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.

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.

Friday, March 24th, 1865

To day John is at work in the point field. Billy Stewart left for Crockett. I loaned him my compass & "Flint's" work on surveying. Hicks ground 9 bushels of wheat & 26 bushels of corn & 3 bushels of rye. Weather clear.

Saturday, July 5th, 1862

To day I remained at the river, and went to see Mr. John Brodhead dive in his diving suit in order to try and raise the Steamer Alice, which has been sunk in the river over one year. Bill is still busy in making an axle tree for my little wagon. The other boys are engaged in resetting potatoe slips. Charley Lund still at work on the books, and Sam engaged in assessing & collecting. weather changeable with hard showers of rain throughout the entire day. Ther. 94°.

Friday, July 4th, 1862

To day I am busy in the office. Charley Lund commenced to post up our commercial books. Bill is engaged in making an axle tree for my little wagon, which was broken down on yesterday. Jack McKim is busy with his wagon in hauling the lumber from the cars to the wharf under my contract. The Steamer Ruthven arrived from and departed for Galveston having brought no freight. weather cloudy with occasional showers & a pretty good rain at night. Ther: 98°.

Friday, June 20th, 1862

To day Sam H Sharp having received his commission as assessor & Collector of Liberty County, I am busily engaged in arranging his tax books in order to facilitate him in his collections. Boys at work on the fence. I am getting on pretty well as a batchelor. weather clear & hot. Ther: 94°.