J. M. Foxworth Diary

A RECORD OF PASSING EVENTS

AT

CAMP LOVELL

SHIELDSBORO, BAY ST. LOUIS

MISSISSIPPI

BY;

J.M. FOXWORTH, 2ND LIEUTENANT

THE JEFF DAVIS SHARP-SHOOTERS – COMPANY D

THE 7TH RIGIMENT OF MISSISSIPPI VOLUNTEERS

COMMENCED THE 12TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1862

J,M, FOXWORTH, RECORDER

(Greek letters) KNOW THYSELF

 

 

EDITORIAL PREFACE

This jounal has not been edited in the usual sense

of the word. Every effort has been made to reproduce it

exactly as Lt. Foxworth wrote it almost one hundred years

ago. Grammatical construction, spelling and colloquialisms

are those that were in use at the time. punctuation and

paragraphing has been added for ease in reading.

Words which were difficult to distinguish (usually

proper names) or which have been inserted in context are

enclosed in brackets [ ]. In cases where words could neither

be deciphered nor read in context, blanks____ have been left.

 

Gordon B. Grimwood

 

Purcell, Virginia

26 November, 1958

 

 

Camp Lovell, February the 12th, 1862

Preface

 

I have finished one diary commenced at Centenary College in March 1861. About this time I was first awakened to a proper sense of my true condition by the preaching of the gospel, ministered by Professor [Wheat Scales], President Miller, and his brother, A.G. Miller, together with Mr. Pugh, Professor of Mathematics and the preacher for that station, Jackson, La. I was happily, after two or three weeks' praying, reading the scripture, led in a way I knew not of, to the peace, experienced in the consciousness of sins pardoned, which "passeth all knowledge" and description. Perhaps it will not be amiss to give a small account, an epitome of the circumstances that surrounded me while I was thus agonizing with God in "the gall of bitterness and the bounds of iniquity". Probably it may be beneficial to myself; it may lead me to ponder on the amazing love and goodness of my Creator, the infinite and incomprehensible condecension and humiliation that my Redeemer voluntarily endured, that his blood, poured out on human corruption, might be an atonement therefore. Indeed it may induce me to cast an eye back on my commencement in the Christian career , the many reverses, the condition the state of my soul had suffered – the doubts, the perplexities, the agonies, which have torn my heart – the many, many scenes through which I have passed, and in this reviewing I may be induced to take courage to renew the warfare against "the world, the flesh,and the Devil", to improve myself wherein I am wanting, to remedy what is amiss, to add new virtues to those which I now possess, if any, to gather knowledge which may be helpful in order to directt my conduct hereafter.

 

As I wrote in the preface to my last year's Journal, it is not with the least expectation or the most distant desire that I pen down these seeming small and insignificant words. No! Here I intend to transcribe articles from the book of Life – to insert such things as perhaps I might not be willing for anyone to peruse. I do this for my own satisfaction and improvement and not for the gratification of others.

 

But here let me revert to my promise or purpose above: to give an abstract of the event that attended my conviction and conversion to the faith which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The year before I went to college I lived by myself, overseeing a farm. Having no books and being but little interested in agricullture, I, for want of other books as well as for an indefinable curiosity,, commenced reading the Bible.  One thing I suppose which influenced this design wwas my predilection for the Methodist doctrine in which my mother lived and died.

 

I therefore noted down carefully everything that seemed to touch upon the subjects of Babtism, Predestination, and Perseverance, much disputed topics. I found passages also in my perusing which seemed contradictory with others. This I did not impute to my ignorance or shortsightedness, but used it as a pretext to unbelief in myself and for its encourage- ment in others. This terrible conviction, whether in [sincerity] or because of my extreme inclination in that direction, took firm hold of me. Though I was an infidel I dared not to make an open profession, for shame. I read the Book nearly through and laid it down.

 

At school my room-mates Jos. Ard and J.C. Carter, were both in the church. I became more desperate in my wickedness and unbelief. One night, while a protracted meeting was going on, I said to my friend Carter that I was going to do better and quit swearing, etc., which thing I had before said several times. He begun with me in this manner: "You have been saying now a long time that you were going to change, but whenever you imagine that you can create a laugh you will return to your habits of cursing and others. Now all this is for the sake of a laugh, amusing your associates. If you truly desire to do better you can put it into execution." He spoke with much warmth and earnesty, This had no effect upon me; it humbled my proud and haughty spirit, rebuked my sophicism, but left me no room to get mad, Accordingly I resolved to unite myself with the church on probation. So I did the next night. I "prayed without ceasing" for two weeks and even more, while nearly all who tried had found forgiveness of sins. Many kind friends encouraged me to persevere and never give up the struggle for eternal life. Thus I continued agonizing, all the time on bended kees. I loved God, I loved his people, I loved their ways, I was anxious to be in their midst at any occasion, I loved everybody, and I can say with truth every breath, every aspiration of my soul was a petition to the throne of grace and mercy. My good and long beloved friend Jos. Ard would say to me at times, "Job, you have religion – you are converted, if you will believe it. You must ;not expect something supernatural – startling – to take hold of you." While in fact I was looking for a light to burst in upon my soul, perfectly dazzling. I was happy, but still I thought I must wait for something to shock me, that would convince me beyond all doubt. This I never found, but finally I did find and obtain a proof of my acceptance with God equally as convincing as any other could have been.

 

Late one evening – it was after prayer in the chapel – the sun was fading away in the west. The clouds that skirted the horizon here and there were tinged with a beautiful red which deepeded in the sky. Subline, beautifully subline, was the sight. _______ emotions sprung up in my breast that told me of Immortality, Death, Eternal Life.

 

I went as was my habit to an old pine log, very much decayed, in a grove of swmall pines and knelt as I often before had done. There I gave up everything, resigned all, just forgot my little self – thought only of God and Jesus. I poured out myy most ardent5 soul in supplications, deep, earnest supplicatioons to the throne of saving grace.

 

I prayed long. The sun had hid behind the western hills. The sky had assumed a blue, deep blue color. All was still. How grand and imposing fthe scene. I rose slowly from my bending position, and did my prayer cease? No! If possible I prayed the more earnest. It seemed that God had hidden himself fron me – that the Heavens were brazen – ;my petition could not pierce the vale. Oh, what a weight of gried, dullness, and I know not what hung over my soul! But I had not proceeded far on my way to my room when I thought of what my best friend Joe had told me. Thought I, can I believe that my sins are washed away? "I can, I will, I do believe."

 

I began to praise God, to thank him for what he had already done for my poor heart. For indeed I has ample acause to thank him. All at once – in an instant, a light came in upon me. "Blessed be the name of God!" cried I, "Bless Him, oh, my soul and all that is within me." My tongue was turned to praise, nor did I cease praising – indeed, I could not. I was bound to speak praises – every- thing seemed lovely – a lovelier aspect spread over all nature.

 

I entered my room, where I found [Hindus] Drake, son of doctor B. M. Drake, the beloved old Methodist preacher who has since gone to his fathers. I told him what a sweet, ineffable peace I had found. He shouted with me – our tears of joy flowed in one stream.

 

We had been intimately attached to each other. He had manifested a deep interest in the salvation of my soul. Often had we prayed together, when he would try to tell me how to believe – how to feel.

 

In this happy state I continued for months. A class and prayer meeting was held in one of the society halls which I never attending on any occasion. When this unhappy and untimely war broke out between the north and south, I left my books, my schoolmates, and hastened home. The dayt after I arrived I joined a company – the Jeff Davis Sharp-Shooters, commanded by H. Mayson, now Lieut-Col. of the 7th Miss. Regiment of volunteers.

 

At home my pursuits, my society was of a very different nature to what they were at school. No religious associations were found among them. Drinking, swearing, and dancing were the chief – in fact I may say the only – employment of the young men and girls. Religion was considered a thing altogether too grave or mysterious for young people to meddle with. Old folks know but little about it, either theoretically or practically.

 

I soon began to do as I saw the others doing. My profession of faith was forgotten – thrown away, at least for the time. I engaged in all the debasing practices of the day, drank, cursed and danced with the formost – much to the surprised but seeming satisfaction of all. For they had heard that I was a preacher. Indeed, many inquired of me if I was not a parson. They said it was generally believed so.

 

Thus went my religion and with it my peace, satisfaction, and contentment – with it escaped all my happiness, all my hopes fled with it.

 

Since I have been in camp I have been trying to improve. Myself, with Washington Webb and Thomas Holmes, formed a prayer-meeting which meets everyt favorable night. Henry Scarborough, a religious boy, attends but does not take a part. Since its origin several have become mor4e serious in their habits. I hope it has not been fruitless. I trust that we ourselves have been profited thereby.

 

Thos. Holmes has been for a long time a member of the Baptist church and is a very good fellow. He endeavors to do right, but he seldom has much to do in reading the Bible or prayer. I think he is inclined to depend rather too much on works of righteousness in place of faith. I have no doubt he is a Christian at heart, but he would do little work towards assisting anyone else to find the waters of eternal life. W> Webb has started in the race since he came here. H. Scarborough belongs to the Methodist connection and before he enlisted was a boy noted for his scrupulous and quakerlike morality. Now his good morals are corrupted to some extent by evil communications.

 

Since I began my Diary for eighteen hundred and sixty one, many important and serious events have transpired. My brother George has been carried to that bourne from whence no traveller has ever yet returned. He died in Richmond, Virginia. He went in August with my brother Franklin and Arthur Watts and Saml. Welch to the twelfth Miss. Reg., commanded by Col. Posy. He and they first belonged to this companyy but became dissatisfied with it. He died far away from home, no kindred, no friend near to soothe his parched brow, or hear his last precious words. His remains were brought home to be interred near my father's and Mother's.

 

Franklin did not remain long but returned sick, leaving George there. Since he came back he has been in very bad health, and I hear now that he has married, though he nor John gave me no information of it. All I know is from what others say.

 

Many other changes have been wrought byy the finger of remorseless Time among my relatives and friends. Alas! Many of my school-mates are4 reposing now in their silent and unhonored tombs. Some fell while bravely fighting for their "God and their rights"; some fell [cruel death!] by the touch of sickness or some horrid disease. Thank Heaven I have reason to believe that they are in the mansions of the blessed, where the storms of this life can never reach and harm them. Oh! I thank God that there is a haven of rest, where I hope to meet my kindred and the beloved companions of my youthful days.

 

Here I am led in the train of Ossian's beautiful reflection on Life. "Whence is the stream of years? Whither do they roll along? Where have they hid in mist their many- colored sides? I look unto the timess of old, but they seem dim to Ossian's eyes. Here rise the red beams of war! There silent dwells a feeble race! They mark no years with their deeds as slow they pass along. Dwell between the shields! thou that awakens the failing soul! descend from thy wall, harp of_______with thy voices three! Come with that which kindles the past: rear the forms of old, oon their own dark- brown years!"

 

Here I rest. "What is written is written, would "twere better." I write it for my own benefit. [Greek letters – Ed.] "Know thyself" is a Grecian adage and my opinion is that it is a good one for anybody. By penning down my ideas, notions every circumstances or occurrence that ;my transpire, whether they be small or large if I look at them rightly I shall reap the profit. "Whoso despiseth little things shall fall by little and little." "Despise not the day of small things."

 

 J. M. Foxworth, Recorder

 Camp Lovell, Febr'y the 12th 1862

 Bay St. Louis, Hancock Co., Miss

Shieldsboro

Festiva Lente

 

 

Camp Lovell, Wednesday the 12th February 1862 date of writing. Journal from the first to the twelfth of Febr'y inclusive, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.

 

The first thing worth narrating that occurs to my mind is a lecture the Col. gave the officers one evening after dress parade. He began by saying that a general order was given for all to remember5, but the commanders of some of the companies either had forgotten or disrespected nearly every one he had made. It was ordered that all appear Mondays and Thursdays in their uniforms. The first Monday that came after this, nearly one half were without their uniforms. One captain excused himself by saying he forgot the order. The Col. went on to say in his particularly sarcastic mode, that he considered that a very good apology for the man, but that he could find none for the forgetfulness. Forgetfulness was never intentional. But if they had been ordered to have their companies at _______on a certain day and failed to comply, it would assume a very bad aspect. Forgetfulness in that case, and in fact in any general order, would be inexcusable to any man.

