Monday, March 16th, 1863

To day the boys are splitting rails at the lower field. John is still hauling cotton up at John Williams'. Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] went out hunting for cows & calves without any success however. T.R. Dailey & Milton Dailey came to see me in relation to our cotton trade. I am engaged in making Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] a pair of shoes. I also ground 6 bushels of corn. weather changeable and warm with indications of rain.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog. He is also the brother-in-law as well as the step-brother of JMH.

Sunday, March 15th, 1863

To day Sam* Sharp went out hunting for some Cows & calves but returned without any success. John came home from John Williams' but returned again in the evening. Mr. & Mrs. Leaverton came over and spent the day with us. Roberta [Hall] came up and brought Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] home with her. I am engaged in writing letters. weather cloudy & warm, with strong indications of rain.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Saturday, March 14th, 1863

To day I rode down to Mother's [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] to see my pet babe Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall]. The boys are at work splitting rails to fix up the fence around the lower field. My wagon is still hauling the Moreland cotton. Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] ground 20 bushels of corn. I finished sticking the peas. I also contracted with Mr. Dailey for about 80 Bales of cotton. weather changeable & pleasant, but rather windy.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa, and is Mahala's eldest living son.

Friday, March 13th, 1863

To day I rode my horse Gladiator home from Mr. Williams' and found Joseph Wright waiting to see me. I signed a note as security which note was executed by Joseph A. Wright, his wife, Janie Hail and myself for the sum of 3000$ Confederate Treasury Note and payable to James Collins. I also found my pet babe Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] had gone down to her Grand Mothers [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts]. My wagon is still hauling cotton from Moreland's to McElroy's gin. The other boys are still at work in the lower field. Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] ground 10 bushels of corn. In the evening I went to work sticking the peas. weather clear & pleasant.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa, and is Mahala's eldest son.

Thursday, March 12th, 1863

To day I rode my horse Gladiator up to the late residence of Mr. Moreland and had my wagon driven up after for the purpose of hauling the cotton I purchased there. I made arrangements with Mr. John A. Williams for the use of McElroy's gin & had the cotton hauled there. The team made one load. I remained all night with Mr. Williams. The boys are still at work in the lower field. Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] ground 20 bushels of corn. weather clear & pleasant.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Wednesday, March 11th, 1863

To day the boys are engaged in clearing up the lower field. I am at work sticking peas, and in fitting up the house. Sam* Sharp ground 18 bushels of corn. weather clear and cold with a hard north wind blowing. at night it subsided and there was a hard frost.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Tuesday, March 10th, 1863

To day I rode my horse Ratler up to the late residence of Mr. Moreland to attend to the sale of his effects and while there I purchased all the seed cotton amounting to 14,859 lbs. I also learned where my horse Gladiator was at and after the sale I went home with Mr. Strother and got my horse and for his services in taking care of my horse I paid him 5$. I then led my horse home. Hicks returned home at night from his trip down to Daileys. The boys are at work in the lower field. Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] ground 2 bushels of corn. weather cloudy and cold, with hard showers of rain throughout the entire day. I returned thoroughly soaked with water.

*This Sam is a 2nd great-grandpa to the Keeper of this family history blog.