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Brought from the preceding diary, and begins March 12th 1861 Tuesday March 12th is a fine morning, James and, Peter go down to Hovan’s Saw Mill to piling the sawed Lumber. Old James & Tom, with each a hand to assist them, hauling logs to the Mill. Anderson laid up sick last Monday the 11th with the field Hands, both ploughers, and hoe hands getting in the Oats. The Ox drivers report only 13 logs hauled to the Mill to day and four of these are white oak, for Maggood, Cart, Plough, and Harrow timber. This makes 32 of all sorts that have now been hauled to the Saw Mill. 13th Wednesday; a fine day, but very cloudy as it has been for some time past. James haul up 1000 ft ¾ plank 16 ft long and very different to cover over Phillis’s Hen House, repair the roof of the carriage House and do other patching. The Carts haul wood to day. The ploughs getting in Oats. Mrs. Fergusson & daughter call in after dinner. It seems that a Miss Cooke from Prince George County on a visit to the Forge, was accidently thrown on Mrs. Fergusson and She writes a young Doctor Tabb came by, and proceeded directly to the Forge, and Mrs. Fergusson’s carriage returned for her about Sunset. 14th Thursday. Another fine morning, but somewhat cloudy and cool. It soon clouded up closely, the wind got to the East and was very raw and cold. James & Peter covered Phillis’ Hen House with some of the indifferent plank hauled up from the Mill a few days ago. Andrew Gill the overseer goes down with Stephens Maggew for 60 bushels of Oats I purchased of Mr [?] Lamb, for seed at 3f pr bus. He got the Oats, but Mr Lamb, not being Home, Mr Gill left $3f (?) to pay for them. Cold mist and rain came on about 1 O’clock. It was very dark and some thunder and lightning. Considerable rain fell between Sunset & bed time. Isham carry letters to the Post Office for Mr Wm H Pleasants with a check enclosed to Him and the Exchange Bank for $112, so much he is directed to Jack and pay to Jno W Davies (Marble dealer) for two Marble and Granite tombs furnished for my dear deceased children Ernest & Thomas, and to take Davies Receipt. Also another Letter to Misses Blair & Chamberlayne for 2 bbls Halifax Herrings and 15 seine twine to be sent by that Schultz(?) to Windsor Shades on Saturday the 16th. [?] Albert to get us a square of Marrow feet peas. 15th Friday, on opening the outward door this morning I was surprised to find the ground covered with snow and it was still falling. I was much in Hopes that enough would fall to enable us to fill the ice House which we have had no chance to fill with ice this Season; tho’ we got about 12 blocks of ice & [?] about 21 of snow, the ice about – about ¾ of an inch thick, although this was scarcely a beginning. About Sunrise the Snow ceased to fall, and it lay only about an inch thick on the Earth. I sincerely regret that there was not enough snow to fill it. Robin carried Fanny down to the Hovan’s Saw Mill to wash for Him to day and then bring 2 loads of wood for the House. The Children did not go to school. Alec-James could give no account of the number of Stacks he hauled to the Mill yesterday but thought about 15, which would make 647 in all. 16th Saturday Some frost this morning, and quite cool, nearly all the snow that fell yesterday has disappeared. The ox drivers go to hauling logs, and James and Peter having finished covering Phillis’ Hen House, also go down to the Mill to pile the lumber. Robin brings more wood for the House. It being too wet to seed oats or plough yet the corn land, the wagons go to hauling out the farm pen manure. Andrew Gill the overseer go this Evening to a training of his Company.(Volunteers) Old James reports having hauled 19 logs. Making 663 now hauled. 17th Sunday: rather cool and threatening Morning nobody goes to Church to day; rain came on luckily after breakfast, and it continued at it all this day through. 18th Monday; The ground is nearly covered with snow this morning, and if a little more had fallen we might have got to make some more in the ice house. The Waggons haul wood to the Negroes Houses. The oxen haul the logs to the Saw Mill. These make 677; Isham goes down to Windsor Shades after 2 bbls. fish and 15 ft seine twine that Blair & Chamberlayne sent by the 13th. Wilson carry up to Jn Harris Shop one of Old James Cart wheels, which broke down a few days ago. March 18th 1861 Robin brings wood for the House, the Children did not go to school to day. It commenced snowing again while we were at dinner, and kept up until bed time. I Received a note from Mr Jno F Hovan, asking me to advance him $15. Which has been sent him by Isham. 19th Tuesday. This is a real winter morning; it snowed all the night through and is now still at it. The snow lies full 5 Inches thick on the Ground, and the wind at the north blowing very cold. The snow is too firm and dry to pack well in the House, but still I got all Hands at it early and by night had filled the House 3/4wy (?). Isham goes down to Hovan’s Saw Mill with something for his wife who is very sick; and carries down Ellen to wait on Her, during her indisposition. By Isham I sent the $15 he wrote for yesterday. The children did not go to school to day. Albert burn the chimnies. It is very cold this Evening and bids fair to be a very cold night. 20th Wednesday, a very cold morning indeed, and except one or two as I ever as any during the whole winter. Thermometer at 10o. We got a little ice this morning five or 6 loads of the ice from which froze last night about ¾ of an inch thick, but it being so small a business and so far to haul that I thought it best to abandon it, and fall back on the snow, which is melting rapidly to day after the sun got up, and a general thaw has taken place, but as we had a great deal of it heaped up yesterday. We got the House filled up to the plates which is more thus I expected at this late season of the year and I hope it will be a sort of substitutes for ice during the Hot Summer Months. The oxen in the wood hauling logs to the Mill and the drivers report 14 hauled to day making 691 in all. About 3 O’clock PM the Deputy Sheriff came in with a summons for me on the general Venire tomorrow at the March Quarterly term of the Court. I told him I acknowldged the summons; but should not attend, as I was suffering severely from cold, and other infirmities. I was on the Jury and served the whole of the term last Quarterly term, and they had no right to put me on at their pleasure. 21st Thursday, a very cool windy morning, some little Snow mingled with rain fell before breakfast, after which it partially cleared off but was very windy and cold with some dashes of snow about noon. Mr Elijah Ball came in this morning on his way to C City Ct. and collected his account from this 1st July 1860 to this Jany 1861. Which amounted to $ (?) I paid it and took his receipt. The Oxen hauling logs to the Mill & report made by the drivers, 18 to day 709 in all: The wagons haul some wood for the House, and some flat rails of Oak for the post rail Fence. Stephen haul 663 ft of Oak timber for ploughing Hovan’s Waggons, & Carts. This was got out of 4 logs & Entire according to Hovan’s mea- surement. 22nd, a cold windy morning. The Ground hard frozen. The Thermometer at 200. The Carters hauling logs, the Waggons Manure, and the Men cutting down & sawing of logs for the Mill. Isham goes down to Windsor Shades after 1 bbl. Molasses, a runlet of Whiskey, 2 sacks fine salt; 1 Gallon Brandy bought of Mr Ball. The overseer informed me at dinner that one of the Chop cut saws got some part broke about the handle, so he was obliged to send to Wynn’s Shop to be mended. In the Evening the Mon Bulliphant who is getting raft timber at the Forge sent over to borrow the lighter and got my consent. James brings up from the Saw Mill a pattern for 2 pairs of Cart Hooks, as they are [salled?] to be made at the Blacksmith Shop. These hooks are intended to clamp the logs so as to make it much easier to raise and haul them on the Carry-logs; 22 logs hauled up to day 731 in all. 23rd Saturday; a cold frosty morning, and cloudy, threatening rain all day, but none fell until about bed time when a small shower came on. All the oxen and drivers as well as the men in the woods, cutting down, sawing of and hauling logs to the Mill. The ploughers switch to double ploughs got into the top ground ploughing the corn land tho’ it is still too heavy. The women shrubbing about the Old River Country. Albert & the House gang haul & cut wood for the House and then [grease?] some [lousy Hogs?]. The ox drivers report 19 logs hauled to day 728 in all. 24th Sunday: a fine day but cool and windy. Mrs Jerdone go alone to church but before arriving there she heard of the death last night of one of Doctor Wade’s daughters. There would of course be no service; on her return she stopped at the Methodist Chapel 24th March 1861 where there was preaching; 25th Monday: a sharp frost this morning. The overseer got to sewing oats again. The hands except the women in the woods again about the timber. Mrs Jerdone goes to the Funeral of Doctor Wades little daughter and after her return about 3 O’clock She paid a visit to [Kaimes?] The cart carried Hovan 2 1/2 bus Meal this morning and report only 10 logs hauled to day. Making 738 in all. In the Evening Hovan came up to let me know that he wished to go to Richmond tomorrow. 26th Tuesday. a pretty fair morning tho’ somewhat cloudy and windy. I made arrangements yesterday to go to Richmond to day and accordingly did so, carrying Hovan along to the Steam- boat as I took him up on the way down to Wilcox’s; I will here remark that the wind was blowing very hard before we reached the Wharf and just as the Steam boat Glen Cove Came up, it blew almost a Hurricane so that the Bt could not come along side, but sent out a little Bt after the passengers, and I without considering the danger attending it ventured in the small boat which had now near proved fatal to all on board, The small boat was doubly laden with the passengers & baggage; and the waves running so high it became very unmanageable, and our Situation before reaching the Steam boat (which was obliged to Move slowly up the River to keep from driving ashore) was very perilous indeed; all on shore, as well as the passengers in the Steam Bt had given us up for lost as this little Boat we were in seem to be entirely buried in the water. but a kind providence was with us and we at last reached the Bt in Safety. I Returned home on Friday the 29 March. Hovan also came down with me and on in the carriage as far as Barret Harris’ House; where he got out and walked to his Mill. In the Evening he came over; and I advance him $60 to pay off some of his handy Who were hired by the month, and clamoring for their pay. I advanced him $30 in Richmond & 15 dollars some days before leaving home, making $105; for which I took his Bond payable on demand. The overseer informed me he finished seeding oats on the 27th and got in 168 ½ bushels and the plough men ploughing up of the corn Land in the Low Grounds. Anderson reported 55 logs hauled in my absence making 783 in all. Albert had pluck the early peas. One of my largest shoots had been stolen supposedly by Old James, a quarter of it was found in one of the fodder stacks. 30th Saturday: a fine day. Mrs Jerdone go over to the Forge, Robin haul Stable Manure to the Garden before dinner and wood after dinner, the men cutting down and Sawing of the dead timber for the Mill. The oxen Hauling it and James & Peter piling it out of the way. Anderson reports 16 logs hauled to day, making 799 in all. There were 48 this Evening at the Mill to saw. 31st Sunday Easter. Quite cool and white frost, no church to day as Doctor Wade preached at Westover Church which is too far off for my family to attend. April 1st comes on Easter Monday. It is quite cold with frost. The Thermometer at 32o. This is a holliday with the negroes. In the Evening Mr. Wells arrives from Richmond to examine the Lumber that Jno F Hovan has sawed and to make him an offer for it if it suits Him. He spent the night and this morning. Tuesday the 2nd Him & Gill go to the Mill; He soon made the examination, and returned again April 2nd 1861 stating that from the best of his judgment that he thought there was about 75,000 ft of lumber sawed for market about one half of what Hovan reported; and there then were about 25,000 feet of which Hovan called inferior plank, sawed in inch board which he claims himself as unsaleable and had according to agreement to be excluded from merchantable timber; but in fact a great deal of it was fine timber and he of- fers to sell it to Him; but he didn’t buy any; knowing from Our agreement that he had no right to sell a foot of it without my consent. Mr. Mills made me an offer of $16 per thousand for all of my merchantable timber delivered to Him in Richmond; but I declined it; preferring to try our cargo in Market Myself. $18 for M was what I wanted. I answered Mr Jno C Peters last letter, and sent the letter to Richmond by Mr Mills to be mailed. The double plough finished ploughing the land next the [?] in the House field for corn and then go up the high land, above the House where there is still 2 or 3 days ploughing to be done. The men getting wood, the women grubbing about the Old River bank. The Ox drivers Hauling logs & James & Peter fixing up Lindsay’s double plough which he broke to pieces last Saturday. Mrs Jerdone goes to James Sherman’s old place; now belonging to Henley Sherman but the House is occupied by Mr Jno P Pierce, on a visit Mrs Pierce but neither she and Her Husband were at Home, neither were seen. Anderson reports 16 logs hauled to day 815 in all, and 64 at the Mill to Saw. 3rd Wednesday a cold morning. I dispatch Stephen to Windsor Shades after the articles that Mr Wm H Pleasants of Blair & Chamberlayne were to send me last Saturday the 30th. Robin also go along, and they brought up 100 bus of shoots, 1 piece meat, 2 bags Potatoes, 2 bbls flour, and one Sack (Grout Allen Sack?). One of the bbls. flour( Superfried for the overseer. The oxen hauling logs and the drivers report 18 hauled; 833in all, 82 at the Mill to saw. 4th Thursday. The weather is still cold and dry; and rather unfavorable for the advance of Spring. Albert sow some turnips & Mustard. The turnips for Sallad [sic] as all other kinds of Greens will soon be gone. James & Peter repairing the Harrows. The overseer with the Hands mending some bad places in the public road. The oxen still hauling logs for the Saw Mill. Robin goes down after the 30 ft of Seine knit by Pamela Harris; and then returns with them. I paid Her $6 for knitting the 30. Her price being 20 cts for lb; Albert got 2 bus of sweet potato seeds in a hot bed in the garden. In the Evening, Stephen goes down with his waggon [sic] to Windsor Shades after a sheet iron smoke stack for Hovans Saw Mill; for the Making and transportation of which I became responsible as Hovan can get nothing done of himself, he having neither money nor credit anywhere. The [Shaltz?] brought it down. Anderson reports 16 logs hauled to day. 899 in all hauled- 98 at the Mill to saw. 5th Friday. Cloudy and very cool. Isaac was sent before light after the Midwife Nancy Bailey, to Albus(?) wife Eliza. She got here, and accomplished her business before breakfast, a daughter born! Stephen carry down Hovan’s Smoke Stack to him and also a box; he only hauled it from Windsor Shades Home, yesterday Evening at his return from the Saw Mill he brought 1000 ft inferior plank for plantation use. Andrew reports the Overseer goes down to Sanders Williams store after some rope for the Seine and on his return brought 70 Yds ¾, & 30 Yds nick rope & Bill of same April 5th 1861 charging 31½ lbs of Rope @ $5.25. Robin carry the carriage & horses down to Wynns shop and have Him shod all around; The Men go in the Woods about the timber, and clearing out a road from the Mill to Staggs Landing. Anderson’s cart was employed at Home today. Old James Report 9 logs hauled, making 908 in all and 107 at the Mill to saw; I paid Nancy Bailey Her fee $2, and Isaac carry Her Home in the Evening. The children have not been to school since Thursday 28th March. 