Diary of Henry Gerard Hall 1872 January 1st 1872 I went to my office & staid most of the day in my office writing many short letters & attending to other matters. I was rather burned & nervous & not calm & composed as I like to be & to see. Dr Lister & Mat in town. Mat stays with us at night. Jany 2. At my office in business again. Gave release bond for Mr. Ward. I gave Mat the deed ready for Mother's signature. Called at Martin & Ford's & other places. John Kirksey came at night & we made a trade of lots. Jany 3. I attended in my office most of the day but did not much besides consummating the trade with John Kirksey. Had more to do for Mr. Ward. Gus finishes moving my fence today & the railroad is graded almost through the place. Molly finished Credo & began Foster's Life of Bayne. Jany 4. I remitted money out of the 400$ I recieved yesterday all of which gave me great relief. Did scarcely any office work today, came home early. Allena came with me & I went back with her, and came back home in the dark. Friday I was at my office, nothing remembered except that Friday I had carried the stovepipe down to be widened at bottom. Field & I moved the stove into the house at night. Wet & Rainy. 1872 Saturday Jany 6th. Field & I went down after breakfast. I went to Bosworth's Ice House, & bought corn & sent to be chopped & then home. Still wet & Cloudy. 7 We spent the day at home. Field & I went out after breakfast & convoyed the cow home - remained in doors the rest of the day Sunday. Fuller & Allena came in afternoon. Cloudy all the time. 8 Field & I went down & came out together. I sat in my office most of the day. Bought some dishes, plates spoons & a shawl. I got a sash with a tin pane & fixed up the stove at night. 9 Hally went down with us, exchanged the shawl & her shoes & carried things back. I tried to get the appeals up to Parish Court. Came out a head of Field. Settled with Foster agt. of Mrs. Hollingsworth today. Mr. Peyton came at night. 10 In my office most of the day. Mr. Heard from Schffelin & Co. called & I went with to see Wise. Field left today. Allena & Fuller came at night & Eva & Mr. Peyton & Hally went to the theater. January 11th, 1872 (written 15th). I still at my office daily as usual without special incident. Uncle Lucian came in to see me about Thursday 11th or 12th. Austin staid with us Friday night 12th. I got a quntity of food for cattle etc that evening. Austin went on a boat the 13th. I left Mr. Cooks deed of reconveyance from Z T Barnes to be recorded 13th. 14th Jenny & I went to the Baptist Church with Molly. A beggar woman staid here Thursday night. Mrs. George spent the day here on Friday. Monday 15th I reached the Court House too late to set causes for trial in Parish Court. Passed most of the day in my office. Molly came home in the evening sick. I went with Eva to have a tooth filled. A black woman named Molly came this morning, to cook for us, with her child Lizzy. Bro. Harper came for advice. 16 I was busy most of the day with Mr. Ward & his cases. Also Uncle Jo Cooke consulted me about a case. I returned home after sunset. 17th. I was in the Court House a little & in my office the most of the day. On the street tried to meet Judge ). M. Robert but failed. Came home early. Bob Field came. Settled with Judge Levisee for fence moving today. Also paid some bills. 18. Mr. Rainwater came in to see me today about the case vs Haymakers. Cummings & Momson are witnesses. I came home early & brought some tin & fixed the roof around the chimney in the rain. Got some fodder. 19 Little remembered (22d) I attended at my office as usual. 20th. Saturday Parish Court Failed & I returned & labored in my office. Went to see Mr. McDonald (the deaf). 21. I attended Church, stopped at Fuller's on my way back & they come home with me. Also Uncle Northcut was here. Jo Cooke returned to see me. 22d I was working for my client J. W. Cook most of the day & got an injunction for him. No Parish Court. I went out to see Judge Levisee & took the children Ther. Met Jenny with Mrs. Dockery who stays with us all night. I came up with them in the evening. Our cook left us this morning. Mrs. Dockery leaves her boy to board with us at 18$ a month. 23. I staid in my office much of the day. Settled with J. B. Pickett for W. C. Browning & Co., taking his draft for 967.79$ & one for 1077.50$ both payable to my order due March 31st, 1872. George McWilliams staid all night with us. 24. George Mac came in & closed the trade for Virgil's land, 205 acres for 410$ in gold half cash & the balance 205$ next Dec. 1st. I write the facts to Virgil & to sister Rebecca to whom I will send 200$ in currency. Quite cool. 25. On rising this morning I found the ground covered with snow, & it continues snowing with come intermissons all day. I remain at home cutting wood & doing other jobs about the house till 2 1/2 pm. Went down town a little & then back. 26th. I was sick this morning & remained at home all day. King Williams came in to see me. Very cold. 27. Saturday I was able to go down - saw Mr. Ware who was looking for me yesterday - attended Parish Court - tried a case - & attended to some other business. Still cold. 28. Sunday. Not well. I remain at home all day. Fuller & Allena spend most of the day with us. Extremely cold, the coldest day of the winter. Uncle Nat also staid all day & all night with us. We took a walk around J W Smiths & R. J. 29. January 1872 I attended Parish Court & tried a case or got judgment in Lytle & Co. s L. Asher. Then in my office the rest of the day. Uncle Nat brings in his box & leaves it my office. Uncle Lucien was in also. Mat & Elijah Price were with us a little while in the evening & dined with me. Remitted to Sister Rebecca 200$ today. Still cold. 30. I tried Patillo's case in the Parish Court today & waited to try Stule v Fish. but the papers could not be found. Little in my office. Cold. Bob came out with me & cut wood. Learned by letter from John M. Hanks that Jack W. Smith died in California about 1862 or 1863. Eva walked down with me in the morning. Mat & Elijah left. Jany 31. Molly (cook) began with us again to day. I went to the Court House but tried nothing. Wrote many letters - came back & examined records for Mr. Cooke of the Ridley estate. Purchased cattle feed, & had hauled out. Attended to business for Mr. Cooke, remanded the pyracanthus order & remitted 125$ for him to the National Publishing Co. Brought home some little things. Still cold. 1st February. I was in the office writing letters most of the day, in the C H but little. A judgment was rendered in Patillo's favor for 400$. Not so cold. Feb 2d. I attended in the Court House but a little, & was preparing a brief for tomorrow's trials. Capt. Bell spent some time in my office talking. Little remembered on this 5th morning.) Went with Hally at dusk to look for white cow and calf. Feb. 3d. Saturday I went to my office then to Parish Court & argued Leverett vs Ward for dft. Dined with Ward thereafter. Bought some groceries & brought home. The children had brought home White & calf. 4th Cunday. Eva & I went to Church, & called at FUller's on our return. F. & Allena came to see us afternoon. Warmer. 