Sunday, December 31st, 1865

To day I am engaged in making out bills of lading for the Steamer Kate & Sloop Luna, both of said boats are still here. Mrs. Beale* [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring] came over and spent the day. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had another chill and fever. Frank [Stewart] is still improving. Weather cloudy with occasional showers of rain. 

Thus I close my notes for the month of December and for the year 1865, which has just passed and gone and now remembered with the things that were. Whether the Almighty wll spare me to record the daily events of things passing around me for the incoming year is more than mortal man can know but trusting in his goodness and mercy I shall enter upon the pleasing task which to me is useful as a book of reference and may here after be profitable to those who have an interest in my affairs.

The Galveston Daily News

Houston, Sunday, December 31, 1865

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

Saturday, December 30th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the storehouse. The steamer Kate & sloop Luna arrived from Galveston with a small freight. I shipped by the Steamer Kate 71 beef hides & 9 B/C [bales of cotton]. I then drove up town to attend a meeting of the citizens to raise a police guard, but it all ended in smoke. ? finished splitting up my wood and I paid him $2⁵⁰ specie for his labor. Weather cloudy with occasional showers of rain.

Friday, December 29th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the store house. I drove up town and waited until the [rail]cars came in from Houston, by them I received several Articles for Mrs. Beale* [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring]. Col. Wrigley still confined. Frank [Stewart] is still improving slowly. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] missed the chill and fever. Weather cloudy & cold with occasional showers of rain.

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

Thursday, December 28th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the storehouse arranging papers &c. from the utter confusion into which they were thrown by the burning of the warehouse. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had a chill and fever. Frank Stewart is improving slowly. Col. Wrigley is confined to his room from sore eyes and burns received at the fire which destroyed the warehouse. Weather variable & cold, rain at night.

Wednesday, December 27th, 1865

To day I am at work at the old store house, which we have converted into a warehouse, and had the 500 sacks of salt, which came up yesterday on the Royal Arch, stored away. The Steamer Royal Arch left for Galveston, with a very small freight. Weather variable and cold.

Tuesday, December 26th, 1865

 
To day I am still at work at the Warehouse. The propeller Royal Arch arrived from Galveston with 500 sacks of salt on board consigned to James Wrigley. The salt was discharged too late to attempt to put in the warehouse. At night between the hours of 12 & two some infernal incendiary applied the torch to Col. Wrigley's large and very excellent warehouse consuming the entire building with about 324 Bales of Cotton besides a large lot of furniture & various other things. The loss by the conflagration will be at least 50,000$. Thus sweeping from Col. Wrigley the accumulation of years of toil. Weather variable & warm with occasional showers of rain.

Monday, December 25th, 1865

To day I am very busy at the ware house loading the steamer Kate & sloop Luna. we put 135 B/C on them when they left for Galveston. The only thing I had in way of Christmas festivities was a first rate dinner which was gotten up in the little woman's [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] happy style. Weather variable and warm, for the season, with occasional showers of rain.

Sunday, December 24th, 1865

To day I am very busy at work at the warehouse. We shipped 146 B/C* by an extra train of the T&N.O.R.R. for Houston. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town and purchased divers and sundry toys to be distributed to the children to night by way of presents from St. Nicholas put into their respective stockings. Weather variable and cool.

Image of Thomas Nast's St. Nicholas from
Harper's Weekly, December 1865

*bales of cotton

Saturday, December 23rd, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. The Steamer Kate & Sloop Luna arrived from Galveston and brought me a barrel of oysters. I discharged the Steamer and made out all her freight bills. Weather cloudy & cold with occasional showers of rain throughout the rain [sic, i.e., night].

Friday, December 22nd, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Hicks hauling for Mr. Wrigley, he also made another load for Mrs. Beale* [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring]. I drove up town and finished trying the negroes. One of them I discharged and the other I held to bail to answer the offence at the District Court. We received by express $15,000. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town and purchased a few articles for the children. Weather cloudy and cold.

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

Thursday, December 21st, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Hicks hauled two loads of things over to Mrs. Beale* [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring]. I purchased another hog weighing 112 lbs for which I paid 5 cts per lb. In the evening I drove up town to try a couple of negroes for burglary. The trial was continued until to-morrow. Weather cloudy & very cold.

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

Wednesday, December 20th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Mrs. Beale* [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring] & family moved over to her home at night. Hicks hauled over one load of wood to her. Ed. Jones left for the up Country [Houston County]. Weather cloudy until late in the evening when the wind came out from the North & it became intensely cold.

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

Tuesday, December 19th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Mrs. Beale* [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring] & family are still with me, she paid the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] 5$ being the Amt. I loaned her last summer. I loaned my horse and buggy to Ed. Jones, to drive out, Courting. Weather cloudy & rather warm with occasional showers of rain.

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

Monday, December 18th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the Ware house. I drove up town and got the little woman's [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] bonnet, hat, &c, which had been sent over from Houston, & I find I owe a balance of $5.50 on the bills of purchase. Mrs. Beale* [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring] & family are still here. Ed. Jones arrived from the up Country. Frank [Stewart] still very sick. All still have the itch. Weather . . . 

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

Sunday, December 17th, 1865

All the forenoon I worked at the warehouse and the evening I spent at home. Mrs. Beale* [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring] & family are still here, the wagon & servants that came down with her, left for their home in Montgomery County. Thus relieving me of 3 negroes & 6 mules to feed. Weather cloudy and cold.

