Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
March 6, 1863.—Raining, and no boat. I decided to go to Fort Donelson. We got there near dark, tired almost to death. Found Minerva quite sick. All the ladies came here and we got supper for them, two ambulance loads. William came out to help the ladies out. I came out first and he was so glad to see me that he took me into the house and forgot what he went out for, but was excused. They laughed at him and joked him. He had secured a large room in a large house for headquarters. We will try living in a house for awhile.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
March 5, 1863.—Stayed with Mrs. Hewitt all night. We hardly slept a bit. We were afraid of guerillas. There were strange men all through the camp in the day time. We were afraid they might come again at night. There is but a small guard left here to protect us. No boat yet.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
March 4, 1863.—The regiment has just received orders to march to Fort Donelson and leave at once. I expect we women will have to go home.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
March 3, 1863.—William was telegraphing with General Rosecrans until ten o’clock respecting Van Dorn. We are threatened with an attack. We are getting quite used to this now.
From Colonel Lyon’s Letters.
Feb. 28, 1863.—The water is very high, and rising about one foot in 24 hours. It is at least 30 feet above its ordinary height last fall. We have built a bridge of logs over the ravine (see map), as the water rose, and I think it must be 15 feet high and 20 to 25 rods long. The logs are laid up crib fashion, with plank on top. A rise of four feet more will cover the ridge nearest the river and drive our troops out of the fort. A rise of five or six feet will let steamers run up to our camp. They could come up now through the ravine were it not for the trees.
The weather is delightful, just like your most pleasant May. This is a great country for frogs. They keep up a terrible clatter every night.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
Feb. 27, 1863.—Went with the ladies to the photographer’s. Took a long walk on the new bridge and to the sutler’s. Mrs. Warren treated us to some apples, being the only lady that had any money. Nearly pay day.
Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
Feb. 22, 1863.—Another scare. There is a large rebel force at Waverley. The boys in the hospital are all better, except one poor Norwegian, who is dying of homesickness. I tried to encourage him, but it was of no use, he is so despondent.
From Colonel Lyon’s Letters.
Feb. 20, 1863.—Night before last I had information leading me to believe that an attack here was quite probable, and as a measure of precaution I had all the women pack their trunks and get ready to ‘vamose the ranch,’ at double quick if necessary. We were up most of the night. We were misled by the telegraph operator at Fort Donelson. In the morning all was explained and we resumed our usual equanimity. Colonel Lowe is absent, and the whole responsibility in case of an attack here is on me.
A very heavy wind last evening made our tent and Adelia’s nerves shake considerable, but I made everything right by holding down the tent pole.
From Colonel Lyon’s Letters.
Fort Henry, Feb. 13, 1863.—No excitement here now about an attack, yet we may have a fight in a week. These matters are all uncertain. Secesh comes like a thief in the night. We are always ready.
From Colonel Lyon’s Letters.
Feb. 9, 1863.—There is a report that Van Dorn is advancing upon us from the southwest with a large force, which may be true. Many of the rebel army are in a starving condition. It was for that reason they were so anxious to get in here.
The weather is very warm, with lots of mud. We are doing some work on fortifications and giving the rebels some chance to do us a good turn if they choose to give us a call. If we are attacked here at any time we shall put the women on a steamer and send them a few miles down the river.
