Sunday, November 29th, 1863

To day I rode down to Mothers [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] with the boys and while there I marked and branded two calves in the same mark and brand as heretofore noted. I remained at Mothers for dinner, after which she came up home with me to see Fawn [Florence Mahala Hall], whose arm is still improving. Weather clear and very cold with a hard freeze at night being thus far the coldest of the season. 

Monday, November 23rd, 1863

To day the boys are still at work in the woods splitting boards. John is at work hauling wood. Mr. Cox's wagon left with one of the signs. Sam [Samuel Houston Sharp] ground 24 bushels of corn. Nellie [Mary Alexandrien Sharp nee Lemaire] drove Rob and the buggy down to Mothers [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] and there spent the day. Mother sent me by Nellie a new pair of pants for which I am thankful. Sam killed two nice ducks. I marked and branded eleven calves, the mark being a crop and two splits in the right ear and a swallow fork in the left ear, and branded them Æ A&E united. weather cloudy and cold, with indications of rain.

Saturday, September 8th, 1863

To day the boys are still at work putting up the Cotton house. Clara & Carroll are still very sick. Pet [Florence Mahala Hall] missed the fever & is now up. I purchased from Mr. Joseph Thompson three beef steers that are now bogged down in the mill pond. they are branded with C.S.A. and with other brands not now recollected. weather clear and hot. Sam [Samuel Houston Sharp] ground 3 bushels of corn.