Journal of John B. Patrick, October 10, 1864-February 11, 1865, December 25, 1865

Journal of John B. Patrick, October 10, 1864-February 11, 1865, December 25, 1865

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

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John B. Patrick Civil War Journals

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[Page 1]
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.

[Page 2]
Friday, Oct. 14.

I am not well to day, but have kept up.

Saturday, Oct. 15.

Applied for a position as accountant & book-keeper for a friend of mine. Hope he will get it, for he is a deserving man.

Sunday, Oct. 16.

Took up a contribution, for missions at the S. school this morning. It is to be appropriated to sending the Gospel to the destitute region adjacent to Columbia.

Monday, Oct. 17

In addition to my usual duties, I am hearing a private class for a colleague of mine who is absent.

Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Had company to tea this evening.

[Page 3]
Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Took another private pupil to day to prepare him for entering the Citadel Academy. - It will increase my labors, but it will bring me a little more money and as I need a great deal of this, I consent to undergo this labor.

A young man, who was a pupil of mine, now pact Mid-shipman in the C.S. Navy called to see me this afternoon. His bearing was that of the true gentleman. What especially gratified me was his appreciation of a letter of commendation which I once wrote for him. He took occasion to thank me personally, notwithstanding he had done so by letter long ago. It would be pleasant if all students thus appreciated the

[Page 4]
exertions of their teachers to advance their interests.

Thursday, Oct. 20.

Met in committee to day to reassess the pews in Baptist church. - Have obtained a furlough to visit home, for the purpose of seeing my brother who is now at home on a short leave from the Army. I dislike to leave while in the midst of the session, but as I may not have another opportunity to see my brother soon, I feel it my duty to go.

Friday, Oct. 21.

Take my little daughter with me to father’s. She behaves well on the cars. - They are all pleased to see her and she is as happy as a child can be. - I am sorry to find father sick; brother is looking well.

[Page 5]
Saturday, Oct. 22.

Feel anxious about father this morning, he spent a bad night. The Dr. can’t come to see him before to-morrow evening. - He gets easier and I go out to a neighbor’s house to inquire as to the prospect of buying bacon & lard, - find that the only way to buy it is to get yarn or cloth and barter for it.

Sunday, Oct. 23.

Stay about the house all day, father gets very sick and the Dr. is sent for again. I feel very anxious about him, the more especially as I am almost obliged to go home to-tomorrow.

Monday, Oct. 24.

After somewhat a tiresome ride, reached home safe and found all well. Would be glad to know how father is this evening.

[Page 6]
Tuesday, Oct. 25th

I am somewhat relieved this evening by a letter telling me that father is better.

Wednesday, Oct. 26th

The ordinary routine of duties is performed.

Thursday, Oct. 27th

To day, like yesterday, I have nothing to record.

Friday, Oct. 28th

Spent a busy day.

Saturday, Oct. 29th

I am the only officer present to day - have been engaged all day either in official or private duties.

Sunday, Oct. 30th

Spent the Sabbath as usual.

Monday, Oct. 31.

Closely engaged as usual.

[Page 7]
Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Have felt more buoyant to day than I have any day in a long while, but this evening’s mail brings tidings of a depressing character. The party from whom I had hoped to get corn, imposes conditions that place it almost beyond my power. But what is worse, I learn that father still has fever and from the Dr.’s prescription I infer that he thinks the case serious. Trust that all will be well.

Wednesday, Nov. 2.

A very rainy day, and I have been out a good deal, attending to business. To-night I went out to attend prayer-meeting, but found the door closed. - Would be glad to learn how father is.

Thursday, Nov. 3d

Spent the day in constant activity and at the same time in earnest solicitude.

[Page 8]

Friday, Nov. 4th

Usual routine of duties performed. Met two of my colleagues this evening, as usual on Friday’s, to read and comment on the Bible.