*3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog

Saturday, December 16th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] missed the chill and fever. Frank Stewart has a relapse and is now very sick with diarrhea. At night Mrs. Beale [Elizabeth Lemaire Beale nee Waring*] and her whole family with three servants and seven horses arrived from Montgomery County, and stopped with me, to be taken care of until she can arrange to go to housekeeping. Weather cloudy and cold, with light drizzling rain.  

[*This Mrs. Beale is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog.]

Friday, December 15th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. We are all still offering with the itch, which clings to us with great pertinacity and will not yield to medical treatment of any kind so far. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had another chill and fever. My daughter Josephine [Josephine Martha Hall] attained the second anniversary of her birth day. Weather cloudy & intensely cold with a hard freeze all day & night.

Thursday, December 14th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. I loaned negro Porter Steve two dollars and fifty cents to give a party with at his house. My whole family are afflicted with the itch. Frank is slowly improving. Weather variable and very cold, with ice plenty, being the coldest night of the winter so far.

Wednesday, December 13th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the ware house. I purchased another hog weighing 150 lbs for which I paid 7$ specie. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town after a few articles and also purchased for me some tobacco. Billy Duncan arrived from his trip up the Country. Weather variable & intensely cold with a strong North wind blowing. At night all the water in the different vessels was frozen and the ponds around town were covered with ice.

Tuesday, December 12th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the ware house. Frank [Stewart] is still improving. I am some better with the itch, or rather I am some little relieved from it. I purchased one hog, for which I paid 5$. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had a chill and fever. Weather variable and cold, with a strong north wind blowing.

Monday, December 11th, 1865

To day I worked at the warehouse & assisted in loading the Str. Kate & Sloop Luna. we put 126 Bales of Cotton on them, and they left for Galveston. At night I drove up town, with the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp], to the residence of Pryor Bryan, to witness the marriage ceremony of Mr. W.D. Williams and Miss Laura Bryan. After which the Company took up the line of march to the old City Hotel, where they touched the "light fantastic toe" until the "wee sma" hours of the morn. Weather cloudy & rather warm, with indications of rain.

Sunday, December 10th, 1865

All the forenoon of to day I worked at the ware house. In the evening the propeller Kate and sloop Luna arrived from Galveston with considerable freight. I received by the Kate one barrel of flour and 35$ in specie due me from Charles C. Lund. Weather variable and pleasant.

Saturday, December 9th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Mrs. Perkins left for Houston on the cars and the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] sent by her $50 to purchase some articles. I drew from the warehouse 80$ in full payment for the wagon I heretofore sold to Jackson. Weather cloudy & cold with occasional showers of rain.

Friday, December 8th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse and assisted in moving the office from the warehouse to the Store house, in order to be more comfortable. Mr. Haggart arrived from Houston on the cars in company with Mr. Brackenridge. I loaned my horse & buggy to Col. W. to drive up town after the letters and papers. Weather cloudy and cold, with occasional showers of rain.

Thursday, December 7th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse, and am still suffering with the itch. I again loaned my horse and buggy to Mrs. Wrigley to drive out after Mrs. Massie and this time she was successful. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is still doing her own house work, and we are entirely without any help. I cannot procure a cook for any thing like reasonable wages. Weather cloudy and cold.

Wednesday, December 6th, 1865

To day I am still at work in the ware house. I loaned my horse and buggy to Mrs. Wrigley to drive out in the country after Mrs. Massie. Frank is some better. I am still suffering with the itch. My son Jimmy had another chill and fever, which has prostrated the little fellow very much. Weather changeable and cold.

Tuesday, December 5th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Frank is still improving. I am still suffering with the itch. Mr. Haggart left on the cars for Houston. The negro boy Steve, that I had hired left me, and I paid him $2.66 for the time he had been with me. Weather cloudy and cold with occasional showers of rain.

Monday, December 4th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Frank Stewart still improving. I got another sack of Buck wheat from Col. W. which makes 50 lbs I owe him. I am still afflicted with sores or rather with the itch. Ed. Jones left again for the up Country [Houston County] not having finished his business on the last trip. Hicks engaged hauling wood. Weather cloudy and warm with light drizzling showers of rain.

Sunday, December 3rd, 1865

The propeller Kate left for Galveston. The forenoon I worked at the warehouse, but remained home in the evening. Mr. Sargeant came to see me in relation to business. Ed. Jones arrived home from his up country visit. Weather cloudy & warm, with occasional showers of rain.

Saturday, December 2nd, 1865

To day I am still at work at the ware house. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town & purchased some articles of prime necessity. Henry Perkins, Mr. & Mrs. Bolling left on the cars for Houston. The propeller Kate arrived from Galveston with some freight. We loaded her with 82 Bales of cotton. My sores are still improving. Frank is also improving. Weather variable and pleasant.

Friday, December 1st, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] missed the chill and fever. The sores on my person are getting some better. Henry Perkins, Mr. Haggart and Maj. Boling arrived on the cars from Houston looking in fine health. Weather variable & pleasant.

Thursday, November 30th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Hicks is engaged hauling wood. I loaned my horse and buggy to Col. Wrigley to drive up town. Frank Stewart is still improving. My son Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] had another chill and fever. I am still afflicted with sores. Weather variable and cold. Thus I close my notes for November.

