Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 1 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[March] 1858 [1]

Mon. [March] 1st. Started from home for Texas this morning & arrived at Marion, Va. & put up at the Liberty Hotel kept by Col. . C. Parks, where travelers are cared for and made easy while they stay. Uncle Eli Young and G. W. Baker are my traveling companions. The wind [and] snow blew to some extent all day, & it was cold in the morning. Walked from home—distance 25 m[ile]s. Am considerably fatigued tonight. We expect to take the train in the morning.

Tues. [March] 2nd. Started from Marion and came to Glade Springs. 18 miles—fair [sic] 65 cts. We stopped at W. B. Dickenson's. It snowed all day & was very cold in the evening. We were kindly treated by Mr. D. and his estimable lady which made us feel at home.

Wed. [March] 3rd. Started from Dickenson’s about 7A.M. came to the depot and stayed until about 11 o'clock when the cars came on and we paid our fair to Bristol. $1.15 each and arrived there a few minutes after 12P.M. We changed cars there and paid our fair to the western terminus of the road— distance 51 miles fair $2.50. We then walked to Greenville 6 m[iles] and put up with John Maloney—a very fine appearing gentleman. We were highly entertained by his accomplished daughters at the piano—on various pieces of music. They are very pretty & one of them gave me a pretty hard banter to take her to Texas. I am very much smitten with their appearance & think I shall look at them a little more in the morning.

Thurs. [March] 4th. Bill $1.25. Started early and walked to Bulls Gap. 18 miles by past 2P.M. & are lodged with Thos Jackson a very fine gentleman. The roads are awfully bad the worst I ever saw I think.

Fri. [March] 5th. Bill 62 ½ cts each. Took the cars at Bulls Gap at 7AM & arrived at Knoxville 10 ½ AM a distance 56 m[ile]s. fair $2.50. At 11 AM started from Knoxville & arrived at Dalton Ga [sic] at 5 P.M. 110 m[ile]s fair $5. left Dalton at 6 P.M[..]

[2] March 1858

& arrived at Chattanooga at 9 P.M. Distance 38 m[ile]s fair $1.50. The mercury this morning stood at 16 [degree symbol] above 0. After we got below Knoxville we found a perceivable change in the atmosphere. The people were sowing oats & flowing generally. When we got to Dalton we found a great change - all was warm and pleasant. What a change in so short a time! Left Chattanooga about 10 P.M. Here we bought a through ticket to Memphis. Distance 309 m[ile]s. fair $11.50. Changed cars at Stephenson - 38 m[ile]s from Ch’n [sic]. and got on the regular Memphis train. Arrived at Decator Ala about 7 A.M. of the 6th where we took breakfast. Bill 50 cts.

Sat. [March] 6th. We progressed finely, passing several small villages, among them Tuscumba in Ala. Just below this village I saw twenty three mules drawing as many plows drove by negroes of both sexes. Below this place the cars ran over a mule and tore it to pieces. Arrived at Memphis at 6 P.M. got on the "buss" & were driven to the Wharf Boat Hotel where we stayed but a short time and paid $1 each without eating anything. When we first got to Memphis we found a boat ready to start to N. Orleans. They asked $20. We did not go on here. In a short time the "Red Rover" came along and took us on to Orleans for $12 each. So we in a great hurry deposited our baggage on her about 10 P.M. and now she is plying down the river in fine speed and we are surrounded by crowds of "Black legs" busily engaging in their unbecoming avocation.

Sun. [March] 7th. After a refreshing night's sleep we were aroused from our bunks by the breakfast bell, and looking out we found ourselves far down the "Father of the Waters". Our noble boat moved bravely on[..]

[March 1858] [3] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 2 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

presenting new scenes to us at every turn in the River. She stopped at a small village called "Napolien" at the mouth of the Arkansas river. Here we met our first boat. It was a grand sight to me to see the huge mass carrying so large an amount of freight and so many passengers. After getting a little used to the boat my curiosity knew no bounds. So I went from our part of it to another in order to learn all about her loading freight &c. I first went up on the Hurricane deck where I was surprised to find about 2000 turkeys and chickens. They were in low coops, with slats nailed across the top to prevent them from getting out. Their food was placed on the top of these slats and they would put their heads up between them and eat the dough off the slats. Various other things attracted my attention on the top. But I was soon down on the lower deck where I found something over 200 head of fat cattle destined to N. O. besides mules, horses and thousands of other freight that I could form no estimate of the amount. I also noticed the chance for "Deck" passengers and found the room to be miserably filthy; and the stove was surrounded by mean, nasty, filthy, saucy, impudent Irish hands, who appeared to have more the propensities of brutes than human beings; for as I was passing by one of them took deliberate aim at me and attempted to spit at me. On the cabin floor there was a considerable amount of freight and passengers a goodly number of whom are social, intelligent, and gentlemanly appearing men. The day was cloudy and dark to some extent and the wind blew cold[..]

[4] March 1858 the most of the day and at night it was so dark that we came very near running into some other boats. In fact, the probability of such an accident was so great that about 10 o'clock our boat landed and tied up till about the break of day.

Mon. [March] 8th. At light we were making fine headway down the river. We have already passed several steamers and just a few minutes ago I saw a fine peach orchard on the Arkansas side in full bloom; but it is cold here and the wind snow is blowing to some extent. Since writing the above the weather has changed materially and is getting tollerably [sic] warm. I have been up in the pilot's room this evening and have passed some of the finest farms I ever saw in my life. I have seen thousands of peach trees in full bloom, fine grass, and some corn and sugar cane growing this evening. Just before sun down we landed at Vicksburg Miss. It is a fine appearing city and considerable business is done here. We saw several steamers here and the hum and clatter of the hacks, drays, coal boats and shovels moving in all directions indicate "business" &c. We saw a very striking contrast, in the size of boats, for there was a small steamer landed up by the side of ours so much inferior to ours that 100 such boats and their loads might have been put on ours.

Tues. [March] 9th. After rather an uneasy nights rest I was aroused this morning by the rattling of the breakfast plates, and saw, when I arose, the sun just rising above the Eastern bank of the River. The sky is clear and the atmosphere is materially warmer. We move on finely, passing several fine farms, fine steamboats, &c. We also passed the mouth of Red River and there being[..]

[March 1858] [5] no boat there going up the river, we concluded to go on to N. Orleans. I[n] the evening we passed Baton Rouge - the capital of La. I saw nothing of much note there, except the state house and the Lunatic Asylum. Both are fine looking edifices. The finest I have seen since I left home. We are now within 130 m[ile]s of N. O.

Wed. [March] 10th. This morning I was aroused by the cry of "New Orleans" and on rising I found that we were only at the cattle landing some 3 or 4 miles above the commencement of the business part of the City. Stopped here 2 or 3 hours land [sic] the cattle and cleaning off the deck of the boat. We then moved on for the city and were soon at the commencement of the wharf for boats and ships. It was astonishing to me to find the shore of the river literally lined with steamboats, ocean steamers, sail ships, brigs, barks and crafts of various kinds sometimes 2 or 3 deep for a distance of 9 miles along the river. Vessels were also constantly passing up and down the river so that one can scarcely look out without seeing a boat in motion. About 8 o'clock we landed in the City and after breakfast and a little strolling up Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 3 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 and down the wharf we selected the "Caddo Belle" to carry us up Red River to Jefferson, Tex. Fair $12.50. Distance 750. We went on board and deposited our baggage on her at 10 o'clock. We rested till dinner. The meal is greatly inferior to our dinners on the Red Rover. But we did not expect to find as good a boat going up Red River as the Red Rover. After dinner we took a walk down the wharf and saw many things of interest to us.

[6] March 1858

The Market House - filled with every of eatables - was extensive indeed. We saw the battlegrounds where "Old Hickory" defeated the British in 1812. The place is marked by an equestrian statue of Gen. Jackson full size mounted on his warhorse in his military attire just as he appeared on the battlefield. The place - some acres in size - is surrounded by an iron fence and finely improved by gravel walks and shrubbery of various kinds. Just at the N. side of the battle ground is a magnificent Roman Catholic Cathedral - rather old looking. We also saw lots of "catch penny" shows, one horse peddlers, and numerous cheating devices. And then the noise and bustle of the business of the place was overwhelming indeed! Well may it be said "The hum and clatter of city life." I look upon this place as being extremely unhealthy, for the most of the city is entirely below the surface of the river. For if you go 150 yds from the wharf you will find the water flows freely in an opposite direction from the river. I kept such a constant traveling through the city that when night came I was much fatigued and sought my bed early.

Thurs. [March] 11th. The most refreshing night's sleep I have had for several nights. After a hearty breakfast I walked out into the city and saw a fine Steam boat going up the river with a band of excellent music on her. I saw another boat that had music by steam on board. We wrote letters home this morning and went to the P. O. to mail them. The weather is warm and the dust on the streets is offensive. Our boat is getting pretty well freighted and we expect to be off by 5 P.M. We move off at 5 1/2 P.M. from the Queen City[..]

[March 1858] [7] of the South. The amount of shipping along the banks for miles up the River is immense. We must have passed from 300 to 500 vessels from the point we started till we got above the landing. I looked till I was tired of looking and the supper bell rang. I eat my supper and went out and there were still many vessels to pass. The fog arose in the night and was so dense that we were compelled to land and wait for day light in order to proceed with safety. To a person not used to traveling on the water, the ringing of bells, the blowing of the steam whistle, the loud curses of the captain's mates and the jarring motion of the boat all at the same time create sensations that are anything but pleasant for I do not know how soon our boat may come in collision with another and they both sink.

Fri. [March] 12nd. The boat had not started when I got up this morning. The fog was so dense for some time after day light that starting was delayed. But as the sun arose the fog was somewhat dispersed and we concluded to start, but the fog is so heavy that we scarcely know whether we are going up or down the River; for our destination is up the River and it has not been long since we found we were going down instead of up. And now I see a boat that passed up the River by us just before we started this morning; but she is now turned down the River and our Capt. thinks she is run aground. It is amusing to see the bidableness [sic] of the Irish in loading on wood. They seem to be more tractable than the negro hands and they carry larger loads of wood than the negroes. All hands have to keep a regular trot in carrying their loads of wood. The 1st mate orders them as roughly as possible.

[8] March 1858

2 P.M. we are still moving up the River slowly and surely. The fog and clouds have principally disappeared and the weather is getting quite warm. It is so warm that we cannot sit on the hurricane deck without suffering very much with heat. I think I never saw it much warmer. It is almost sickening to a poor man to see the farms we are passing and to think they are inaccessable [sic] to him. As far as the eye can behold we see spread out before us lands of a very Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 4 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 superior quality - as level as I wish land to be & in a high state of cultivation. It is also covered with luxuriant vegetation - clover, grass, sugar cane, and the foliage of the forest is coming forth in all its vernacular splendor, beauty and loveliness. The peach, the plum and the rose bush are crowned with flowers of the most beautiful hue and aromatic fragrance. We also pass gardens finely improved, covered with rich looking flowers and vegetables of various kinds. Such as English peas, onions with the sets forming on them, lettuce, mustard, cabbage and almost every variety of vegetables common to this section of country. And then the shrubbery and walks are so systematically and neatly arranged that they at once show the taste and industry of the people. We also pass several fisheries. They fish with nets dipping them down the river so as to catch the fish as they run up stream. Some of them seem to be making tolerably good speed, though the fish caught seem be of an inferior size. I do not know what kind they are. The country from N. O. thus far - 80 m[ile]s - is so densely populated along the River that it has the appearance of one continuous town. In many cases the houses do not appear[..]

[March 1858] [9] to be more than 100 or 200 yds distant from each other and never out of sight. We have just passed a most magnificent edifice on the east bank of the River used as a Roman Catholic convent. A college is also connected with the convent. It appears like a great evil to see the amount of money expended for such a purpose as the convent and the cloister. If the means were properly applied they might be used to incalculable benefit to a large portion of the community. But I learn that the principle part of the population along the River above N. O. for at least 100 miles is Roman Catholic. So of course we may suspect Catholic institutions in a Catholic country. We still move on very slowly, we have just passed the "Capatol" [sic] - the fastest running boat I have seen on the River. She passed us by so swiftly that she threw the waves against our boat hard enough to frighten me a little until I knew the cause of the shaking of the boat. I am, however, very sensitive the most of the time that I am on the boat, especially during the night. For our boat is very heavily loaded - too heavy for a speedy and strictly safe trip. But it is time for me to retire and leave the "Blacklegs" engaged in their ungentlemanly practice.

Sat. [March] 13rd. About 1 A.M. the fog was so thick we had to tie up till day light, and then it was so thick we did not start till 7 1/2 A.M. At this time we had to travel very slow and keep close to the bank to keep from being lost. At 10 the sun has dispersed the most of the fog and it looks like being a pretty day. We travel very slow. 2 nights and pretty near 2 days and we are only about 150 m[ile]s from the city.

[10] March 1858

Passed Baton Rouge P.M. and I had a better view of it than as I went down. It seems to be a better city than I at first thought it to be. The State prison, the U.S. Barracks, and Gen. Taylor's residence are all good buildings and add greatly to the importance of the city. 6 1/2 P.M. 60 m[ile]s from the mouth of Red River and 140 above N. O. 50 m[ile]s today. Still moving on at a very slow rate. Day not so warm as yesterday, some fog tonight.

Sun. [March] 14th. A clear night and traveled all of it, 25 m[ile]s below Red R. at light. We reached it at 11 A.M. The Red Rover passed us just before we start up Red River. Pretty fair speed P.M. Wood cutters huts are all the houses we see. The lands are to low and swampy to be settled. The water had recently been 2 [feet] high in some of their shanties. While the boat was wooding I stepped into one of the huts and was horrified to see the filthy condition of the wood mongers. They seem content and cheerful. They got some money for their wood and their jug full of whiskey. Raccoon tracks are plenty about their huts and one said he killed 2 fine ones yesterday. Saw a black squirrel P.M. Lightning bugs late P.M.

Mon. [March] 15th. At light 120 miles up R.R. and 80 below Alexandria. Some clouds. Warm. Country still low and swampy and I suppose unhealthy. Wooded [that means the ship took on wood] A.M. and saw lots of raccoon tracks. Had not time to chase them. Saw a large black snake in a bush 8 or 9 feet high, looking so happy as monarch of the swamp. But uncle Eli's rifle soon made him feel that he Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 5 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 had superiors, as he shot it from the boat. Passed some good farms, 2 steam boats and lots of Alligators - the 1st I have seen. Rough customers. Still warm. Several m[ile]s below Alex[andria] at night.

Tues. [March] 16th. 30 m[ile]s above Alex. at day. 45 m[ile]s during the night. Occasional warm shower today. Country improving; passed some good farms. One Mr. Calhoun’s, son of J. C. Well improved. Nice gardens. Saw a deer P.M. Travel slowly.

[March 1858] [11]

Wed. [March] 17th. Rather sqaully [sic] last night. Our boat run against a snag that knocked down our "Jack Staff" and threw down a pile of bbls. of corn sacks in the fore part of the boat. All were soon righted up and we moved on. When we stopped to wood the bank of the River was very high and it commenced caving in, and we were soon compelled to move away to prevent being covered up with the dirt. It soon commenced raining and rained heavily till day. There was such a continuous rattling of bells, shaking of the boat, and ordering of hands that I slept but little. Cooler than yesterday, but pleasant. Passed some fine lands and some good timber. Vegetation is looking green as we advance up the river and the cattle seem to be in fine case. The B. L. Hodge - a fine looking Red River packet - passed us today. Evening - 160 m[ile]s below Shreveport. The new moon gives us light a short time tonight. Would like to have its light all night. But starlight is better than fog. Nothing of importance today.

Thurs. [March] 18th. 100 m[ile]s below Shreveport at day. Saw a deer from the hurricane deck near the river. It was shot at 2 or 3 times, but not killed. We saw some turkeys in the cane near the river. The stream is not more than 50 yds wide at places. At night 30 m[ile]s below Shreveport. One week since we left the Crescent city and we do not know how long we will remain on the boat. Passed some fine farms where we saw people planting corn.

Fri. [March] 19th. At 4 1/2 A.M. landed at Shreveport. Put off some freight and took on about 30 passengers to Jefferson: distance 90 m[ile]s. Fair $5. We left the port 5:30 A.M. and 4 m[ile]s above we take the bayou for Caddo Lake 12 m[ile]s distant. On reaching the Lake it has the appearance of an overflow more than a lake. It is covered with timber and shrubbery and has finger boards to till [sic] how to go. At the New Albany landing the people look extremely bad.

[12] March 1858

The day is so warm that I sweat standing in the shade. As we proceed the leaves get greener. At Swanson's landing we saw the "Iron Horse" on land and heartily wished ourselves out of the boat, to be drawn by him "over the hills and far away." The Lake has improved in its appearance here. We see the Eagles nest at different places on the Lake and they seem to be occupied by the birds at this time. Saw alligators that appeared to be 8 or 10 ft. long. They are very rough, ugly customers. Uncle tried his rifle at one of them. I do not think he killed it. At dark we are at Benton Tex. 20 m[ile]s below Jefferson. Hurrah I am now in Texas! But not ready to land.

Sat. [March] 20th. Arrived at Jefferson about midnight. As soon as it was light we went out of the boat into the city to ascertain if we could get a stage to Mt. Pleasant. We found that no Stage would go out till Monday and rather than detain we concluded to get our baggage hauled on a wagon. We soon employed a freighter to transport our baggage for $1 per hundred and placed it on his wagon and left the small, ugly, filthy, stinking and lazy town of Jefferson. Not at all pleased with our introduction to Tex. But we are now free from the confinement of the filthy Caddo Bell and permitted to roam at large upon the open field of long sought Tex. It is a great luxury to us to get on the land and breathe free air once more, even though we have to take it afoot. We did not proceed far till we found a very muddy, bad road and our wagon stuck in the mud. So we had to pry, whip, and hallow with a vengeance for some time; but it was all of no avail, we were in the mud, and there we stayed till a cotton wagon took part of his team and pulled us out. After this we find good road. Stopped at Mr. Stewart's for dinner 5 m[ile]s from Jefferson in Cass county.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 6 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[March 1858] [13]

Our Host is a Virginian by birth and a Tennessean by education. A Va.an [Virginian] seems like a relation so far from home. Bill 25 cts. each. Cloudy, warm and occasional showers. Walking fatigues us considerably. Made 7 m[ile]s after dinner through rather a poor looking piny [sic] woods country. The timber is fine; but the lands appear to be about equal to the piny [sic] woods of N.C. We were out in a heavy shower of rain P.M. Staying with a Mr. Finley.

Sun. [March] 21st. Bill 75 cts. each. Started about 8 A.M. and traveled 17 m[ile]s to Mr. Bevers in Titus Co. one mile S. of Dangerfield. Cool and cloudy. Lands poor. Timber fine, mostly pine, sweet gum, and blackjack. We met with a man today upon whom fortune has bestowed her gifts only to curse and destroy. His name is Hughs. He is said to work 200 or 300 hands and rolls in luxury to an almost unlimited extent, yet he refused to let us have our dinners at his house. May he see his folly!

Mon. [March] 22nd. Traveled 11 1/2 m[ile]s today. The country seems to be improving, though the lands are not rich enough for Tex. yet. The country is hilly and broken so far. We are staying with Mr. Colley 6 1/2 m[ile]s below Mt. Pleasant. He is an old Georgian and a very accommodating man.

Tues. [March] 23rd. Bill 50 cts. each. Came to Mt. Pleasant A.M. It is a small village, the county site of Titus Co. But few good buildings in the place and the court house is an old frame building. A very ordinary dinner for 50 cts. We found no wagon going to Hunt Co. so we had to leave our baggage to be sent on by wagons yet to come. Came out to Mr. Liewellen's - 6 m[ile]s and are staying all night. We are kindly treated. Found fine lands and good water today and the people tell us to stay in this section.

Wed. [March] 24th. Traveled 24 m[ile]s. Saw some nice prairies in Hopkins. I do not think the lands are very good. Got dinner[..]

[14] March 1865 at Mr. Griffons - an old Va.an [Virginian]. Bill 25 cts. Saw a deer and some prairie chickens P.M. Uncle killed a chicken. Are staying all night with a Mr. Holbert.

Thurs. [March] 25th. The rising of the sun was a beautiful sight this morning. He came up from behind a beautiful prairie having the appearance of coming up out of the ground. And then the stillness of the morning, the melody of a hundred bells, the cooing of prairie chickens, and the warbling of birds produce at once a harmony extremely pleasing to the ear. Traveled 22 m[ile]s through prairie the most of the time. Some of the lands seem to be of an excellent quality. Passed through Sulphur Springs in Hopkins Co. Rocky Prairies west of the town. Came to Black Jack Grove and are staying all night with Mr. Green.

Fri. [March] 26th. Bill 60 cts. Traveled 10 m[ile]s and arrived at Mr. Lewis Perkins's about 12 m[iles]. We found several Virginians at his house. We were taken in and treated very kindly by him. We here met with Col. S. M. Hale, an old countryman of ours. He appeared like a close relative and showed us marked tokens of respect. Came to Rees Hale's P.M. and are staying all night. We got supper at Rees's and then went home with Col. Hale and spent the balance of the night with him. We are badly fatigued by walking. Saw some fine lands and some tolerably good building.

Sat. [March] 27th. According to an arrangement made last evening, we started early this morning on a hunting and fishing expedition in company with Col. S. M. Hale and John, his son (uncle is able to go). We were soon in the Sabine bottom and hunted all day. Saw 7 deer and killed nothing, nor caught any fish. I was very tired and am staying all night with Reese Hale.

March & April 1858 [15]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 7 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sun. [March] 28th. Wes. and I went to church today and heard two missionary Baptists preach. There was a tolerably large congregation; but the house was small and rendered very unpleasant by the stench of some dead hogs under the floor. The preaching was very ordinary, and upon the whole I was not much flattered by what I saw.

Mon. [March] 29th to Wed. [March] 31st. The time was spent in the Hale settlement and but little done at any thing. There was so much rain that the ground was too wet to plow, plant, or do anything else but sit in the house and eat sweet potatoes, of which we were amply supplied at Rees. Hales.

[Tues. March 30th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. March 31st.] [Ibid]

April Thurs. [April] 1st. Rees Hale and I went to Greenville the county site. 5 1/2 m[ile]s. A small village decorated by a very small, frame court house, which is being used as a work shop. There are but few good buildings in the place; but it has the appearance of improving.

