6.

Was rejoiced this afternoon to see my friend and colleague Lt. N. go forward and unite with the church. I have for a time entreated the Lord to have mercy on him and make him a good and useful servant in His moral vineyard. His wife, who has for some years been a member of the Methodist church went forward with him, and resolved to follow him in the Holy ordinance of Baptism. Pleasant sight - to see husband and wife consecrating themselves

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to the service of the Lord! There are others whom I desire soon to see doing likewise. May it be so! O Lord thou canst make it so!

Thursday, July, 7.

The services, at church were interesting this evening, though in consequence of my duties here, I did not get there in time for the sermon. I was just in time to witness the Baptism of the parties I spoke of yesterday together with others. We had a good time at prayer meeting this afternoon.

Friday, July, 8.

Our meeting continues interesting.

Saturday, July, 9.

I learned this evening that a request has been sent up from Charleston for our corps. From this, I infer that the state of

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affairs there is not favorable. Whether we will be ordered down or not I do not know at present, but hope that the state of things there may not be such as to make it necessary to call for such a corps as ours. If so, I fear the enemy is gaining a strong position, one from which it will be difficult to dislodge them.

Sunday, July, 10.

I am weary this evening. - Have attended S. school and church as usual to day. - I am informed that it is probable we will be ordered down to Charleston in a day or two. The Governor is going down in the morning to ascertain the state of things before the order is given, or rather before giving the order.

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Monday, July, 11.

I am inclined to think that we will not have to go to Charleston as the enemy have been driven off of John’s Island, the point they were molesting us. - Our meeting is still interesting.

Tuesday, July, 12.

We were blessed with a good rain to day. It is still falling, and hence we have no preaching to night.

Wednesday, July, 13.

Rev. W. Williams, D.D., preached for us this evening from the text, “What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, &c.” I have often heard sermons on the same subject, but never heard so good a one before. He dissents from the view so often presented that the riches and honors of the world are not worth seek

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ing, &c. He says this is a beautiful world and that its riches and honors are worth all the labor and care one can give to their acquirement; that religion only prescribes the right use of riches and honors. This view I have long entertained, and am somewhat surprised that I never heard a minister proclaiming it before.

Thursday, July, 14.

Another good sermon this evening, on the danger of resisting the influences of the Holy Spirit. I confess to a feeling of sadness, that a congregation can listen at such a sermon without a single one being moved enough to seek an interest in the prayers of God’s people.

Friday, July 15.

Another good sermon from Dr.

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W. - this evening. - My colleague Lt. S. went forward for prayer, a circumstance which rejoiced me very much, for I have long looked upon him as “not far from Kingdom.”

Had a long and interesting conversation with my colleague Lt. N. - who has recently made a profession of religion. Yesterday we conversed a long time on the subject, and now this evening again the subject is attractive. How different from what it was a few years or even months ago. Then I felt greatly the need of congenial spirits. Now I feel that I have one in my friend for which I thank God, the Giver of all good.

Saturday, July, 16.

Had an interesting interview with my friend & colleague Lt. S. - He has determined to make a profes-

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sion of religion and I have not doubt he will be useful member of the church. How pleasant the thought that all my colleagues are professors of religion, and all but one Baptists. “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy name.”

Sunday, July, 17.

At the close of the exercises of S. school a meeting of the church was held for the purpose of receiving my friend & colleague Lt. S. into the church, and after morning service, he and two young ladies were baptized. Beautiful sight, to see the young enlisting under the banner of the cross.

Monday, July, 18.

My house is more cheerful now than for some time past. Sister-in-law, and her friend Prof. E’s daughter arrived

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this evening, who with my sister who came on last Saturday, will give our home an air of cheerfulness.

This evening, at the request of an aged sister in the church, I accompanied our pastor and my brother deacon to her bedside. The pastor spoke to her of the promises of the Bible, and prayer was offered by Bro. S-. Our sister is truly a “Mother in Israel.” It is good to visit God’s children under such circumstances.

Tuesday, July, 19.

Performed my usual routine of duties. I am sorry that my time is so much engrossed in the effort to make a support for my family that I have not time for mental culture.

Wednesday, July, 20.

