Tuesday, January 8th, 1861

To day I went in company with Father to Dailey's store, and from there to the election. there I met Richard Duglass, the Assessor & Collector, give in a list of property and paid him my taxes for the year 1860 and took his receipt for the same. I then went to the Mill in company with W. B. Lacy and Mr. Cunningham where we all dined. John Harwell then went to the election & I returned to Mothers [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts], where the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is still still staying, waiting favorable weather to carry Florence home. weather clear & warm.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Margaret is her daughter from her first marriage, who is married to JMH, the son of her second husband.

Monday, January 7th, 1861

To day I rode up to the mill to see John Harwell and found him getting on pretty well. In the evening I returned to Mothers [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts], where the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] has been staying during my absence. weather changable & cold.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Sunday, January 6th, 1861

To day I rode 36 miles, and arrived home where I found all the loved ones well. In this day's ride I became altogether used up from the severe pain still in my back, which rendered me almost helpless. expenses $1. weather cloudy, warm with drizzling rain the whole day.

Saturday, January 5th, 1861

To day I left Livingston and rode 34 miles in great pain from my back and stoped for the night with Mr. McGee. expenses of the day $1.50. weather clear & rather warm.

Friday, January 4th, 1861

To day I rode 33 miles over a very bad road. arrived at Livingston where I put up with Judge Andress for the night. still suffering from a severe pain in the back. expenses of day $2.25. weather changable and cold.

Thursday, January 3rd, 1861

This morning I mounted my celebrated horse Hawk, and bid adieu to all at Liberty, then started to see the loved ones at home [Houston County]. after riding 23 miles in great pain over bad roads I stoped at Grand Cane for the night. expenses $1.50. weather cloudy & extremely cold with a hard freeze at night.

Wednesday, January 2nd, 1861

This morning we arrived in Liberty and found all well. I remained in Liberty all day packing up my things preparing for my start up the Country [to Houston County]. weather clear & cold.