 

On the morning of the 2nd a laughable incident occured in our street. An old whiite rooster had been in the habit of lodging in E. Applewhite's tent, much to the discomfiture of all the inmates. Fojr several mornings they bore it with sublime forbearance, but when this ceased to be a virtue the redoubtable Elisha swore vengeance and declarted that if he were bothered the next morning he should enforce a penalty upon the offending cock which his owner would appreciate. Sure enough, the following morning about the time these animals, from instinct or observation, announce the hour of the [dawn], this old fellow, with great annoyance to Elisha, set up an obstreperous crowing. Elisha, not relishing the time keeper, arose and buckled on his armor – gathered a lightwood knot and precipitated the old fellow from his sublime perch. After running him around a short while he at last dealt a fatal blow. For Elisha was not to be outdone. The rooster fell, and great was the fall thereof. There seemed to be no one to mourn his death – no owner could be discovered. However, Elisha was not zealous to find an owner, nor indeed was I. It was thought that the deceased would [go] to our mess, but at length Calvin Stuart came up and laid legal claim to the exclusive right of the corpse. Here ended my appetite for breakfast, as I lost such a pie for dinner.

 

Last week the lit6tle reptiles known as mosquitoes became very voracious in strife with us. I fought them manfully for one night with my smoke artillery, but this had no effect. The next day I purchased me a bar of limitation for them. And that night, with much skill and trouble, we limited their host to about twelve large ones, who fattened so much during the night that they were easy preys the next morning.

 

These insects, or rather mosquitoes, were no jocular circumstances, but sad, awful, dread realities of the clime. I think this must be the native land of Mosquitoes. Here they grow and flourish to a tremendous quantity and surprising stature. They certainly are indigenous to this county. Their biters, or proboscices, are something worse then yellow jackets and something of the same length with an elephant's. If any one had been here and suffered them for one night in their unrestrained fury and energy, he would not dare think this an exaggerated account of their size, etc. In all my life I have never seen or felt anything to equal them. Wherever they insert their bills great swollen places are left to mark the places where they have been and ravages they have committed. Perhaps some of us may carry to our homes with us ;marks of the wounds we received in our battles with these terrible flies. Had not the cold weather unusually come to our assistance, we must have been routed by all means. We have not for four or five days extremely severe cold – ice and frost. This drove the insects back into swamps and marshes, their impregnable fortss. With the warm weather they will return. It is very doubtful in my mind whether we could stand the mosquitoes as well as we might the Yankees. I for my life am not able to see how those who stand in low places on picket guard endure it. They are not permitted to have any fire whatever. I have never tried it here, but I sympathize with them who so stand.

 

We are having very bad news now from Virginia and Kentucky. It is rumored that the Yankees have taken Columbus. I hope this is not truthful, but still if it came through the telegraph I fear greatly it is reliable. For we seldom ever hear any bad news but what it is correct, especially if telegraphic. if telegraphic. If it be true it is heart-rending news indeed. We can not expect to win every battle. We must sometimes suffer reverses, and that too, sadly, heavy ones. Still I apprehend that this will be a terrible blow to our interest – it will prolong the war and cause many a southern here to pour out his patriot6ic blood like water in the defense of his principles and government.

 

A day or two ago we heart of Fort Henry's being captured and them of the capture of Roanoke Island, and our having three thousand men taken prisoners. These reports were confirmed. Only about two weeks since occured the battle at Fishing Creek – so frought in its fatal result with ruin to us. All of these defeats summed up w3ill add not a little to the courage and fanatical enthusiasm and misguided zeal of our enemies. This they have stood in need of a long while, and now they possess it, they will glut themselves in pride.

 

It seems to my mind, though I acknowledge that from this distance and my limited skill I am a very incompetent judge, that our defeat at Roanoke Island was caused by our not being prepared, as it was in the case of the ____Royal forts. We have been fearfully underrating the strength and number of our foe. We have not calculated the power and immense resources of the old government to which we once belo9nged. Though the trunk is full of corruption in its heart, still there is strength enough in the trunk remaining to hold it up for a long time. Its branches are green and flourishing. The tree often stands an age after vitality has fled and resists the shocks of storm and floods. Though the noble fabric elements upon which the old Union fabric was weaved are mouldering away, there is still strength in the rotten frame to hold itself up for some time. In fact, it may be reasonably asked, is not the old government in a good condition to carry on a long aggressive war? Is she not able to cope with us for a great period? By a judicious policy, a frugal and economical use of means, by a skillful and political choice of measures, they can provoke us a long, long time. Leaving out of the question our advantage in acting on the defensive and the recititude of our cause, they are more than equal – double us in every consideration. And even as it is the scales of Fortune will long quiver in their final poise if our enemy pursues the wisest plan of conducting their warfare.

 

Before our company started out many, in fact it could be said all, were boasting that one Southern man could cope with ten Yankees. It was thought that "peace would be conquered" long ere this time, that we would now be4 at home following our previous avocations. This belief is now, of course, out of date. Some believe that before our term of service expires the war will end. My opinion has been , and it is still a settled conviction in my mind, that we can only hope for peace by absolutely overcoming them in battle or exhausting their finances – that one Yankee was fully6 a match for a Southerner. If the people of the North continue or become unanimous in principle and policy, we need not expect a speedy cessation of hostilities.

 

Some confidently believe that the European powers will intervgene and bring about a compromise to break the blockade. We look in the wrong direcftion for assistance. Our hopes must center in ourselves. We can and we will inevitable succeed in the last. They who fight with "God and their rights" inscribed on their banner will achieve Liberty.

 

Another rumor is rife that Beaurregard is taken prisoner. This I conjecture to be nothing more than camp news.

 

Since penning the above I have learned that no such news as that Columbus was taken was telegraphed. Sometimes I think it stranbge how so much news can be started and disseminated. The other day I heard a person in town say that Major Carter and Adjutant Herrington both infoirmed him that we were, or certainly would be, ordered to Ky. The same was all over camp. When investigated it proved to be all stuff.

 

I have noticed a plum growing on what seems to bhe an evergreen tree in town. I procured some of them to try. They proved very good, much better than our plums at home. They seem to have a good deal of sugar in them. Their skin is different from any I have ever before seen, thicker and more compact. Their seed is without hull and tastes very much like the inner bark of a peachtree, and smells similarly. I inquired the name. Some one told me they were called Jamaica plums. I have saved some of the seed and intend to send them home to be put in the ground for an experiment. I am led to believe that with a little protection they would bear fruit in our climate. However, I will try the project myself, though if they could grow there it is remarkably strange, it was never proved by anyone until now.

 

There was quite an excitement in Marion street this morning on account of an election for second lieutenant which Dampiers resigned. Jesse Rankin and Wm. King were the candidates. Jesse bore away the palm by quite a handsome majority.

 

Ii is becoming very dark and not thinking of anything else at present I will close my journal for today.

 

 J.K. Foxworth, Recorder

P.S. Since closing, something else occurs to my memory. The night before last, I was captain of the guard, Liert. Cato lieut. of the guard. About 11 o'clock A.M. a schooner boat, supposed to be one of the launches in our service, fired three guns or shots at a fishing schooner making sail for the mouth of the Jordan River. This brought her to. The sentinels posted at Cedar Point near the scene could make no further report of what occured – could not tell which way either boat went.

 

Captain Fairly with some of our own men were sent out to overhaul a schooner in the bay. She would not come to but put said in an opposite direction. One of Fairly's men, Rutledge, fired at the boat. The shot took effect, making a hole in its hull and wounding two of the crew in the leg, one seriously. They were taken to the hospital and lodged there to be attended to. They proved to be Spaniards who could speak lilttle or no English at all, and therefore could give little explanation of the incident.

 

Captain Fairly, with a detail of ten men, ammunition amounting to ten roumds apiece, provi8sions for ten days, were sent out a few days ago on a scouting party. They came across a man in a skiffr. Thinking to have a little sport they hailed him, whereupon he, supposing them to be Yankees, paddled for his life until he ran his boat on marshy ground,m where he jumped aboard, leaving his children, and ran like a quarter horse, what added greatly to his fright, one of the scouts fired a gun. He fled precipitously6 through mud and water to his neighborhood and reported the party as being enemies. But he was convinced to the contrary. The captain took charge of his boatt. The next day he ventured back to obtain itt. Upon being asked if he was the owner of the boat he dinied it, saying that it was his brother who was in such a panic. When news of this was received it created not a little laughter among the "Punch and Judy's" crew.

 

The rumor that Beauregard was taken prisoner between Columbus aqnd Bowling Greed, Ky., originated in New Orleans instead of in our camp as I concluded when I first heard it. Madame Rumor is busy there too and finds many followers and flatterers in her peringrations. The Tru Delta is very wrathy with her and thinks that the man who started the tale should be bound to a telegraph pole, or nailed by the ear, until it rained dispatches from everycloud. Such apparently harmless rumors may under certain circumstances create great harm and injury to our cause. People will place some reliance in every thing they hear without investigation. Such apparently harmless rumors may under certain circumstances create great harm an d injury to our cause. People will place some reliance in every thing they hear without investigation. Such is their blind credulity in all wordy occurrences.

 

Febr'y the 12th 1862

Camp Lovell, Bay St. Louis

 

 

Camp Lovell, Febr'y the 13th, 1862. Thursday.

 

 The first thing that greeted my ears after I arose this mornhing from slumber and pleasant dreams of happier times, was that a sealed dispatch had arrived for Col Goode – that no one else could open it. This I very promptly discredited, alleging my reason that if it were on official busine4ss Mayson would have a right to open it, as he is now colonel of the regiment for the time being. The man in such business was nbot contemplated, but the officer. Goode is now absent, and Mayson therefore would act in his stead. Therefore I concluded that there was no foundation in the report.

 

But about ten o'clock I started down in town with Mayson. Lt. McDowell came up and told Col. (Mayson) that the operator had telegraphed to New Orleans to be informed if he could in Good's absence read the dispatches. When we reached town the operator told him the same thing, and said that he was expecting an answer every moment. However, the answer did not come while we remained there, but was to be sent up whenever it arrived.

 

We walked into the quartermaster's store and a conversation sprung up. Rumble said about eleven days hence the Yankees would attack Fort Pike. Mayson answered on the twelfth take it. Rumble said he believed that they would do so. Mayson said he had never seen it, but could not believe that they would ever succeed in storming it.

 

Lieut. Rainey from the gunboat Oregon was in camp this morning. Mayson says of him that he is a perfect military man – he knew him in Jackson, Miss. At one time he was captain and Rainey was first lieutenant of a company of boys. Governor Brown procured an appointment for each of them in the naval school at Annapolis, Maryland, which he never accepted as his mother was not willing on account of her extreme horror of water. Rainey went and graduated. An engagement with the Yankee boats about Ship Island is expected today. The Oregon is going over to Miss. City with provision and the Pamlice attends her.

 

I have this morning read several of Ossian's poems. The more I read the more I admire him. That tender melancoly which pervades all his pieces is exactly what I like. At times he seems abruptly concise, but generally his brevity adds sublimity, grandeur and force, and dignity to his style and sentiments. He strikes boldly at one or two leading points in his narration and does not crowd the mind of the reader with a number of smaller and more insignificant objects. Here is the key of his astonishing sublimity.

 

Mayson tells me that I ought to read Hume's history of England and at the same time Shakespeare's historical pieces, commencing at King John the third. This, he says, will give me a better ide4a of their lives and the history of the times than I could gather by reading several works directly on the subject. This I think a good suggestion. For he himself, I observe, is a good historian. Shakespeare no doubt overemphasizes the chief objects in such a manner as to impress them stronger upon the memory.

 

I sent by Nelson Forbes my plum seed to Alexander with instructions to plant them the first of March in his yard. Elisha gave him some of the plums to give them as samples, to see whether they liked them . I am afraid they will all become spoiled before they reach their destination.

 

Tomorrow, the 14th of February, is St. Valentine's day, the day sacred to women – to Cupid and his equally blind followers. Some are preparing gereat bundles to send to the girl they have long since loved and perhaps won. Some are not so fortunate. I surmise they do as I did when I was first smitten by the rapturous bearties of a country damsel – write valentines and sign my name to them, or at least insert something that would tell beyond dispute who wrote them, for fear I would not reap the benefit of the effect, if any were produced.

 

How idle! How frivolous! How absurd! How very foolish! How shameful it is for young men and ladies, who are old enough to have gathered some sense, if they were born void of any, to engage in such delusive practices – to squander away their little money and their precious moments in preparing such things. I have done such things. I have wandered in the thick and troublesome maze of "puppy love" as far as any one. But all these days – the halcyon days of foolery – are over – past – gone – gone forever! 'Tis gone. But they have left something behind to tell of what they were and how they went. Thus "Remembrance wakes with all its busy train; Swells at my breast and renews the past to pain."

 

The regret and shame I have experienced in reviving these foolish fancies, Jack o'lanterns, are too poignant, too bitter, not to produce a lasting impression in my mind – one that perhaps will be of incalculable benefit to me in coming days. besides the solid, intrinsic advantages I have lost by not improving my time "then", the shame I feel every time I reflect is full enough to deter me from ever engaging in the same – is a lesson perfectly enough learned to enable me to act and live more wisely henceforth.

