Osborne Wilson's Civil War Diaries

By George Wilson

Osborne joined the Confederate Army in the spring of 1861. He had no idea what he was getting into. Before he was captured in April 1865, he had been in numerous battles. In his diaries, he constantly complained about the miles and miles of marching through the countryside. He and his fellow soldiers seldom had enough food or supplies. He helped scour battlefields after the fighting, searching for food, weapons, ammunition, and supplies. Letter writing was an everyday ocurrence. Often his poor health required him to help guard the ammunition train or aid with the sick and wounded in various hospitals. Some of his writings about fighting, especially at Antietam and Gettysburg, make us wonder how any of the soldiers survived the war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781644920572

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Osborne Wilson's Civil War Diaries

George O. Wilson, Jr.

Copyright © 2019 by George O. Wilson, Jr.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

1861

Osborne Wilson’s Civil War Diary for 1862

Osborn Wilson’s 1863 Diary of the Civil War

1864

1865

Postscript

Introduction

Great Grandfather Osborn Wilson wrote in his diary almost every day from January 1, 1861, until July 1865. However, there are several days missing, all the record of the Battle of McDowell. He joined the Confederate Army about the middle of May 1861 and served in the army until captured in April 1865 and then sent to prisoner of war camp.

Osborn was with the Southern Army in 1861, at what is now West Virginia, in action at Grafton, Philipi, Laurel Hill, Rich Mountain, Beverly, Cheat River, Camp Bartow, and Allegheny Mountain.

The most famous places where Osborn took part in battles were Antietam, Gettysburg, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Petersburg, and several locations in the Shenandoah Valley. He probably survived the war because he was usually in charge of the ordinance train, which was kept several miles behind the battlefields.

Osborn was sick with intestinal problems before he joined the army and during his whole span of military service. He spent some time in several hospitals during the war where he tended to other sick and wounded patients. His description of how wounded or sick soldiers were treated makes one wonder how anybody survived the war.

The diary that Osborn kept is a treasure of life with Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Since his unit consisted mostly of Highland County, Virginia, enlistees, many surnames from that region are mentioned, including Jones, Wilson, Benson, Campbell, Woods, etc. Associates from other units have their names mentioned as well.

Osborn hardly ever misses telling us what he had to eat or didn’t have. He also routinely kept a daily record of the weather.

Osborn wrote letters to his friends and kin folks almost every day. He looked forward to receiving mail daily.

1861

Osborn Wilson of Highland County, Virginia, kept a diary of the events in his life from January 1, 1861, through sometime in July 1865. About the middle of July, 1861, he joined the Highland Volunteers. From then until the time he was captured by the Yankees in 1865, he was a soldier in the Confederate Army. His day-by-day accounts tell the life, dreams, and hardships of a true Virginia patriot.

Osborn Wilson’s 1861 diary entries include some from his daybook with some information probably written in at a later time. His 1862 to 1865 entries have the dates and locations written, and the reader can better follow what is happening.

Several pages in his diaries (and there were nine little books) are almost impossible to read. Ink has smeared or faded. On several pages, Osborn wrote vertically after he had filled the page horizontally, blotting out several words. If I was unsure of the spelling of certain words, I put (sp) after the word. If I had to guess what was written, I put ( ) and what I thought he meant to write. Sometimes, I put (?) because I had no idea what he meant to write in that space. Other times, the reader has to just guess what Osborn meant.

In Osborn’s day, people seldom used first names in writing. For example, Jno. Jones = John Jones; Jas. Jones = James Jones; Jo. Jones = Joseph Jones; Chas. Jones = Charles Jones; etc.

Other times, he just put a letter to represent a name. For example, Miss A. = Miss Almira. E. might be Elbert, or it might be the Enemy. RR = railroad. Several abbreviations give no clue what or whom they represent. The reader has to look back in the text to try to hopefully match the abbreviation with a name. For example, stop at L.R.’s to get a drink of buttermilk. Who knows who L.R. is.

January 1, 1861. Mr. Wm. Lightner’s on Back Creek on the night of December 31, 1860. Had a very nice time. After twelve o’clock craved Miss Alice Lightner, Miss Almira, Miss Louisa, Miss Laura Campbell, Miss Maggie. Twelve over, several of the gentlemen stayed for their new year’s gifts but got none. Stayed at Mr. and Mrs. Campbell’s till four o’clock, then got on Sally and came to Dr. Byrds, where I had a nice time and gave Miss Lizzie a tuck comb for a Christmas present.

January 2, 1861. Having stayed all night at D.S. and Bird’s, got up at six o’clock, fed the horse hay, eat my breakfast, and started for home with Nan having spent the holidays very agreeably. Got home after ten.

Took a note with an invitation to a party at the Campbell’s. Got a nice pin cushion of Lil as a New Year’s gift—very proud of it.

Came up to M. Lightner’s for a horse to go to the party—got none.

We came on to Bude (sp) Gum’s to get my boots mended, stopped at the store, and got three yards of brown cotton, and six-and-a-half oz. tallow, and came on to A.H. Campbell’s and spent the night.

January 3, 1861. Got up after six. Got breakfast. Came on home and then to school. Snow very soft and melting. Very cloudy and damp all day. Taught at school with only seven scholars. Wrote letters at night to Chas. W. Cooper and to Robert Cran (sp) for books and one to Yost for Vindicator. Read books, smoked, and set by the fire and smoked, and read in Bible. Went to bed after ten o’clock and slept soundly as I generally do.

January 4, 1861. Got up half past four, eat breakfast at six. Cold, cloudy morning. Chopped a maple log half up. Started to school and came by B.B.C’s. Got Boston Recorder and Presbyterian to read. Read one page of latter—got along very well with all my chaps. Cold and cloudy all day. Got a light hind quarter of beef of John Hull. Elbert and Geo. went after it tonight, weighed 134 lbs. Night.