Wednesday, November 29th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Hicks is engaged hauling wood. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] missed his chill and fever. I am still afflicted with sores, which does not seem to improve any. Frank Stewart still continues to improve. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town and purchased a pair of shoes for which she paid 5$ specie. Weather variable and a little cool.

Tuesday, November 28th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse, and finished bottling off the brandy. Ed. Jones left for Livingston and I loaned him my revolver, to take with him. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] has a chill and fever. I am afflicted with sores all over my person. Weather clear and pleasant.

Monday, November 27th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the ware house. I assisted Col. Wrigley in putting up 6 Doz. brandy, which we shipped to D. Willis at Livingston, together with 38 sacks of salt. I sold my large road wagon to L. Jackson for 80$ specie and collected from him 4$ which I had heretofore loaned him. Weather variable and pleasant.

Sunday, November 26th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse and still drawing off brandy. I let Hicks have $3. to purchase a pair of shoes. Frank [Stewart] still improving a little. Weather variable and pleasant.

Saturday, November 25th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse, drawing off brandy and putting it up in cases. I loaned Col. Wrigley my horse and buggy to drive up town. Frank Stewart walked down to the warehouse being his second trip. Weather variable and rather warm.

Friday, November 24th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Frank [Stewart] and Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] are about as well as their diseases will admitt of. Col. Wrigley arrived in the cars from Houston. The Steamer Mary Hill on her upward bound trip struck a snag in demijohn bend and sunk, she will prove a total loss with every thing on board. Passengers and crew all safe. Weather variable and warm.

Thursday, November 23rd, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town to purchase a few articles. Frank [Stewart] and Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] are still improving. Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] is quite sick with a severe cold. Weather clear & cool.

Wednesday, November 22nd, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Frank [Stewart] & Burt [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] still continue to improve. Frank walked down to the warehouse, being the first time since his arrival in Liberty. I loaned Ed. Jones my horse & buggy to go out ducking and for which he presented me a fine duck of mallard. Weather clear and rather cool.

Tuesday, November 21st, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Frank and Burt are still improving. Col. Wrigley left on the cars for Houston. I got from Ed. Jones an overshirt for Frank Stewart for which I paid two dollars. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] also purchased him another shirt up town, for which I paid three dollars. Weather clear and pleasant.

Monday, November 20th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Frank and Burt are still improving slowly. At night the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp], children and I spent the evening at Col. Wrigley's where we partook of a fine oyster supper. I paid Sam Clark fifteen dollars for making a trip up the country for me. Weather clear and pleasant.

Sunday, November 19th, 1865

To day I work at the warehouse all the forenoon & played chess in the evening with Col. Wrigley. Frank & Burt are still improving. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] purchased some pork for which I paid $2.50. Weather clear & cool.

Saturday, November 18th, 1865

To day I am still at work in the warehouse. Ed. Jones went out hunting, but with poor success. Frank Stewart and Roberta are little better. I spent the evening very pleasantly playing chess. Weather cloudy & cold with a strong north wind blowing all day and all night.

Friday, November 17th, 1865

To day I am still at work in the warehouse. Col. James Wrigley arrived on the cars from Houston looking quite well. Frank Stewart & Roberta are improving & much better. Hicks finished hauling all the corn from Dr. Coleman's. I paid him for my share of the corn, amounting to $114. Weather cloudy and cold with a hard rain all the evening and all night making it very disagreeable and unpleasant.

Thursday, November 16th, 1865

To day I am still at work in the warehouse. Riley Hefley arrived from my mills with 6 bales of cotton on his wagon. He reports all my relatives up the country [in Houston County] well. Hicks hauled 2 loads of corn to Col. Wrigley's crib. Frank Stewart and Roberta are still quite sick. Jimmy & Josephine have recovered. Weather cloudy & cool with a light shower of rain at night.

Wednesday, November 15th, 1865

To day I am still at work in the warehouse. Hicks hauled me another load of corn which makes in all delivered in my crib 190 barrels. He also hauled one load of 38 barrels and put in Col. Wrigley's cribs. Frank Stewart is still sick and confined to his room. Roberta is also sick. Jimmy & Josephine are better. Weather changeable & warm with a shower of rain.

Tuesday, November 14th, 1865

To day I am still at work in the warehouse. Col. Wrigley left on the cars for Houston. Hicks hauled me another load of corn and put it in the crib. Frank Stewart is still quite sick and confined to his bed. My son Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] and little daughter Josephine are both unwell. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town and purchased a few articles. Weather cloudy and a little cool.

Monday, November 13th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the ware house. My son Jimmy [James Wrigley Hall] is still sick. Frank Stewart was attacked with a severe hemmorage from the nose. I finally got it stopped with the assistance of Col. Wrigley by holding his arm perpendicular for about 30 minutes. Hicks hauled me 76 barrels of corn and threw it into my crib. Ed. Jones has recovered. Weather cloudy and cool.

Sunday, November 12th, 1865

To day I was compelled to work hard at the ware house. The Steamer Col. Stell left for Galveston. The Steamer Sunflower arrived from Galveston with a considerable cargo on board, the most of which we stored in the warehouse. We turned out for the Steamer Sunflower 280 bales of cotton. Frank Stewart is still quite sick. My son Jimmy had a chill and fever. Ed. Jones is much better. Fannie has entirely recovered. Weather cloudy and warm with a very hard rain at night.