6th Saturday. very cool and cloudy, some little rain fell after breakfast. The ox drivers go into the woods about the timber. The men clearing out a road from the Mill to the Main Road near Staggs Gate to haul it, and also some of them Sawing off logs: The House Gang, with Allen assisting grease the shoats. Robin goes down to Windsor Shades early in the morning, and buys me 10 Shad at 10 cents Each; and after his return he & Peter haul 2 loads oak wood for the House, and cut it up: James go down and & =Whet the crop cut saws early in the morning; and then goes to cutting of the indifferent plank sent me by Hovan the day before yesterday; into proper lengths for a small Garden below the Spring. The waggons haul Manure to day, and in the Evening Robin goes after Nancy Bailey again for Vina(?). Anderson reports 18 logs hauled to the Mill to day making 926 in all and 125 at the mill to saw. Sunday 7th. Some small rain begun to fall in the morning, and it increased to a tolerable steady rain which lasted more or less all day. Nancy Bailey came in to the House this morning very Early after attending to Vina in the night. She was delivered of a boy. I paid her the fee $2 and Essex carried Her Home later in the Evening. No church any where to day. Monday 8th. a close night of rain was the last; and it is still at it this morning; The overseer shelled some corn before breakfast, and afterwards the Waggons & carts go to hauling the stable manure on the sweet potato patch, & the overseer with the Men go again into the woods to opening the road & to getting it ready to haul the sawed lumber to Staggs Landing; it soon commenced evening more closely so that we were obliged to desist from hauling manure; and nothing was done in the Evening. James go down to the Saw Mill to direct Hovan to cut some timber for a new [bed?]; Mitchell Harris came over to hang the Seine but the day was too bad to do anything at it so he returned again. James, Roach some of the mules; it rained steadily all the day thro’ and the water begins to make an impression on the River, it rained all the Night through very Heavily indeed; with the high wind, and this morning Tuesday 9th The whole face of the Earth is covered with water; both the creeks and the River are Exceedingly full; nearly all the Oats; and a good deal of the wheat covered with the water, as well as the Cow land in the House field Low Ground. The creek is past crossing so that no water can be got from the Spring; and the sheep are surrounded with water in the back field of the Low Grounds. It rained Steadily & Heavily all the day thro, the waters still increasing on the Earth; until they have got to a most unusual height. Not a stroke of out door business could be done. Wednesday 10th. It rained all the last through; tho more moderately; and is still at it this morning with high wind from the East; from which point all the rain comes. James carry down to Hovan 3 bus Meal, I sent Peter down to throw the water out of the lighter, but he soon returned April 10, 1861 and reported that it was not at the Landing; that Bulliphant who applied for the Loan of it some 10 days ago; had got it in use; if so James very fearful that during this Heavy freshet, we shall lose it. The men get some wood; and the waggons [sic] and carts Haul out some manure; but it rained considerably nearly all day. The water is now higher in the River than it has been since the 10th March (1857?). 11 Thursday It partially cleared off during the last night and bids fair for a good day overhead. The overseer with some of the Hands repairing damages from the Wind & rain. Some of the Teams doing Jobs. Some hauling out Stable Manure on the Sweet Potato, and Cotton patch. Stephen got off early with a turn of corn to Doct. Taylors Mill to grind as I find it will be impossible to get the Meal from the Forge Mill this week. On his return he reported that the dam was partially broke by the late rains, but it was thought they could grind the corn by tomorrow Evening, so it was left. I understand that John Beadley’s as also the Erney(?) Mills are broke, and that immense damage has been done all along James River; from the destruction of wharves. Hotter morning. Get the first 5 Turkey Hens. I lost my desk keys to day, and after the most diligent search have been unable as yet to find them. 12th Friday. The River is a great deal higher this morning. It has backed up in the Main Road about 6 ft above the Gate; and almost Exactly opposite to the large White Oak. I think this is Higher than I ever remember to have seen it and every foot of land now in Wheat and Oats from the Road leading from the Gate through the Swamp is entirely covered with water; and a vast deal of the wheat above this road is also covered. Stephen carry down the fish Bbls. to the creek to walk out; then bring 2 loads of pine timber for pea sticks and afterwards go down to Taylor Mill after the Meal. The other Waggons & Carts hauling some wood, and Manure on the Grounds about the House. James & Peter Engaged a part of the day preparing some Cedar posts for the railings; then make preparations for hanging on the new part of the Seine in the centre [sic]; Mitchell Harris has appointed tomorrow to come over & assist about it. After dark several brisk showers of rain fell, and some through the night, and this morning. Saturday 13th. It is very much like rain early in the morning and it came on before breakfast. Mitchell Harris came over to assist in hanging the new part of the Seine; but this morning like last Mon- day proved rainy, so he returned Home again without doing anything tho’ Everything was carried down to the Old House landing, Tar, Seine Rope, & etc. I set the double ploughs to plough under the Manure in the sweet potato and cotton patches, but the ground was almost too wet, and considerable storms with thunder & lightening through the day; at last obliged us to stop the plough, before the whole was ploughed in. James & Peter using some pea sticks The waggons in the Evening Haul some wood to the Negroes Houses; the carts with the women glistening clearing up the stocks around & inside the farm pens so as to have it ready for ploughing up for corn. Doct Gideon Christian came over April 13th 1861 in this afternoon, and spent about two Hours. Carter found my Desk Keys this morning which I lost the day before yesterday. The river is still very high, tho’ some little abatement in the water. 14th Sunday; a clear fine day and the weather temperate. Mrs. Jerdone & Ellen Start for Church, but finding the road so deep & miry, returned again without reaching there. The Water Subsides very slowly; but from the upper windows of this House, it is plainly perceptible that a great deal of the Cedar Railing on the ditch bank from Old Gate to the River (in the Middle field) is carried away. Also a great deal of the worn fence around the field next the River, is swept off; The Lower part of the partition Fence between the Middle & back fields is also gone, and I presume a vast deal all around the River Side in Hell Swamp; where we now have Wheat and Oats is also gone tho’ it cannot now be ascertained. 15th Monday. Somewhat cloudy tho’ the day was a pretty good One. The overseer with the ox carts and some of the men go up in the woods, and get 4 white oak Reepers(?) for a bridge in the turnpike field which was washed away in the late rain, and after getting them in place He got Enough of the new plank, which was sawed for the turnpike bridge, to cover, or rather floor it. The ploughs lay of the sweet potato ground in the Old Peach Orchards then, plough up the land where the Hogs have been wintered; also some portions of the cotton patch which were too wet last Saturday. Mitchell Harris came over and assist James & Peter about Hanging the New Seine, in the Middle part of the Seine. There are 30 y of it and a piece of New Rope 70 Yds long & a very fine (?) of grass Rope 1 inch diameter and 30 Yds long for Hauling it in. I paid Mitchell $1 for his days work, in the Evening. Vina’s Child which was born the 7th just died this morning. Albert & Carter wash some wool that has been sheer [sic] from the [skins?]. The water in the river subsides very slowly. 16th Tuesday; it rained this morning steadily for 2 or 3 hours; beginning about 2 O’clock, and afterward occasional showers all day. This keeps up the River all over the Oats, Wheat, & cow land; and we have no chance to see about the Quantity of the fencing washed away. I made Gill the overseer have the fish bbls washed out & filled with water. James & Peter, after bringing up parts of the old Seine, rope & etc taken out; also the (13 t?; that) and then go to using pea sticks. and Davy, & Allen point them 1075 in number, The Waggons and the carts haul some wood for the Negroes & then remove some farm pen manure that was outside the pen. Albert and Carter twist up some Tob. for chewing. It rained closely after dark for two or three Hours. 17th Wednesday. The earth most excessive wet & the River non-subsided but rather higher. The earth is so wet and miry that the Mules cannot haul out manure without being mired. All hands got cutting Wood as nothing else can be done. Albert stick the marrow for the peas and do some small Jobs about the Garden, tho’ nothing toward making the Earth as it is entirely too Wet ; we shall be very backward with all our Vegetables. I bought 2 Shad and some pickle(?) of one of Adams sons. April 17th, 1861 James and Peter about cedar posts for the railing fences. There are a great-many Sea Gulls flying over the water, & skimming about the swamp; a thing I never saw before. 18th Thursday a cool cloudy Morning; about daybreak Margaret cry out for the nanny; as the water too high to get Nancy Bailey; he brought up Barnet Harris’s wife Mary; who delivered of Her a Son; after which I paid her the fee of $2 and sent her Home again. The Hands finished Hilling up the Sweet Potato patch in the Old Peach Orchard, and I had the Potatoes taken up out of the cellar in the Kitchen and got about 18 Baskets good seed; besides 2 baskets planted in a Hot bed some time before, making 20 baskets seeds. It took about 18 baskets to plant the Ground. 8000 hills two pieces in every other row & one piece in the intervening ones. Stephen carry the turn of corn down to Doct Taylor’s Mill again as the waters still too high to get to the Forge. The Harrows begin to harrow the beds for corn tho’ it is difficult to find any place Dry Enough. Albert plants Snaps to day. In the Evening Hovan sent me a note by Gill the overseer, asking for an advance of $10; to go to Richmond tomorrow to buy some necessaries for his family. The Mill is doing little or nothing in the way of sawing. 19th Friday; very cool morning; the water in the River subsided considerably, tho’ it is still very High. James goes down early with a note enclosing $10 for Hovan. Stephen also goes down with the Waggons for the timber saw for a new Boat and brought 8 planks 18ft long 15 In wide; and measuring 180 ft by My Measure. The Mules are harrowing and opening some of driest parts of the corn beds for planting. Albert sows beets, and Salsify; also plant another Square of Potatoes. 20th Saturday a cold frosty morning, the Thermometer at 320 freezing point. The overseer begun to plant some corn this morning in some of the dryest places. Robin carry Hovan three bus of meal; the carts haul out manure for pens on the Land for a pea fallow, James and Peter about a new Boat for fishing. The water has greatly subsided in the River, but still quite high. The Mail carrier (New) was afraid to cross to NKt on his own sheep, of a horse to borrow one of mine, and left his cow here until his return. The Newspapers bring us this sad intelligence that War had begun in South Carolina. Fort Sumpter which the General Government attempted to throw supplies of provisions etc. into had been attacked by the Carolinians and taken. We also received news that the State of Virginia had in their Convention now sitting in Rmnd passed an ordinance of cecession [sic]. So the State of Virginia is now out of the Union. The papers mention great preparations going on by the government at Washington to invade, & force all the Southern States into submission. I suppose a bloody civil War will be the result. 21st Sunday; a cold frosty morning. Thermometer at 320. No Church any where to day; soon after the morning the wind got to the South and it was mild. We hear constant exaggerated accounts of war to rumours of War; and the preparations making to resist the Efforts of the April 21st 1861 Government at Washington on carrying out their program to force the Southern States into Submission. This is a dreadful State of things; as it parylizes [sic] the whole business of the Country, Manufacturing, Agricultural, & Commercial. 22nd Monday. It is still cool, but not so much so as for several mornings past. There is still a great deal of Water upon the low Grounds; all Hands got to planting corn. Albert, & Carter in the Garden; Albert plant Butter beans & cucumbers. James & Peter about a new boat for fishing. In the Evening, Doct Wilcox come in: his business was to get another Volunteer Company formed of the Old Men of the County in a Home Guard in these distressing times. As a matter of course I was almost obliged to annex My Name to this list of those enrolled, and accor- dingly I did So; I paid $100 towards equipping it. I also paid Him the Semi-annual subscription of $25 to Accts Wade. The Clergymen of the Parish & $25 which I subscribed to the repair of Westover Church. Soon after Doct Wilcox left; John Shell rode up with a summons to- Gill the Overseer to attend a Master of his company(Volunteer) at Mt Airy Tomorrow at 10’ O’clock AM: and directly, after Shell left; up comes Tom Mountcastle with a request from Robt Douththat (Capt of the troop) to let- Mountcastle have a horse to attend his parade tomorrow; but I had no horse for any such purpose. 23rd Tuesday; a fine mild morning; Andrew Gill, my overseer had orders to Join his company to day; so he left soon in the morning for Mount Airy on Chickahominy the place of rendezvous. It is impossible to say when he will be back again. So the whole of the business will fall on My Hands. Jno F Hovan come in about10 O’clock; He is just down from Rmnd, and brings Me a Letter from Mr Wm H Pleasants. I think it more than probable that Him & […] some of his Hands will have orders to leave the County, as in these times of excitement they are Viewed as suspicious Characters. I laid of a place in the back field 100 Yds square for a Turnip patch; we are now preparing land and planting the corn. Mr. Gill informed me that he had planted 8½ bus up to this morning and 2½ carried out this morning 11 bus. 24th Wednesday; a very warm morning and a hot day succeeded. The thermometer at 860 and a Thunder Shower in the Evening. The ploughs and Hoe Hands about planting the corn. James & Peter about a Boat. Anderson Haul some nails to make a pen on the Turnip land so that the cattle may be penned on it. Robt Douththat the Capt of the troop send Frank Gery one of its Members over, to purchase the Team of Mules I bought of Albert Nance & Waggons for the use of the Troops transporting their Camp Equipment & etc but I could not dispose of it without serious inconvenience & loss so I declined it. Albert sow some more Tomato Seed, also Parsley, carrots, & parsnips. Stephen haul in a stack of Wood in the Evening. I heard the first Whippoor Will, & saw the first Catbird this morning also some other small Summer birds make their appearance. April 25th 1861 25th Thursday. Another fine day and quite warm; All Hands employed with Harrows, ploughs & [?] planting the corn. James & Peter fixing up the water gates at the creek, which require a great deal of work about as the late Heavy freshets have washed & widened the places very much. Isham goes down Early to Windsor Shades early for some articles. Tar, Salt, Herrings, Hoes & Brandy but Mr Ball has neither Tar nor Fish; he sent 11 weeding Hoes and 1 gallon French Brandy. Albert & Carter in the Garden at work dressing and fixing it up. they uncover the Dahlia Roots, take the brush of sundry things, plant Cymlins & Water melons & etc. Late in the Evening Col Hill Carter came in; on his way to New Kt County on a tour of inspection of the Volunteer Com- panies in His regiment the Col spent the night with us. Jno F Hovan was here in the forenoon; complaining to me of his situation as it respected the saw- ing my timber. His White Dutch Hands have got notice to quit the county, so there will be none to attend the Mill, and I suppose his operations must be disco- tinued. 