Various opinions are entertained about the removal of Gen. J. E. Johnston

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and the promotion of Gen. Hood. I hardly know what to say about it. I have long felt that Johnston’s reputation is based upon his retreat’s rather than anything else, but for aught I know his army may be too small to contend with that opposed to him, and he may have done as well as anyone could do. I am not disposed therefore to condemn him, neither am I disposed to censure the Pres. for removing him until I learn more about the causes that led to it.

Thursday, July, 21.

Attended prayer meeting this evening.

Friday, July, 22.

Have some of the cadets to tea this evening. It is refreshing to see them and the girls enjoy themselves. - Went down to the hotel to see a wounded friend who is passing through

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on his way home. Endeavored to get him to come up and take the night with us but he could not do so he said and attend to some business he had.

Saturday, July 23.

Our corps attended the funeral of Maj. W. C. Preston as a body. The major fell near Atlanta a day or two ago. Alas! that so many of our young men should be called to fill an early grave.

Sunday, July, 24.

Attended my usual Sabbath duties. Two young ladies were baptized this morning.

Monday, July, 25.

On duty to day - nothing to record, except that I am weary.

Tuesday, July, 26.

Attended the funeral of another of our Southern martyrs - R. Beck. Dr. Palmer spoke of him as “Robert” -

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- said that he was his (the Dr’s friend) in a manner that was really pathetic. I have no doubt he was a blameless Christian.

Wednesday, July, 27.

Had to lead the exercises of prayer meeting this evening, in the absence of the pastor. Endeavored to deliver a short lecture, was very weary, and doubtless appeared so to others. But I did the best I could, and as such hope it will have a good effect.

Thursday, July, 28.

Am feeling better this evening than I have for some time. I have not complained, but at times during the past few days I have been very unwell.

Friday, July, 29.

Some cadets are here this evening - enjoying themselves with the girls. It makes

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me cheerful to see them. - Some others of our cadets are not so cheerful, however. They (fifteen of them) were detached without pay in the beginning of the year by Gen. Beauregard in order that they might avail themselves of the advantages of the Academy, and now the detail is about to expire and the officer now in command of the department declines to extend it and they will likely have to return to the army. Some of them, I know, regret having to leave. And I regret it for them, for they will not again have an opportunity to pursue their studies. It is always matter of regret to see a young man compelled to relinquish his studies when he desires to prosecute them.

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Saturday, July, 30.

Have discharged the Supt’s duties to day in his absence.

Sunday, July, 31.

Heard Rev. Dr Howe and the Rev. Mr. Wannamaker preach to day. Both preached good sermons. But the former particularly pleased me. I heard the latter under unfavorable circumstances. Some young people near me were talking, and so annoyed me that I did not enjoy the sermon.

Monday, August, 1.

I am much wearied this evening. Teaching during my regular hours in the forenoon, and then instructing privately in the afternoon, tax my energies more than my strength is able to bear I am afraid, yet I must work in order to support my family.

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Tuesday Aug. 2.

Feel weary again this evening.

Wednesday, Aug. 3.

I am much depressed this evening - feel unwell, my wife in in bed suffering from cold in the head and face; and besides I am almost exhausted from my days duties.

Thursday, Aug. 4.

Am not so weary this evening.

Friday, Aug. 5.

At the request of two young ladies I have just written in their albums. In one I wrote - This is a beautiful world and all it contains is good, save man and what he has made bad. - In the other - if you would be happy all your days, and at last go home to Heaven, live up to the motto “Be good, do good.”

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Saturday Aug. 6.

I am alone this evening, or nearly so. All my family are gone to Greenville except Bro. George. I said I was alone. I attended church conference this evening, where I introduced some resolutions with a view of correcting the misbehavior that has been practiced for some time by certain young people who attend evening service at our church. After some discussion I deemed it proper not to call for a vote on them, though it was evident to all that they would have passed. I therefore, resorted to the unusual method of moving that they be laid on the table, with the hope that someone would suggest a better plan to correct the evil.

Sunday, Aug. 7.

Attended my usual Sabbath duties.

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Monday, Aug. 8.

Have performed my usual duties and am weary. A letter from my family and one from my father tell me that all are well for which I am thankful. Father’s letter gives me another practical illustration of that unusual kindness which he has ever shown me. Would that I were a more worthy son.

Tuesday, Aug. 9.

Do not like the news we have from Mobile - fear we are going to meet with a great disaster there, if we have not already sustained one. But disasters must be expected in a war like this.

Wednesday, Aug. 10.

Went out to the church this evening but found it closed. It had not been opened because of the rain this afternoon I suppose.

