.Mzc5OQ.NjA3MQ

April 1861

capturing the Navy Yard & the US Vessels now there. Oh how I wish the condition of my family was such that I could go. Even as sick as I now am.

18 Wind SW Cloudy. Repairing fences & water fences. Raking the drift off of wheat. Farley Taylor & M [Fauntleroy?] here. Col Taylor & the others did not got to Norfolk, He went to Richmond for orders. Fort Sumter is certainly taken and

       has 

Virginia ^ seceded!!!

19 Wind W. Cloudy. Rained last night. Mauling & Hauling Rails. repairing fences &c Mr Curtis here.

20 Wind NW. Clear & cool. Making fences in M.g. Got wood in Ev.g Scattering Manure Two Volunteer Companies from this county are to go to Norfolk Tomorrow. They have sunk Vessels in the

                  Vessels

channel to prevent US ^ from going out [Terminate?] Civil War is upon us. Alas how did [it?] June 1865