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June 3rd.--Stephen A. Douglas, the greatest of living statesmen, died this morning at his home in Chicago.
Left Memphis at one o'clock on the fleet little steamer “Grampus,” and arrived at Randolph at half past 9 o'clock.
June 6th.--To day John Trigg and I agreed to read a chapter in the Bible every night.
Am reading Plutarch's lives.
June 8th.--This is the day that is to decide the future course of the State of Tennessee.
The question is submitted to the people of this sovereign State.
Shall we break the iron chains that bind us to the abolition horde of the North, and unite our destiny with that of our Sisters of the Confederate States; or shall we continue in subjection to a government that has destroyed the peace and prosperity of our once happy land, and brought upon us all the horrors of a civil war?
This place voted four thousand for separation, and not one in favor of union.
June 12th.--Again on fatigue duty.
Carried rails for two hours, and piled brush for two hours more.
Weather very warm.
June 13th.--This day has been set apart by the Hon. Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, as a day of fasting and prayer.
At ten o'clock we formed in regimental order, and under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Marcus J. Wright, marched to a beautiful grove, and listened to a sermon from Rev. Dr. Collins.
Dined on turtle soup.
June 14th.--Beautiful day, but very warm.
Detailed for fatigue duty.
Shoveled dirt on the entrenchments for three hours. Received a beautiful little Confederate flag with the compliments of Miss Mary Facklen of Huntsville, Ala. That helps a soldier to shovel dirt on a hot summer day.
June 19th.--Arrived in Memphis at five o'clock this morning.
Better to-day; no fever, but coughing frequently.
General Pillow, and Mr. Russell, correspondent of the London Times were passengers on the boat from Randolph.
Vigorous preparations for defense are going on in the city; the streets are barricaded and breastworks are thrown up. It begins to look like war in earnest.
Sunday, June 23d.--Found myself seated in the old family pew in the Second Presbyterian Church, listening to an excellent sermon from my pastor, the Rev. Dr. Grundy.
Spent the afternoon reading his fast-day sermon.
July 4th.--How different the celebration of this anniversary of American Independence from any that have preceded it. Formerly it was a day of jubilee, and general rejoicing; the booming of cannon in honor of the day was heard throughout the length and breadth of our
Richmond, VA. 1882.
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