January 5, 1861. Got up at half past five. Eat breakfast at seven and came to the school house. Had few scholars. Call muster of Pisgah Company to elect officials. D. Bird, Jr. was elected captain, J.B.C. First Lt., J. Trainer Second. Bright and sunny all day—warm for the season. Read a good deal in the Presbyterian. Closed school before sundown. Let out school before night. Stopped at Hulls. Came home. Eat too big a supper and felt bad all over and went to bed after ten and read in the R. Recorder and Bible.

January 6, 1861. Had a good night’s rest and up after six. Read several chapters in the Bible. Read in the Boston Recorder—eat breakfast at eight, after which, I still read the Recorder till finished then took it home. Dined at Mrs. B.B.C.

Went to church with Brown. No preaching—Mr. Brown did not come. Cloudy and windy day. Not many at church. Stopped at Mrs. Woods on my way home and eat apples. Went home at bedtime.

Monday, January 7, 1861. Up at half past four—eat at six. Damp cloudy day—rained some. Read some in Bible before breakfast. Felt guilty all day on account of rain. Had ten scholars. Most all very unruly—came near whipping a few of them. Stopped at Mr. Hull’s on way from school. Old man sick one-fourth of the time. Read some and smoked. Quarter to ten—time to retire. Good night. God bless the United States in these troublesome times.

Tuesday, January 8, 1861. Got up after five. Bright pleasant morning. Continued so all day. Chopped wood till schooltime. Didn’t chew any tobacco all day—got very hungry—could hardly stand it. Stopped at Woods on way from school—eat supper there. Came home, read the Vindicator nearly through, some in the Bible, and went to bed.

Wednesday, January 9, 1861. Got up quarter past five. Snowing fast and continued till twelve. Rain this afternoon, but not much, enough to make it sloshy. Stopped Caton’s on my way from school. Only had seven pupils today—little business won’t pay. Not well all day but better now. Laid down beside the fire and felt better when I got up—nine. All in bed but Frank and J.

Thursday, January 10, 1861. Was up this morning at half past four. Read a chapter in the Bible and had breakfast at six. Cold blustery day. Had some difficulty in doing S.C.’s sums in Ray’s Analysis. Read two pages of the Presbyterian since supper. Read too much, no benefit to read more than the mind will digest. Ten o’clock. Time to go to bed. Read in Bible.

Friday, January 11, 1861. Up at half past four. Eat at six. Got to school house about eight. Went down to get old Geo. to look at Mrs. Caton’s watch at play time, but he was not at home. Coming home Andrew Hull and Noah Snider got into a fight about throwing a ball at one another, and I had to part them. I’ll have to do something else on Monday. Stopped at B.B.C’s and spent the night—had a very pleasant time. Misses Mat and Lil at home. Slept with Brown.

Saturday, January 12, 1861. Got up at eight. Eat at half after eight. Got paper, pen, and ink and wrote a note to Dr. Patterson and sent by Stuart who went to town. Got the oxen and wagon and hauled a load of hay up home. Hauled wood the balance of the day. Cold and windy. Came up to J.A.B.’s, found C.S.C. here. A.W.C. came down and went up to his house and had a real romp with the girls. Settled with Jeb Buzard and owed him thirty-five cents.

Sunday, January 13, 1861. Was up this morning at sunup and read a chapter in Psalms, eat breakfast at about half past eight. Sit and smoked a while, then went up to Hightown. Heard Mr. J.S. Pullin preach a very good discourse, I mean for him. Came home with S.B.C. and dined with him, came on to B.

B.C.’s riding Roger’s horse part of the way, sat a while, got the NY Observer, came on home, and read three pages. Cold and cloudy with appearance of snow. Read in Bible. Day spent not as a Christian should spend it.

Monday, January 14, 1861. Was up this morning half past four. Breakfast at six. Recd. Diary for 1861. This is it. Key to Ray’s and key to Park’s Arithmetic from Robert Cowen. When I got to school, I found Noah Snyder and Andrew Hull (sp) in belligerent mood and had them to whip.

Got along very well with the balance of the day till evening, then had S. Snider to whip for throwing at the girls in school. Damp day. Felt bad all day.

Tuesday, January 15, 1861, Today has been all cloudy with considerable rain. It has happened off as other days without much having been done by me.

Been very hungry all day, the consequence of not chewing tobacco. Got a plug today. Got no news today. Stopped at Mr. Woods, coming from and going to school. He is sick. Had buttermilk buckwheat cakes, slaw, and stewed apples for supper. Drawed off S.B.C.’s account tonight.

Wednesday, January 16, 1861. Didn’t get up this morning till daylight. Had breakfast at seven. Started to school before eight. Forenoon bright and warm. Cold and cloudy this p.m. Snowing now and windy.

Played ball with the boys at noon. Got Stuart Campbell through analysis. It’s about bedtime. Read some in the Bible today. If I only go by its precepts.

Thursday, January 17, 1861. Was up this morning at five. Mild beautiful morning and so has been the day. Played ball with the boys and enjoyed it. Had not much trouble with my scholars. Snow almost gone. Coming from school stopped at Rodger’s, then came on up to B.B.C.’s on Rosy. She ran with me to the stable up the meadow. Eat supper and spent the evening very pleasantly. Came home and read some in the Bible as is my daily custom. Confinement in the school room is injuring my health.

January 18, 1861. Got up at half past five. Sleeting heavily and so continued with showers of rain, very foggy. Nearly clear now, nine o’clock. R.R. Hull came down. He and I played cornerball with the boys at noon. Read some in the Presbyterian during this day, and I finished it tonight. Read Dr. Leyburn’s letter aloud, interesting. Felt very feeble and unwell this day. More better now. Read a chapter in the Bible.

Saturday, January 19, 1861. Was up this morning at five. Eat by candlelight. Chopped wood till nearly at noon, then drew off the slates (?) and eat dinner. Then read in the Observer and chopped more wood. Then shave my mustache—leaving my other whiskers. Having sprained my ankle this morning in turning over a log, I suffered very much till Mother applied salt and vinegar. I washed tonight and put on clean clothes, which is my custom once in two weeks in winter. Read in Bible.