Fri. [April] 2nd. Spent the day gathering cattle for Rees Hale. Gathered about 125. He has some fine looking cattle and others that do not look so well. We came to the conclusion that the ground would be dry enough to plow Sat.

Sat. [April] 3rd. Got up Hale's oxen and for the 1st time tried the experiment of plowing in Tex. The ground was too wet, which made it unpleasant and fatiguing. Very tired tonight.

Sun. [April] 4th. 4th. [sic] Went to Greenville to church A.M. and heard the circuit rider - the Rev. Mr. Cummins - held forth in a tolerably able sermon from the words "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and will open the door, I will come in and sup with him and him with me." House badly furnished with seats.

Mon. [April] 5th. Spent the day breaking oats ground and harrowing in oats for Rees Hale.

[16] April 1858

Tues. [April] 6th. Finished putting in oats. The neighbors were planting corn today.

Wed. [April] 7th. Started to Bonham the county site of Fannin Co. Had two shoes put on my horse at Greenville for which I paid $1.00. Arrived at Bonham about sun set and am lodging with Mr. Tucker. Pretty good fair and quite accommodating.

Thurs. [April] 8th. Bill $1.50 cts. Bonham is a tolerably pretty village - the best I have seen in the state. Went to Mr. Jas. Bakers and learned from him that Uncle F. [Frank] Baker is in Palo Pinto county. Returned to Greenville by 1 hour after night & am staying at the Greenville Hotel. Kindly treated.

Fri. [April] 9th. Bill $1.25. Came to Hale's A.M. with a Mr. Dodge of Ky. He offered me $200 a year to keep cattle for him in Tarrant county. Helped Hale finish planting peas and plowed for sugar cane the rest of the day.

Sat. [April] 10th. Finished plowing and planted the cane and went a hunting.

Sun. [April] 11th. This day was spent doing nothing to profit in any way whatever! What a shame to spend the Sabbath in this way!

Mon. [April] 12th. Spent the day hunting in Sabine bottom. Shot at 7 deer and saw a turkey. Killed nothing. Very unprofitable.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 8 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tues. [April] 13rd. Uncle Eli, Lewis Perkins, Fred Brewer, & I deposited our "tricks" [sic] in Brewer's wagon and started on a trip west. Passed through Greenville about 12 M. and traveled about 15 m[ile]s from G. in a N.W. direction. We saw some very fine lands this evening and a variety of good farms. We saw 5 yoke of oxen drawing one plow breaking prairie. It was doing fine work. Saw some deer and killed 2 prairie chickens P.M. They were fat and made us a fine supper and breakfast.

Wed. [April] 14th. A little frost. Traveled 20 m[ile]s. Saw fine prairie lands near Sugar Hill. A spring of good looking water. Some very bad road P.M. Perkins killed a turkey.

[April 1858] [17]

Thurs. [April] 15th. Started early. Crossed East Fork and arrived at McKinney - the Co. site of Collin in 3 m[ile]s. It is a thriving village situated in a rich country. W. of this place we saw fine prairie lands and had good roads. Traveled about 30 m[ile]s today and ferryed [sic] the Elm Fork of Trinity just at night and camped on the bank.

Fri. [April] 16th. Traveled 25 m[ile]s out of Dallas and into Tarrant Co. Passed through a rich hog-wallow prairie below the Cross timbers and a fine prairie above the cross timbers and in the evening passed through Birdville - the former county site of Tarrant Co. 2 1/2 m[ile]s W. of B.ville we arrived at H. Roberts's an old Va.an [Virginian] & are staying all night with him.

Sat. [April] 17th. I started for Palo Pinto A.M. while the rest of the party stay in Tarrant. Came through Ft. Worth - the county site of Tarrant - some good buildings and the town seems to be improving rapidly. An Academy is in operation here. W. of the Ft. I met with a Va.an [Virginian] traveling my road, so we journeyed together the balance of the day. He is a social, young Lawyer, by the name of Waler. Saw 2 antelopes & 5 deer P.M. The first antelopes I have seen. Passed the Clear Fork of Trinity, traveled 15 m[ile]s in Parker Co. & am staying all night at R. P. Bakers - the Sheff [sic] of Parker. He lives in a mile of Weatherford - the county site of Parker. There is preaching in town tonight. I went and heard a Campbellite hold forth for the first time I ever heard one. He was not able, by any means and did not interest me. Plenty of timber where I traveled P.M. & the water is as fine as I ever saw, I think.

Sun. [April] 18th. A heavy rain last night and this morning. The rain has raised the creek so that I cannot ford it, and have to "head it." The rain continues to fall in light showers till about 11 A.M. where it fell in torrents and made me very wet. Just at the close[..]

[18] [April 1858] of the shower I stopped at Col. Robert Porters, dried myself & got my dinner. Porter is a man of considerable information. He served in the army under Gen. Jackson &filled several offices in the state of Ala. 6 m[ile]s from P.s, came to rock creek & found it past fording. So I left my nag here, crossed the creek on a foot log, & walked 8 m[ile]s to Wm. Bakers where I am staying all night. Here I met with uncle Frank Baker in Palo Pinto county. Traveled about 25 m[ile]s and came in sight of the Brazos.

Mon. [April] 19th. Uncle and I rode out to his farm on the Brazos. It is fine land. 640 acres 300 Brazos bottom, the remainder timbered land. I then started back, saw some fine lands & some rough mountains covered with timber. Traveled about 30 m[ile]s and am staying with R. P. Baker again.

Tues. [April] 20th. Started for Ft. Worth. Traveled through some fine country & saw some poor lands. Ferryed [sic] W. Fork paid 25 cts arrived at Robert's in the evening and found that my company had left me. The[y] started on Mon. and were two days ahead of me.

Wed. [April] 21st. Had a school offered me here, which I think I will take when I return. Started early from Roberts's, passed through the cross-timbers, crossed Elm at Vrenin's ferry and came to a Mr. Beck's at White Rock in Collin Co. 40 m[ile]s & am staying with him.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 9 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thurs. [April] 22nd. Bill $1. Came from Beck's to Hale's - 40 m[ile]s. Crossed the East Fork of Trinity at Butler's bridge. The bottom was so wide and muddy. Came through a part of Kaufman Co. and saw some good land. When I got to Hale's I found our baggage had not arrived.

Fri. [April] 23rd. Spent the most of the day assisting Press Brewer in putting a roof on Hale'[..]

[April 1858] [19]

kitchen. We concluded to start to Mt. Pleasant next Monday after our baggage as Hale is going to start at the same time after a load of planks near Mt. Pleasant.

Sat. [April] 24th. Some frost this morning, but not enough to do much damage. Spent the most of the day repairing Hale's wagon repairing Hale’s wagon preparitory [sic] to starting to Mt. P. Am doing nothing to benefit me. Am anxious to go W. & get into business.

Sun. [April] 25th. The sun arose in splendor this morning and all nature seems to put on the air of cheerfulness. As Parsons Watson and Glenn were to preach in the neighborhood I concluded to go hear them, which I did. Their efforts were rather weak, though I think them to be good meaning men, but illiterate & not very intelligent.

Mon. [April] 26th. Assisted Wes. and Hale in getting started to Mt. Pleasant this morning. They put two steers in the team that had never been worked before. They were not very fractious & worked off very well. The Brewers & I spent the remainder of the day in raising & putting a roof on Hales' smoke- house.

Tues. [April] 27th. One of Hale's children was chilling this morning & I went to Greenville for quinine to break the chills. There I met with a Mr. Willis just from Virginia. He came with me to S. M. Hale's. I went on the prairie and spent the evening in driving up a spanish mare. The Spanish stock I do not fancy for work stock by any means. But they seem to be very hardy and tough to ride, so they make very good cow ponies.

[20] April 1858

Wed. [April] 28th. Early this morning I went to Mr. Smith's. He is from N. C. & is a relation of mine - though rather distant. After returning from Smith's, I spent the remainder of the day hoeing sugar cane. It is a very tedious business. The cane is so very tender.

Thurs. [April] 29th. Went to Smith's again this morning and as I returned I drove in a cow of Hale's from the prairie. Spent the remainder of the day hoeing sugar cane.

Fri. [April] 30th. I went into the cane field early and did a hard day's hoeing. So April is gone and I have done nothing of importance for myself. It is two months since I left home. I have traveled considerably and spent a considerable amount of money and I am getting very anxious to engage in some paying business as soon as I can meet with a favorable opportunity. Hope such an opportunity may present itself ere long.

May 1st 1858 Page 1

Saturday, [May 1st.] The Queen of flowers opened with a very warm and sultry atmosphere, and clouds obscure the brilliance of the orb of day - while occasional showers enlivened and refreshed the world of vegetation - causing the terrestrial scenery to put on the habiliments of beauty and loveliness. As nature exhibits such an enchanting appearance, reflections of various kinds crowd upon the mind. It is just two months, this morning, since I left home - the place of my birth, my early childhood and all my youthful associations - amidst the tears and sympathies of tender-hearted parents and friends - probably never to see them again in this world. But reflections of this kind are of no avail at this time for Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 10 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

I am safely landed here and it behooveth [sic] me to reflect upon my future destiny and prepare to meet it in a worthy and becoming manner. The day was spent by me in repairing the front yard fence of Hale's when the rain was not falling too briskly to admit of not working on it. The job improved the appearance of the yard very much.

2 May 1858

Sabbath, [May] 2nd. was spent in perfect stupidity, idleness and foolish jesting to my subsequent shame and remorse of feelings; and I do hope that I never spend a Sabbath so foolishly and unprofitably again. There was considerable rain fall during the day.

Monday, [May] 3rd. I made a platform and got [it] in front of Hale's door today, and in the evening took a buggy ride, and walked a nag that had never been worked in a buggy before. The sky was clear and the atmosphere was warm and sultry.

Tuesday, [May] the 4th. I formed the acquaintance of Parson John R. Brisco, rode with him on the prairie in search of estray [sic] cattle, but he did not find any of his, so we made on to Greenville together and I received a letter for Uncle Eli - from Va. the news that I have had from our neighborhood since I left. I also recd [sic] a “Va. Patriot” and spent the remainder of the evening perusing it.

Wednesday, [May] 5th. I went to Mr. Smith's this morning, he is an old countryman of mine. When I returned I found Miss Sousan Gardner at Hale's. She is an old Virginian from an adjoining county, having been here about 2 years.

[May 1858] 3

Thursday, [May] 6th. I did but little during the fore part of the day but to sit in the house and talk to Miss Sou. In the evening Rees and Wes came home with a load of plank and our baggage it all came safely after so long a time.

Friday, [May] 7th. I went to Moody's this morning to get some washing done, and after returning spent the remainder of the day plowing for Rees. The day was clear and warm Miss Sou left us in the evening.

Saturday, [May] 8th. It rained the most of the day, consequently I spent the most of the day regulating affairs in the house and made a set of stairs. In the evening I plowed out a few rows of cain [sic] and corn.

Sabbath, [May] 9th. Spent a part of the morning reading and went to Lewis Perkins' for dinner where I had the pleasure of eating some fresh venison of excellent quality. I stayed at Perkins' the most of the evening and I went to S. M. Hale's and stayed all night. It rained at intervals today and during the night a Norther [sic] sprang up & blew heavily & tolerably cold.

Monday, [May] 10th. It rained a little this morning and the wind blew tolerably cold from the North. Spent the day gathering stock cattle; found 2 at Sullivan's & 5 at Hamilton's.

4 May 1858

Tuesday, [May] 11th. Rees and I went to Wm. Sowel's in search of estray [sic] cattle - found 5 and brought them home. Sowel is much of a gentleman. In the evening I went to Sullivin's but did not effect anything.

Wednesday, [May] 12th. Rees and I rode on the prairie all day in search of estrays [sic] but did not find any of his. The day was quite warm.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 11 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday, [May] 13th. I rode on the prairie for some time this morning hunting for the horses and finally found them near home. Killed a squirrel in the evening and did but little business of any kind.

Friday, [May] 14th. Spent today in gathering up of cattle - gathered about 150 and penned them in the evening preparatory to starting West.

Saturday, [May] 15th. Assisted Hale to mark and brand 40 calves and to tie up a 3 year old steer to put in the team. Herded the cattle on the prairie till evening and yoked the 3 year old steer to an old work steer.

Sabbath, [May] 16th. Spent the day in lazy droning & conversation to no benefit in any sense of the word. But now it is evening and I expect to start to the Brazos in the morning.

May [1858] 5

Monday, [May] 17th. Started from Rees Hale's tolerably early this morning with his cattle - had but little trouble driving them during the day and penned them at Charley McDaniel's the first night in the Southwestern part of Hunt Co - traveling a distance of about 16 miles. The weather was warm and we had a light thundershower in the evening. The grazing was very fine this evening, but the lands were generally poor today; and very badly watered.

Tuesday, [May] 18th. Started tolerably early this morning and drove our cattle across cedar creek before grazing them. Here Perkins and Hefner left us and started home. We drove into Kauffman [sic] today within 3 miles of the East fork of Trinity and penned our cattle in Thompson's pen - traveled about 16 miles. The atmosphere was rather cool. The lands on the fore part of the day were rough and rather poor but in the evening we saw some fine lands and excellent farms; and also saw the first wheat harvest this season, a piece of about 5 acres had been cut out the day before; wheat crops look fine in this section.

6 [May 1858]

Wednesday, [May] 19th. Early this morning we crossed the East fork at Butler's bridge, the bottom is about 2 1/2 miles across but was in tolerably good order. We passed some good farms too and some poor and rough lands - traveled about 15 miles and penned our cattle in Collin on the Dallis and McKinney road. The evening we were met with very alarming Indian news, to the effect that 20,000 Indians were decamped upon the frontier of Texas and were overrunning the country to an alarming extent killing, stealing, and burning the whole country. We were somewhat alarmed and penned our cattle a little earlier than common.

Thursday, [May] 20th. Hale and I this morning concluded to get on our horses and go and see if the reports of yesterday were true or false. We traveled about 20 miles and met men from the frontier who told that the reports were entirely false - having originated in one young man dressing in Indian garb and attempting to frighten his brother; his brother chanced to see him, became alarmed and alarmed the whole community. We returned to our camp and prepared to travel on the next day.

[May 1858] 7

Friday, [May] 21st. We traveled about 15 miles today and crossed the Elm fork of the Trinity in the evening and camped on the west bank where we penned our cattle. The day was very warm. There are some fine lands in this section of country.

Saturday, [May] 22nd. Traveled through the grapevine prairie and the lower cross timbers a distance of about 18 miles. The day was very warm. The lower part of the prairie is poor land but the western part is fine farming land. The land in the cross timbers is of an inferior quality. We saw some very fine grass today. This is Tarrant county.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 12 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [May] 23rd. We traveled about 8 miles today passed Birdville and stopped at Hugh Roberts'. The people are in a fine way of harvesting and with the exception of some smut and a little rusty wheat there is as fine wheat as I ever saw; and the greatest quantity I ever saw in any country. Corn looks very flourishing and upon the whole the prospect is for a large surplous [sic] of breadstuffs in this section of country.

8 [May 1858]

Monday, [May] 24th. I concluded to make an effort for a school today and proceeded in getting 22 Schollars subscribed and a prospect of 5 or 6 more at from $1.50 to $1.75 cts. per month and appointed next Monday to commence.

Tuesday, [May] 25th. After hunting up some straggling cattle this morning Rees and I concluded to go to the Brazos and look for Hale a place to take his cattle. We traveled about 20 miles to Cottonwood Grove in Parker county, and stayed all night with a Mr. Hood; we were very well treated and had an excellent Raspberry pie for our supper. We saw a number of as fine looking wheat fields today as I ever saw and corn looks remarkably well. The country along the West fork is very fine indeed and the water is not surpassed in appearance in the world. After getting out upon the high prairie the lands are of an inferior quality, being gravely and but little depth of soil and it is pretty near all vacant. a [sic] half section at Cottonwood Grove is taken up improved and offered at $700. It is surrounded by excellent grass.

Wednesday, [May] 26th. Went from Cottonwood to R. P. Baker's a distance of 12 miles and spent the remainder of the day with him the day was exceedingly hot.

[May 1858] 7

Thursday, [May] 27th. Went from R. P. Baker's to Wm. Baker's this morning a distance of 25 miles. The most of the country is poor and thinly settled - it is timber land the most of the way, though the timber is very little and scrubby. The grass beyond Rock Creek for 8 miles is the finest I ever saw. The water is not very good nor pleasant. The day was extremely warm and in the evening there blew up a considerable storm - and surely in a storm the power of the Allmighty is powerfully displayed.

Friday, [May] 28th. Went up to uncle F. Baker's this morning and spent the day with him assisting him to make potatoe [sic] ridges. Came back in the & [sic] stayed all night at Wm. Baker's. The heat was the most oppressive today it has been this season.

Saturday, [May] 29th. Started on our return this morning, and came to R. P. Baker's a distance of 25 miles and stayed all night, the weather is warm.

10 [May 1858]

Sabbath, [May] 30th. Came from R. P.'s to Robert's today a distance of 32 miles. The wind blew unpleasantly hard all day.

Monday, [May] 31st. This morning I commenced the very laborious business of teaching school. I have 26 subscribers to my article but there were only 14 in attendance today; the majority seems very tractable and I hope I will not have much difficulty in the government of the school. I have been very tired today.

[June 1858]

Tuesday, June the 1st 1858. I had 22 students in attendance today; some of them begin to show a disposition to disregard my rules but I intend to hold a tight reign and try to govern the school as well as Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 13 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

I am capable. There is but one studying English Grammar yet and but one student in Geography and in Arithmetic none. The day has been warm and sultry.

Wednesday, [June] 2nd. Had 23 students today; one commenced the study of Arithmetic. The behavior was better today than yesterday and I hope[..]

June [1858] 11

I shall not be difficultied [sic] a great deal in the government of the school. I have taken up board with Mr. W. M. Robinson 1/2 mile from the school house; he appears to be a very cleaver accommodating sort of man. I also like the appearance of his wife. Board and washing costs me $8 per month. I went to Ft. Worth this evening and met with an old acquaintance from Virginia, Mr. Ruphus Gallaspie of Fazewell Co., he is doing business at the Fort. He is looking for a large immigration to this country from Fazewell this fall. The wind blew considerably today and consequently the heat was not very oppressive.

Thursday, [June] 3rd. The wind is blowing a little lively and cool this morning and Gulf clouds are flying over very fast. The school is just beginning to gather - 25 students attended today and another Grammar student came in; the majority of the pupils did very well today. The day turned out to be very warm. After school in the evening I went to Mr. Robert's and brought a heavy load of books home a distance of about 3 miles; it fatigued me very much.

12 June 1858

Friday, [June] 4th. My school numbered 27 today and upon the whole they are doing very well. I engaged another student today. A norther [sic] blew up today and was tolerably unpleasant though not exceedingly cold.

Saturday, [June] 5th. Spent the most of the day writing letters to my friends at intervals through the day. I attended to some fishooks [sic] and caught some very fine cats, the first I have caught in Texas. The atmosphere was rather cool today. Mr. Robinson finished stacking his wheat and I am told that people and are thrashing out their wheat in the neighborhood. Wheat crops are very good this season and there is a very large surplus of wheat raised in this country. Corn is silking [sic] and tasseling [sic] at this time and it looks very well.

Sabbath, [June] 6th. The atmosphere was rather cool this morning but the sun soon up and dispelled the chilliness from the air and the day extremely pleasant. I spent the most of the [day] in reading and writing. In the evening I walked out on the prairie and saw a vine called “Shame face”, that was a curiosity to me. Upon being touched by the hand it would close up its leaves as though it was really ashamed. There is something about it I cannot comprehend.

June 1858 13

Monday, [June] 7th. My school numbered 25 students today, and as a general thing they acted very well and recited their lessons very well. I commenced giving tickets today for good behavior and excellence in recitations, and I think it will have a good effect upon the school. I formed the acquaintance of Parson Dogen (A Cumberland Presbyterian). He is a man of considerable intelligence, and appears to be very social. The day was very warm and sultry where the air did not circulate.

Tuesday, [June] 8th. The sun is just coming up in beauty and loveliness and it is pretty near time for me to start my school. 28 students were in attendance today 3 that had not been there before were there today. Order was tolerably good and I think the students are taking a fair start to improve. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 14 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

The air was very warm today - indeed the heat was oppressive where the atmosphere did not stir.

14 June 1858

Wednesday, [June] 9th. 27 students were in attendance today. Order was not so good as yesterday and I am of the opinion that I will be under the necessity of resorting to rougher means than have been employed heretofore in order to keep order. The South wind blew constantly today and tolerably brisk.

Thursday, [June] 10th. Only 24 students were in attendance today, and some of them behaved rather badly, and I had my first case of stubbornness to break, but I conquered him completely before I quit him. The wind blew tolerably cool and there was a fine shower about 12 o'clock.

Friday, [June] 11th. 25 was the number of students at school today, and I was under the necessity of whipping one for misconduct - it agitated me considerably. The wind has been blowing from the north all day and it was unpleasantly cool this morning; it has been cloudy all day.

[June 1858] 15

Saturday, [June] 12th. I did not but little to any purpose today except writing a few letters and regulating my school record papers. The weather is still cool.

Sabbath, [June] 13th After my regular morning lessons of reading, I rode on the prairie with Mr. Robinson until about 11 o'clock. In the evening we went to Birdville to church and heard Parson Scruggs (a Campbellite) hold forth upon various points of doctrine. "Except ye be born again ye cannot see the Kingdom of God." i.e. enjoy the Kingdom of God. He says faith is not the gift of God but the act of the creature. Baptism and repentance he considers the prerequisites of the church relationship. I think he tried to pervert the true meaning of the Methodist Discipline in reference to the New birth. Making it say that water was an essential and absolutely necessary to the New birth, thereby cutting off all those of the Abrahamic covenant.

16 June 1858

Monday, [June] 14th. Had 26 students today and got along very well with them. The morning was cool but the after part of the day was very warm.

Tuesday, [June] 15th. There were 27 students at school today and it appeared to me like they tried [to see] how bad they could be. They kept me fretted and fighting a considerable portion of the time. The morning was cold again but after the morning passed off the day was very warm. I have taken a bad cold and feel very unwell this evening.

Wednesday, [June] 16th. Had 26 students today and did tolerably well with them. I feel much better than I did yesterday and hope I will soon be well.

June 1858 17

Thursday, [June] 17th. 30 students were in attendance today and as a general rule they did tolerably well. The day was tolerably warm. My cold still continues tolerably severe. In the evening Robinson and I robbed 2 bee hives and found them very rich; they were ill and stung us considerably &c.