 

Sometimes I have thought that I would wire an account, a full detail of my first love affair. The most important particulars are still vivid in my recollection. It contains something of the humorous and also of the sickly, wheedling romantic so general now a days. Whenever I have leizure I promise myself to write it all out, and maybe give it to some young man of my intimate acquaintance. But enough of this for the present. I leave off writing now until battalion drill is over.

 

Col. Mayson drilled the battalion about an hour and a half, practicing them to march in line of battle the greater part of the time. They could execute this very well – have improved much. I deem this a good way to learn them to keep the correct position of a soldier, shoulders square to the front, eyes directed forward and head straight with the body, hands close by the side without swinging. Mayson is certainly a better drill master than either Goode or Carter. He understands how to learn men. The greatest, most serious objection I find against him is his low voice in giving commands. One can scarely hear him ten steps off, much less amid the noise created by the almost incessant talking and laughing in ranks, and the noise of the drums. On this account some maneuvers were very badly executed. I suppose his voice is amply strong if he would only train it by constant practice.

 

Captain Rankin then assumed the command. His manner of delivering commands excited a laugh throughout the battalion.He always speaks very short and abrupt in common conversation. This is much more apparent in his commanding.

 

Captain Rankin then assumed the command. His manner of delivering commands excited a laugh throughout the battalion. He always speaks very short and abrupt in common conversation. This is much more apparent in his commanding.

 

Mayson seems, and in my estimation he really is, right smart of a military man. I do not think any other professio would come so near suiting him. He fancies this and takes a great interest in studying the tactics. Besides his love for Shakespeare and the Holy Scriptures, I think this is his whole study.

 

All yesterday and today my mind has been occupied in deliberating upon the present existing stage of the war. Much more than has been usual with me I have meditated upon the late engagements in which our troops suffered defeat. The more I think of it, the more am I inclined to impute the blame to our underestimation of the strength of our enemy, and our over estimation of our own abilities. We rely too much upon the individual bravery and patriotism of our soldiers, without paying the proper attention to other circumstantial advantages. Our foes are determined, as well as we, to succeed. I acknowledge that the "battle is not always to the strong nor the race to the swift", but to the brave and persevering. And this being admitted I contend that prudence is far the better part of valor.

 

In consequence of my meditation upon these unhappy events, I am led to think more seriously of rendering my country all the service I can, thought poor it be, in the most available manner, I reason thus: Suppose that a legion of the troops, whose times of service have nearly expired, in [possession of] some important ground, should grow weary and refuse to reenlist, which is not by any means impossibly, nor in fact improbably, and go home. What would be the result? Why, in every rational man would concur that great, incalculable damage might be done to the cause. Well, I say it is not an impossible, no, not improbably case. Men sometimes act by the impulse of their animal feelings, on the spur of the moment, and not by the dictates of sound reason nad discretion. This is often the case – men become wearied and sickened with the toils and privations invariably incident to a camp life and without stopping to reason conclude to go home and rest for a season at the expiration of their time of service, not thinking, or not heeding, of what injury they may affect by such a procedure. This I think is truthful. If not, I am not wise enough to detect its erroneousness.

 

This being true, every man is an advocate of anything, any measure, that wi8ll, by any manner however remote, promote the interest and welfare of our common country, cause, and liberty. Of course, then, we all will readily embrace any plan that can be safely devised to prevent such an event as we supposed above. It has been suggested by our Congress that by enlisting for three years or for the entire term of the war, such an occurence might be avoided. For some time this was merely a proposition, but finally I believe something more definite and decisive has been enacted. No more troops for twelve months will be received – only such as are mustered in for three years or for the war will be received – only such as are mustered in for three years or for the war will be accepted, unless in cased of urgent, absolute necessity. But here one will say, "I never intend to quit fighting, but I want to be at liberty." Well, you might just as well say you did not want to be bound under the civil laws of your land for an indefinite period of time.

 

As for me, I am as much averse to a military life as the most violent, but I love my country and its government, and therefore I will do any thing that will advance its interest and safety. If need be I will go for the war – more readily than I did at first for twelve months. It pains me to hear in our regiment, "the seventh Miss. regiment", more, in our country, the "Jeff Davis Sharp-Shooters", who declare they will not even volunteer again for one year. Some are sincere and some are saying it for fun or driven by the impulse of nature. A man who is not willing to enlist for any length of time to serve the country has a soul small enough to rest on the head of a pin. However, I believe that the body of this regiment would enlist for the war.

 

It vexes me to hear any man stand up and say that because he has to obey his officers implicitly as a slave, he will not enlist again. I absolutely want words to express my abomination of such a man.

 

Twelve or thirteen Yankee vessels of war were plainly visible to the eye this morning. I heard two cannons fire about eleven o'clock, but never observed any more firing. I suppose, though, our gunboats came in contact with these vessels as was contemplated when they left this place. As is usually the case I do not suppose any remarkable damage was done to either party. It is just a good chance for some of the officers to give themselves, or one another, a puff and blow in the papers. No doubt it will be mentioned in the New Orleans papers soon as what they generally term another brilliant engagement in the sound. A great many of the glorious achievements flaunted abroad are only the creations of some swellhead's hallucinated cranium.

 

I noticed in "The Mississippian" a proclamation of governor Pettus, calling for ten thousand troops to serve for two years, declaring that they must be raised either by "volunteering" or "drafting". This I expect is very unpleasant to the citizens of Miss. – to some because they scorn proscription, the bare mention of drafting, to others because they do not want to fight. There are some, a few, who, though they wish the cause well, are too cowardly to lend a hand, God save such people: I am sorry that any mention of drafting was made in the proclamation. Why it was I can not see. Every call has been promptly met by the people, and we anticipate no failure at all in raising as many men in Miss. as are able to crawl, to fill the bill.

 

Camp Lovell, Febr'y the 13th 1862

J.M. Foxworth, Recorder

 

Post Scriptum: – After roll call our prayer meeting commenced as usual after some foolish and quite uninteresting chat. I lead in reading the first chapter of the book of Revealation and remarking that this was written by St. John the divine, John the evangelist and not John the Babtist.

 

After these services were finished we united in a very promiscuous conversation. Thos. Holmes, a menber of the Babtist connection, alleged as his reason for liking the Methodist ways and enjoying himself better at their meetings, that they gave an appointment to preach at a certain hour and always begun at the hour in earnest and ended with feeling exhortations and singing of hymns, whereas the babtist preacher would stand in the yard talking of some worldly concern and go in and preach as quick as possible and thus end formally. This is no doubt a very good reason in this case. Another person might give another and a better reason. His reason is good enough for himself, but perhaps it is only local, or such a one as is only noticed in his neighborhood. I have many reasons of faith and doctrine why I prefer the Methodist besides other circumstantial causes that may spring up on divers occasions and places.

 

After the taps beat W. Webb and Thos Holmes entered into an endless talk. I lay down but could not sleep until they ceased.

 

 J. M. Foxworth

 

 

Camp Lovell, Febr'y the 14th, A. D., 1862 Friday

 

As I awoke this morning a dark, heavy cloud was pouring out its contents. Scarcely had the morning roll been called when the large drops came rattling from its womb. Thos. just reached the tent in good time to keep himself dry. He crawled back in bed. In the almost midnight darkness created by the shadow of the cloud I slept soundly until eight o'clock.

 

This being the day of the week alloted to washing, all are idle. Tom has gone to the shop to scour the rust from his musket. I myself had a job in burnishing and greasing my sword.

 

The pickets last night fired several times at schooner boats that never answered their hail. As for anything done, I have not yet heard.

 

The pickets last night fired several times at schooner boats that never answered their hail. As for anything done, I have not yet heard.

 

A good deal of excitement prevails in camp on account of a war cavalry company being started in the regiment. Joseph Bine, an artificer, is going around with the paper containing the agreement and list of names. Some from every company have gone into the arrangement, such as it is. A good joke is related of Bine: When he was paid and the muster roll was made up, he was called a blacksmith. This enraged him. He could not suffer to go by such a title. It must be artificier. And he persisted in this until it was granted, but not without a good laugh at his expense.

 

He is in my opinion a dandy, foppish fellow. I do not believe he has ever yet been mustered ;in for twelve months even. And now such a man must start a war company and, of course, be its captain. So let it be. "Birds of a feather flock together," the poet says. A good number have joined him. All the trash is generally swept away by the first gale thatt sweeps along the [vale]. The worst men, the least respected men in every company, are such as flock to this standard. Of course there are a few honorable "exceptions" – some who go in for office, with the leader.

 

A desire to serve the country for the whole war is very commendable, indeed very, very praiseworthy, but I think [I should] have a better aspect before I will go in to the " " as the Yankees would phrase it. Let the thing be started rightly and then I will go. Let a war company be made up in each company now in the regiment, each elect their officers, and then the regiment elect its own field officers. In this manner every man, company, and regiment could have a good opportunity to elect such as would suit. We all know our commanders and superiors – we know one another. Then could there be no excuse about not knowing who our officers are before they are chosen.

 

Leaving off reflections of this caste, I turn to what I myself havee been engaged at. What have I done? Anything useful or improving? Or have I, as the most here, been following and practicing the vain and foolish pursuits of laughing and talking unprofitable conversation?

 

For some of the time I can give a good account; for some I am guilty of squandering it away. I have read some in Ossian's poems. Still more do I admire them and become interested in their perusual. In the third book of [Fingal] there are some passages that equal, if they do not surpass, some of Shakespeare’s on the same subjects. The advice of Fingal to his grandson Oscar is unobjectionable: “O Oscar,bend the strong in arm; but spare the feeble hand. Be thou a stream of many tides against the foes of thy people; but like the gale, that moves the grass, to those who ask thine aid. So ” ” lived; such ” ” was; and such has Fingal been. My arm was the support of the infirm; the weak rested behind the lightning of my steel.” And then, after the introduction of the beautiful episode concerning [Fainasallis], the daughter of the King of Graca, whom he had taken under his protection in his youth, he begins: ; "Such have I been in my youth, O Oscar! Be thou like the age of Fingal. Never search thou for battle; nor shun it whenb it comes." What could excell this, what more moving, more grandly pathetic, and what more proper for its place: ; Shakespeare's remarkable and famous advice of the father to Hamlet, "Love all; trust a few; do wrong to none; be able for thine enemy rather in power than use; keep thy friend under thine own life's Key; be checked for silence, but never taxed for speech", may please justly for its beauty and intrinsic moral excellence, for its flowery garb, but what could be more intensely sublime than "never search for battle; nor shun it when it comes"? What a mountain weight of simple, unadorned sublimity does this short sentence contain.

 

It reminds me of the famous answer of Leonidas to the proud Persian King:: "Come and take them", and the Gercian mother's {advice] to her son [regarding his shield] [Greek letters – Ed.] "return with it or return on it". Ossian's poems are filled with such rapid, astonishing, and almost abrupt sublimities. Pope, one may say, is a fine writer. His poetry flows smoothly along like a gentle stream, delighting the beholder by its quiet and undisturbed flow. Ossians's poetry is a stream that pours in tourrents, threatening to break loose from its channels, ever and anon abounding over some steep rock and appearing to last with the foam of itss troubled waters the firmament. T^his is the best idea I can give of the character of his writings. I perfectly agree with Mr. Blair's excellent and just critical dissertation upon the poems of Ossian.

 

Well, what have I done since dinner? I conveersed on various topics with several of the Covington Rangers, but mostly on the war and its present gloomy aspect. I am bound to think our general government has not taken in consideration the urgent necessity of preparing several defenses. Louisiana and Mississippi could have combined in preparing war vessels sufficient to have held those here in our sea coast in check for a while and harrassed them seriously. As it is we have only one or two gunboats, and these were nothing more than old lake boats, worn out and sold to the government at an extravagent price. I am indeed surprised that La. has not taken this in hand.

 

With the action of our state I am not the least surprised, knowing our governor. He never does anything until the occasion for it is past and gone, then he commences all in a blaze. His calling out the sixty day troops to go to the relief of Kentucky was an unpardonable blunder, every one admits, who has noticed their movements and the objects they have accomplished, bringing heavy expense on the country and suffering severly themselves by cold and sickness. It appears that every solitary thing Pettus has done since the war broke out was a blunder – nothing in its time or season. So I look at the matter.

 

The latest telegraphic news is that the enemy has been firing on fort Donelson for two days, with repulse and heavy losses both tines. It is thought another attack will be made today with the same result. This fort is of vast importance to our interest and I trust it is better prepared than " " or Henry. If not, it would not be surprising to hear that it has shared their fate.