Sunday, January 20, 1861. Arose this morning at daylight. The morning clear, cold, and so continued through the day. Spent the forenoon reading the Observer. After dinner Jas. Gay came—he eat with us. After he left, I went down to Edgar C.’s and spent the evening. Saw Miss E. Harold.

Thus has been another Sabbath passed without having been properly spent. May my future days be spent in a more becomingly manner. Several chapters in the Bible were read.

Monday, January 21, 1861. I arose from my slumber at five o’clock. After breakfast, I went to the shop and had a horse for Miss Mary K. Campbell to ride to Jas. M. Seig’s wedding, then went to school. Only had a few scholars. After intermission, I went to the shop and shod Mr. R.B.’s horse. Came home. Got some apples to send to Miss M.L.B. and took them down to B.B.C.’s. Spent the evening there.

Feel badly and have the blues. Haven’t read much today.

Tuesday, January 22, 1861. Was up this morning a little before day—eat breakfast late. Penny Myers was here last night. Settled with Roland Campbell and gave him my note one day after date for $2.31. Read one cant in Lady of the Lake. I like it very much.

Only had eight scholars. Stopped at Mr. Woods, and Jeff came up with me. D.V. Wade is here to stay all night. Mother made me a pair of pants of factory goods. Got no paper today, anxious to hear the news from the South.

Wednesday, January 23, 1861. Read some in the Bible before breakfast. Very cold morning and has continued so all day. Newton Woods and Wm. H. Lockridge visited my school. Both spelt in the class this evening. Newton got first, and Wm. pretty well up. Read part of second cants of Lady of the Lake—like it very much.

Spending the night at B.B.C.’s. Read The Dream by Byron tonight—like it. Nine o’clock and snowing considerably.

Thursday, January 24, 1861. Damp and foggy with some sleet and rain. Having spent the night at B.B.C.’s, Brown and I got up and ate breakfast at six—early for them—eat dinner with Luther—had three of Miss M.K.C.’s scholars—Snider’s children. Got along very well.

Will was down this p.m. Will got first no. of Baltimore Sun—full of news on the fearful state of country. Destruction of our Southern institutions is inevitable. May God avert it, and may this goodly land be restored to its former happy state. Read some in Bible.

Friday, January 25, 1861. Dull, cold, cloudy day with appearance of snow tonight. Stopped at Mr. Woods this morning to see him, he having been sick-he is better now.

Had twelve scholars. Took Dow’s plan to find out who broke my switches and succeeded—Sam Snider and T.J. Caton manifesting fear.

I stopped at Mr. B.B. Campbell’s—entertained by Lil. Have felt very well all day. Came home, eat supper, then went down to Ed C.’s to try to get some hay, but found I am ready to extortion, as usual—asking six dollars per load—hard man.

Read J.M. Boott’s, G.H.A. Stuart’s, and H.W. Sniffy’s (?) letters while there, all conservative and very good. Critical state of affairs. Gloomy prospects. S.C., FA, Ga., Mi, Aa, out of the Union, and others likely to go.

Read some in third cants of Lady of the Lake during the day—some tonight in Baltimore Sun and tenth chap. of Jeremiah.

Saturday, January 26, 1861. Was up this morning at four. Had a breakfast at half past six. Went down to Mr. C.’s to get the oxen and wagon to haul wood and did not get home till one o’clock. Brown came up with me and dined with us and tarried till I took the oxen home.

Asked Miss Lil to ride with me to preaching in Monterey tomorrow and Mr. Campbell for Bonny, but cannot get her, consequently thus are human expectations nipped in the bud.

Only hauled three loads of wood, rapid fall of snow preventing—enough to last till next Saturday. Snow about seven in. deep. Nearly clear now.

Stuart C. was at the P.O. and got Gooy’s (sp) Ladies’ book for next month, Baltimore Sun, Vindicator, and a letter for me from Kenney Camel, a very interesting one too. Read Vindicator nearly through, some in Balt. Sun, a third c. of Lady of the Lake, forty-fifth chapter of the book of Isaiah.

Feel unwell tonight, pains in my knees from getting wet while hauling wood in the snow.

Shaved whiskers off except mustache and goatee full about the jaws. A little fog this evening.

Sunday, January 27, 1861. Another holy day has passed and been added to eternity, and this night finds me another day nearer my final end without having lived as I ought. O’ may my future Sabbaths be spent more profitably.

Read first in the Bible, then read through the Presbyterian of Jan. 19. Eat dinner about one—no one there till this evening. Tho. J.M. came up with Will. Have been unwell all day and very unwell tonight.

After dinner, I went down to Mr. B.B.C.’s and got the Presbyterian of twenty-sixth Jan.—came home and read one page of it. Mr. Campbell is very kind to let me have it every week. It is an excellent newspaper. Getting windy tonight.

Monday, January 28, 1861. This has been a bright, tolerably warm winter day and have not been well all day, but am better tonight. Read some in Vindicator and Presbyterian and some in Bible.

Only had ten pupils, and they did not seem to learn much from one cause or other. Came home. Dine at about night when I got here. Read in Ladies’ book, then wrote to Kenny Campbell a long time till midnight. Find pleasure in writing to a friend.

Tuesday, January 29, 1861. This has been a bright, warm day—thawed considerably. Had nine pupils—got along very well. Got up this morning after six. Stopped at B.B.C.’s on my way to school.

Windy and cloudy tonight. Have been taking Ayeres (sp) pills—took two tonight. Think they help me. Read a letter from S.S. Mc—he is a candidate for a seat in the convention, which meets in Richmond on the thirteenth of Feb. to determine what course Va. shall pursue in the crisis. G.W.S. is also a candidate.

(Written sideways) Got a letter from A.O.S. written in Lexington, Missouri, on Jan. 15, 1861.

Wednesday, January 30, 1861. Had very few pupils today. Very cold morning and continued cold all day. Tonight bitter cold and clear and has been so all day. Been very unwell all day and tonight—pains in my stomach and bowels and am weak.

