Poor, poor soldiers, how they must suffer, many of them barefoot and I fear otherwise thinly clad. #cw150

January 2^nd [1864]

Is the coldest day we have had this season. Poor, poor soldiers, how they must suffer, many of them barefoot and I fear otherwise thinly clad.

Source: Myrtle C. King, Anna Long Thomas Fuller’s Journal, 1856-1890: A Civil War Diary. (Alpharetta, Georgia: Priority Publishing, Inc., 1999)

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We are yet in the midst of war, of which history gives no record more cruel and savage. #cw150

January 1, 1864

At the close of the first day of the New Year, I am seated in our chamber, my husband beside me reading. Our children and Sister M have returned to their places of rest. We are in good health and surrounded by many blessings. We are all here, not one missing. How different with thousands of others in this land, who witnessed the dawn of this morning with hearts bursting with grief for the loss of dear ones killed in battle or languished and died in hospitals far away from home and friends. We are yet in the midst of war, of which history gives no record more cruel and savage. Almost three years have passed since its commencement, and yet no prospect of peace. Indeed, the gloom seems to darken and grow more threatening, for all our men from eighteen to fifty are now called and even the boys of sixteen are to hold themselves in readiness.

How long my little home circle is to remain unbroken I cannot tell, for husband and child are both threatened. My only trust is in the strong arm of Jehovah, that He will turn the tide of battle in our favor and save us from the foe [before] our country is ruined and despoiled of all its hope and promise. He alone can do it. People are much depressed. The high price of provisions is alarming. Pork is selling at $2 per pound, corn at $50 and flour $75 and $80, and everything else in proportion. Clothing, too, is enormously high. Calico is from $7 to $10 per yard and homespun $10 and $25.

Source: Myrtle C. King, Anna Long Thomas Fuller’s Journal, 1856-1890: A Civil War Diary. (Alpharetta, Georgia: Priority Publishing, Inc., 1999)

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There is a revival going on in the Methodist Church. #civilwar150

September 2^nd 1863

There is a revival going on in the Methodist Church. Tonight our dear little Annie is at the altar, as a penitent. She feels that the Heavenly Father has heard her prayers and answered them to the comfort of her little heart. She is so pure and good that she had but little to sorrow for, expect the natural despair of the heart.

Source: Myrtle C. King, Anna Long Thomas Fuller’s Journal, 1856-1890: A Civil War Diary. (Alpharetta, Georgia: Priority Publishing, Inc., 1999)

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Robert Shaw died this morning about 6 o’clock. I was with his mother and sister nearly all last night. #cw150

September 1 1863

Robert Shaw died this morning about 6 o’clock. I was with his mother and sister nearly all last night. They are deeply afflicted, for he was a fondly cherished son and brother. He was sick three weeks, but not considered dangerously so until about a week before his decease. Death came at an unexpected hour to him. I’ve no doubt, though they told me, he showed no alarm when the announcement was made to him that he must die. His mother has strong hope in his death.

Source: Myrtle C. King, Anna Long Thomas Fuller’s Journal, 1856-1890: A Civil War Diary. (Alpharetta, Georgia: Priority Publishing, Inc., 1999)

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he great battle of Gettysburg was fought. Our loss was very heavy. It casts its shadow over many homes in our community. #cw150

July 4^th [1863]

Vicksburg has fallen. It was surrendered because of the want of provisions. Gen. Pemberton was in command. On the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, the great battle of Gettysburg was fought. Our loss was very heavy. It casts its shadow over many homes in our community. Much anxiety is felt about our fellow townsman, Capt. Joe Davis. He is missing and his friends know not his fate. They think he is a prisoner. I feel much for his wife and sister. I visited one of the wounded yesterday, Mr. Dudley Tunstall.  He was shot in the thigh badly. He showed me the minie ball which was extracted. He seemed cheerful.

Source: Myrtle C. King, Anna Long Thomas Fuller’s Journal, 1856-1890: A Civil War Diary. (Alpharetta, Georgia: Priority Publishing, Inc., 1999)

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I have just read a letter from Estelle announcing the death of my dear friend Anna Butts. She was the dearest friend of my girlhood. #cw150

June 17^th [1863]

I have just read a letter from Estelle announcing the death of my dear friend Anna Butts. She was the dearest friend of my girlhood. Perhaps no two were ever more united. We each married and settled in different states, and have seldom met; but I have ever cherished for her the kindest and tenderest love and believe she felt the same for me. She leaves an only child, a boy 13 or 14 years of age. Oh Lord, wilt thou take care of him, keep him in the paths of virtue and rectitude, and in the hour of temptation, I pray thee be thou very near to him.

My friend was stricken with paralysis while walking in her garden. She spoke once and then her lips were sealed forever in this world. She lived about a week. I trust I will meet her in heaven.

Source: Myrtle C. King, Anna Long Thomas Fuller’s Journal, 1856-1890: A Civil War Diary. (Alpharetta, Georgia: Priority Publishing, Inc., 1999)

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Commenced using candles which I molded in April. Quite a new business to me…

May 1863

General T.J. Jackson was wounded by his own men at the battle of Chancellorsville. He took cold after receiving the wound and died on the 10^th of pneumonia. His place will be hard to fill. This is a dark and gloomy time for our beloved Confederacy. My trust is in God, who works and none can hinder.

June 1^st 1863

Commenced using candles which I molded in April. Quite a new business to me, for before the introduction of kerosene and war, we depended on the North for our candles. But now, how changed! We make our own lights, and very nice ones too; wear our own homemade clothes, and even sprung the thought of ever again using anything from Yankee land. We are all anxious to hear from Vicksburg; hope today’s mail will bring the tidings that she still stands unconquered. For nearly two weeks the enemy has been trying to take it but without success.

How thankful I feel that our dear brother has made his escape with his wife and daughter from Nashville, Tenn., where they have been for many months, suffering many indignities and hardships under the tyrannical rule of the Yankees. I fear they were compelled leave behind the body of the darling little Nellie who died in that city last autumn. He writes us that he was in the penitentiary a month on suspicion of giving “aid and comfort to the Rebels.” I hope to see him in a short time, when he can tell us all about it.

Source: Myrtle C. King, Anna Long Thomas Fuller’s Journal, 1856-1890: A Civil War Diary. (Alpharetta, Georgia: Priority Publishing, Inc., 1999)

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