Saturday, Nov. 5th

Spent the day in active duties. This evening, attended church-meeting which was interesting. One thing, however, that was not pleasant was the presence of a member under the influence of intoxicating drink. A sad spectacle.

Sunday, Nov. 6th

Usual Sabbath duties performed.

Monday, Nov. 7th

Nothing unusual to record.

Tuesday, Nov. 8th

As yesterday.

Wednesday, Nov. 9th

Have my private troubles like other men. They are incident to this life.

[Page 9]
To provide for a family in these times with a small income in a difficult matter.

Thursday, Nov. 10th

Am still exercised about making arrangements for a support without going in debt.

Friday, Nov. 11th

Have company again to night. There is hardly a day but that we have company, very pleasant, it is true but rather expensive for these times.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Feel very uneasy about father, as I have had no letter for a week, and at the last account he was quite sick. But I will trust that he is better.

Sunday, Nov. 13.

Went out in the country to day and delivered a Sunday school address, and have promised to go

[Page 10]
again next Sunday and organize a school. - Hope that good may be accomplished.

Monday, Nov. 14.

Actively engaged as usual.

Tuesday Nov. 15

I am thinking some, about a proposition that was made to me a few days ago, to edit a Sunday school paper for children. My time is almost all taken up in the discharge of my regular duties, and hence one objection to engaging in the enterprise.

Wednesday, Nov. 16th

Heard an eloquent and hopeful address from Dr. Palmer to day (a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer set apart by the Pres). - This evening at prayer-meeting I delivered a short exhortation on the goodness of God - his paternity, & c.

[Page 11]
Thursday, Nov. 17th

Had a most unpleasant duty to perform this evening. One of my domestics attempted to deceive me, and at the same time embezzle some money, and I felt it my duty to correct it. Alas that the heart is so wicked.

Friday, Nov. 18th

Unpleasant intelligence has reached us this evening. Sherman is said to be making a forward movement in the direction of Macon or Augusta. This necessitates the calling out of every arms bearing man, and we are accordingly ordered to hold ourselves in readiness to move at a moment’s warning. The order finds me in an embarrassed situation. My private affairs are not as I would like to leave them on starting to the scene of war. But

[Page 12]
private affairs are not to be considered when the public weal is at stake. May God grant to give me strength and health to do all my duty!

Saturday, Nov. 19th

There are no new development in regard to the movements of the enemy, and nothing further in regard to our going into the field. To me, however, the day has been one of anxiety and misfortune. In addition to the care attending a preparation to bid goodbye for to start for the scene of war the carelessness of my driver to day, broke my wagon & caused the horses to run away, hurting one of them severely. I [am] thankful that it was no worse.

Sunday, Nov. 20th

Did not attend church this evening, as it is rainy and I felt like remaining with my family.

[Page 13]
Monday, Nov. 21st 1864.

A very rainy day. - I attended a meeting of the Missionary Board to day of which I have the honor to be a member. Our meeting was harmonious. - Two missionaries were appointed, and certain plans adopted so that it is hoped good will result.

Tuesday, Nov. 22d 1864.

An extremely cold day - yet cold as it is there is activity on the part of the Militia preparing for war. A company composed mostly of little boys was fitted out here to day. I say little boys because many of them were not larger than a well grown twelve year old boy ought to be. It is really a melancholy scene to see such boys going off to the army.

Wednesday, Nov. 23d

Another very cold day. No prayer meeting to night in consequence of it.

[Page 14]
Thursday, Nov. 24.

My usual duties performed.

Friday, Nov. 25.

Heard the last recitation to day preparatory to the examination which is to begin next Tuesday.

Saturday, Nov. 26th

Had two friends to tea this evening from one of whom I am to get some corn and other supplies in consideration of some articles I have bought for him.

Sunday, Nov. 27th

In addition to my usual Sunday exercises I took a class to day in our colored Sunday school which has just been organized. I trust that I may be able to do some good in that way. Truly it is a benevolent work, and one which should give us pleasure, especially when they are so anxious to receive instruction. At the meeting of our S. School Soc. this afternoon

[Page 15]
we had two able addresses, one from Bro. T-, the other from Bro. C. J. E. of Greenville.

