Mrs. Lyon’s Diary.
Huntsville, March 21, 1865.—We arrived here safely, notwithstanding all the dangers we have escaped. Whenever we would get sleepy, some of the officers would tell of some escape or of the trains being fired into. Ours was a wild train and would not be expected; therefore the General thought it was in no danger of being fired into. When we reached here a beautiful barouche met them at the cars. The General kindly invited me to ride with them, and Minerva rode with the driver. He took the ladies to the hotel and then took us to William’s headquarters. I went in and found Mrs. Moulton. William had gone down town.
We reached here about nine o’clock in the morning. They did not expect William back until dinner, so I had a good rest before he got here. When he got back he came up to the room, not expecting to see any one, and was very much surprised to find me here. The first thing he said was, “I have just written for you not to come here. We are ordered away and go in a day or two.” But he forgave me, however, for coming. Mrs. Moulton said she would not have been more pleased to see her own sister than to see me.
Jerry also had a great surprise. Mrs. Moulton sent him for something into another room where Minerva was sitting. We were on hand to hear what he would say, and when he saw her he stood perfectly still with his mouth wide open and his big eyes bunged out, staring at her. She said, “Why, Jerry! Ain’t you glad to see me?” He said, “Sartain, sure, I thought it was your ghost until you spoke.”