Friday, [June] 18th. The air is rather cool this morning and I am considerably stopped up with my cold. My lungs are very sore. It is near 7 o'clock and time [to] start school. 30 students were at school today and I did not have much difficulty in managing them. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 15 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

I find the business of teaching to be a very laborious business and requires a constant vigilance in order to succeed. I have taught 3 weeks now and I think I can succeed by being dilligent [sic].

18 June 1858

Saturday, [June] 19th. Spent the forenoon in reading and reviewing my old studies preparitory [sic] to going through an examination before a school committee. Went to Ft. Worth in the afternoon and stood before that august body of scientific gentlemen. The committee is composed of Prof. William Hudson, Prof. J. C. Gibson and Mr. James Lewis, all gentlemen of scientific research and qualified to decide upon the qualifications of school teachers. Prof. Hudson is an Englishman by birth and education and wishes to show off in an extraordinary degree that superiority of English literature and refinement over that of America. I think his tenacity for exactness and system superceeds [sic] his judgment and discrimination. Prof. Gibson I think to be quite a modest, unassuming, accomplished gentleman. And Mr. Lewis is a social, high-minded, intelligent, unassuming, accomplished schollar [sic], well qualified for the appointment of commission. Though I did not pass through the ordeal so satisfactorilly [sic] as I would have been glad to do, yet I received a certificate of qualification.

[June 1858] 19

Sabbath, [June] 20th. Spent the most of the day in reading and writing through this morning. I took a walk out on the high prairie to see the sun rise - it was a beautiful sight indeed. All nature seemed to be just waking up from the slumbers of the night. The feathered tribe has just got up the morning hymn of praise, the distant sent up its steady murmer [sic] to tell that God controlled its movements, the bawling of the cows on the distant hills joined in harmony with the other songsters, while ever and now the barking of the faithful watch dog told that the intruder approached and the chiming of a hundred bells seemed to give meaning of the splendor scene that was just to be present. Amidst all this music of animate nature whilst imagination imaged forth the Author of all this sublimity that beautiful orb came slowly & majestically up caping [sic] that climax of grandeur and sublimity which nought [sic] but Omnipotence could produce.

20 June 1858

Went to Hugh Roberts' in the evening and stayed all night.

Monday, [June] 21st. The day has been very warm indeed. I think that my cold is improving a little. I went to Birdville this morning and bought a Comstock's Philosophy price $1.00 some pens, ink, &c. Had 24 students in school today and the most of them did tolerably badly. I find that I must be more rigid in my discipline. It is calm and pleasant this evening.

Tuesday, [June] 22nd. Had 23 students in school today; they did not behave very well, but kept me half vexed the most of the time. I hope they may do better.

Wednesday, [June] 23rd. The day has been extremely warm; the weather is very dry and rain is badly needing [sic]. 26 students were present today and a bad set they are. A fight occurred between 2 of the students causing 1 to leave. I intend to hold a tight rein after this.

[June 1858] 21

Thursday, [June] 24th. The day was quite warm and some indications of rain appeared, but still it did not rain. 29 students attended school today, and as a general thing they behaved better than they did the day before, though it requires all the talent that I possess to keep good order in my school. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 16 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday, [June] 25th. The wind blows freely this morning, clouds are passing over, and a little rain falls occasionally. The indications of rain have all passed away and none has fallen to do any good; indeed it looks as though vegitation [sic] would dry up and die unless it rains shortly. My school was very well attended today and the behavior of the students was tolerably good. I received some letters this morning from Virginia; the first I have received since I left Va. It is the next best thing to meeting with friends to receive letters from them.

22 June 1858

Saturday, [June] 26th. Spent the most of the day sewing and writing letters. The weather was extremely warm today and there were rains in different parts of the county - it even rained within three miles of this place but did not rain here. I am almost well of my cold.

Sabbath, [June] 27th. Read my morning lesson in the Bible and then spent some time in "Pollock's Course of Time." It is wonderfully sublime indeed and carries the mind into a powerful field of imagination. After this lesson I was applied to by Mr. Anderson to write a letter for him to his brother in KY. Before completing this, brother G. W. Baker came in from Pilo [sic] Pinto county in whose company I spent the remaining part of the day. The day was unusually warm and there was considerable appearance of rain in different directions, but no rain reached us, we would be thankful to see it rain.

[June 1858] 23

Monday, [June] 28th. The morning was extremely warm and sultry. There was company here that prevented me from getting my regular morning lessons. 26 students were at my school today and I did tolerably well. Had roasting ears for dinner today - it is the first time that I have ever seen green corn in June - it was a near case if I ever saw any before in July.

Tuesday, [June] 29th. The day was remarkably warm and the weather continues extremely dry. 20 students attended school today and behavior was tolerably bad. I am not severe enough I recon. Several gentlemen are staying with Mr. Robinson tonight. They appear to be social and have some intelligence.

Wednesday, [June] 30th. This is the last day of June and is remarkably warm and dry. 21 students are at school today. The students conduct themselves tolerably well today but I fear that I will be compelled to resort to rough measures to keep order.

24 July 1858

Thursday, [July] 1st. The school was not so well attended today as usual in consequence of citizens preparing to celebrate the "Anniversary of American Independence" on the 4th. Behavior was not good and I was under the necessity of whipping some of the students severely. The heat was very oppressive today and overcame me so much that I could not get my regular evening lesson. I do not feel very well this evening.

Friday, [July] 2nd. Only about 18 attended today in consequence of the "Barbecue and party" to be the 3rd and 5th. The day was very warm.

Saturday, [July] 3rd. After commencing with "Dr. Dick" this morning I went to Ft. Worth to see the doings of court and to be present at the "Barbecue." Found the court in session, judge Bufort presiding, surrounded by many gentlemen of the "Bar" presenting quite a disparity of talent and physical appearance. The arrangement of affairs and the order kept in the "court house" presented a very novel appearance for a court of justice to me. But the "Barbecue" was the most complete failure I have ever seen. No body there and nothing to eat is the best that I can say for it. So I came home disgusted at their national pride. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 17 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[July] 1858 25

Sabbath, [July] 4th. After reading my regular Bible lesson I regailed myself upon the V chapter of "Pollock's Course of Time" in which the Bard portrays the different characters of the human family; and the various methods of seeking happiness which were pursued; all of which failed to give that perfect happiness sought after by all except the one "Straight and narrow way that leads to life and few there were that found it." Dr. Dick occupied the most of the remainder of the day in his “philosophy of a future state.” He is very sublime on this subject and uses the most reasonable and convincing evidence from the works of Nature herself and the testimony of all nations in all ages of the world that there is certainly a state of futurity in which all men will live and be happy or miserable. In the evening I went to judge Gilmore's and stayed all night.

26 July 1858

Monday, [July] 5th. There were but 20 students at school today and they were of the small order. Some did not learn much for studying about the party and ball tonight. The day has been very warm and it is still very dry.

Tuesday, [July] 6th. Hot weather has certainly set in the most extreme heat I have ever experienced. The school was tolerably well attended today and the students did tolerably well.

Wednesday, [July] 7th. Hot - hotter - hottest - enough to cook eggs in the sand in a few minutes; if it were not for the breezes that stir, suffocation would surely be inevitable. The school was full today. [T]hey seem to have gotten over their balls and parties and are renewing their visits to school. Order was worse today than common, in fact it seems that the larger students consider themselves privileged characters, and have not the discretion enough to behave themselves from principle.

[July 1858] 27

Thursday, [July] 8th. The school was rather late gathering this morning but was well attended after gathering, and the behavior of the students was anything but desirable and I was compelled to resort to some rough measures to preserve order. The heat was not quite so oppressive today as some previous days in consequence of clouds intercepting some of the rays of heat.

Friday, [July] 9th. It is cloudy this morning and light showers of rain fell occasionally, but the prospects for rain are not flattering and I fear we will not have much. My school was tolerably well attended today and in the morning I had some pieces declaimed by the students - some of them did very well for the commencement of this sort of exercise. We also had some spectators to witness our exercises. The indications for rain have passed away and we are yet dry and parched up and may not have any rain short of a month or two.

28 July 1858

Saturday, [July] 10th. Spent the fore part of the day in writing letters, and in the evening went to Ft. Worth and witnessed the examination of some 5 school teachers by the school committee. The most of them stood a very good examination and all obtained certificates.

Sabbath, [July] 11st. The warmness and serenity of the atmosphere this morning seems to bespeak a blessing from the hand of the Almighty. There are clouds in the North and the thunderstorms and lightnings [sic] seem to say that there is rain for some if not for us. About 9 A.M. the showers begins [sic] to fall gently - it increases - and now the rain falls in torrents! how delightful! to see it raining! it continues to rain and has the appearance of wetting the ground thoroughly. How beneficent the Creator is! and how vain it is to repine at his dispensations. The rain was truly a fine one. I spent the most of the day in reading "Pollock" and "Dr. Dick." Had a fine lot of watermelons to eat today. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 18 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[July 1858] 29

Monday, [July] 12th. The atmosphere is somewhat cooler than common today, and how O! much more pleasant it is! My school was tolerably full today; and there were 3 students that were in attendance that had not been there before.

Tuesday, [July] 13th My school was very full today and somewhat difficult to manage but I think by proper management that I shall yet succeed: at least I hope so. Could I call back 26 years of my life! am jaded by the experience of that term of time - be permitted to enter upon life again - innocent, pure, and undefiled from all the vile contaminations of this eveil [sic] world - how many many! painfully yea! bitter! reflections might be avoided that now crowd upon my mind harrow up the inmost recesses of my soul! and almost causing an offensive odium to stigmatise [sic][..]

30 July 13th 1858 all that is noble, amiable, or good attached to human nature - so far as my character is concerned. For it appears to me that the whole of my past life has been nothing less or more than one continual convulsion of the elements of which my nature is composed. At times forming resolutions of deep and lasting morality, and casting the imagination away to the Hills from whence cometh all my help, and in the full conviction of the right way resolve to do the will of Him who is invisible - and almost before the heat and fervor of the moment of those good resolutions had passed away fowl [sic] and sinful words or actions would be finding utterance from the same medium whence proceeded the good emotions - At times lofty aspirations would fill my mind of true dignity and genuine greatness unmarred by avarice, ambition, or injustice to any portion of the human family - while in almost the succeeding[..]

[July 13th 1858] 31 breath, the dominion of passion would completely prostrate all my noble resolutions and cast me into the low sinks of sin, wickedness, and debauching too much polluted to be a fit associate of rational and intelligent beings. Am again under the influence of some benevolent scheme or magnanimous spirit my heart has been made to swell with pure and lofty sentiments, or imaginations of that extended benevolence that grasps in all of suffering humanity at a single glance - builds Asylums and Alms houses in every land sends the word of Life to the benighted nations of earth - completely remodels all tyranical [sic] Administrations - places the whole human family upon a common equality of wisdom, knowledge, and liberality and unites all into one common brotherhood where low origins without disimulation [sic], true charity makes the interest of one the interest of all, and raises a Royal banner[..]

32 [July 13th 1858] high into the air and bids the oppressed to seek protection under its ample folds, from all evils, calumnies, or misdemeanors that might chance to assail! But oh! how short the duration of such sentiments! how depraved the heart must be! that can in the most brief and insignificant space of time prostitute such laudable resolutions at the shrine of "filthy lucre" and revel in unlimited pusilanimousness [sic], caring neither for the good or the bad he honored or oppressed, the just or the unjust. That such a strange combination of principles should exist in the same animate beings is a problem that none but the Wisdom of the All wise can solve - and nothing short of the hand of Omnipotence could fashion a being of such capabilities. Oh! that I could act more consistently!!

July 13th 1858 33

So far as my business transactions of the last year are concerned, I can say that they have been various indeed. About and after the 13th a year ago I was engaged at home in the harvesting of wheat, Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 19 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 rye, oats and grass. Then in an extensive and laborious job of seeding - after the completion of which I engaged in a long and tedious tour of thrashing that did not terminate until sometime in January '58. Gathering and marketing the toll wheat and making preparations for starting to this State occupied my time until the 1st of March. I had really a hard time in making sale of my little property and getting money enough to bring me here. But by hauling a considerable distance, selling some at .75, .80, .90, $1.00 and $1.15 cts I succeeded in getting all my wheat off and getting money enough to come here. Money was certainly very scarce and hard to get.

34 July 13th 1858

As before intimated on the 1st of March I started to this state in company with Wesley and Uncle Eli Young. We were 20 day[s] on the rout [sic] from home to Jefferson Texas - during which time a multiplicity of new objects, to us, came under our observation. From that time till the 1st of June I did but little of importance except to travel into different parts of the country and make an engagement for a school, which has occupied all my time since then. While at home during the time of seeding I had my regular studies but after going out to thrashing I did but little reading until my school commenced - since which time I have had my regular studies, which I pursue daily. My religious enjoyments during the last year have been cold and lifeless! indeed it seems that I have lost almost all the life and power of Godliness in my heart and[..]

[July 13th 1858] 35 practice and have almost prostituted every truly religious feeling on the alter of passion, by which I have reason to fear that there is imminent danger of being overcome and finally being destroyed both soul and body! But I pray the Lord in his infinite and unbounded mercies to restore me to himself! to keep me from the evil to come; to bring all my passions into subjugation to His will! and the keep me henceforth under the shadow of his balmy wings and permit me to wander from him no more! My temporal prospects and position are very humble for I am now 26 years old. I am heir to no fortune - I own no land, not even an acre - I own not a hoof of property of any description - $60 in money is all that I possess - and not more than two years clothing, nor bonds on movable property of any description - so that I am now turned loose upon the wide world poor, destitute, but with an untiring resolution.

36 July 1858

Wednesday, [July] 14th. The atmosphere was considerably cooler than usual today. The school was tolerably well attended (29 being present). Behavior was not very good and I had to use the "rod" again. I am fearful that I will be compelled to use it frequently. I read a work by "O. S. Fowler" on "Amitiveness" [sic] that, I am of the opinion, will be of much benefit to me if I follow out it[s] prescriptions.

Thursday, [July] 15th. Cool breezes stir today that make it much more pleasant than it would otherwise be. The school was well attended today, behavior bad enough and the "rod" used freely. I have plenty of fine melons to eat almost all the time they are a luxury.

July 1858 37

Friday, [July] 16th. My school was tolerably well attended - we had some exercises in declamation this evening, which seems to make some interest among the students. I hope that it may continue to grow in interest and that it may be an advantage to the school. Went to L. P. Bise's this evening to settle with him for his boy coming to school - be going to leave the neighborhood and taking his son from school.

Saturday, [July] 17th. Spent the most of the [day] reading and writing letters to my friends, eating watermelons, and singing. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 20 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

The day has been very warm and it is getting dry again.

Sabbath, [July] 18th. After my regular lessons in the Bible, Pollock, and Dr. Dick, I went to Ft. Worth to church, but was disgusted with the display of business doen [sic] by Merchants and no preaching attended. I returned home and spent the evening in conversation and reading.

38 July 1858

Monday, [July] 19th. School rather small today, and weather very hot. I learned this morning that a school was made for Wes by Mr. Horton, and that it should have commenced this morning but he has not come on yet. I have adopted measures for the purpose of assertaining [sic] what is the case of his not coming.

Tuesday, [July] 20th. School tolerably full today and behavior not so good as might be desirable. The weather is getting extremely hot again.

Wednesday, [July] 21st. There is about the attendance today at school that was yesterday, and I am difficultied [sic] to keep the order that I would like to keep. The heat has been the most oppressive today, I think, that I have ever seen. After school this evening I went to the Ft. to assertain if possible where Wesley is; but the means that I had employed brought no intelligence of him. Returned after night and ate no supper and feel considerably fatigued.

[July 1858] 39

Thursday, [July] 22nd. The sun comes up in silent splendor this morning, nature is calm and serene as frost's enchantments though not so cool. I rested very badly a portion of the night just because I ate no supper I think for I was very moping this morning till I ate my breakfast, and now I feel almost as well as usual. School was well attended today. The heat was intense until evening when a shower of rain came up and cooled the atmosphere considerably. I am almost past navigating this evening, I have a severe headache.

Friday, [July] 23rd. School was very large, the weather awfully hot and I have been awfully unwell today, if I do not get better shortly I shall not be able to teach school next week.

Saturday, [July] 24th. A severe headache seems to have taken a permanent hold upon me attended with considerable fever in my head, though but little anywhere else.

40 [July 1858]

Sabbath, [July] 25th. The fever in my head continues and appears like it would ruin me if the weather continues as hot as it is at present. The fever was so intense that I sent for Dr. Peak in the evening. He pronounced mine a case of "Bilious fever" and left me two doses of mercury and a quantity of quinine to be taken this evening and tomorrow. According to directions the mercury was taken this evening. There was a fine breeze this evening that relieved me very much.

Monday, [July] 26th. The fever has principally left my head this morning after the opperation [sic] of my mercury. I am taking the quinine today. It is an awful stuff - the most bitter thing I have ever tasted, I think. I am still very feeble.

Tuesday, [July] 27th. Still have a little fever in my head, but suppose I am improving a little. The weather is more pleasant than it has been and I do hope it will continue so.

July 1858 41

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 21 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday, [July] 28th. There is still a little fever in my head and I commenced taking some bitters prescribed by the Dr. 1 bottle of wine 1oz peruvian [sic] bark 1 oz carbonet [sic] of iron and 1/2 oz of bitter shavings of some kind I do not know what. [I]t is really a bitter pill. I am to take a table spoon full just before every meal. The weather is still pleasant.

Thursday, [July] 29th. There is very little if any fever in my head this morning. I feel stouter also than I have since I have been sick and hope with the proper care to be able to attend to school by monday [sic] next. We were refreshed by a lively shower of rain this evening, the atmosphere is much more pleasant.

Friday, [July] 30th. I was honored with the company of neighbor Anderson the most of the day it was a treat indeed and I feel much refreshed from his company. The day has been very warm. I feel better this evening.

42 [July] 1858

Saturday, [July] 31st. The atmosphere is pleasantly cool this morning, though I fear we will have a very hot day. I feel tolerably well this morning. There has been a high wind all day consequently the heat has not been very oppressive. I went to Mr. Anderson's this evening and stayed all night, he is a very affible [sic] old gentleman and the walk, the conversation with him and the change give me a wonderful appetite for supper tonight which I did shear justice and rested well during the night.

[August 1858]

Sabbath , August 1st 1858. I felt much refreshed this morning and after a hearty breakfast at Anderson's he and I went to Judge Gilman's where we spent the most of the day in very agreeable conversation with the old judge principally upon his adventures in the Mexican war. He is really interesting & a very clever man I think. He furnished us horses to ride out this evening and I feel much refreshed - thanks to Judge Gilmore.

August 1858 43

Monday, [August] 2nd. Today is election day, and the most of the students are gone to the election so that my school numbers only 13 student; it seems almost like a blank; but I suppose it is all for the best, for I am still feeble and too much labor might exhaust me too much. I feel tolerably well this evening and hope I shall soon be stout again.

Tuesday, [August] 3rd. My school is fuller today than yesterday, though it is not so full as usual. The day is cool enough to be more pleasant than it has been for some time past. The election seems to result in the success of York - Sherriff. Tucker District C. Clerk. Nance C. C. Clerk. Quail - Chief justice. Lively, Surveyor and Ferguson, Cty Treasurer.

Wednesday, [August] 4th My school is about the same that it was yesterday. The day is somewhat cool, enough to be pleasant. My apetite [sic] is almost voracious and I begin to feel pretty well. I dismissed my school this evening for the purpose of attending the examination at Birdville.

44 August 1858

Thursday, [August] 5th. Tolerably early this morning I set out and walked 5 miles to Birdville to witness the examination of the students of the high school at that place. About 9 A.M. the students formed a procession at the West end of town and marched down through Broad way to the Academy, and after some preliminary remarks by the Professor the opening oration was delivered by R. B. Sigler Esqr. The rules for the government of the students of the academy were then read by the Prof. which are lengthy, comprehensive, and well calculated to elevate the character of the students if acted out to the Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 22 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 letter. The examination then commenced in orthodoxy on the correct pronunciation of many of the most common words in the English language. The examination was continued upon different branches till 12 o'clock, when a premium was awarded to the most proficient student in the drawing class. It was awarded to Miss Fanny Clark. During afternoon the examination was continued in various branches, the students showing that they had made proficiency in their studies.

[August 1858] 45

This examination continued till the orb of day disappeared in the West. A recess of an hour was given, during which time supper was masticated by a hungry multitude. At about half past 8 P.M. the audience collected at the house of Mr. Hughs for the purpose of witnessing a balloon assension [sic]. They did not have to wait long till it was presented to the crowd, the cotton places in the center of the diameter of the posterior extremity, it was well saturated with alcohol which being set on fire expanded the air within the balloon. But on the first trial the gass [sic] was not sufficient to raise it, so an increased quantity was applied - but in doing this the balloon caught on fire, & a hole of about 6 inches in diameter was burned, but a man of a ready mind caught it & extinguished the fire, & cured the breach with his handkerchief - After a few oscillations it began gradually to rise & soon went up in splendor amidst the shout of the multitude; it soon looked like a star and was very soon out of sight. The audience then repaired to the hall and heard several recitations in elocution in the form of dialogues. The audience was then dismissed.

46 August 1858

Friday, [August] 6th. I took a walk this morning for recreation out onto a prairie about 1 mile east of Birdville and felt considerably refreshed on my return to BV - on my return I found breakfast on hand which I relished very well. After breakfast I went to the academy for the purpose of consulting "Webster's Unabridged" on certain words not found in his school dictionary. Here I met with the noble hearted youths attending the school: they appeared to me like my old school mates and indeed I felt a warm affection for them as their society brought vividly to my mind the associations of the past, and for a time remembered the pleasures of the same. But soon the bell rang, the Prof. came down, and the crowd assembled, so I was compelled to take my seat in another part of the hall and witness the recitation of the classes. Natural Philosophy, Astronomy, Rhetoric, and the Arithmatical [sic] tables were the principle studies examined upon today; and the students showed that they were familiar with these studies. The audience was not quite so large today as yesterday; but a considerable interest was expressed by those in attendance.