Monday, Nov. 28th

It is understood that our corps is to be ordered into service, and that they will leave day after to-morrow morning. I regret that the necessity for their going has arisen, but as it is, I am pleased that they seem to desire to go. In fact they presented a petition this morning to be permitted to go during their vacation. Met two of my classmates to day that I have not seen before for several years. They are now members of the Legislature.

Tuesday, Nov. 29.

All are engaged to day, preparing to get off to-morrow.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

The corps left this morning in fine spirits, but I could not help feeling sad. The thought that they may be engaged

[Page 16]
in battle and many of them killed or wounded called up melancholy feelings reflections. Trust they may all come back!

Have been busily engaged in organizing my Militia guard to day.

Thursday, Dec. 1st

Find I have a great deal to call my attention.

Friday, Dec. 2nd

In addition to my other engagements the Board of Visitors met to day and gave me additional work as Secretary.

Saturday, Dec. 3d

Met with the Board again to day. Am pleased at their action in regard to our salaries. I am also pleased that they have elected my friend J.F.L. to a place in the Academy, the more so, because I know he was elected on my recommendation.

[Page 17]
Sunday, Dec. 4.

Spent the day as usual except that I could not be at S. school, and had some calls incident to a state of war.

Monday, Dec. 5th

Closely engaged as usual.

Tuesday, Dec. 6th

Still my press of business continues.

Wednesday, Dec. 7th

Met with the Missionary Board this evening, but owing to my duties here could not stay to hear and participate in their deliberations.

Thursday, Dec. 8th

No relaxation from duty for me yet.

Friday, Dec. 9th

Got through the immediate press of my duties to day, - feel therefore some relief.

[Page 18]
Saturday, Dec. 10th

Find it difficult to engage in anything, such is the re-action that has taken place in energies.

Sunday, Dec. 11th

Attended church as usual.

Monday, Dec. 12th

One of our cadets is at my house, having been accidentally wounded. He represents that all are well and I am pleased to know for once in their history proud of their officers.

Tuesday, Dec. 13th

Feeling despondent this evening. Would feel otherwise, but for various cares that crowd upon my mind. - The greatest is what is to be done with become of my aged and infirm parents if the enemy overruns us. But I will not dwell upon this thought.

[Page 19]
Wednesday, Dec. 14th

Company again this evening as usual. - No man likes company more than I do, but really I feel sometimes that in the present state of affairs I am imposed on.

Thursday, Dec. 15.

Busy as usual.

Friday, Dec. 16.

Sister arrived this evening from home and brought with her tokens of remembrance which we all appreciate. Had two classmates to dine with me to day.

Saturday, Dec. 17.

I am feeling jaded and somewhat depressed. My duties are arduous, and the news is not cheering. Both, I suppose, combine to make me feel desirous of rest and freedom from care. But I do not expect ever to be free from care in some sense and why wish for it!

[Page 20]
Sunday, Dec. 18.

Very unwell to day, & hence have to remain at home.

Monday, Dec. 19.

Very busy, trying to make arrangements to accommodate the recruits that are to report here to-morrow.

Tuesday Dec. 20.

Only a few cadets have yet reported, and it is well it is so, as I have made every effort to obtain subsistence for them without success. Verily I have a great deal to do.

Wednesday, Dec. 21.

My cares and labors are great. Sometimes I feel that I cannot perform all that is required of me, but then by some means I am getting along tolerably well. I feel thankful to God that my lot is no worse. May it please Him to help me through

[Page 21]
with all I have to do is my prayer.

Thursday, Dec. 22.

Some men are hard to comprehend on little matter. To day Mr. - took offence at what he supposed was my action, and notwithstanding every pain was taken to explain & convince him of his mistake, he would not comprehend for a great while. During our interview, he became so much out of order, that I ordered him to leave my office. Afterwards, however, the matter was arranged and he became cool and acted properly.