Saturday, November 11, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. The Steamer Col. Stell arrived from Galveston, we loaded her with 184 bales of Cotton. Ed. Jones returned from Beaumont sick & is confined to his bed. Hicks hauled 2 loads of wood. Negro boy Stephen had a chill and fever. Frank Stewart is still quite sick. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town and paid Messrs. Fontaine & Co. 15$ on my account and $8. on a/c of Billy Stewart, it being the full amounts which we owed them, for some clothing. Weather variable and pleasant.

Friday, November 10, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Hicks is engaged hauling corn. He made one load for me and one load for Ed Jones. Frank Stewart is still quite sick. Ed Jones left on the cars for Beaumont. Weather variable and a little cool.

Thursday, November 9th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. The steamer Sunflower left for Galveston some time last night. Frank Stewart is still quite sick. Late in the evening I drove up town in order to try and sell my buggy and mules to Col. Bethell, but did not succeed, he only offering me about one half of my price. Weather clear and pleasant.

Wednesday, November 8th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. The steamer Sunflower arrived from Galveston with a bbl onions, Bbl potatoes and some fruit for the children on board for me. We loaded her with 350 bales of Cotton & 52 beef hides. Jimmy had a chill and fever. Fannie is still improving. Frank Stewart is still quite sick. Hicks made one load with the big wagon to the public square. Weather clear and pleasant.

Tuesday, November 7th, 1865

To day I had my 5 bales of Cotton stored in the warehouse. Hicks drove my team making 3 loads from the warehouse to town. I am at work at the warehouse. Fannie is improving a little. Frank Stewart is quite sick. Weather clear and pleasant during the day, but a hard frost at night.

Monday, November 6th, 1865

To day my wagon and team driven by negro man Hicks arrived from the mills [in Houston County] with 5 bales of Cotton, my desk, and sundry other articles on board. The negro man John having run off and left it on the road and Hicks after turning out the oxen left, and I suppose my employment for good. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town in my buggy after some articles. Fannie is still sick. Col. Wrigley & I drove up town in Maggie's buggy after returning home, we all went over to Col. Wrigley's where the little woman, Mrs. Wrigley, Col. J. Wrigley and I all took a solemn vow, not to use any spirituous liquor as a beveridge for the space of one year. Weather clear and cold, with a hard frost at night.

Sunday, November 5th, 1865

To day I was compelled to work at the Ware house. Fannie is still sick. At night Col. Wrigley arrived home in the stage. Weather clear and cold with a hard frost at night.

Saturday, November 4th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Fannie is still sick. At night Frank Stewart arrived in the little woman's buggy, drawn by my mules. He reports all my relatives up at my mills in good health and that my wagon is on the road coming down. Frank is in very feeble health. Weather variable & cold with a frost at night.

Friday, November 3rd, 1865

To day I commenced again to work at the warehouse for Col. Wrigley at a salary of one hundred dollars per month. I drove up town with Col. Wrigley, who left on the stage for Polk County. Billy Stewart also left in route for Crockett. Fannie is still sick. I had two loads of wood hauled for which I paid one dollar per load. Weather variable and cold with a hard frost at night.

Tuesday, November 2nd, 1865

To day I was compelled to remain at home. Fannie is still sick. Billy Stewart is still with me. Weather cloudy and exceedingly cold with almost incessant rain throughout the entire day, which prevented any kind of work from being done.

Wednesday, November 1st, 1865

To day we arrived in Houston just at day break. we left the Steamer and put up at the Rusk House and after breakfast for which we had to pay one dollar each specie Stewart and I left Houston on the freight train for Liberty at which place we arrived about 2 O'Clk P.M. and for our passage we paid 4$ specie. I found all my family well except Fannie who is sick and confined to her room. Weather cloudy and cold with occasional showers of rain and a strong north wind still blowing.

Tuesday, October 31st, 1865

To day I am still ? having finished all my business I left in company with Billy Stewart who has recovered sufficiently well to travel in the ? bound for Houston. I paid for my bill at the Hotel & ? We had a very pleasant trip across the bay and up ? bayou considering the cold weather that was still blowing ? cold the weather was clear. Thus closes my notes for the month of October.

Monday, October 30th, 1865

To day I am still in Galveston. Billy Stewart is much improved and went out with me ? short time. I purchased for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] ? for which I paid $68 in gold. Weather cloudy and cold ? still blowing.

Sunday, October 29th, 1865

To day Billy Stewart is still confined to his room, with Stanwood in attendance ? in consequence of which I did not go out into the City but little. Weather clear and cold with a new north wind blowing throughout the whole day . . . 

Saturday, October 28th, 1865

To day Mr. Ballinger left Galveston on the cars for Houston. Billy Stewart was taken sick with an attack of Cholera Morbus, which confined him to his room and it became necessary to call in the aid of Dr. Stanwood which I did. I remained at the Hotel to wait on Billy Stewart. Weather cloudy & cold with a strong north wind blowing.

Friday, October 27th, 1865

To day we left the mouth of the river on the Steamer Ruthven leaving the Kate still aground in the canal and ran down to Galveston for which I had to pay $2.75 in specie. We all stopped at the Washington Hotel. Mr. Ballinger handed me $61.50 which he had collected for the warehouse at Liberty. Weather variable & cold with a strong norther blowing all day.

