Diary of Henry Gerard Hall 1873 January 1st 1873. I received my commission as Parish Judge of Caddo Parish today, & gave up my law office & moved my books &c to Kilpatrick's office. Cloudy & damp all day. Pleasant talk with Mrs. O'connor at evng & she gave me eggnog. Rode out with Maj. Ashton. 2. Soon after breakfast I went to Judge Looney & he administered to me the oath as Parish Judge of Caddo Parish. Heavy rain last night. My salary 2,500$ a year begins today. 3 - 7. Jany 7th night. I moved my books on the 2nd to the corner office accupied by Kilpatrick. On the 3d I fitted up further there- was called to see Molly. On the 3d A. S. Field arrived while I was at home afternoon. I went down with him next day the 4th Saturday & weweere together in town a little. Fuller's trade is about to be broken on account of alleged defects in R. T. Buckner's title. Rainy weather Field went out thinking he might go with the wagon home,, but on coming home in the evening I found him there having concluded to let his wagon go home & come again. Sunday 5th we were about to start to Church when Fuller & John Watson came. I called to see Col. Williamson on the 3d. His wife had a child that night & it died the next. In Court House 4th. 6th Field & I go to town together & return. Political matters are kept in a state of excitement & some uncertainty by persistent efforts of the fusionist to keep up a legislature & government. On the 7th Field & I walk down together - his wagon comes in. I called to see Molly. Tenny comes to claim his office & Kilpatrick removes. I must also. I came home before Field & went to see about Isaac who had gone over to the road to wait for Field's wagon. I carried Henry G. Jr. Along & found Isaac neaarly dead apparently. But I had him moved into a house & he revived. Field arrived after we began to eat & we had our birthday dinner together again. We are each 40 years old today. After dinner I went with him to his wagon & saw Isaac comfortably lodged in the wagon on his way to his son in Panola. I hope he will be kindly treated the rest of his days. - As I bade him goodbye I told him I did not expect to see him again until we met in the better place. I repaired the windows about the place. 8 - 12th January. On the 8th Wednesday Flem Logan came & killed a beef for us. I am occupied during these days in trying to get a settlement of Fuller's matter with Dr. Bennett. On Thursday evening Austin & Pep came & staid all night with us. Molly had been sick for some days & for 2 or 3 days has been thinking off moving to my house. I took Hally & Henry with me to see her on the 9th. On the 10th Friday I moved her home to my house in Mr. Howell's carriage. Mat Moore has been in town since yesterday 9th & I see him only a moment as I passed with Mrs George. He leaves without seeing her on the 11th, Austin staid with us again at night, but not Pep 10th. Saturday 11th I counselled Hensley in regard to his claim on Trosper. Saw Egan & Dr. Bennett for Fuller. Uncertainty and conFusion still prevail in regard to the State Government & offices. 12th Hally & I take Henry down to Fuller's & left him, & went to the Presbyterian church. Weather has become mild. Fuller& wife came out p m, but I was lying down to rest & slept off a headache. 13th Monday I moved my office furniture into Mr. Pitkins' store. In the evening Pep & Austin came - but Mr. Cooke came first - then Alonzo. But Mr. Cooke & Alonzo went down to Fuller's afterward. I bought things at Burketts. 14th. Austin & Pep start home. Mr. Wellborn came for me & I went down & helped him to examine a land title for Mr. Rudd & him - sold by Dr. Schumpert. Uncle Lucian was here & I talked with him & went to help him sell his cotton. Mr. Cook came out. 15th. Wednesday. Mr. Cooke started home in the rain this morning. I went to my office - called on Teat for W. C. Browning & Co. - then saw Judge Egan. Wrote some in Lawron's office. It turned cool p m. Met Field in town & he & Eton afterwards came out with me. I brought out a crosscut saw part of the way & Ellen the rest. 17. Field & Eaton left today. I sat with Pitkin & wrote some letters. Brought out some meal & got wood. 18. Early I went to market (not for meat) & to mail letters. 19-22nd On the 19th I went to the Presbyterian Church. Afternoon Fuller & I walked out toward his 10 acre tract of land. On Monday 20th I went down calling at the Williams 21st Alonzo arrived in the evening. I planted onions on the 20th & peas on 22. Attended about town each of these days. Woodley's business occupied me also on the 20th. Alonzo, Field &c start home afternoon of 22. I saw the new law for settling contests for judicial office today & withold my petition under the intrusion act. Jany 23 1873. I attended in the Court House awhile today. It turned cold last night. Holloway's case came up today on some dilatory motions & was put off till next Tuesday. News came that the Supreme Court today decided the case of the returning Board in favor of the Bovee Longstreet & Lynch Board. Peyton & Eva came this evening. Cold. Jan. 24th 1873 I was about toun a little but not in the Court House. Eva & her husband staid at Fuller's. I was with her on street afternoon. Dougherty came to see us this morning. 