5th Feb. I attended Parish Court & had a trial, & was called on by Reed to defend him, charged with murder. He was put in jail at night. Assisted in a case of pegues Curator v alls Est. A heavy rain came down, & I borrowed an overcoat to come home. 6. In Court again learned that Mr. Ware was looking for me, & was busy with him the latter half of the day. Came home late. Hally went down with me to take home a cake- pan. Played dominoes with Eva at night. Jenny suffered severely with pain in the bowels at night. Henry is better. I learned today that Molly has been sending a despatch to Sturgessl 7 Wednesday - I was busy in the Court house & at my office. Made come purchases & had them brot out (the first) in Williams & wherritt's wagon. Found Mrs. Peyton & Miss Zula Davis at our house to attend the wedding. Fuller & Allena came after supper, but I was carried to the theatre with the ladies, which made my feet cold & made me sick. 8 Sister Eva & W. B. Peyton were married at our house this morning. I was very sick all day but must go down to my office, & did some business. Went to bed on returning & got better. Mrs. Dockery staid with us. The wedding party left for Mr. W. C. Peyton's about 10 1/2. I was lately called upon by a telegraph operator & learned that Molly has been trying to dispatch to Ed Sturgess - these matters extending through 2 or 3 days. Mr. H. was in. 9. I am better & attend to business. Mr. H. Came in for business & we fixed up papers for attachment vs Keys & Co. I attended to other business. I brot messages to Molly from the operator & Dr. Clay explaining the matter of the unsent dispatch. 10 Saturday. I was in my office most of the day writing. Capt. Bell sat with me. Back numbers of Appleton came in. The weather has become mild, fair & spring-like. On my way down I called to see Mr. Schultz, sick, whom I saw last evening. Enquired for my paper cutter. Paged my letter book to date. Sunday 11 February 1872. Cloudy & damp, my cold & caugh being bad I stay at home. 12. Monday (written Wednesday) I attended in my office nearly al day. This is made dies non by the Louisiana Legislature on account of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. I wrote letters &c most of the day. Hally went down with me. I sent papers for suits in Mansfield. Feby 13. In my office nearly all day working with Peyton's case & writing a few letters. Dave Watkins came in. I called on Mr. Reynolds in the evening & got oil-cloth &c. Jennie read Morton House to me at night. 14th. I staid about the office most of the day, but went out with W. B. Allen to the Court House to get a release bond accepted for him. Uncle Joseph Hall, My father's brother came in at night. We were reading Morton House when he came in. Jennie went home with me from Fuller's. Elridge & family there. 15. Uncle Jo went down with me & I walked round with him a little, & then in my office. J. W. Cook was in my office some time. I carried the last ready volume of Appleton down to be bound - had carried the rest before. 16. Uncle Jo left with Molly for home. Not much remembered now (Feb 27th). I attended prayer meeting at night. 17. Saturday Jennie went down & bought a dress &c. I attended to many items of business. 18. Sunday we went to church in the morning. 19. I got a dispatch sent from Marshall, yesterday calling me to come up, but I got it too late to go on themorning train. I was ready for the evening train & went up. Preparing to try the case of White Smith & Baldwon vs Coyle's estate, Culbertson's estate intervening. 19, 20, & 21. We tried the case & finished the argument. 22. A juror being sick, the case was not submitted, - put off till tomorrow. 23d. Juror still not well, case held over till Monday. I got ready & started home- where I arrived at dusk. Lost my M. S. on the cars. Went back to look for itbut could not find is. I made some preparations in the case of Hall v Tevis while in Marshall. On the 22d, I saw a double wedding at church, and saw there Julia Henderson, whom I nursed when she was a child, - now Mrs. Adams. At sunset I called to see her & her husband. I went to Fields after the trial was finished & staid until I left the town. 24th In my office. Rives came in and settled one claim. Attending to Ward's case. Made inquiries for lost manuscript. Sunday 25th. I remained at home all day. 26 Monday In my office at work as usual. so 27th & 28th. Examining authority for injunction & other matters. Mr. Rudd & nephew came to employ me to procure the emancipation of the minor nephew. 28th I attend to some letters & make remittance for Mr. Cooke. Eugenia reads to me at night from Morton House. Feb 29th. Getting ready togo to Mansfield. Also on the first of March. March 15th, 1872. On the second of March I started to Mansfield on horseback in company with Levisee, Taylor & Scott, but I got parted from their carriage near Summer Grove. They took the Kingston Road, & I went ahead by Keachi & staid at Mat Moore's. 3d. Reached Mansfield about 1 1/2 p m. Staid at Longino's about 2 days & then with Foster. Was employed in 3 new cases. Had no trial till the 12th when I was appointed to defend a negro. On 13th at 9 1/2 I started home in company with Mr. Nelson. Dined with him at 3 1/2, & resumed my ride at 20' before 5, reached home about 9 1/2. Found Aunt Jane with us. Spent most of Sunday with Bro. Stuart. 14th Thursday I attended to business in my office. Rode out with Parker. Walked out on the new train way. 15th. I attended in my office most of the day writing letters &c.. Had some cow-feed &c hauled home. 16. A Cloudy wwet day - I sat in my office at work. 17. Sunday I went early to market. Fuller & Elridge & families came in time for dinner. Cold.. Uncle Nat came up late in the day only. 18. In the Court House & finished the emancipation of Robert B. Budd, & settled between him & his uncle Jack. Got a box of books & a bible out for me, one for Fuller & 2 books for Walker. 19. In my office most of the day, & in the C H a little. Things go well. I went to Judge Levisee & got an order of appera. 20.. Court adjourned on account of licenses & uncertainty in regard to Judge Smith's appointment. 21, 22. The weather becomes very mild 21st & it was cold rain. I remained in office most of the time writing letters & investigating legal questions of law. I settled with (Wise for) Rives the 22d & found an authority in Edwards in Bailments. Weather clears up the night of 22d. Uncle Nat is at our house making a suit of drap d' etat for me. Piano taken to Mr. Blair's about 22d. On the 23d Saterday I was in Parish Court a little & set a case. At office most of the day 24 Sunday I remained at home all day except being at market in the morning. Col. Pegues came in - raining. 25th. I was at the Court House a little & in my office the rest. Hally went to Fullers and with them to the circus-show at night. 26th. King Williams was in my office today rather drunk - had much talk about some disagreeable things. I went to dine with Fuller as Ralfe Eldridge & family are about to leave on a steamboat this morning. One of the bitter passages of life occurs at this time but I must bear it. Moved the stone. 27th. Mr. Rives came & I settled one claim with him for Schifflin & Co. at 50% net. I was in the Court House a little & did some business. On the street then a good deal & the levee. King Williams was in, a little sober. Aunt Jane & Molly were in town. A fair day aggain.. March 28th, Written April 1st. Took judgment vs Fish in Parish Court. Staid in my office. 29. Henry Garlick came & fixed up return of sale & paid me 50. Bob Cook calls to see me. Dined at Pitts looking for Buckner. 30. Sat. J. W. Cook came in regard to the succession of his daughter Mrs. Davidson. I make occasional excursions to the levee &c. Uncle Nat finished my suit today. Saw Buckner & paid him 50$. 