26th Friday; a fine morning. Col. Carter leaves us after breakfast. All hands planting corn. Albert plant Water Melons & Cymlins. James & Peter fixing up the water Gates repairing the damage about the Creeks. In the Evening Andrew Gill my overseer returned Home, after being absent 4 Days with his company guarding some Northern rafts?) (three in number) that were seized in the Chickahominy, a few days ago; they were loaded with flour, Hay, lumber & etc; as a retaliation for the Seizure of Virginian property in the northern States. It appears that Every preparation is now being made by Va, in raising men & money to repel the horde of northern invaders; who are preparing to move in large bodies to Washington to subjugate the Southern States. 27th Saturday; a very warm day. I send Isham down to Wilcox’s Post Office with a letter to William H. Pleasants directing Him to Send me by the Schultz to Windsor Shades on Wednesday May 1st the following articles. 2 bbs. fish: 1 bbl Tar: 250ln Bacon; Anderson hauling some rails in place that were washed away between the pasture & cornfield. All hands planting corn. Albert killing the Caterpillars on the Apple trees. They are very numerous this year. 28th Sunday. It is a fine morning; but blew up windy which increased as the day advanced and was quite cool in the evening. No Church today, it seems that the minister Doctr Wade is not in the Country. 29th Monday: quite cool this morning, but moderated, and was windy through the day. James & Peter go about enclosing a place at the spring, which I began last year but never finished; only having then got the cedar posts and rails up; they are now nailing on the plank up and down like (rulers?) ; Mrs Jerone and myself proposed going down to Rmnd tomorrow if nothing presents. 30th Tuesday somewhat cloudy and threatening rain. According to arrangements We start for Rmnd; the wind blew very Hard; and some dashes of rain came on just as the Bt took us in. April 30th 1861 but no more fell afterwards during the day. We remained in Rmnd until Saturday morning the 4th May and during the whole of the time it was very cool indeed. The Whole Country is now in the greatest excitement about President Lincoln blockading the ports of Virginia, and Richmond is alive with Volunteers from the South; as well as from the different counties in the state, drilling & preparing for the struggle, which seems now almost inevitable. The overseer finished planting the corn in my absence, and planted altogether 51½ bushels. The overseer had deliv- ered Jno F Hovan 2½ bushels of meal; and James informed me that Hovan had Measured and Sent me 500 ft of indifferent sap inch boards to finish enclosing my little garden at the Spring both Meal and plank are charged in their proper places on my books. 5th Sunday. Very cold indeed. The Thermometer is down to 27o and a heavy white frost lies on everything; the – ground has a considerable crust on it. Everything in the Garden in the way of vegetation is killed or dreadfully sickened, with it The forward peas are in full bloom, & the Irish potatoes half leg high. I am fearful that the wheat will suffer from it; all the corn that had come up is cut down again. The first Haul Made for fish was in my absence on the Morning after 4th May when they caught 400 Herrings and 26 Shad; this is later than we ever began hauling before; owing in the first place to the high water in the river; and afterwards could get no tar, to pitch the boats. 6th Monday; it rained some last night and is still at( Slackly?) this morning; and as the Hands could do nothing out decided to oversee to be shelling out some corn for Market, while it rained; but little fell during the day. Jno F Hovan came over to day; it appears they have had him examined for improper language which he was heard to be use respecting the troubles in the Country, and which side he intended to take; but he says they made nothing of it. The Ox carts hauling some Farm pen manure on the pea gound; and the ploughs ploughing it under. 7th Tuesday a fine morning, but rather too cool. The Waggons Hauling out the farm pen manure on the pea ground. The Ox carts hauling the rails from the stack to the Turnip Patch. The women scattering manure, and the men repairing the breach made by the water in the embankment on the back side of Hells Swamp and also fixing up the (watting?) & bank along the Road to the bridge. The Crows are now very destruct- tive pulling up the corn; and the lettuce birds destroying the small seed in the garden. Hovan sent over a White Man this morning for some meat and I let Him have 1 lb Midling at 1p a pound. The deputy Sheriff Waddell came over, to borrow money for Hubbard the high sheriff, but got none. While we were at dinner Edrd Watkins came in wanting to sell me 2000 sows with pigs, which he had sold J F Hovan, but as he could not pay for them, he took Home again. Jno Binns also came Here in the Evening Enquiring about the church he had to get what money Hovans owed Him which was $97. April 7th 1861 (should be May 7th 1861?) Isham goes down to the Post Office with Letters, and on his return he brought a note from Robt W Christian wanting to buy fodder. 8th Wednesday a clear fine morning but rather too cool for Season. The ploughs at work on the land for peas. The Waggons Hauling out the farm pen manure on the pea land. The Ox Carts haul all the rails from the farm pen to the Turnip Ground. There are scarcely any fish caught at this time. In the Evening I received a note from Jno Hill complaining of Jno F Hovan treatment to him; is not paying him his wages; and asking relief from Me. I gave Mr. Andrew P Gill a blanket, & some provisions also $5 in money to enable him to buy such small articles as he might want in Camp. 9th Thursday, a fine morning; Gill leaves Home this Morning for the Ct Ho where his company’s to Meet, and I understand their destination is Jamestown. whither they will be carried in the Boat from Wilcox’s Wharf today. I had the cotton planted this morning; The ploughs then plough up the Apple Orchard, and prepared some other trench patches, and also begin to plough the pumpkin patch in the evening. There is so much water in the River from last Mondays rain that no fish can be caught. James & Peter nailing rails and fixing up the Fence on the ditch bank leading on by the cabins. Isham goes down to Windsor Shades after 2 cots to be sent Me by Belon. which he brings home. 10th Friday, is threatening rain this morning. I went down to Hovan’s Saw Mill, to see what was going on; as also to make some arrangements, about what is to be done with the Stained Sap, & indifferent timber that he has sawed; and which I rejected as not being merchantable; and by which, I could make nothing if the sawing it was paid for and sent to Market so I agreed with Hovan that if he would pay me [at $5?] per Thousand, which would be about the Expense of getting it to the Mill that he might have the two lots of this inferior timber that were piled to themselves perhaps 25000 ft in all. It commenced raining about 12 O’clock and continues at it for two or three Hours very moderately. The ploughs preparing the pea & Pumpkin land the hoe hands move the cow pen on the Turnip patch and then go to getting the rails together; and repairing the fence that the water washed away next the River in the woods in the backfield. Albert replant butter beans and Cymlins also plant ground peas. James & Peter piling timber at the Saw Mill. 11th Saturday a fine warm day. After I got through with giving out the meal I had the Apple Orchard planted in black-eyed peas. Then the Hoe Hands plant some two or three beds in corn that had been left unploughed to Haul the rails to & from the stack and after this done they scatter some farm pen manure on the Pea land and repair the Fence around the turnpike field, which is constantly thrown down by the mean worthless people around me to make pasturage for their cattle. Stephen & Robin have some stable manure on the spot in the ice pond lot, I intend for Irish potatoes. The other ploughs ploughing the pea land. The River is so high that no fishing has been done May 11th 1861 for several days past; it is over a good deal of corn in the low places. Mrs Jerdone and Her Sister Martha go down to this Ct House to assist in making garments, lints & etc for the Volunteer troops now in the Service of the Country. They did but little there but brought me some coarse stuff to make overshirts. The first swarm of bees came out to day, and was a very big one, but after settling, and while preparations were making to hive there they took their departure, so we lost them. Albert laid up sick to day. 12th Sunday, a fine warm morning. Miss Martha, Millie, Ellen, & Frank go down to Church. Yesterday morning put out 57 Young Turkies, all that were hatched from 5 Sittings 105 Eggs, this is about the poorest turn out in the way of hatching that we ever yet had; we had another swarm of bees to day. They settled on the same spot that they did yesterday ; and I am inclined to think it was the same bees, that went back Yesterday into the hive, after a great deal of trouble; we got them to go up into the Hive that was placed over them, but whether they will stay or not I cannot say. 13th Monday, a very warm morning, somewhat cloudy, and much flashing of lightning in different directions but particularly in the East. I gave out 1 bushel of corn, and began replanting the crop which is much missing in some places. Stephen with three more hands go down to Wilcox’s and bring up the granite that was sent down by Jno W Davies In Jany; for my childrens graves. James & Peter doing sundry small Jobs about the House; Isham had a trek down to Dr Nader. something about bringing some Sailruck for tents, which is to be made here; but on his return it appears that it had not arrived from Rmnd. The Bees that were hived yesterday swarmed out again about 10 O’clock and rose above the top of the trees in the Yard, and got off in an Easterly direction. also another large swarm came out. Just about the same time settled on the Cedar Hedge and a Hive immediately offered them, but they rejected it; and also took French leave. So both swarms are lost: Albert is laid up sick and nothing doing in the Garden, which is much behind hand; The Thermometer was between 88 & 90o. In the Evening the fishermen haul the Seine & catch 120 Herrings & 2 Shad; and shortly after Sunset while I was attending to feeding, a considerable flurry of thunder, lightning and Wind with a sudden dash of rain came over from the Southwest. 14th Tuesday another very warm day. I get Stephen to haul down some plank from Hovan’s Saw Mill; and he hauled 3 Loads containing different Quantities, which I have charged myself with on the books. Carter plant some Musk Melons & pop corn in the garden. Albert laid up sick his symptoms to day seem very much like Measles. 15th Wednesday; much cooler this morning, tho’ still the weather is fine. Yesterday the fishermen caught 1700 Herrings & […] which is more than have been caught the whole season before. I set all hands this morning to pulling the cockle out of the wheat, Stephen hauling the Hen house manure in the pumpkin Hills, but few fish caught to day. over May 15th 1861 Other letters came from Jamestown for Mrs Geo Bullifant who lives at Sycamore Springs in N Kt. also for Mrs. Gill. I sent Isham over in the Evening with the one for Mrs. Bullifant and he also carry Nancy Bailey some sweet potato seeds. 16th Thursday and quite a cool morning. The hands do some repairs to the fence between the Ice House lot & the corn field in the last grounds, Then chop the manure in the Pumpkin Hills and make up and plant them. Stephen haul in a stack Fodder; & Haul wood for the House Kitchens, and also for the woman that bakes the Negroes bread. Isham goes down to the Ct Ho after some stuff to make tents for the Volunteers in the Army, some of which work is to be done here. I had a lamb killed this Evening leaving 29 of them out. We had the first dish of Strawberries out of the Garden. Albert still laid up sick. The Garden is suffering much for work. 17th Friday. a very cool morning feeling much like frost. The Hoe hands replanting the corn; as also the ploughers assisting. Isham goes down to Wilcox’s with 2 Boxes one from Andrew Gill’s wife; with Sundry things for Him; as also a good many things I put in for His comfort at Jamestown. The other from Geo Bullifant’s wife to Him which I sent to the Bt for Her to go down with Gill’s to Jamestown. He brought the newspapers; & a Letter at His return from Mr Wm H Pleasants. I made a Letter & sent it by Isham to Wilcox’s P Office for Maria C Petters dated the 16th (cust?). 18th Saturday. Still very cool morning the Thermometer was at 39 o this morning, & I have no doubt there was frost tho’ I did not see any. Robin sent down to Windsor Shades after 20 lb brown Sugar, one half of it for myself and the other for Mrs Gill. She sent me $1 to pay for the 10 lb at 10 cents per lb but it is charged 9c for lb: This is the day the Circuit Ct commences in this county and I am truely glad that James not on the General Venire. Mrs Christian & Her daughter Mrs Pierce; also her Son Edmnd Oliver Christian & Mrs Doctr Tyler; dining here to day. The Hoe Hands replanting the corn. We had the first dish of peas from the garden. 19th Sunday this is Whitsunday the morning cool, and threatening rain it was cloudy all day but very little rain fell. No Church to day. Albert has been laid up now more than a week; & Efrex(?) about the Same time. 20th Monday Whitsuntide and of course holliday [sic] with the Negroes; it rained all the last night through, and is still at it, no fishing done to day. It appears where the fishermen went down the morning, they found upwards of 40 ft of the rope had been cut of the Seine and stolen since yesterday morning, also two of the cans were carried off. It continued raining steadily nearly all day; and the ground is very wet. 21st Tuesday. Much like more rain early in the morning but none fell during the day. The ground too wet to replant, or work corn; so I set the hands to getting out corn for Market. Stephen haul rails from the woods to repair the fence; which is burnt down to the ground all around the Negroes Houses; Robin is hauling wood for the House breaks down one of the Market Waggons wheels. We had another May 21st 1861 “Aug 1st 79 Ms is shipping his wheat” swarm of bees to day which went upon the hive, after some little trouble with them. 22nd Wednesday. a very cool morning, and so we have had it for some time past so that it is very unfavorable to the growth of vegetation. I wished to have replanted the wet land in corn where the water has been recently over the middle field Low Ground of which was all destroyed, but could not do so; so set all Hand ploughs and Hands to weeding the first planted corn. Albert and Robin plant some Cymlins, Water, & Musk melons in the land where we have heretofore Had Sweet potatoes &Tobco; They also plant some gourds. Another swarm of bees came out; but never settled at all; going short of this is three out four mornings that we have lost. 23rd Thursday clear & very cool; this is the day of the Election for County delegate, also a member for the State Senate as well as to vote upon the action of the late Convention held in Rmnd; which passed on an Ordinance of cecession of the State of Va from the late United States; as well as some other important alterations made in the constitution; which had to be submitted back to the people for their approval or rejection; I voted at Vaidens(?). About 1200 Herring were caught today. Robin carried up the broken wheel to Howell’s shop for repairs. 24th Friday; still cool & clear, a warm rain is now wanting for vegetation. We replanted several acres of land on the River; which the late rise in the river had Entirely destroyed. Albert & the House gang cleaning, salting, & packing fish; & working in the Garden. Another swarm of bees came out & was hived to day. Late in the Evening Col Hill Carter & his Son Capt Charles Carter came in and spent the night. 