Friday, November 22nd, 1861

To day the Steamer Ruthven arrived from Galveston, bringing but little freight. James McDonald* left for home. The hands are getting along very well with shingling my new house. at night I had to turn out as a patrol and while out a severe norther came out with a torrent of rain. after the rain subsided there was a severe frost at night & very cold.

*Nephew of Mahala. He was killed in Arkansas during the war between the states.

Wednesday, November 20th, 1861

To day I left Houston on the cars and arrived home safe and sound. The Steamer Ruthven arrived from Galveston with James McDonald* on board. Business very dull. weather cloudy with occasional showers of rain.

*Nephew of Mahala. He was killed in Arkansas during the war between the states.

Saturday, August 31st, 1861

To day I felt some better and went up to the mill. John Harwell & Father [Joshua James Hall] went to Crockett. Mrs. Bird spent the day at Fathers and in the evening James McDonald* & Charley Hall came out to spend the night. weather cloudy with occasional showers & very hot.

*Nephew of Mahala. He was killed in Arkansas during the war between the states.

Tuesday, January 29th, 1861

To day Father [Joshua James Hall] & Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] arrived home from their visit to Mrs. McDonalds [probably Margaret, Mahala's youngest sister]. Ellen came up in the cart and carried Roberta [Hall] & Toby [Hall] home. Bill got 2 yoke of oxen and hauled one load of wood. John is engaged in framing the upper story on the mill house. Mrs. Bird came and remained for dinner. she returned home in the evening. weather clear & warm. in fact it is a beautiful day.

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

Tuesday, January 22nd, 1861

To day Father [Joshua James Hall] & Mother [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts] passed through Crockett on a visit to Mrs. McDonalds [probably Margaret MacDonald nee Roberts]. I took dinner in their company at Mr. Downes' and in the evening returned home from Crockett. found the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] & Florence still down at Mothers, to which place I went to see them and remained there all night with them. weather changable and cool.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog. Margaret MacDonald is her youngest sister.