Monday, September 14th, 1863

To day the boys are at work chopping logs to build a corn crib. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] rode Hawk down to Mothers [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and back but failed to bring Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] home with her. Wolf is still improving and will soon be well. James [James Wrigley Hall] had a chill and fever. Sam [Samuel Houston Sharp] rode over to Mr. Keen's after my saddle but did not get it. I ground 7 bushels of corn. weather cloudy & warm with occasional showers of rain.

Sunday, September 13th, 1863

To day I rode my horse Ratler in company with Father [Joshua James Hall], Roberta [Berta Downes Halyard nee Hall] and three servants down to the Hurricane bayou and run the division line between the lands of Genl. Beavers and Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts]. they then agreed to establish the line I had run as the true & correct one between them. We all started back home when a rain came up and the water descended in torrents, in consequence of which I was compelled to remain at Father's for the night. Mother spent the day with the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and carried Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] home with her, and where I found her. weather very hot.

Saturday, September 12th, 1863

To day the boys finished putting up the walls of the Cotton house. I rode my horse Ratler to Crockett and back in order to get my discharge from Conscription. I found however that L.W. Cooper had been removed and H.W. Beeson had been appointed the Enrolling officer in his place and he refusing to act until Monday next I had my ride for no purpose. I purchased from Mr. Monroe $82.⁰⁰ worth of tobacco and $1. worth of pink root and left for home in company with Father [Joshua James Hall]. when about half way home it clouded up and rained exceedingly hard. I became thoroughly soaked with water. weather was clear in the morning and very hot.

Friday, September 11th, 1863

To day the boys are at work putting up the Cotton house. Dr. Murchison came over to see Carroll who is still quite sick. Clara is recovering from her sickness slowly. Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] had another fever and is very much reduced from her sickness. Rachael and Roberta [Berta Downes Halyard nee Hall] came up to see the sick. weather hazy and very hot. The mill done no grinding.

Thursday, September 10th, 1863

To day the boys were compelled to go into the woods after more logs to complete the Cotton house. Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts], Father [Joshua James Hall] & Toby [Horace Oscar Hall] came up and spent the day. Clara & Carroll are still very sick, so much so as to require the attention of a Physician, in consequence of which I sent for Dr. Murchison. Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall] was again taken with the fever. In consequence of the low water in the pond the mill done no grinding. weather clear & hot.

Wednesday, September 9th, 1863

To day the boys are still at work putting up the cotton house. Sam [Samuel Houston Sharp] ground 3 bushels of corn. I rode my horse Ratler to Crockett & back in order to get released from Conscription, but did not succeed. In consequence of which I got on a slight bender. Clara & Carroll are still quite sick. While in Crockett I received from Mr. J.C. Miller the sum of $60. for two pairs of Wool cards. weather clear & very hot.

Saturday, September 8th, 1863

To day the boys are still at work putting up the Cotton house. Clara & Carroll are still very sick. Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] missed the fever & is now up. I purchased from Mr. Joseph Thompson three beef steers that are now bogged down in the mill pond. they are branded with C.S.A. and with other brands not now recollected. weather clear and hot. Sam [Samuel Houston Sharp] ground 3 bushels of corn.