Thursday, October 26th, 1865

To day we left Walnut bluff on the Steamer Kate in route for Galveston and had a pleasant run down to the mouth of the river but vessel got aground in the canal and the steamer Ruthven coming along side of our boat we left the Kate and took passage on the Ruthven for Galveston. we were compelled however to lay at the mouth of the river all night. Weather clear and pleasant until night, when a severe norther came out rendering it very cold.

Wednesday, October 25th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse and finished loading the propeller frate. In the evening Billy Stewart, Mr. Ballinger & I left my residence and drove down in my buggy to the steamer Kate and embarked on her for Galveston. Before leaving I hired a negro boy by the name of ? for two months for which I am to pay four dollars per Month. I also got from Mrs. Wrigley $150. We were compeled to remain on board of the Kate all night. The Capt. having refused to start until morning. Weather variable and cool.

Tuesday, October 24th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Billy Stewart is still with me. The propeller Kate arrived at the lower landing or Walnut bluff from Galveston. I am sorely afflicted with a boil on my "stearne" Weather variable and pleasant until night when there was a severe rain storm which lasted nearly all night.

Monday, October 23rd, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse and purchased one bale Cotton for a/c of Col. Wrigley. Billy Stewart is still with me. After dinner I drove up town with James Wrigley who left on the stage for Polk County. Weather clear and cool.

Sunday, October 22nd, 1865

To day I was compelled to work at the ware house in order to receive some Cotton. Col. Stewart is still with me. at night Col. Wrigley arrived home from the up Country [Houston County]. Weather clear and cool.

Saturday, October 21st, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. Col. Billy Stewart & H. Ballinger came down from Crockett. Billy Stewart put up with me. Negro man Ike did not work today. In the evening I went up town to attend a meeting of the City Council. Weather variable and cool.

Friday, October 20th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse. After much trouble I succeeded in getting my horse Rob up when the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and Mrs. Wrigley drove up town. William Leaverton left in the stage for my mills [Houston County] and carried some letters up with him for my relatives. I hired negro man Ike to dig my potatoes. Weather clear and rather cool.

Saturday, October 19th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the ware house. Wm. Leaverton is still with me. My daughter Florence [Florence Mahala Hall] attained the 5th anniversary of her birth day. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] made her a first rate birth day cake. My horse Rob got out of the stable & ran off. Weather clear and rather cool.

Wednesday, October 18th, 1865

To day I am still at work at the ware house. In the evening I rode up town in company with Wm. Leaverton who is still with me and while there I purchased a hat? form? for little Major [James Hall Sharp] for which I paid $1.50 specie. Weather clear & cold with a frost at night which is the first frost of the season ?

Tuesday, October 17tth, 1865

To day I am still at work at the warehouse and sent forward 39 bales of Cotton to ? William Leaverton arrived on the cars from Sour lake and put up with us. Weather variable and cool with a light rain at night.

Monday, October 16th, 1865

To day I commenced clerking for James Wrigley in his warehouse at a salary of $5. per day, or if I remain as much as a Month, then at 100$ per Month. William Leaverton and my sister Roberta [Roberta Downes Halyard nee Hall] arrived from the up Country [Houston County] on the stage and put up with me. Roberta is to go to school. They left all my relatives well. William Leaverton left on the cars for sour lake. I purchased from J.F.Carr & A. Drew 21 bales of Cotton at 23 Cts./lb. for a/c of Col. Wrigley. I received family letters from the up Country by Mr. Leaverton. Weather variable  and warm. [My copy of this page is not very clear.]

Sunday, October 15th, 1865

To day Col. Wrigley found his horse which had been ridden off by some negro & turned lose. He then left for Polk County. I remained at home all day. Weather clear and cool.

Saturday, October 14th, 1865

To day Mr. Ranger left on the cars for Houston. I spent the forenoon at the warehouse. Col. Wrigley left on his horse ? for Polk County but upon my going up town to my surprise I found him up there. Late in the evening his horse was stollen. I assisted him nearly all night in hunting for the horse, but without an success. Weather clear and cool.

Friday, October 13th, 1865

To day I drove my horse and buggy out to Rick's Mill after some meal, and had to go the second time before I could succeed. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and Mrs. Wrigley drove up town in the buggy and purchased a few articles. Weather clear and cool with a steady and strong wind blowing from the north.

Thursday, October 12th, 1865

To day I am still troubled with the tooth ache. In the evening the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & children in company with Mrs. Wrigley, Mrs. Bolling and Col. Jim went out after chinquepins and had tolerable success. Weather variable and warm with an occasional shower of rain.

Wednesday, October 11th, 1865

To day I spent all the forenoon at the ware house. In the evening I was so tormented with the tooth ache that I could not leave the house. Weather cloudy and warm with occasional showers of rain and a hard rain at night.

Tuesday, October 10th, 1865

To day the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and children drove out in the buggy in company with a party of ladies and gentlemen on a chinquipen hunt. I spent all the evening at the warehouse assisting James Wrigley in marking and weighing cotton. I purchased from Mr. Lindsey one bushel of peanuts for which I paid him two dollars. Weather variable and warm with occasional light showers of rain and a very hard rain at night.

Monday, October 9th, 1865

To day about one hour before day break, Col. Wrigley & I drove down to Walnut bluff in the buggy in order that I could get on the Steamer Mary Hill in accordance with my agreement with Capt. Peacock, but she had dropped down the river and I was disappointed in my expected trip to Galveston. So we returned home in time for breakfast. Col. Wrigley's wagon hauled me 47 bus. of corn that I had purchased from Mr. F.W. Key. Charley Lund left for Houston. Weather variable and rather cool.