31. Eugenia & I go to Church. Fuller & wife, & Mark & wife come to see us in the afternoon. We called by to see Mrs. Whiteman about sending Hally to school, on our way from Church. I read Greel Testament & compared extracts from the Tischendorf manuscript. Little Henry made this mark. April 1st 1872. Hally starts to school ttoday. I was in Court a little. District begins today for civil business. I attended a public meeting. Did little other business. Helped Uncle Nat look for a shop. 2d. I was in Court a little & my office more. 3d. A special Judge I heard a case of Copes v Phelps & Co. Then staid in my office. Rainy weather begins about this time. 4. I had my judgment nearly ready to render this morning, but reached the Court House too late. Rain. 5th. Friday my opinion was ready, but parties were not in Court in time. Heavy rain. Wilkinson came in my office & told me my wife had sent for me & a physician because our little boy Hery had a spasm. Dr. Sanders went with me, but the little fellow was better, & so continues all day & night. Rain. Rain heavily. 6. Clear & bright at last. "Moon" was down. Iread my opinion today. 7sunday Hally & I went Church. Fuller & Allena came in the evening. Aunt Jane went home with them. The old cow got down & we lifted her up again. Rain comes again at night. 8 Monday. Great rain. I went to Court but the judge came not & we all left. I staid in my office most of the day. Got Moon up with help of John, again. Jenny read to me at night. 9. Maj. RossWilkinson employed me to defend a sequestration suit for a horse, perhaps also a State case. Mr. Cooke was also in. (J W). Yesterday & today I read Pithier in French. Moon down again & died at night. Eugenia read to me at night. Cool & fair, 10. Wednesday I attended at Court House & in my office. Little remembered (12) Aunt Jane comes up with Allena whom I meet returning. 11th. In the Court some time then in my office. Col. Pegues is fixing to go to New Orleans today. I got the little boy's axle tree & fixed in part his wagon. 12. Little remembered. 13. I rose at 4 1/2 went to the depot, to market, waked Robert Cooke, & we got on the cars for Longview. Took up Mr. Cooke, the father, at Greenwood, reached Longview about 10 1/2 - the Mayor was investigating a fight, looked at the brown stone quarries, counseled a Mr. Spencer - tried the case of Cooke v Perry, got judgment - saw Robert Roberts today - returned home in the evening. 14th. Sunday Eugenia & I went to Church in the new building of the Presbyterians. Little Henry was very sich in the night & we lost sleep. 15 Monday. I was sick today, but attended to some business - came out to see about Henry & went back. Met Foster & Murphy. 16. Uncle Jack Rudd & nephew had some business for me today & I attended to a good deal more, letters &c. 17. Austin came today. Eugenia came down to have a tooth worked on by Dr. Derban. April 18 1872. Eugenia came again as her tooth hurts & we all went p m to Dr. Sanders, where Austin operates on the tooth. He & Pep & Mr. Foster all staid with us at night. No Court today upstairs. 19. Eugenia had the tooth pulled out with little pain. A violent storm of wind rain, & hail fell at even. Young Josey was in today. 20. Saterday in Court but no appeal tried. Patilolo is in since yesterday & leaves a little of his evidence. 21. I went to Church but not to lovefeast as visitors were here. 22 - 25 In my office most of every day, & in the Court House a little every day. Austin adveertises & takes an office for denistry. White came & had a talk abouut business in Marshall. 24th. We heard bad news from sister Exa's health & we fear we may hear of her death. I feel grreatly cast down with trouble & anxiety till I am almost made sick. Uncle Nat & Aunt Jane staid all night with us 2233 & 244th,, but 26th Uncle Nat did not come. 26 - 29. A dull time - in the Court Housee one case takes all the time. No trialson Saturday 27. On Sunday 28th Hally went with me to Church. Fuller & Austin with their wives visited us at dusk. Monday I was in Court a little & made one motion. Foster came to stay with us at night. Molly has suffered a few days with a severe rising on the ankle & lies down all day. A sensible change has come upon me the last few daays; impressed anew with the unsatisfactory nature of things in this life, with the occasional recurrence of painful incidents I am driven more forcibly it seems than before to seek comfort & peace in religioous thoughtt, life & action. 30th. Ed Sturges appears in town today. I can do nothing in Court & little in my office. A rain cools us off. May 1st 1872 I went down determined if possible to settle some business that renders me uneasy. I found unexpected facilities & great relief in learning that the bank would cash my checks if they should be for more than I have to my credit. I have about 1400$ but checks out for 1000$ & I draw for more, but will depositmore- I returned home early feeling much better. Allena & Aunt Jane came, the latter staid & I escorted Allena to the depot. Cobb ploughed more for us & carried sax to the oilfactory. We change the cow pen this evening. May 2 & 3. Little done or remembered on the 2d, except the trial of the case of Twyman & Womack vs L. Goodman. I carried down 2 notes for Molly which I did not deliver. Cool Day. I finish Mark Twain's travel book about this time. 3d. The Sunday Schools celebrat the May day feestival. I took Hally off to attend it. The day was remarkably cool & pleasant & passed agreeably. May 4th. Little remembered on the 7th. I was in Court but could try nothing. 5. Sunday Eugenia & I went to Church, leaving Molly & Hally at home. Fuller & Allena visit us afternoon. Holland Anderson calls for me. Dick died this morning by poison probably. I made engagement with Chapman to take the testimony of Anderson & Davis, which we do after 4 oclock p m. I spent the most of the day in my office. Served out injunction for Pitkin. 7 - 10 I attend Court a little every day but can get no trial, one case occupying all the time. Austin stays all night with me on the 9th. A rain fell on the 10th,, a cool one & I came home to let water in the cistern. In the morning I was in consultation with Col. Williamson & other movers of the reform movement & they invite me to act as their secretary. No trial in Pitkin's case. On the 9th I had a conference on some length with Capt. Crisp. Josey came in on the 8th. The 9th I took his statement for testimony & on the 10th he was gone. About the 8th I handed Wise a petition for divorce to be filed against Sturges. Times seem dull & hard. I have been reading "The Home of God's People" for a few days. On the 8th Uncle Nat & Aunt Jane were to get off, but he got drunk & they wait for the next St. Louis boat. On that day I dined at Fuller's. Mr. Wilkinson killed a "guinea" in the morning & helped us eat him at evening, & talked about his claim on Boone. Sat. 11th Court adjourned for a public meeting, so I did nothing there - attended the meeting. Bob Cook consults me about claim on Piggot. Molly came in & had a long talk - wanted to see S! Aunt Jane & Uncle Nat left. Home early. M. Attended church at 11 & helped bury the child of Mark & Maggy Yates at evening. 13. No Court today the fudge a little sick. I awoke with headache & was not well all day. Sued outattachment for Bob Cook vs Piggot, but did not det a seizure made. I was uneasy because I had not money to pay my premium for life insurance due today to the Knickerbocker, semiannual 40$, but I got nearly money enough today, & Col. Battle agt. was not ready to receive it. Alonzo staid with us at night. 14th. In Court a little. Seizure made & Piggot paid $111.44 part today. Old Mr. Cooke came & fixed up papers as tutor. 15. In Court a little - called on W. H. Elston & Mc Cutchen but got nothing. Wrote several letters. John Kirksey called at night. 16. Della sets in as cook today. I attended Court & in my office. 