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Thursday, Aug. 11.

Appeared to day, for the first time in my life, as an evidence in a law case. It was a case of larceny. A negro that has been employed by me was charged with the offence and I was summoned on the part of the defendant to prove that the negro was elsewhere at the time that the theft was said to have been committed. My testimony was not such as to clear the boy in as much as I could not account for him during the whole of an hour, as well as at its beginning and its close. He was therefore convicted. I feel however that he is unjustly so and on this account I regret it.

Friday, Aug. 12.

Secured two contributions to day to

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the Missionary Enterprise in contemplation for the benefit of our Sand Hill population. This completes the number required by the unknown friend who proposed to me to be one of ten to raise a thousand dollars to send them a missionary. I trust that some lasting good is to grow out of it.

Saturday, Aug. 13.

Rev. Mr. G- is with me this evening. It is pleasant to have friends who feel that they can call to take the night without ceremony. He is to preach to-morrow, and I hope to spend a pleasant and profitable day.

Sunday, Aug. 14.

Attended usual Sabbath duties to day, and this afternoon, by request, Bro. Gwin and myself went to see a wounded soldier and some religious exercise with him.

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Poor man! it is found he will not survive long. A consolation is that he has long since made his peace with God.

Monday, Aug. 15.

Performed my usual duties.

Tuesday, Aug. 16.

Went again this evening to visit the sick and wounded soldier that I saw on Sunday last. - It appears that he is no better.

Wednesday, Aug. 17.

To day It is just thirteen years since I was baptized, should I live to see that many more years I hope I may be more useful than I have been during those that are past. - Conducted the exercises of the prayer-meeting this evening. - Called on our young brother Norris to lead in prayer - he did so and got through well. Trust he is to be a useful man

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in the church. He has made a good start.

Thursday, Aug. 18.

Have demonstrated to the class, and to my private pupils a great deal to day, and am wearied.

Friday, Aug. 19.

A few days ago, I suggested to my colleagues and brethren, Norris & Sams, that we might find it mutually profitable to have a meeting once a week, for the purpose of comparing our views on different portions of the Bible. This evening we had our first meeting. We began at the first chapter of Genesis and discussed different points as they were suggested in the first three chapters. The meeting was pleasant and profitable and I trust is but the beginning of a mode of improvement which is to result in great good to us all.

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Saturday, Aug. 20.

Hope to spend a profitable and useful as well as pleasant sabbath.

Sunday, Aug. 21.

In conversation with one of my colleagues yesterday it was suggested that if a minister were to come up every Sunday morning and hold religious exercises with our cadets, it might be production of much good. Impressed with this idea addressed them this morning on the importance of preparing for the duties of life and for the solemn event of death, and concluded by proposing that a minister be invited to come up and conduct such exercises as he might deem proper on each Sunday morning before breakfast. On taking the

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vote it was unanimous in favor of the proposition, and I have accordingly invited a minister to attend next Sunday morning. Ours is a State institution, and I deem it proper to invite the ministers of the different denominations to officiate in turn and shall act accordingly.

At S. school meeting this evening was re-elected Supt of S. school. Trust that I may be able to do good in the position. - Feel very much fatigued this evening.

Monday, Aug. 22.

Am cheerful this evening though somewhat lonely.

Tuesday, Aug. 23d

Usual duties performed.

Wednesday Aug. 24th

On duty and cannot go to prayer meeting. A boy has arrived from home, who will

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live with me some time. He brought with him several gifts from home which only serve to remind of that affectionate interest with which a parent always follows his child.

Thursday, Aug. 25.

Went through the usual routine of duties.

Friday, Aug. 26.

Heard the Rev. Dr. Burrows of Richmond preach this evening from the text, “The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice.” The subject was well treated but his oratory was not exactly that which I expected from all I had heard of the man. Still I regard him an able and impressive speaker. Would that we had more such.

Saturday, Aug. 27.

Two of my colleagues and myself had an interested meeting to night reading and commenting on the Scriptures.

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Sunday, Aug. 28.

Witnessed the pleasing spectacle of seeing a young man put on Christ by the solemn ordinance of baptism. Another of our cadets has enlisted in the army of the Lord. - Addresses in behalf of the cause of missions in our army were delivered this evening in the Baptist church, after which the liberal collection of about eleven hundred dollars was taken up.

Monday, Aug. 29.

