Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 24.—News just came that Vicksburg is evacuated. Colonel Lowe sent word to have the guns fired and the flag raised.
Reminiscences of the Civil War, William and Adelia Lyon
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 22.—A large party of us went on board a gunboat. It was very interesting to see how they work the guns.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 21.—Colonel Lowe has gone away and left William in command of the post. I hope we will not have a scare.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 13.—Arrived at Fort Donelson early and had breakfast on the boat.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 12.—Had a great time last night. Had to change boats and took the Prairie Maid. Had several hours this morning and went into the city. Called on the Chief of Ordinance, Captain Townsend. Went back to the boat after strolling around all we wanted to, and started for Fort Donelson. Got to Clarksville and went into the city to the college, now used for a hospital.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 11.—Went up in town to trade and see the sights. Took dinner on the boat. After dinner had a carriage and drove all over the city. Went to the capitol and all over it. Saw President Polk’s residence and visited his grave. It is in his own garden, or dooryard, in front of the house. Saw the residences of Colonel McNara and Colonel Heiman. Mr. Hill’s garden has a fountain and gold fish. Saw the Confederate General Zollicoffer’s residence and John Bell’s. Went to the State Prison (a little out of town). Went back to the boat and could not get supper and had to go back to the city to a restaurant.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 10.—We sat on deck nearly all day to view the scenery, which is very picturesque. The gunboats shelled the bluffs. There are different places where they had cannon stationed, but they did not trouble us. We sat on the bow of the boat to watch the shells explode. We arrived at Nashville without seeing a rebel and very few contrabands. We got there just in time to go to church. Went to the Methodist Church and heard the minister preach Secesh principles.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 9.—A large party of us started for Nashville. William could not go, it is too bad. We went as far as Clarksville and stayed there all night. We took a long walk all over Clarksville. We went with quite a little fleet, two gunboats in front and one behind. There is danger of the rebels capturing the boats.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 8.—The cavalry brought in several prisoners. The Hinsons were amongst them.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
May 1.—Our pickets were fired into last night. One man was wounded and two were captured. When we feel the most safe we appear to be in the most danger.
