Tuesday, February 7th, 1865

To day we are all at work on the mill levee. The creek is now falling and the levee is secure from further danger. Nellie* [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] came up but did not remain long. Weather clear & cold with a frost & freeze at night.

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

Monday, February 6th, 1865

To day my boy Bill came up from the boat yard on a visit. The mill levee gave way in part and required the labor of all hands to save it. Weather cloudy and cold. Billy Stewart returned to Crockett.

Sunday, February 5th, 1865

To day Billy Stewart and I drove down to Mothers [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and remained for dinner. I purchased from him negro woman America & her child Claudine for which I paid him ten bales of cotton. The creek is still very high. The levee is still in great danger and Hicks was compelled to run the mill and ground 15 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy and very cold. 

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

Saturday, February 4th, 1865

To day Billy Stewart came out from Crockett and remained all night. It rained all day and all night raising the Elkhart creek higher than ever known. The mill levee commenced giving way and God only knows whether we will be able to save it. The wind hauled around to the north & it became cold.

Friday, February 3rd, 1865

To day John is still at work in the garden. Sam* Sharp [Samuel Houston Sharp] left for his command. Hicks ground 12 bushels of corn. Billy Stewart's wagon came out from Crockett and brought the negro woman America & her child Claudine out and left them with me. Weather clear & rather hot for the season.

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

Thursday, February 2nd, 1865

To day John worked a little in the garden. Hicks ground 10 bushels of corn. Weather cloudy and rather cool.

Wednesday, February 1st, 1865

To day Mr. John Burrows & E.P. Baugh the guard who have been for some time stationed at the mill were relieved and Thomas Hill & Edward Graham were mounted in their place. The boys done nothing in consequence of the rain. It still continues to rain and the Elkhart creek is looming high. I am fearful the mill levee will not be able to stand the pressure now against it. Weather warm.