To night, I am glad to say, a detachment of recruits arrived and reported for duty at this post. In a day or two I hope to have matters going on systematically and agreeably.

Friday, Dec. 23d

Very busy to day, organizing my company of recruits. Somewhat depressed too

[Page 22]
at hearing that Gen. Jones so long Chairman of the Board of Visitors of our Institution intends resigning. In my opinion nothing, at this, particular juncture of affairs could prove so disastrous to the Institution as his retirement from its head. I am saddened too by reports that come to me, to the effect that our army, the cavalry at least has gone from the coast into my Father’s neighborhood to recruit their horses. Provisions already scarce will become more so and real suffering must ensue unless it please God to help us and that soon.

Saturday, Dec. 24

Too busy to write.

Sunday, Dec. 25-

On arriving from church receive an order

[Page 23]
to make out a report of ordnance & ordnance stores on hand by to-morrow 3 P.M. Go into the office, work all the afternoon and nearly all night in order to get it ready. - Such is a state of war, it allows no Sunday even.

Monday, Dec. 26th

Very busy and weary, too. - The loss of sleep last night affects me. - Sister C. left us this morning to go home - hope she went safe. She made me a valuable and useful present - wish her lot in life were a happier one.

Tuesday, Dec. 27th

Nothing to record to day.

Wednesday, Dec. 28.

Busy still, and a prospect of having even more to do.

Thursday, Dec. 29.

Our officers return to night from the coast Some prospect of resuming Academic

[Page 24]
duties for which I am thankful.

Friday Dec. 30th 1864.

Had an interview with the Governor to day - formed an unfavorable opinion of him as an executive officer in these times - feel despondent at the prospects of our Academy as well as of the country.

Saturday, Dec. 31.

This is the last day of the year and as such invites to solemn, serious reflections. Many are the blessings I have enjoyed during the year that is now nearly gone and many too are the anxious thoughts that have pervaded my mind, but taking all together I thank God for mercies past and implore a continuance of His blessings.

[Page 25]
Sunday, Jany 1. 1865.

Another year is begun and we are reminded of the flight of time. It seems but a short time since it was said this is the last day of 1864, yet a year has passed away. How swiftly time glides away after we arrive at the age of manhood!

Monday, Jany. 2d

I went down to see the Governor to day in regard to matters relating to the Academy but did not find him in his office.

Tuesday, Jan’y 3d

Went to see the Gov. again but failed to find him. - I have, indeed, a great deal to do but not altogether as much as I had a few days ago.

Wednesday Jany. 4th

Engaged just about as I was yesterday, except that I had no case of discipline such as arose yesterday and the day before. My action has had a salutary effect.

[Page 26]
There appears to be some prospect of resuming Academic duties as our officers are ordered back. I am glad to welcome them here.

Thursday, Jan’y. 5.

We have company. - Three young ladies are with us and will spend some time.

Friday, Jany. 6th

Nothing unusual to day. - Had an interview with my friend Capt. H.S.T. - and he promises to dine with me next Monday.

Saturday, Jany. 7th

Nothing to write to day!

Sunday, Jany. 8th

Attended S. school & church to day. - This evening heard an admirable sermon by Dr. R - It was a sermon for the times.

Monday, Jany. 9th 1865

We are again ordered to be in readiness to move at the shortest notice. We know not at what hour the order to

[Page 27]
move may come, but suppose it will come in a few days or perhaps in a few hours. Really the Confederacy is beginning to need troops greatly, but where they are to come from he does I do not know, as all that can be gotten or that are able are already in the field. - What weighs more heavily on my mind than anything else is the thought that my aged parents may have to move or fall into the hands of the enemy. To be driven from their home at their time of life, both in feeble health as they are, I fear it will shorten their days (if man ever dies before his appointed time) and to fall into the enemy’s hands might have the same effect. My Father is this day 62 years old, & is living where more than half a century ago he played as a boy. Mother is near the home of her childhood - hence their attachment is stronger than it would otherwise be, and hence the greater reluctance to move.