Got Fanny to put hulls on my boots—charge. B.C. came by the shop to put nails in the hulls—went over to Rodgers’ to get some money of R. Campbell—got $2.50. Took supper there. Misses Mary, Mag, Kate Campbell, and Mag Boner being there. Brown C. and Jeffy Woods coming in till one o’clock a.m. and had a nice time.

Thursday, January 31, 1861. Quite cold this morning. Nearly as cold as we have had this winter. I have felt much better than I did yesterday. Had ten scholars today.

Miss Kate Campbell wants me to go up to A.W. Campbell’s. More are expected to be there. Having stayed up late last night, I am too sleepy to be up late tonight. (This page difficult to read because of heavy writing up and across the page.)

(Written sideways) Read very little today. Hadn’t time, though a strong inclination. Read some tonight in Lister’s New York Weekly newspaper. Photograph of Maj. Anderson is in it—fine-looking fellow.

Friday, February 1, 1861. Did not get up this morning till after daylight. Heavy clouds again the tops of the mountains. Had breakfast at seven and started to the school house at eight. Commenced snowing about noon, and after snowing a little while, rain commenced falling, and it is raining yet.

At playtime, the boys and I cut up a locust pole for to burn in the school house church, it being reported that Mr. Graham will preach there on Sunday. Read scarcely any today. Have about concluded to quit smoking, and it goes very hard.

(Written sideways) Mr. Hull is electioneering. In temperate habits brings on most of the affections of man. Mr. G.W. Hull was here, but not busy at home I did not see him.

Saturday, February 2, 1861. Another cloudy, foggy, rainy day has passed. I went down to Mr. Woods’s this morning and got Jeff to help me to grind our ax to cut and haul wood, but it rained, so we didn’t do it. Chopped wood to do over Sunday. Fannie and I had a dispute about a new coat I got in Staunton. May each of our tongues be bridled?

Having eaten too much, I have turned unwell all this afternoon. May I in the future have more control over my passions and appetite. Read considerable—thirty-first chapter of Isaiah tonight.

Sunday, February 3, 1861. Another Sunday is added to the past and finds me in Monterey. Went to Pisgah this morning and heard Mr. Graham preach a very good sermon—forgot his text. After sermon came with Mr. J.S. Pullin and took dinner with him. Saw Misses M. and Lizey B., then came on to town, stopped at Dr. Patterson’s, then went to church and heard Mr. Price preach a very good sermon from fifth chapter in Ecclesiastes, eleventh verse, and then came to Mr. Myers’s tavern to stay all night.

I read some this morning. Have not spent this day as I ought.

Monday, February 4, 1861. Am at Mrs. Lightner’s tonight. Will spend the night. This has been quite a pleasant day—thawed considerably.

Was at the election and voted for G.W. Cull (sp), union candidate for a seat in the convention, and a Whig, J.S. McNulty, being his opponent and a democrat, but occupying the same position in regard to our national affairs.

Settled with J.P. Strickler and Wm. W. Fleming.

Politics had quite an influence among the voters, though I think none on me, for that was the first whig or no nothing vote I ever gave, always having voted with the Democrats.

Tuesday, February 5, 1861. Another day is gone with its sorrows and pleasures, and I have had my share. I came home this morning for breakfast, changed clothes, got some apples, then went to school.

The day has been delightful for winter in Highland. My head has ached all evening and is aching yet. I took a dose of Ayre’s sasp. after supper, and I fear too large a one. O! That I could have good health. Confinement in the school seems harmful to me. I read some in Lady of the Lake.

Wednesday, February 6, 1861. Another bright, pleasant winter day has passed and gone to the number of eternities. With it have gone many hopes and fears, vows broken, promises kept and unkept. Thus passes away time and human resolves. Time is fleeting, so are the works of man. All his purposes are vain. Hence the necessity of trusting in him whose will is fixed and whose laws are unchangeable.

I wrote to Amos O. Stephenson tonight. Gave him all the important news. Eat a good many apples tonight. Have been tolerably well.

(Written sideways) Have been pretty cheerful all day, but eat too hearty a dinner to be taking no exercise. Finished fifth cants of the Lady of the Lake.

Thursday, February 7, 1861. The morning was tolerable for February, but the wind began to blow and the snow to fly before noon. It is very cold now.

I am spending the night at Mr. Hull’s. Listened to Rob Leadren (sp), the NY Missionary, tonight. Brown C. and Elbert meant to haul wood at home today. Read some in Lady of Lake and Bible this morning.

Friday, February 8, 1861. My (?) sin again overcame me. With God I had more control over myself, but I must not depend on my own strengths, for it is weakness. Through the help of the Lord alone, I will be able to lead a virtuous, moral, congenial, and happy life. May He strengthen my moral and physical powers.

Prepare to go to a surprise party at Mr. J. Campbell’s, having been invited by Miss J. Harold. Went up. Found quite an agreeable company. Dancing constituted the principal amusement until 1:00 a.m. Plays were then introduced in which most of the company participated and seemed to enjoy. Got home after 4:00 a.m.

(Written sideways) Miss Irene Hull was the Belle of the occasion so thought by some. Her presence seemed to make glad the hearts of several of the young men. Perry Myers came home with me. J.S. McNulty and L.S. Johnson were at the party.

Saturday, February 9, 1861. Another beautiful, warm day has passed. It is now cloudy and has the appearance of rain—quite warm too. Got to the school house at half past eight, and only had five scholars—four of them girls. I’m discouraged and have been all day. It seems a little business to only make twenty-five cents per day. Finished last cants of Lady of the Lake.

Stopped at Mr. Wood’s as I went to school, and he was down on the party. Talked of laying the affair before the session. Have felt very well. Read in Baltimore Sun.

Sunday, February 10, 1861. As other Sabbaths have passed, so has this without having been properly improved. The morning was spent in reading in the Bible and in the Presbyterian.