25th Saturday 25th much milder this morning, Col Carter & His Son leave about 10 O’clock for the General Muster which is held at the Forge to day. 1180 Herrings caught this morning, but scarcely any Shad. One fine rook(?) for the first time this Season, and I got a small Sturgeon from a trader, weighing about 60 lbs for $2. It is the first we have had this Season. The Hands move the cow pen on the turnip patch and finish replanting the car- rot land in the corn on the River. Old James Haul wood for cooking, It turned very Hot before the Middle of day, the Thermometer go up to 86o. 26th Sunday another very warm day. The thermometer at 87 o. Mrs Jerdone & Paul go to Church. 1300 Her- rings caught last night. About 3 O’clock PM the girl Louisa cry out for the Granny and soon after Nancy Bailey was brought she was delivered of a boy, a bastard of course as she has no husband and is not yet 16 years old. The Old granny stay all night. 27th Monday, very warm. The Old Granny get of Home after breakfast; and instead of receiving her fee of $2 she wished me to let her have a bbl of corn; which I agree to do at $3½ and to send it to the Forge Mill for Her. She paid me 50 cents which with the $2 fee makes $2.50 of the money paid so she owes me now $1. Late in the Evening Doctor Minge and Robt Holden came up. Doctor Minge informed me that the Chs City troop May 27th 1861 of Cavalry has been ordered to repair immediately to Yorktown; and that they would encamp at the warehouse at the Forge to Night Where Capt R. Douthat wishes me to furnish their horses with two feeds of provender & corn which I did without charge as also Supper for them. 28th Tuesday much cooler this morning. Miss Martha Buifitt left here for Rmnd on her route for New Lebanon to visit her sick Mother, but when she reached Wilcox’s she learned that all travel to the North was broken up; The Federal troops now our enemies, having seized Alexandria, and torn up the R.Rd. so she returned back again. I had the Sheep [Sheared?] to day. Andrew N. Gill my overseer returned Home from Jamestown where he is stationed, (on a special Service) to get free Negro laborers to work on the Fort at Jamestown. He is to return again on Friday. 29th Wednesday, very cool morning; rain is now much wanting. Andrew plant the Broom corn seeds and the House Gang at work in the gardens. We are trying to get the corn work done the first time, but it is a slow business, as 8 or 10 of the Hands are laid up with the measles. Gill has been out all day looking up the free Negroes to go down with Friday with him to work on the batteries of Cannon circling at Jamestown. 30th Thursday 30th still very cool almost approaching to frost in the morning; and also very dry; Doct Jno a son of Josiah(?)C Wilson who lives at Kennon’s came in soliciting aid in money to equip an artillery volunteer company; for the County; it seems it is proposed to Erect a Battery at Hennory(?). I subscribe and paid him $15. Andrew N. Gill had been out all day; after the free Negroes for the work at Jamestown, and reported to me late at night that he had got down the names of 28 of them tho’ some had attempted to get rid of it. 31st Friday This is the last day of May, and the morning very cool. Gill got off early this morning for Kennon’s; Issac go along to bring back the Buggy, and at his return he stated that most of the free negroes engaged to work on the Fort at Jamestown were in place and took the 13+ with Gill. I had the cotton; sweet potatoes, & peas, worked over, & replanted, also another small patch of beans, & peas planted. Nancy Bailey’s ½ bbl of corn was sent to the Mill to day, according as she desired. June 1st 1861 comes on a Saturday. It is much milder & the day has been very warm. All hands working in the corn field, except, those engaged about the House; which are not a few as 8 or 10 are laid up with what we consider Measles tho’ it seems doubtful whether it is or not as it appears that that [sic] a new disease has made its appearance called Roseola so closely resem- bling the Measles that it is very difficult to distinguish between them. 2nd Sunday, a very warm day; no Church anywhere to day. Several small showers fell during the day; but none to do any good. 3rd Monday a fine day but very warm. Robin carry Hovan down 2 bus Meal; & 4 lbs of Midling Bacon for which he is charged. All Hands, both ploughs & Hoes in the June 3rd 1861 corn field; trying to work it out. The corn is suffering for thinning and working, and some of it that was first worked wants the Earth thrown to it. 4th Tuesday, still very warm and it threatens rain, one or two of the sick ones, with the disease— prevailing on the place, creep out to day. Thermometer at 86o and about 5 O’clock in the Evening we had a fine shower with some thunder and lightning; this is the first rain we have had in a long time past, and everything was suffering for it. 5th Wednesday. Albert & James & Carter set out cabbage plants, also some tomatoes. Also do other Jobs in and out the Garden. Stick the butter beans as far as the poles would go & then James go in the Woods for 105 more. I sent Isham down to Windsor Shades after some things that Mr Wm H Pleasants had to save for me they were as follows 5 bus Irish potatoes; 200 bags 2 Gall Fr. Brandy, 2 lb tea. On his return he brought bags, 2 Gall Brandy, 1 bag with 2 bus potatoes and no tea; another fine shower late the Evening. Slaughter a mutton to day. 6th Thursday. The morning is cloudy, heavy and a little Misty. Tho’ the Earth not wet enough to prevent working the corn. I send Isham up to Rowlands Mill after a bbl of His Family flour, for which he charges $10; also he went by the P Office at Wilcox’s to have two letters mailed; one from me to Palmer, Son & Co. for 1 single plough no. 21: one dozen points no. 21. & 2 doz bolts for same. The other Letter was from Miss Martha to Her Mother; this last one was returned again as it seems the Mail Northward are broken up, and it is just at the time when the Confederate States South are making a new Postal arrangement for themselves. 7th Friday Cloudy and threatening rain all day, but none fell; Albert, Carter & Issac plant 2 bus of Irish potatoes sent in the boat by Mr Wm H Pleasants; they seem to be the Kind called Pink Eye; was in very bad condition being nearly half rotten. I had about 1 bus of Mercer’s which were also planted; making 10 rows of the pink Eyes & 6 of the Mercer’s in the corner of the pumpkin patch. Several more of the Negroes taken with what I call Measles; Paul was also taken Yesterday. Mrs Hovan came over to day; begging that she may be sent up to Rmnd. 8th Saturday. a very threatening morning and before breakfast came on it rained Very Heavily for half an hour, which made the ground so wet that nothing more could be done towards ploughing the corn, tho’ after the Stables were cleaned out; and all the missing sweet potato Hills were set out; I sent the ands to the field to be chopping out the grass in some of the light & dryest places in the corn. Robin brings in a stack of fodder. Our daughter Ellen is complain- ing to day, and I have no doubt has the Measles; Several more of the Negroes are also laid up with the disease. Jn F Hovan came over, before dinner, and staid until near Sunset; begging aid in money to carry himself and family to Rmnd; where he expects to get employment; He has been here now about 12 months In this mess about sawing of my dead timber, and has accomplished nothing. June 8th 1861 He has sawed perhaps a little upwards of 100,000 ft timber; tho’ it has not yet been measured tho’ I am sure it will not amount to as much as he owes me, which is now $500 & upwards. 9th Sunday, a damp foggy morning and rather cool the day was a fine one; Nobody goes to Church to day. Nearly all the House servants are laid up with the Measles. Isham & Cynthia are the only two left us. Biddy-Ann. Walter Annis, & Violet are all sick, also nearly all who are considered out-house gang, Carter, Issac, Louisa, & etc are all laid up with it. 10th Monday. a close dense fog which fell almost like small rain. Several more of the Negroes are laid up with Measles. Willie, Ellen & Alex are all complaining and I suppose they have the premonitory Symptoms on them. The children will stop going to school to day, until they get through with the Measles. Albert & Robin kill the bugs on the Vines; and brush over the truck patch of Cymlins, Water & musk melons; and roasting ours. After dinner I made the Hands work over Gill’s garden; & draw several baskets of corn where it stood well in the low ground; and set some stiff land badly destroyed with worms on the high lands. Doctor Gideon Christian came by in the morning merely to see us; but looked at Walter, who was not thickly broken out; He pronounced it Genuine Measles. In the Evening Jn F Hovan came in, stating that his wife wished to go to Rmnd tomorrow in Morris Binn’s Cart, and that he should like to get some money for Her, as well as to take himself up & children one day this week; altho’ I am certain he is in my debt still to get clear of the begging of the poor trifling fellow I gave him $20; & took his bond for it; & in the same bond $10 more is included; which I loaned him some time ago & for which no bond was taken at the time. 11th Tuesday, much flashing of Lightning, and Some heavy thunder in the Northeast about the daybreak; and about Sunrise we had a small shower but not enough to stop the Operations of any kind on the farm. I send Robin- down Early in the Morning to Windsor Shades to see if there were any Letters or articles brot by boat Saturday for Me and on his return he brought 2 lbs of Tea, and a Letter from Mr Wm H Pleasants both of which ought to have come to Hand, last week. There is still a bag with 2 bus potatoes missing. Several more taken down with the Measles. Mrs Gill was sent after to go down to Jamestown to see her husband who is said to be sick. Robin & Albert do some work in the garden, & then finish planting the missing pumpkin Hills. The first Irish potatoes got out of the garden, they are very small. 12th Wednesday quite a warm day. I sent Robin down again to the Shades, after some plough castings & a plough single which I wrote Palmer, Son, & Co. to send me last week but the articles have not yet arrived; he brought up a bag of Potatoes, which I suppose is my missing bag tho’ it is marked R.T. Lacy; The bugs are now most destructive to all kinds of vines, it is almost impossible to get any vegetables. June 12th 1861 More of the Hands take down with the Measles; we are now reduced to a small number; both about the House, & in the field. Paul, Ellen & Alexander, have it among the Whites. 13th Thursday, a fine day; I send Anderson down to Hovan’s Mill to bring up some of his Old trumpery which I am to take care of for Him. He sent up an inventory of it, tho’ a frying pan mentioned was not brought. We got the first Snaps to day, The Hands brush over the Sweet Potatoes and pump- kin Hills. I also had the bag of Irish potatoes that came from the Shades yesterday planted. Several more down with Measles. 14th Friday a fine morn ing. Lindsay with his Waggon, Dandridge along, & Anderson with his ox cart team along; start off about 4 O’clock AM down to Hovans Mill, to move him and his things to Wilcox’s Wharf to take the Boat for Rmnd; but he was so trifling and slow in getting off from the Mill that the Bt passed up and left him behind. He was left at the Wharf with his children, bag, & baggage. He has been here nearly 12 months and sawed perhaps 100,000 ft of lumber; tho’ it has never been sold or measured. Mrs Gill got him home again to day. Albert and Peter butcher a Lamb. 15th Saturday very warm morning and the day exceedingly windy & Hot. This thermometer at 90o and it being quite dry all vegetation has suffered severely to day, the Marrowfatt peas just coming in plentifully will soon be over without rain, & bugs are eating up all the vines. Nearly half of the Negroes are down with the Measles, & bowel complaint, and my crops are all in a very critical condition; This has been the Most disastrous year to me that has happened since I lived in the county. We have not yet worked the corn over the first time, and the wheat is ripening rapidly. The War is going on within 40 miles of us, and although the Confederate troops, have got the advantage in every skirmish still we cannot say how soon we may have a visit from the Enemy. 16th Sunday; a very Hot morning and also very dry; several more lay up with Measles; and one or two creep out, who have had it. No Church any where to day. The Thermometer at 90o and two or three light Thunder showers fell between 1 O’clock PM and bed time, Just about as much as needed at this time. 17th Monday. It is much cooler this morning; and looks much like more rain, Some little mist fell in the forenoon, but none to stop work. it partially cleared of with Evening. I send Robin down to Windsor Shades; after some things sent by the Boat from Palmer & Co as follows; they as follows one Single Palmer plough No. 21 with extra point; 1 doz. points for single plough, 2 doz bolts. After he got back he run the Cultivator over the cotton patches; Albert & Issac at work in the garden. Most on the place laid up with Measles, & Bowel complaint. 18th Tuesday, a fine morning and the weather temperate. I had the corn field peas all put thro the Fan; it is much to be feared that 2 Sheds containing about 30 bus of the mixed ones are spoiled. June 18th 1861 I observed some time ago that they were a little warm, & felt tough, but did not think they would mould. They were partially frost bitten and badly matured when gathered last fall, which is the cause of it all. The ploughs finish loading(?) the corn in the Low Ground; and then plough the pumpkins, and also the cotton, beans, peas & etc which Robin had before make over with a cultivation. About 5 O’clock PM we heard a great deal of heavy firing of cannon in the direction of Rmnd; and feel a good deal of anxiety to understand the cause of it. 19th Wednesday; a fine morning, the weather temperate, rain is now wanting again. Robin pull up the Early pea vines, and clean the square of sticks in order to plant cabbage. Isham goes down to Wilcox’s Post Office for Mail Matter, but brought neither Letters nor papers as it seems the postmaster as usual was absent. Mr. Edmond(?) Wadell sent me two late papers giving some account of the late skirmishing between the Federal & confederate troops and of the battle at Bethel Church in York County in which Lincoln’s troops were driven from the field with considerable slaughter. One of the numbers of the Charles City troop had been killed (Samuel Pryor ) in cutting his way through some Federal troops. The firing in Richmond yesterday it seems, was the training of the Horses to the artillery fire. 20th Thursday, still dry and no appearance of rain. The day very warm, particularly in the Evening. The Hoe hands get over the corn with their Hoes the first time, and threw brush over the peas, Cotton, & other things in the truck patch. James fixing the grain cradles & Peter get out 10 blades to grind. Albert & Carter at work in the garden and in the Evening thin out the pumpkins. Robin Haul wood to day, for Washing, Cooking, etc, etc. 21st Friday, a clear morning and very warm. After getting out the turn of corn for Mill, all Hands go to work over the pumpkins and finish brushing over some beans; then move the cow pen; and after dinner carry corn in the barn ready for shelling. The ploughers finish getting two furrows thrown to all the corn; & will now have to go over it all again; & plough out the middle of the rows; I had the Seed peas measured up and put in bags as follows 14½ bus black peas in 8 bags. 8 bus good mixed in 4 bags. 34 bus heated mixed in 17 bags; besides about 5 bus good black Eyes. Feo W Colgin came here the […] asking me to give him a recommendation for His Industry, Sobriety, Honesty, & ability to attend to business; which I declined doing. 