22. Not many events have happened. On Sunday Eugenia & I went to church.. Austin & Pep staid all night with us on the 16?th & again on the 19th & 20th. On the 19th a message came that Mat Moore is dangerously sicck, Mr. Jones talks with me about it.. I have a note from Nic Moore & get some plow points for Mat from Baer. On the 21st Molly goes down in the hack to help nurse Mat in sickness. - on the 20th Bob Cooke had a fight with Piggot & shot at him. 21st he came in to consult with me about it & a heavy rain falls in the evening. 23. A message came from Molly but I could not go to see Mat yet. I tried come cases in the District Court. The news from Mat is still bad. 24. Another trial in Dist. Court & an exception argued in Parish Court. Tremendous rains fall daily for the last few days & at night of 23d lightning almost every second from dark till after midnight. Heavy rain & also on 24 night. 25 May 1872 I disposed of my business in Court & elsewhere so that I can go to DeSoto. J.. W. Cooke is yet in town. I came home early afternoon. Ausstin & Pep came & staid all night with us. 26 Sunday I went out to the road to get on the stage Coach for Mansfield, intending to get to Mat Moore's & see whether he is alive or not & do what I can to help them. But the stage did not come & I went down to see about it & learned that the high waters had swept the bridges away & obstructed the road so that it is impassable. - I saw a man who brought word that Mat was still alivee on the 24th but not expected to get well. I came home & staid all day. 27. I went down expecting to start to Keachi - learned after a while that Mat was getting better; a rain came up & I did not get off, but returned earlyy & staid till evening only went down for meal & returned. 28 Tuesday was in the Court House a little & at my office getting ready to go see Mat tomorrow. 29th I got on the stage for Mansfield - 3 ladies inside - one bridge was broken but we got over. Reached Keachi after noon. Stopped at Connell's - I got out near the corner of Mrs. Rachelles field S cor. & walked a mile & half to Mat Moore's & found him still low but probly 30. I rode to Keachi for some thinggs & back. Mat talks wanderingly about some things. 31 After noon Antony rigged a team & drove me home in a hack. Read Belle Boyd on the way. June 1st 1872 I procured ice Antony & started him home. Attended some of the last hours of Court (Dist) also a little in Parish Court & other matters. Dined with Fulleer''s folkks with Jennie &c. 2 We attended church at 11. Fuller & Allena came p m. Bro. Upton preached today. 3 I attend at my office & in the Court House on Monday & dicuss a motion. I return home early for dinner both days (4). Failed to see the Crowders on 4th. News favorable from Mat Moore. 5, 6, 7, 8. During these days I attended at my office, but sat below with Pitkin most of the time, so hot in my office. Mr. Tenny proposes to buy a lot from me, & for three days I try to get a mortgage reemoved without success, Pires Mortgagee, Kirtsey mortgagor. On Saturday 8 a wonderful storm of dust occure, a strong northwest wind blows dry for a while, brings coolness & rain after a while. Jenny reads to me every day at spare times. Seymore comes from Mat's for ice &c. 9 Sunday it rains & we do not go to church. It continues extremely cool. Seymore leaves this morning for home. 10 I completed the sale of Lot No. 12 in the subdivision on the west of Fairfield Street, to EL Ligon Tenny for 300$ cash today. Did littl else - went to Fuller's to dine but did not stay till he & dinner came. Made my Bank account right much to my relief - had a talk some time with B. M. Johnson. Cool in shade. 11 to 14. Tuesday I attended daily at the Court House a little while. H. Garlick came in on the 13th. I con-ferred with Arnold on the 12 & again on the 14th. Wrote petition for Mrs. A. W. Hill v Pegram & sent out copies on the 14th. Remarkable cool on the 13 evening & night & morning June 19th. Nothing important happened important to note since the 14th. On the 18 Mr.. Steels brought me a message from Mr. Ragsdale insisting that I should come to address his school & I promise to go on 19th. I settled with Pegram before starting, found a horse at Waskom & reached E. F. At dusk. 20. rested most of the day. 21. Examination &c finished my address & delivered. 22d. I return home by Greenwood to which place Austin brings me in his buggy. 23d. Sunday we attend Church. Br. Wwilinson at home. 24. Monday little occured. I attended at my office as usual & in the Court House a little (now 30th). 25 Tuesday I assisted in the defense of Mack Austin who was cleared. 26 - 27. Mr. Cooke arrived on the 27th & staid all night with us. 28th he was about to get off on the steamer Emilie La Barge & Molly with him, but as she goes by New Orleans he concludes to wait for the Mary E. Poe. He stays all night at Fuller's. 29th. I got two packages off - a book to Jonesville & a parcel of clothes to Longview. Potato vines were planted in our garden. Good rains have been falling. Mr. Cooke stays with us at night. 30th Sunday We went to Church & heard a stranger probably Bro Young from Jefferson. Some rain today p m. Street cars have been running by our gate about two weeks. Monday July 1st, 1872. Mr. Cooke & ister Molly got off on the Steamer Mary E. Poe in the evening. Eugeniacame down & we went on board the boat with them. Mr. Brown worked for us today. He did a half days work on Saturday. July 2. Mrs. Peyton started home early this morning. I was able to write more than usual today - copied a brief. Hally has scarcely any fever today. She has been sick for several days. 3rd. I went to market about 6 this morning. 4 to 7. I pass the days mostly in Mr. Pitkin's store down stairs, as it is too hot in my office. It rains almost daily. I am preparring 2 briefs for the Supreme Courtt. Reading a little from the history of England (Smollet) from Appleton's Journal, N Y Tribune &c. Hally has been mending & is now nearly well, only weak. 8 to 14th. I am employed these days in getting my 2 cases ready for Supreme Court, preparing briefs & having one printed. Mrs. Hensley & Fanny come on Thursday to town, & on Friday 12th they come to our house & pass the day & night. John N. Hicks was married on the night, & this evening 12th, Eugenia, Fanny & I went up there for company and music. Fanny plays with fine effect. On Saturday they all get off on the Lady Lee. Mr. Hensley staid with us all night also. He is going to St.. Louis to have his new mill manufactured - the upper & the nether millstones both revolve & it is destined to replace all other mills, apparently. C. D. Bullock came on the 12 & on the 13th Saturday, started to Monroe with the record & briefs for me in Baker v Elstner K & Co. A. D. Land went Thursday 11th carrying Connell v Medlock. I staid at the office but little 11th, 12, & 13th. Sunday 14th I remained at home all day. Hally relapsed a few days ago & has fevers daily. We try to keep them off today. I have lately read Rev. S. Watson's book in regaard to spirits &c. I begin reviewing today. Sunday 21st During the past week I have remained but little at my office, the weather being hot, Hally still sick & little business to do. Hally's fever seems to have eased about the 16th. Dennis works for me the 19th & 20th. I put a bill on Pink about the 18th. Commenced my review of "The Clock Struck One" on the 19th. Put the cooler in the barrel this week & 10 pounds of ice lasts one day & sommetimes 2. Simon & sampson were here during the week about the 18th. I had headache 20th. Our Boy Henry is nearly weaned. The water in the cistern was very low when a shower on 18th & 19th replenished it. Hally is improving. I got Mr. Stephens confirmed as tutor for his son on the 18th. 31st Since the 21st Hally has recovered has now been going about 6 or 7 days. Eugenia was taken sick Sunday evening 28th. We both attended