Saturday, 5th—Left Mr. Donohue’s with Dick Tainter and came down to Mr. Carr’s on the River, five miles above the mouth of Citico. Found them all gone up the River for North Carolina. Dick did not want to go to Blunt. We went across the River to Bright’s and found several men, Briscow of Company K among them. We staid all night.
Diary of Ephraim Shelby Dodd, Co. D of Terry’s Texas Rangers
Friday, 4th— Started for Motley Ford. Heard the Yanks were there and started for Carmichael’s. Came on five or six miles and met up with Dick Tainter of Scott’s Louisiana Regiment. Came on to C. and there divided; Sam Piper going to Mr. Shaw’s with me and T. Had not been there long till the other boys came on. We got, ready to start, and they refused and Sam piper with them. I and Tainter then left them and came on to Mr. Donohue’s and staid all night. I have never taken such a pirute before nor never will again.
Thursday, 3rd—I came over to the shop and had my horse shod, and I and Kirk came on to Carmichael’s. Found Pete Kendall there. The other Boys had gone. Met Bulger Peoples. Went on to Hawkins; found all the Boys there; staid all night.
Wednesday, 2nd—I and Kirk went to Cagle’s and got his horses. I paid 200 to boot. Met at Mc D’s. Four of us staid at Mr. Hunt’s.
Monday, 30th—Charley Pelham came down this morning and told the Yanks were upon us and to fall back to Mr. Upton’s. Kirk was pretty merry. Went down to Hawkins to get Sam Piper and Kirkland. We came up to Upton’s, met Maj. Stevens, took dinner and sent after whiskey. Upton called up his negroes and gave them some whiskey and commenced the preparation for the move. I staid with them until they started. Four of us went to Cunningham’s and staid all night.
Sunday, 29th—We went up the road two or three miles and found all the troopers leaving Blunt. We turned and came back to Mr. Norwood’s and took dinner and came cross the River to Mr. Curtis and staid all night.
Saturday, 28th—Started this morning on a scout through Blunt—Charley Mason, John Kelison, Jessy Kirkland. Met up with Charley Pelham and Sam Piper.
Kirkendol of Company G was with us. Found Steve Gallagher and Jim with Mr. Upton. Jim was wounded; Steve came on with us. We crossed the River at Niles Ferry and staid all night at Mr. Norwood’s.
Friday, 27th—Remained in Camp all day.
Wednesday, 2oth—Thursday, 26th—Went to a dance to-night. I only danced two sets. Dr. Bob was with me. Came back about one o’clock.
Tuesday, 24th—All quiet in Camp. Firing at Kingston, Wheeler and Wilder.