 

It is reported by telegraph that Bowling Green has been evacuated by our troops. This is of no reliance. For every one must know that Bowling Green is a strong, well fortified position and one that must be held. When we hear of its being abandoned by our forces we will hear of a battle equal to that of Waterloo. Such a thing has not the most remote probability.

 

J. M. Foxworth

Camp Lovell, Shieldsboro

 

 

 Mississippi after supper I sat around a fire and smoked my pipe, listening to B. M. Gardener and his mate, Benj. Cooper, tell their long yarns and jokes. After a while I expresses my opinion of such narratives to this effect: That I do not place a mite of confidence in any of them. Some may be true, but I know not when to impose credulity and therefore all we heard are received alike in my mind.

 

Benny at length tells of what an old man confessed on his dying couch. This interestred me. This man was David Tanner – a man who went through the Mexican war. While he was in the army, on one occasion he obtained leave to go with three other soldiers on a hunting excursion. They saw five Mexicans coming at a distance on ponies with lariats in their hands. It was needless to run. They met boldly. The Mexicans surrendered, laid down their lariats, and dismounted. Tanner and his companions consulted what it was best to do with them. They were not long in determining to put an end to their lives by hanging them. they placed them all on their horses and tied their ropes, fastened to their necks, to limb under an oak. There arose a question! Who should drive out their horses – who should pull away their scaffolds. None would consent. Consciense was at work and awakened in their bosoms guilty fear. At length he, Tanner, stepped forth and declared his willingness to accomplish the project, and so he did. The poor, unarmed, unoffending creatures were hurled into an unknown world to gratify thye sport off American soldiers. But alas! Conscience could not always be smothered. On his death bed he bitterly lamented this deed, this one act of his life. It could not be banished – the murdered forms of the slain would rise before his [tortured] brain. And thus, I suppose, "he" passed from this world to Eternity – with all the deep, damning crime upon his soul.

 

When roll was called I came to my tent and prepared to proceed in our prayermeeting. I asked L. S. Briant to invite a Mr. Smith, from covington county, whose son Marion belongs to our company, to attend and assist us. He came down to bring his son, who has been home sick for several months. He came very readily and sat5 silently until we had finished our services, when he commenced upon the war and the goodness, wisdom, and the justice of God; upon religion, Christ, and m,any other scriptural topics. He spoke at some length and with perfect understanding of the Bible teaching.

 

He has during his whole life been religiously inclined, but never united himself with any church on account of his fear and trembling lest in such a solemn matter he might give offense to some and prove a stumbling block to others. He spoke of his son – hoped that we would prevail upon him to change his manner of life. We promised very kindly to try. He thanked us for the promise. By our invitation he promised to meet with us again tomorrow night.

 

Never shall I forget his words, his looks. No! While I live they shall ever be green and vivid in my memory. His visit did much good for us – gave encouragement to our hearts to pray, read the scriptures, and struggle on through tribulation and suffering to a home in Heaven. It would give me much pleasure could he often be with us in our youthful undertaking, to bless us and instruct us in the way of truth and the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

 

J. M. Foxworth

Febr'y the 14th 1862

Shieldsboro, Miss.

 

 

Camp Lovell, Febr'y the 15th, 1862

 

I rose late this morning – so late that I came very near losing all of my breakfast. I am greatly in the habit of sleeping late in the day. This I know is lasiness, and speaks little in favor of any man. But as it is my privilege here and I have not much to be doing, I conclude it to be my best and especially the most preferable plan.

 

While I was going to school last year and the first of this, I slept little for some of the time, laying down at 12 and rising at 4. This was the opposite extreme and did much manifest injury to my health. Horace beautifully writes "media via tutissima est", literally rendered, the middle way is the safest. It would be well for me to adopt this mean, this safe way, between the two extremes of sleeping too much and sleeping too little.

 

Nearly all this morning has been passed in conversation too trivial, if not harmful, to be remembered. This being the regular day for march, all were anxious to know if Col. Mayson did not deem it impracticable on account of the abundance of water resting on the face of mother Earth and the coldness of the weather. But contrary to their wishes he pronounced it a very fair and favorable day to march.

 

Accordingly, at the sound of the drum, the companies repaired to the parade ground, whence he led us by the camp to the beach, out past the post office, and then down the beach until about a mile and a half below the wharf, where he formed the battalion in two ranks countermarched. We then retraced our steps to our quarters, following the same route we had gone.

 

I assisted in preparing dinner, as my cook Jenkins was off chopping wood. I and all the mess partook very " " of our frugal meal. What is a good thing, I believe, our fare is very simple, with no luxuries to overtempt our animal appetites.

 

 Through thge telegraph news has been received that, as was anticipated, fort Donelson was again attacked yesterday with the same result. The enemy was driven back when they had lost four or five hundred. Our losses were very slight – inconsiderable compared with theirs. I trust this will be the result all the while at the fort. Certainly the loss of that would be heavy upon us and encouraging to a high extent among our enimies.

 

It is now raining – very cold rain. I had not at all expected to experience such sour weather while we remained upon the coast. No ice and hardly any frost were seen until this month. Since February has come in we have had a very disagreeable time. My hands are so benumbed that I can scarely hold a pen. I have a strong notion of crawling in bed to keep myself warm, as we have no fires in our tents.

 

During the whole time I have been here I do not think I have seen a bird or anything or a wild nature, except occasionally a turkey brought in for sale by some countryman. It seems to be almost a barren land, preductive of nothing except potatoes and a few garden plants. And these will not grow unless the soil is made. How could such a country suit any person. Here the calm morning, or the serene setting of the sun, is enhanced in its beauty and attraction by no sweet melody of birds. Nothing can supply their absence to me. I could not live pleasantly without their varied songs. It may not be that in the spring and summer birds return, but I do not think this probable. Taking everything into consideration, I would not exchange Marion County for any other on earth. "This is my own, my native land." How delightful the thought.

 

I understand that Major Carter says that the Yankee fleet of Ship Island is nearer today than was seen before. Twelve and even more large vessels are reported to have been visable a day or two since. If we do not see the veritable "armada", we can see their shadows, so we can form some idea of how they are made. Possibly we may yet have an engagement here, and that too is a more severe one than we would choose. most of the soldiers say that they do not want by any means to remain here their time out and then return home without seeing a real "live Yankee".

 

President Davis will take his seat as our first president on the twenty second of this month, If we are not subdued before that time we shall see a government "de facto" in truth, independent of any other. Up to this time we have only had a provisional congress, etc. – we were only what civilians term a government "de jure". It is then very probably that we will be recognized by the European nations.

 

But whether they do or not the force of the fact is the same. It can not be denied that we are an independent people, governing ourselves in our own way, paying allegiance to none save God, our King and Ruler. This will be a turning point in the war. It will then evidently assume a new phase. We will be considered by uninterested powers as a minority struggling to rule ourselves, and not as a few rebels against our land and law. These facts are staring our enemies in the face then moving him to energetic action.

 

One or two of our men have been to town and returned very much intoxicated. The Col. had detailed three more men for police guard on account of the inadequacy of the present one to fulfill its design in preventing men from laying out of cammp and becoming drunken. These I understand are to be stationed at Manuel's store, where they procure liquors without leave.

 

Febr'y the 15th, Camp Lovell, J.M. Foxworth,

 

Recorder Concluded: After supper I went around to Col. Mayson's tent, listened at conversation of several of the Sharp-Shooters on many and diviersified topics. However it soon turned upon the war, the late battles. Edw. Rankin came up ;and said that another dispatch had arrived late this evening very cheering to us, also that the affrair at roanoke was not so bad after all.

 

I, with two or three others, procured a candle and went to examine the board of news. We found it as Ed has stated – the late dispatch was not there. We returned, dand by ;that time john pittman had just come from town. Him we asked of the good news received. He informed us that such news had come, viz: That an attack was m;ade at 7 o'clock this morning by the enemy, fifty thousand strong, under general McClelland – our forces commanded by gen. Pillow. We had driven them back at the point of bayonet – had taked all their batteries – victory decisive – loss heavy on each side. Our forces amounted to about twenty thousand.

 

I hope sincerely this is true. For I have been anxious to hear the termination of the affair. Thank God for all the success – all the victories – we have achieved. To him the praise is due, and I trust the glad time will soon come when all the people of the Southern Confederacy shall ascribe praise, honor and admiration to whom they are due.

 

Many questions were asked by many of Col. Mayson concerning the was question. John Pittman was slightly tight and introduced several subjects of old dates – one about the election in our company between myself and Thos. Webb. This was not al all pleasant to me. For by-gones should be by- gones. But still he must talk and everyone present must listen. And here he is now abusing the third regiment of Miss. volumteers.

 

The captain in one of the launches on the lake spoke very lightly of our scouting party under Lieut. Connerly, which he met at the light house. Some difficulty must have occurred to stir up malice.

 

Our regiment, the officers principally, make up a purse tto pay the operator in town for the news. Some one transcribes them anbd brings them to the camp, where they are posted up in a conspicuous place on a tree for the information of the whole regiment. This I suppose, is well worth the money expended. People will pay more to have their curiosity gratified than they would for anything useful.

 

Saturday the 15th Febr'y.

 J.M. Foxworth

 

 

Camp Lovell, Sunday, Febr'y the 16th, 1862.

 

Our prayer meeting went off last night as usual. I suggested that as it was a serious, solemn matter, we should appear more grave in our excersises – that we should take off our hats and leave off smoking until we had finished, at least. Things as these, though they seem perfectly harmless "per se" in themselves, are injurioous to ourselves and especially to outsiders, to those who, though they do not participate, attend occasionally our meetings and wish them all success. These are what St. Paul termed "stumbling blocks" to weak and unbelieving brethern. When we propose uniting in singing songs of praise and offering up petitions to God our Judge, all earth and earthly care and practices should be laid aside, at least for the time being. All agreed and Henry Scarborough, acknowledging as Pope says, that the remark "hit the nail on the head and hit him too", accordingly pulled his cap. So much for this.

 

 I came out of my bed a little sooner this morning to make ready to go out at guard mounting as captain. No new instructions were communicated; The three more police guard were sent to the grocery abouve the post office insteead of to Manuel's. I was very much gratified to find the guard tents vacant one time more. The pickets all have ammunition now, while before they only had it after dark. It was always something curious, for me to understand, why they did not need it as much in the day as in the night.

 

End part one. Diary Part Two

 

John D. Thompson, who has been to the city, came over this morning on the Oregon and brought papers of yesterday's print which confirmed the news that John Pittman brought up last night, viz: That at seven o'clock on the 15th inst. the enemy commenced their attack on Donelson and were driven back beyond their camp with heavy loss on both sides, etc., etc. This is indeed joyful news, But I am anxious to hear the finale of the affair. The above dispatch was from Memphis, 11:30 A.M.

 

Captain Haskins, whose men have been on the Oregon, about thirty in number, has this day removed them back to his own quarters. They remained on this for three months or more. Their places are to be supplied by men from this regiment, three tobe detailed from each company. Those who are going have already been detailed and are now making preparations to start. W. Webb, Wm. Jackson and w. A. Brakfield are going from our company.

 

A good deal of excitement prevailes among all the boys. They are taunting those detailed with the epithets of boat hands, deck servents, who are employed to load and unload. I know not myself for what they are going, whether to act as deck hands or to man the guns. I am inclined to think that they all will be tired of their bargain. W. A. brakfield may like the employment, as he has been on boats for long periods.

 

As I came up from town, returning from my trip around the pickets, I found two men on the road, drunken and wet with muddy water, whom the police guard were trying to bring up. One was from the ( ) and the other from the Quitman Rifles. The guards were not able to bring them. Lieut. Sessions, coming up, sent to their captains for help to bring them up. Both were beastly drunk. I pitied them in my heart.

 

Jas. Ford and G. W. Rankin of the Marion men attended me in my trip around. Coming along up the beach the trees of plums looked too enticing to withstand the temptation to pluck and eat the fruit – forbidden, I reckon. We found them too unripe to eat, still I pocketed a good quantity to save until they ripened. We inquired of an old man who had a very nice tree standing in his yard how he sold them. When he informed us that he asked a dime a dozen,we all concluded they could be procured cheaper than that. So we left, debating among ourselves whether to return tonight and help ourselves or not. I do not much like the idea of taking them by night. This would be too plain stealing for me to engage in. Here a question arises; if they steal them in my know- ledge, could I eat them without committing a crime, without implicating myself in their crime? I should eat them at any risk.

