Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, June 1, 1863.—The Ewing went down this morning. We are trying George Hinson as a spy. I sent out a cavalry scout and Companies H and G, Captains Noyes and Randall, this morning down the river a few miles. I had heard that old Hinson was there with a party of guerillas. I was not sure, but it was my duty to find out the facts. Company F has been to Clarksville guarding a fleet and has just returned. We have not had a boat from below for three days.
Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, May 31, 1863.—The officers are with me considerable to prevent my getting lonesome. It is one of these beautiful mellow moonlight evenings so peculiar to this climate.
I have given a number of negroes passes to go down on the Ewing.
Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, May 30, 1863.—The expedition from Waverly has just returned. They bring a report from Waverly that it was seen on fire yesterday—accidental, of course. It has been a pestiferous nest of traitors always and ought to be wiped out.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 30, 1863.—Arrived home safely.
Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, May 29, 1863.—The Ewing has finally got here and will go down about Sunday. We get rumors of disaster to Grant at Vicksburg, but refuse to believe it yet. I learn that some of the troops at Fort Heiman have been ordered down there. If we were in that department now we should probably be sent, too. We may be as it is. They have had bloody work down there, and I tremble for the old Eighth where I have so many good friends. We get reports that Bragg’s army has disappeared from Rosecrans’ front, but know nothing definite.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 29.—We took the cars for Chicago. When out a few miles I wished Rachel to come into our car. They would not let her at first, but I spoke to the conductor, and he said if she belonged to me she might come into our car. I told him that she belonged to me as much as one human being could belong to another, any way I was taking her home with me. He went into the other car for her and found two men claiming her, who were going to take her off at the next stopping place. She denied ever having seen them before, but they insisted that she belonged to one of them and that he should take her off; but I stopped them by saying that she belonged to me, and I suppose that I looked black enough to be a Southern woman; so they let her alone and I took her into the ladies’ car. She was going to one of the Chicago suburbs, and when we got to the junction she bade us good bye. The train stood by the side of the one she was going to take, but a little while after we started the conductor brought her back to us. She had gone down a few cars and got on again. We had a good laugh with her, but she was out of danger now and could go back at any time.
Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, May 28, 1863.—An expedition of cavalry has gone towards Waverley. Colonel Lowe left this morning for Murfreesboro. Our officers returned from there the morning after you left. General Rosecrans asked the Major whether when the fortifications are done some of these troops could not be spared to go to Clarkesville.
Colonel Lyons.
Donelson, May 27, 1863—Our Court is still running. I have attended very faithfully to every duty that would keep me away from the house. It is so lonesome here! Colonel Chapman acts worse than I do, but I know he doesn’t feel any worse. I organized our mess and commenced today at dinner with the Adjutant and Quartermaster. General Harding arrived this evening from the front, on his way to Illinois. He has an indefinite leave of absence, and if ordered back will probably resign.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 27.—Mr. Stanton came to our quarters before daylight and said that the boat had come and would wait an hour. I got ready and we walked over to the landing and took the boat Sunny Side. We have parted with our husbands—perhaps to meet no more on earth. It was a sad parting, but we will hope for the best. God is good, and in His infinite mercy He doeth all things right.
Arrived at Smithland about two o’clock. Mrs. Chapman left us here. We were sorry to part with her. We realized here that we had forgotten Rachel and had to go back to camp after her. She had found out that the boat had arrived and was all ready. [Rachel was a colored woman that I had promised to take to Chicago with me.] We changed boats at Smithland. Some of the party took a Government boat in the night, but we preferred to wait for the packet. We were late and the boat left us.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 25.—All the forces in camp had a grand review. It was an inspiring sight.
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