Thursday, August 17th, 1865

To day the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] missed her fever, but she has a very sore mouth, so has Florence. Conney missed her fever. I purchased from Mr. Jackson 14 lbs of beef and 5 chickens all on a credit. The Yankee troops which had been stationed here all left on the cars in route for Houston, and I sincerely hope no more will be stationed here. I spent the most of the day down at the ware house. Weather variable and hot. Ther: 96°.

Monday, July 17th, 1865

To day the Yankees reduced this point (Liberty) into possession and established head quarters at the Court house. they also opened a Provost Marshal's office to enforce the amnesty oath down the throats of the Southern people. Mr. Perkins came over from Houston on the train. I drove up town in my buggy to see the grand display of the infernal yankee troops. Weather variable and hot with a shower of rain. Ther: 92°.

Thursday, June 8th, 1865

To day the Steamer Ruthven arrived from Galveston with Wrigley & Doland on board. they confirm the news that the Yankees has taken the Island into possession. I went hunting with Capt. Harrison but with poor success. I am still at Booths'. Nothing as yet from home. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 91°.

Wednesday, June 7th, 1865

To day the train arrived from Houston with the news that the yankee troops had reduced Galveston island into formal possession and were treating the Galvestonians with marked respect. I don't know how long this treatment will last. I am still at Booth's. Weather clear & hot. Ther: 90°.

Friday, January 15th, 1864

To day the boys are still at work on the stables. In the evening while Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] & I were running the mills a file of soldiers rode up and arrested us and forthwith shut up my mills and marched us off to Crockett like common felons. when we reached Crockett we were imprisoned in the Court house and a guard mounted over us. We were not allowed any fire or food, neither were we permitted to converse with any person. So we were kept without any charge against us but upon mere suspicion that we were liable to conscription. So much for our boasted rights as Southern gentlemen and for the causes which led us to sever our connection with the old government. Had I been thus treated by the Yankees I could have borne it all without complaint for I could not have expected any thing else, but coming from those who ought to be our guardians instead of our oppressors comes exceedingly hard, and not well calculated to make good and true soldiers to the Confederacy. I predict that it is but the beginning of the reign of Military despotism and will brake down our once happy land of freedom. I was again discharged late in the night but how long before I am again arrested God only knows. Sam however was kept in close confinement all night. Weather clear & cold.

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

Friday, October 17th, 1862

To day we left our camp at Partlows and drove 15 miles and arrived at Liberty where I found all my friends and acquaintances well, but business perfectly dead. The Yankees in possession of Galveston and Capt. Black's Cavalry Company stationed at Liberty to guard and protect the Rail Road bridge over the Trinity River. expenses of the day $1.50. weather clear & cool.

Friday, August 2nd, 1861

To day the Steamer Ruthven arrived from Galveston with Capt McKeen's company in route for Virginia they making a fine appearance and being determined to do the Yankees all the damage possible. Mr. Bolling went out in the cars with said Company. Frank Stewart arrived from the Mill, with the little wagon & mules bringing several articles and he looking very well from the trip. But little doing in the way of business. weather clear & hot. Ther: at 91°.

Saturday, March 10th, 1860

To day we commenced to plant corn in the old ground with two plows running. In the evening Sam* Sharp & John Wootters came out from Crockett; Weather clear but cold. I paid Bill Hicks in cash $1. on a/c of rails.

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

 

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YAZOO DEMOCRAT [Yazoo City, MS], March 10, 1860, p. 3, c. 1. Our neighbor grows eloquent and witty over a grape vine chair, and talks also of "grape vine committees." She thinks that grape vines are better adapted for the manufacture of chairs and wicker work than for hanging Yankees with. She also hopes that because she happened to be born in the "good old Dutch city of Albany," she may not be made a victim of the "Grape Vine Committee." We have always had our opinion of Yankees, for our own part, and that is, that as long as they behave themselves they are as good as white people, and consequently, we are decidedly opposed to hanging innocent Yankees on grape vines.