[August 1858] 47

At about 7 P.M. a recess of 1 1/2 hours was announced, after which all came together to witness the closing scene. Some of the small classes were examined on some of the primary branches. Some elocutionary pieces were recited, in the form of dialogues; and some original essays were read by different students - some very good and others not so good - This closed the exercises of the students. Now the Rev. Binkley - the vice president of the community - proceeded to deliver the closing oration - He is the circuit preacher of the M.E.C.S. no[t] the Birdville circuit. He is a little above the mediocrity in stature tolerably fair complected, for a Texian, with rather light hair. He has a well developed cranium, the intellectual parts stand out full & square, while the perceptive organs show that nature has not left him wanting for this development, and then the searching glance of his large hazel eyes penetrates almost to the thoughts of his audience. The oration was delivered with that energy and ability that might have been expected from such a organization. One new idea that he advanced. "That a person never forgets anything that they once thoroughly know"; it may pass their memory for a time, but well be recalled again - Upon his close he was greatly applauded.

48 August 1858

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 23 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Now came the distribution of the prizes. The first one (Byron's complete works) was awarded to Mr. John Satterwhite. The second to Mr. Thos. Cross. The third to Mr. Daugherty. The first prize among the ladies was awarded to Miss Fanny Clark, a beautiful book. The second to Miss Satterwhite. The third to a Miss Cross. There were then a quantity of small prizes distributed to the small classes, who were with some difficulty awakened from the soundness of the slumbers into which they had fallen. The exercises of the examination were now fairly gone through with, and no unpredjudiced [sic] could say that there is not a high literacy talent connected with the faculty of this school and that the students have not made creditable advances in the acquisition of real knowledge. Although the Prof. is excentric [sic] and indulges in many unnecessary antics, yet all are bound to acknowledge that he is a man of superior learning, and intelligence, specially so as for the management and government of a school is concerned and consequently is worthy of patronage.

[August 1858] 49

Saturday, [August] 7th. As soon as I was up this morning I called for Mr. Hughs, my landlord, & enquired [sic] my bill. He charged me nothing and was very generous to me, supplying all my wants during the examination. I came to Mr. Robert's for breakfast: after resting some two hours here I walked from here to Ft. Worth, and found several letters in the office for me: one was from Wes - it relieved my mind from uneasiness about him; as I feared he was sick. The others were from Va. one from home the first I have read since I left there. It was a treat indeed to hear from my relations after being absent from them more than 5 months. My heart truly swelled with emotions of pleasure and gratitude! I returned home and after a scanty dinner, being much fatigued, I spent the most of the time on my pallet, from which I was aroused by McCarty—he having quit the business of stage driving was on his way home—a homesick greening . I wrote Wes a letter this evening. The day has been very warm.

50 August 1858

Sabbath, [August] 8th. After my morning lesson in the Bible, I walked to the Ft. for the purpose of attending Sabbath school, which was opened a short time after my arrival by Mr. Jewell. I was then invited to read with the Bible class by the superintendent, Mr. Dade - he is a young lawyer from Va. though he is not a church member yet he is a man of such strict morals and amiable quality that he was made superintendent of the school; and a very efficient one he appears to be. During the reading of the Bible class there was a question of controversy arose as to whether a person could identify himself in a future state of existence - two of the class assumed the negative & adheared [sic] to it with an unyielding tenacity, although the opinions of the Superintendent and the remainder of the class were emphatic and against them. There seems to be considerable interest manifested in the school by the citizens of the place, for the school was well attended today by both the sexes. After the reading of the classes the school was addressed by Mr. Quelle designed to impress upon all the duty of constancy in their attendance at the proper hour. Sabbathly [sic]

[August 1858] 51 . About one hour after school was closed the bell rang for preaching, and after a respectible [sic] audience gathered at the hall, it was addressed by the Rev. South, P. C. of the Ft. Worth circuit. He is a man of rather low in stature but heavily built. He has a prominent forehead, indicating originality. His countenance has a firm, decided, and penetrating expression, yet he is mild and gentle - indeed one fault in his enunciation is want of energy - though he puts on the appearance of a very pious man. His subject was - "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." In the elucidation of this subject he referred to two races of being that had been disobedient to the commands of God and in consequence of disobedience had fallen from the state of happiness in which they were placed in creation, to a state of misery, suffering and depravity. We belong to one of those races and hence our suffering and calamities. But we have not been left to utter destruction for means have been provided by which we may regain our happiness - Christ atoned for our transgressions and no man will be lost for Adam's sin, but for his own - consequently all infants are saved who die in infancy. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 24 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

52 August 1858

Monday, [August] 9th. I resumed my school again this morning and have not very many students today. About 11 o'clock I had what the people of this country call "a chill." I did not shake any, but a rather chilly sensation came over me for about two minutes; and then it was not long till the fever began to rise; it was high for some time and I felt very bad indeed. But I did not stop my school in consequence of it, though it was with much infirmity that I kept up this evening.

Tuesday, [August] 10th. My fever is gone this morning and now I am taking the bitter, bitter, quinine in order to break the fever. About 8 o'clock P.M. the chilly sensation came on again but much lighter than it was yesterday. I took quinine today commencing very early in the morning and repeating the dose every two hours till ten or eleven o'clock. My school was full today & not very well attentive.

[August 1858] 53

Wednesday, [August] 11th. My school was tolerably full today and I have concluded to adopt a new plan in order to learn my students the sounds of the letters, the pauses in reading, accent, emphasis, cadence, &c viz: by lecture. It seems that this mode of instruction is more interesting to them demands better attention; for want of attention is as an eating kanker [sic] in my school - knawing [sic] at the very vitals of the intellect - but I am resolved to expunge it if possible from my school. My fever did not return today and I feel tolerably well this evening.

Thursday, [August] 12th School about as yesterday. My plan of instruction by lecture seems [to] operate very well, for I have had better attention today than usual, and more advancement I think. I received a promise from all of the students to be more attentive for the future than they have been. No fever today, and feel tolerably well this evening. The weather continues very warm and but little air.

54 August 1858

Friday, [August] 13th. School and school operations today about as yesterday, only more success seems to attend my new adopted plan of instruction. Health seems to be improving and the air a little cooler than usual.

Saturday, [August] 14th Owing to the time I lost going to the examination last week it becomes necessary for me to teach today to make up for part of the time. School not full today but still they improve. A heavy wind was from the North a few minutes and a little rain, very little; though the air is cool and pleasant this evening.

Sabbath, [August] 15th. After my morning lesson, I went to the Ft. to be present at Sabbath school; and was really pleased with the interest manifested by the Superintendent and the ability with which he conducted the school. He explained the attributes of God - Infinite Wisdom, Mercy, and Power - plainer to my understanding than they had been before. After school was closed I met with Cos [cousin] Wm. Baker from Palo Pinto. I was truly pleased to meet with a friend; and he brought me intelligence of a highly important character.

[August 1858] 55

At 11 o'clock the bell rang for preaching, and after repairing to the hall we were addressed by Parson Scruggs - a Campbellite - from the Gospel of John, the commission of the apostles. The Christian plan of salvation was not perfected until Christ was crucified, buried, and resurected [sic] from the dead. Thereby fulfilling all the law and opening wide the gates of Salvation to all mankind that would accept of redemption on the terms of the gospel. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 25 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

He contended that what was not contained in the "commission," or implied therein, was forbidden of the same. As Christ did for sin, so we must die to sin - As Christ was buried in the grave so we must be buried with him by baptism unto death so that we may live a newness of life - And as he was raised up from the dead so we must be raised up to live a newness of life &c. I formed the acquaintance of Col. Long and family, went home with them, got my dinner, and spent the evening with them. They are high minded people and very social. I learned an idea that was new to me viz: that untold evils would arise from picked people living to the ages of 500 or 1000 years.

56 August 1858

Monday, [August] 16th. My school was not very well attended today, and lessons were not overly well memorised [sic]; though there still seems to be improvement in learning the sounds of letters. I was interrupted in my lecture this evening by the presence of Cos. Wm. C. Baker and Nat Terry who came to see me on business. I loaned Cos. Wm. $40 this evening. My health is still improving. The atmosphere is a little cooler and much more pleasant than it has been for some time past.

Tuesday, [August] 17th. School a little larger than it was yesterday. Some lessons were better; but still there is not that attention that I would like to see. The air was a little cool today, enough so to be pleasant. My health is still improving.

Wednesday, [August] 18th. Had 25 students today - one new one, son of Nance Esqr. I wrote an article for a school at this place again, and from the indications I think it a doubtful case in consequence of my raising the tuition from $1.50 to $2.00 though a trial is to be made yet among the patrons of the school.

August 1858 57

Thursday, [August] 19th. School tolerably full today, order not very good. My mode of lecturing seems to keep up more interest than anything else. The day was warm and I feel fatigued and relaxed this evening. I am told that I cannot get another school at this place, unless I lower my terms.

Friday, [August] 20th. School smaller than common today and lessons badly studied. The day was warmer than usual. I have been very unwell today; a fever came on me about 11 o'clock and has lasted me all day, attended with a severe headache.

Saturday, [August] 21st. I feel some better this morning than I did yesterday, though I yet feel feeble and worthless. In consequence of loseing [sic] two days from my school during the examination at Birdville I have to teach today. School small but lessons tolerably well recited. O! how dry and hot the weather is.

58 August 1858

Sabbath, [August] 22nd. Weak and feeble as I was, I mounted a young and foolish mule to go to a camp meeting about 6 miles West of this - held by the Presbyterians - I started very early and did very well in getting there. The camping arrangement and arbor presented rather an uncouth appearance. There are a few cabin tents and the remainder cloth: the covering of the arbor is heavy brush that is not thick enough at all places to prevent the rays of the sun from passing through. But it does not matter about such arrangements, when people are in earnest in the cause they profess, which seemed to be the case with those people. About 10 o'clock or probably later the people were called together by the sounds of the horn. An address was delivered by rather a young looking man (I did not learn his name) from the words: "What is man that thou art mindful of him? and the Son of man that thou visited him?" (8th Psalm & 4 v) Man, he said, was a compound being - and compound in a two fold sense - First he has a physical[..] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 26 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[August 1858] 59 frame, and a mental intellect - Secondly his mind on mental part is composed of a natural and a spiritual nature. The natural part of his intellect begins to extend just as soon as the child begins to talk and observe the things that surround it. And a knowledge of one thing creates a desire to know something else, hence the many questions propounded by children. As they advance in years this natural intellect continues to expand, and the greater the expansion the greater the desire or thirst for more natural food, or knowledge of natural things. So the child first learns Orthography and Orthoepy [sic]; and as the mind becomes more capacious it takes hold of the principles of language, and from this to mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Chemestry [sic] so that it can comprehend the nature of a body, the mutual action of bodies upon each other, and the component parts of different bodies all of which is pleasing and gratifying to the natural mind. But still it is not satisfied, it ascends up into the celestial regions and learns the movements of the planets, their number, distance from each[..]

60 [August 1858] other, and all the penomina [sic] connected with them. He still goes on till he comprehends all science, understands all natural things, and grasps in all the laws by which the Natural creation is regulated. But still he is not satisfied; his nature is progressive; and he still pines for the gratification of his natural powers. There is still another principle in man, that seeks to be satiated. In consequence of his connexion [sic] with spirituality and that the Soul is to live forever in a state of happiness or misery: as soon as he passes the line of minority or accountibility [sic] a constant desire for spiritual happiness arises in the mind. This desire continues to increase if he will allow it too [sic] - till the greater this desire is, the more miserable the natural man feels, because he cannot find in all nature a gratification for this spiritual desire of happiness. But let him look to the Cross of Calvery [sic] and behold the explaining of the Savior! and there he will find just the antidote necessary to quench all his spiritual thirst, elevate him to that dignity for which spiritual nature pines; and finally to make him happy in this world and secure him a home in Heaven.

August 1858 61

After the first sermon a public collection was taken up, and then an intermission of 10 minutes was given. At the ringing of the bell the people came together again and were addressed by the Rev King; an elderly looking and dignified appearing man (with one arm off) - from the words "Believe in God: believe also in me: in my father's house is many mansion &c" His discourse was very pathetic, showing that God had made ample preparation for the eternal happiness of all who would do his will on earth. That it was necessary to believe in God & Christ, he also beautifully illustrated the full atonement made by Christ, and the ignominious death that he suffered - while all nature was convulsed and turned into confusion and blackness, Christ alone stood calm, composed and innocent amid all this confusion and expired for our sins!! After the sermon the Sacriment [sic] was administered to several communcants [sic] of different denominations. As unworthy as I felt I dared to join in this solemn commemoration.

62 August 1858

The heat today was almost insupportable, indeed I have never suffered with heat in my life to the extent that I suffered today. After meeting was closed I walked out to water my mule, and became so much overheated that it was with some difficulty that I got back to the arbor. As soon as I arrived at the arbor I lay down on my blanket in the shade and after resting in this position for some time felt somewhat refreshed. I met with judge G - who finding out my exausted [sic] condition kindly proffered me his umbrella, which was gratefully accepted. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 27 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

And after my rest, with aid of the umbrella I concluded to try and see if I could get home; and after getting out on the prairies the wind blew and I did tolerably well for a while, but was overtaken and passed by some of the town people in buggies who passed me in a considerable hurry - this put a spirit of "go" in my mule, and I was so weak that I could not hold him, consequently when the wind would make my umbrella wave, he would start off in full speed, greatly to my chagrin, and I could only stop him by turning him to one side. So, in this way I at length got home, most awfully fatigued.

[August 1858] 63

Monday, [August] 23rd. My weekness [sic] was so great that it was with great difficulty that I walked to the school house and attended to my duties while there. The school was quite small today. The day was very hot.

Tuesday, [August] 24th O! how feeble I am! I have not enough energy to do anything if I were not compelled to do it. How I long for my school to close so that I can recruit my health! School very small again. The day extremely hot. I do not think I will regain my strength till cooler weather.

Wednesday, [August] 25th. I feel a little better this morning than I did yesterday - though I am yet almost worthless. School tolerably full today. The day was tolerably warm. I felt pretty well tonight, but eat too much supper and spoiled it all!!

Thursday, [August] 26th. Spent today in a precursory examination. It did not exhibit a great degree of application and I look for almost an entire failure on tomorrow. I have been in a surly mood all day and could not help it.

64 August 1858

Friday, [August] 27th. Today was the closing day of my school so I repaired tolerably early to the school house. The school also met tolerably early and brought in their tickets. After examining them and the records I found that Wm. Anderson was entitled to the first prize, Emmett Roberts to the second, Ann T. Tucker to the third. There were a few of the patrons in to see the close. I think the matter passed off creditably to myself. In the evening I went to Mrs. Thomas's and settled with her. I then went to W. B. Tucker and stayed all night. He has an estimable lady, and I like him very well.

Saturday, [August] 28th. Spent the most of the day making out my school return to the county count, though I did not complete it, for I became so unwell in the evening that I could not work at it. I made some pills of Blue mass and rolled them in quinine as long as the pills would absorb any of the quinine, and will take one of these pills at night for three nights. The air was very cool this morning and continues so all day, how much more pleasant it is!

[August 1858] 65

Sabbath, [August] 29th. Went to W. B. Tucker's this morning, having promised to bring my letters from the office, but there were none for me. I started home, came to Anderson's and stopped a while; and while [I] was there a chill came on me, and I shook for so 30 minutes I suppose; and then the fever came on and kept me confined till evening at Anderson's. I then came home, but really I feel very weak and worthless.

Monday, [August] 30th. Spent the morning in completing my school return. The sun comes out, this morning, like it would be very hot today. Did but little in the afternoon of the day.

Tuesday, [August] 31st. Went to town this morning and presented my school return to the C. Clerk - spent the most of the day in town listening at a foolish trial, contesting the election for constable in Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 28 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 the 5th District. Started home in the evening and before getting home was overtaken by a rain, though did not get very wet. I feel better this evening than I have for some time. I hope I may now get well.

66 September 1858

Wednesday, [September] 1st. Clouds look dense and heavy this morning, thunders rolled, and the vivid lightnings [sic] play across the heavens, giving several indications of rain. All the indications passed away without any rain. I spent the day in doing but little: I got 6 students subscribed to my article for a school, wrote some letters, and made some bitters of Whiskey and Tonckaway root. I feel that my health is improving a little.

Thursday, [September] 2nd. Went to town early this morning and renewed my order to the county treasurer for the public school money which amounted to only $21.25 cts. The annual apportionment being only 1 7/10 cts per day tuition. I then repaired to the place of preaching, and heard the introductory sermon of the Cumberland Presbyterian Presbytery, now in session at Ft. Worth, preached by Rev. King. from the words, "Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same things." Philipians 3.16. He urged the importance of their adhering to their former rules and regulations.

[September 1858] 67

Notice was now given that the Presbytery would meet in the evening and that the spectators would be admitted; so at the meeting of the Presbytery, I attended, but the proceedings were dry and uninteresting to me in the main; but two of the young preachers related their Religious experience and their call to the ministry which interested me more than any thing else I heard in the Presbytery. I spent the remainder of the evening in town. At candle lighting I repaired again to the Hall and heard another Rev. King hold forth from the words: "For the kingdom of God is not in words but in power." I Cor. 4.20 He first showed that for there to be a kingdom, there must be a king, laws, and subjects. God is the king here referred to, the Bible the laws, and the world of mankind the subjects. The king is all powerful, the laws just, and the subjects stubborn and rebellious, but if they comply with the laws, peace, joy, and happiness will attend them in this world and endless bliss hereafter.

68 September 1858

Friday, [September] 3rd. Spent the fore part of the day in writing letters and making school calculations, so that I did not attend preaching this morning. Afternoon went to the Presbytery a short time, but they soon had a recess, and so I did not go back any more. In the evening there came up a heavy wind and blew all the dust out of town & blew the top off a carryall, the wind was very severe. At candle lighting went [to] the hall again and heard a Rev. Malony hold forth, or I ought to have heard him, but I was so overcome in some way that I could not keep awake but slept and sweated all the time he was preaching. The clouds came up heavy, the winds blew, the lightening played, and the thunder rolled. I went to the tavern and went to bed before the meeting closed. The elements still continued in motion and a fine shower of rain fell.

Sept. 1858 69

Saturday, [September] 4th Came home from town early this morning and spent the day in reading, writing and preparing for the Sabbath.

Sabbath, [September] 5th. Went to town early this morning and repaired to the church at the ringing of the bell. The audience was large and was addressed by the Rev. Robert King, on the subject of the Sacriment [sic] and those who were qualified to partake of it: his position was that all who had the witness of their acceptance with God in their heart were fit subjects for the communion table. The Sacriment [sic] was administered after the sermon. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 29 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

In the afternoon the audience was addressed by the Rev. Fitz-patrick on the restoration of Israel, showing the necessity of a restoration, the means of that restoration, and that the Lord would surely bring about that restoration. He concluded with an exhortation of encouragement to the believers, and an exhortation of warning to the Sinners.

70 Sept. 1858

Monday, [September] 6th. Attended prayer meeting before breakfast, this morning, after breakfast attended the Presbytery till an interlocutory was called so I was then under the necessity of leaving, because I was not a member of the Presbytery. At 11 o'clock I repaired to the church for preaching; the congregation was addressed by one of the Rev. Kings, I did not learn his Christian name, from the words, "Be sober, be vigilant, for your adversary, the Devil walketh about as a roving lion seeking whom he may devour." He urged the necessity of being sober and vigilant in order to avoid the snares and temptations of the devil. He pointed many ways by which the devil seduces, deceives, and ruins thousands of the human family. The misfortune with me was that I could not hear him finish for I found a chill was coming on me so I was compelled to retire and lie down, and did not feel able to get up until the middle of the afternoon. I then came down and called for my dinner, which, I think, was one hour coming and a very scanty affair when it did come. I came home in the evening, and was considerably fatigued.

[Sept. 1858] 71

Tuesday, [September] 7th. Went to B. F. Anderson's this morning, he subscribed two schollars [sic] to my article and give me [sic] his note for what was due me for the tuition of the last school. I then went to town for the purpose of being at meeting, but I felt so bad when I arrived there that I had to take my bed instead of going to preaching. I remained there until time to come home and it was with some difficulty that I walked out to my mule and put the saddle on him, but just as I was about to mount him and start for home I threw up a tremendous quantity of bile, which relieved me very much.

Wednesday, [September] 8th. The air is cool this morning and the clouds look dense and heavy as though it may rain. About 10 o'clock I mounted [my] mule and went to Mr. P. Moore's, where I got my dinner. After getting over the chill and fever, I went to Mr. Dosier's, collected my school money, then came to Kerbey's and stayed the night.

72 Sept. 1858

Thursday, [September] 9th. Came home early and did but little of anything. In the afternoon caught my mule and was going to ride out but I felt so unwell that I put away my mule. I came to the house and went to bed and had a chill immediately.

Friday, [September] 10th. I sweated to such an extent last night that my bed, beneath and covering, was perfectly wet. Settled with Robinson this morning for board. He charged me two dollars per week, making my bill twenty eight dollars. I had effects against it which brought it down to fifteen dollars. About 10 o'clock I mounted my mule and went to H. Roberts', had not been there long till a chill came on me, so I had to lie up almost all day, but returned home in the evening.

Saturday, [September] 11th. Rested better last night than usual. In the afternoon I went to Daggett's to a meeting of the patrons of the school, but was taken with a chill not long after getting there, heard none of the meeting and stayed all night.

[Sept. 1858] 73

Sabbath, [September] 12th H. Roberts sent a horse to Daggett's for me this morning, and I went to his house, commenced taking quinine, in small doses, almost as soon as I went; but the chill came on me in the evening. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 30 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday, [September] 13th. Commenced taking quinine this morning before breakfast and continued on till after dinner; but the chill came on very lightly in the evening.

Tuesday, [September] 14th Went to town, this morning, to get some medicine from the Dr. to break the chills and keep them off. He gave me 8 tremendous doses of quinine. Took 4 today and had a light chill in the evening. He also gave me pills he said would keep off the chills.

Wednesday, [September] 15th. Felt awfully weak all day today; took the other 4 doses of quinine; and escaped a chill. I kept my bed all day and was feeling very feeble.

74 Sept. 1858

Thursday, [September] 16th. Took my 2 pills before each meal today, kept my bed, listened at the clock strike, and fought flies without a chill.

Friday, [September] 17th. Did the same today, in almost every respect, that I did yesterday, and took a blue pill extra. Saturday, [September] 18th. Felt a little better this morning than common and after breakfast I mounted a nag and started home[,] came by Daggett's and settled with him and came on home. But found that Robinson expected company for several days, so I returned to Roberts's in the evening.

Sabbath, [September] 19th. Spent today in reading the Bible, writing letters, and lying on the bed.

Monday, [September] 20th. Spent the fore part of the day in reading and writing letters. In the evening I rode out to Ft. Worth. I am improving very fast, and am getting a most excellent appetite.