22nd Saturday, a fine morning, the wind at the West. Just before day we had a considerable Flurry from that quarter; a great deal of lightning from a dark & threatening cloud; which came over, with very little thunder, but as a strong gale of wind; and a small shower of rain. The ploughs begin to plough out the middle of the corn rows & the Hoe Hands commence the Second weeding with Hoes. Several of the ploughs & Hoe hands still laid up with the Measles. Doctor E O Christian & His wife came June 23rd 1861 in while we were at Supper, and staid until 9 O’clock. 23rd Sunday a very warm morning and the past night has also been very Hot. The ground has become very dry, & rain would be very desirable. The wheat is just ready for the cythe [sic]. Mrs Jerdone goes alone to Church, where she heard that a battle had been fought on the end at Fairfax Ct House, between Lincoln’s troops, and the Confederates in which struggle the Lincolnity or Federal troops were routed with Great Slaughter – leaving 3000 dead on the field. The particulars were not known, but the news was considered authentic. 24th Monday. Still no appearance of rain, the weather is quite temperate. as soon as breakfast was over I got together the Hoe Hands and with 7 cythemen began to cut down the very inferior crop of wheat we have in the Swamp; Still Keeping 8 ploughs at work ploughing in the corn. There are several of the out Hands still laid up with bowel complaints, & measles, four of the men among them. Namely Albert, Wilson, Tom & Allen, tho’ Allen got out after breakfast. I received this morning a Letter from Jn F Hovan, In which he states that Joseph Anderson wishes me to furnish him a considerable bill of heavy & large timber; for which from $30 to $35 per Thousand would be paid delivered in Rmnd, but it will not be furnished by me, as the mill has stopped operations. 25th Tuesday a little cloudy this morning, and not much dew. All hands except the 8 ploughers; and some about the House; go onto the Wheat field. Albert & Carter working in the Garden, after doing many other Jobs about the place every morning before they can get there. Ellen taken with Measles to day; as the children are not going to school. Just at this time. I have put Robin in charge of the plough. 26th Wednesday. Some brisk showers about Sunrise from dark appearances at the Southwest. I am much in the Hopes we should have had a good rain which is dreadfully wanting; The Hands were kept out of the wheat patch until 10 O’clock for the Wheat to dry. Robin ploughs over the truck patches & sweet potatoes. Isham goes down to Wilcox’s with Letter for J.C. – Petters & Jno F Hovan. Much Thundering in the Evening but No Rain; very warm & sultry; Thermometer at 88o. 27th Thursday, a fine morning with considerable dew & some little fog. So it was after breakfast before the Hands got into the Wheat patch. I set them to making over the sweet potatoes that Robin ploughed yesterday; I put two of the ploughers to cutting wheat; and Stile (with Robin) kept to running in the corn. Isham go down to Windsor Shades after some whiskey for the Harvest and a few other things. Still a number of the Negroes on the sick list, with measles & Bowel complaints. 28th Friday. A Hot Sultry morning, and a Very Hot day succeeded. The Thermometer 90o at 2 O’clock. Isham goes down to Windsor Shades after some bacon I wrote Wm H Pleasants to send me on Thursday, but he returned again without it. All Hands, Except 6 of the plough -ers in the Harvest field, some 6 or 7 of them are laid up with the Measles; about 4 O’clock PM; a cloud got up in the Southwest; and about 5 O’clk it came over discharging a most tremendous torrent of water, It was accompanied with a June 28th 1861 great deal of severe thunder and Lightning, but not much wind. The rain lasted until dusk, when the whole face of the Earth was covered with water. 29th Saturday. About daybreak there was a great deal of vivid lightning from a dark appearance in the West, it soon came over, with a very Heavy rain, which lasted for at least an hour. The Whole Earth is covered, which has put a stop to ploughing the corn, So I put two double ploughs to the plough the part of the turnip patch that has been already penned on; and the balance of the House who are not laid up sick go to getting out corn for Market, until the Evening; when the wheat was dry enough to cut. Albert set out a number of cabbage plants I the garden. The first corn go today. We got no newspapers this morning; Why I cannot tell. The Postrider New, brought me a Letter from Doctr Jno Wilson, enclosing $15, I advanced him some time ago to raise an artillery company, but in which he had failed. 30th Sunday. Very Heavy and threatening morning. No Church anywhere. Mrs Jerdone has been very unwell for a day or two; and is now in bed. Slack rain came on about 11 O’clock and it was afterwards showery all day through, which is bad on our wheat cutting, as well as working corn. Mrs. Gill the overseer’s wife with Carter to drive after goes down to her relatives in the County, and did not return again to day. July 1st 1861. comes on a Monday; Early in the morning about day we had a very Heavy rain that lasted more than an Hour; and after- wards it was very close, Hot & Sultry. The Hands pull up the dock that had come up in the threshing Yd. and burn it and then chop down the weeds about the fences before breakfast; and after breakfast was over, I made some of them run the Market corn through the fan; and some to go shelling out more. James & Peter Hang the Water Gate at the Turnpike Bridge; Isham goes down to Windsor Shades after a cash of 250(cbe?) bacon Sent down on Saturday by Mr Wm H Pleasants. In the Evening all hands get into the Wheat field. Mrs Jerdone is still very much indisposed, and confined to Her rooms. 2nd Tuesday a fine temperate morning, and a clean cool day Succeeded, The Earth is too wet to plough the corn in the Low grounds, so all hands go into the Harvest field. Isham carries the carriage down to Winn’s Shop, to get some broken part of it mended. In the morning a man about half drunk came to the door, reporting his name as Binns; a son of Balling Binns of this county, and that he was stationed at York Town; in the service of his country; Whether he is to be was correct or not I cannot say. He got a Dram & some cold meat & bread wrapped up for his breakfast & left directly. 3rd Wednesday a cool morning, with Heavy dew. The Low grounds are still too wet to plough; so all Hands go into the Harvest field again, to idle away their time; and Eat & Drink Whiskey, as there is nobody to See after them. My Health is too infirm and I have so much to do about the House with a sick family, both black & white, that I cannot see after them. July 3rd 1861 Robin carry up a broken down wheel of the two House Waggons to Jno Howells(?) Shop to get made nearly new. Albert & Mary working in the garden, and doing other jobs. 4th Thursday. This would have been the 85th year of the independence of the United States; Had the government lasted up to this day, but the cecession of 11 States has dissolved it. We have a heavy dew this morning, and the weather is quite cool for the Season. I got to plough in the Low grounds this morning ploughing out the middle of the corn Rows. They have been unable to do anything their [sic] for nearly a week past, owing to the Heavy rains last week. Robin ploughs the late Irish potatoes; and also ploughs the things in the overseers Garden and then begin ploughing the pumpkins. I have 7 cutters still cutting the indifferent wheat. We had the first corn out of the Garden the 29th June. Miss Martha, Ellen & Paul go down to Chs City Ct House to some Meeting of the Ladies of the County; about doing work for the Soldiers. Willie is sick to day, with the symptoms of measles; tho’ he has not broken Out. 5th Friday. quite warm and Heavy dew. I set the Hoe Hands to brush over the late Irish potatoes and then work on Gills Garden; after which they went into the Harvest field, and finished cutting down the most indifferent crop of wheat, which was most ruined with the high water in the Winter & Spring. They then go to chopping in the corn for the second time. Doctr Wade came here to day to see Willie and Alexander who are both quite sick. 6th Saturday still warm & cloudy, much like rain. We did have Several Showers through the day. Anderson haul Wood for Washing & Cooking, also for the Overseers wife. Robin finish ploughing over the pumpkins, and then go down to Windsor Shades to get a few articles of Ball. The ploughs finished ploughing out the Middle of the corn Rows in the Low grounds; which is very late in the Season. 7th Sunday. a very Hot morning, & a clear, and Very warm day Succeeded. I suppose the Thermometer was at least 90o tho’ I did not observe it. No Church any where to day. Several of the Negroes are still laid up sick with the Measles, & bowel complaints. 8th Monday, a very warm morning with heavy dew. as soon as it was dry enough I set one of the wheat rakes to work in the wheat patch, and the ox carts after hauling a load of fodder. Each begin to haul wheat they got in 8 loads into the Stable loft to day. The small plough go to ploughing up the Land for pea fallow. The others in the corn field. Robin carry up some wood to Jno Pearman’s Shop; and also to look after the wheel that Howell had to repair for the small waggon, but neither could be done, so He carried the blacksmith work to Wynn’s; it appears the others are at work on the forts down the River. James doing some Jobs about the House, Thermometer at 90o. Willie is broken out with Measles this morning. 9th Tuesday; still very Hot. The Thermometer at 90o at 3 O’clock PM. I set one of the Hands with Peter to fixing July 9th 1861 up some of the shocks of wheat that are in bad Order, The Ox carts get in 8 loads more of the raked wheat, tho’ they were not full ones, as one rake can not get it up fast Enough for 2 Carts. Robin ploughs the peas & beans in the ice pond. Davy begin to Sow the peas for fallow, once Harrow getting them in; and the few Hands left chopping them over. James Employed about the House. The Casts bring up the Seine, & Boats from the Landing. 10th Wednesday. still very Hot Thermometer at 90o. I sent Issac down to the river at Kennons for Andrew Gill the overseer; who has a furlough, from Jamestown to visit his family. He arrive about 12 o’clock. Davy still seeding peas. Anderson & his attendant Tom hauling Raked wheat. They get in 20 loads altogether to night. We had a smart sprinkle of rain from a Thunder cloud from the West but not Enough to Stop the operations. This morning Thursday the 11th. which is very Hot and Sultry, the day very Hot thermometer steadily at 90ofrom day to day. The Two Ox Carts haul in the raked wheat as soon as it was dry Enough to rake it which is about 9 O’clk. We finished getting in the peas for fallow 21 bus seeded, the ploughs ploughing the stiff land corn by throwing the Earth to it with the turning ploughs. The Middle of the rows is very Hard from the great rain which fell the 28th of June. I send Andrew Gill his barrel of Herrings which I agreed to furnish him, This morning. Anderson & James Haul in 8 loads of very indifferent raked wheat, which makes about 25 loads they have brought in. I forgot to mention that I started Isham to Rmnd Yesterday morning for some family necessaries, and he also carry 4 pots of butter for Wm H Pleasants to dispose of; he got back about dark with all the activity Except (coffee) it appears there is not a bag in Rmnd. This is the Effect of Lincoln’s blockade of the Ports of the Confederate States. The Old Scoundrel thinks to starve us out by his illegal, high-handed; and despotic measures but it is as ruinous to him & his Supporters; as it has ruined all there trades for it is asserted that the Grass is beginning to grow in the streets of N York. 12th Friday. The morning is fine & pleasant, and the temperature much lower during the day. All the Hoe Hands Employed going over the corn, and thinning it out, where it never properly done, it having been left in order to set out; where the worms had killed it; and it is now an injury to the crop. The ploughs some turning & some shovel ploughs at work in the corn. The ox carts hauling in the raked wheat and finished about sunset. They got in about 25 loads of it altogether. James & Walter taking up the carpet clean out, and put down the Matting in the parlor. Doct E O Christian came in after breakfast; wanting 300 ft of inch plank to curb-up his well. Albert at work in the Garden. July 13th 1861 13th Saturday. The weather temperate; Early in the morning a bank got up in the West, with a good deal of low muttering thunder; it came over before breakfast with a considerable shower of rain; and it continued to rain steadily until 10 o’clk. It prevented our beginning to cut down the few indifferent Oats that we have in the Swamp so all the Hoe Hands chopping out the corn where it has been left too thick. The ploughs, some shovel, & some turning, at work ploughing lightly along between the corn; Robin Run the Cultivator over the cotton patch, and in the Evening the Hoe Hands brush it over, Issac carry the overseer Gill down to Kennons on his way to his station at Jamestown. 14th Sunday. a clear, cool morning with Heavy dew: Albert reports one of the lambs missing being only 25 when there should be 26; and 57 Old Sheep; there is also one of the Old Geese missing, being only 18 when there should be 19 of them. Miss Martha, & Ellen go down to the Lower Church. 15th Monday. a clear cool morning with very heavy dew. Early in the morning I made the Hoe Hands chop about in the corn; Just back of [morning] & Sally’s House, where the ground is wet, and the grass grows very fast; after the dew was off; all Except the ploughers go to cutting down the Oats, which are very late, & indifferent. Doct Edmnd O Christian send over his Waggons after the 300 ft inch plank he spoke for Last Friday which was sent Him, and he will be charged at the rate of $12 per M for it, Isham, & Albert butcher a mutton in the Evening. It looks much like rain to night. 16th Tuesday. very threatening in the morning, and I had the cow pen moved before going to the Oat Patch, Albert cutting the Garden walks, and doing other Jobs. The ploughers still at work in the corn. The clouds were very ( lowering?) all day; and several small showers of rain fell, but not enough to stop work. 17th Wednesday quite clear and the weather temperate. very heavy dew; so that the hands could not cut oats until Some time after breakfast; they got them all cut down about 3 O’clock PM; put the cradles & Cythes away ; and then go in the sweet potato patch to chopping, and trimming of the Crab Grass, which is getting up very thick among them. Albert cut over the front yard in the morning; and take up the white onions in the Evening. 18th Thursday; another fine morning with considerable fog. The Hoe Hands finish weeding the sweet potatoes, Cymlins, & pumpkins, and then go to chopping in the corn field. The ploughs finish ploughing all the corn from the low Grounds, up above the House in the middle field; and there are some 20 or 30 acres of the Low Ground done; Albert and Carter about the Garden. James fixing the Shake to the wheat machine, and in the evening bale up some supplies which we furnish gratuitously for the Hospital of Yorktown, and among them are 5 Excellent Shuck Mattress 6 pillows of nice feathers, & 8 cases 5 pair sheets; 5 towels, 1 Counterpane. July 19th 1861 19th Friday. A close morning of rain, and it continued at it until after breakfast; Stephen started down to Wilcox’s very Early with the bale of Hospital Supplies; for it to be put on board the boat for James- town where it is said they send a wagon every Friday for such things as may be Sent that way to Yorktown. All hands go to carry- ing corn in the barn, from the corn Houses, and then shelling it out. Albert & Carter set out cabbage plants, & Irish potato sprouts. James & Lindsey Roach up the Mules. 20th Saturday. a very dark threatening about day break, a black cloud came over from the West and Southwest about Sunrise, with moderate Thunder and lightning, and considerable rain, which lasted until some time after breakfast. It made the Earth too wet to plough, or I should have done a little more ploughing to some late & small corn in the Low Grounds. The hands go to shelling out more corn, until the rain was over, & then chop out the stocks of corn where it has been left too thick and was never regularly thinned. The day is Hot & Sultry. In the Evening Freeman Mountcastle came over with a Note in the shape of an Order from Mrs Jane Selden, also a letter from Her to Mrs Jerdone, requesting that the Said Mountcastle should be furnished with 2 Striped Cotton Overshirts as he had Joined the Chs City troop, so he sew the shirts. I marked 11 small water melons in the Garden. 