Sunday, October 8th, 1865

To day the steamer Mary Hill arrived from Galveston and took on board at the warehouse 45 b/c [bales of cotton] and then droped down the river to finish loading with wood. I made all my arrangements to leave for Galveston in the morning and am to meet the steamer Mary Hill at Walnut bluff for that purpose. My son James attained the 3rd Anniversary of his birth day. Weather variable and a little cool. At night a few wild geese flew over southward, being the first of the season.

Saturday, October 7th, 1865

To day I drove up town in my buggy and settled up in full for what things the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] purchased on yesterday. I then drove down to the warehouse and while there I paid Charley Lund the 15$ I had borrowed from him also ten dollars for 150 lbs of bacon and $3⁵⁰ for one pair of shoes that he sent up to me on the 29th ulta. Be it remembered that my little woman attained the 25th anniversary of her birth day. Weather variable and cool.

Friday, October 6th, 1865

To day the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town in the buggy and purchased several articles. I spent the forenoon at the warehouse. Charley Lund came over on the cars from Galveston, at which place he has now established himself in business. Weather clear and pleasant.

Thursday, October 5th, 1865

The forenoon I spent at the warehouse and the evening at home, being rather unwell from my disipation at the party last evening. Weather variable and pleasant.

Wednesday, October 4th, 1865

To day I drove up town in my buggy and while there I purchased for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] one hoop skirt @ 2½$ one belt @ 2$ ? lbs. cheese 80¢ 1 lb candy @ 50 cts. At night the little woman and I attended a dancing party given at the residence of Mr. A.B. Trowell. There was a large concourse of people in attendance and the amusements of the evening gave general satisfaction to all participating. In fact it was a brilliant affair, and reflected credit upon its projectors. Weather clear and pleasant.

Tuesday, October 3rd, 1865

To day I spent the forenoon down at the warehouse and the afternoon at home. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is still doing her own house hold work. Conny had a chill and fever. Weather clear and pleasant.

Monday, October 2nd, 1865

To day I remained at home, writing up this note book. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is still doing her own house work. Col. James Wrigley dismissed his former slaves Charley and Rose for impertenance. I loaned my revolver to James Wrigley to go out to Mr. Minter's for the purpose of arresting said Minter on a charge of an assault to commit murder on the person of Mr. Lacour. The party went but were unsuccessful. Weather clear and cool.

Sunday, October 1st, 1865

To day I remained at home writing up this journal. I loaned my horse and buggy to Ed. Jones to drive out after chinquepins. Mr. Haggart came over and spent the afternoon. Weather variable and a little cool.

Saturday, September 30th, 1865

To day I drove over to negroville and up town in order to hire a servant but signally failed. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is still performing her own house hold work. Mr. & Mrs. ?, Mrs. Wrigley, and Mr. Haggard came over and spent the evening playing whist. Weather variable and cool. Thus I close my notes of current events immediately around me, for the month of September.

Friday, September 29th, 1865

To day my freedwoman Jemima and old Elsey left me, in route for Galveston, thus leaving me without a servant and forcing the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] into the kitchen to perform her own household work. I assisted around the house generally. I received a pair of shoes which Charles Lund purchased for me in New Orleans for which he paid $3⁵⁰ and which amt. I still owe him. James Wrigley and Mrs. Perkins arrived on the train from Houston. Weather changeable and warm with occasional [showers] of rain.

Thursday, September 28th, 1865

To day I tacked the carpet down in the little room. At night I attended a party given by the young men of Liberty at the residence of Col. Frank Hardin. I passed a very pleasant evening among the guys, all passed off as merry as a "marriage bell" and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Weather variable and cool with occasional showers of rain.

Wednesday, September 27th, 1865

To day Hicks & John left with one wagon and four yoke of oxen in route for my mills [in Houston County]. Mr. Haggard arrived from Houston on the construction train but he failed to procure me another bowie knife in lieu of the one he lost so I presume I shall be without my knife. I am engaged working around the house and put the carpet down on the parlor floor. weather variable and cool with occasional showers of rain.

Tuesday, September 26th, 1865

To day the boys are still at work getting ready for their up Country trip [to Houston County]. I repaired the back of the fire place in the little woman's [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] room and making it comfortable for the winter season. Weather cloudy and hot with occasional showers of rain.

Monday, September 25th, 1865

To day Hicks and John are at work repairing their wagons and getting ready for a trip up to the mills [Houston County]. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town and purchased a few articles to send up to her Mother [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] by the wagons. Weather cloudy & warm with occasional showers of rain.

Sunday, September 24th, 1865

To day I drove my horse Rob and buggy down to Moss' bluff and back, a distance of 24 miles, in order to carry Col. James Wrigley down there that he might [take] passage on the Steamer Mary Hill for Galveston, she having merely dropped down the river on yesterday to take a load of wood on board. Weather variable & hot with a light shower of rain.