[Sept. 1858] 75

Tuesday, [September] 21st. Went to Birdville this morning and formed the acquaintance of the Messrs. White of that place. After returning, spent the remainder of the day in reading, writing, talking, and lying on the bed.

Wednesday, [September] 22nd. Started early from Roberts' this morning, and came to Robinsons. After doing some writing I expect to start to Palo Pinto County this evening if I get the horse I expect to. Started to P.P.C. about 2 o'clock P.M. traveled about 12 miles and stayed all night with a Mr. Hall.

Thursday, [September] 23rd. Started from Hall's a little before day and rode to Cottonwood grove [sic] for breakfast. Bill 25 cts. Rode from here to R. P. Baker's by 11 A.M. and spent the remainder of the day with him. Traveled 16 miles.

Friday, [September] 24th Started early from Baker's and went to W. Wilson's for dinner. Here the people and hogs all live together and it is difficult to tell which is the filthiest. Went to W. C. Baker's today. Distance 25 miles.

76 Sept. 1858

Saturday, [September] 25th. After eating a hearty breakfast of venison I felt very well and went up to Uncle Frank's, where I found Wes and uncle in good health and fine spirits. I spent the day with them; and in the evening Wes and I went hunting saw plenty of turkeys but did not kill anything but a rattle snake. We looked at a piece of land Wes talks of buying, it is excellent land with some improvements, and the price is $5 per acre. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 31 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [September] 26th. Spent the day at Uncle's in reading and conversation. Had a fine mess of sweet potatoes and venison for dinner.

Monday, [September] 27th. Spent the fore part of the day hunting but did not kill anything. Saw plenty of turkeys and a tremendous quantity of Mustang grapes.

Sept. [1858] 77

Tuesday, [September] 28th. I concluded this morning to get Mr. Pollard to go with me to Palo Pinto and assist me in getting a school at that place; but in applying to him I found that he could not go today but promised to go tomorrow so I returned home and spent the day in doing but little except to read the Bible.

Wednesday, [September] 29th. Went to Pollard's tolerably early and found him engaged, so that he could not go with me today; but he wrote a letter of introduction to the citizens of that place. So I went and formed the acquaintance of several of the patrons of the school there, and received some encouragement to stay and try for the school. So I put up with Hullum and stayed all night.

Thursday, [September] 30th. I wrote an article of agreements, and presented it to some of the patrons, before 12 o'clock, and obtained 14 subscribed students. I then concluded to leave the article with Hullum to make the school and write me to Ft. Worth, and I returned to Uncle Frank's.

78 Oct. 1858

Friday, [October] 1st. Spent the fore part of the day at uncle F's; went to Wm. C. Baker's in the evening and stayed all night.

Saturday, [October] 2nd. Started this morning to a Baptist association, in Parker Co. on Grindstone. As I was on my way I met with Mr. Dillahunty, one of the patrons of the school, who told me it was necessary for me to go back in order to get the school. We arrived at the campground about 12 o'clock, just in time to get our dinners. In the afternoon a Rev. Robinson from Erath Co., addressed the people, he advanced some good ideas in a very rough and uncouth style, but he was so exclusive in his sentiments that I did not feel that interest in his sermon that I might otherwise have done. The Convention, appointed to organize a new association, met after the sermon and proceeded to organize the Brazos River Association and elected Parson Biers Moderator, Parson Roarch Corresponding secretary, Mr. Ikard Clerk and Mr. Pollard treasurer. Turner preached at night to a large and attentive audience. He is a hard speaker. I went to Ikards, about 2 1/2 miles, and stayed all night.

[Oct. 1858] 79

Sabbath, [October] 3rd. We returned to the campground tolerably early this morning, and were addressed by Rev. Roarch from Patrick from the commission of Christ to his Apostles. He handled it ably showing the nature of the Gospels [and] those to whom it should be preached and by what means it should be carried to every creature. He also showed the Scripture authority for ministers to be supported by the gospel, and the duty of the Church to send the gospel to heathen lands. At the close of the sermon there was a missionary collection taken up which amounted to $25. The people were addressed in the afternoon by parson Biers, but I was called off on business and did not hear much of the sermon. At night Robinson held forth in his accustomed style. There was considerable revival and one conversion in the congregation tonight. After meeting closed, I went to Parson Turner's and stayed.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 32 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday, [October] 4th Immediately after breakfast I mounted my horse and started back to Palo Pinto, in order to attend to my school, and arrived at uncle F's about 1 o'clock P.M. I remained here all day and night and almost gorged myself eating watermelons; for they had some fine ones.

Tuesday, [October] 5th. Went to town today and was examined before the school committee and obtained a certificate of recommendation in order to refute a report that was circulating to my injury, viz: that I refused to be examined by the committee. Stayed all night with Hullum's.

Wednesday, [October] 6th. Saw some of the patrons of the school and obtained 8 subscribers making 20 in all and returned to uncle F[rank]'s in the evening.

Thursday, [October] 7th. Went to Pollard's and Wm. C. Baker's but returned to uncle F[rank]'s and stayed all night.

Friday, [October] 8th. Went to Palo Pinto this morning to attend a Camp meeting at that place. Arrived there about 11 o'clock and heard a Rev. M. Tackett preach a tolerably good sermon. The audience in the evening was addressed by the Rev. Mullins, and at night by Dr. Taylor. It rained some tonight and I stayed with Mr. Williams.

[Oct. 1858] 81

Saturday, [October] 9th. It rained some last night and continued to rain, at intervals, all day. Rev. Tackett addressed the people again this morning with some good effect though the weather was inclement. Afternoon parson Keidd delivered and excellent discourse upon the subject of giving God the glory in all things, clearly showing that no person could be a Christian without glorifying his Creator, and that Christianity consisted not in a name nor in ceremonies, but in the genuine working of the Spirit of God in the heart renewing it to His spiritual image and likeness. The rain was so incessant that I did not go out tonight. I stayed at Hullum's.

Sabbath, [October] 10th. It rained almost all night and was very unpleasant indeed, for the buildings of the place are very uncomfortable. Parson Wright held forth at 8 A.M. and Keidd at 11 A.M. Kiedd preached on the subject of Baptism in a very clear, plain, and forceable [sic] manner. After the sermon the sacriment [sic] of Baptism was administered to several persons, children and adults, by sprinkling, pouring and commission by Rev. Tackett.

82 Oct. 1858

In the evening Tackett addressed the audience and at night the sacriment [sic] of the Lord's Supper was administered. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to operate among the people, the church seemed to be revived, sinners convicted, mourners converted and added to the church.

Monday, [October] 11th. Made an effort to finish my school, which I did, and after the middle of the day, at which time there were two ladies baptised by immersion. I left my article with Hullum, and came to uncle F[rank]'s, in company with Rees Hale and stayed all night.

Tuesday, [October] 12th Went to Wm. C. Baker's for breakfast, on my way to Tarrant Co. Traveled about 30 miles today to R. P. Baker's and stayed all night with him. Stole some watermelons on the road today and eat them.

Wednesday, [October] 13th. Came from RP's to Ft. Worth today, distance about 30 miles and found several letters in the office from my friends. Saw quite a number of wild geese passing towards the South - some people say that their passing in that direction is an indication that cold weather is approaching. I came down to Col. Nat Terrie's and stayed all night.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 33 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Oct. 1858] 83

Thursday, [October] 14th Went to Ft. Worth this morning to deposit a letter in the office after which I came by Col. Terrie's melon patch and eat heartily of the melons. I then went around through the neighborhood to see the patrons of my old school and try to collect my money, but failed to collect any, obtaining the promise of it in a few days.

Friday, [October] 15th. Went to the Ft. and collected a little money this morning, and then came to Hugh Roberts' to return a borrowed horse. I then went [to] Birdville and made arrangements to go to school there next week and study Penmanship under Prof. Hudson. I borrowed his rules of decorum, for the government of his school, with permission to copy them, and after returning to Roberts' spent the remainder of the day copying them.

Saturday, [October] 16th. Finished copying Hudson's Rules, and wrote some letters to my friends. In the evening went to B. F. Anderson's & stayed all night.

Sunday, [October] 17th. Went [to] Roberts' this morning and shaved, blacked my boots, changed my clothes, read some in the Bible, than came to H. Roberts' & stayed all night.

84 Oct. 1858

Monday, [October] 18th. Went to Birdville this morning and entered the High school at that place. Prof. Hudson is a man of great excentricity [sic], well educated, and an excellent teacher. He made me change the position of my hand and manner of holding my pen. I think from the start he gave me today he will improve me considerably this week.

Tuesday, [October] 19th. Still continued at school today and made some improvement in penmanship. It rained last night, was cloudy today, and the roads are in an unpleasant condition for traveling.

Wednesday, [October] 20th. Spent the day at Birdville, and still continue to make proficiency in my study.

Thursday, [October] 21st. My desires and unwaried [sic] efforts are to improve my penmanship, but my old inaccurate habit sticks to me with an almost invincible tenacity. Habits should be right.

[Oct. 1858] 85

Friday, [October] 22nd. Had the pleasure of Mr. Rees Hale's company and the comfort of a conveyance upon his wagon to Birdville this morning. Had 100 cards printed noticeing [sic] my school; cost $2.50. My tuition with Prof. Hudson expires today, lasting 5 days for which I paid 75 cts. The Profsr.. acted very benificently [sic] with me for which he has my sincerest thanks and heartfelt gratitude. I think I have made considerable advancement in penmanship and acquired rules by which I can continue to improve.

Saturday, [October] 23rd. It is cloudy this morning, and a damp mist making it very unpleasant. I concluded to go around and see the patrons of my school and try to get some money. I succeeded in collecting about $45 and have about the same amount to collect yet. I was at Ft. Worth in the evening and a tremendous rain came up covering the whole face of the earth in a flote [sic] of water. I had a very unpleasant time coming home.

86 Oct. 1858

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 34 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [October] 24th The rain and the clouds had disappeared this morning and the winds were blowing tolerably cool from the West. Many prairie chickens could be heard chattering on the prairies before it was light this morning. Immediately after breakfast I went to search for a book I dropped in the rain last evening and was fortunate enough to find it though badly injured. Went on [to] Robinson's, shaved, and returned to Roberts' before dinner, and spent the remainder of the day in reading and conversation.

Monday, [October] 25th. Learned Mrs. Roberts the art of garment cutting today, in the evening engaged some wagoners [sic] to convey my trunk to Palo Pinto and went to Robinson's after night.

Tuesday, [October] 26th. Very early this morning I conveyed my trunk and baggage to the wagon that was to convey it to the west, but [to] my discomfiture one of their horses died and they turned back. So I was compelled to get a buggy and convey my trunk &c to Ft. Worth and wait till Thursday evening for the stage for conveyance west.

[Oct. 1858] 87

Wednesday, [October] 27th. Attended the school of Mr. Lewis in the hall today, and was pleased to see the order and subordination of the students. Mr. Lewis is certainly an excellent teacher and a cleaver [sic] man. After school this evening I went to Col. Terrie's watermelon patch and ate very hearty of them.

Thursday, [October] 28th. Spent the forenoon in preparing some blanks for school records. In the evening the stage came on and about 4 P.M. I took passage for Weatherford fare $3. Distance 30 miles. Traveled 10 miles this evening and stayed all night with a Mr. Bersey. Bill .40 cts.

Friday, [October] 29th. Started about 7 o'clock this morning and arrived at Weatherford about 12. Finding no wagons at the place going west I concluded to wait here till morning, during which stay I saw a difficulty between Norton and Beckworth, merchants of this place, in which they used pistols, exchanged 3 shots each and did no injury. Brave men indeed!!

88 Oct. 1858

Saturday, [October] 30th. After prospecting around this morning I found a man who agreed to convey my trunk part of the way to Palo Pinto. So I left it with him and came on to P.P. in company with Mr. Barber - he and I riding alternately upon his horse. I came to uncle F[rank]'s and stayed all night. Blake Ballow came in here tonight from N.C. and brought the news that uncle's family was on the road to Texas and would soon be here.

Sabbath, [October] 31st. After shaving and fixing up this morning I started for the town of P.P. in company with Mr. Barber and family and arrived here about 12. Heard some preaching this evening and tonight and found that the house was not ready for me to commence my school.

November 1858 89

Monday, [November] 1st. My school was to commence this morning, but the patrons had failed to have a house in readiness, so all the day was spent in securing a house for five months for which we had to pay $25. The patrons one half and I the other. In the evening we drew up a subscription for the purpose of building a school house in this town and I obtained some subscription.

Tuesday, [November] 2nd. My school commenced this morning with 12 students, the day passed off tolerably well, and the students present manifested a disposition to behave very well, and I hope from the commencement that it will not be difficult to keep a good order.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 35 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday, [November] 3rd. Only 12 students were in school today, the weather is so unpleasant that those that do come cannot keep comfortable all the time. I hope the weather will soon moderate and the school will increase.

90 Nov. 1858

Thursday, [November] 4th. The wind continues to blow cold, consequently the school continues small. I am taking a bad cold.

Friday, [November] 5th. There was a heavy frost this morning the first I have seen this fall. Only 13 students today. I have engaged board with W. Hullum the tavern keeper at $9 per month.

Saturday, [November] 6th. Spent part of the day in letter writing and the other part in the courthouse listening to the trials. There was a heavy frost this morning and the day was tolerably cool.

Sabbath, [November] 7th. Spent part of the morning reading and went to class-meeting at which time and place I united with the class in the town of Palo Pinto. I pray that I may continue a consistent member of the same. In the afternoon I went to Richard Rutherford's, who had brought my trunk to his house and got him to bring it to town.

[Nov. 1858] 91

Monday, [November] 8th. It still continues cool and there are only 13 students at school. But they seem to be attentive to their studies and are progressing well.

Tuesday, [November] 9th. The wind is from the south this morning and is very cool for that direction. 15 students attended school today. There has been a considerable change in the atmosphere this evening and it is quite pleasant to what it has been for some time past.

Wednesday, [November] 10th. The morning and day were calm and pleasant after the morning frost passed off. Only 11 students were at school today - It seems like a hard drag to get a full school in a time. Those present seem to be improving very fast. I have my regular night and morning lessons and my chapter in the Bible. I open school by reading a chapter in the Bible and prayer.

Thursday, [November] 11th. 12 students were in school today, and during the fore part of the day they seemed to be indolent, but did better in the evening.

92 Nov. 1858

Friday, [November] 12th. The standing number of 12 students was present today and the most of them did very well, though some of them were most too idle. I have commenced giving tickets of merit and it seems to be a stimulous [sic] to the majority of the pupils. I am hopeful that my school will increase next week.

Saturday, [November] 13th. Early this morning I made arrangements to go down to uncle F[rank]'s, in the Brazos valley. I arrived there about 12 o'clock and found cousin Frank Young there just from Virginia, which gave me a great deal of satisfaction as he gave me a full account of many things that transpired there since I left. The day was tolerably pleasant, though the wind blew to some extent.

Nov. 1858 93 Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 36 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [November] 14th. Spent the forenoon in frivolous conversation to but little profit in any way. After dinner I came to town and had a rather disagreeable ride; in consequence of a cold north wind that blew up. A false Indian alarm was given tonight which frightened me very much and caused me to lie out in the woods all night and suffer considerable with cold. Several families also lay out part of the night. I have been a stranger to unpleasant, fearful feelings before and pray the Lord to keep me from such scenes of fear through his sanctifying power.

Monday, [November] 15th. I came in from my seclusion this morning and found that the alarm was false and was very much rejoiced to find it so though I felt tolerably bad all day. My school was small today and the weather was tolerably unpleasant. County court met today and I was ridiculed for my cowardice.

94 Nov. 1858

Tuesday, [November] 16th. My school was small today, and the weather still unpleasant. The court continued in session today and granted a lot for the purpose of building a school house upon it. The court adjourned till February.

Wednesday, [November] 17th. My school continues small. The weather today is more pleasant than it was yesterday. In spite of myself an uneasy fearfulness still keeps hold of me which renders me very unpleasant in my feelings. I pray to the Lord that I may be so freed from sin that none but a godly fear can pervade my mind!

Thursday, [November] 18th. There were some clouds this morning and the air was a little unpleasant but the day turned out pleasant enough. My school is small today and not so easily governed as on some previous days. I may yet have to resort to coersive [sic] measures to preserve order.

[Nov. 1858] 95

I confirmed our land trade with George P. Barber, this evening, and closed up the writings concerning it with his father after night. I agreed to pay four hundred dollars by Christmas next, and four hundred more by the first of October next for 160 acres of land.

Friday, [November] 19th. There was a heavy sleet upon the timber this morning, and after breakfast it commenced snowing and continued to snow the most of the day so that the ground is covered with snow tonight and the wind is blowing tolerably cold. Had but 3 students in school today. Was interrupted in the fore part of the night by drunken ruffians, so that I did not attend to my regular lesson at night.

Saturday, [November] 20th. The sun arose in all his wanton splendor, majesty, and clearness this morning, and melted the sleet off the trees and the snow off the ground,

96 Nov. 1858

which caused the ground to be muddy till in the evening, when it was dried considerably by the sun. The drunken rabble that molested the town last night was brought before the magistrate today to answer for the misdemeanors of the previous night. The result was a hung jury, and the culprit committed to the care of the sheriff till tomorrow. I spent the most of the evening in the company of parson Biers looking at his lots. He has very desirable property indeed.

Sabbath, [November] 21st. The wind blew tolerably cold the most of the day, so much so that there was no preaching in town. The trial today resulted in the fining of Mclure [sic] (the principle [sic] of Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 37 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 the mess) one dollar, and the continuation of two others on trial till tomorrow in consequence of a hung jury. I spent the most of the day in reading and conversation at home.

[Nov. 1858] 97

Monday, [November] 22nd. The weather was tolerably cool today, and my school was quite small. The trial of the two drunken men, who were engaged in the "row" with Mclure, resulted in their being fined one dollar and cost each.

Tuesday, [November] 23rd. My school is still a little one; and I do not know when it will be larger. The weather is still cool. Though my school is small yet I continue my regular studies at home.

Wednesday, [November] 24th. There was an increase in my school today by Dr. Taylor, my rival in teaching, sending in some students. 15 students were in school today. The day was quite pleasant, compared with the previous weather. Mr. Hullum, my landlord, came in last night from a trip to eastern Texas, sooner than he expected.

98 Nov. 1858

Thursday, [November] 25th. The day has been very pleasant indeed, and my school numbered 17 students, the largest number that has been present at one time yet. Mr. Dilahunty's goods came in this evening to his great satisfaction, as he has been looking for them sometime [sic].

Friday, [November] 26th. The morning opens quite warm, and clouds fly over from the south with occasional puffs of wind; the appearance is for rain. No rain of consequence fell today. Had 19 students today, the fullest school I have had yet. The day has been very pleasant.

Saturday, [November] 27th. The day has been very pleasant and I spent the most of the day in preparing rules, regulations, and bylaws for the government of my school. There was a sale of some property in town in consequence of which there were several people in town.

[Nov. 1858] 99

Sabbath, [November] 28th. Read my regular morning lessons in the Bible and Pollock's C. of Time, after which I repaired to the church to hear Dr. Taylor descant upon the principles of Christianity, which he did somewhat feebly according to my judgment, from the words, "You hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses & sins &c." In the afternoon the people were addressed again by parson Williams in a short, but appropriate exhortation, and he was followed by James Thomas. I spent the remainder of the evening in reading and conversation. The day has been cloudy and somewhat cooler than yesterday.

Monday, [November] 29th. There are some clouds this morning and the air is a little cool. The clouds passed off and the day was quite pleasant. Was visited by F. Young and J. Parsons and received from them quite a number of letters from my friends, giving general information that I very much desired. My school numbered 25 students today, the largest number yet.

100 [Nov. 1858]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 38 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [November] 31st. There is quite a heavy frost this morning, though the appearance is for a fine day. I was annoyed last night by the fuss of a drunken rabble coming to the hotel for something to eat about 12 o'clock. What a curse is ardent spirits upon our poor depraved race of beings. The day turned out very pleasant and my school was quite full.

Wednesday 1st day of Dec.

[Wednesday, December 1st.] There are clouds this morning and the wind blows a little cool. I took a general bath this morning from the effects of which I feel very well. The day was quite pleasant. 27 students attended school today and the majority of them were tolerably attentive. I brought the "rod" into the school today but did not use it, the effect was salutary.

December 1858 101

Thursday, [December] 2nd. Clouds hang thickly and heavily over us this morning, and the appearance is for rain. The atmosphere is tolerably warm, the birds sing merily [sic], and all nature seems animation and joy. What can surpass the beauties and harmonies of nature! What changes there are in nature, from the warm and pleasant morning the change is to the cold and sleety evening with the keen and piercing blasts causing all the animal creation to shiver and almost recoil from the searching winds that sweep over the plains. And instead of the cheerful notes of the aerial songsters, heard in the morning, the low moans of chilly cattle, or the dolorous breying [sic] of the long eared species add deeper gloom to the already unpleasant aspect of Nature this evening. God truly is great! His wisdom and power are incomprehensible! Humility should attend his creatures, surely! My school numbered 25 students today. Tolerably good attention.

102 December 1858

Friday, [December] 3rd. Cold blows the wintry blasts, swift from the Northern hills, the snow flakes rustle fast, over prairie mounds and woodland vales. It is really snowy and cold this morning, dark clouds overspread the skie [sic], and it appears that old Winter has really set in. Who can stand before His snow! The curse of ardent spirits upon our race cannot be fully appreciated. I was much annoyed last night by a beast in human form, infuriated by whiskey and rendered more odious than the bruit [sic] or the savage. To see man who was created in the image of his God, viz: in righteousness and true holiness: degrade himself below the level of the idiot itself is a very distressing thing to the philanthropic individual, a thing that causes the heart of sympathy to bleed at every pore, and the heart ejaculates, "O God! thou hast made man pure and upright but he has sought out many inventions! Notwithstanding the coldness of the day I had 12 students who seemed to be much interested in their studies.

[December 1858] 103

Saturday, [December] 4th. The day is quite cold, and occasionally showers of sleet descend. It moderated somewhat in the evening, and some of the sleet melted off the timber. I spent the most of the day writing letters to my friends.

Sabbath, [December] 5th. The weather still continues cold. I spent the day in reading and writing and did not leave the house during the day.

Monday, [December] 6th. There was a heavy fog upon the whole face of the earth this morning, and it was so cold that it froze to the timber and presented the appearance of snow. Now at 1 o'clock P.M. it is tolerably warm, but it is still clowdy [sic]. It is quite muddy and unpleasant traveling. My school numbers 18 today. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 39 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

I feel somewhat stupid, and want of that vivacity so much desired to feel cheerful.