21st Sunday, quite a hot day, as was Yesterday. I did not observe the Thermometer. Miss Martha with Ellen & Frank go up to Olivet Church. Another of the Old sheep missing this morning there being from Alberts Account only 55 Old ones and 25 lambs. There should be 56 Old ones; 22nd Monday, very much like rain Early in the morning; I started 5 shovel ploughs in the Low Ground to loosen up the Earth in the small late corn; but by the time they got to work, rain came on, and kept at it steadily and heavily (part of the time.) Throughout the whole day and night; all hands in the barn shelling and fanning the corn for market. The wind blew quite hard; which I am afraid will lay the corn down badly and also injure the wheat and Oats in the shacks. I intended to Have hauled the Oats to the corn House to be packed away this very day; but for the rain. 23rd Tuesday. It is still very threatening for rain, early in the morning; but soon it cleared of and was a fine day Overhead; but the Ground so wet that nothing can be done towards working it. The waggons and Carts go to hauling out the old straw from the Stacking Yard where it nearly all rotted. The Men getting up the Forks, & etc at the last years stack frame, and the women chopping down the weeds etc about the House & fences; also pulling them out of the peas. July 23rd 1861 Albert & Carter pulling up weeds about the Garden, & doing some other small jobs about the House. Willie goes to school this morning; which is the first time since the measles broke out here, which is five or six weeks ago. In the Evening Doctor Gid Christian come in; bringing the intelligence of a great battle; that had been fought at a place called Stone bridge, either in Fairfax or Prince Wm County. It appears it Happened last Sunday the 21st inst(?) between 75000 Federal; and 50000 Confederate troops; in which it is rumored that 27000 of the Federal troops, & 13000 of the confederates were slain. This is no doubt the Greatest battle ever fought on this continent, it lasted from 4 o’clock in the morning until in the evening; when the Lincoln’s 75000 men were completely defeated; These are the first Accounts from the battle field and of course are not Expected to be Entirely Correct; but no doubt a great Victory has been Obtained over Our detestable & hated enemies. 24th Wednesday, cool morning with Heavy dew. The double ploughs plough up another portion of the Turnip patch; after it had been manured with Stable manure. After the dew was off I set all hands to uncap and open the little Oat shocks; so as to get them dry, and hauled in, but We were obliged to begin hauling them out before this could be done, as the water is quite high and much oat on the land; also over a good deal of the corn. The Oats were set up in the threshing Yard to dry; and those that were dry; put in one of the Old Corn Houses. I send Isham down to W Shades after a dozen pair of shoes; for 12 Hands; who I am expecting daily will be drafted to work on the fortifications at Wmsbg, & Yorktown as most people in the County have been called on for one half of their able bodied Men. Albert & Carter slaughter a mutton in the Evening. After dark two men ride up, and report themselves new members of the Chs City troop on their way to Yorktown. Their object in calling was to get 2 shirts for Steth Whitehouse who is one of them; & Hubbard the other. We have furnished many of these things gratuitously; which is the case now. 25th Thursday. a very Heavy dew this morning, so that nothing could be done with the Oats until 10 Oclock; when we opened and dried all in the threshing in the Yard; and hauled the balance from out the Swamp; and put all in the House; about 8 or 10 Good loads of these out of 1 h 8½ Seeded. The Hands Chop out the balance of the corn in the Low Grounds where it was too thick. Peter laid up sick, James repairing damages to carts and Waggons. Wilson bring Home the two House Waggon Wheel that has been at Howell’s Shop for a fortnight. Shortly after dinner Ge Walker, & Wm Taylor came in their business as I expected to draft my Hands for the fortification at Wmsburg; so I got together 11 of the Men; and fixed them of for a start Early tomorrow morning they are as follows. Old James, Davy July 25th 1861 Essex, Young Albert, Allen, Wilson, Dandridge, Aron, Lindsey, Henry & Tom; making 11 of them; Jones was to have gone but he was laid up sick, a day or so ago; they are to carry along with them 4 shovels, 4 spades & 3 Axes. It seems they are to be furnished by the Government with provisions and I am to receive 3f pr day a piece for their Service. 26th Friday, a very Heavy dew but somewhat cloudy; all the laborers for the work at Wmsburg get of 4 O’clock this morning. Stephen take them down as far as the Burnt Ordinary in James City, in the Waggon; and from there they will walk to Wmsbg. Isham goes down to Wilcox’s with Some Letters for the P Office, also one for Gill at Jamestown; and from the office he is to go to Rowland Mill for a bbl of Flour. he returned in the Evening with- -out the flour. Stephen got back around dark, and reports, that he carried the Hands 6 miles below the Burnt Ordinary and in about 4 or 5 miles of Wmsbg. 27th Saturday; a fine morning but somewhat cloudy; The Men and boys that are left at Home and not Sick are getting and hauling some rails for turnip patch & other things; The women chopping about the late corn; they washed wool to day, & Just as we finished slack rain came on which lasted all day. The Water is very high in the River, over a great deal of the corn, & the Oats would have been all washed away; if they had not been hauled Out. 28th Sunday. A fine pleasant morning, with Heavy dew; The day however proved excessively hot, This Thermometer at 88o. Miss Martha, Willie, Ellen, & Frank, go down to the Lower Church. The water is still rising in the River. We are much annoyed with persons calling by with the request to be carried across which is always the case when the water is up. 29th Monday, very damp, Hot, & foggy; altho’ it was partially cloudy all day, still no rain fell. I had the wet wool that was washed last Saturday; put out to dry; but the day has been unfavorable; so it will have to be put out again. I sent Robin down to Windsor Shades after some few articles as follows 1 bus flour; 1 Gall Rye Whiskey; 10 lb of crushed sugar, all of which he brought. The River is now subsiding again; Albert and Carter slaughter a Lamb; 30th Tuesday a fine morning; but considerable fog; and a warm day Succeeded; Stephen ploughs the late Irish po- -tatoes. and then him & Robin go to cropping and preparing the Turnip patch with the small ploughs. Issac Carrry the overseers wife down to her father’s; and back again in the Evening. James, Isham, & Walter, all day cleaning up scouring, & washing the Library Room. We got the wool dried today, and it weighed Nett 140 pounds from about 60 Sheep. 31st Wednesday, a very Sultry foggy morning; and after the Sun rose it was excessively Hot all day. I set all the Hands to chopping and preparing the Turnip patch, a part of July 31st 1861 which is very much set in wire grass, and other portions cloddy; it requires much labour bestow; before it will be ready to receive the Seed. Anderson hauling rails for a cow pen. James about Sunday Jobs at the House. We ate the first water melons out of the Garden this Season. It was found this morning that on counting the young Turkies that Seven of the largest sized were missing. No doubt stolen and carried of to raise, as it is hardly to be sup- posed that the thief would take as many at Once, unless it was for somesuch purpose. August 1st 1861. comes on a Thursday, This morning Very Suspicious for rain, damp, and very Hot & Sultry. I had the preparations in the Turnip patch finished; and Sowed it in the forenoon altho’ smart showers of rain fell during the time. After the hands were done they made the fence Secure all around, and Scatter Some Straw on the land where the cow pens are to be made. In the Evening Sam reported that one of the Young unbroke oxen(very likely) had died; from what cause I cannot say as I never heard any thing was the matter before. Some of the Hogs look very badly; they are very lousy, which is something no doubt the cause. 2nd Friday Very Hot again the Thermometer Standing from day to day at from 88o to 90o. I set the women to scouring out the threshing Yard which is very, foul. The only two Men getting rails are Stephen & Bob(?). Jones has been laid up in the House for a fortnight; The Oldest of the Bulls was brought up to the Stable Yard this morning, Seemingly drooping; and gave way so rapidly that before I could get a drink for Him of Cedar berry tea & turpentine, he was dead; also one of the Heifer died to day, making three in 24 Hours; it is evidently a fatal disease that has got among them, and from the Symp -tons of bloody urine I conclude it is the Murrain. Isham goes to Wilcox’s for some meat I expect Gill has sent me from Jamestown; also to Rowland Mill for a bbl of family flour, both of which he got. 3rd Saturday. Very heavy dew and very Sultry, the last night was extremely Hot. Anderson & Stephen go to Hauling the scrapings of the wheat yard. Then both men left, getting some rails; and the women doing some chopping about the fences, & truck patches. I had tar put in the noses of all the cattle, and also had the Geese picked. There are 18 Old Ones & 11 Goslings; I received a Letter this morning from Andrew W Gill stating that the box of meat he sent contained 15 Shoulders 1pp Midling; & some small pls all of which were there, and that it weighs 246½ lbs at 12 ½ cts per pound. The day most exceedingly Hot. Thermometer at 88o. 4th Sunday; no going to Church any where; The day clear and excessive Hot Thermometer at 90 o. I have heard nothing of the 11 Negro men who went down last Friday week to work on the fortifications below Wmsbg. Except that they had got all Safe down there. August 5th 1861 Monday 5th. a very close and Sultry and the last intolerably Hot, so that no sleep cold be had; the children were very restless. The cart, and Waggon haul out the balance of the scrapings from the wheat yard. The women chopping down the rank weeds that have sprung up every where; they also clean out the stables. The three or four other men & boys left at Home getting some rails. Mr Jno P Pierce come over in the forenoon, to get 1000 ft of common inch plank to use covering bricks; which he is about to make at Jno- -Hills old place. The Thermometer at 90o to day, The heat is very oppressive. Albert Give out 2 Grubbing & 21 Hilling Hoes out of the shed to to go to grubbing & shrubbing in the next years corn field. 6th Tuesday. Still no abatement in the temperature of the weather; the last night was I steak the hottest this Summer; and to day the Thermometer at 90o. I send Stephen & James down to the Saw Mill for the plank that Jno P Pierce wants which are inch board. They brought up a Heavy waggon load to the House but I have not yet measured it. The Ox Cart & Robin’ s two Horse Waggons hauling rails in the swamp to fence in the Fodder Stacks. Some Thundering about to day in the Evening but no rain. We got a fine dish of butter beans today for the first Tho’ they might have been got several days past. 7th Wednesday; still most Excessive Hot days & nights, The Thermometer reading 90o Every day. Last night we had a small shower which refreshed every thing very much. I send Stephen & James down to Jno Hills Old place with a waggon load of plank inch boards for Mr. Jno P Pierce, the the load contained 1,000 ft and was some of the inch stuff, that was received as Merchantable from Hovan; I shall charge $12 per M for it. At Stephen’s return; him & Robin haul to the Tobo House; the 4 small and indifferent stacks of blade fodder that the water was around in Hell Swamp; much of it was rotten. 8th Thursday Excessive Hot, and no abatement in the temperature of the weather. I laid of the place for the hops(?) stack and farm pens this Winter; in the back field; 50 x 60 Yds. and Stephen & James go to hauling the Rails for the fence about it; they also Haul poles to stack the wheat straw around, whenever it is threshed out. The women shrubbing and the few men left on the place, Mauling rails. The corn is now requiring a great deal of rain; as it is a very generally in Silk and tussel, and some of it in the roasting ear state. Friday 9th. This has been as hot a day, as any the Whole Summer, The Thermometer near 91o. The Earth gets so hot during the day that many kinds of vegetation is entirely destroyed; by being dried up. The mosquitoes are dreadful bad about this time; Mrs. Gill got a letter from her Husband; in which he mentions that his company has been removed from Jamestown to Mulberry Island in Warwick County. Anderson has been laid up sick for several days, so there is no team but Stephens that has August 9th 1861 a driver. Robin broke down another of the two Horse waggon wheels a few days ago; so that is out of use. We had a hasty shower of rain about 5 O’clk- PM; and after dusk much more fell. 10th Saturday; Everything is much refreshed this morning from the yesterday Evenings & last nights rain; tho’ today, like the last ten preceding it is exceedingly Hot the Thermometer at 90o. Stephen still hauling rails for the top Stack. The men mauling, and the women Shrubbing. We have now a plenty of fine vegetables, potatoes, Butter beans, Tomatoes, Snaps Cymlins & corn field peas. I sent Robin down to Windsor Shades for 2 Gallons Whisky, 10 lb Cut Sugar, & 4 lbs Starch, which he brought up. 11th Sunday. Nobody goes to Church to day; it is Extremely Hot, tho’ I did not observe the Thermometer. Soon after breakfast a man rode up; reporting his name to be Dennet; that he was Henley Sherman’s overseer, and brought a note to me from Col. Theophilus Lacy of New Kt; stating that four of the My Negroes were caught at Windsor Shades this morning without papers; they were Carter, Jesse, Jones, & Kesiah(?) and wanted to know what I would wish have done with them. I told Dennet that I would lash them for it tho’ I am satisfied Jones was not there as he was here at his feeding the mules and I saw him about an Hour by I (am?) came from the Stable Yard. There were several dark looking clouds in the Northwest late in the Evening; with very vivid lightning; but no thunder or rain. 12th Monday. Still dreadful Hot weather; no abatement in the temperature. The Thermometer at 90o. I made the hands get out the threshing machines, and carry the different parts in place; and then run the corn that had been shelled out for market, thru the Fan and measured it up in 250 of Mr Wm H Pleasants bags 482 bus of it; and had the bags put in one of the empty corn Houses. After this done, which took until Evening, I send all Hands to replant the Turnips; as scarcely any of the seed has come up. I don’t know what was the occasion of it, unless the Excessive hot days –ever since they were put in The Ground; destroyed them. They will be very late indeed and I am fearful we shall not Succeed in making a crop. Robin carry up the broken down wheel of the two Horse Waggon; for the wheelwright Jno Howell to put a new Hub to; 13th Tuesday Still very Hot, tho’ there is more breeze stirring to day, and the Heat is more bearable; I got out some more corn for market Enough to make the whole quantity 502 bus in 250 of Mr Wm H Pleasants bags, and 4 of mine. Also got out about 28 or 30 bus for Mill; all of which is put in the corn House in 13 bags. so that we now have the barn Empty in order to clean it out for the Wheat. In the Evening Mr Jno P Pierce came over wanting 1000 ft more plank for His brick-making. While he was here we had a Hasty & quite Heavy shower of Rain; and as soon as he left it came on again very Heavily, and we had quite a good rain before it was all over. August 13th 1861 which was about Sunset. Albert & Carter kill a lamb. After the rain was over, the wind sprang up from the North; and a great change took place in the temperature; so that the night was quite pleasant. 