25. Peyton & Eva left in the sleet & rain this morning. I was in the Court Houe a little arranging my business to go out with Henry Hanks to see if Molly will go down with him to Longview. They started too late to go on the train of cars, & staid at the Planter's Hotel. Sun 26. The 14th anniversary of our wedding. I tried to get a duck at market, but found none. I remained at home all day. King Williams came to see me. Monday 27. I moved my office into Lawton's late room today. Attended in the Ccourt House a little. Henry was to fix a fence but did no work of value. Snow fell at night. Received a dispatch 25th from W. C. Browning & Co., & wrote to George Lane today. 28th I walked down in a rapid snowfall. Remained in my office awhile & then in the Court House a little & in my office again. Called at Mrs. George's to see Molly who is not gone to Longview - I called twice but she could not go out with me, the street cars are not running on account of snow. Walked & talked with Col. Williamson a little. Mrs. Scovell came home. 29. I was in town part of the day; went to see Molly but she could not come out. The cars are not running on the street today because the track is so obstructed by ice. I suffered with cold feet & took a headache which became severe during the night. 30th. I was so sick that I could not go down till after noon. I went to Mrs. George's & then to Mrs. Robertson's after Molly who came out with me. It was clear & became much warmer. The snow melts away in part today. Ann was down with rheumatism this morning & Eugenia had to get breakfast. Henry, Ann's husband fails to cut wood or do anything useful except in small amounts. He has been living on us for a month & now refuses to work to pay for it. His wife has lain helpless much of the time & we will be bound to drive him from the house. 31st. January Friday I was in my office most of the time today - did not go to the Court House. Prepared some notes for use in my contest for Parish Judge. Saw Fuller & then Judge Egan who told me if I obtained my office by means of the law lately passed he would not recognize me as Parish Judge & that the Bar would not. The insolent attempt of public to tyrannize. I came home later than usual. Feb. 1st, 1873 Saturday a cloudy day. I attended at my office but did not go to the Court House that I remember. 2 Wet day & no church. I went to Looney's to see Molly who is there sick. In the evening I went to the drug store to get medicine for her, taking the children. 3 Went down late, rode on the passenger train - met Woodley, got Wood & sat in the office writing nearly all day. Damp & gloomy. Gloomy times. 4th Woodley, Dr. Wells, new barrel of flour etc. 5 I sat in my office most of the day. Conferred with Herndon touching a compromise among contestants for office. Prepared a submission for Fuller & Bennett. Read decision of Supreme Court in Morgan vs Kennard. Henry begs to stay, promises to pay me 12$ for his past board &c & 2$ per week for this week & each following week. W. B. Peyton was in this morning. 6 Sat in my office most of the day, conferring with Lawton & prepared briefs. Another talk with Herndon & then with Holloway. Austin met me in a drug store. 7 In my office nearly all day seeing only Fuller & Lawton. Mat called to see Molly. 8th I passed the day mostly in my office. Got a barrel of potatoes hauled out at even. Sunday February 9th 1873. Austin spent most of the day with us & the night. I attended the Methodist Church & a church meeting. We walked to Judge Levisee's p m. Fuller & Allena were at our house while I was gone to church. Austin stays all night. Feby 10th. As Austin & I walked down the steamboat arrived at the wharf with Uncle Sam Watson, wif & child. I saw them on board. Staid in my office most of the day. Called on Maj. Ashton in the evening. Feb. 11th. I was summoned & went to the Court House as witness but was not needed (In Sherrod's case). Found Uncle Sam in my office, talked & went with him to dinner. I resolved yesterday to go to Marshall today but learned that Court there adjourned on the 4th for 2 weeks. So I am not to go at present. I found when I got home the children were gone to Fuller's & I went down there after supper & got them. Feb. 12. Uncle Sam called at my place & talked, then we walkked to the depot & round the new railroad track - to Fuller's & there I dined. Austin & I went down & I wrote letters. At night I read R. D. Oowen's "Debatable Land." 13 I walked down with Austin & around town afterwards. Settled C. Kennedy's claim also with Ashton & remitted to J. Rudd 91.30$ & to R. W. Wright 32.05. Uncle Sam came in to talk with me. I came out late & brought marbles from Uncle Sam to Henry. Eugenia read to me from R. D. Owen's Book. 14th 15th Little remembered (now 18th) but I attended at my office & yes -- attended to Hez. Grilly's case for him both days. My suit of clothed from New York.. Sent out plants to Mr. Cooke. Sunday 16 I attended the Methodist church & dined with Fuller's folks & they all came out, Johny & I walking. I rode out with my little bot Henry. Monday I was roused before day to go for Mrs. Steele, but it was a false alarm. I was in the Parish Court - then returned home & staid most of the day. Sam & Henderson sawed my logs up 18 18 blocks. 18th Feb. 1873 I was roused at midnight & went for Mrs. Steele & our little girl was born just about 3 oclock. Its right hand is defective, all the fingers being rudimentary or suppressed, but the forefinger has one joint nearly developed. The thumb is complete; all the rest of it is complete. Yesterday was remarkably bright & clear. Yet today it becomes cloudy & rains in the evening. I have fruit trees planted out today by Henderson & my fence fixed up. A great fire broke out in E. &.. B. Jacob's fine store this morning & destroyed much property. Fig trees planted on the 4th. 19 I got dispatch at noon to come to Marshall buttoo late to get ready to go - I wrote in my office & attended to other matters & arranged to go to morrow. 