Tuesday, [December] 7th. Dark clouds brood over us this morning, and cold winds from the north chill us and impress us with the existence of a Supreme being. There were 18 or 19 students at school today. The day continued cold till night, and is still cold.

104 December 1858

Wednesday, [December] 8th. Last night was the coldest night we have had yet. The wind from the north is quite cold and piercing; decidedly the coldest day we have had yet. It seems that our winter is begginning [sic] as severe as it does in Virginia. It continues very cold till night and now the wind dies but it is still cold. There were 19 students in school today and they were very attentive considering the coldness of the day. I have just commenced the study of anatomy, in a course of lessons studied each night in addition [to] my regular lessons in Arithmetic and Rhetoric. Anatomy opens up an extension for the exercise of the faculties of the mind, in the structure of the human system: its fluids and its solids; the various divisions of the fluids into blood, bile, water, &c; also the many divisions of the solids, into bones, ligaments, fibers, nerves, the various forms of tissue, &c. "Behold how fearfully and wonderfully man is constructed, surely wisdom and knowledge are the Lord's!"

[December 1858] 105

Thursday, [December] 9th. Last night was one of those clear, still, and cold ones so often realized in the fall and forepart of the winter in the mountains of western Va. There is an exceedingly heavy frost this morning, but the sky is calm, clear, & serene, and the sun comes up in beauty & sublimity, and promises us a pleasant day. The [day] was tolerably pleasant though the air was somewhat chilly all day. My school numbered 18 students. I have made my rules more rigid concerning recitations, and hope that the good will be affected by the change. My lesson in Anatomy today consisted in a description of the Ultimate Elements of which the human body is composed, viz: its solids and fluids, which are metalic [sic] and non metalic [sic]. Potasium [sic], Sodium, Alluminum [sic], Sillicium [sic], Magnesium, Manganese, and Copper of the metalic [sic], and of the non metalic [sic]: Oxygen, Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Sulphur, and Clorine [sic]. Albumen composes, or enters into the composition of the hair, nails, the brain, &c. and coagulates in alcohol. On this depends the destroying of the drunkard's mind. What a curse to mankind!

106 December 1858

Friday, [December] 10th. The last was another still, cold night, and there is another heavy frost this morning, but the wind is blowing and the prospects are not very flattering for a pleasant day. My lesson on Rhetoric was on the sublime and beautiful in language; which is very ennobling [sic] indeed. 21 students today. The day turned out very pleasantly. Arrived at our town today a merchant who says he has a large stock of goods on the road for this place; also a lawyer arrived from Illinoise [sic] intending to locate here - success to them if they are worthy men. They prevented me from getting my regular lessons tonight.

Saturday, [December] 11th. The sky is clear this morning and the sun comes up in briliency [sic] and loveliness, and the air is tolerably warm. I wish to go into the valley today, but am fearful that I will not get a horse. But I did get a horse by going out on the prairie and driving it up. I went to uncle F's in the evening and stayed all night; found all in good health [except for] Isaac Parsons who was chilling a little.

[December 1858] 107

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 40 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [December] 12th. Spent the forepart of the day in conversation gathering and eating pecans, and sitting about the house. Came to town in the evening and did nothing profitable in the way of reading or study. The day has been quite warm and pleasant but clowdy [sic]. I do not like to spend the Sabbath to so bad a purpose.

Monday, [December] 13th. A considerable fog envelops our valley this morning, there are some clouds, but it is very warm and pleasant. The day continues warm and cludy [sic]. 24 students today. I was prevented from doing any good at a lesson tonight by a drunken wretch keeping up a continual noise. Would that there was not a drop of intoxicating spirits in the world!

Tuesday, [December] 14th. My morning lesson was still cut off by the same drunken Bob Dillingham. It is raining a little this morning, and has the appearance of being a wet day. The clouds passed off with but little rain, and the day was quite pleasant. 24 students today, lessons tolerably well studied. I am still annoyed by Dillingham.

108 December 1858

Wednesday, [December] 15th. There is quite a heavy frost this morning, but it is quite pleasant. I did but little at my lesson this morning, for Dillingham is still on hand. Had 25 students. Got rid of D. this morning. Council's goods came in this evening: he has quite an assortment, by far the largest stock that has ever been at this place.

Thursday, [December] 16th. The day has been very pleasant after the frost of the morning passed off. 23 students in school. I have a severe cold and feel very much out of order for teaching.

Friday, [December] 17th. The frost is heavy this morning, but there are some clouds. The day was tolerably pleasant. My school tolerably full. I regret very much the return of the chills upon me, for I had a light one today.

[December 1858] 109

Saturday, [December] 18. There are heavy clouds this morning and the appearance is for rain. I feel a little better this morning than I did yesterday; though I have a very severe cough. At 12 o'clock today we assembled at the school house and heard the Rev. Turner deliver a lecture on theology from 1 Tim. 2d. 4th. "Who will that all men shall be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth?" At night Rev. N. T. Byers held forth from the 119th Psalm and 130v. His address was able and well timed, presenting some noble and sublime sentiments.

Sabbath, [December] 19th. At my first rising this morning I had a slight chill which was followed by a dull heavy fever and headache, and a tremendous aching of the joints and severe sickness of the stomach which lasted till after 12 o'clock, when a mustard plaster and some pills relieved me considerably. In the evening I was considerably relieved and at night I took a tepid bath which seemed to produce a very salutary effect.

110 December 1858

Monday, [December] 20th. All day it was raining and the appearance was for a wet day. But the clouds have passed off at 12 o'clock and the sun shines brilliantly, and the wind blows considerably from the west. I felt much better this morning than yesterday and am in my school with about 26 students. The day passed off pleasantly, but tonight my head threatens a chill in the morning.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 41 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [December] 21st. The chill came on me this morning before I arose from my bed; but while the chill was on I took the cold wet sheet bath. It was very severe indeed but I think it was beneficial. When the fever came on I took another cold bath. I was sick the most of the day and did not attend school atall [sic].

Wednesday, [December] 22nd. I feel much better this morning and am in school again. The day is clear and the wind from the south is high. The [day] is pleasant and I feel quite well tonight. 24 students in school today.

Thursday, [December] 23rd. I am very unwell today. 20 students. The day is a little cool and cloudy. Dismissed this evening for Christmas.

[December 1858]

Friday, [December] 24th. As is usual for a person that is chilling to feel tolerably well except on chill days, so I feel tolerably well today. It is quite warm this morning, and there are some clouds. I spent the most of the day performing operations in Arithmetic - extracting the square and the cube root.

Saturday, [December] 25th. It is quite cloudy fogy [sic] and raining a little this morning. This is [a] chill day, but I did not chill at the usual time, however the fever came on, and I have felt very bad the most of the morning. There are quite a number of people in town today. A very heartrending difficulty happened in town today. Young Nauls was stabbed by Humphries and it feared it would be fatal. What a bliting [sic] curse is intemperance and its effects. Humphries was drinking but was not provoked. He is in the custody of the sheriff awaiting his trial. He certainly ought to be severely dealt with.

112 December 1858

Sabbath, [December] 26th. It is cloudy and raining a little this morning. All things are very gloomy. Naul at the point of death, prisoners under guard - and Nature dark and gloomy. In the evening a company of Rangers came into town hunting Indians. They camped near town.

Monday, [December] 27th. It is still raining - fog overspreads the earth, and I am in school with a few students - but about 10 o'clock a deeper than all these was cast upon us [sic]. The rangers that passed through town last evening went to the camp of the friendly Indians and killed 7 of them, and by so doing brought their hostile feelings of reveng [sic] upon us who are innocent. An express was sent immediately to the agency explaining the nature of the case and requesting the agents to pacify the Indians if possible. A general panic prevails and some of the citizens are leaving for the eastern co.'s

[December 1858] 113

Tuesday, [December] 28th. The panic is increasing, women and children are coming to town and forting up in different places. I in company with 5 others went to the camps where the fight took place, and found one white man and 7 Indians killed. The scene of horror beggars all description. The Indians were shot down in their night clothing in their tents and lay mangled in their blood almost naked. 3 squaws in the crowd. The dead white man was handed up to me and I brought him to town, or near town on my horse and then we made a bier [sic] of our guns on which we carried him into town. The excitement was still greater when he was brought in. Many families came into town today and we stood guard all night but was not molested. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 42 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday, [December] 29th. Our men has [sic] just returned from the agency and say that the Indians are much exasperated and intend to be avenged. A company of Indians were in town who seem satisfied that our community are innocent of the murder. In consequence of sitting up all night I feel very bad.

114 Dec. 1858

Thursday, [December] 30th. The Indian excitement is abating a little and several of the families have [returned] home. No very important items have come to us today, except the Col. Stephens of Stephenville came into town and states that quite a number of men are on their way to this place and intent to make the Indians treat with them on their own terms or destroy the Agency. A rash resolution I think. We dug a grave and made a coffin for Stephens' son and intend to bury him in the morning. The trial of Humphries for stabbing Nauls commenced this morning. A few witnesses were examined and the trial [will be] continued tomorrow. The morning was cool and the after part of the day more pleasant. My health is improving a little.

Friday, [December] 31st. Stephens and party, assisted by some of the citizens, buried his son this morning. Court was then opened and the trial of Humphries continued. About 12 o'clock an Indian alarm was brought into town stating that the Indians were in a few miles of us burning houses, yelling and carrying everything before them. At this[..]

[Dec. 1858] 115 report the consternation that prevails was great: women crying, gathering their children together and seeking the safest retreat, children running to and fro expecting to be scalped immediately, and some of the fearful men turning pale and walking up and down the streets in dismay, or going to some eminance [sic] and watching for the Indians. Court was compelled to adjourn, and every thing [sic] was stopped till a company was dispatched to see and learn the facts of the case. The report was that there was no Indians but the prairies were on fire. This quieted the people a little, and court resumed business, and continued the trial till 8 or 9 o'clock at night, during which time the lawyers caviled considerably insomuch that the court was much exasperated and threatened to fine them if they persisted in their quibbles. Nauls is improving a little and hope[fully] will recover. My health is improving a little, though I have taken a little cold this morning, and am coughing considerably tonight. This ends the trials of the old year with all the afflictions, privations, as well as the comforts of the same.

116 January 1859

Saturday, [January] 1st. The sun comes up in splendor and beauty this morning opening to the imagination a beautiful field; and though the circumstances that surround us are gloomy and dejecting, yet it is pleasant to think that there is a God of wisdom, power, and mercy who rules in the heavens above and in the earth beneath who guides the destinies of man and upholds the cause of his people, and though He may suffer the body to be killed, yet he takes the soul to himself in glory and infinite happiness. The crimes and infirmities of the old year being passed I pray the Lord to give me his protecting grace, to preserve me from sin, from evil, and from everything that would be contrary to his will; and keep me humble, prayerful, and entirely devoted to his service, that I may make some improvement in the divine life, do some good to my fellow man, and make some advancement in scientific knowledge. The trial of Humphries was concluded resulting in binding him in a bond of $3,500. The Indian excitement is still very high and several families are leaving today while others speak of leaving. Indeed we are almost deserted.

[January 1859] 117

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 43 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [January] 2nd. The day has been clear and rather cool. The excitement is abating a little. We had an express, last night, from the Agency informing us that the Indians did not intend to molest us. There has been an almost continual fireing [sic] off of guns in town today. Indeed it seems like savage life. I spent the day in reading, writing, and talking. My health is very bad tonight.

Monday, [January] 3rd. After some contention I obtained permission to teach school today, there being no school for the last week. There were only 16 students in school. The town appears very lonesome. My health is still delicate. Naul was moved [into] town today for home.

Tuesday, [January] 4th. The day is clear and cool. 15 students in school. It does not seem as it usually has, and an unpleasant sensation broods over me, probably in consequence of my ill health. The day passed off without any very remarkable event transpiring.

118 January 1859

Wednesday, [January] 5th. It is quite cool this morning, there are some clouds and the wind is blowing a little. My health is still rather delicate but is improving a little I think. 17 students in school today. There is still some excitement in town tonight. The Stephenville party say that they are embodying from 600 to 1000 troops on the south side of this county and intend to have the matter reconciled with the Indians if they have to do it with powder and balls.

Thursday, [January] 6th. The sky is clear and calm this morning, and the sun comes up in all the majesty, splendor, and loveliness that attends his train - impressing the mind with sensations of awe and grandeur. I got a lesson in Rhetoric this morning, the first for nearly two weeks. My school was small today. A Norther [sic] blew up this evening and is blowing very cold tonight. I studied a lesson in Physiology and the anatomy of the bones of the upper and lower extremities.

[January 1859] 119

Friday, [January] 7th. The morning was very cold indeed as the Norther [sic] continued to blow all night, it was the coldest night that has been this winter I think. After the sun was up awhile the wind ceased blowing to some extent and the after part of the day was not so bitter cold as the fore part. My school was rather small, but there seemed to be considerable interest manifested by the students present. My health is improving a little.

Saturday, [January] 8th. Spent the fore part of the day in various exercises but to little purpose. In the evening I went to uncle F's and stayed all night. They have made a fine start at plowing for a crop of corn. The day was quite pleasant. My health is improving a little.

Sabbath, [January] 9th. Spent the forepart of the day in walking about and looking at our place. In the evening I came back to town. Had some fish this morning for breakfast. The day was very warm and pleasant. My health still improving a little.

120 January 1859

Monday, [January] 10th. It is cloudy and rather cool this morning, and the appearance is for bad weather soon. School is tolerably full today and the students not very attentive. My health is probably improving though it is not good yet, but a dull heaviness hangs over me. No lesson this morning. The rain commenced falling in the afternoon and continued to drizzle all the evening, and is still falling a little.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 44 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [January] 11. Heavy clouds hang over us this morning and it is still raining a little. The atmosphere is tolerably warm. Got a small lesson in Rhetoric this morning. 23 students in school. About 12 o'clock the clouds dispersed and the sun shone tolerably warm.

Wednesday, [January] 12th. It is cloudy, foggy, and raining a little this morning. So far as study is concerned I do but little to any advantage. School tolerably full and students insubordinate, had to use my rod for the first time to any extent. It is still warm and raining.

[January 1859] 121

Thursday, [January] 13th. There was a very heavy rain last night, but the clouds look broken this morning and the rain seems to be passed. The Indian excitement has principally died away, and quiet once more prevails. School was tolerably full. Several students are just commencing the study of Arithmetic Three wagon loads of goods came into town this evening.

Friday, [January] 14th. The morning is clear and calm and there is a heavy frost this morning. School was small but considerable [attentiveness] was manifested in the evening exercises. Tonight I was initiated into the order of the Temple of Honor, a temperance and benevolent institution. It is quite cold tonight.

Saturday, [January] 15th. There was an Indian alarm given last night some 2 miles west of this place and early this morning 6 of us went to see the cause and found it to be a false alarm. At 12 o'clock we were addressed by Rev. N. T. Byers on theology and at night by Rev. T. Baldwin, both impressing the principles of piety and morality. Several visitors in town.

122 January 1859

Sabbath, [January] 16th. It is clear and cold this morning. At 11 o'clock Biers addressed the people again and at night Baldwin held forth again. They are both Mission Baptists. In the evening E. Gallup and I took a long stroll upon the prairies and...saw some fine lands, some springs, and many rocks. I did nothing of importance today.

Monday, [January] 17th. The morning is clear and calm, and there is a heavy frost and it is tolerably cool. The birds sing merrily and the appearance is for a fine day. School is tolerably full. The commissioners, appointed to supperintend [sic] that building of an Academy at this place are holding a session in town today, and will probably put the house to contract. The building was put to contract at $1375.00. A Mr. Davis from Weatherford is the contractor. It is to be built of rough stone and plastered on the outer and insides. Length 40 feet, breadth 36 and 2 stories high.

Tuesday, [January] 18th. The morning is calm, clear and cool. I feel tolerably well this morning, and hope that I may soon be restored to health. 29 students in school today, they were tolerably attentive, though I have my hands full to govern them properly.

[January 1859] 123

Wednesday, [January] 19th. The morning appears like a spring morning, it is so pleasant and clear. My health is still improving. School is tolerably full today. The trial of Gallup for hitting Stamps came off today. Gallup was fined one cent and cost. The day has been pleasant. Gallup and Council has an altercation, and I feared that serious injury would be done, and probably will be yet. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 45 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday, [January] 20th. There are clouds this morning, and the air is tolerably cool. I had considerable exercise this morning in bringing wood to the school house and cutting it for fires today. I am hopeful that it will be beneficial to my health. School tolerably full and not very attentive. Much to my chagrin and surprise I was visited by my old nemesis, the chills. What can be more provoking than to feel the chill coming on and at the same time be hearing a class of juveniles recite their first lesson in three syllables! indeed it appears like they will never get through. After the chill passed off I felt tolerably well in the evening.

124 January 1859

Friday, [January] 21st. A vigilance committee last night succeeded in running one man from our town. His name is Gallup. The sky is clear this morning and the appearance is for a warm day. I feel tolerably well this morning. School tolerably full today and passing off very well.

Saturday, [January] 22nd. The chill came on me this morning about sunrise, was very severe, so much so that I was confined to the house all day. I feel much debilitated this evening.

Sabbath, [January] 23rd. Felt a little better this morning, and in order to prevent the chills from returning I have used a little Coniac [sic] brandy at times all day to stimulate; have a stew made of it tonight and am using Quinine bitters. I have been unable to do any thing today, except to stay in the house & read a little.

Monday, [January] 24th. Down with the chills, not able to do anything.

Tuesday, [January] 25th. In school today with 26 or 27 students; feel very bad indeed, have taken a large dose of Blue Mass to regulate the Bile and liver.

[January 1859] 125

Wednesday, [January] 26th. In school again with 27 or 28 students. Health very bad, and spirits very low. Day cloudy and a little drizzly.

Thursday, [January] 27th. School still full. Health improving a little, though very bad. Weather fine.

Friday, [January] 28th. Day very fine. Missed my chill today, and feel that I am improving a little. School full and attentive. I delivered a lecture to the school on politeness and good behavior.

Saturday, [January] 29th. There was a considerable Norther [sic] blowing this morning and the air was quite cold. My health is improving a little I think. Singing commenced in our town today by the Rev L. Baldwin. I did not attend in the evening.

Sabbath, [January] 30th. Had a chill this morning and did nothing of importance today.

Monday, [January] 31st. Dismissed my school this morning for one week and went down to the Brazos valley.

126 February 1859

Tuesday, [February] 1st. Started for Tarrant county tolerably early this morning and went to Weatherford and stayed all night. The day was quite warm.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 46 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday, [February] 2nd. Went from Weatherford to Ft. Worth and stayed all night with Wm. B. Greer, an old acquaintance just from Va. Rced [sic] a present by him from my mother. He is well pleased with Texas.

Thursday, [February] 3rd. Came from Greer's to Weatherford and stayed with R. P. Baker. The day was rather cool, and the ride fatigued me considerably.

Friday, [February] 4th. Came from Weatherford to Wm. C. Baker's and stayed with him.

Saturday, [February] 5th. Went to Thomas Ballows, borrowed $100 from him, came to G. P. Barber's & paid him $150.

Sabbath, [February] 6th. Came to town this morning [and] found that there had been great excitement in town for the last week with regard to drinking intoxicating liquors. My trip has improved me a little.

[February 1859] 127

Monday, [February] 7th. It is a little cloudy this morning and the wind blows considerably. School is tolerably full today and some lessons very well committed. I find that my lungs are considerably affected by my last illness so that I cannot articulate distinctly or with ease. My cough is very annoying especially of nights.

Tuesday, [February] 8th. The morning looks very much like [a] spring morning, though there are clouds and the wind is blowing. My cough affected me less last night than it has for several nights past. School tolerably full and very inattentive. Though the morning was so beautiful and pleasant, yet a Norther [sic] blew up in the evening and it is quite cold.

Wednesday, [February] 9th. The Norther [sic] still blows cold and unpleasant. School not so full today as usual; lessons tolerably well committed. The weather is getting warmer and appears quite pleasant. My health is improving slowly.

128 Feb. 1859

Thursday, [February] 10th. The wind is tolerably high this morning. Had a little disturbance last night by a spreeing [sic], or could be partly illegible] party who wished to get rid of one Gallup. School tolerably full today.

Friday, [February] 11th. The night was very windy but the morning is a little more pleasant. Sore eyes, general debility, and other causes prevent me from studying any atall [sic]. School not very full today.

Saturday, [February] 12th. Singing in town today by Rev Lewis Baldwin - day very pleasant. Preaching at night by Rev G. W. Slaughter.

Sabbath, [February] 13th. There was a lesson in vocal music in town this morning, after which preaching by Rev Williams and exhortation by Slaughter - exercises long and tedious. Day blustry [sic].

[Feb 1859] 129

Monday, [February] 14th. The morning is quite warm and cloudy and there is some appearance of rain. My health is improving slowly. School tolerably full.

Tuesday, [February] 15th. Still warm and cloudy. Got a small lesson this morning. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 47 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

School tolerably full.

Wednesday, [February] 16th. The morning is beautiful and pleasant, has the appearance of a spring morning. Got no lesson this morning. School full and not very attentive.

Thursday, [February] 17th. Morning very warm and cloudy, has the appearance of rain. No lesson. Health improving slowly. School full and better lessons than yesterday.

Friday, [February] 18th. Still warm and no rain. My cough was very troublesome last night. I do not feel very well this morning, though I eat very heartily. School full. Speeches and composition this evening. The Temple of Honor met tonight.

130 Feb 1859

Saturday, [February] 19th. The day was pleasant. At 12 o'clock Rev. G. W. Slaughter delivered a lecture on theology of great length and some interest, though the interest was weakened by the length of the discourse. After preaching conference held a long and tedious session so that I was much wearied and came very near chilling. At night a brisk Norther [sic] blew up for a few minutes.

Sabbath, [February] 20th. Morning a little cool. Preaching by Rev N. T. Biers, a short, but well timed and interesting sermon. Rev Slaughter followed in an exhortation. A chill came on me just as the meeting closed. Not very severe, but rendered me stupid all the evening.

Monday, [February] 21st. Morning cool. Chill began to come on about 10 o'clock A.M. but fortunately I broke it with one cup of coffee well sweetened and equal quantity of Lemon juice; however the fever came on and made me very feeble. School tolerably full.