preaching at 11, very hot. On 30th I mailed to Rev. S. Watson my review of his book on Spiritual communication - also wrote a letter to him, & a note for any Editor who mightt choose to publish the review; also sent him some corrections of the text &c. I commenced the review about 24th, - 51 pages of M. S. On Sunday 2 wrens began to build a nest over our bookcase in the corner. It has been extremely hot & dry, our cistern is nearly exhausted. I have been much troubled in mind by the loss of cases in Monroe Supreme Court. Taxes are to pay & no money comes in.. I have not remained in town much of each day - & then in the room below my office. Wilkerson returned 30th. August 1st. I thought the wrens had finished but they build more today. I staid at home most of the day - went down in the evening. Eugenia is still sick - better in the morning, but had fever in the evening. I wrote about the birds today. Aug. 2nd The wrens began work about 5 1/2 this morning but did not build much during the day. I drank a glass of buttermilk at breakfast, & took no other nourishment till about 5pm, keeping fast. I staid about my office some time downstairs - wrote to Judge Roberts, & did a few other things, called at the parsons study. I attended prayer meeting to night & on my way home called with Bro. Page by his house. Alonzo is in town today. Eugenia is a little better. Aug. 3d, 1872 The wrens came in before I got up about 5 1/2 & brought a few little particles, but did not work continuously or for any length of time. And one seemed to come without any stuff to build, while another remained outside & sang a particular strain. They lingered about the nest, or one did evidently little intent on adding to the nest. I went down town & remained most of the day, received & answered a letter from Rev. S.. Watson - read awhile - went with Wilkinson & Fuller to the Court Houe about a deed- paid Martin & Ford 30$ for Dr. A. L. Cooke & $13.35 for him to T. H. Morris. I had bought a draft the day before & remitted $36.40 for him to Chas. E. Kall, D. N. O. Sunday Aug. 4th The birds came in about 5. I coulld hardly see them, & was reluctant to open my eyes to watch them. I could not see that they brought in any materials to add to their nest. They were together a while, but mostlyy one remained at the nest alone while the other staid out & whistled or sounded his signal. Neither of them staid at the nest long, & they staid away most of the morning. 5th The wrens came in a little before sunrise & one went into the nest (& as I afterward learned) laid an egg. The other remained in hearing & made himself heard occasionally. Delia is sick with a rising in her groin & Jenny being still confined to bed most of the time we have no one to get breakfast or milk the cows. There is no water in the cistern, little money on hand. A distressed family we are. Still not wholly cast down. I went down & got beef, bread & a bottle of whisky for Jenny's toddy, & 3 mackerels. So Hally & her mother get us a good meal. I brought water in the wheelbarrow from Mr. Thatcher's. After getting things arranged around home I went to my office where I regularly reinstate myself again. I wrote there most of the day. The nights are cool. Sam's wife Nancy comes to help us today. 6th. The wren goes on a little after sunrise about 5 1/2 this morning. Our sick are doing well. I went down town not to stay but to get some medicines &c. I wrote a while, then on my way back did much vain walking in search of a well augur. Rested some time at home. J. W. Cooke had been in my office when I got back. I wrote till 6 & walked home. Nancy helps us today, again. Delia concludes to have her rising opened, but fails. The past three or 4 days have been cooler, at night especially & I did not suffer greatly in the sun today. 7th. I rose with Henry before our clock struck five this morning. The wren came on early before 6. Was about my office most of the day. 8th. The wren laid her 4th egg this morning soon. Nancy fails to come & help us today. Still we get along. I bring a keg of water from Cap.Dashiel's well. Was about to have my well cleaned out, had the storeroom moved back - when the men backed out of the dangerous job. Judge Land passed & told me definitely that my Medlock case was gained. After doing a good deal about the house I went to town, wrote letters to Spears & Baker, & did other writing in my office. Mr. Garlick came in. I went round looking for a book. Mrs. Spannier paid me up today. After I got home I strained honey into a jar. Mrs. Blair & Sally Jernigan visit us this evening. 9th. Ann came to work for us today. Isaac too. The wren came on to lay? at 6 1/2 by our clock. No she did not lay but sat a while on the nest; & they paid some attention to it during the day. I sat in my office nearly all day writing letters &c. A small shower fell afternoon, laid the dust. 10th. The bird sat on her nest a little today. Eugenia is mending. I passed most of the day in the office writing. Started home a little after 4 p m. I got a well augur on my way, Wilkinson put a handle to it. I made a hole 1 1/2 feet deep in a few minutes. Sunday 11th I carried Henry with me to market this morning. I found my lost cash Felt sore & tired & did not go to Church at 11. The wren sits on her nest a good while today probably has begun her regular incubation.. Quite hot. No the hen wren did not sit long today. August 12 1872 I rose before 5. Bored or drilled a little with the well augur before breakfast. The wren began to sit about 7. I walked down and sat about my office writing most of the day. Came home early & tried to punch the well hole deeper but it was hard & I grew sore from the work & desisted. Percy, Jesse & a little girl came up & Hally went to stay all night with them. 13. I went down to attend the prayer meeting - waked back. Aug. 13. I rose before the sun, & some time after went to market; the wren came on the nest after I got back. I was in town most of the day. I do not think the wren sat all the time. I did not go to prayermeeting at night, but visited the sick at Mr. Wilkinson's. 14. The wren seems to sit on her nest constantly today. She went off once, but I suppose came on again soon. A man bores for water all day. It rained while I was making a new handle to the punch. In town some hours. Mrs. Whitman & Mrs. Dickson were here at our dinner. 15th. Wren on her nest all the time. The well-punch was left in the hole by the rope pulling out, & we were detained a long time in getting it out, as the end of it was 4 feet or more under ground. At last we hooked an iron rod bent at the end into it & pulled it up. I went down late & wrote answers to some letters just recieved. Bro. Wilkinson came in p m. I went to see the sick again at night. I got sore from my day's work. Josiah W. Cooke was here when I got home & ate with us - paid me 60$. Cool today. Jeff Bray is moved to our house, his folks being compelled to remove out of their present place to their new house. 16. I went down rather late. My well boring goes on slowly. I got a piece to make a long handle. I feel my soreness from strain & exposure to sun yesterday. After looking to several matters of business I returned home & went to bed thouroughly sick; suffered much till night & after. The wren continues sitting but the mate does not feed her. Mr. Wilkinson move Jeff to our house today. 