I am becoming tired of living alone.

Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Nothing new. Indeed I seldom ever have anything worth writing.

Wednesday, Aug. 31.

I’m quiet - as usual. Attended prayer meeting.

Thursday, Sept 1.

My family are at home again. I am glad to see them well.

Friday, Sept. 2.

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It is rumored that Atlanta has fallen and I fear it is so. But why grieve about it if it is so? It does no good to fret about what we cannot help.

Saturday, Sept. 3d

Unfavorable rumors are current relative to the position of our army in Ga. and its condition. For myself I have not doubt that it has fallen back - from necessity of course.

Attended the regular church meeting this evening, and became very much interested in a debate that arose relative to a resolution introduced by me in regard to a fund that has recently been raised for missions in the Sand Hills. The resolution was adopted.

Sunday, Sept. 4

Two or three of those who were in the minority in the debate alluded to last night have thought proper to

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withdraw their part of the contribution to missions about which the debate arose, and rather than let the enterprise fail I have assumed the responsibility of saying that the amount which they have withdrawn shall be paid.

Sept. 5. Monday

A good rain this evening. In a committee had a warm debate on the same matter referred to in my notes of yesterday and the day before.

Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Sowed my turnips to day. Those I planted some time ago have died. I hope yet however to make some. I feel that it is more desirable than ever for it I have to take the field my family will need to have something to subsist on.

Wednesday, Sept. 7.

Attended prayer meeting this evening. - Hope to be able to go to the Association to-morrow.

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Thursday, Sept. 8.

After a fatiguing ride, arrived at Union C. H., and was assigned to a place of entertainment. At night heard a sermon from Dr. J. D. D-, and a feeble effort it was. I hope we shall not have another such during the Association.

Friday, Sept. 9.

Association met and was organized. Only a few delegates, however, were present owing to the recent military calls.

Saturday, Sept. 10.

The proceedings of the Asso. continue as they began, harmonious. - I feel unwell this evening, the result, I suppose, of irregular habits since I have been at the Asso. Irregularity of diet is very injurious to me.

Sunday, Sept. 11.

Heard two S. school addresses, but they did not come up to my expectation.

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The important point was not discussed. The religious exercises of the day were interesting.

Monday, Sept. 12

Cannot remain longer, as my furlough will expire this evening. - I’m happy to find all well at home. - Brought with me Bro. A - a Baptist minister from Fla., spend a pleasant and profitable evening.

Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Went through with my usual routine of duties and feel tired.

Wednesday, Sept. 14.

All goes on quietly with us.

Thursday, Sept. 15.

Have felt very badly to day - somewhat feverish. Feel despondent.

Friday, Sept. 16.

Sorry to hear that there is yellow fever in Charleston. It will certainly be very disastrous to us, humanly speaking, in a

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military point of view. But it is wrong as well as unwise to complain at what we cannot help. This is a dispensation of Providence which is doubtless intended to chasten us, and as such we should receive it with meekness and humility.

Saturday, Sept. 17.

Nothing worth recording.

Sunday, Sept. 18.

A little rain to day, and in consequence there were very few out this evening at church. This community is, I fear, rather a fair weather community in matters of religion.

Monday, Sept. 19.

To day wears the appearance of Fall.

Tuesday, Sept. 20.

I am not in a mood for writing, even if I had anything to write. The truth is I feel much discouraged in every way.

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Wednesday, Sept. 21.

I could not attend prayer-meeting this evening on account of the rain. Doubtless no one was out. - I am still despondent.

Thursday, Sept. 22.

One more day has passed. - No incident of interest to record.

Friday, Sept. 23d

Two of my friends called to see me this evening. The time passed pleasantly.

Saturday, Sept. 24th

Learned that a hostile meeting was appointed to take place at 3 P.M. between two of our cadets. The challenge had passed and been accepted, to fight with pistols, muzzles touching. - I determined at once to stop it, and believing that it could be done unofficially, I determined to try it. I called the principals and their seconds into my quarters - stated to

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them that I knew there was a difficulty existing, that I thought it could be settled by themselves, that generally a misunderstanding lay at the bottom of such difficulties and advised them as a friend unofficially to settle it. And in order to expedite the matter I offered them the use of two rooms in my quarters, with pen ink and paper. My offer was accepted, the difficulty was amicably adjusted, the young men thanked me kindly. I gave them a word of advice and they withdrew leaving their last notes in my hands as a proof of the adjustment of the difficulty.