[Page 28]
I enjoyed the company of my friend at dinner.

Tuesday, Jany 10th

Spent the day more quietly than I have for some time.

Wednesday, Jany 11th

We have, I am glad to say, resumed Academic duties but how long we will continue them I know not.

Thursday Jany. 12th

I find that the recitations are not by any means such as I would like - I see no men of real promise in the class.

Friday, Jany. 13th

Had several cadets at my house to tea. Was pleased to see how they & the young ladies enjoyed themselves.

Saturday, Jany. 14.

Had some more cadets to tea this evening. It makes me feel better

[Page 29]
to see the young enjoy themselves.

Sunday Jany 15.

Heard a good sermon from Rev. I.C.P. - on the importance of preserving a pure and spotless character. Would that all Christians felt its importance.

Monday, Jany. 16.

We have unpleasant rumors about the movements of the enemy, which give me some concern about my country and also about my father, mother & sisters. I try, however, to look on the bright side, knowing that I can do no good to anyone by being melancholy and apprehensive.

Tuesday, Jan’y. 17.

There are unpleasant rumors still afloat, but notwithstanding this the people of this city are having a gay time. Nothing is spoken of in some quarters but the Bazaar. To

[Page 30]
my mind it is strange that it should be so. Indeed, there is an inconsistency between it and the times.

Wednesday, Jany. 18.

Went to prayer meeting this evening - found but few out.

Thursday, Jan’y. 19. The Confederate authorities in charge of prisoners at this place, received an intimation to day that there would be an attempt made to escape, and, in order to be fully prepared to meet it we were requested to send our corps to assist the guard. Accordingly, Capt T- sent both companies under my command. We do duty all night. I become weary from fatigue and loss of sleep. No disturbance occurs.

Friday, Jany. 20.

Felt drowsy all day - at night go to guard prisoners again - sleep on the floor of a

[Page 31]
house with my overcoat & blanket over me - a hard bed indeed, but a better one than soldiers in the field have. It rains incessantly during the night.

Saturday, Jan’y 21.

Expect to appreciate my comfortable bed to night, as I have slept but little during the past two nights.

Sunday, Jan’y 22.

Went to church as usual, but was so drowsy that I could not pay attention to the sermon.

Monday, Jan’y 23.

Discharged my usual duties

Tuesday, Jan’y. 24.

Just as yesterday.

Wednesday, Jan’y 25

I know not what to record to day.

Thursday, Jany. 26.

The situation of affairs in the direction of Savannah is threatening. I fear that

[Page 32]
my Father’s place will be overrun.

Friday, Jan’y 27.

I have nothing of a cheering character to record.

Saturday, Jany. 28.

Bro. G. & Sister L. arrived to day. They desire & are trying to get out of the way of the enemy.

Sunday, Jany. 29.

Discharged my usual Sabbath duties. It is stated that commissioners have been appointed to negotiate with the Federal authorities to negotiate in regard to peace. - I hope some good may result from it, but fear that it will not.

Monday, Jan’y. 30.

All is going on as usual.

Tuesday, Jan’y. 31.

Quietly discharged my duties.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

One of my colleagues & I went to church

[Page 33]
thinking to attend prayer meeting, but found the door closed. No one else was there - suppose the unfavorable weather prevented.

Thursday, Feb. 2.

I am informed that skirmishing is going on at a point just 17 miles from Father’s place, feel depressed for I fear that our forces are too weak.

Friday, Feb. 3.

Sister C. & her little boy, & cousin Emma arrived this evening - flying before the enemy. Father & Mother are going to stay at home, a fact which makes me feel sad, though I believe that in their case it is best to do so.

Saturday, Feb. 4.