20 I went to Marshall, conferred with Lane, took breakfast, sat in the room with the City Council, examined & signed settlement with Tevis. Was also in Clerk's office & with Pope. Saw Stedman, went to the Depot & waited for the cars. Read Owen's "Debatable Land". Reached home before dark. 21. Went early to Fuller's for the children & brought them home. Learned that Eliza Heffner died about 5 oclock this morning. I wrote letters in my office most of the day. A strong wind through the night brings cold. Feb. 22d I waited at home till the hour for the funeral at Heffner's but they conclude to defer the burial hoping the father will come home. I went down but did little at my office. Returned home early. Had work done on the well. Mrs. Watson & Allena visit us in the morning. Cold. February 23d, 1873 Sunday I attend church & take dinner with Fuller's people & they all come to our house p m. 24 Monday I dined with Fuller's folks & Uncle Sam's & attended them to the cars as they started to Marshall, Longview, Galveston, N. O. & Memphis. I called on Murphy for description of lands to be mortgaged. E. Price staid with us. 25. I took mortgage for W. H. Woodley from Sale & Murphy. 26 Bright & clear once more & drying fast. I copied a brier. Grant's message indicates that things must be closed in a short time. Ann left today & I went over to get bread & see Laura. Then later I took son Henry & went to Mr. Barnes. 27 Feb to March 5th. I made no record. On the 25th or about that time the President sent a message to Congress taking very decided ground on the affairs of La. in case Congress should not act; & on the the Senate refused to act. Sunday 2 I did not go to church. On the 4th I had four fig trees planted. Austin came 5th. I received 4th my M S review & on 5th news of Sister Rebecca's bereavement. On the 4th & 5th Woodley was with me, & Hatcher on the 5th. Bed of sweet potatos made 3d or 4th. March 6 & 7 I spent part of each day at my office & part at home gardening a little. Some rain fell on the 7th. 13th Thursday On the 8th I did not go to church the day being rainy. From the 8th to this day I have gone to my office awhile each day, but spent rather the greater part of the time about the garden & other home interests. On the 12th Flem Logan begins to break up ground for me, & continues 13th. On 12th Hally sets the first hen on 13 eggs,, but 4 were laid to her today & we mark the original 13. On the 11th I learn from the evening paper that Dr. John Torrey is dead. The news makes a deep impression on me. To day I obtain a larg swinging lamp which now hangs over my table & gives me better light than I have had for a long time & my eyes do not hurt. It seems probable that I will be allowed to enter quietly on the duties of my office as Parish Judge. This will give me a more settled feeling & my pursuits will be more regular. The weather is bright & mild & things seem fair. 13 to 21st. I have been staying at home most of the time gardening & writing. On the 19th I filed a rule against Judge Ford & on the 20th service was dismissed for want of authority in the persons pretending to be clerk & sheriff. 21st I staid at home nearly all day - went down in the evening. 22 to 25th. I failed to attend church on Sunday 23d. Was in town 22d, attended the funeral of Crowders child on Monday 24. Tuesday 25th turned cold. I write a little on my review each day. June 3d, 1873. I have made no entry now for a long time. The same uncertainty has continued in regard to the parish officers. We have been unable to get a decisive trial in any but the clerk's case. Mine is set for trial June 16th. I have had much leisure & some sickness. have read a good deal & written some. Mrs. Button came here for a surgical operation May 14th & died 25th. Yesterday I received notice of my first quarter's warrent 625 at 55. I moved affice a few days ago & yesterday had my room partitioned off. I propose to enter here the occurances that may be important, especially the day & date. Corn tassels just appeared yesterday, in our patch. Plenty of rain. I shipped goods to Snideker Watrous & Boynton N Y, & wrote many letters yesterday. Sent also 3$ for the N. O. Republican for self & Heffner. June 4th I learn that yesterday the defendents in the contest cases proper have set them for trial on the 7th of July. Wrote several letters in my new office & filed a cross-interrogatories to Warmoth & Lynch. Heavy rain afternoon late. I new girl begins - Josephine at 8 or 10$ a month. June 4th 1873. Planted some potato slips, making out a full 3d row. Searched through the papers & made brief for electeion cases, nearly all day. Rain rain p m. Henry seems better for now 4 days. 5th Flem came this day & plowed my corn & I planted peas on about this day. Rain almost daily till the 11th which was a clear dry day. 11 We attended Miss Fidie Bryant's wedding today. Cousin Jank Hanks arrived. (10) at night we went to Fuller's. Nothing of moment is remembered af intermediate days. Austin arrived Sunday 8th. 18 Sunday 15th I went to church. Bro. Blackman preached. Rain almost daily. Wilkinson prepares to build a house, & his wife visits us on the 17th. I saw Bob Parker in town that day. I did not go to town on the 18th. On the 16th I took Hally & Henry to see the catarcts causedd by the heavy rains just fallen. 