[Feb 1859] 131

Tuesday, [February] 22nd. Had no chill today. Scool [sic] full and not very attentive. One of my patrons refused to let his children get the night lesson assigned them - a foolish and erronious [sic] idea.

Wednesday, [February] 23rd. Morning very warm and pleasant. School full, gave a lecture this evening [and] received a promise from the school to greater dilligence [sic] in their studies and abandon the practice of chewing wax in school.

Thursday, [February] 24th. School tolerably full and tolerably attentive. Feel much better today than usual. Quite a pleasant day.

Friday, [February] 25th. Cloudy and wind blowing this morning yet not much prospects of rain. School not very full in consequence of singing in town. Mr. Council arrived with his family this evening.

Saturday, [February] 26th. A little cool in the morning but warm in the evening. Singing today.

132 Feb 1859

Sabbath, [February] 27th. The day was quite warm and pleasant. Singing in the morning by Elder Baldwin and in the evening by the citizens of town. The spring is certainly approaching - the grass is springing up, flowers are coming forth, birds are singing merily [sic], and the cattle are going forth upon the prairies to feed and the heel flies run them in. All things seem joyous and gleeful. Who could create such harmony but God! Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 48 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday, [February] 28th. There are some clouds and smoke this morning but it is quite warm and pleasant. Magistrate's and Probate courts are in session in town today; also a petition requesting judge Battle to resign his office in this district. School small today, only 20 students. My health is still improving, though I do not feel very buoyant today. Tonight closed twelve months that I have been from home.

March 1859 133

Tuesday, [March] 1st. Just twelve months ago, this morning, I started from the home of my youth, my parents, brothers & sisters; from the society of my relations & friends, to risk my life, my interests, and my fortune among strangers in a strange land. I feel that I have [been] wonderfully blessed by my kind and benificent [sic] Creator. My life has been precious in his sight, and has been preserved; my health has been partially preserved - though chills & fever have visited me, yet I hope that I am now clear of them, and that I may enjoy good health after this. My character, I am happy to say, is unsullied, so far as I know. I have spent a considerable amount of money and made probably more than I have spent, and am now in business that I hope will be profitable. My religious enjoyments have been varied; but I feel an abiding testimony that there is a reality in the Religion of the Redeemer, and hope to live and die in his favor! The day pleasant. School not full. Health improving.

134 March 1859

Wednesday, [March] 2nd. We had a fine rain last night, much to our relief and gratification. The wind is tolerably high this morning and it is quite cool, though it is clear and the sun comes out in beauty and splendor. The wind has been very high all day. School quite small.

Thursday, [March] 3rd. It is clear and cool this morning and tolerably calm. About noon the wind arose from the north and has blown considerably all the evening. School quite small today. Did a handsome job of flooring a room with stone this evening.

Friday, [March] 4th. Calm, cloudy, and cool this morning. School quite small. The after part of the day pleasant.

Saturday, [March] 5th. Spent the most of the day in labor on a room, the day was quite warm. Met the Temple tonight and a considerable storm of wind and rain came up just after the Temple closed its session.

[March 1859] 135

Sabbath, [March] 6th. A heavy Norther [sic] has blown all day, and it [is] quite cold. The change in the atmosphere has given me a cold that has settled on my lungs and causes me to cough severely. Sat in the house & read the most of the day.

Monday, [March] 7th. The Norther [sic] still blows this morning. School quite small. The evening is pleasant. My cough is very annoying.

Tuesday, [March] 8th. Slept but little last night in consequence of my cough. There is a heavy frost this morning. School tolerably full today. The after part of the day has been mild and pleasant.

Wednesday, [March] 9th. Cough severe, day tolerably pleasant, school tolerably full.

Thursday, [March] 10th. A little cool today, school not full, health not good.

Friday, [March] 11th. Still cool, school small, health bad, and singing in the evening. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 49 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

156 March 1859

Saturday, [March] 12th. It is clear and cool this morning. My cough has subsided a little, but my lungs are very sore and I am very hoarse. Singing in town today. Preaching at night by Rev Colwell, the Methodist circuit rider. He appears to be a man of devoted piety, but quite ordinary in intellect.

Sabbath, [March] 13th. The day has been quite pleasant. Preaching at 11 o'clock by Rev Colwell again, from the words "The Lord God is a sun and shield; he will give grace and glory, and no good thing will be withold [sic] from them that walk uprightly." The discourse was appropriate - showing the nature of a "sun and shield" and how the Lord will give grace and glory, the nature of the "grace and glory," and why it was that the "Lord will not withold any good thing from them that do His will." Prayer meeting in town this evening.

[March 1859] 157

Monday, [March] 14th. The day has been rather cool. School quite small. My health is materially improving, and I hope permanently so too. Made out a bill of books to be brought to this place this spring.

Tuesday, [March] 15th. It is calm and mostly clear this morning, but a little cool. School quite small and not very attentive. A company of cavilry [sic] was organized in town today for the purpose of protecting the frontier against Indians. It will start to Jimison's peak next Saturday.

Wednesday, [March] 16th. It is clowdy, cool, and the wind blowing this morning, and has the appearance of being an unpleasant day. School small. Prayer meeting tonight.

Thursday, [March] 17th. A Norther [sic] is blowing this morning cool and unpleasant. 9 schollars [sic] in school. The cold & Indian excitement have almost deprived me of students. I hope they will soon pass off & the students will return.

138 March 1859

Friday, [March] 18th. The Norther [sic] calmed off last night, and there is a considerable frost this morning, and it is calm and clear. School quite small. The new log school house was put to contract this evening; at $85.00 after the wall was raised and the laths, rafters, and doors were furnished to the place. 16 by 18 feet. Temple met tonight and initiated Mr. John Daniels into the secrets of the order.

Saturday, [March] 19th. Went to W. Nelson's today, with a wagon and brought back some plank. Got $12.00 subscribed for the building of the schoolhouse; only $3.00 wanting. Heard parson Byers preach this evening. Our delegate to the Indian meeting at Jimison's peak left this morning.

Sabbath, [March] 20th. Spent the morning mostly in reading. Heard Rev N. T. Byers preach a very good sermon today from the words "What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch." Mark 13 & 37. Spent the most of the evening idly, feeling quite stupid. At night, went to G. W. Roberson's to "sit up." But found his wife improving & company plenty, I returned home.

[March 1859] 139

Monday, [March] 21st. Calm and warm this morning, feel unwell - symptoms of chills. 14 students in school today. Did not chill, but came very near it.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 50 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [March] 22nd. Clear, calm, and warm this morning and the birds are singing merrily. 16 students today. My debility prevents me from studying to any advantage.

Wednesday, [March] 23rd. The day has been quite warm. Had the symptoms of an approaching chill but stopped it, by taking coffee & lemon syrup, a large coffee cup of each mixed together well sweetened and drank very warm. Our delegates to the Indian meeting returned today. They say that 6 weeks time is given the government to remove the reserve Indians at the Brazos Agency, out of the state; and if they are not removed by that time the citizens will remove them.

Thursday, [March] 24th. Cloudy and warm this morning. School small, and nothing of interest transpired.

140 March 1859

Friday, [March] 25th. Day warm, school small, and singing in the evening. Feel quite unwell tonight.

Saturday, [March] 26th. Spent the day making and hanging a door to my room. The day has been very warm, and a little rain in the evening. Singing at candle lighting.

Sabbath, [March] 27th. Singing during the fore noon; did but little during the afternoon but visit around and idle away the time.

Monday, [March] 28th. Clear and windy this morning, but warm. School small. A Norther [sic] blew up in the evening, tolerably cool.

Tuesday, [March] 29th. Stayed at T. B. Smith's last night. It is quite cool this morning, the north wind continues to blow. 15 students today. Lot sales in town today. The building of the jail was put to contract.

Wednesday, [March] 30th. It is calm this morning, but quite cool. I do not think there is any frost. 14 students today. The wall of the new school house was raised today in town.

March 1859 141

Thursday, [March] 31st. It was quite cool last night, and is still cool this morning. Since grass has come and we have milk and butter, my health is permanently improving, I hope. The exquisit [sic] enjoyments and delights of good health cannot be estimated by those who never was afflicted. A general drouth [sic] has prevailed in this part of the state ever since last fall, and there is no appearance of rain; the consequences are, that our grass is doing but little good, wheat seems to be dying and entirely ruined in many places, corn can be but little good, and garden vegetables seem to be almost spoiled. Farmers are disheartened and think their prospects are gloomy. Bread stuffs are advancing and many people anticipate hard times. This seems to be the natural tendency but I hope the benificence [sic] of an all-wise Ruler of events will yet look upon us with tender compassion and grant us all the blessings of a bountiful crop year and continue peace, plenty and harmony in the country. 14 students in school today.

142 April 1859

Friday, [April] 1st. It is warmer this morning and clouds are coming from the south that look very much like rain. O, that it may come! But it did not come. 11 students in school today. The wind still blows considerably, quite warm tonight. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 51 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday, [April] 2nd. The day was tolerably warm, spent the most of the day working on the school house, and feel fatigued tonight.

Sabbath, [April] 3rd. The air is tolerably cool today. Preaching in town today by Rev. Coldwell the circuit rider, from the words of the Wise man. "Hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Fear God & keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man." He dwelt chiefly on the commands of God, showing the importance of keeping them. Spent the evening very agreeably in his company.

Monday, [April] 4th. It is clear, calm, and very cool this morning [and] continued cool all day. I am quite unwell tonight. 12 students today.

Tuesday, [April] 5th. Cold enough for considerable ice to be frozen this morning. Had fish for breakfast. 12 students in school today.

[April 1859] 143

Wednesday, [April] 6th. Cloudy and cool this morning. 8 students in school today. Had a chill tonight and very unwell.

Thursday, [April] 7th. Cloudy, windy, & cool this morning. I feel a little better this morning though quite unwell. 18 students in school today. The school closed today without any parade or examination, and but very few spectators. The condition of the school for the last month, in consequence of sickness, precludes the possibility of a successful examination, so I declined having one atall [sic]. Upon the whole the school has not been very successful, owing to several causes, viz: the coldness and unpleasantness of the weather, a predjudice [sic] against me by interested persons, sickness in the community, and last, but not least, my own bad health which destroyed my energy, vivacity, and injured my mind to some extent. But notwithstanding all these inconveniences I think I have acuitted [sic] myself with credit, made some friends, and no enemies that I know of & now have a better school made up than I had before, which I expect to commence on the 18th inst. I hope it will be more successful than this.

144 April 1859

Friday, [April] 8th. Spent the forepart of the day working on the new school house. And part of the afternoon breaking a chill and lying in the bed.

Saturday, [April] 9th. Spent the fore part of the day as yesterday was spent, and attended singing afterwards. In the evening went to uncle F's and stayed all night. Found their prospects for farming very discouraging; what seemed to be almost ruined corn bent down to the ground, and oats very low, and garden vegetable almost entirely worthless.

Sabbath, [April] 10th. How cheering, how delightful! The Creator is benificent [sic] indeed! A fine rain fell this morning just before day, and every thing [sic] looks revived! Spent the day looking over the farm and sitting about the house.

Monday, [April] 11th. Spent the day riding about, and accomplished nothing except getting a credit upon my Geo. Barber note, of $67.40 cts. Stayed at J. B. Pollard's.

Tuesday, [April] 12th. Came from Pollard's to Levi Ford's by Nall's and stayed at Ford's.

[April 1859] 145

Wednesday, [April] 13th. Came to town this morning, found but little had been done on the school house & but little doing. So I set in and did a hard evening's work myself. Heard the sad news of Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 52 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 new Indian depredations, a young man had been scalped on the Clear Fork of the Brazos just one week ago. It is horrid to hear of such outrages!

Thursday, [April] 14th. There was considerable frost this morning, the day has been calm and tolerably pleasant. Spent the day in hard labor on the school house, and feel very tired tonight.

Friday, [April] 15th. Windy and cool today. Spent the day in laboring on the school house.

Saturday, [April] 16th. Windy and tolerably warm today. Spent the most of the day working on the school house. A fight in town, this evening, between Geo. Brown & J. D. Christopher, neither was whipped, I do not know which was at fault.

Sabbath, [April] 17th. Parson Slaughter preached in town today. Spent the evening visiting & doing nothing.

146 April 1859

Monday, [April] 18th. The day has been very warm indeed. The second session of my school commenced this morning. 27 students in attendance, several of them never attended school before. Upon the whole they did very well and I think the prospects are flattering for an interesting and profitable session.

Tuesday, [April] 19th. The weather still continues warm and dry. 31 students in school today. It is encouraging and animating to have a full school.

Wednesday, [April] 20th. It is a little cooler this morning, just enough so to be pleasant. The day was quite warm. 30 students in school today, the most of them tolerably attentive.

Thursday, [April] 21st. Still warm and a pleasant breeze blowing. 29 students in school today. A cold Norther [sic] blew up this evening which made us all shiver.

Friday, [April] 22nd. The Norther [sic] still continues to blow quite cool this morning. School full today. Singing in town this evening by Rev. L. Baldwin. This closes his session at this place.

[April 1859] 147

Saturday, [April] 23rd. Singing this morning. Went to Wm. McGlothlin's this evening and got my boots mended.

Sabbath, [April] 24th. After singing this morning we were addressed by the Rev. Dr. Taylor who gave a general exposition of Campbell-ism and its peculiar doctrines, in which there were many inconsistencies, I think.

Monday, [April] 25th. Warm and windy this morning. 3 new students in school, about 30 in all. District court sits here today.

Tuesday, [April] 26th. Still warm. District court still in session, many people in town. Indian speeches and great excitement, a company organized to scout on the frontier. 32 students in school.

Wednesday, [April] 27th. Court still in session. Spires charged with stealing hogs, was found guilty and sentenced to confinement in the penetentiary [sic] 3 years. 31 students today. The weather has been a little cool.

148 April 1859

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 53 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday, [April] 28th. We had some rain last night, it is quite cool this morning and is still raining. 30 odd students today.

Friday, [April] 29th. 30 odd students today. Preaching in town tonight by Parson Johnson P.E.

Saturday, [April] 30th. Quarterly meeting commences in town today, opening sermon by Rev. Johnson. He is not very eloquent, but a good man, I think. 3 o'clock sermon by Rev. Cowell, the circuit rider - theme the love of God to His creatures. Sermon at night by Rev. P. Tackett of the Belknap Mission. The audience was large and very attentive. Subject - "We have seen strange things today" Having reference to the miricles [sic] of the Savior when upon the earth. He showed also that it is a strange and incomprehensible thing for a sinner to receive the remission of his sins even at this age of the world. But a reality.

May 1859 149

Sabbath, [May] 1st. The air is a little cool this morning, but the sun comes up in beauty, sublimity, and grandeur - impressing a beholder with the existance [sic] of the all-wise, all-powerful, and ever benificent [sic] Creator. O! how I long to be entirely his, free from the corruptions of depraved humanity, and the dominion of evil and sinful passions, and continually feel and realize the comforting and sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit! Prayer meeting at 9 o'clock, preaching at 11 by Rev Johnston P.E. The discourse was very impressive and well timed - from the words "When I consider the heavens, the work of thy hands, and the moon and stars that thou hast made, what is man that thou takest knowledge of him or the son of man that thou visit him?" He illustrated very clearly that it was because man was an intellectual being created in the image & likeness of God that caused God to take cognizance of him. The sacriment [sic] of the Lord's supper was administered after the sermon. At 3 o'clock P.M. Parson Graves addressed the people and Parson Johnston at night again. There was no great stir among the people, but quite a good feeling existed.

150 May 1859

Monday, [May] 2nd. Quite warm and pleasant this morning. 35 students in school. Calm, serene, and very warm this evening. Commenced my regular lessons for the first time in two or three months.

Tuesday, [May] 3rd. Very warm the most of the day, the wind quite brisk in the evening. 36 students in school, to attend to them is very laborious and to govern them is quite perplexing.

Wednesday, [May] 4th. Considerable wind today. 36 students today. Prayer meeting in town tonight, a small turnout.

Thursday, [May] 5th. Clouds fly over tolerably swift and quite heavy this morning from the east. About 8 o'clock the rain commenced falling, and continued to fall in intervals all day, sometimes very hard. Our school-house not being finished, [we] were poorly situated for a rain. The water ran into the house underneath, blew in at the cracks, and wet the floor perfectly wet; and the children tramping over the floor worked up the mud so that it had the appearance of a hog-pen.

[May 1859] 151

We could do no good studying, and concluded to go home, but found that we were water-bound. The ravines had all filled up with water and the creek run very high and swift, so that we could not get across until late in the evening; and then were set across on horses. The ground is thoroughly wet and Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 54 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 there is now an excellent prospect for crops and vegetables. How benificent is the Creator in the midst of murmurs and complaints He affords his mercies and benefits!

Friday, [May] 6th. Every thing is life and animation this morning. The vegetable kingdom is animated and refreshed this morning. It is quite warm, and is an excellent growing season. 23 students today.

Saturday, [May] 7th. It is very warm today. Spent the day making and hanging the school-house doors. Feel tired tonight. A rain & storm of wind tonight.

Sabbath, [May] 8th. Spent the morning in reading and attending prayer-meeting. An express came in this morning from Jack Co. for men to fight the Indians. I expect to go in the morning.

152 May 1859

Monday, [May] 9th. My company concluded to send me to Weatherford today for arms and men. So I got on an old rip of a horse & went till I could get another horse. It was a little wild Mustang mare of Mr. Millsap's. So I went onto Weatherford by 3 o'clock. Found a company organizing to go to Jacksborough. Got 2 five shooters, and went 12 miles up the Belknap road, was much fatigued [and] lay down by the side of the road and stayed all night on my blanket.

Tuesday, [May] 10th. Started before light this morning, rode 3 miles and eat [sic] breakfast with the Rail Road section company, who loaned me a double barrel gun. Then went on to the crossing of Cechill, where I was to meet my company, but heard there that they had turned back home, having heard that their services were not needing at Jacksborough. So I turned my course toward home, but found considerable difficulty in getting across the river as I was almost washed off & drowned, but I got home about 1 hour in the night.

[May 1859] 153

Wednesday, [May] 11th. I found upon returning to town that my company had turned their course and started to Baylor's camp on the Clear fork of Brazos in Buchanan Co. So I am left out of the company. But I learn that Garland's company will meet at Loyd's tomorrow night, so I have made my arrangements to go there tomorrow and go with them to Baylor.

Thursday, [May] 12th. About 9 o'clock this morning I, in company with Messrs. J. Harp and L. H. Byars, started to Loyd's on Palo Pinto and after a travel of about 17 miles over Musquit [sic] & rocky prairies, land of an inferior quality, we arrived at Loyd's about 4 P.M. Garland and a few of his company came late in the evening.

Friday, [May] 13th. Early this morning Garland went to Lake creek to meet the remainder of his company, while we went on to Lemons's, on Ioni, about 12 miles to wait for Garland, who came on about 4 P.M. with capt Carmack of Stephenville, and about 20 men. We camped near Lemons's.

154 May 1859

Saturday, [May] 14th. From information received this morning Garland concluded to wait here today for capt. Pugh of Paluxy, who came up late in the evening with about 10 men.

Sabbath, [May] 15th. Though this is a day of rest, appointed by divine authority, yet we took up the line of march for Baylor's camp with about 50 men. We traveled through rock, baron [sic] musquit [sic] dry country through Buchanan Co. across Caddo, Cedar, & Hubbard's creeks a distance of about 40 or 45 miles to Baylor's camp on the Clear fork; it was about sundown when we got there. We found only Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 55 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

6 or 7 men with Baylor. At night we had a false alarm from the guard which had a tendency to try our courage; but none of us shrank from what would have been our duty if the enemy had really come. Baylor and his men were much pleased at our presence. A council of war was held by the captains, and it was determined for Baylor, Garland, Carmack and an escort of 3 others should go with them to the camps at Jacksborough, bring 100 or 150 men & destroy the upper Agency of reserve Indians.

[May 1859] 155

Monday, [May] 16th. Seeing that we would be detained at Baylor's several days Harp, Byars, and I concluded to return home and wait a few days. So we 3 started by our selves [sic] back through a baron [sic] wilderness country, traveled all day without seeing any person, got lost in the evening, wandered on the prairie some time in the night and finally lay down under a tree and waited till day.

Tuesday, [May] 17th. We found this morning we were some distance south of Lemons's, the place we were aiming at the evening befor [sic]. But we thought we knew the course very well to town and directed our course across the head bluffs of Ironi for Golconda. But we found the roughest country I have ever seen in my life, and after a very laborious travel we arrived at town about 4 P.M. Here we learned that a large army was assembled in Jack Co. directing their course to the lower Reserve on the Brazos.

Wednesday, [May] 18th. I, in company with 4 others, started for the main camp, and found about 400 men encamped on Rock creek just below the lower Reserve; determined to destroy the Indians.

156 May 1859

Thursday, [May] 19th. Baylor had just arrived in camps, a council of war was held, dispatches were sent in various directions for new recruits of men and ammunition. Camps were changed today a mile or 2 for the sake of grass for our horses and active preparations were still going on for the prosecution of the campaign. One of our guards last night unluckily shot one of our own men in the dark after hailing him and receiving no reply. The wound was not dangerous, only making a flesh wound in the arm. But all should learn a lesson from this to be very cautious whom they shoot.

Friday, [May] 20th. The army was somewhat divided this morning - Capt Hunt was sent out with 20 men as a spy company. Capt Ward of the Parker company was sent up between the Agencies with about 75 men. And Capt Councell [sic] of the Palo Pinto company was sent down on the river between the lower agency and the town of Palo Pinto with about 55 men to prevent the Indians from coming down into the settlements. I was in this company. [W]e crossed the Brazos two or 3 times and stayed near Darnell's.

May 1859 157

Saturday, [May] 21st. There was a heavy rain last night and our guns were wet this morning so that several of them were fired off after which we started from our camp toward Darnell's and met him on the way to spy out our position, as we supposed, (he being an Indian man) so we took him prisoner and carried him into camps. We spied around the most of the day and making no discoveries, returned to camps in the evening.

Sabbath, [May] 22nd. The day was spent in camps preparing to take up the line of march on tomorrow.