The news is unfavorable - our forces have been flanked & beaten and are retreating. I am exceedingly anxious about home - but what can I do. I would go home, but cannot get there,

[Page 34]
besides we have been notified again to day to be in readiness to move at a moment’s warning - suppose we will go in one or two days.

Sunday, Feb. 5.

Spent the day in the usual way, except that I spent an hour teaching in the colored Sunday school - it was a pleasant and satisfactory one & I hope a profitable one to those who attended.

Monday, Feb. 6.

Our peace commissioners have returned, without accomplishing anything in the way of settling our difficulties. I cannot say that I am disappointed. - I am a little encouraged nevertheless by the intelligence, which I believe to be official, that the Catholic powers of France, Austria & Spain have secretly leagued to recognize on or about the 4th of March next. There are other rumors, unfavorable, but I do not believe them.

[Page 35]
On the whole, however, the day has been one of peculiar trial to me.

Tuesday, Feb. 7.

There appears to be no news to day, because, no doubt, it is suppressed. This fact, is of itself, an indication that the situation is unfavorable. - My wife is packing up to leave in the event the enemy comes this way. - What I am to do with all that are under my care, I know not.

Wednesday, Feb. 8.

I am greatly troubled to know what to do with my brother & sisters. My wife & children will go to her father’s in the event it becomes proper for them to leave here, but where to send my brother & sisters I cannot tell. They have but little to go upon, and when this place is attacked they will have to do without my attention & advice. Hope that Providence will open a way for them and for all that are dear to me.

[Page 36]
Thursday, Feb. 9.

My anxieties have been very great to day. - I have been moving my furniture and preparing in other respects for my family to move. Where to go for safety I know not.

Friday, Feb. 10.

Have been moving furniture to day, distributing it among my friends to keep for me until this emergency is past. I deem this a matter of precaution, as this being a public building will be likely to be destroyed in the event the event the city should fall. - I am sick to night.

Saturday, Feb. 11.

Have been busy preparing to remove my family. - I find it one of the greatest trials that I have ever encountered, to take my wife and in-

[Page 37]
nocent little children out in the night, on a long journey, and that in a wagon without a cover. I fear it will make them sick but it is the only way I can get to move them. I tried, but in vain, to get a carriage for them. - I have committed them all into the hands of God, humbly trusting that He will sustain us all in this hour of trial. This is all I can do. I know that He will do right, however, mortals may err.

[Page 38]
Dec. 25th 1865.

It is a matter of regret to me, that so long a time has elapsed since I made an entry in my journal. On the morning of the 12th of Feb. last, I started from home at about half past one o’clock, with my family, on the way to Alston Depot, there to place them on the cars for Greenville.- Since that time my life has been one of trial and of change, enlivened, it is true, by some joys and hopes, but depressed by many sorrows and disappointments. Taking all together, however, I have no right to complain; I have only shared the evils that have befallen so many of my kindred and countrymen. What little personal property I had, save the greater part of my household & kitchen furniture, has all been swept away, and I have been compelled to board my family at one place, while I have taught in another to make a subsistence for them. Thus far, I am

[Page 39]
happy to say, we have not suffered for food or raiment and I hope, through the mercies of a beneficent Providence, that we shall not in future. - But I will give a condensed outline of my history from the 12th of Feb. last, up to date.

As I have stated already, I took my family away from Columbia on the 12th returned on the 13th; was closely engaged in the discharge of duties devolved upon me, during the excitement that prevailed on the 14th & 15th; ordered out to meet the enemy on the evening of the 15th; under the fire of the enemy’s sharp-shooters and also under their shells on the 16th; and on the morning of the 17th about 2 A.M. we took up the line of march from Columbia. We proceeded to White-Oak, S.C.; then flanked to the right - passed crossed the Catawba, at Perry’s ferry, - passed by way of Liberty-Hill to Lancaster C.H. where Gen. Garlington disbanded the Militia and left the corps of cadets in

[Written on side of page 39]
*Columbia was bombarded without any notification by which the women & children might have been taken care of.