Brown was here for dinner and spent the evening—T. J. W. came, and we sang. Chas. H. and John, our cousins, are here and are spending the night. The day has been cloudy and foggy and cloudy with some rain—the wind is high tonight.

Mr. Pullin preached at Hightown. Was at home. Have been tolerably well-slept some in the a.m. Mother is quite unwell—hope she’ll be better soon.

Monday, February 11, 1861. When I arose, it was raining and has continued to rain all day—the day has been very dark too. I only had five pupils and concluded to stop teaching and did it with feelings of regret. The scholars had just made a good start with getting along fine with one or two exceptions; and I was attached to them and they were to me. What tender emotions are felt in the breast when we have to part from interesting children, whose interest we have been appointed to instruct.

Read the Baltimore Sun. Spent the morning at B.B.C.’s.

(Written sideways) Labor is life. Idleness is death.

Tuesday, February 12, 1861. A delightful winter day has passed, yesterday’s rain having melted nearly all the snow off. It was perfectly clear, and the sun shone brilliantly, but there was considerable wind.

I spent the morning at home in drawing off an account, chopping wood, and hunting up old worthless letters and burning them.

After dinner, we hung our meat, then I went to Mr. Campbell’s to get the ages of his children, then to Mr. Trainer’s, then to L. Gum to ascertain whom I should look to for Lizzie Hamilton’s auction. Read in religious papers tonight.

(Written sideways) Mother is very sick tonight—severe headache and pain in her side. She took oil and turpentine. I hope will be better in the morning.

Wednesday, February 13, 1861. After breakfast this morning, I started to Mrs. Gibson’s to settle with the boys. On my way, I stopped at B.B.C.’s, stayed a while, then went on and got to Mrs. G’s. Not finding any of the boys there, I borrowed a horse and went around to Will’s and settled with him and balanced our account, neither owing the other. Took dinner with him. Borrowed the horse to ride to Monterey to get some meds of D.M.G. Got two boxes of pills, then came home and commenced using them.

Brown is spending the night with us. Read some in the Bible.

(Written sideways) Mother very little better, though I hope she soon will be.

Thursday, February 14, 1861. Started to the P.O., stopping at Mr. Lightner’s. He proposed if I would bring his mail, he would let me have a horse, and I willingly accepted.

Got the Vindicator and Baltimore Sun, but not letters for ourselves. Stopped at Esq. Bird’s and got some first rate cider to drink. Came on home and found Miss L.C. here to see Mother and just going to start home.

Eat dinner at home, then went down to Mr. C.’s. Was very well the a.m., but very unwell the p.m. A severe cold, whole body affected by it. Mother is a little better.

Friday, February 15, 1861. The sun rose with all appearance of being a pretty day, but soon, clouds overcast the sky, and snow began to fly and continued all day.

I drew off the slate (?). After 9:00 a.m., Dr. Byrd came to see Mother. Before dinner, Mrs. Gay came with two of her children. Miss Mat C. was here this evening.

After dinner, I went to Mr. Woods’s, and Jeff went with me to Rodgers’s. R.J. and I went to Mrs. Hull’s then came to Woods’s.

Read the Balt. Sun tonight. Cold and windy tonight. My cold is better. Nearly eleven by the clock.

Saturday, February 16, 1861. Mother is still sick. After breakfast, I went up to H.H.C.’s and got him to haul us a load of hay. While there, was very pleasantly entertained by Miss Mary, who is quite an agreeable girl. Got home and unloaded the hay by noon. Mrs. Susan C. and H.H.C. dined with us.

Had a considerable fall of snow since noon. Quite cold and windy now. Washed and put on clean underclothes tonight. My cold still sticks to me. Got March copy of Gody’s L.B. today (?). Went to the office. Read the Vindicator nearly through.

Sunday, February 17, 1861. I spent the forenoon at home reading the Bible and newspapers. After dinner, I went down to church, made a fire, read two chapters in the Bible, and not many coming. I got on old Sally and came up to Mrs. Hull’s, found several ladies and gents, then went back to church and heard Mr. H. (sp) from Churchville preach. After sermon, which was not a very good one, I came home with Miss. L.C. Got the Presbyterian, came on home, and have been reading it tonight.

(Written sideways) The snow is four in. deep, and it is pretty cold and windy. Have been very unwell all day, but am better tonight.

Monday, February 18, 1861. The a.m. was spent in chopping wood and reading in the Presbyterian.

After dinner, went to B.B.C.’s and made an ax handle. I spent the evening and went to our shop and put the handle in the ax, the old one having given out.

The day has been cold, cloudy, and damp and considerable snow on the ground.

Having heard of a battle at Charleston, SC. I fear the condition of our country is growing worse.

Read some in Ladies’ Book tonight. Read fourth chapter of the book of Jeremiah. The moon is shining brightly, though there are clouds.

(Written sideways) Anxious to get the news tomorrow—to hear what the Peace and State Convention are doing toward adjusting the national difficulties that threaten the perpetuity of the union.

Tuesday, February 19, 1861. Have enjoyed today and tonight.

Soon after breakfast, I came down to Mr. B.B.C.’s and got their mail to take to the office, fell in with Mr. Woods, and had his company as far as S.B.C.’s. Got the Balt. Sun and a paper for Geo. sent to him by Mrs. C.

Came home, got dinner, and went to the woods and chopped some wood to haul. T.J.W. at the house and eat supper with us.

Am at Mrs. C.’s spending the night. Stuart and I just came from Rogers’s where we spent an hour very pleasantly. Been snowing a little all day.

Wednesday, February 20, 1861. Having spent the night at Mrs. C.’s, I took breakfast there and then came on home.

At nine, Brown came with horses and sled to haul wood. Hauled till 4:00 p.m., and got a nice pile, all green, but one load of chestnut for kindling. Elbert and I chopped and helped load, having but one ax. Felt very well all day, till afternoon. Have burning in my stomach from eating too much. O! That I could be more temperate!

The day has been blustery with snow flying. Finished the Balt. Sun tonight.