17th. Finding late that we had no beef I went to market weak as I might be from yesterdays illnes. Later in the day I carried Hally & Henry down, got a pump etc. Water was reached in 3 1/2 days today, but my record makes 4 1/2. Some error in date made 2 days one. The boring began W 14 & ended 17 Sat. I was sick on Friday. Got pump on Sateray. A throng here day & night to attend to Jeff. 18. Sunday went down with Henry after my basket &c, but did not go to Church. Hot & dry. Got water from Walker's p m. Several women here at night. The wren flew on the porch about 10 oclock at night or struck & fell, lay awile & went out; after midnight it came in floundered against the wall & got on the nest at last. Monday 19. I went down met Judge Levisee, talked & got a pair of gloves from him. Got some paperrs & business from Mr. Enders, fixed up papers & entries & wrote letters. Mr. M. Kellar came in & got a book & some directions for Henderson Court. I got weak & came home early. Took the pump out. Aug. 20th. I went down accompanied by Eugenia as far as Fuller's house as they are expecting a family crisis. I nearly finished my brief for Tex. Sup. Court today. Attended to some business for Ender's. At night Mrs. Sweetman, Sally & other women came at night to help Wilkinsons folks. Fuller also came after Eugenia. I wlked over with Wilkinson to Dan Ward's after dark. 21. As I passed by Fuller's on my way down to my office I learned that his wife had a daughter last night about 2 oclock. I remained most of the day about the office. Jeff seems mending slowly. Hot & dry. 22. August 1872. Eugenia went with me to Fullers & staid till 11. Mr. Holloway came in to see me in relation to being a candidate on the Kellogg ticket for Parish Judge or DistrictAttorney, without any pledge in regard to politics. I assented on the terms proposed - that I am not to declare myself in favor of any of their candidates or measures; & it is understood that the proposition comes from them to me. Col. Marsh came in for another book of La. Law to be used in the criminal trial in Texas. Hally observed the wren bringing food to the hen yesterday. I got corn for shickens & a dress for Eugenia today. I got acquainted with Wm. Dellaney, Ender's tenant today. 23. Jennie went down to fuller's in the morning & came back with me in the evening. I staid about my office most of the day. Walked with Capt. Leavenworth to look at a skiff & hear his plans for making a survey of Sabine River. Hot & dry. 24. Eugenia went down with me & got off at the switch for Fullers. I learned that Field had returned to Marshall & so dispatched to Bolles,, Clerk - felt relieved. Looked over my brief. Still hot. Wilkinson moved Jeff away this morning. I returned home with Mr. Sweetman early p m, & cleaned out the cistern with Hally's help. Had a talk with Wise in the morning. Mrs. LeRosen was here at our late dinner. Sunday 25th. Hally & I went to church today & Eugenia staid at home. It is still hot & dry. 26th. Eugenia went down with me, stopped at Fuller's. I wrote a letter to Wm. M. Walton, Austin, Texas, and looked over my brief. Clouds came up & rain seemed imminent. I came home with Sweetman early; but the rain was very light at last, not enough to run from the gutter. Cooled the air much. Soon after I came home I heard a little squeak in the bird's-nest & found one young wren hatched. The old ones appeared to be absent, we saw nothing of them till after night when I got up & looked & found the mother on the nest. It is just three weeks since the first egg was laid, 17 days since the last & she began to sit constantly on the 12th, 14 days ago. 27th. I walked down in company with Sam Johnson. Sat in the hall working on my brief most of the day. There was a political meeting which I did not attend. On my way home I passed by Ender's row of six little houses. Wilkinson came at night & got his chickens. Only one little wren is hatched yet. I got Henry a hat but it proved to be too small. 28 I rode down with eugenia who stopped at Fuller's. I took Henry on down to change his hat for a bigger & better. Carried him up to his ma. I worked in my office most of the day. Went to Jones P M to look for lumber. Edmund Richards began to dig my well today. Jennieread Lady Sweetapple to me at night still dry & hot. 29. Passed the day in my office writing &c. Settled with Arnold for Newells Harmon & McDonald. Studied astronomy at night. 30. Firday Same routine, rewriting my brief. Edmund digs on. It has turned quite cool of nights & mornings. 31. Saturday I visited the C H to see about assessments &c. Col. Marsh re turns my books from Texas. Had some talk with Capt. Sweetman in regard to David. Edmund did no digging today for want of help. Sept 1872 1st Sunday Hally & I went to Sunday School & I staid for preacking. Heard Keating talk with 2 Pitts at the entrance of Johnsons Bank. 2 Monday I attended at my office & nearly finished re-writing my brief. Little remembered, now the 4th. 3d Tuesday September 1872 I finished my brief for the present. Eure settled. In the evening several young people came to our house to hear music & danced until about 10. 4th I went to market early today & called on Wilkinson to fix my well-curbing. We are about to reach the bottom of the well. The wren came out of its nest today & tried to fly. The well is finished, the water rises pretty well, the pump is put in & does not work well. Flem agrees to remove the earth taken out & fill up the old well. Letter from Longbranch postmarked Aug. 29. 5th The pump does not work well after being screwed together at the shop & by Utz advice I take it to send to to him to fix. Flem does not remove any clay today. I work about the well drawing up water &c a good deal & stay little at my office. Mrs. LeRosen being very sick Eugenia goes to see her today. Letter from N. YY. Sent Aug. 30, 8 p m. 6. I went to market with Looney. Sent the pump, pipe & all down to Utz. Went down myself afterwards, rode in a wagon, met Dick Johnson, went to Lones & got lumber to curb the well, got a wagon to haul that & my pump. Remained at my affice a while. Leavenworth came in. Sweetman moved out yesterday. When I got home & let my pump down it worked perfectly. A little rain fell from the clouds at the same time. I water the trees. Mrs. LeRosen died today. I attended a democratic club at night. I saw out little pet wren in the oak close by the house today, its parents feeding it. 7th. We went to Mrs. LeRosen's to attend her funeral, but reached there just as the procession left. Eugenia & the children continued on down to Fuller's & I went back home for my pocket-book & joined them at the depot. I remained at my office. Horace Logan came in & talked with me about politics. 8 Sunday Eugenia & I went to attend the Episcopal Church today. Bro. Wilkinson left for N. O. Yesterday. 9 After working about the house & well as usual I went down on foot. First I went to market & bot 2 sax of corn. Spent most of the day in my office. My shoes were brought from Elysian Fields a tight fit. Austin arrived at evng. 10 Austin & I walked down together & I received a letter from Marshall that determined me to go to Marshall. So I made my arrangements accordingly. I went out home to dinner - ate very little - got my brief & returned to town & soon after took the cars. I was a little sick at the stomach but got better. Barrett & others go up with me. As soon as I arrived at Marshall I began to look at the papers. Found the bond for writ of error nearly ready. I staid at Fields at night. 11th I resumed my work got the bond filled & finished all so as to be ready to to come home on the evening train. Barrett, Burns, Jim Benton, Ross Wilkinson on board. Arrived at dusk & walked with A. D. Lister nearly a mile from where the cars stopped. Cool at night. 12 I sat in my office most of the day reading papres&c. Ross Wilkinson asked me to go to see a negro in jail. I answered some letters & in the evening bought some articles & corn for Austin who came home with me. Cool at night. 