 

After finishing my dinner I went over among the Coving- ton rangers and engaged in a conversation with Lieut. J. D. Sewell on our old college reminiscenses – of how we were frightened when we were being examined on entering, how hard we thought it was to get in, and ( ) what an elevated opinion we had of college boys, and how we were consequently surprised to find such little studying among our class-mates, how badly they recited their lessons.

 

This conversation brought to my mind the recollection of many, very many pleasant, happy hours whiled away around old Centenary with my mates, to whom I was fondly, almost excessively attached. This was a delightful, I may say the most delightful part of my whole life. There I was perfectly contented. I could sit and pore over Virgil or Homer without being wearied. Often, often I have sat up 'till 1 or 2 O'clock at night, when every one else was sound asleep, without feeling wearied in the least, and rise the next morning as early as any with as much vigor to pursue my studies as the best. I never obtained a worse mark than 1.5, and this only once. The balance of my marks were all perfect. Such a talk as this was in perfect accordance with my desire and inclination. I engaged with much spirit.

 

After dress-parade I reparied to the guard tent, but I found not one of the pickets there. I gave them ten minutes to come in. Before this had expired all were present but two, John Anthony and Calcote of the Beaurregard Rifles. The sergeant called the roll and marked these, but I shall not report them as it turned out.

 

With three I set out for Cedar point. The lieut. and sergeant went with the balance to our camp on the beach. One of those with me told us that he knew a nearer way than to go up the beach. So we followed him while he led us in a much nearer way. The whole aspect of the gardens and houses on the road had so materially changed that I could hardly recognize them. When I was up there before, they were all familiar objects of loathing and disgust. Now they have a beautiful appearance – here are plum trees groaning under their burden of new and enticing produce – here were orange trees drooping with their beautiful fruit. All was attractive, lovely and entertaining to a lover of Nature. I noticed that the coast was more thickly populated than I had ever believed before. There appeared to be a good many Indians, or Indians mixed with French and 'Spaniards.

 

Scarely had I finished my supper after returning whin the rain began to pour down in torrent. In the morning it was quite cold, and even now it is not very warm. It is strange weather to me. Where I live it never rains in the winter season unless it turns very warm, and then it rains and blows off.

 

At our prayermeeting Willis Pope attedned and raised the discussion about foreodination and predestination. Afterthis was over H. Hammonds came in and talked much of the Catholics, of what he had seen and heard when he attended the church here in town. He could not see what they built their faith upon, nor did I.

 

Levis, the hotel keeper, has returned from town and sent me information by Tom Holmes that he has brought the box containing some cooking utenseils I agreed to buy from him. I suppose from what he told me that it is a very complete and convenient arrangement for the camp.

 

 Febr'y the 16th, 1862.

 J. M. Foxworth

 

Camp Lovell, Febr'y the 17th, 1862. Monday

 

Quite an amusing and laughable incident occurred with me. Tom Holmes came up from town and informed that Levis had brought the flag I ordered from the city. This perplexed me extremely. He asked what I wanted with a flag; he could not imagine what use I had for a flag that cost a hundred and seventy five ($175.00) dollars. Levis said I might have it for forty. I could not surmise how it was; probably, thought I, he may have understood me to say in a conbversation before he went over on the boat, that I wanted it, as I promised to take the utensils for cooking he spoke of. I was sorry if I had occasioned hem the unnecessary trouble and expense of bringing it over; thinking I wanted it. I asked Tom several times if he brought it for me; he answered yes each time. I was puzzled much to understand the whole arrangement, and to conclude how I should preceed. Tom at length relieved my anxiety and perplexity by informing me that he was joking.

 

I thought all the while it was one of his tales, to create a deal of fun,but he persisted all along in his first statement. I then told him that his way and habit of pre- varicating about such things was very reprehensible and might lead him to practice the same in more grave and serious affairs, and that he ought therefore to abandon it immediately "if not sooner". He only answered by a significant laugh and kept on.

 

These are what the American Chesterfield calls "white" lies, and condemns very justly and severly. Habit in most instances exercises a greater influence, not only upon women but the whole human race, than the sound and reliable dictates of reason and the teachings of reflections sober and serious. This is a greater matter- a matter of more import – than most people may imagine or conceive when they first contemplate its bearings. It is one that ought to be impressed upon every heart and mind – that if we are once inured by long practice4into anevil, though seemingly trivial habit, it will hold fast to us when we use our most strenuous exertions to rid ourselves of it.

 

I was only driven from bed this morning by the umpleasant recollection that I had to dismiss the old guard. I gave done scarecely any thing so far today (4 P. M.) except to read two or three of Ossian's poems. Since eating my dinner I have washed my neck and head and put on clean clothes for the first time in more than a week. It is almost impossible for one to keep any ways neat in camp where, when it is cold, we have to stand around fires built of pine wood that smokes worse than any other wood I know. Some of the men look as if they had not washed since they left home. In fact, I doubt whether a stranger could distinguish them from the colored race.

 

The new telegraphic reports on our board state that the fighting was still going on yesterday as long as the wires worked. It was on that day a terrific fight, heavy loss on our side, much heavier on theirs. We were dirving them slowly, inch by inch, beyond their own quarters, had taken several of their pieces and one or two batteries. The struggle for victory at this place, fort Donelson, has been going on four days.

 

Scarely had I written this when the said, astounding intelligence reached my ears that the fort was surrendered. This completely astonished me. I was for the moment transfixed to the spot wheron I stood. "Come," said Tom, "Let us go and read for ourselves." We started. But we had not proceeded ten paces when Henry Pope, returning, said to us, "It is too bad to hear." Again I stood silent and motionless.

 

I cast my eyes toward the tree on which the board is nailed. An eager crowd were struggling to read it. I went on, pressed my way through,m read it ina hasty, bungling manner and turned slowly away. I turned again and went up nearer and looked again, more carefully and collectedly. It was the same – the fort surrendered to the enemy, fifty thousand strong; General Floid, not willing to be included, left with two thousand men. It was supposed that Buckner cut his way through and escaped. It stated that the fort could not be defended with any safe hopes of its ultimate maintenance; it was therefore left, not stating whether our troops escaped or not.

 

This again left me in a most unenviable state of mind. If I reconcile myself to the fact that the fort is surrendered, am I to believe that the gallant and unwavering men, who so manfully defended it so long a time against great odds, escaped safe or fell into the hands of their malicious enemies? This dispatch, it may well be disposed, caused our joy, our rejoicing, to be turned into mourning and sorrow. Every countenance wore a downcast expression, not of despair, but of calm, sorrowful determination to fight more boldly than ever.

 

According to another report, corroborating one received a day or two since, Bowling Green has been burned and evacuated. The reason for this was that the enemy had changed his tactics, his measures, and a corresponging one was necessary on our side. This directly contrary to what I have been expecting all the while, I have thought that there would soon be a battly ther that would tell a tale for good or bad to our couse. I beli8eved the position impregnable against almost any force they could conceivably bring against it.

 

No correct idea of any movement can be formed until the movement itself is executed. The loss of fort Henry, Roanoke Island, and Donelson, with the evacuation of Bowling Green, seems to us to be very considerable success for our foe to accomplish in so short a time. It was something we were not in the least prepared to realize. Up to this time victory after victory has crowned our arms, so that we began to imagine in our pride that we never would be overcome in a single engagement. We had no doubt become too self-conscious and self-relying; we have not attributed our undisturbed success to the blessing of Almighty God, and ascribed the praise and honor to whom they were justly due. After the glorious battle of Manassas, every one was heaping honor upon some favorite general, instead of offering thanksgiving to Heavens goodness.

 

Notwithstanding our present sorrow and trouble for these things, I have no doubt they are for our good. Indeed, it may yet appear that the evacuation of Bowing Green and the surrender of fort Donelson were wise and well-planned stategioal movements, planned by beaurregard, who is now at the head of affairs in the west. Every one must remember how great disappointment was felt by all at the evacuation of Harper's ferry by Johnson with his eighteen thousand heroes, and the grumbling that pervaded the whole country. All looked for a battle. But when, in about two weeks' afterwards, the victory at Manassas was achieved by Johnson"s cooperation with Beaurregard, their grumbling was converted into rejoicing. All acknowledged that there was great wisdom in their movements.

 

As Baurregard is now in Kentucky, may it not be that his farseeing eye may be contemplating another Manassas in making all these retreats, perhaps near Columbus? I have great confidence in him, and I confidently hope that in a short time he will demonstrate the wisdom of his plans in driving the foe intirely from this state. We should not be hasty in murmuring against any proceeding before we understand it and its relations fully, nor should we be forward in fixing our condemnation upon any one of our commanders because of one movement that may seem to us unjudicious.

 

 We must also take into consideration that we ourselves are not competent judges of what is best in a military point of view. Moreever we should not by any means allow ourselves to be discouraged, but endeavor to make ourselves better prepared to meet the Lincolnites, by stretching every nerve and straining every sinew. We have many resources which only need a demand for them to be developed. We ought to be prepared for the worst, however shocking it may be. We entered into the war with great unanimity. Let this sameness of mind be in our land and we must, with God on our side, ultimately, inevitabley overcome all of our enemies, however numerous they may be. "The darkest hour of the night is just before the dawn of day." So it is with this war. These dark and gloomy pictures are but the forerunners, the harbingers of the bright noon of Peace. So may it be! The harder, the longer the fight, the more glorious, the more lasting, the more blessed the victory. We should therefore move onward to our bright goal, Freedom and Independence, with new courage and fresh vigor.

 

Lieutenant Warner stepped in a minute since and inquired if I had any poetical work I could furnish him with to read I told him I had a copy of Shakespeare's Beauties if he like that, and directed him to Col. Mayson's to look for it. He said that I, being a man who read a good deal, he thought I could loan him a book to read.

 

The drum has sounded for the call of the roll and I am nearly too much wearied to be able to write any more at present.

 

J. M. Foxworth, Recorder Camp Lovell, Febr'y the 18th, 1862. Tuesday.

 

The painful news of yesterday evening still rings in my ears, the gloom still hangs on my countenance, the deed, sincere sorrow still weighs down my heart. These defeats bear upon my mind more than any one might imagine. I was surprised at Major Carter, captain ( ), as I was out reading the news first. They were laughing and joking as merrily as if we had whipped our enemies in a great battle. When I looked at them I could hardly believe our surrende4r and explain their conduct at the same time. Still I know we should always take troubles easy. However, we should recognize by our humiliation the chastening hand of God.

 

This morning I have been sitting here listening toa great many anecdotes of bees, hornets, etc., stinging people. A good one occurred to my mind while Willis Pope alluded to the parties we had before we left home at Benjamin Lee's. At the last one Cribbs, an artist, went along with me. At supper I sat next to him, while he occupied the chair at the head of the table. We were busily engaging in discussing the peculiarities and advantages of the French and German languages, when Mrs. Lee asked the professor if he would take another cup of coffee, he answered, "No, madam," and turned toward me, talking. She then asked if he would take a glass of milk – he hastily threw up his hand and bowed his head without saying anything.

 

Ben Fortenbury at the other end of the table commenced giggling and thrust John in the side, whispering——–. This set all hands to outright laughing, Ben laughing at the joking of Cribbs, John and some others laughing at Ben, some laughing at they knew not what. Prof. Cribbs surmised that they were making sport of himself and said nothing. His feelings were touched all the night and he did not find much enjoyment in the frolic. When we returned back, the subject was introduced and explained by John to Cribbs, that Ben Fortenbury supposed his to be joking. This of course changed the brunt of the joke; the case was entirely altered. The professor assumed an air of satisfaction and laughed himself, after explaining what was meant by his throwing up his hand, laughed long and loudly himself. He said it was something worthy to be remembered, as he could tell it in after life as a good and laughable illustration of country peoples' ignorance of etiquette.

 

It is still raining and bids fair to continue a good while longer. It is not possible for us to drill any while this kind of weather prevails on account of the water all over the ground. A good many are glad of the chance to avoid drilling.

 

 I have sat nearly the whole day in my tent, talking of the war, volunteering, and drafting. I became wearied. Some in my tent discussed the chances for foreignintervention in behalf of one side or the other, the chances for England and France to "pitch in" in our behalf. They feared that England's sympathies were against us. It occurred to my mind that we weeeeeereee and have been relying too fondly on this hope for ending the war instead of arousing ourselves to a proper sense of our danger and our duty to make ourselves prepared in our own strength to meet every issue and every exigency that may occur; as the Delta says, to work out our own salvation with fear and tremblin We must not look for foreign aid. We have taken the work upon our own shoulders, and let us go through with it at any and all hazards. Conquer we will, if it takes us a hundred years. A people struggling for their "inalienable" rights, as we are, cannot be subdued finally.