Thursday, February 21, 1861. Tolerably well today. After breakfast, I drew off some school accounts, wrote a note to Pullins about some something, and then went down to S.C. Slaven, got his gray mare and roughed her shoes to go to Pocahontas tomorrow.

Came up to B.B.C.’s, dined, Miss M.C.C. being there, and had a pleasant time with the ladies.

Brown and I fixed up two Valentines for Misses Maggie C. and Maggie Boner but have not sent them yet.

Today has been bright, but windy, thawing considerably in the sun. Read Messers Clemmen’s and Nelson’s speeches on the crisis—both real good and contain conservative sentiments.

(Written sideways) I eat too many apples this evening. To them of a rational mind, being a glutton is preposterous. Sobriety promotes health and wealth. Most practice them.

Friday, February 22, 1861. This was a cold morning but became tolerably warm during the day. Read two chapters in the Bible.

After breakfast, I started to Pocahontas with B.B.C. and had a pleasant ride notwithstanding the bad condition of the road. I stopped and left word for Dr. Byrd to go up and see Mother, who is worse.

Came on and got here at 3:00 p.m., had dinner at 4:00 p.m., was fatigued and had slight headache, but am very well now. Jas. and Lee were at singing (Mr. Bonds) and are at home, Mr. Ware and Fannie H. having come home with them. They are singing now. Mat’s school was out today.

Saturday, February 23, 1861. Got up at daylight. Warm and pleasant till noon. Afternoon warm, foggy, and rainy.

Started from Uncle Henry’s at 9:00 a.m. to come to Greenbank alone, except a short distance I rode with a Mr. Collins, who was driving some blooded cattle.

Got to A. Wooddle’s (sp) before dinner. After dinner, he and I walked up to Uncle J. H.’s, came back, eat supper, then went to his father’s and sat a while. Am spending the night with him. My health has been tolerably good.

Read a little in Bible this morning. A good deal of enjoyment. Cloudy and warm tonight.

(Written sideways) I saw Miss S. Beard—a pretty girl.

Sunday, February 24, 1861. Cold and clear tonight. Bright moonlight. Slept till breakfast—very cold, cloudy morning and has continued so all day.

Ami Wooddle and I came to the M.E.C. in Greenbank to prayer meeting, but few having come, then was none, and we left.

I then got my horse and John Hicks, Jr. and rode up to Chas. H.’s and stayed till late, then came down and stopped at Frank Arbogast’s, then came on to Uncle John’s where I am spending the night. Made Mr. Allen Burner’s acquaintance. Read some in the Bible this morning.

Monday, February 25, 1861. Have felt tolerably well. Having spent last night at John Hicks’s, I got up and found my horse out of Mr. Wash. Arbogast’s stable, where he was put the evening previous. I expected to foot it home, but soon found him with Mr. A’s horses.

Went up and settled with Henry Beverage. Came back to Mr. S. Wooddle’s, got dinner, then went to Mr. Boudd’s (sp) singing with Misses E. Summerville and Kerns. Had a good singing, came back to Mr. W. and had a pleasant time with the ladies. Been clear and cold.

(Written sideways) Got acquainted with Misses Summerville and Sarah Kerr, her sister. Mr. Frank Gum and J.V. Ervin spent the night at Mrs. Wooddle’s.

Tuesday, February 26, 1861. The morning was warm and pleasant, and so continued throughout the day but cloudy.

Called on Dr. Moomau, Ami Wooddle, and wife and at Uncle Jno.’s. Came back to Mr. S.W.’s and walked to singing with Miss A. Summerville, J.V.E. going with Miss S. Kern. Went to Mr. W.’s for dinner. Had a good dinner and made the acquaintance of Misses E. Moore and Hartman and Mr. Freeman.

Went back to singing, heard a few tunes, got my horse, and came down to Frost in company with J.V.E., who went on to A. Harold’s. Spending the night at Henry Gum’s.

(Written sideways) Eat entirely too much supper for my health.

Wednesday, February 27, 1861. Another warm, bright, warm day has passed, pleasantly away, and tonight finds me one day further on my way to immortality.

I came from H.G.’s this a.m. in company with Aunt F. to the widow Erving’s, then came on to Wm. M. C.’s letting her go to her horse alone—shame! Though it was.

Got here at 1:00 p.m., and Miss Almeida got me a first-rate dinner. She is as clear and pleasant as she can be. Had much enjoyment the shortest evening I ever spent. Time flew rapidly.

Health good. Read in Bible this morning.

Thursday, February 28, 1861. Got up about sunup and had breakfast at eight o’clock after which I smoked, went to the barn with Jr. A.B., went back to the house, and was entertained by Miss Elmira, the sweetest girl in existence.

After 10:00 a.m. I got a —— from ——, bid goodbye, and started for home, stopping at Mr. Gilmore’s, then came on with Tho. C. and stopped at Dr. Bird’s for dinner and had a nice time with Misses Liz and Mary. Had my horse fed and came on stopping at S.C.S. and fed his mare then went to Monterey.

(Written sideways) Got some pills from Dr. Patterson. Hear Wm. Myers read part of Mr. Preston’s speech before the Va. Convention which was grand, then came on home, getting home about midnight and found the house locked up and had to sleep in the barn.

March 1, 1861. Didn’t sleep very much in the barn with my clothes on.

Took S.B.S.’s mare to the shop and put two new steel toes shoes on her. Came home, eat apples and dinner, then took some leather up to B.G.’s to get a pair of boots made. Rode old Sally.

As I came back stopped at Summer’s and paid some on my acct., talked a while to Wm (?), then came down to A.H.C.’s, stopped and took supper, Miss A. Parsons and Miss Clara Fleming being there.

Read some in ladies’ book. Today has been warm and beautiful.

(Written sideways) Got a letter from S.H. Stover.

March 2, 1861. Washed, shaved, and changed clothes. The morning was warm and delightful but got cloudy with appearance of rain, and at noon, it got clear and has been a fine evening. Was at the shop. Read Mr. Logan’s speech on the crisis in the Vindicator of Feb 21.