13. Written 18th. I attended in my office as usual. No incidents remembered except writing some letters. 15. Eugenia & I attended the Episcopal Church with Hally. I went to market. Mr. Cooke arrived on the stage in the morning & came to our house late after noon with Fuller. Austin stays with us also. 16 Monday September 1872. Mr. Cooke & Austin & I go down together. We get some books out of a box. I remained in the office most of the day. Austin returned with us at night. He & I took lunch together today. 17 Mr. Cooke started in Austin's buggy soon after breakfast, & Austin & I walked down. I went to the Parish Court awhile - then sat in my office. Got some tobacco for Isaac & blackberry brandy for our little son Henry, whose bowels are disordered. We are alone tonight. 18. I passed the day in the office as usual. Austin came out with me at night. Little remembered. 19th. I walked down to market - saw a spot on the sun near the western limb, & a little to the north of a vehicle circle passing through the middle. I rode back. Mr. Cary came with business for Mrs. Vincentt, a claim on Ruerson's estate. Also K. Williams came with deposittions for Hicks & me to answer. Thus the day was occupied. I dined with Austin at Victor's, & he came out with me at night. 20. Austin & I walked down together & rode out in the evening. I attended the Parish Court a little. Read Maury's Geography in my office - slept afternoon. Then finished & signed my depositions & was introduced to Senator Kellogg. I read Murray after supper. Eugenia & I walked out on the common after dark. Austin was sick. I got a dispatch that Eddy Watson was dying. I could not sleep until after midnight. Riding home I saw a spot on the sun near, & a little below west of the middle line & near the northern edge - the same I saw yesterday a m. 21st. On my way down I left Austin wwith Judge Hicks to walk down while I went to see George Bertrand, who promises to pay an account next Monday. He has dropsy of the heart, & expects not to survive long. An immense concourse of negros in town to hear Kellogg, candidate for Governor speak. I stood long to hear him, then went to my office sick. I talked a little with Bob Cooke & heard more of some efforts of enemies to prejudice me in the minds of those who want me for Parish Judg. Nearly sick at night. 22d Sunday Feeling ill I do not go to church. Fuller & Allena spent the day with us & I rode down town afternoon; I took Henry with me & he went to chat Holloway, which he did to good purpose. 23 Monday I learned that Enders had returned, went over & settled with Bertrand & then settled with Enders. Nominating convention in session. I read some p m. Crowell drove me home. 24 T. I spent part of the day in my office - had a talk with Holloway. Dry & dusty - hot. Saw Bob Cooke at evng & learned about the assault on Nutt. Austin & Pep arrive. During the night a good rain comes. 25 Rode down with Pep & staid about as usual. Sat in P. O. some time. 26 I got a new Atlas,, Maury's. Saw John Watson, got lard & sent home with oats for Austin. Got Willis to plow ground for turnips, coming home early. Austin went down but did not come home with me. We carried a valise together. Mr. A. D. Lister spoke of my candidacy. I went down again for a plow point. Market in morning to turn table & had Isaac registered. 27 I attended Parish Court a while, Leverett's a while. Had a chat with Senator Flanagan of Texas. I returned home early to see about planting Turnips, which was well done today. Austin & Pep came up at evening. Earlier Allena & her brother John were with us. 28 Saterday I spent the day much as usual. I took a little cold & felt badly at night. Went to market with Henry. 29 September 1872. We went to Church & heard a temperance Harrangue not very edifying. Pep, Austin & Jennie came in the evening after Fuller & Allena went away. I walked up to see Dr. Ragland, with McIvor at sunset. I read Maury's Geography at night. 30 Pep & Jenny left for Elysian Fields. Austin & I went down together. I wrote some letters - saw Molly at Mrs. George's - got some corn & came out with Austin. Had some pleasant, encouraging talk with several persons today. Tom Sims & young Wilkinson & intended to go out to the Country tomorrow. Oct 1. Molly met me at Burnside's & went to my office & talked there some time. I rose early in the morning & started down to get on the cars, but was a little too late to go out to Major Ross Wilkinson's. I did not regret the failure much. I had a conference at the Post Office with Keating, Dempsy Files, F. Legardy & others in regard to the electon & my candidacy for Parish Judge. Austin did not come out at night with me but came afterwards. 2. Alonzo arrived before breakfast & Austin went down with us. I looked for conveyance to send for Molly's furniture & found Dempsy Files, whose name & person I did not connect together till now. I hired him to haul the things down. Then I helped Molly fix up her room. Saw Ross Wilkinson & R. White on business - also Braden clk, Mr. Peyton came in & Eva afterwards - I was detained till late & Eva came out with me. Mark & Mag visit us at night. Mr. Thompson came to consult me today. 3. Went down with Eugenia & Eva - staid about my office most of the day - felt badly pm. Ann's husband came. I attended the Republican nominating convention at night. Austin stays with us. 4th Friday I went to my office & then back to the republican convention which I soon left. They nominate Chas. O. Phelps for Parish Judge & he declines. Mat Moore came. 5 Sat. A great gathering of people to hear Warmoth & his candidates apeak. I attended a little to business for Mr. Thompson miller who called on me yesterday or before. All our family & Mat attend the fire exhibitions &c at night. After we left three men were killed. Dick Wright, Wm..Wright & policemen Sheperd. 6 Mat takes me to Keachi in his carryal & I stay at Payton's. We stopped & gathered chinkapins & they made me sick. Heard Bro. Adair preeack at night, he did well. 7 I proceeded to Mansfield in a buggy with Mr. Mason, arrived 11 1/2. Called on the Foster's at evening. 8 I conclude to return to Shreve port to get some evidence &c, - & in regard to the canvass for Judge. Case continued so I can leave. Judge Levisee's horse & buggy bring me home from about 1 to 9 p m. 9. I spent the day in Shreveport getting Key's evidence & talking with several members of the Ex. Com. Got all ready by night. 10. Returned to Mansfield by Kingston. 11. Attended the Court & prepared for my lecture. 12. I delivered a lecture at night on the progress of geographical knowledge. 13. Attended church morning & evening. Sunday. 14 & 15. Waited on the Court & on Tuesday I went out to see Mr. Rives. 16. Judge Levisee & I come to Keachi for dinner & then home at night. 17 October 1872 I spent the day in my office & in town - Announced myself as candidate for Parish Judge. Came home for dinner; went back again,, & got corn & cotton seed meal. 18 Passed most of the day in town - dined with Fuller & found that there was to be a meeting at Spring Ridge tomorrow & I arrange with Keating to attend. 19. My sleep was broken. I rose early went to the depot to meet Keating. Then down town & it was an hour before we got off. Reached Spring Ridge about 11 & staid till nearly sunset & then drove home 20 miles at 10 minutes past 8. 20. Attended church with Eugenia & Hally. Jesse stays at our housee while Fuller & Allena go to Mr. Colquit's. Mrs. Scovill visits us at evening. 21 Monday I was in the Parish Court a while - then in my office writing letters. Made partial settlement with Pitkin. Sold a note to Pires & setttled several things, account in bank & remittance to Cin. & Mr. Cooke. 