17th at night Austin, John Watson & Connon Flournoy came awhile. Machine man brought up a Wheeler & Wilson machine 18th. 19th I fixed supports for tomato vines - then went to town. 20th I staid at home all day working at the well - let my pocket-book & money fall in & got them out. Made a door in the cover & fixed it all right. Noah nearly finished hoing & planted some potato vines. 21st. Austin left. I went down & returned at 12. Rain p m. 22 I attended preaching. 23 - 25. I attend Court a little, awaiting opportunity to try my motion to be installed in office. 26. Jane Hanks & Molly leave us for another boarding house. My case is set for 10a m tomorrow. Allena Spends the day with us. 30th. Hally starts to school to Mrs. Bailey today. July 1st. I have two negro men to hoe & do other work today. 5th. I had a trial in my case against Ford & recovered Judgment against him. Finished copyig a brief for Holloway, & carried it to him at night. Mary a black woman with her little girl aged seven began to work for us today at 7$ a month. Had a talk with Mat Moore. 6. I felt ill & did not go with Eugenia to church. Extremely hot for these 2 days. 7 to 19th (Written Aug 5th 1873) I remained at home working about the garden &c visiting my office almost daily preparing briefs &c for the Supreme Court. It is decided at last that I am to go to Monroe to look after our cases. It is arranged that Mrs. Hicks & family are to occupy our house while their house is torn down to be rebuilt, Eugenia goes to visit her Father & while I am gone to Monroe to the Supreme Court. On Saturday July 19th I take the stage for Monroe with Pegues for company & a Dr. As far as Minden. We breakfast in that place 20th. I took some headache during the day,, took no dinner, got a sack of hay for a pillow, rode on the box afternoon & at night slept in the boot, & was nearly well when we reached Monroe 21st. About July 26th. During the week I give attention to some cases, 3 or 4. At last a decision is made quashing McFarland's bond, ‘ declaring all acts of Pickens as sheriff & Morrison os clort as null & void. This destroys all the business done by all the Parish officers holding under Warmoth since Dec. 23, 1872. These pretenders are thus effectually ousted. I stay till Monday evening 28th & start home on the stage, arriving July 30th. 30th July to August 4. I attend at my office daily a little while. Went to preaching on Sunday Aug. 2. Mr. Barnes called on us at night, & we did not go to Church. Turnips planted while I was gone came up about the 1st & I put in more on the 4th & a shower falls on them. Jeff begins to work for us the 4th. Henderson worked on the 2d. August 6th, 1873 I have been attending daily to the routine. Today I met Bro. Peyton who came to stay all night. Got a grass-knife to cut hay. Took Henry down and hurried home on account of expected rain. W. B. Peyton stayed with us the night of Aug. 8th. Mat was here all night on Friday the 9th. I called to see Wilkinson sick 8&9. Sunday 10th I staid home not well myself. Monday was in town attending to official duties, went at night to see if Molly & Theodocia came on the cars. Tuesday mother came. 13 Wednesday the celebration came & wore us oout. Met Molly & Theodocia there. 14 I went with Eugenia & the little ones to Greenwood to meet conveyance to Elysian Fields,, but we waited some hours & they did not come and we returned. Tired, toothache, headache a little. September 11th 1873 I have made no entry in this Journal for near 4 weeks. We are now in the midst of a destructive epidemic of Yelow fever. Many have been attacked & several prominent well known persons have died. Retrospect On the 3d Monday of August, being the 18th day I held my first term of the Parish Court for Caddo Parish. I continued all that week & resumed a second weeks work on Monday 25th & pregressed agreeably & I think satisfactorily to nearly all parties. I like the exercise well of making up jusgments on questions of law. - At the end of the second week some cases weere set for the week beginning Monday the 1st of September; but on that morning the advice to adjourn was given with the concurrence of all the lawyers present & so Court was adjourned till the next time in course. Mr. C. P. Kachell had died of yellow fever on the 31 Aug. also on Sunday 31 weere buried of people known in person or by family to me. Julia (12) & Sam Walker 14, Lizzie Booth. - A. G. Beall on 1st September, - on the 2nd Tom Walker & C. W. McCoy - on the 3d Bessie Griswold 12, R. B. Bergman, & about this time Simon Khan - buried on the 4th or 5th, Sadie Griswold (73) & TomWalker's widow. - on the 6th Robt Craig, S. D. Pitts. 7th John Mundy (of McCollins) - 8th J. L. Anderson 28,, Francis Parsons, Joseph Howell (82) - 9th Oscar Thonas, 10th Harry Walters 20, Maj. C. B. Cosby at Greenwood, & Mr. Holloway's son at Marshall. After Court adjourned I continued to go down town daily for a while. On Tuesday the 2d I went to a wedding at Judge Land's (Maj. Ashton marries Miss Sallie Land) On Saturday 6th & perhaps for a day or 2 before I did not go down, but on Sunday 7th Eugenia & I both went to visit old lady Pitts just left a widow after a married life of 52 years. Monday & after I avoid going to town. The latter part of last week I made a gate opening in to the lane on the North, had the Bray boys to do several jobs before that and some after. This week I finished the gate & yesterday 10th I made a frame to hold up a book while I read. Fuller & family arrived from Arkansas, & went out to the country. September 11 So far we have all continued well. Todaay I made and put in a head to the well bucket. I have written lately to W. H. Crouch, 9th. Prof. McCulloh