14th Wednesday; a very cool cloudy morning. The Thermometer at 64o and some small showers of fine rain fell in the forenoon. I sent Stephen & Peter down to the Saw Mill for a load of inch plank; for Jno P Pierce; and as soon as they got back, I measured it, and found there were 129 h(?) ft which they carried to Him. There are 9 of the largest sized young turkies missing this morning, and after diligent Search all day; nothing could be Seen or Heard of them. This makes 16 of this size that has no doubt been stolen; and it has reduced a fine flock down very much; there are now only 56 left altogether. I have no idea who does this mischief, but it appears that they were stolen in the day time and I am strongly inclined to think that they are shot; or caught by Jno Adam’s Son’s who are constantly strolling about the fields with Guns; and have been several times seen with Young turkies about this Size. The Mountcastles are also great depredators on other peoples property. Robin go down to Windsor Shades and get 2 Gallons of oil for the machines. 15th Thursday. It still continues very cool, and cloudy, nearly all day. We made a beginning to thresh the small, & indifferent crop of wheat, about 11 O’clock the Machines started, it is much worn & out of Order; and consequently a great deal of stopping & tinkering going on about it. Robin & Jones supplying it with wheat from the swamp tho’ they cannot keep it running more than half the time. 16th Friday; a very threatening morning, some little rain fell last night, but not Enough to stop our wheat threshing; So Jones & Robin go to hauling it up and Anderson to the Mill. Before the first loads were hauled, we had some Heavy mist, and after this until 11 O’clock we had small showers of fine rain; when we were obliged to stop with the Operations as steady rain came on which lasted all the Evening; So the Hands go to Chaffing what has been threshed out. I gather 15 Water melons to day; some from the Garden & some from the potato patch; Albert Set out nearly a Square of Cabbage plants; where the Irish potatoes have been dug. We have a great quantity of Musk Melons at this time. 17th Saturday. We had a close night of each and this morning it poured Heavily about daybreak. The Hands finish chaffing the wheat that was threshed; and carry the chaff under the shed; then to chopping down the luxuriant growth of weeds that have got up every where about the fences & Houses. Miss Martha received a Letter this morning from Her Sister Harriet, conveying the melancholy intelligence of the death of Her Mother at Lebanon Springs State of New York. Albert after getting through with the multiplicity of Jobs about the House; began to cut the Garden walks. August 17th 1861 which are much grown up in grass. 18th Sunday; quite Hot & Sultry after the morning and very threatening for rain all day, tho’ none fell. No Church to day any where, or at least nobody goes from here. Early in the morning, the hands that have been working on the fortifications about Wmsbg made there appearance; it seems they got a furlough to come up Yesterday; and are to go down again to day, all of them made their appearance Except Albert & Davy; it seems Davy crossed Chickahominy, and went to his wife’s at Col Wilcox’s Quarter; Dandridge is Sick, and remains at Home, all the rest get some provisions; and a pass, with directions to go down again so as to be at their work tomorrow morning; and Stephen carries them in his Waggon as far as he can so that he may return again to Night. He got back again about 9 O’clock. 19th Monday; warm & cloudy in the morning; and very Sultry, too wet to do anything about the threshing wheat until the tops of the stacks dry some; So all hands move to the cow pen, and carry the wheat that has been Chaffed; off the upper part of the Barn floor into the Shed; about 10 O’clock, Anderson, Jones, & Robin begin hauling up wheat and the Machine starts, soon afterwards a smart shower of rain fell which almost stopped the work; but we kept on at it until 1½ Oclock when the Hands went to dinner; but a cloud gathering almost directly; they hurried back to the Barn again, and Just had time to thresh the two loads that were then on the platform; when close heavy rain came on, which lasted all the Evening. Some of the straw was caught on the Yard; In the Evening they chaff what wheat we threshed in the forenoon; I sold a veal to day, to Fleming Oakley a trader, for $4. it was very small & indifferent. 20th Tuesday; It rained nearly all the past night; and Everything is now overdone with it; There is a considerable freshet in the River, The Hands finish chaffing the wheat that was threshed yesterday, and then put away the Chaff; and afterwards remove the old stack frame; forks, poles, logs & etc from where it stood in the corn field; to the Main Road where the Cart & Waggon could get at them, to haul to the back field, where the next stack will be. I had 12 or 14 water melons; & a number of Musk melons gathered to day. Sise of Colo Hill Carters Negroes came by in the Evening; who it seems are just from the fortifications below Wmsbg; they seemed broken down; and begged for something to Eat, which they got; and then continued their Journey. Albert & Carter Slaughter a Lamb; there were two lambs stolen last week; so there are only left of the flock 54 Old Sheep; & 20 lambs. Doctor Gid Christian call in about dusk, and stay till after Supper. 21st Wednesday; a very pleasant day; We could not begin to Haul up & thresh wheat, until, the Heavy dew was off, and it had dried up a little; which brought 11 O’clock; there is a great deal of Idle time at this Season when the dews are so heavy, & there is such a growth of grass & weeds, that nothing can be done towards picking peas, & such like until August 21st 1861 10. or 11 O’clock in the day; The Wheat is excessively fowl with (cheal?), and the Grain very indifferent. 22nd Thursday. a very Heavy dew; and much warmer than for several days past and. The machine start before breakfast; on the three loadsthat were left unthreshed last night; and the waggons & cart go to hauling it in. This is the first day that we have been able to thresh all day. The teamsters(?) said at night that they did not think there were more than 3 or 4 more loads left in the field. Except some sheaves that were on top of the shacks, sprouted and laid one side, to be hauled afterwards. It looks much like rain this Evening. There is quite a high frisk in the River again. 23rd Friday. We had a very heavy rain last night about Midnight and after it was over, it continued steadily at it until near Sunrise, so that nothing could be done about threshing wheat until after it got dry, which was 1 O’clock. The Hands Chaff out what was in the barn, and the Cart and Waggons after dinner bring the Balance of the good wheat out of the Swamp; and after this done; they bring Each a load of Stuff which was thrown aside from the top of the Shacks and badly sprouted from the excessive wet. Robin goes down to W Shades for 2 Horse collars. 18 ft rope, and 2 Gallons Whiskey, all of which he got. I Had the Sheep brought up this morning and Marked with red paint – 5 weather lambs & 1 Ram to turnout, also Mark in the Ear & also with red paint 8 Ewe lambs for breeders, and there are 7 lambs not marked, still out for Market; and 53 Old Sheep making 74 in all. 24th Saturday Weather temperate and almost clear, After giving out the meal; All Hands go to the barn about threshing out the raked wheat which was Hauled up and put in the Stable lofts and drying several loads of damaged and sprouted wheat which the Waggons hauled out the Swamp to its ilk about 12 O’clock an accident happened of a very serious nature; It appears that Robin was feeding the Machine with the raked wheat, and James attending to it; when something was about to pass through which somewhat obstructed and choked the passage; and James Carelessly seized a Broom to sweep it off. The teeth of the Machine instantly caught the Broom; and he like a fool held on to it until his hand was carried down; and badly lacerated; two of the fingers were so much injured that I was fearful that the bone of at least One of them was broken, and Sent for Doctor Gideon Christian; who pronounced no bones broken, tho’ I am not entirely satisfied about it yet. I this morning give 10 of the Youngsters a scolding for depredations committed in the Water Melon patch a night or two ago; when they stole about 30 of them; Issac carry Mrs Gill down to Kennon’s to take the Bt down to Mulberry Island to see Her Husband. Isham goes down to Wilcox’s Wharf to Mail Letters for Miss Martha. […] morning recd a Letter from Maria C Petters. August 25th 1861 Sunday 25th. a clear morning weather temperate. Nobody goes to Church to day. It appeared that Doctor Wade the Episcopal Minister is not in the County at this time being on One of His Annual visits up this Country at this Season of the Year. The Thermometer was only at Summer heat to day. 26th Monday; very Heavy dew and somewhat threatening for rain. The Hands get the Chaff away from the Barn door and afterwards thresh out the damaged wheat which was sorted out of the Shacks in the Swamp and laid to itself. I suppose there are 30 or 40 bushels of it This finishes the threshing for this Season; as I shall thresh out no Oats. there being Very few of them they very Indifferent, & much mixed. Albert & Carter butcher a small & indifferent veal. Issac goes down to Kennon’s to bring up Mrs Gill the overseer’s wife, who has been down to see her Husband, who is at Mulberry Island in Warwick County. Mrs Jerdone goes down to James Sherman’s old place in the Evening to See Mrs Mollie M Pierce, who is now living there. 27th Tuesday I set all Hands to thinning out, & working over the Turnips; and afterwards move the cow pen. Bob, Jones, & Betrey laid up Sick the two first with Measles. In the morning Edmd Seldin of New Mkt Kt Send his cart down for 400 ft of Inch plank; which I measured, and sent Him out of a parcel I had at the House. Fleming Oakley bought& paid for 3 lambs two of them at $3, and the third at 15p. Selden also paid for His plank. It was plank I had brought Home before Hovan left and I had charged myself with the Sawing of it. 28th Wednesday. It a good deal last night; and Occasional Showers this Morning. I dispatch Isham to Rmnd after Some necessities for the family; and he carries up a large pot of butter for Mr Wm H Pleasants to dispose off [sic]. The Hands that are not Sick put away the chaff under the Shed; and scatter a great deal of it over the threshing Yd. They afterwards gather the dried peas. tho’ they are not dry; I shall have them to dry on the barn floor; or lose them in the patch, Issac laid up this morning with boils, & Reuben & Joshua with Measles. so with the Hands absent from Home; and those laid up; we have scarcely a Corporals Guard left to work. 29th Thursday; very threatening for rain; and shortly after Breakfast was over; we had a heavy shower; and several afterwards thro’ the day but much lighter. I made Albert gather what Water Melons remained in the potato patch: I marked 81 altogether, and got for my share 37. and the rogues 44, and besides these 44 they got so many more unmarked; Stephen haul poles to Stack the fodder if it is was gathered. Isham got back about 9½ O’clock PM with the few articles I sent after to Rmnd; and brought Letter from Blair & Chamberlayne, and Mr Wm H Pleasants. Mr Pleasants wrote that the man, who originally bought George could not pay for Him. He was to give $550; but that he Sold him a day or two ago to another Man for $575. Subject to jail Charges. 30th Friday. Some fog this morning; and a very Heavy dew. The few men who are at Home, and not laid up Sick amounting to 4 or 5; are getting up the Stack frames, and thus,- August 30th 1861 women are shrubbing; Albert, and Carter in the Garden, and doing other Jobs about the House. There are now, laid up with the measles, Jones, Bobs, Reuben, Joshua, Vina, and Betsey, & Issac with boils. James with sore hand & Fanny. 31st Saturday. cool morning with very Heavy dew; and a fine clear day succeeded. There are now nine of the working hands laid up; the three or four Men that are left of the field Hands get, & Haul more forks & poles for the Stack frame; the women Shrubbing in the back field, which is for corn another year. Albert & Carter in the Garden. the fodder on the sandy land is burning up very fast, but the corn is quite Green. Setember 1st 1861. comes in on Sunday, and is quite cool in the morning. The Hands that have been at work on the fortification made their appearance again this Morning; having been as their pass denotes discharged Yesterday I suppose in the Mornings; the pass is written for James, Davy, Essie, Albert, Allen, Wilson, Dandridge Aron- Lindsey, & Tom; but there was a mistake in Having Dandridge among them as he Came up a fortnight ago Sick & has not since returned. It should have been Henry instead of Dandridge: These Hands left Home Friday the 26th August Dandridge along; and returned Home again on Saturday the 17th August at night; which day they lost from their work. They returned again Sunday the 18th so only lost one day. Dandridge did not go back with them, as he was sick. It appears that the authorities about the work de- -manded all their tools which I furnished them to work with; for the service of the Country and they Only brought back two axes. I having lost 9 shovels & spades; I think this a very High handed measure. 2nd Monday. very Heavy dew; all the Men cleaning out the Stables, moving the cow pen & etc and after this was done I set them to pulling Some fodder in the Sandy places; where it is much burnt up; after these spots are pulled, which will not require more than a day; we shall have to hold on a little; as it is generally too green. The Idle women shrubbing in the Low ground’s back field. I weighed out 6 bags of seed cotton; which are all that are left of the small crop last year, the balance having been picked with the fingers. 555 lbs to be sent to Hopkin’s Jin to be picked; Albert & Carter butcher a lamb. 3rd Tuesday; a fine morning tho’ the dews are very Heavy. Mrs Jerdone was so unwell this morning that I sent of Stephen about an Hour a half before day; after Nancy Bailey the Midwife, and about 10 O’clock we had a daughter born. The Men finish off the stack frame; pull a Small Quantity of fodder of the corn in the last years sweet potato patch; and three go up where the last rails were mauled; and chop up the tops of the trees for wood. Isham carry up the Seed cotton in 6 bags to Hopkin’s Jin. it is to be done next Saturday. I paid Nancy Bailey $8 for Her September 3rd 1861 attendance on Mrs Jerdone and Robin carry Her Home in the Evening. [Janie's?] Lamb came in later in the evening to inform me that the paymaster was to be at Wmsbg next week to pay for the Hire of the Negroes who have been at work on the fortifications. I gave him a proxy to collect [?] for me, as I could not attend in person. Many Others had done the same thing. 4th Wednesday a fine morning with heavy dew. I had the wheat that was got off the high land back of the swamp run through the [Fan?] for seed and measured it up afterwards, and found there were 98 bus in 49 bags. After this was done, I set all hands to work to shell out some more corn for Market; They were bothering with the sheller until 11 O'clock, and finally not being able to make it work, I had it thrown aside & set them to shelling with Hands. Soon after dinner, I made them take down & shuck the fodder that was pulled, as it looked like rain, which came on just as they finished it; but still not much rain after all. It has been very warm to day. 5th Thursday a close morning of rain after Sunrise, the Rain was small, & not much fell, tho' it continued at it all the forenoon occasionally. Stephen & Robin plough up the Earth to the turnips with the shovel ploughs; all the rest of the [isle?] set shelling out corn with their Hands for [?]