P.m. went up to R.B.C.’s, got Vin., Hamp, Ga., and borrowed Pres. and Bos. Rec. (?). Found several ladies there.

Went as far as the mill on way to the shop. Came home and found Miss Alice Gay here and Little Mag. Miss Alvina E. and Miss Maggie Boner came up in the evening. Stuart C. went away with Miss Mag.

Aunt F.G. went home in company of Elbert.

(Osborne made some entries for the same date in two different books.)

Sunday, March 3, 1861. The day has been warm and delightful with a pleasant wind from the S. Read some in the Bible before breakfast and the Presbyterian till dinner.

Went to church stopping at Woods, then went on and stopped at Hull’s with Jeff W. and talked some to the ladies.

Sent Jan. No. of Godies to Miss Almara C. by JA.B. Heard Graham preach his farewell sermon—only a part.

Stopped at Mr. Woods’s, after which, Jeff Jr. and I went to Mr. B. B. C.’s and talked, ate apples, and sang.

Came home and, it being late, went to bed.

(Written sideways) Got some powders from Doctor for my own use and using them now.

(I think this passage was meant for March 3, 1862, because that date is missing from 1862.)

Monday, March 4, 1861. A good deal colder today than yesterday. Was up at six and eat. Mixed up the medicine I got of the doctor and used some of it—didn’t find it as unpleasant as I expected.

Drew off the slates, after having entertained Pamy Myers and eat some apples.

After dinner, I went to Mr. B.B.C.’s, then went on to the shop, but did nothing but read the Balt. Sun.

Came on home and found Mrs. A.H.C. here who took supper with us. I let her through the gates when she went home.

Read the Hampton Gazette and Luther Emerson’s letter in the Boston Recorder.

Tuesday, March 5, 1861. Health tolerably good. Another cold, cloudy, windy day has passed away.

Sometime after breakfast, I went down to Mr. B.B.C.’s and spent the forenoon waiting for Luther to bring the mail, and when he came, he brought nothing for me but speeches from L.J.H. that I had before.

Borrow the Springfield Republican of Miss Mat and get home to dinner. Spent the p.m. reading it, chopping wood, and eating apples. Finished it tonight and commenced a letter to Gus S. Very cold and windy.

Mother very unwell yet—seems that she was getting better.

(Sideways) Elbert came home from Pocahontas.

Wednesday, March 6, 1861. To the past, another cold, cloudy, blustery day is added. Did scarcely anything. O, that I were a man! I drew off an acct. against Mr. Trainer, my school acct. Read some in Home and Foreign Records. Chopped and split up a maple tree, got out a bucket full of apples, gorged on them a while. Went to B.B.C.’s, talked confidently to Miss Lil on the evils of the Neigh., sat till bedtime, borrowed Hiawatha of Miss Mat, and came on home.

Thursday, March 7, 1861. Unwell myself. After tolerably early breakfast, I started to the P.O. and stopped at B.B.C.’s and waited for Miss Mat to write a letter to her mother, which I took to the O. for her.

I stopped at H.H.H.’s and got two-and-a-half-lb. butter. Went to the O., got no news, but L.J.A. came to Mr. Byrd’s.

Made oath to Mg. S. Hect (sp) and came on to Jno. C’s. Talked to Morgan, who is sick a good while, then came on home, stopping with Mr. L. a short time.

Read through Hiawatha tonight. Like it very much.

(Sideways) Mother is worse. Doctor to see her.

Friday, March 8, 1861. Read some today. Chopped and split up a maple log and went down to Mr. Woods’s and dined. Came home, shaved, and went to B.B.C.’s to get Miss Lil to carry Nan up to the surprise party behind her. Went to Mr. Woods’s and then home. Eat supper, dressed, and went to the party with Jno. Woods and Brown C. Did not enjoy myself very much until the after part of the night. Did not feel well. Quite a number were there. Many nice ladies and gentlemen were there and seemed to enjoy it very well.

Miss Gowell from Rockbridge was there, but I did not get acquainted with her—pretty!

Saturday, March 9, 1861. Very well. I saw Miss Lil. She was very drowsy. No talk hardly. Came home before breakfast—read two chaps. in Hiawatha. Snowing fast this morning—sloshy. Started to the P.O. and stopped at A.W.C.’s and rode up in J.S. Gilmore’s buggy. Talked a good while to Frank Swadley, got the mail, dined, and came down to the store. Went up to B. Gum’s, came back, got us crackers, half a plug of tobacco, and came on with J.A.B. who told me some traits in Miss A.E.C.’s character, which I hope are not true, always taken her to be a noble girl.

Read Col. Baylor’s speech before the Va. convention—good. Too stuffy to read much having slept none last night. Brought B.B.C.’s mail and took it to them after he had gone to the G. Snowing tonight. Eat four meals today.

(Sideways) Dr. B. to see Mother. Bitter, sloshy day.

Sunday, March 10, 1861. Have not kept the day as I should have done. I have spent the whole day at home. Read some in Bible.

After breakfast, I read a while in the Presbyterian then dressed to go to preaching at Hightown but did not go.

Read the Presbyterian through. Finished the Vindicator and read some in the Hampton Gazette. Not right to read politics on the Sabbath and ought not to be done.

Have felt unhappy all day cause—for myself to know. Cloudy, cold, and blustery with snow flying. Same tonight. Mat came home. Health very good.

Monday, March 11, 1861. Smoked too much. Light-headed. After breakfast, I got up Sally and took Nan up to school then went to A.H.C.’s and got him to haul in a load of hay. Got home and unloaded it before noon, eat apples with Jeff W., and read the Balt. Sun. till dinner. Jeff going home, nothing for dinner.

This eve went down and settled with Trainer. Tonight fooled around, read the Sun, and commenced a letter to Kenny Campbell.

Not well—pain in my bowels. Cold, but clear.

(Sideways) Mother is better.