about 7th, McCooke 8th. I have been reading Harpers Magazine (Sept.) & now Prescotts Peru. Have made several orders as parish Judge almost every day. (Written 12th night) Among the persons buried today were the following acquaintances of mind J. H. Williamson, M. Gooch, G. J. Riddle, Joyhn Cooke, Dr. Hibbette, Mrs. W. E. Hamilton. I walked out to Mrs. Renfroe's & saw Mr. Boon p m. Sept 12th Friday. I made a pair of quilting frames today & did a little mending on my reading easel. A bountiful rain came a little after noon, a great blessing to us in many respect, - filling our cistern, reviving our potatos, peas & other vegetation & giving us hope of turnips. I hope also the rain may help to arrest the sickness which so fearfully prevails. I hear by last evenings paper that L. Baer died in Marshall, also L. Fraenkel. And here W. T. Brooks, Mrs. Sawyer & child of my acquaintance & nearly 20 others were buried today. We are still blessed with good health. I read with my easel last night & today. Saturday Sept. 13th 1873. We are spared through another day without sickness in our family. I got Cal Hicks to harrow my turnip patch again, sowed the seed I had left, went over to the depot, & from there sent down by Mr. Sims & got 25cents(symbol) worth more & finished sowing the ground. Today also I raised the trough that catches the waste water from the cistern & bored a hole to let the water out at will. A. H. Leonard & afterwards Kilpatrick, called to see me about the succession business. Mr. Tenny came also. Miss Dick Files visits us. Theorocia bade us good bye at sunset as she is to start home tomorrow. My pain, or "crick" at the back of my neck & shoulder is still pretty severe in certain postures. We hear this evening that Mrs. W. T. Fleming died at 3 a m todayy, - no others well known to us. Many are sick. Capt. Sam. Morrison here & Mr. Holloway at Marshall among the number. Sept. 14th 1873 Sunday early this morning I got a message from my neighbor Smith & on arriving there found that his son Warren was dying. I returned home after a while & in a feew minutes he sent me word that Warren was dead. I went & got orders to make some arrangements for the burial. So I went down town for the first time since 7th. I went to the burial at 4 p m, rode with Mr. Rose. Mr. Morrison proves to be not sick - only had a chill. E. Dreyfus has died cor. Tex. & Spring St. I heard that young Thatcher was dead, son of the late Wm. S. M. Chapman has died in Greenwood. Geo. Cole & T. W. Jones have lost each a child. Cole is expected to die & Tom Byland is also reported very low. I saw Noland who keeps the list of interments at the graveyard.. Page also, Rigby is down, & Mrs. Levisee (& Lonny has been). 21 burials at 5 p m, mostly strangers to me. I got letter from Uncle Sam at Memphis 10th. Sept. 15th(written on the 16 morning) I raked my turnip grounds a little & was making a new hatchet handle when Fuller arrived in his hack for provisions &c. Bought butter & eggs to set. Mother got ready & went off with Fuller. After a pleasant dinner they started & later I went to see Col. Tomkies & arranged to get 60$ from his bank, - was fortunate in finding Mr. Sheridan going there in his buggy. He also brought me back via Convent home. I learn at Tenny's that J. M. Lawton has died today, the second lawyer that has died. 35 interments today. Before dusk I went to Boon's & arranged for him to endorse for me. Byland dies about this evening - Csangle on the 14th or 15th. I sent some letters to be mailed & got some stamps. Today Capt. Bell & Judge Hicks were together at my house & I learn that Arch Hicks had started away, got 4 or 5 miles & came back sick. Sept 16th, 1873. Before breakfast I learned that Mrs. Levisee was dead. Boon came after breakfast & Kilpatrick. Heffner & I went to Judge Levisee's & assisted in the burial. 15 bodies already reported for burial. The weather is still cool & fine as ever since last Friday; but warm in the sunshine. Written 17th) Later I went over to the depot to see about the letter I sent in the morning to Maj. McLain, & there met Kilpatrick who was going down a 2d time & still had the letter with him! I learn this evening that Father Pierre, Mr. Rigby our neighbor, & Mr. McCain are dead or dying. Another Catholic priest the youngest, has died before. Also Young Smith at the P. O. Nathat Hays & yooung Noel near Mooringsport - 35interments today. I wrote some letters for the mail today. I learned a few days ago that my friend M. V. Thompson died early in the epidemic. Sept. 17th 1873 Soon after breakfast I went to the depot & met Doc. Woodruff by whom I sent the letter to Maj. McLain. Afternoon Heffner got me to write a deed for him which I took to the depot for Wm. Heffner's signature. 