It it proper to say that I gave them notice that if they could not settle it, I would have to make an official matter of it and have it settled for them. I am glad this was not nec

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essary, and hope the course I pursued will result in good to all concerned.

Sunday, Sept. 25.

Went out into the country to day to carry an appointment for a missionary, also to fill, in part, one already made. At the request of the missionary, I and another brother went out for the purpose of opening the door of the church for the reception of members. This was a duty, new to me, but I did it. Several joined by letter, one by experience, and one came forward for restoration. Altogether it was a pleasant meeting.

Heard a good sermon to night from Rev. Mr. Hume, a young brother of rare promise.

Monday, Sept. 26.

Had Rev Mr Hume to dine with me to day - found him very pleasant. He is certainly a very intelligent young man.

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Tuesday, Sept. 27.

A pleasant autumn day. Closely engaged as usual.

Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Was pleased to day to hear that two more of our cadets are desirous of conversing with our pastor on the subject of religion.

Thursday, Sept. 29.

What is life but a state of probation!

Friday, Sept. 30.

Another day is gone. I have discharged my duties as usual. The meeting with my colleagues for the study of the Scriptures was very pleasant this evening.

Saturday, Oct. 1st

Busy all day - a part of the time attending to private business and part of the time endeavoring to prepare the minds of the brethren of the church to increase the salary of our pastor.

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This evening at church meeting it was agreed to double his salary for the next year. There was indeed a fine spirit manifested by the brethren in this particular. But there was one I am sorry to say, who was under the influence of ardent spirits - a good brother in every other respect. What a misfortune.

Sunday, Oct. 2d

Heard a sermon this evening which I shall long remember. It was on the transfiguration of our Saviour, and was delivered by Rev. Mr. Rogers of Missouri. Moses and Elias appeared said he as delegates from the Heavenly world, the former to represent the Lawgivers of the Old Dispensation the latter to represent the prophets, and they by their presence testified to the Saviour’s Divinity and the superiority of his Dis-

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pensation over the Old, while Peter, James and John bore witness in order that they might proclaim the truth to the human race.

Monday, Oct. 3d

Heard this evening that father is sick, which with other circumstances causes me to feel much depressed.

Tuesday, Oct. 4th

President Davis addressed the citizens of Columbia to day at Gen. Chesnut’s resident in this city. A vast multitude of all ages, colors, conditions, and positions in society of both sexes were assembled to hear him. Our corps attended in a body to pay its respects to the Chief Magistrate of the Confederacy. - His address was characterized, by dignity of sentiment, depth of thought, and purity of style. He took a hopeful

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view of the affairs and urged all to the discharge of their duties. - In personal appearance the President is not prepossessing. A full head of hair, mostly gray, a full forehead, prominent cheekbones, sunken cheeks and a sharp chin with a beard short and fast becoming gray, and an erect form about the medium size constitute the outline. I pronounce him a good orator.

Wednesday, Oct. 5

I feel that I am greatly taxed to make an honest support for my family, but I do not have any complaint to utter about my lot. It is better than many others and better than I deserve.

Thursday, Oct. 6.

The Chairman of the Board of Visitors, in accordance with a request made of him, ordered the corps under two of

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the professors, to aid in guarding a large number of prisoners recently sent here. Accordingly Lts N. & S. in charge of the corps, are now performing that duty. If continued long, the interruption to our studies will be serious. It is hoped however that services in this particular will not be required long.

Friday, Oct. 7.

Quite unwell to day, but have kept up since the morning. Heard some of one of my colleague’s private pupils recite, by way of obliging him in his absence.

Saturday Oct. 8.

Have been engaged all day in matters appertaining to the good of the church.

Sunday, Oct. 9

Attended preaching in the country to day, with a missionary. - Saw him Baptize two colored people.

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Monday, Oct. 10.

We have company this evening.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

Attended the election to day, and was pained to see men under the influence of intoxicating drink. I saw one of the candidates staggering, who I am told has seldom if ever been seen in that fix before. There was some betting in favor of certain candidates, all of which I was sorry to see - one of the evils of universal, popular suffrage that cannot well be remedied. Yet I like the system, notwithstanding.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

Was glad to have our corps return to their studies to day. - We have company again to night.

Thursday, Oct. 13.

Discharged my usual Academic duties.