 

 Duncan A. Smith has returned from home and brings us news that two companies are being made up [for] the late call of the governor for seven thousand, instead of ten thousand, troops to serve for the war. Frank and Alexander have gone into one. Jas. E. Powells has joined one. remarks that he met Powells, who inquired for a drummer and a fiddler as their company commander would soon be off, and that they intend to make up a regiment of officers, as they all desire officers and cannot afford to go without them. This is a good joke on them. I trust they will make up one, at least. Certainly there are men enough, nearly enough to form two, and I believe quite enough.

 

 Now is a time of urgfent need. Every man that is able shoule shoulder his gun and respond with all haste to the call of his bleeding country. The emnemy are pouring in upon our land in laarfge and threatening numeres; we should meet him and speedily repulse him in the outset. Now is the time, the acceptedtime, for us to strike for our Libvety, strike for our country, our government – "strike for our altars, strike for the green graves of our [sins]”, and strike determinedly and with might and terror to our inhuman opposers. Let no one imagine that the diffiulty can be settled with [out] his assistance, though feeble it may be.

 

 Tom Holmes received a letter this evening which Willis and Elisha said had no name subscribed. This led them to believe it to be a bucket of some other "infernal machine". Accordingly they concluded to obtain a peep at its contents, per vim et armor, if no other way. They gathered him one on either side. A severe struggle ensued. Tom kept his hand in his pocket, at length pulling it out. A letter fell, I, who was not a disinterested spectator of the contest, grasped it. Tom started after me; I threw it to Willie and thus it passed around for some time. Tom Elisha with his knife, supposing that we had the letter but it proved to be one from [Bob] Lee; he then agreed that we might read that.

 

 His anger and excitement did not subside for some time. The color would come and fade away alternately on his cheeks, which showed his excitement. The letter must have been of special interest or importance, perhaps from a girl on matrimony or some other question of life and death to him. At least it must have been one that he desired to keep secret, or he would not have exerted himself so strenuously to prevent its being taken, or become so much embarrassed or exasperated in the fray. For it was evident that he was either mad or plagued – more likely both. We declared that it had a name to it and was no bucket.

 

 Elisha wrote one a few days ago, and while he was going to the post office to mail it Willie and Tom pressed him so hard that he tore it up, for fear they would see to whom it was directed. It must assuredly have been to some girl, as he would not5 have expressed such an aversion to having it shown. He used his knife to defend himself against their attacks. Here I rested.

 

 Henry Powell came in and inquired if I had heard the late discouraging news. I answered no. He said that major had brought information that it was reported that not only Bowling Green, but Columbus, Ky., had been ordered by Beaurregard to be evacuated. I can hardly believe this as it is only a vague and uncertain rumor. It has been said and thought all along by almost every body that his position, Columbus, was the key to the Mississippi valley and consequently to New Orleans, and no doubt it is well fortified by our troops. Still, if it is give up, it must have been ordered for good, sound, and substantial reasons, though they may not appear to our minds pertinent and adequate at this time of excitement and expectation.

 

 This news created no little stir among us. Nearly all the officers collected at Col. Mayson's tent to exchange their ideas the explanations of the matter. Of course, it would not suit the notions of some, or even any. Parker remarked that they would next evacuate New Orleans and fall back on the immortal seventh for a stronghold in the hour of critical peril.

 

 It seems reasonable to suppose that N. Orleans will soon be attacked. This may be an event devoutly wished by our leaders. Beaurregard has just lately been transferred to the head of affairs in the west. It may be that he has discovered a fatal, fundamental error or mistake in our plan of tactics and defense and he therefore is remedying the evil.

 

 All these surrenders, evacuations, have occurred now very rapidly on their heels in a time of less than two weeks. Had I not such confidence in the courage, wisdom and military skill of our commanders and especially our president, Jefferson Davis, I should feel apprehension of serious danger to our cause by the loss of Columbus and Bowling Green. Perhaps this may be a strategic movement to entrap the enemy. And aagain it may be that they have outwitted us in the art of war. Our department then may have fallen into a fatal, unforeseen error. But it does seem to me that our generals must have calculated upon all these possible contingencies and made preparations to meet them. Notwithstanding all our doubts, it may be for the good of our cause. Who knows but that these unexpected movements may lead to a brilliant and unrivalled victory that will tell a tale for the war. It is needless for us to comment upon it and throw the blame upon one and then another. We know little about the matter and the circumstances which attended it.

 

 The reason assigned for its evacuation was that comnmunication by railway was intercepted by the enemy, and that there was then no connection except by river. But here again the query will intrude itself and call for an answer, why did not our general anticipate these things, and use their utmost and strenuous efforts to avoid the connecting lines falling into the hands of the Lincolnites?

 

 After Emory told me this I went around to the Col's tent and the first man I met was the Adjutant, Herrington. He assailed me and began a conversation upon a great many topics springing mainly from the war question, using many of his high sounding phrases and nice words to attract notice. I paid diligent heed to all he uttered. For "few and precious are the words which the lips of Wisdom uttereth", as Tupper says. "No doubt he is the man, and Wisdom shall die with him", and no them known in such ignorant mortals. It is plain that his ideas are good, but still he endeavors to make them known in such a manner that every one is bound to feel when he listens that he himselfneed instruction and that the adjutant is good, kind, and obliging enough to give him such as he has. Indeed, one may consider him obliging if he condescends to enter into a conversation on any topic. But I am wandering far from the subject and entering into particulars too much.

 

 All are beginning to open their eyes to what our enemy intends and to what he is able fully to effect. They begin to starae the naked fact that he may attack New Orleans – that this is not a moral impossibilityu nor even an improbability. It has now entered into their minds for the first time that if we lie supinely on our back and call for Herculres to assist us without trying to help ourselves, they may take New Orleeans. It is well if our people are awaking to their danger and their peril. Heretofore we have not once been able to conceive how irt could be rtaken at all. This is nownort and impossible case or contingency.

 

 Hew is preparing for the onset on all sides, by advancing upon us in large numbers from every direction. If they succeed in driving down the river and then going up it they can then throw forces in by land on every side. What would be the consequence it is not easily imagined. How necessary it is, then, for us to be alive to our danger, to look at things as they are in their proper light, not as we would have them. When we thus calculate fairly our enemy we can know what is needed to bear against him, and not until then shall we be able to meet him in such threatening numbers as are pouring down upon us.

 

J. M. Foxworth

 

 

Camp Lovell, Febr'y the l9th, Wednesday l862

 

 This has been a day of wearisome, tedious idleness and sickening lassitude to me, except about an hour this morning I drilled the company and was very delightfully entertained in so doing. I say it with sincere gratification that they paid better aattention than ever I have seen before. They executed all the manual of arms with a great deal of promptness and glibness as well as accuracy. It surprised me much to observe such unusual silence in the ranks. All seemed anxious to learn and to be doing something. They explained in this way that they had been resting now for a week or more on account of the bad, unfavorable weather, that they used to become tired out by [excessive] drilling in the battalion. I accept this as a valid reason for the change among them now. Men will drill one hour steady and learn, but if any longer they become careless and do not try to learn, and learn less than they would by not even drilling at all.

 

 I suppose that a great many are now volunteering in order to avoid a draft, which will evidently be out soon if the Confederate call on the state is not soon made up by volunteering. There are some in our county who joined our company in its first organizsation and then refused to muster into the service. Such as these I would like to see drafrted or run off some way. They signed their names for a blind, to get others off and stay themselves at home while others defended their property, which they themwelves were too cowardly to guard against an enemy Such men as those are virtually, really no better than Lincoln's minions. It is true they do no positive injury to our cause and no positive good, but on the other side of the equation they do much hindrance to our cause in a negative sense. These are traitors, not fit to live with us. They are satisfied that we shall succeed, but care too little for it to put their own shoulders to the wheel and do their portion of the common burden. It is not strange that there [are] a few of such dogs in every neighborhood and vicinity. We find this all over the world. Some good dogs can be found in every breed is an old adage, implying that there are without doubt some worthless ones. Our honorabaale citizens should discountenance such soulless, heartless, wretches and drive them from their society, from their midst to where they justly belong.

 

 The war question has weighed very heavily on my mind all the day. It is now an awful reality and not a dream – a shade that can not be grasped. We fully realize its responsibilitties and dreadful issues. Tom Holmes has very strange notions about the whole matter. He asked me if Jeff Davis did not agree to settle the question by his taking two thousand and Lincoln's taking four thouaasand to meet on the battlefield. This was something altogether new to me – a novel proposition for this age of enlightenment and general knowledge. I have no doubt that we can whip them two to one but I still think this is a curious idea to suspend the destiny of our country, our liberty, on such an encounter; foolish, childish in the extreme, something more worth the mind of a barbarian than a christian.

 

 A great deal of talk prevails in our camp now about the chances of a fight here with the Yankees, and our way of escape. Some seem to think it quite probable, if not certain that they will descend upon us very soon. I have not the slightest idea of such an occurrence. It is said, however, that a large war boat could be run up past Pearl, even to Gainesville. I know not whether this be true or not. They adduce as a fact that Lopez carried one up there. If this be the case they might hem us in by cutting off communication with New Orleans and advancing on us by way of Gainesville. But I hardly believe that the profit would justify the immense cost and trouble of such an expedition, or at least I am not in dread, though some seem to be very fearful that we shall be taken prisoners. One man said that fifteen hundred could surround us and force us to surrender.

 

 In these woods we could whip triple our number of the enemy without much trouble. This is my candid and settled belief. We could moreover so harass the progress of a large body up through the piny regions as to outdo them and wear them out before they had gone fifty miles. Still it is well enough to be [careful] and be on the lookout in every direction. It is impossible to know what will come in every case, or even in any one single case. All things here are contingent upon circumstances, and these circumstances are based on others equally dependent in themselves. Our pickets, in fact all of our guard, are careless, too careless to observe the approach of an enemy. At times they are stirred up by a sudden apprehension of danger; then again, after a day or two, they relapse into indifference. This has been the case all along, and I think from it we should greatly fear much harm may be done. Because the enemy is not close around them, they can not realize the necessity of vigilance. The duties of outpost guard are more serious than most would imagine. On them depends entirely the safety of an army or body of men. They must by their watchfulness labor to prevent a surprise attack.

 

 I have procured the cooking utensils I spoke to Levis for. Myself and T. Holmes brought them up yesterday evening. Though not exactly what I had supposed, still it is the most complete arrangement I have ever yet seen. It contains utensils to cook for quite a large family in a box, in which they all scarecely weigh thirty pounds. In it are five plates, knifes and forks, cups and almost every vessel needed for table use. The utensils are not the common pot-ware, but a composition, I suppose of tin, pewter, and brass. When first bought it cost forty dollars. I purchased it for ten. I am inclined to think that they are adapted to cooking on a stove, though we can use them with care upon coals. They of course would be easily transported any distance.

 

Our pray meeting went off as usual, except that Henry Scarborough never arrived until it was concluded. We sung some hymns different and in different tunes to the ones we usually sing. I thought this a good idea to render our services diversified, not so monotonous. We have been in the habit of using the same hymns and tunes every night, and praying, reading the scriptures in the same order. This contributed not a little to render them less interesting.

 

 Variety is the spice of life. We love something new. We will pay more to see a toad, if it were unlike the ones we usually see, then we would for something really of use. This is human nature, foolish and childish as it may appear on examination. Life itself becomes tedious and burdensome unless we have different avocations to pursue. If we followed the same thing all the while we would become wearied and dissatisfied. Happy it is that the works of Nature are divided into the sublime and the beautiful, and are so complex and unlike in every object. No two things are exactly alike, not even two leaves of the same tree.

 

J. M. Foxworth, Recorder

 

 

Camp Lovell, Febr'y the 20th, Thursday, 1862 & the 21st, Friday.

 

 Being unwell yesterday I neglected to bring up my journal. I was troubled with a headache, which I suppose was caused by the diet we are having now, that consists of pickled beef – this no one can eat with any relish – and molasses; this, with corn bread, constitutes what I eat. By using this so habitually, without anything else to vary it, I suppose I contracted the indisposition of which I suffered yesterday. ON account of this failure I am reduced to the necessity of writing my diary in the two days, the 20th and 2lst.

 

 Nothing occurred yesterday of much note. I was very much harassed by the men asking for passes. The captain and first lieutenant were both in town, and I myself knew not how many leaves of absence had been granted. Therefore I could not act in the capacity of commander of the company. They grumbled, saying that no one could ever tell who was in charge. And I grumbled, saying that if the Captain could not stay in the street, he ought to go off entirely, and let some one be elected at once who would serve in their office, or appoint some one to act in his absence. He can harldy ever be found at any time, but if he is not in town, he is stowed away in some secret place. I am beginning to become very tired of such arrangements. If he and Tom Webb would stay off all the time, I perhaps would know what to do and certainly enter upon it. Since Mayson has left us this has been the case – all in a perfect muddle, with no head nor brain to direct the body and members.