20 people buried today. Maj. Cathey & W. T. Watts among the number, the former not of yellow fever. Sept 18th, 1873. Wilkerson came out & we cut off the posts of the large walnut bedstead. I went down to Tomkie's Bank & found my note had been received but no attention to the business had been paid. I got the note or draft, walked out to Boon's got his signature, went down again & drew the money 60$. Paid up Julia & Emma. Worked to fix the bed for a musquito bar. Few burials seem to be taking place today. Judge Levisee sent for me at sunset but I feared he had yellow fever. Sept. 19th. I remained about the house most of the day - was over at the depot to see James Heffner. Saw John Hicks walk up there, just out of his sick bed or room! He proceeds over to his Father's in buggy with Capt. Hunter. I borrowed augurs from Rooks & bored the holes in bedstead for musquito bar poles & it made me sore & tired. Brother Stringfellow dies today. Some days ago I heard of the loss of young Smith at the Post Office & of Mer Rae telegraph operator. Sept. 20th 1873 A message from Judge Looney's that his wife is dying early this morning. We also learn that Mr. W. W. Barret died last night. She is buried before noon, & Mrs. Looney I suppose dies & is buried during the day. I was engaged making more poles for the musquito bar, until I felt exhaused & lay down till dinner. During the morning S. L. Taylor comes & with 4 frenchmen & Col. Kilpatrick & proves up a Frenckman's will. (Legros). Mrs. Hunter comes after dinner & sits with us awhile. She says Chas. O. Phelps is dead probably. We are thankful each morning to rise & find ourselve well - & so each night. Julia Williams did not come to work for us today. Wm. Wilkinson brought us some fish in the evng. At night I wrote a codicil to my will designating persons as executors jointly with my wife. Sept. 21st Sunday I remained at home nearly all day, going over to the depot only once, where I sent a note, hoping it might reach Mr. Cooke at Elysian Fields. Came by Mr. Heffner's & got papers which I read most of the day. At night Hally was taken ill with a slight chill & fever,, which makes us uneasy. She vomits her food & water during the night. We all got a good nights rest. Cap. Hunter called in regard to the estate of Mundy & later Kil on the same subject &c. Judge Hicks is now sick, & Mr. Rankin. I fixed musquito nets over my windows. From the paper I learned that Mrs. Lindsay died in N. O., or on the way. Collins is dead as well as Mundy. Sept. 22d Monday. While cutting up brush for fuel I called Capt. Hunter over & he says Hally has not the yellow fevr, & her progress indicates the same, we feel relived. I got her some ice from the depot. Eugenia feels a little chilly. Dark, cloudy & cool & rain begins about 11 or 12. I sowed some turnipseed. Boon told me today that R. D. Sale has died. I learn also of the death of H. H. Lee & Mr. Gilmer, Col. Cummings father-in-law. (Eugenia's chill came about 11 a m & I did not realize that she was seriously ill until night or in the evening. (I write this on 27th). Tuesday 23d. I was left alone Last night with the baby & Henry to nurse besides the sick. Eugenia's chill proves to be like Hally's & she suffers very severely during the night with pain in the head and back, not unlike what she has suffered at other times. But the conviction gains on me that she & Hally have the prevailing fever. Bro. Wilkinson comes in & confirms this idea. I got through the night much better than might be expected. Early today I left word for Mr. Moore to come, but he did not come. I afterwards learn that he is sick. Bro. W. Promises to send Cutliff, but after long delay Dr. Fenner comes p m. I got ice twice today - a full supply for night. The Dr left few directions. Oil has been given. Hally's acted early, but Eugenia's had failed till we were just about giving injection when there was an action. Hally had considereble fever last night, Eugenia scarcely any. But today both have fever not extremely high. Mr. Hefner comes once or twice to talk to me about the treatment of fever. Jones & Kilpatrick call on legal business. Julia & Emma leave at night with little promise of coming again. I was alone all night with 2 sick & 2 babies. Was called up every few minutes. Slept scarcely at all, nor felt sleepy, but rested a good. Hally complained very much all night, especially of pain in the leg (left) & knees a usual complaint with her & in the back - not so much in the head. I put ice on her forehead in the night & it soon got too cold for her & I applied wet towels to both of them. They occasionally ate ice. I gave only one or two doses of bromide of potash to Eugenia but gave them hourly to Hally without much apparent affect. I found little trouble in keeping Ruby quiet & none with Henry. Sept. 24th, 1873 I have no one to get breakfast or help about anything. Julia comes to say that Henry her husband will not let her or Emma come to cook or to nurse for us. Noah brings one whom I hire. Caroline comes. Hally seems better today but complains much of her left leg. Eugenia has decided fever, complains of being hot, but does not feel hot to the touch, & her pulse is almost as slow as mine. I went over after tea & bread. Mrs. Curtis a nurse, came about 3 p m & seems to set things right. Sims called p m. J. W. Jones & also Col. Kil. About midnight Mrs. Curtis said there was black vomit. I went to a Dr. to Moore's & Hick's office found the last at his father's. He consulted & they kept back the vomit some time; but it returned later in the day, 25, & the signs pointed to a fatal result. Little help to be had. I had to go some errands to get things needed - but worse & worse, she became unconscious - died about 9 at night. Taylor passed a m & went for a Dr who came late in the evening. Hally was moved to the little room. I am overpoweredd & cannot describe particulars. Mrs. Wilkerson & Mrs Daws came the latter returned a time or two. We did get help barely enough at last. I took charge of the little ones & got considerable rest during the night. Jenny was buried today. I can no longer name them. Written 27th. Eugenia died about 9 oclock at night 25th. Her symptoms proved bad again; black vomit returned - was copious & the case became hopeless. She became unconscious & altho the struggles & groans lasted long I trust her consciousness of pain was not