Monday, April 8th, 1861

To day the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and myself made titles for the negroes sold & named on yesterday. The Steamer Alamo passed down ladened with 900 bales of cotton. The river still rising and in fine boating condition. weather clear but rather warm.

Sunday, April 7th, 1861

To day the steamer Ruthven arrived, and James Wrigley returned home from Galveston. The river rose 7 feet plumb water and the steamer Col. Stell started for the upper river with a large freight. I sold Melinda, Laura and Elisha for $1700. these negroes were the property of the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and I am indebted to her for the amt. of purchase money. I having ? it. I was busily engaged in writing up our correspondence. weather clear & warm.

Friday, June 8th, 1860

To day I went to Hall's Bluff for a keg of printers ink and sent it to town to Hepperla. I went to see Sam Sharp, who is still improving. I also sent Melinda to the place. The hands still at work in the cotton. weather changable & warm.

The Crockett Argus was established in 1860 by J. M. Hall and J. C. Hepperla and for a time edited by Preston Hay, one of the most finished writers ever in the State; truly was Hay a genial, whole-souled gentleman. After Hall committed a homicide at Crockett he left the paper. Hepperla was killed during the War. The Argus was published only in 1860 and 1861. . . . from History of the Texas Press Association by Ferdinand B Baillio.