Saturday, September 23rd, 1865

To day the steamer Mary Hill arrived at Walnut bluff from Galveston with 300 sacks of salt on board, which were consigned to James Wrigley. I drove down there and got my freedman John from off of her. He having run away the trip before, and left here on said boat. He promised me upon his arrival home to faithfully remain out the time for which he entered into a special contract. The Steamer Mary Hill left for Galveston. In the evening I drove up town in company with James Wrigley and we were both regularly registered as voters of the County & State. My wagon driven by Hicks is engaged in hauling salt from Walnut bluff to the warehouse, and hauled 72 sacks at 10? per sack. Capt. John Redman left my house for parts unknown. Weather cloudy & hot with a very hard rain late in the evening.

Friday, September 22nd, 1865

To day I finished papering the hall. Capt. John Redman is still with me. Weather cloudy & hot with occasional showers of rain throughout the day.

Thursday, September 21st, 1865

To day I commenced papering the hall, assisted by Capt. John Redman, who is still with me. Weather cloudy & cool with showers of rain throughout the day, and a hard rain at night.

Wednesday, September 20th, 1865

To day I worked on the hen house for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp]. Capt. John Redman is still with me. Hicks hauled the beef hides out of my carriage house and stored them in Wrigley's warehouse. The evening I spent over at Mr. Trowell's. Weather variable and hot.

Tuesday, September 19th, 1865

To day Capt. John Redman is still with me. My negro man John or rather freedman by the nefarious proclamation of the President of the United States, although indentured to me for one year ran off and shipped on the Steamer Mary Hill and left for Galveston. I finished papering my parlor. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town after sundry articles. Weather cloudy with a light shower of rain.

Monday, September 18th, 1865

To day I am engaged in papering the parlor. Capt. John Redman came and stopped with me for the night. Hicks & John are engaged hauling with my big wagon Cotton from the ware house to the Steamer Mary Hill now lying at Walnut bluff, they made 4 loads carrying 8 bales at a load. At night I attended a party given at the residence of Mrs. John Wrigley's. Weather variable and hot with a light shower of rain.

Sunday, September 17th, 1865

To day Col. Jim Wrigley & Mr. Haggart left for the up Country and to the latter I loaned my revolver & Bowie knife. The Steamer Mary Hill arrived from Galveston and after taking aboard about 80 bales of Cotton dropped down to Walnut bluff. Weather variable & warm with occasional showers of rain.

Saturday, September 16th, 1865

To day I drove up town in my buggy, and while there I purchased from Mr. Bristley one barrel of flour at 11$ one half barrel Mackeral at 11$ one ½ barrel Sugar at 18$ and two decks of cards at $1. I done nothing in the way of papering. Charles Leaverton arrived on the train from Sour Lake, and left immediately on the same train for Houston, and as said train attempted to pass over the trestle work in the river bottom the work gave way and precipitated the Locomotive, tender and one of the platform cars into the bottom although it was a smash up among the cars, it mercifully happened that no person was hurt in the least. A special train came over from Houston after the passengers, and they all left on it. Weather changeable & hot with occasional showers of rain.

The Houston Tri-Weekly Telegraph
September 20, 1865

Friday, September 15th, 1865

To day Charles Leaverton left on the train of Cars for Sour Lake. I am still engaged in papering the parlor. In the evening I drove down to John Booth's and paid him up in full for the time I boarded with him during last summer. Weather cloudy and warm with showers of rain throughout the entire day.

Thursday, September 14th, 1865

To day I went over to Mr. Patillo's shop and made two cribbage boards, one for Mr. Trawick and the other for Mr. Jones, after which I commenced papering my parlor. Charles Leaverton arrived from my mills on the mail stage, bringing us letters from our relatives and friends up the Country [Houston County] also 255$ specie. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town in the buggy in order to get me some tobacco. Hicks is engaged in hanging the garden and house yard gates. Weather variable and cool with occasional showers of rain.

Wednesday, September 13th, 1865

To day I am engaged in papering the dining room and finished it late in the evening. Hicks and John are both sick with the chills & fever. Weather cloudy & hot with occasional showers of rain.

Tuesday, September 12th, 1865

To day Capt. John Redman left in route for Swilley's place. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and I drove up town in the buggy and while there I paid Mr. Skinner $7.³⁰ for some bacon I had heretofore purchased from him. I also paid Mr. Richardson $5.⁶⁰ for some sugar & flour heretofore got from him. I also paid Mr. Bristley $4.⁵⁰ for some things the little woman had purchased from him. I also paid Clay Stone $6.⁴⁵ for 43 lbs of bacon purchased from him on the 30th ulto. The little woman purchased a very pretty calico dress for Roberta, which she is to send up [to Houston County] by the wagon. At night I drove out to the residence of Mrs. Branch in company with Miss Lelia Wrigley to attend a surprise party given there by the young gentlemen of Liberty. We had plenty of dancing and so far as I am individually concerned spent a very pleasant evening. In the evening I commenced papering my dining room. Weather variable and hot.

Monday, September 11th, 1865

To day I had the 4 bales of Cotton brought down on one of the wagons hauled down to the ware house where I sold the same to Col. Jim Wrigley at 16$ per pound, it weighed ? pounds. I drew upon it one hundred dollars. Capt. John Redman came over from Houston on the cars and stopped with me for the night. Weather variable and hot. 

Sunday, September 10th, 1865

To day I remained at home arranging my books & other things about the house. Hicks took Wolf off with him and carried him up town to wait upon that old she devil Louisa. Weather variable and hot.