great. The effect on the nerves & muscles too was considerable, but perhaps not on sensation. I could not well bear the sight lay down between my little ones & lost consciousness till S. L. Taylor told me all was over. For some seconds I was in suspense feeling that the announcement was made to me in another world - that I was in another world. Taylor, Hunter & Mr. Perkins tendered help & did all that was needed. Some ladies came from Hunter's. I kept the little ones in bed & got along withthem till morning. I tried to get a horse & messenger during the day 25th to carry a letter to Mr. Cooke. W. Wilkinson could hire none, but said Fritz Richler would go on his own horse, but I did not see Fritz till 26 or 27th. Painful as the struggle was, & painful to think about, it is over with my beloved most excellent wife Eugenia. She is at rest. With her it is over. It was over that Wednesday night about her usual bedtime. About the 21st I spoke to her about the greater earnestness & constancy of our prayers since the sickness has been around us, & she told me that when Julia did not come, & while she was alone in the kitchen preparing our dinner, she was powerfully moved to prayer, more powerfully (I think she said) than ever before. Thus her preperation was made calmly, in full exercise of her faculties before the disease began to affect her. We had no talk about it after she was prostrated. Friday 26th. I rode with little Henry to see the body of his mother buried. Mrs. Curtis stays with Hally who was moved to the little room on the 25th morning I think. Mrs. Curtis says the bed & things must be burned, & I prepare a brush pile for it, but the burning is delayed. I got Wm. Wilkinson to look for help on the 25th, & he brought old Isaac Johnson a black man of 60, who split a little wood & proved a good nurse at night & relieved Mrs. Curtis that night, besides attending at the bedside of the dead. He promised to come again tonight. Hally remains about the same, but there is no hope. Dr. Davidson who came out on 25th comes late again today. I go on errands to the depot & other places for ice &c. At dusk I went for fresh milk, met L. Dodez at Hfner's, got milk & hired a black man to sit up at Bro. Wilkinson's. I am too busy with the children & many things to dwell on my grief. Dodez was to come again at night, but only sent back a prescription which he carried down for me, he having to stay with with John Dillon said to be dying. Dr. Davidson says Hally's case is serious. I passed the night well & little Ruby never raised any disturbance all night. Made noise only 2 or 3 times. Saturday Sept. 27th, 1873 After I paid off Jake - 2$ this morning Mrs. C. told me he was no use & an offensive nuisance. Isaac Johnson did come late & was valuable. After trouble in the night they speak favorably of Hally's case. But after awhile Mrs. C. Tells me she tried to vomit & I must get a fly blister. I had to go down to Texas Street Ward's. It was raining. I returned on the same car. Symptom had not returned, I must get ice & champagne. I sent from the depot & got ice & champagne by 3 ways. Ice is supplies free. Maj Ashton is dead. I have written letters to my debtors clients asking for money of Josiah W. Cooke, 52.50, Henry Garlick 38.80 & D. J. Spears Logansport 30$ cash advanced. Now if R. A. Cutliff exr. would pay me 75$. Mrs. Curtis falls at news of J. C. Elstner's death, brought to her by Dr. Davidson & Choppin, who called & speak hopefully of Hally. L. Dodez Esqr stays with us at night. Rained a good season this evng. 28th Sunday. I carried the children down on the Fairfield cars - went with Henry to depot - brot bak things. Sims tells me his daughter is sick. Still warm, cloudy, windy & sunny. The first Sabbath I have passed since my beloved Eugenia passed into her lasting peace & rest. I read from Proverbs & Ecclesiastes the latter of which appeared to Eugenia the saddest of all writings, as she has told me. I took the children got another ride on the fairfield cars at evening. Lucian Dodez came after dark & staid with us. Hally seems about to recover from the disease, & now it is a delicate task to give her food that she can take & in quantity & form such that it will be safe. Monday Sept. 29, 1873. I sent my letter to Jas. A. Ware by Dodez to be mailed. Caroline is to wash. I chopped up brush for wood. Mrs. Curtis sent me down for things, some of which I got. Got meal & a card from Uncle Sam Watson anxiously inquiring which I answered. I gave L. L. Tompkies a draft on James A. Ware for 100$ to be collected. I have secured Ware by sending him my draft for my 3rd quarter's payment of salary 625$. Dickey Barret called while we were at dinner. We had chicken. Miss Zoe came afternoon as Ada died yesterday. Julia came to see us a little. While I was chopping brushwood a wagon stopped at my gate & called for me. It proved to be a supply wagon with refreshments supplied by the Howard Association. Bread, potatos, eggs, tea, ice, ale, porter, wine, flour, tea, a little ham, condensed milk, candles, salt, rice, sweet potatos. A most gratifying instance of practical charity. My office furniture, books, &c were brought up by 2 drays today. Hally is still doing well. The Dr. discharged her case today. I gave orders in some cases to Calliham who came to see me & also to Schnurr & Scott, who came afterwards. Sept. 30 1873. Tuesday Early this morning I hear that there was an attempt to rob L. Baer's store last night & Pritchard (whom I saw at the graveyard on the 26th) was killed either as a participant or as an antagonist