Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 33.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

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[237] the afternoon the brigade moved three miles further to the front, to meet the expected expedition of ‘Beast’ Butler, who was located somewhere near Drury's Bluff on the James. The ‘Beast’ has been outlawed by President Davis and is generally detested. He should keep, as heretofore, to the rear, and avoid capture.

Colonel W. G. Swanson's Sixty-first Alabama regiment joined our brigade, and the Twenty-sixth Alabama, Colonel E. A. O'Neal, was transferred to Mobile. Colonel C. A. Battle had been promoted brigadier-general and placed in command of Rodes' brigade. As there were only nine companies in the Sixty-first, the Secretary of War declined to issue a commission as colonel to Colonel Swanson, and he returned to Alabama. I was glad to greet the Sixty-first, because among its officers were some intimate friends of mine. Among these were Captain J. W. Fannin and his brother, Lieutenant A. B. Fannin, Captain S. B. Paine and his son, Lieutenant Hendree Paine, Captain E. F. Baber and First Lieutenant Edward P. Hendree, Captain B. F. Howard and Lieut. C. C. Long. All of these from Tuskegee, the place from which my company was enlisted. These officers are all good men and true.

February 15. A light snow covered mother earth's bosom today and kept us from the city. Our trips to the city are greatly enjoyed, and all are allowed to go there as often and stay as long as they please. There is a joke in camp in regard to Jim Lester exchanging a jug of water for one of whiskey in a city bar-room. He did it as adroitly as Simon Suggs could have done.

February 18. Rode on the tender of an engine to Orange C. H. Paid $6.00 for breaksast, and walked to our old camp.

February 22. Washington's birthday. The great Virginian doubtless looks down approvingly upon the course of his successors, Lee, Johnston, Stuart, A. P. Hill, Rodes and others. Lee and Jackson excel the great father of his country as soldiers.

February 26. Hired Charles, negro servant of private Kimbrough, for one year, at $25.00 per month. Charles is a good cook and forager. At night I attended a grand ball at Dr. Terrell's, to which I contributed $25.00. General Ramseur and his pretty bride, nee Miss Richmond, of North Carolina, were present. Pretty women, and officers in Confederate gray, were an inspiring sight. Mrs. Carter, formerly Miss Taliaferro (since Mrs. John H. Lamar, and Mrs. Harry Day, of Georgia), was one of the brightest belles.

While in camp, near Fredericksburg, I obtained a week's furlough