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May 1862

Sunday 18 Wind SE. clear. We staid at home till Evg when I rode to Wilsons Creek. It seems the reasons for arresting Dr Tabb were these – He went to White Marsh Friday & sent for the Negro men with the view of talking to them & giving them advice &c, but the as they say ^ had either been informed or took up the impression that he intended to tie them all and carry them to Richmond to throw up Confederate defences, and stampeded almost in a body to Gloucester Point and gave the information to the Federal commander there, who

                       under a Col Smith 

sent up a company of Dragoons ^ who arrested him & carried him to York Town. I suppose he must have given satisfactory explanations as he returned to White Marsh in the Evening.

Monday 19 Wind SW Clear in mg. a thunder cloud about 12 O.clk [Mdy?] in which I got caught returning from Coleman Robins where I had been to get some Plough Points. Weeding Corn and taking dirt with three Ploughs. I heard firing in Evg in a western direction.

Tuesday 20 Wind E Clear in mg, Cloudy aftn Weeding Corn, taking dirt with three ploughs. I went to Wilsons Creek. A mail was expected at CH but did not come, consequently no news from the seats of War. Col Pages boy Harry returned from Gloster Point Friday night.

[Pg2]

Tuesday 20th and took off his fine Marc and Colt and four others of his slaves went off Saturday night. Nine of Dr Byrd’s negroes left last night

                                men

which makes 37 he his lost. Three ^ went from Mr Sinclairs also (Davy James Monroe & Charles) carrying two of his best horses and two from Tom Robins’ carrying two horses, and probably others of whom I have not heard. What is to be the end of this thing? None of min have left except Tom & they conduct themselves well and I trust they will have good sense enough to continue to do so.

Wednesday 21 Wind S clear & warm. Weeding Corn, taking dirt with three ploughs. I went to Belle Farm, & Back [home’s?] Heard there had been a battle at Cumberland in New Kent where we gained a great victory – killing three thousand

              wounding & 

of the enemy and ^ capturing a large number. Mr Sinclair went after his horse but could only get them upon condition of his taking the oath of allegience to the U S Government which he declined to do, consequently did not get them. They took all of Wm Smiths negroes 22 in number and arrested him and carried him to York. I have not heard on what charge but Ill venture it was at the instigation of Dow a Yankee Villian who lived her a few years since and had a difficulty with Smith.