of the robbers. We first heard the latter. A self-constituted jury are investigating the matter. I went down & had the transom light put in over Fuller & Yates store where a pane was broken out. I got two pairs of balnkets from R&G's, glass, putty & butter. Also newspapers. Sent a large package of letters to F & Yates near Keachi & also other letters of my own to Peyton &c. Hally still gets on well but takes scarcely any food directly except lemonade. Caroline washed today as yesterday. Seems likely to stay for 15$ a month. I read N O papers at night & learned that James Hoss died some time ago. October 1st, 1873 God has mercifully spared me day after day & I am still in good health. So are the little ones, & Hally today for the first time since her sickness takes food directly in small quantity. She is in a hopeful condition. I did some little jobs, cut brush wood - mended the marble table &c. I took a lunch, felt cool & went out to work & started a sweat. After dinner I walked down town & called to demand the rent of Fuller's tenants. Saw funeral notice of Chales W. Lewis. A. H. Leonard is sick also. I attended to a few matters in town & rode out - delivered telegram to J. W. Smith. I paid Caroline "Hall" 6$ for her weeks work finished this morning & she sets in for a month at 15$ per month. Lucian comes a little while at night. Oct. 2. 1873 In the afternoon of this day Sister Molly came in a hack to take me & the children to Keachi if any of us should be able to go. But I deem it best for us all to remain here & Hally cannot go or be left. Molly brings letters full of kindness from Bro. Peyton & his wife - also 15$ in money. I start her back late afternoon & I took the children for a little ride. Peyton Ward's wife was in distress her child dying & Peyton gone. I got Mr. Wilkinson to go for him. Molly found us at dinner. I remember few incidents of the day (now 3rd 7 pm) I cut boisd'arc sticks & made bowsticks &c. Friday Oct. 3d, 1873 I got a letter from Mr. Cooke Today - he had heard only rumor up to the 1st, wishes us to come out if we can. I met Judge Land, Looney, & Kilpatrick at Looney's to consult about a District Clerk &c. I read some. Wrote to Mr. Cooke. Went down with L. Dodez, left the letter at the depot; got off the car at Crockett St, & went with Isaac DeCosta calling again on Ruller's tenant's for rent. P O is not open, at telegraph office, Howard Assn & Flemming's. Got a bottle Simmon's medicine. It is exceedingly warm today 82º. Oct. 4th (Written 5th at night) Little of importance occurred today. At dark I rode down to Kilpartick's & got some milk & walked back by moonlight. Caroline went down town & Mrs. Curtis thought she would not come back but she did. Oct 5th Sunday We took breakfast late. Hally had her dress changed & I carried her into my room. After a while I opened a bottle of champagne & gave her a drink, & a while later told her the sad truth that her mother was dead. She wept & seemed to take it very calmly - was relieved by hearing me sing hymns & joining with me herself. In the evening Mrs. Curtis & I took the children for a nice ride down to the Fairfield railroad, leaving Caroline in charge of Hally. Henry & I went over & got ice &c at the depot. It has been excessively warm for 2 or 3 days near 90 in the afternoons & at this moment 7 p m, it is 84 in my room with 2 doors & 2 windows open. Oct. 6th, 1873 A brisk wind blew up during the night & it turns much cooler. Hally is brought into my room again & the couch is fixed for her. Judge Land comes by appointment & produces the will of his son-in-law Jas. S. Ashton with witnesses to prove it which is done. Kilpatrick brings some Italians &c to prove Gustis' will but they are not sufficient in the absence of M. S. Jones who wrote it, & witnessed it. I went with Henry to Fritz's and got a bottle of sherry wine for Hally. Mrs. Curtis leaves us after noon. Caroline went to Judge Land's & got milk about sunset & we can get more at 7 tomorrow morning. Old Robert or some such name worked for me cutting grass & peavines. He brought my books around to put in the case. I felt a little chilly at the feet once or twice today, but am still quite well tonight. I feel hopefull that I may escape the fearful plague, & I humbly pray to God that I may be spared awhile for the sake of my children. We are very comfortable physically considering our deep affliction and sad bereavement. Dodez came at night & I did not sleep till near 3 oclk. Oct 7th. Judge Land came by & requested me to go to his house & administer the oath to his daughter Mrs. Ashton as executrix. I took my little son with me. In the morning I fixed the bookcase & put up some books. Henry after a good nap awoke sick about sunset vomited & had cold feet. I perpared for the fever from the first. Went to Dr. Mooer's got Dr. Chappin, & Moore is to take charge after him. Went with Wilkerson to depot wrote a note to Mrs. Curtis, tried to get help laid down to rest on Eugenia's bed (made up for the first time since she left us) leaving Caroline to watch while I tried to sleep.. By bedtime a nurse came sent by Howard Association that is by the blessed Savior Himself. Henry often called for me, & complained but we got through the night very well. I felt chilly just before day. I got several letters today, one form Emil Albinola, making anxious enquiries for me on behalf of his adopted cousin 105 48th St. New York. I was answering it before Henry took sick. Note. Henry Gerard Hall, the author of this diary died following this last entry, of yellow fever, age 40 years.