Monday, January 7th, 1861

To day I rode up to the mill to see John Harwell and found him getting on pretty well. In the evening I returned to Mothers [Mahala* Sharp Hall nee Roberts], where the little woman [Margaret Hall Stewart nee Sharp] has been staying during my absence. weather changable & cold.

*This Mahala is a 3rd great-grandma to the Keeper of this family history blog.

Sunday, January 6th, 1861

To day I rode 36 miles, and arrived home where I found all the loved ones well. In this day's ride I became altogether used up from the severe pain still in my back, which rendered me almost helpless. expenses $1. weather cloudy, warm with drizzling rain the whole day.

Saturday, January 5th, 1861

To day I left Livingston and rode 34 miles in great pain from my back and stoped for the night with Mr. McGee. expenses of the day $1.50. weather clear & rather warm.

Friday, January 4th, 1861

To day I rode 33 miles over a very bad road. arrived at Livingston where I put up with Judge Andress for the night. still suffering from a severe pain in the back. expenses of day $2.25. weather changable and cold.

Thursday, January 3rd, 1861

This morning I mounted my celebrated horse Hawk, and bid adieu to all at Liberty, then started to see the loved ones at home [Houston County]. after riding 23 miles in great pain over bad roads I stoped at Grand Cane for the night. expenses $1.50. weather cloudy & extremely cold with a hard freeze at night.

Wednesday, January 2nd, 1861

This morning we arrived in Liberty and found all well. I remained in Liberty all day packing up my things preparing for my start up the Country [to Houston County]. weather clear & cold.

Tuesday, January 1st, 1861

To day I am still in Galveston, and adjusted my matters of dispute with Nelson Clements. I left Galveston at 3.P.M. on the steamer Ruthven bound for Liberty in company with James Wrigley and had a very pleasant passage. expenses while at Galveston $20. weather clear & cold.