[Page 40]
charge of their own officers. Here again we flanked to the right, and proceeded to Mt. Croghan S.C. where we stopped for a day to rest and await the movements of the enemy. Hearing that we were but 12 miles in advance, took up the line of march for Wadesboro, N.C. and proceeded across the country thence to the R.R. fourteen miles above Charlotte, and thence to Charlotte, where we rested a day & a half. From this point we took the cars to Chester, S.C., thence we marched across to Unionville, where we again took the cars for Spartanburg, at which place we arrived on the night of the 8th of March, just three weeks after we were ordered from our barracks to meet the enemy. At this point, we were furloughed for 15 days. On the 10th, I arrived at Greenville, where I was glad to meet my family all in good health. - Left G- for Columbia on the 12th arrived there on the 13th to behold the ruins of that once beautiful city. It may

[Page 41]
have been unmanly, yet I confess that I was melted into tears at the sight. I will not attempt to describe it here. - My sisters had started home just the day before I arrived. My father, I learned, had lost nearly everything and I determined, at once, to go down and see him. I accordingly, started - walked about 30 miles, procured a horse, rode down - remained a day and a half - was glad to find his house still standing (for many, very many, had houses and fences all burned) - returned to Greenville, stopped two or three days, then proceeded to Spartanburg where I bought a horse for father and forthwith had my obtained a furlough for the purpose of conveying him to him. Left Spartanburg the last day of March, went to father’s, - remained half a day, and returned to Greenville on the 10th of April. During my absence, the corps had been ordered to Greenville. They were now stationed about 2 miles from the C.H., at which place we proceeded to establish them in log huts. But our stay here was short.

[Page 42]
The approach of Stoneman’s Raiders, on the 1st of May, made it necessary for us to retire. We proceeded, first to ninety-six and afterwards to Newberry where, on the 9th of May, we were by order of Gov. Magrath, furloughed for sixty days, at the expiration of which time, we were to assemble at a point thereafter to have been designated for academic purposes. - I returned to Greenville on the 11th of May, having been in service, or rather “in camps” for nearly three months. It is a fact worthy of remark, that, notwithstanding I had made some long marches and been much exposed to the weather, I was heavier, by seven lbs., than when I left home in Feb. This was all the more gratifying to me, as Gov. M- had predicted, the day before I left home, that “48 hours exposure would make me an ill man.” - During our retreat, we expected more than once, to have an encounter with the

[Page 43]
enemy but fortunately they overtook us but once and then they did us no harm, although they had us, at quite a disadvantage. - We were on our way from Greenville, on the 1st of May, under the impression that we were pursued by about 2000 cavalry, (we had about 120 muskets) and had stopped to get water, and rest beneath a pretty shade in the land, about a hundred yards from the forest. As none of the command had slept the night before, and all were becoming weary, having marched about 14 miles that morning, they lay down and soon nearly all were asleep. At this juncture the enemy came upon us unobserved, shouted and fired upon us. Some confusion ensued, but the fire was returned, killing two of the enemy and wounding a third. We received no injury.

After returning to Greenville, in May, I did nothing for about five weeks. There seemed to be nothing to do. Every one was depressed at the result of the war, all were without money, and

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there seemed to be but little enterprise or energy left. Fortunately for me, I heard of an opening for a school, at Cedar Falls, a wealthy section of Greenville Dist, and succeeded in securing it. I taught there four months & a half, when it became important for me to close and look after my interests in Columbia. This school enabled me to make a support for my family for the time being, and I hope now, by the aid of a loan that I have obtained from a friend, to be able to live until I can get a situation that will render me a comfortable support.

To sum it all up, I have spent the year in a most unsatisfactory manner. To say nothing about the loss of property I have sustained, or the inconvenience to which I have been subjected, I have not lived as I desire. I hope to spend the next year more pleasantly and profitably, and that when Christmas comes again, I may not be as I am now - too much depressed to enjoy its harmless amusements.

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