22 It was foggy, cloudy & rained in the morning. I rode down - came home to dine at 2 1/2; returned & staid till late; called to see Mrs. Sherod on my way out.. Read History of Constitution at night. 23 Spent part of the day at my office. Called to see Geo. Bertrand on my way home, met there C. Hauser & others. 24 Went to market before breakfast. Called to see Bertrand on my way down. Read in my office, came home to dinner, & went back with Henry. Read at night at home. 25 Friday I went to Parish Court & had a new trial on the Pitkin case. 26 Eugenia & all went down with shopping & Mr. Cooke came to our house while all but Isaac were gone. We met him down there & all came out at evening. 27 All went to Church, but I remained at home not well. Conclude to go to Marshall early tomorrow & meet Mr. Cooke in the evening at Greenwood. 28 Went down before day to the depot & waited about the market &c till the cars started. Reached Marshall, attended to business & returned late. While in Marshall I got a dispatch the horse was out & no use to stop at Greenwood so I came home. Horse had been found. Rain fell in the night. 29 Rained & kept me & Mr. Cooke in doors all morning. We went down town afternoon & staid till near sunset attending to sundry items. 30 Wednesday Mr. Cooke home started home after breakfast. I went to market before breakfast. Clear & cool. I attend in my office most of the day. Mr. Brown works on my well-curbing. Read History of the Constitution at night. Called on Molly afternoon. Met Col. Williammson today. Thursday 31 (Written Nov 3) Nothing remembered but that I attended my office part of the day & electioneered a little occasioonally. Nov. 1 1872 Nothing more than yestterday except that I wrote some letters & Dr. Ragland was brought to our house afternoon fron the infirmary.. I went down & sat with Col. George Williamson at night & Wise came in. 2 Still about town as usual - many people about town- this being the last day before election except Sunday. O yes, I went up to visit Mrs. Johnson & daughter in company with Thompson. Drank tea & staid up, writing till midnight & reading the Southern Review. Looked for my furniture, found Peter Brown whom I had taken for Dempsey Files. November 3d 1872 Sunday We attend church or I alone. 4 This day was taken up with the general election. 5 Tuesday I attended at my office afternoon - kept at home by rain all forenoon. Col. Marsh had work for me. 6 Uncertainty still in regard to the election but the Greely ticket carries it here & it seems likely that all or nearly all the Parish ticket is elected with it. I called on Mrs. Sims p m. 7, 8, 9. Little else done except about the election. It becomes evident that the Republican ticket was fully & fairly elected, but the majority is made to turn the other way by stuffing the Mooringsport box. On Saturday the 9th 31 voters from Mooringsport swore that they & 200 in all voted the republican ticket at Mooringsport. 10th Sunday I attended preacking & a conference meeting. 11 I continue preparing papers relating to election frauds. A. Flournoy & brother came in my office. Court was called a little & I was there a few monutes. 12 I went to market early & saw Paine & Polly. 13 The days go by still the same - preparing to file suits for contesting elections. On the 14th I file 4 suck petitions. Cold. 15 About my office most of the day. Dr. Taylor was in a good while & others. Cold. 16th Sat. At office trying to pay taxes. Court (Dist) adjourned doing nothing. Sent letter by Allena to Colquitt. 17th Sun. I did not go to Church. J. W. Cook came at night. 18. Colquitt came & I paid taxed & insurance on my life. Wrote in my office. Cocoanuts & apples for Jennie's birthday. Writing in office. 19 Writing in office all day nearly, milder weather. 21 On the 21st Dr. Ragland died. His nephew Dr. M. Ragland arrived a day or 2 before. 22 The funeral took place about 3 p m. I was little in my office these days 21 & 22. Confusion & uncertainty in regard to elections still continue. 23, 24, 25, 26. Attended Parish Court a little. Went to Church at 11. Rain begins before day & continues most of the day. I brought home some lard. Doing but little in my office - about home reading as usual. Jennie comes down to shop for Mrs. Ragland & I went with her. 27. Dr. Taylor spent a large part of the day in my office.. Read Wallenstein & G. Adolphus at night. Cold. 28. Taylor with me in my office & others. Not much done. 29 I took Hally & Henry to the show. Aquilla W. Ballard was put in jail & sent for me. 30 Ballard was discharged for lack of evidence. Hally's birthday. De. 1st, 1872. I carried Hally & Henry to see Mrs. Sherrod, left them at Fuller's & went to church. Warm weather today. 1 to 8 During this week I attended daily at the office, in suspense awaiting the action of the Courts & authorities on the subject of election returns. About Wednesday I got corn fron Horaee & put Pink up to fatten. Mrs. Reed a widow came to my house on Wednesday. Mrs. Ragland left on Tuesday. Pegues & I fixed up an injunction for Pitkin Friday, Thursday & Saturday. Toward the last of the week the decision of the U. S. Circuit Court in New Orleans seems to settle the question as to the Returning Board in favor of the Republican Party. I read the History of the Constitution & others. 9 to 13 December 1872 Since the 8th things have gone on as usual. The political contest has continued, the federal & executive seem finally to have decided for the Republican Party. On the 12th I received the birdseye view of Shreveport, & paid 5$ for it on the 13th. On the 13th also Mrs. Reed went down town to try to get off toward Harrisonburg. I gat a load of wood 11th & paid for having it cut up 13th. Two copious white frosts 12th & 13th seem likely now to be followed by rain on 14th. 14th Mr. Rutherford sent for me to consult about Mr. Farmer's waterpacked cotton. 15th to 20th. On Sunday I did not go to church, rainy weather begins. Monday 16th I attended at my office, but little more. I became sick with cold & remained at home all day Tuesday 17th, yes Wednesday 18 evng Mr. Holloway came & I went down with him & wrote until after dark, preparing for possible injunctions. He came again Thursday 19th & I did not go down; on Friday I went & staid all day. I made a ladder at home. Mr. Hargrove came to talk with me in the evening. Cold & nearly clear. It was on Wednesday the 18th that Mr. Holloway came to see me; so he must have got the news of the dispatch on the 18th or 17th. So the news of the commissions must have come not earlier than 17th or 16th, & they must have been issued about that time, 16th tho dated 4th Dec. 20 to 25. Extremely cold weather from 23d. On 21 Saturday night I attended Quarterly Conference. Preaching Sunday 22d. In conference again 23d Monday & then in my office. Mr. Boon called about his case 1st on 23d, I think, at least he talked with me 24th & 25th. I was busy in extreme cold getting wood to Mrs. Robinson on 24th - called to see Molly there. Called to see Miss Dodd also 24th & got piano sent. On 25th I dined with Fuller. Hired Mack in the evening to cut wood for me. 26th attended in office most of the day - wrote letters & got beef. Brought Henry's wheelbarrow home & other things on 24th. Called on Tabor with bill today 26th. 27. Extremely cold. Went late to office. Peter Brown brought some corn from Horace Logan. Cloudy all day.. Called on Molly &c - spoke for wood at Jones for them. Sent draft to N. O. For premium on life policy to A. P. Cleveland agent. 28 to 31. I attended at my office daily doing but little. On Sunday 29th I failed to go to Church the day being rainy & cloudy. Peter brought me more corn 31st & I stored it after night to avoid wet.