Diary of Ephraim Shelby Dodd, Co. D of Terry’s Texas Rangers

Thursday, 30th—Came up, I and Albright, to Brown’s Mill. Regimental wagons ordered to Sparta. Regiment on detached duty; spent night with Cousin James Hawkins.

Wednesday. 29th—Remained in Camp to-day; horses inspected. John R. left me to go to the command. Albright bunked with me to-night. I went up with him to Mr. Williams and got supper.

Tuesday, 28th—James Hawkins came up to-day to see me; staid all day with me. After he left, I and Frank McGuire went out to Mr. Bradley’s and got supper. I got some bread. We then went and got twenty bundles fodder apiece and came back to Camp.

Monday, 27th—Remained in Camp all morning; then started as John Rector had come in to see Cousin Jim Hawkins; found he had moved camp. I went up to Mr. Johnston’s and took dinner; saw Mr. Denton of Mike Salter’s Company there. Sent note up to Jimmy by one going up.

Sunday, 26th—Came on by Mr. England’s; stopped on Mountain at Mrs. Lowe’s and got some bread baked and duck cooked; took dinner and came on to Camp. Found the wagons camped near Yankeetown.

Saturday, 25th—Start at 3 o’clock for the wagons at Yankeetown. All horses unfit for duty sent there under Lieut. Gibson of 11th Texas. Regiment went to Rock Island. We came in fifteen miles of Sparta and camped. Men and lame horses straggled all along the road for miles. I and McFarlan bunked together.

Thursday, 23rd—Friday, 24th—Remain in camp this morning, all day nothing of interest.

Wednesday, 22nd—Rain ceased; bright and clear this morning. We came on to Alexandria. I spent the evening working with my mule’s feet. After supper I went over to Lodge to assist in conferring some side degrees. I took 1001; staid till 11 o’clock. Came back and went to bed. In a few minutes ordered to saddle up. Yanks coming down on us like thousand of brick from Liberty, Snow Hill and all around. We marched all night. I and Jack and Bill Kyle got together. Couldn’t keep up with Regiment. Stopped at daylight, got breakfast, fed horses and traveled on. Crossed river—nearly swimming. Came out three miles and camped.

Tuesday, 21st—I remained in town some two hours. Went over to Camp, moved my mule to where ‘twould be safe in case of a move and went down to Mrs. Jordon Stokes. I had a good long conversation with her. Got a paper from her and just as I was leaving Kyle came in. I loaned him the paper and went over to Cousin Mec’s to take dinner. Hank Sullivan came in after dinner. Fox Trammel and Jim Davis came for dinner. The Miss Thompsons, sisters, came in. I went into the parlor with Hank and was introduced to them. We then had some music. An hour or two passed rapidly. We took leave. I promised to call again in the evening. I went over to Mrs. Stokes and after making addition left a letter which she kindly promised to send to Nashville and mail for my Father. I got some more papers. She and Mrs. Muirhead, her mother, tried to make a proselyte of me to Lincolnism or Unionism, as they would term it. Commenced raining. We left soon after I got back; came out near Cherry Valley and camped. I was on picket; the Reserve in a barn; the Videttes in a blacksmith shop; a good time of it.