Wednesday,11th—Sent to Headquarters to draw ammunition as A. O. S. Gen’l Wharton had a ball to-night.
Diary of Ephraim Shelby Dodd, Co. D of Terry’s Texas Rangers
Tuesday, 10th—Remained in Camp.
Monday, 9th—Moved up in five miles of Town.
Saturday, 7th—Sunday, 8th—Came up to Columbia pike, ten miles from town. Once more in pretty country. Camped in woodland blue grass pasture.
Friday, 6th—Came to Vernon and camped. I went out and got some fodder and made beds, but did not get to enjoy it long. Bout 1 o’clock started and came to Duck River, built fires of the fence on river bank. Our squadron sent on scout eight miles, got back just after day. Found them swimming the horses and taking the rigging over in a boat flat. We were then sent on picket. A ford was found and the Brigade crossed over. Camped one mile from the river. Crossed near Centerville.
Thursday, 5th—Boys had grand snowball. Gave Col. Harrison a taste. Came up Columbia road, twenty miles, to little village of Wharton, took up quarters. We went up creek three miles and back close to Headquarters and camped in road, making fires of the fence. I got fodder and we spread it on the snow and blankets on fodder; slept comfortably.
Wednesday, 4th—Came back to Ventress’s on Creek. Snowed to-night—awful time.
Tuesday, 3rd.—Started before day for Fort Donelson. Had to walk to keep from freezing. Got to the Fort about three hours by sun. Our Regiment sent on Fort H. road to prevent reinforcements from coming to D. Reached our position and the fight commenced and continued till dark. We cut the telegraph at all points, fight resulted in capture of about 100 prisoners, 50 negroes and same number of horses, one twelve-pound brass rifled cannon. Gun Boats came up after dark and commenced shelling and we had to get. Came back to the Forge, two and a half miles, and camped.
Monday, 2nd—Froze up and snowed to-day and night.
Sunday, 1st February—Rained all day, came within four miles of Charlotte. A very poor country. I and Reuben Slaughter went out and staid all night with Mrs. Hood. Her husband had been conscripted. She boiled a ham, baked some pies, filled our haversacks and started us on our way rejoicing. Came down to Mr. Ventress.