. Albert and Carter about the Garden. In the evening they butchered a Lamb. Mrs Jerdone was taken with a violent chill on a sudden about Sunset I regret it most Exceedingly; as she had got on so well. I am fearful it may be the forerunner of something more serious, or at least retard her recovery. 6th Friday; a warm morning, and threatening rain, some small mist did fall. Stephen goes to Mill. Anderson after wood for cooking, and Robin down to Henley Sherman’s Mill with 6 bus of wheat, to make a bbl of family flour, and from thence down to Windsor Shades for some articles which Ball did not Have Except some Whiskey for the negroes. The field Hands shelling corn at the Barn; and Albert and Carter in the Gardens. It has been very Hot and Sultry all day. Mrs J quite unwell. The snow in the icehouse is getting quite Low and there is a constant drain upon it. Jno P Pearce’s wife is sick, and at least every other day a large quantity is sent Her; This morning a Horse Cart was sent after it, which if continued would soon [?] it out. 7th Saturday, Very Hot damp & Sultry, It threatened rain in the Evening but none fell. Alls Hands [thin?] out & work over the turnips, and pick the dried peas in the Apple Orchard. Robin goes down to Henley Sherman’s after the bbl of flour that was to be done by 10 O’clock, which he did not get back with until 5 O’clock in the evening. The Miller’s excuse was, that the wheat was so damp it could not be bolted: I had no idea of this thinking that the parcel it was selected from was perfectly dry. I shall have to attend to what is in the barn. if it is as September 7th 1861 damp as represented and spread it thinner on the floor. Stephen cut up a parcel of the Small crop of Oats [?], the first used for feeding the Horses. 8th Sunday. Very threatening for rain this morning, It continued very damp and cloudy, with some small drizzling rain occasionally thro’ the day. Nobody goes anywhere to Church, Indeed I don’t believe there is any preaching. Doctor Wade is not in the county, or at least has not been for some time past, and there is no minister at (Olivet) (Presbyterian Church) . I know very little about the Baptist, or Methodist Church arrangements. 9th Monday. Foggy and chilly morning, real Ague & fever weather. I set all hands to shell out a small Quantity of corn that was left on the barn floor, when they last shelled, then ran a portion of the shelled corn thro’ the fan, and stir up the wheat on the barn floor, which seems to be damp and has a damp scent. After this was done, all go to [?] Fodder. Miss Martha goes down in the Evening to see Mrs. Jno [?] who is said to be very sick. Albert begin to trim the Cedar Hedge; & Him & Carter Kill a mutton in the Evening. 10th Tuesday Heavy fog & dew; & Everything very wet until sometime after breakfast. The Hands, some cleaning out the corn, stirring the wheat on the floor and moving the [?] until the fodder got dry Enough to pull, and then all hands go at it. Johan goes up to Hopkins Mill to get the cotton which he brought Home in the [?] bags it was sent in. Austin Ferguson came over to purchase some Inch plank; which I agreed to let him have Thursday from the Mill, at $12 pr. Thousand, or $1.20 per Hund. It has been quite warm all day, but the weather is fine for [curing?] the Fodder. I trust it may last all the week. Wednesday 11th very Heavy dew and Hot morning I had 230 ½ bushels of corn measured up for market in 118 bags: and after this was done , & the wheat stirred up again all Hands go about the Fodder. I weighed the picked cotton brought back from Hopkins Jin, and the 555 [lbs?] seed cotton sent in [?] bags; was weighed after it was picked in the same bags and weighed only 130 [lbs?], which is 9 [lbs] less than ought to have been allowing. 4 [lbs?] sold to make one pound picked but it will make more if justice is done. In the evening it looked very much like rain and I had all the Fodder that could possibly be taken down from the stocks put in small shocks; a rain on it now would be ruinous, as it is nearly cured, we still have a great deal hanging on the stocks too [?] to shock. Thursday 12th. It commenced raining about daybreak, and fell close and quite heavily until the Sun was an Hour high. When it ceased and we had a fine dry [afternoon?] I had some more corn measured up for market in 40 bags 50 there are now mea- -sured up in the barn 310 bus in 158 bags and in the corn House 500 bus in 250 of Mr Wm St Pleasant bags and 4 of mine so there is now measured up 810 bus in 250 of Mr Pleasants bags & 162 of mine. September 12th 1861 after we were done measuring the corn, I set most of the men to running the wheat through the Fan for it seems to be damp, & has a funky scent about it. This was the day Austin H Ferguson was to be at the Saw Mill to measure up the plank he bargained for last [?], but the morning was so wet I did not send him any [?] about it; but after the rain was over I sent down James, Peter & Lindsay to pick out of the Inch boards as near as James could Judge 1500 ft for Him, which he can measure when he carries it away. The women clean out the stables in the morning, and then go to the to hang up the Fodder that blew down in the wind and rain this morning. 13th Friday, a monstrous heavy dew this morning, which was not of [sic] the Grass until 11 O’clock as soon as possible all Hands go to carrying the Fodder out of the field to the places where it is to be stacked, and during the day day [sic] they got up 7 stacks, and a good deal more heaped for stacking tomorrow. James goes down to Ferguson’s to point him out the plank selected for Him at the Mill, but he did not go to see or measure it, only wrote me a note that he should want as much [?]; and would meet James at the Mill tomorrow morning to pick it out. Mrs James Wilcox & daughter [?] paid a forenoon visit. Albert & Carter Slaughter a Lamb in the Evening. 14th Saturday; most copious dew that lasted till 11 O'clock, all Hands carrying the small shocks of fodder all over the field, when it is pulled & cured; to the place where it is to be stacked; and Peter & [Davy?] put up to 4 stacks of it, which makes 11 now put up. Afterwards they take down all the bundles hanging on the stocks and shock them ready for stacking. then in the evening go to pulling again. James goes to the Saw Mill, to meet Ferguson about picking out some more Inch plank that he wants. and on his return he brought a note from Ferguson, stating that he had picked out 106 planks measuring by the Mill Mark 1440 ft and that he would take it immediately away, and that the next week he would take as much as he wanted from the Quantity picked out for Him and Thursday last and send me an account of it. 15th Sunday; a beautiful morning with heavy dew, and a very clear and hot day Succeeded. The Thermom [sic] at 86°. Nobody go to church anywhere today. I forgot to mention that Frank had a Chill on Friday the 13th, We were in Hopes he had taken the Measles, as it very often comes on in this way, but he is not broken out yet, and had another Chill today; so I suppose it nothing more than Ague & fever. at night there was some faint lightning in the [?]. 16 Monday; Somewhat threatening in the Evening and I think there were several Heavy Showers near us, tho' we fortunately Escaped it; as we are not in want of Rain, and it is ruinous to the fodder, a good deal of which is now Hanging on the [stouts?], of large Quantity in small shocks, and what the worthless ignorant negroes have already started September 16th 1861 has been done before it was Entirely cured and it has gotten so warm in the stacks that we had 4 of them to take down again; and I Expect more of them to have to come down. Albert and Carter Butcher a lamb in the evening. 17th Tuesday; a Very Hot Sultry morning and Heavy fog & dew; so that but Very little could be done with fodder until near the middle of the day; after moving the cow pen. I set the hands to cutting down the tops. Peter & [Davy?] take down two or three stacks of fodder that seems to be disposed to spoil; and after having a day seen on it they put them up again in the Evening. Stephen haul some straw from the threshing yard to litter the cow pens. James still laid up with his sore hand that was caught in the machine. About 2 O'clk. PM. there was a [?] show for rain with Thunder and lightning in several directions but none fell. 18th Wednesday; a continuance of fair weather, but the dews are so copious and there is such a heavy growth of Grass and weeds everywhere that nothing can be done about the fodder pulling until 10 O'clock in the day. We manage to cut of [sic] some tops which is not quite as wet a business as pulling fodder. James assist in making 10 New Knives to cut the tops with and I gave out 8 of the Old Ones. Albert & Carter about the Garden. I had the first sweet potatoes dug, or rather gravelled [sic] out of the Hills today. The promise well. 19th Thursday I Received a note from Mr Wm H Pleasants by [T.?] [J.?] Morecock who it seems is the Capt of the small schooner Mary Eliza, which has come round to [?] shades after my corn. All Hands picking over the dried peas and shocking the fodder in the Evening. The Waggoners and Carties get ready for carrying down the corn in the morning. 20th Friday a fine morning but Heavy fog; the Carts and Waggons [sic] carry down 500 bus of corn in Mr Pleasants 250 bags. About daybreak & the [lighter?] get off with it directly. The hands cut of [sic] tops, & take down 2 Stacks of fodder that was likely to spoil; and dry it better in the Evening [Aron?] put them up again, as the other stackers are with the [Lighting?] [Robin?] goes to the Post Office with a Letter for Maria C. [Petters?]; and on his return brings one from Wm H Pleasants, advising me to Send all my Sawd [sic] lumber directly to Market, as there was so great a demand for all Kinds. 21st Saturday, a fair clear morning. I dispatch the [Lighter?] down to the [Vessel?] again with 310 bus more corn in 158 of my bags Which after being Emptied were counted, and held out right. Willie & Myself go down after Breakfast and after it was all safely got aboard. The Capt gave a receipt for the cargo in good order 810 bushels more or less as he did not see it measured. It was very warm all day This is the Autumnal Equinox. I had all the fodder that pulled & cured, ta- ken down and put in shocks, as it looks very much like rain 22nd Sunday a damp cool morning; it rained nearly all the last night It remained cool and cloudy nearly all day. No church any [open?] that September 22 1861 my family goes to but a considerable meeting is going on at [Emman's?], a baptist meeting House in [W.K.T.?]. 23rd Monday, cool and somewhat cloudy. There are three or four of the negro men, as well as women laid up with bowel complaints and have for more than a week past. I cannot conceive what is the cause of so much of this sickness among them unless it be from Eating most enormous quantities of chinquapins. New corn, & new apples, Grapes, etc; but above all [drinking?] the poisonous whiskey now [sold?]. I dispatch James Stephen Wilson and Young Albert, to make a bridge across Dockman's Run and prepare the Road for Hauling my lumber to the landing at [Staggs?] which they com- -pleted in the course of the day and I also send Isham up to Mr [Guy's?] to Know whether I could use the most convenient place on the wharf to pile my lumber as it is Hauled; His reply was that he was just going to hauling himself; but that I could also use the wharf. All hands about the fodder. The few Hogs that were left by the thieves in the swamp I had got up in a pen at the Wash Kettle 29 sows, boars, & shoats and 6 or 7 pigs and out of these we are to get our Killing Hogs; I have 9 House hogs besides which are worth them altogether. [?] 2 House hogs; and 2 sows with 10 pigs in the swamp. 24th Tuesday; cool in the morning with heavy dews that are not of [sic] until the middle of the day. Stephen & Lindsay with their Waggons [sic] make a beginning to haul the Lumber from the Mill to the River. Young Albert, Wilson, and James assisting about getting in and out the heavy timbers. All the rest of the out going about the fodder & Tops; The house gang picking out the cotton James reported at night that the Waggons [sic] had hauled two loads Each chiefly of the Heavy timbers and according to his measurement the 4 loads amounted to 3723 ft which is Entered in a Separate Book. 25th Wednesday still fine open weather for pulling and curing the fodder & tops; which is now much burnt. I received an invitation this morning to the funeral tomorrow at 3 O'clk PM 26th [?] of Thomas Christian's jr who died at his Father's last night; He had been managing a cotton plantation for the late Doct [Tim?] Albert Christian in Alabama and since his death for His [?]; came in last spring in bad Health; and lingered until his death. Albert and Carter Butcher a mutton. James [report?] the two Waggons [sic] to have Hauled three loads Each; but was very late before they got Home nearly 9 O'clock. He makes out of the different Kinds hauled today 5800 ft. 26th Thursday another fine morning, I got [Essex?] out this morning, who has been sick some days; so there are three Waggons [sic] now hauling Lumber to the River from the Mill the Hands finish pulling the Fodder about 3 1/2 O'clock PM Miss Martha is the only person that goes to the funeral of the dec'd Tho Christian. The House gang finished picking over the cotton patch the first time. Robin Haul in some fodder from the Tobacco House. September 26th 1861 James report that the three waggons [sic] haul 5800 feet lumber of different Kinds to the River Which is more particularly noted in another Book. it clouded up in the evening and looks like rain. 27th Friday; it rained a little in the night, and looks very threatening this morning; I direct the Head Man [Bob?] as soon as the [?] of corn was shelled for Mill to begin to carry the small shocks of fodder to the places of stacking; provided it did not rain to wet it; and if it did rain occasionally and not too hard to stop work, to cut off tops; which last business was done and no stacking as it rained occasionally all the forenoon with [smart?] wind. About 2 O'clock Johan was dispatched after Doctor Gideon Christian to see Annie who it is fear'd has diptheria [sic], The Evening until late was a dreadful one, almost incessant dashes of very Heavy rain and high wind which I am fearful will ruin all our fodder now hanging on the stocks. The Doctor came in about half an hour by [sun?], pronounced Annie's case as apprehended (Diptheria [sic]) prescribed for Her, & leave after supper. it cleared of [sic] after dark and the wind blew very hard until 10 O'clock. James Report the Waggons [sic] to have hauled 6200 ft lumber altogether today. 28th Saturday a clear cool morning wind at North. All hands in the first place go to hanging up the blade fodder that was pulled in the last two days; on the stocks again; yesterdays wind and rain blew it nearly all down; as also the top fodder that was tied in bundles around the stocks. This took up nearly the Whole day; They put up 4 stacks blade fodder in the Evening. The three Waggons [sic] haul lumber to the landing at [Staggs?]; and James Report 5100 feet hauled today. Doctor Gideon Christian send 2 dozen sora, which is the first we have seen this season. It is very cool this Evening. 29th Sunday; very cool Morning, the Thermom [sic] at 38°, and frost plain Enough to be seen on the Wheat Straws. Nobody goes to Church and when today. The Doctor visit- -ed Annie again. One of the Young Milk cows died in the swamp last night it is evident there is some disease among them. 30th Monday and the last day of September very cool morning Thermom [sic] at 38° – and more frost again. All the Lazy gang about the top fodder, Except the three Waggons [sic] & James who are still hauling lumber to the Landing. Albert & Carter Employed about the House, they gather the Hops today; some very fine Ones that grew in the Garden at the Spring. James report 5730 feet Lumber Hauled to the Landing today. October 1st 1861, comes in on Tuesday, which is cool, and the dew very Heavy. Albert took the three Old [?] of bees last night We got some very good honey out of the drawers but I think on the main body of the hives the Honey is nearly destroyed with the webb [sic] worm. After the Hands move the cow pen this morning they