Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 11.
Reverend J. William Jones, Ed.

March 17th.—Purdy. A bright and beautiful morning succeeded the dark and gloomy weather of the past few days. We left Bethel at noon, and arrived here at 3 o'clock. We are encamped in the woods, without tents, having left everything except our blankets and such provisions as we could carry in our haversacks.

March 18th.—The weather is so pleasant that I lay under the shade of a large oak all the morning and read a worthless novel. This evening Colonel Smith secured comfortable quarters for us in the town of Purdy. We marched in about 3 o'clock, and after ‘dress parade,’ repaired to our quarters in the old College building. We had just laid aside our arms when a courier came galloping up at full speed, and reported the enemy just outside the town. We were soon drawn up in line of battle, and a body of Lincoln cavalry appeared on the top of a neighboring hill, overlooking the river. They presented a very imposing spectacle with their gay uniforms and sabres gleaming brightly in the rays of the setting sun. We charged with a cheer, when the enemy turned their faces towards the Tennessee river and fled without a single exchange of compliments.

March 19th.—Was delighted to find, this morning, in the college library, the ‘Life and Works of John Adams.’ Read a few extracts from his diary. Detailed to escort the provision wagons to Bethel. Soon after we reached here we were ordered to pack up everything for Corinth. The enemy are reported advancing in force on that place. The regiment arrived at 3 o'clock.

March 20th.—This morning we were ordered to leave our baggage in an old shop, and march back to Purdy with the Second Tennessee regiment, and two guns of Polk's battery.

Sunday—March 23d.—Have spent the past few days in the old College building at Purdy, lolling about lazily and indifferent to surrounding circumstances. The weather has been cold, dark and dreary, and my spirits are in sympathy with the weather. I see no bright ray of hope, no bow of promise in the cloud. Sad and weary I turn to the Word of God for encouragement and consolation.

March 24th.—On picket duty with the entire company. We lay in ambush for the enemy, but he did not pass this way. Spent a portion of the day reading the ‘Lost Heiress.’

March 25th.—This has been one of the loveliest of days. I am writing in the observatory of the college, and have a most enchanting