Wednesday, October 4th, 1865

To day I drove up town in my buggy and while there I purchased for the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] one hoop skirt @ 2½$ one belt @ 2$ ? lbs. cheese 80¢ 1 lb candy @ 50 cts. At night the little woman and I attended a dancing party given at the residence of Mr. A.B. Trowell. There was a large concourse of people in attendance and the amusements of the evening gave general satisfaction to all participating. In fact it was a brilliant affair, and reflected credit upon its projectors. Weather clear and pleasant.

Monday, December 21st, 1863

To day the boys are at work on the stables. I drove my horse (Rob) and buggy to Crockett and back. while there I left with L.E. Downes 15 pairs of russett brogans for him to sell for me. I purchased one gallon of whiskey for which I paid 80$ 1 oz. of the oil of Sassafras at 5¢ per oz. 1 lb. of candy at 3$. I record these prices for the benefit of those that come after me, in order that they may see some of the benefits that war brings upon the Country and people. Sam* [Samuel Houston Sharp] ground 9½ bushels of corn. Mother* [Mahala Sharp Hall nee Roberts] went home leaving the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] and babe [Josephine] all doing well. Weather changeable and cold, with indications of rain.

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