July 31 [1862]
I wanted to go to see Mrs. Hairston today, but the rain prevented me. I have many little trials, sorrows and temptations, but I find it is good to trust in God, for in every trouble he has been with me, to comfort and bless me, it is my business to serve my family and prepare to meet God, when he comes to judge the world. The Lord has been good to me and my children, I have two sons in the army, they have been blessed with health, and kept alive by God. I cannot hear from my daughter as the enemy have possession of that Country, but I have faith to believe that God will save her life, her husband, children and Indiana too, I commit then into the hands of my Saviour, I constantly pray for them.
Source: Mary Jeffreys Bethell Diary, 1853-1873. #1737-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/bethell/menu.html