Saturday, September 9th, 1865

To day I am at work in the garden. In the evening my wagons arrived from the mills [Houston County]. one of them was driven by Hicks & the other by John with 3 yoke of oxen attached to each wagon. They brought down some provisions, 22 chickens, 4 bales of cotton and a small lot of furniture, and have been on the road 10 days. They however brought every thing safe. Weather variable & hot with a shower of rain at night.

Friday, September 8th, 1865

To day I drove out to Rick's mill after some meal. Mr. Haggard & I drove out to Dr. ? but not finding the Doctor at home we did not tarry long. Ned is still at work in the garden and sewed turnip & raddish seed. Weather changeable with occasional showers of rain, and a hard rain at night, making it a little cool.

Thursday, September 7th, 1865

To day I worked a little in the garden and then drove up town in my buggy to mail a package of letters. The negro man Ned is still at work in the garden preparing the ground to sow turnip & other seed. Weather changeable with a light shower of rain.

Wednesday, September 6th, 1865

To day I am engaged in writing letters. The negro man Ned finished plowing up the garden. Conney is sick with chill and fever. Weather clear and hot.

Tuesday, September 5th, 1865

To day I employed the negro man Ned Smith & put him to work plowing up the garden in order to sow some turnip & raddish seeds. I worked a little around the house. My boil is still improving and I am now able to sit down a little. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town after some sugar. We received letters from the up Country, that is, from our relatives at the mills, in which they informed us that our wagons were on the eve of starting down and that we might soon expect them. Weather cloudy & hot with occasional showers of rain.

Monday, September 4th, 1865

To day I am a little better with my boil, and able to work a little. I finished pulling what corn was in the patch and opened the pasture for my horse, Rob. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] drove up town and purchased from Mr. Bristley one dollars worth of sugar on a credit. Col. Wrigley is still confined but improving slowly. Weather variable and hot, with a light rain at night.

Sunday, September 3rd, 1865

To day I remained in the house, being to sorely afflicted with the last boil to stir about or even sit down. Col. Jim Wrigley is still confined to his bed & is very severely salirated. Weather variable and hot.

Saturday, September 2nd, 1865

To day I drove up town in my buggy with Frank Hitchcock, who left on the train for Houston. I then came home and commenced pulling corn out of my little patch, in order to open a pasture. I got from Mr. Jackson 9 lbs of beef, and paid him up in full for all the beef I had heretofore purchased from him, which amounted to the sum of $7.²⁰. I am again afflicted with another boil on my posterior just opposite where the first one came. Weather clear and hot.

Friday, September 1st, 1865

To day I remained at home and worked a little in the garden. Fawn again missed the fever and I believe is now recovered from this present attack. Frank Hitchcock came over from Houston in company with Col. Jim Wrigley who is very sick & now confined to his bed. They both came over in the cars, Frank to see me in relation to cotton matters. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] paid Miss Jinnie Patillo in full for what chickens she had heretofore purchased from her. I am still afflicted with the itch. Weather clear and hot.

Thursday, August 31st, 1865

To day I finished clearing up the garden for the plow. I paid off and discharged the negro woman Ophelia having no use for such worthless free negroes. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] paid Miss Jinnie Patillo for some chickens she purchased from her. Fawn missed the fever. Weather variable & hot. Ther: 82°. Thus closes my notes for the month of August and as it closes the summer months I shall cease noting the state of the thermometer until next summer, should I be spared to live until that period.*






*Note . . . he will indeed survive for one more summer . . . but that summer of 1866 will be his last . . . I have now spent every single day with this man and his writings . . . since the 16th day of January in 2010 . . . I will miss our daily "visits" . . . 

Wednesday, August 30th, 1865

To day I drove down to Clay Stone's and got from him 4.5 lbs of bacon for which I am to pay him 15 cents per pound. I paid Mr. Jackson one dollar for some chickens I purchased from him on the 17th inst. Fawn had fever. Ophelia was sick all day. I worked a little in the garden preparing to sew some turnip seed. Weather cloudy & warm. Ther: 80°.

Tuesday, August 29th, 1865

To day the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] is engaged in planting out some eschalots in the garden. I drove up town after some bacon, but did not succeed in getting any. Fanny & Conney are both sick with the fever. Weather clear and hot. Ther: 92°.

Monday, August 28th, 1865

To day I drove up town in the buggy and purchased some garden seed. I also got some eschalots from Mrs. Lieut. Maury. Charley Lund came home with me and spent the day. Capt. Cameron & Mr. Trowell came over & spent the evening. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 88°.

Sunday, August 27th, 1865

To day I walked up to Charley Lund's and spent the forenoon with him. He sent the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] a nice present of some peaches. He also came down home with me and spent the evening. I am still afflicted with the itch, but the boil is getting better, tho not near so painful. Weather clear & pleasant, with a gentle wind blowing all day. Ther: 78°.

Saturday, August 26th, 1865

To day I worked a little in the garden, although I am still suffering with a boil & the itch. I drove up town and borrowed from Mr. Lund the sum of fifteen dollars. I also had a settlement with him for hauling some things up the Country for Mr. Green. In said settlement I paid him for the bacon, lard and soap heretofore purchased from him. I purchased from Mr. Bristley 5 lbs of candles for which I paid him the cash. I also paid him for the pound of candles I got from him on the 19th inst. The little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] purchased from Mr. Jackson 17 lbs of beef for which I still owe him. Weather variable with occasional showers of rain. Ther: 78°.