Tuesday, March 12, 1861. From the Balt. Sun war seems inevitable. O! The horror it will bring on us.

Read in the Sun. till breakfast, then finished my letter to K., took it down to B.B.C.’s to send it to the office, but he was gone, and I did not get to send it. Talked to Miss Mat and Lil about leaving Highland. They are anxious to get away, and I am too. Hope they get where they will be better pleased. Came on to the shop, read the Balt. Sun till dinner. Eat at the shop with Will. Went over to Rogers’ for a while, then got apples and brot to the shop to eat.

Finished House Divided Against Itself in the Sun, then worked some for Jno. and Will Gibson. Then made horse nails. Read Lincoln’s inaugural ceremonies and Vice President B.’s reception at his home in Wheatland, Lancaster, PA, in the Sun of March 9. All quite interesting.

Miss Lil C. was at our house calling on Mat. This has been a warm, pleasant day—windy and warm tonight, and feels as if we will have rain soon.

I have felt very well, having taken a liver pill last night and another tonight.

Nan not at school today, at home to wash.

Wednesday, March 13, 1861. Had a pretty long walk. Drew off some apples after breakfast, then went to Mr. Woods’ sugar camp. Went on to the shop, then immediately went down to Mr. Wade’s. Stopped at P. Gum’s to get him to shell us a grist of corn. Got to Mr. Wade’s by eleven o’clock. Dined there. Settled with Mr. Wade. Had apples to eat, and then went over and settled with Mr. Jno. Woods and took his note.

Being afoot, I stopped at Mr. W.’s as I came on and talked with H.T. and B.B. about the oil wells. Stopped with Dave W. and Cas. G. where they were hewing timber. Stopped at S.C.S., but got no money. Warm and pleasant day.

(Sideways) Health very good today.

Thursday, March 14, 1861. A real March day. Will started to the oil wells this morning. Elbert took the horses and went with him to the top of Allegheny Mountain.

As I went to the shop, I stayed at B.B.C.’s and gave them some paper to put up newspapers in. Got the Presbyterian. Read the last of the House Against Itself. Pretty good. Shod D.M.’s mare. Eat dinner and shod J.B.’s (?). Read some in the Presbyterian.

Came to the mill and talked to Rodgers on the division of the Union and the oil excitement. Have the fever badly.

Came to B.B.C.’s, and then came to the camp and eat sugar. Eat too much and felt sick. John Wilson is here. Talked with him on the oil excitement.

Wet every day. Pain in my neck and side. Not very cold.

Friday, March 15, 1861. Elbert and John Wilson traded horses this morning. Elbert got $14.50 difference. I rode the one he got to Monterey. Stopped at Gibsons and got a ring from John’s wife that belonged to A.W.C.’s wife.

Stopped at Wesly Benson’s for money, but got none. Had nothing but apples for dinner. Stopped at Tut Fox’s as I am home to get money. Got none—fair promises, poor mouth. Dark when I got home.

Got old saddle fixed, goods for leggings, for shirts, brushes, comb case, pr shoes for Fannie, and at Rinklers talked to gas man about matrimony (?). Became acquainted with Mr. Snider.

Came home, find Miss Maggie Bonner here. Make sugar. Finish Hiawatha—like it some. Talk a little to Miss Mag. Pretty cold day.

(Sideways) Preparing to go to the oil wells. Windy night—dark and cold.

Saturday, March 16, 1861. Cold and cloudy. Pretty a.m. Got up late. Must go to bed. Got up at six. Eat. Sat and talked a short time to Miss M.B. Got some horse shoes and went to the shop. Took my shoes that Bride Gum made me some time ago and put nails in the heels. Shod Brown C.’s mare and Sally.

Got a plug of A.T.’s tobacco of D. Grove for twenty cents. Came up to Mr. B.B.C.’s, saw (?) just from Harrison—has the oil fever and is going back—wants R. and I to wait on him. Got the N.Z.O. (?). Read some in the Presbyterian.

Washed all over and feel better—always get benefit from it. Geo. got a number of T.L. sent to him by Mrs. C. Cold.

Sunday, March 17, 1861. Quite cold tonight. Another Sabbath day has passed and like others has been misspent. Started to go to singing, but got no further than Mr. Woods! Found B.C. there. Sung some, talked, eat apples, dined, and had a pleasant time.

Old folks at Mr. Grove’s—wife sick. Read N.Z.O. through. Brown came up with me. Cold, cloudy day. Not well—flatulence. Conversed entirely too much on worldly matters—oil subject, etc.

Slept some this morning. Read B., but not enough.

Monday, March 18, 1861. Day not profitably spent. Soon as I got my breakfast, I went down to B.B.C.’s. Very cold morning. Snowing now—4:00 p.m.—not fast, though—March weather. While at Mr. C.’s, we read the news and talked on the Union and oil questions, Melton, A.H.C., and J.A.B. being there.

On way home, saw D. and K.C. Talked on oil. Went home. Read Vind. Eat dinner, went to Mr. W.’s, then to Mr. H.’s. At shop now.

Took Mrs. J.C.’s horse over to R.’s for D.G. Came up to B.B.C.’s, eat supper, and Brown and I went up to old Mrs. C.’s. Meant to call on Miss Mag B., but didn’t—got to later.

Came on home. Drew off Gay’s account. Cold night. Pain in small of back.

Tuesday, March 19, 1861. Despondent. Didn’t sleep well last night. Got up early, tried to read, but got sleepy. Stopped at B.B.C.’s and got the Presbyterian. Read three p. of it. Did nothing else in the a.m.

Presented Gay’s acct. for payment, but got none. Worked a little this p.m. Allen S. was at the shop. Went to Bennet’s this p.m. to get money, but got none. Came by D. Gwin’s for J.A.B.—unsuccessful.

Drank coffee and cornbread for supper. Read two pages of Balt. S. Clear, cold day. Got G.’s L. Book (?). Well as usual.

Wednesday, March 20, 1861. Spent the night at B.B.C.’s and eat breakfast there. Drew