 

 Our orderly sergeant, John Pittman, is in the same fix –  never at his post, always off or sick, as he says. The murmurings aagainst him has never had a remission since we came in camp. The captain has once or twice talked to him and requested him to try and do well with the business "as he had always before been doing". Often not rations are drawn, in fact, nearly always is this so, unless some one of the sergeants are good enough to tend to the duties. But now they say they will not submit any longer. Edward Mankin declared to me a few days ago that he should apply to the colonel for relief as soon as he returned. But I do not think this can effect any good unless the captain joins in uring? [issuing] a dismissal of him from the office.

 

 Nor is it any better among the corporals. [Abisa] Cork is the only one who has even done anything at all. B.M. Gardner is forever complaining of being sick (drunk, I reckon he must mean?) Wm. Roberson has been home the most of the time, really sick. So we can never furnish a corporal for any duty except A. Cork unless one is appointed out of the ranks for the time being. This miserable state of affairs is enough to perplex any one who has the least particle of human nature in his essence. It does cause immense trouble and dissatisfaction. How could it do otherwise? 

 

 I commenced reading Ossian’s poems over again, with the determination to understand it all perfectly and impress the most remarkable passages upon my memory. In the first perusal I hurried over it without stopping often to dwell upon its beauties and to enjoy the pleasure of reflecting and allowing secondary ideas to spring up in my mind; hastening on to see what it contained, to see the end of such a wonder. I intend now to reuse it slowly and carefully at my leisure. Really, I think they are the most beautiful and wonderful specimens of “Heaven-born poems” extant – unsurpassed by any, yea, unequally, by any I have read – in native, unadorned beauty and sublimity. Much doubt is entertained in and among the literati of Europe and even America about their genuineness. Some suppose that they are (figures) of McPherson’s because they see in them the same noble ideas that are in Homer, Virgil; others are not willing that Scotland shall wear the wreath, but transfer it to Hibernia. I think that the eternal evidence is sufficient to convince the most doubtful. McPherson may in truth have published and refined them in his (collections), but this would not disprove their originality in Ossian’s mouth. It is a remarkable and unexplainable thing to some that no mention is made of Supreme Being. This is something I would not have looked for myself, but it seems to me a poor argument or testimony to discard the poems. However, if they are good themselves, why should we throw them away? We should rather praise them and preserve them on account of their being such a monument to modern poetry. It is certainly a great compliment to McPherson’s genius to say that he himself composed them and not the Highland bard, who has long since been called to the ”Hall of his fathers”, where he will ride upon the winged winds and chase deer of clouds and mist. But the evidence in favor of what McPherson claims for them is too plain for me to doubt. I shall read them as I would Homer, believing that they are works of one who lived in an age of simplicity and grandeur, where no luxury and licentiousness had overrun the immortal shold and clogged its spirit vibrations- when the true poetry of the heart could find vent freely. 

 

While waiting for my dinner I took a game of chess with me for entertainment. It could not help thinking how much the game resembled a war. I take one of your men and you take one of mine. I think I see a move that will give me two or three – i jump at it. It turns out to be an even exchange. Finally I think by one movement and by the surrender of one man I can cause my opponent to come to a position that will enable me to strike a heavy block but he takes my man, offered as a bait, but by a different movement to what I had thought.

 

Thus it goes on in war – we surrender one post, the enemy loses one. It depends in a good measure upon the same rules. But its final issue does not depend on such rules, but on the Justice of a righteous Ruler and God.

 

Before I had finished my game someone came in and informed me that a fight was about to take place pretty soon, and that I had better intercede to stop it. I inquired where Captain Pope was – no one knew. I had to go out. I went to Henry Luper, who had a stick in his hand, threatening to strike Crull who, I noticed, was very drunk. Henry looked pale. 1 told him to go away and left him alone, as he was drunk, but no, said he, I am not going to be "run over". Crull cursed him and Henry struck two licks, with little effect and great straining. I ordered Corporal Cork to hold Henry and took Crull off myself and entreated him to go away and let it rest. He promised he would; soon they were together again. I went up ar|d told them if they did not quit it I should certainly be compelled to send them both to the guard tents. They ceased their quarreling. Henry Luper went off and bought him a pistol immediately, to defend himself with in case of a reencounter. Captain Pope came up after it was all over with.

 

I think since I ought to have put them under guard, but not knowing how it commenced I thought I might do one of them wring, so I concluded to deal with them gently, but persuasion. Luper seems to me to be a man without any reason or judgement, and I have no doubt that he was to blame. Thus the affray ended.

 

The companies went out on the ground for battalion drill for the first time in over a week. The ground was still very wet, but the major drilled them a good while. All seemed to be more interested than is usually the case because of their long respite on account of the rain.

 

After dress parade Tom Holmes, Willis Pope and Elisha Applewhite came to my tent asking me if I did not want to go down in town to see the Yankees on the Oregon caught at Mississippi City. We started but did not quite get there before the boat had gone. It appears that they were a lieutenant, a sergeant, and a private. They were starting somewhere in a schooner but lost their way somehow and were blown on the beach. They went and gave themselves up to our forces. They were sent to New Orleans to be dealt with as prisoners of war.

 

Nearly every man that could, went down to see and talk with them. I understand that one of them remarked that we had hard work before us; that the Yankees were as much determined as us; that there were forty five hundred troops on Ship Island, whence they came; that General Butler had not come. It is supposed that he arrived yesterday evening, from the firing or cannon heard in that direction. These prisoners said that the idea of attacking New Orleans was given up. Mobile was the object of their plans.

 

The Colonel returned night before last and has ordered furloughs to be stopped, and brings news that no more men can be received in our twelve months companies; that our guns sent for repairs to the city have been given to war troops.

 

Telegraphic dispatches reached here yesterday confirming the report that Bowling Green had been evacuated and also Fort Donelson, with nearly all our men there. The rumor that Columbus was evacuated is believed to be untrue. Johnston is at Nashville with forty thousand men, preparing to make a stand. Davis telegraphed to him to hold the place at all hazards; forty thousand troops will be sent to his assistance in thirty four hours. General Price has been fighting three days and has fallen back on the Arkansas line. Thus it appears that our forces are driven clear out of Missouri and Kentucky, whereas it was thought that we had positions and forces in each that would enable us to keep quarters within their borders.

 

 I read a letter in the Delta of the 18th inst. from Virginia that contained the important and startling information that England had actually recognized the South. This is something I had not before heard, nor since, and I am bound to believe the correspondent spoke without knowing, to awaken an excitement possible among the ignorant.

 

Thursday the 20th, 1862

J. M. Foxworth

 

 

Friday the 21st.

I have heard since writing the above that those Yankees, brought by this place yesterday evening on board the Confederate gunboat, were half-way deserters instead of captive prisoners. They were drifted upon the beach near Mississippi City, and without attempting to escape went immediately and give themselves up, asking to be treated as prisoners of war. It seems that they are really deserters, but they either do not want to be called such, or they want to live easy and be maintained without fighting on either side. This I understand was gathered from their own conversation. It is further said that they gave information that there are about five hundred on the island who would desert and come over to us if they did not fear that they would be hanged forthwith to the nearest tree. Thomas Webb told me this.

 

It seems in some measure to conflict with what I heard yesterday from Jas. Brakfield. It must be false news or the five hundred must be deplorably ignorant, to imagine that they would be handled so roughly by us. Still it may be possible that they are misled and deceived into this belief by all kinds of extravagant lies and misrepresentations of our true nature and disposition. One of them used to live in New Orleans and the captain of the privateering vessel Sumter is his brother. This at least is a tale. I cannot, nor can any one else I know, vouch for its reliability.

 

I was aroused from my slumbering this morning by the startling communication from Thomas Holmes that our men had killed a Yankee and taken prisoner another. Tom looked excited and hastily inquired if I did not want to go and see the "dead un". Such news heard as soon as one wakes shocks more powerfully than at any other time. The mind is strengthened; the heart is not engaged with any kind of emotions. It is like the lurid glare of the forked tongues lightning in the midnight darkness of a storm, that blinds by its sudden brightness.

 

I hastily sprung out of my bed and adjusted my clothes as well as I could, inquiring of Tom what men of ours had done this. For some time he evaded my questions, saying, "our men". "What men?" said I. "Dagos?" "Yes," he answered, "Dagos." The live "und" is out here in the guard tent and is a whaling big and stout man.

 

I learned the whole story after a little, but then my excitement was over, or at least my appetite was stronger, and I concluded it would appear foolish and idle to be in such a hurry to see a poor prisoner. I waited until breakfast was over and then combed and arranged my hair and beard, something unusual for me to attend to before twelve o'clock. I asked Peter McQuade if he ad seen the real live Yankee. He said no, that he was just going up to see if he knew him, as he had heard that he was an Irishman. So I went up with him.

 

When we got there the crowd was so great that we could not get in five feet of the frightened man. I at last elbowed my way up near enough to get a glimpse of him. This was enough for me. He seemed to be ashamed at the men staring him so straight in the face and asking him all kinds of impertinent questions. I asked several of them if they expected to see a being not like a human, but see a kind of a super-human being.

 

The whole of the affair turned out to be simply this: Two men in a schooner were overhauled by the New London and placed under the charge of two sailors, German, I believe, in a yawl. It so happened that one of the sailors laid his gun down; the other one leaned down for some purpose. The captive, two men from this place, on of them seized the idle gun and discharged its contents into the sailor who stooped down, and instantly seized his gun. The other sailor, seizing the other gun, came towards the prisoner with the bayonet until the prisoner presented the loaded gun at him, when he gave himself up and suffered himself to be tied and brought here and given up to the military authorities.

 

The dead one was shot through the brain and the ball lodged in his breast. Nearly the whole regiment went down to see him. Some took his belt, all the buttons of his coat were taken off and _____ just like the _____ _____ used to be, though they were nothing but common rawhide buttons. I did not go to see him as I supposed him to be much mangled in the face. Many of those who did see him reported it. All that was found about him amounted to four cartridges, a knife a thimble, a pencil, and a piece of tobacco.

 

Their yawl boat is said to be a nice trick. They had a hundred cartridges with them, some musket and some minie. These were the first minie balls I have yet seen. The live man said that there were nearly six thousand men on the Island, that Butler had not arrived yet but was expected. The colonel questioned him some. Being asked why he fought against us, who never harmed him, he answered that he must do something for money, and laughed. He did not seem to care at all. Some one asked me what would be done with the dead "un". I told them that he would be sent under a flag of truce to the Yankees with this communications, "let the dead bury their dead".

 

This prisoner said that the troops on the Island had taken yesternight twelve schooners and their crews, for what purpose he knew not. I suppose from this they intend to effect a landing somewhere. It is the common opinion that they will endeavor to establish a military depot at Biloxi.

 

The greatest excitement prevailed in camp today I have ever noticed. A dispatch was posted on the board about a brilliant naval engagement. It portrayed in glowing and laughable the particulars of the whole affair. Many were fooled completely. But the one who enjoyed all this best was the man who killed the man and escaped. He cut up almost monkey actions, it is said, and never tired of telling the whole tale. He thought he was going fast to his grave, and certainly he will hereafter cling with dying energy to the shore.

 

Dispatches were received today stating that Columbus was not evacuated, but that Johnston with forty thousand men was holding it and fortifying an island thirty miles below it. It is feared that forces cannot reach Nashville in time to defend it against attack. This is something strange to me. Columbus is a good ways above Nashville and how they have already got Nashville I cannot see, unless they have completely surrounded Columbus. This may be the case. It si then a desperate one; if they defeat us we must without a chance be taken prisoners. This will induce our generals to struggle the harder.

 

An order was given that the captains of companies should furnish a list of names of every blacksmith in his company. Another order is that there shall be no more company drill until further notice, but that the men shall make cartridges and have their bayonets sharpened. From this it seem that the Col. Does not think it out of reason to suppose that we may have to engage the enemy in a fierce hand to hand contest. If they land any where near on the coast, we shall, I surmise, be ordered there to check their progress in anything they may undertake. How soon they may land no one can foretell. It may be in a month, in a week, or even a day.

 

 

Camp Lovell, Febr'y, Saturday the 22nd, 1862.

This was the day for inspection and the weekly march. Accordingly all the companies repaired to the ground directly after eight o'clock A.M. The inspection ended, we broke into companies, marched back to the camp, and then up to the beach near old Manuel's establishment, and then down to the wharf, where the colonel halted the battalion and brought it to a front. The artillery (Brookhaven) was drawn up between us and the wharf. After we were brought to rest in place, Captain Haskins fired eleven guns, a national salute, I suppose, though no one seemed to understand that it meant at the time.

 

This may be called the birth day of our republic, at least the birth day of our permanent organization. Today Jefferson Davis takes his seat as our first president. It was rumored for a day or two that he would not be able, but this proved to be unfounded.

 

In our provisional government we succeeded well; we were blessed in almost everything. Providence watched over us and protected us. Oh! May God sanctify us this day to himself, baptize us in his name as a God-loving, a God-serving and a God-fearing people, that we may be consecrated to his honor and glory and the promotion of the happiness of all the spirit and humiliation to the King of Kings, of our government, proud of our rulers. For never was a new republic so much favored and blessed in its very origin by the creator of Heaven and earth, so much respected and honored by the natives of the civilized world. We have triumphed over our enemies time and time again. We could not reasonably have anticipated any more success than we have gained. We set out afresh without any means to organize a government of our own and to work out our own liberty against the most powerful nation on the globe. England and France, nearly all the powers of Europe, have encouraged us by their sympathy towards our cause. We should consider it not only a duty but a blessed privilege that we have whereof to glory and magnify our Father above. Let us not glory in ourselves, but give all the praise to Him who deserves all that the Heavens and earth can bestow – and this comes far short of what is due Him.

 

While those cannons were firing and their booming was echoed back from the direction of the Yankees, somewhat of the martial spirit was kindled in my bosom as well as most of the rest. I felt a desire to meet them upon the fair field of battle and to struggle hand to hand for the dear, inalienable rights of man as a moral, responsible being.

 

When these exercises were continued we marched own the beach a mile-about, and then returned to camp in the same route wehad gone. Before dismissing us the Col. Asked attention to a few words he would offer. He then announced that there would be no battalion drill this evening as this was a day of joy, thanksgiving, to us – a day to be ever celebrated in our land – the day on which our ruler was inaugurated, in which our regular and de-facto government was or is to be organized in the sight of our enemies and the whole world. This is also the day in which we first entered into a provisional government called the Confederated States. And might have said with peculiar propriety this the birthday of the immortal Washington, the father of American freedom, and was justly celebrated on that account. How ominous these coincidences appear – how ominous for good! The 19th of April was the day that saw the first blood spilt in the American Revolution in Lexington. It was the day also which first saw blood spilled at Baltimore in the second American revolution. And what is stranger still, the people of Massachusetts, who struck the first blow then against the oppressor, were the first not to oppress. These must auger victory for our cause, and inspire courage in every bosom of Southerners.

 

The col. proceeded to say that he had noticed with regret the discontent and dissatisfaction prevailing to a great extent at the 7th regiment's being held here, where they have had and perhaps will not have any thing active to do, or in other words, are not likely to get in a battle. He said that it was our business to be satisfied any where with our officers, with our lot. We promised and swore to obey and respect our superiors when we were mustered in. We might think that there was no probability of an attack here, while our commanders, who have as good and better opportunities of knowing, might think otherwise and decide that we should stay here, that our presence was very necessary. He spoke of General Bragg and men of his troops, who were first to enlist and yet they have not seen one day of what is termed active service. They had still done good – been of as much service as any other division of the army. I myself could have informed him that there was little or no dissatisfaction among the regiment with their present situation. All would rather stay here if they can do as much good.

 

This march wearied me very much, more than any other I have yet taken. Even before this was ended the adjutant informed me that I was detailed as a member of a court martial to try Lieut. J. E. Holdin. As soon as I had found a drink of water and taken a seat, I was told that the other members were waiting for me at the Major's tent. I hastened up and after waiting ten or fifteen minutes the others came in.

 

Captain Haskins arrived soon after and began to inquire what was the case. When he was told he declared that if we were a regimental court we had no jurisdiction over the case at all. And we found, upon examining the articles of war, that what he said was true. After discussing the matter nearly a half an hour, I went down and told the Col. To go up and settle the matter. They inquired if we could try Lieut. Holdin. He said he though we could, with his consent.

 

Lieut. Holdin had waived his right to be tried before a general court, and he (Col.) thought that the 65th article was intended for the benefit of the accused, his consent and wish gave us jurisdiction over the case. "But," said he, "I cannot decide the matter for the court – they must use their own judgement and decide for themselves, but he hoped they would try it if they had to strain a point; that he had tried to have a general court ordered, but could not. He saw the general and inquired why he did not do it. The general told him he did not have time to attend to it. In fact, he thought that the general did not want to have any general courts among twelve months troops, and that he (the gen.) Had desired him to dispose of all the cases he possibly could, but if it were absolutely necessary he would attend to it.

 

Haskings said he himself had a man – a deserter – to be tried and did not know what to do with him; he could not restore him. The col. Said he would summon a court to try him and take the responsibility upon himself. Finally we concluded to go ahead with the business and set about to get ready.

 

After the court was sworn the first witness introduced was Mrs. Weinburg, one of the prosecutors. She could talk very little English at all, but I managed to get out of her tale this: That Holdin had employed here husband to make him a vest; he did not do it as Holdin liked. Holdin demanded of him the money he had paid him in advance. Weinburg told him he had no change, but that he would give it to him in the evening. Holdin cussed and abused him and left. In a short while he returned with four men, who assisted him in thrashing Weinburg then paid him the money. They all left again but came back at night and whipped husband, wife, and a neighbor at the house, who all hollered fire, which drove away the intruders.

 

It required about two hours and a half to get this written down from her statement. We agreed to have a recess to get dinner in. I had some trouble finding any. It was past three o'clock when we assembled again.

 

We then examined Weinburg. His testimony was substantially the same as his wife's only more detailed. The next witness was the other sufferer in the affray at night. He knew nothing of the occurrence in the day time. His tale of the affair at night agreed with Mrs. Weinburg, except she called every one "she" and he called all "he"; she denominated it a she crowd and he, a he crowd. This caused a good laugh. In fact, there was a heap in the examination that might have caused laughter had it not been so long. It was after four when we adjourned. Captain [Poorly] acted as advocate for Holdin and nearly tried the court in asking unimportant questions.

 

An election was held in our company to day to elect a sergeant to act in William Warren's place while he served as blacksmith. Washington Webb has been acting, but now he has gone on the Oregon. H. Hammonds, Wm. Fortinbury, and John R. [Banus] were competitors. After two ballots Hammonds was proclaimed elected by a handsome majority. Quite an excitement in the company; much electioneering was done on all sides. I myself was not there when it came off and there fore did not vote, for which I am not at all sorry. William and John both seemed to be disappointed much at the issue; neither was satisfied, but thought the balloting unfair, accusing some one of voting twice or more.

 

John Pittman has procured a discharge; his place must now be filled. B. M. Garener is also on the boat; his position must be filled. There are many applicants, I believe, for both offices. Jas. Brakfield is striking for Pittman's place. If it is left to a ballot I do not think he will be preferred by any means.

 

Our mess disbanded on yesterday. Myself, Willis Pope, Tho. Holmes, and E. Applewhite rallied yesterday evening at supper in an old tent behind mine.

 

J. M. Foxworth, Recorder

 

 

Camp Lovell, Febr'y, Sunday the 23rd, 1862.

Another holy Sabbath day has rolled almost unheeded, over my head, with its blessing, with its gracious privileges, with its duties and serious, awfully solemn responsibilities. I have scarcely realized that it was the day of rest, the day ordained by God as a day on which not only our avocation should be suspended, but that our thoughts and cares of all the world and its allurements should be laid aside. At the beginning of this we should, like the prophet, divest ourselves of our shoes and remember that the ground whereon we stand is holy, hallowed to the serving our Creator; that the breath we breathe is changed; that every an, all nature is to rest, not rest in indolence. Some imagine or seem to imagine by their actions ("and actions" in this case "speak louder than words"), that they must only quit their work and squander away their time in unprofitable conversation, or waste it in sleeping. I have known members of the Church to do these things. They forget or do not heed that the day is hallowed – is holy, consecrated to serving more intensely our Maker, our Preserver and Protector. As it is our emblem of the final rest, or as some say of the millennium when all shall serve the true and only God, the Lord of the earth and all that is created, so we should employ it in devotion and sublime, continual prayer, supplication, praise, and thanksgiving. Indeed it is a blessed rest, which we can lay aside the cares and toils of the world, which clog our spirits and overshadow the noble aspirations of the soul. What a blessing! What a gracious privilege! It is hardly possible for us to estimate it justly and correctly.

 

These thoughts, these serious reflections, have not employed my mind during the day, but now after the day is past and gone forever our prayer meeting is ended, and I hear the hymns of praise through the camp, sung by the careless and thoughtless; in reviewing, they occur first and foremost to mind and I am penning them hastily.

 

There were services this evening, preaching by old man Hart, but I did not attend for some cause or another. I never thought of it until I heard him at a distance and then I did not go. He was already concluding and I felt ashamed to go up at that late hour of the day. Worldly thoughts and worldly concerns have filled my brain; trifling, foolish conversations, even injurious, have been those in which I engaged.

 

The Oregon came in this morning and of course there was a general rush from the camps to see our boys on her and hear all the news. I myself did not feel impelled by strong enough curiosity, or perhaps on account of laziness did not go. Thos. Holmes brought news back that he saw two men who were in the fight at fort Donelson and several other little engagements in Kentucky. They were wounded – he told me then, but I forgot, and were on their way home, I believe in Biloxi. They said that in the battles none of the commissioned officers anticipated [participated] but as soon as it was over they were all directly on hand, "right side up with care". The noncommissioned officers took command.

 

This is a bad tale to be telling of our officers. It may be true in part, but I guess in a very small part. I cannot believe that they would shun the engagement at any time any more than the men. Certainly I cannot see how they have any better chance to do such cowardly acts without its being noticed, and I am bound to believe them as courageous as privates. However, let them have it as they please and tell it in their own way. I shall not believe it only in my own way.

 

After dress-parade this evening John Sims, Ed. Ranking, and F. F. Ford walked down to the beach and then down to town. The walk and conversation proved very beneficial as well as entertaining to me.(; On our way we obtained a glimpse or two at the marble brows, rosy cheeks, enticing lips, sparkling eyes, and gracefully curling hair, not to mention other things of minor importance in beauty, of some of the Shieldsboro fairies. "Man may worship where he dare not love." We can look and admire if we do not "pitch in". This is no lady's business, but our own.

 

We walked in at Levis's to see some plum trees, Japanese, he had to sell. Within we found several Dutch soldiers playing a French game and waiting, I supposed, for their suppers. Here we stayed ten or twenty minutes. The boys went around and say the _____. I remained observing the players. We then went down to the grocery. Here the same scenes were presented – billiard games. Here were officers of all grades engaged in drinking and playing, roaring with foolish laughter, a shame on them, on their country, on their county, their neighborhood, an utter disgrace to the human family. Some of the people of the town were working; manual labor, as if it had been a day in the week, although it is against the law of God and against the law of the land.

 

We walked on and called at an oyster saloon on the road to camp, ordered some fried oysters, asked the proprietor how long it required an orange tree to bear. He said sometimes it took ten or fifteen, sometimes fifty years. He said it took the Japanese plum three years if we obtained and set out a young tree, if from the seed it took it ten years and even more. After attending to the eatables we walked on.

 

When we had nearly proceeded through the parade ground our attention was arrested by a small girl running toward us screaming, and a woman with a child in her arms and another by her side some distance behind the girl. She cried to us to stop a minute. We turned and walked towards. She seemed wild with terror and excitement. We inquired what was the matter, what could be the cause of all this stir and noise. She said that one of the soldiers had jumped on to the butcher and beaten him, throwing his wife into a fit of fear, to which she was subject, and that he was pursuing her to her mother's house, who by this time came up to us. Directly two men, one of the Covington Rangers, the other of the Dalgren Rifles, came up hastily and told us that the man was an Irishman, Graham, belong to capt. Fairies company, intoxicated. They left one man to see that he did not harm the lady. Soon we saw the man Graham coming slowly; he passed n by us and came to his street. The woman besought us not to let him return by any means; to attend to it. She seemed in much trepidation. We told the men to report it to the commander of the company and let him report the case.

 

It seems to me a very aggravated offense against the peace and dignity of the state and the person of private citizens. He should be dealt with very severely in order to prevent a repetition of the same crime. It was really very serious. The woman whose husband he had beat screamed so as to be heard all over the place. I suppose she had really taken a fit.

 

Sunday the 23rd, 1862

J. M. Foxworth, Recorder

 

 

 

(Note from HCHS:  Lt. Foxworth then transfers out of Hancock County. The next entry in the diary is from Jackson, Tennessee, Camp Beauregard, March the 3rd.)