Monday, [May] 23rd. Early this morning the different companies paraded and took up the line of march, about 280 men, having about 40 at camps to protect the baggage. Our march was through alternate timber and prairie lands of good quality and fine grass. About 8 A.M. we came to the caddo village. [T]he site is beautiful but the wigwams are crude and uncouth structures, and show but little marks of civilization. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 56 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

158 May 1859

There is a large field in cultivation, or rather enclosed, a small portion of which has some ordinary looking wheat on it; and the remainder is overgrown with weeds. From this we went to the Waco village. On our way we saw 3 Indians and charged on them but could not catch them. When we arrived opposite the village we were halted and formed our line of battle by seeing the enemy preparing to attack us, as we thought. Communication was then had with one of the officers of the U.S. army the object of which was to ascertain whether they intended to fight us or not, and being answered affirmitively [sic], we continued our line of march, not intending to make an attack at this time and point. We did not march more than 1 mile till we came to the crossing of Salt creek. [T]he water was deep and muddy and a little difficult to cross so that one man fell into the water and lost his gun. While the army was crossing, the Indians came on the bluff of the creek and raised the war yell so that our boys made great speed to cross the deep water. After crossing and getting on the prairie they continued to yell and cursed us for "cowards." But we moved on and showed no signs of fighting; and when they[..]

[May 1859] 159 saw this they opened a fire on us as we continued our march, but we continued our course halting occasionally to chase them off when they came too near. During one of these chases a chief of the Wacoes [sic] was captured by capt [sic] Hamner of Jack Co. and brought into the army; but refused to give up his arms or go with the army, and in attempting to force him to go he made an attempt to kill capt. [sic] Hamner, who prevented it by shooting the Indian. We still continued our march and the Indians continued to follow up the mountain bluffs and shoot at us till they wounded one of our men mortally. We continued our march to Wm. Marlin's house where we stopped to camp for the night. Our horses were turned out to grass, our camp fires were built and we were preparing our supper - I had just brought up some water, had a piece of meat ready to boil - when the yell was raised again and an army of warriors came in sight in full charge and halted about 400 or 500 yds and opened a heavy fire upon us with U.S. rifles. [T]he twigs of the trees were cut down over our heads, the dust knocked up under our feet, the bark cut off the trees around us the sides and roofs of the houses were continually being hit with balls. We got our arms, surrounded the houses, and[..]

160 May 1859 went to the trees in the vicinity, and returned the fire with spirit and decission [sic] with our rifles, while the double barrels shot guns had to remain quiet, in consequence of the distance. The firing continued sharp and heavy on both sides till night, when the Indians drew off and retreated. There was one of our men killed on the spot, severely wounded in the thigh, and some 3 or 4 others slightly wounded. 3 of our horses were killed. 12 Indians were found dead on the ground, and from the appearance of the blood and other signs it was thought that several others were killed. Several of their horses were dead on the battlefield and we learn since that many of the Indians are mortally wounded. Thus ended the first battle fought with the Indians and renegade white men that were siding with and abetting the Indians. We collected our horses together, tied them up for the night, brought in our dead and wounded, had the latter attended to by physicians, and then took our guns in our hands and stationed ourselves for a fight during the night, but we kept our arms and ground without fighting.

[May 1859] 161

Tuesday, [May] 24th. We expected an attack this morning and kept our arms and position. While one part of the men were preparing and eating their breakfasts the others kept on the guard, and so by turns till all had eaten; and while we were preparing and eating we kept our guns in our hands or lying by our sides. We continued here grazing our horses till noon. We then put our wounded men in a wagon Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 57 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 and took up the line of march for fort [sic] Belknap, distance 8 miles. We were compelled to travel very slow in order for the wagon to keep up with us. We came to the town about 5 P.M. and camped just beyond the limits of the town. We found that we had plenty of enemies here, and some friends who were almost afraid to express themselves. Our wounded seemed to be refreshed.

Wednesday, [May] 25th. To our sorrow one of our wounded men died this morning and we had him buried decently. An express was sent to capt [sic] Garland to meet us at Belknap today, so we spent the day here waiting for him, but learned in the evening that he did not intend to obey the summons.

162 May 1859

Thursday, [May] 26th. The army divided this morning. Col Baylor and capt [sic] Hamner starting to Baylor's ranch to meet Garland, and capts. [sic] Councell and Hutton coming to head quarters [sic] at Rock creek to meet capt [sic] Nelson just arrived. I was in the latter company. We traveled nearly a south course till we came to the clear fork of the Brazos. Here we traveled an east course till night, when we came to Cedar creek near Robt. Slone's [sic] in Buchanan Co. where we stayed all night.

Friday, [May] 27th. We came from Slone's to town today, distance about 33 miles and arrived about 4 o'clock. We learned that capt [sic] Nelson has come on with a considerable recruit and taken up his quarters below the lower agency. Men seem to be coming in from every direction; and the greatest excitement prevails all over this country I ever saw in any community.

Saturday, [May] 28th. All is bustle, confusion, excitement, and preparation for war in town today. Companies are passing through town continually and we all have orders to rendezvous at head quarters by 12 o'clock next Tuesday.

[May 1859] 163

Sabbath, [May] 29th. Spent the morning in reading till 8 or 10 o'clock and then went down to uncle F's, on the river, and stayed all night. Found there that the wheat crop was an entire failure and loss; and the corn is suffering badly for work: though the prospect is fine for corn if it is properly attended to.

Monday, [May] 30th. Came home this morning and found many preparing to start to the seat of war in the morning, so I have spent the day preparing to go with the crowd. We hear today that there were 21 Indians killed and 20 wounded in the fight on Monday last.

Tuesday, [May] 31st. After some delay, we got in readiness and started to head quarters, distance 25 miles, and arrived there late in the evening to the number of about 40 men. We found some 250 men in camps, scattered some 3 miles up and down Rock creek from Dillingham's. There seemed to be some confusion in camps, and some were leaving while others were coming in, so that the numbers did not increase but little. From the aspect of affairs I think the prospect rather discouraging.

164 June 1859

Wednesday, [June] 1st. The day was spent in camps and but little done except to parade and hear some speeches from Capts. Baylor and Nelson. Capt. Councill [sic] resigned his office and R. W. Pollard was elected in his stead.

Thursday, [June] 2nd. Their seemed to be a mutiny in camps this morning that could not be quelled. [T]he men had been in camps so long that they had become weary, and the officers still advised them to be quiet till reinforcements would arrive. But nothing would do them but to go home: so the army was broken up and we started home and camped in the sand valley. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 58 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday, [June] 3rd. Came to town this morning and found the people in the greatest state of excitement I ever saw any people, many of them preparing to leave the country. I went to uncle F's on my way to Milsap's to carry his nag home.

[June 1859] 165

Saturday, [June] 4th. Performed an errand this morning and returned to town by noon. Found the people a little calmer than they were yesterday and not so many talking of leaving.

Sabbath, [June] 5th. Spent the day reading, sleeping, and visiting. A ranging company was made up today to range the west end of this country, this has a tendency to quiet the citizens a little.

Monday, [June] 6th. I have concluded to commence my school this morning. The excitement seems to be abating a little and I hope that quiet will be restored in a short time. 25 students in school today, and tolerably attentive, considering the excitement and the length of time the school has been vacated. The morning was rather cool for the season and the evening quite warm.

Tuesday, [June] 7th. Cloudy and still this morning. The campaign has been an advantage to my health, I think; for a feel entirely clear of the chills. Though my mind is not in a good frame for teaching. 29 students in school today. School not very attentive.

[166] [June 1859]

[The diary omits a numbered page 166 in the sequence proceeding directly to a page numbered 167.]

167 June 1859

Wednesday, [June] 8th. It is calm and very warm this morning: has the appearance of being very sultry today. 30 students today.

Thursday, [June] 9th. It has been quite warm during the day, there has been a little rain and heavy thunder and the appearance of heavy showers in different parts of the country. 30 students in school today. I came to Mr. W. Nelson's this evening to stay all night.

Friday, [June] 10th. Warm, foggy, and a little cloudy this morning, there is a heavy dew. Came from Nelson's by 8 o'clock and found part of the school convened on my arrival. 28 students in school today. Presented a prize this evening to one of the students that was due last session, it had a very salutary effect upon the school. Received a copy of Webster's unabridged dictionary at $6.50.

Saturday, [June] 11th. There has been considerable rain today and still it appears like raining. There were showers at times all day. It has been a dull day with me, for I have tried to collect some money, & got $50.

[June 1859] 168

Sabbath, [June] 12th. Spent part of the morning reading and at 11 o'clock heard Parson Byars deliver an address, from the words "Occupy till I come," in which he illustrated the manner in christians [sic] should improve the talents committed to their care. There was prayer meeting in the evening.

Monday, [June] 13th. The air is a little cool this morning and I have taken a cold: 27 students in school today.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 59 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [June] 14th. The morning is cool again. 33 students today. Formed a Geography class today, the first I have had. The after part of the day has been quite warm.

Wednesday, [June] 15th. Cool this morning for the season of the year. 35 students today.

Thursday, [June] 16th. Quite warm today. School full and tolerably interesting. Preaching tonight at the courthouse by Rev N. T. Byars - commencement of a protracted meeting.

169 June 1859

Friday, [June] 17th. The day has been warm. Preaching at 11 o'clock. School tolerably full today. Preaching at 5 P.M. The Temple of Honor met tonight and initiated one member.

Saturday, [June] 18th. Spent the day preparing sleapers [sic] and laying the school-house floor. Attended preaching at noon. I feel much fatigued tonight from my day's labor.

Sabbath, [June] 19th. The meeting still continues. Rev N. T. Byars preached in the morning after which Baptism was performed. Preaching in the evening By [sic] Rev Harris after which a little class was formed to meet on next Sabbath. About 5 names were given at the start.

Monday, [June] 20th. This morning is very still and warm, some few clouds and a prospect of rain. 37 students at school today. A commission was here today to try to consumate [sic] a peace between the Indians and whites. They promised to keep the Indians on the Reservation if we would let them alone, to which we agreed, provided they do.

[June 1859] 170

Tuesday, [June] 21st. The day has not been so sultry as some of the past. 35 students today, and I not in a very good humor to teach. I wished I could always be!

Wednesday, [June] 22nd. Tolerably warm today. 35 students in school. Do but little at study yet Prayer meeting in town tonight.

Thursday, [June] 23rd. Cool this morning. 33 students today.

Friday, [June] 24th. Cool enough to be pleasant today. 36 students quite attentive. speeches and compositions this evening; had some visitors. Managers for the 4th of July celebration were appointed today, and I am appointed to read the declaration of independence.

Saturday, [June] 25th. A pleasant breeze stirring this morning. Spent the forepart of the day in idleness, and the afternoon laying a hearth in the school house.

Sabbath, [June] 26th. Dr. S. S. Taylor preached in town in the fore and afternoon, preaching his peculiar doctrines, viz: Campbell-ism.

171 June 1859

Monday, [June] 27th. Quite warm and pleasant today. 40 students in school.

Tuesday, [June] 28th. Warmer today. 43 students, they are hard to govern! Truly the teacher has a hard road to travel.

Wednesday, [June] 29th. Cloudy all day, and showery. A little cool this evening. 45 students today. I find that I must hold a tighter rein or I cannot be master.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 60 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday, [June] 30th. Cloudy and a little cool today. 40 students today, a little more docile than yesterday. I hope they may improve.

[July 1859]

Friday, July 1st. The day is mild and pleasant. Neither too hot nor too cool. 42 students. My time is much occupied with my school so that I can attend to but little else scarcely my lessons.

Saturday, [July] 2nd. Spent the day preparing for the barbecue - making a flag, preparing a table for the dinner on the 4th, and reading preparitory [sic] to reading the declaration of independence on the 4th.

July 1859 172

Sabbath, [July] 3rd. Attended the bible class this morning, of which I have been appointed superintendent. The class was not very large but tolerably attentive - it's the 2nd time of meeting. I hope the interest in it will increase and that we may do much good in the class. Rev Colwell preached at 11 a.m. and Williams at 4 p.m. Colwell's discourse was pretty well delivered and in short a good sermon. In the evening the people began to gather in for the “barbecue”; and we have several pretty girls in town tonight.

Monday, [July] 4th. All are astir this morning preparing for the duties of the day. I had to first complete the flag, then the Temple of Honor met and arranged their plans for a prossession [sic] today. I then assisted in preparing some flag stalves [sic]. By ½ past 10 o'clock the people had generally assembled, so the Templers met at the school- house, formed their prossession [sic], and marched to the court house where the ladies formed on the mar[ch] of the Templers, after these the gentle men with an American flag at the head of the gentle men's column the Templers having a banner in front of them, and in this order we all moved to the arbor, where Dr. Taylor read a[..]

173 June 1859 chapter in the Bible, sang and prayed. I was then introduced to the audience and read the declaration of independence. There was then a contest as to who should occupy the stage. John Love had been appointed as the orator of the day but he had been intoxicated for the last week, and was not in a situation to make a speech. But still he contended for the right. The Templars wished for S. S. Taylor to deliver a temperance address; and finally Love was gotten off the stage and Taylor addressed the audience for a short time, untill [sic] he was interrupted by Love. He then gave way, and the people repaired to the table for dinner. Here I stood in the hot sun and & carried pork till the sweat run off of me. After dinner - I suppose between 300 & 400 person eat [sic] - the people repaired to the stand again, heard capt. [sic] Hamner, of Jack Co. read some resolutions concerning Indian affairs. The people voted the adoption of the resolutions; and a company of minute men was made up to hale themselves in readiness to act on the defensive[..]

[July 1859] 174 against any & all Indians. The people then marched to the court-house in the same order that was observed in the morning; where the crowd of ladies & gentlemen dispersed and the Templers repaired to the lodge, put off their regalia, and dispersed. I spent the most of the evening in the presence of the young ladies from Cechill, viz: Miss Bettie, Miss Jarvis, & Miss Lesater, quite interesting girls. A foolish affair took place in the after noon between J. C. McLure & Chas. Dyer in which Dyer drew & fired his pistol & McLure attempted to draw his. No injury done to them. They are both under arrest & undergoing a trial tonight, before S. S. Taylor, Esqr. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 61 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [July] 5th. McLure & Dyer were acquitted of the first charge viz: aggravated assault and battery. But were immediately arrested for simple assault & battery and fined five dollars and cost each. 47 students in school today, the house is badly crowded.

175 July 1859

Wednesday, [July] 6th. The day is warm and pleasant. 43 students. The labors of the school room are onerous indeed.

Thursday, [July] 7th. Still the weather is pleasant, though the people complain of its being the extreme of summer's heat. 45 students.

Friday, [July] 8th. Almost the same as yesterday as to the day and number of students. Had a case that gave me a severe trial and I sincerely hope I may never have another such while I follow my present avocation. I requested a little boy to get up and recite a few lines. [H]e seemed a bit dilatory in complying. I told him he must do what I told him, not thinking that he would resist my authority; but he did, and I took out my watch & told him I would give him one minute to comply. The minute passed & he sat on his seat. So I gave him a whipping and compelled him to do what I bid, though he was the most stubborn child I ever had any thing to do with; and I thought a time or two that he was determined to do his own way, let me whip as much as I would.

[July 1859] 176

Saturday, [July] 9th. The morning is a little cooler than usual, though it is calm, clear, & beautiful. The day turned out to be very warm indeed. I learned this evening that the father of the child I whipped (Mr. Dillahunty) was very mad, & says he intends to have a settlement concerning it. Spent the day reading, and adjusting the affairs about my room. A company of 56 men came into town this evening, from the lower counties, enroute [sic] for the Brazos agency. They are sent there by the Governor to keep the Indians on the reserve.

Sabbath, [July] 10th. Studied my Bible lesson this morning. Attended the Bible class at 1/2 past 8 A.M. & class meeting 1/2 past 10th. Prayer meeting at 4 P.M. Had an inerview [sic] with Dillahunty this evening concerning the whipping of his child. He says the child was badly abused, stripes and whelks [sic] being on his back till after night. I told him candidly the whole truth in the affair - how the thing came up, my motives, and what I done. And after being convinced of the truth of my statement and I acknowledged that I was sorry that the child was abused (which is the case) he seemed to act reasonably and agreed to just let the matter drop as it is.

177 July 1859

Monday, [July] 11th. The morning is cooler than common, there are clouds and it has the appearance of rain. The day turned out quite warm. 45 students today.

Tuesday, [July] 12th. There was a rain just before day this morning. The morning is warm but there are some clouds. Rcvd a fine musk melon and watermelon this morning sent to me by uncle Frank. 47 students today. Heavy labor. There was a very pretty rain this evening.

Wednesday, [July] 13th. Twenty seven years old this morning! Yet what am I! A poor boy. Is that all? In a land of strangers far from the home of my youth on the frontier of Texas, surrounded with Indian excitement, a mixed population and some enemies, though unjustly. In debt without the means to bequeath to the same & urge for the money!!

July 13th 1859 178 Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 62 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

The picture is a gloomy one indeed: yet I thank my God that there are two sides to the picture!!! And that in the midst of adverse currents, on one side I can look to that Benificent [sic] Being with full confidence that though my father, mother, and kinsmen are far from me, He will not forsake me, but “Will take me up” and uphold me! All my time in business has been in teaching for the last year. At this time last year I was engaged in my first school in Tarrant Co. which lasted about the last of Aug. Though before the school closed I took the chills, and they reduced me very much. They continued some time after the school closed and I was so unwell that I was confined for a time. But by the medical advice of Dr. Matthews, of Ft. Worth, the chills were stopped on me, and I began to improve. At this time I came to Palo Pinto to recruit my health. I found a vacancy for a school at the town of Palo Pinto, & being solicited to take it, did so, under rather discouraging circumstances. It is a new place, not thickly settled, on the Indian frontier, no school[..]

179 July 1859 house, and by coming I made some enemies at the start. I have labored under discouragements all the time since I have been at the place. Indian excitements, chills, machinations of the envious, &c. have all operated against me. But my course has been progressive and onward. On the 2d day of Nov. '58 I commenced my 1st, 5 mo. school here in a rented house 14 feet sq and dirt floor. Rent $5th.00 per month with 12 students. But my object was to do my duty, & my school increased to from 20 to 26 students, and I had no serious difficulty with any person. On the 18th of Apr. '59 I commenced a 2d session of 5 months in a new school-house I had succeeded in having built 16 by 18 feet and now my school numbers from 43 to 45 students. But some difficulty exists at this time with regard to the whipping of a child. So far as property is concerned I am now in debt upwards of $600 and have not more than $100 owing to me at this time. I bought a piece of land promising $800 [as] the cause of my indebtedness. I have till the 1st of Oct. on $400 of the money. I hope by that time with the help of a crop Wesley is making to be able to relieve myself to some extent. My intellectual attainment have not been very extensive yet I have made considerable advancement in the elements of some of the sciences.

[July 1859] 180

I have also gained some knowledge of Rhetoric, Physiology & Moral Philosophy. So far as teaching the first principles of the branches studied in my school is concerned I have gained valuable information & made proficiency. I feel that my Religious advancement has been greater than it was the previous year; & I do hope it may more than thrible [sic] what I have ever done any previous year, during the next twelve months. It is my expectation to continue here another 12 months if all things work right, if not I do not know what I will do. I pray that the all-wise Ruler of the universe may be my guide, protector, & counsellor [sic]; and by his power & through His mercy I may be directed into the way of Wisdom, safety and virtue! 44 students today. The day was tolerably pleasant.

Thursday, [July] 14th. The day is quite warm. 43 students. Had a visit this morning from Dr. Taylor concerning the whipping of his son but on an explanation he was satisfied. I wrote the following note to the patrons this evening. Mr ___ You will please meet me at the school house tomorrow evening at 4 o'clock. My responsibility is heavy at this time and the school is very full, so I hardly know how to act for the best. I have requested all the patrons to come in[..]

181 July 1859 tomorrow evening, appoint trustees for the school, and give me advice in the matter. July 14, 1859. J. H. Baker Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 63 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

These I give to the children to take to their parents. I hope when they come that matters can be arranged satisfactorily.

Friday, [July] 15th. The morning is pleasant. The day has been quite warm. 44 students today. Spelled a match this evening. Distributed several small prizes, tracts and pictures to the best students in the classes, a practice I have lately gotten up in the school as a stimulant to attentiveness in study. It has a very salutary effect upon all the students. The patrons came in this evening and appointed the following trustees viz: Dr. S. S. Taylor, J. C. Carpenter Esqr, Mr. J. H. Dillahunty, Mr. E. R. Harris, and Mr. J. W. Lynn. Who retired, consulted, came back, and reported that the school was too large for the house and one teacher - so it was concluded that the room of the house be enlarged immediately and an assistant teacher be employed. A good arrangement, I think. I think the school well be benefitted by it.

[July 1859] 182

Saturday, [July] 16th. There are some few clouds this morning and the breeze is blowing pleasantly. Assisted in making a brush arbor in front of the school-house for the purpose of enlarging the school, or the room for the students. At 11 A.M. attended church and heard the Rev. Byars hold forth on an earnest address to the people urging them to repentance and obedience. Did but little during the evening. The Temple of Honor met tonight.

Sabbath, [July] 17th. Met the Bible class this morning, tolerably full and interesting. Preaching at 11 A.M. by Rev. N. T. Byars. But I was prevented from hearing it by the trustees of the school, who had selected an assistant teacher and requested me to see if we could agree upon terms of his wages. Mr. S. Oxford is the man selected and I agreed to pay him $30 per month in accounts at the close of the session. The price is more than I ought to have given, yet I thought rather than be considered contentious or penurious I would give it the remainder of the session. At 1/2 past 2 P.M. there was prayer meeting at the court house, after which the Rev Harris delivered an address from the words, "Come and see a man that told me all that ever I did," "is not this the Christ?"

183 July 1859

Monday, [July] 18th. Met an unusually full school this morning, all seemed to be interested to know what arrangement would be made with regard to the assistant teacher. The students, generally protesting against being put under his tuition. I fear that the dissatisfaction will militate against the school. Though I kept him in the house today and made no division among the students, and did tolerably well. But I must divide for the labor is great for me. 55 students.

Tuesday, [July] 19th. The day is the warmest I have seen this season. 60 students in school. Divided this morning and gave Mr. Oxford the juveniles. All are not satisfied. But I hope time will reconcile them, and all will go on helpfully and profitably yet.

Wednesday, [July] 20th. The weather is extremely warm, the school is as full as usual and all seem to move on very well today. Heard a lecture from Rev Byars on the revision of the Scriptures tonight.

Thursday, [July] 21st. Dry and warm as ever. 60 students today. A political speech in town today by Mr. Ivins of Waco, in favor of Gen. Sam Houston for governor and himself for representative in the legislature against Capt A. Nelson.

[July 1859] 184

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 64 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday, [July] 22nd. The morning is calm and pleasant. The day has been remarkably warm. 61 students today. Speaking compositions and dialogue this evening. Several visitors this evening to the school and more than ordinary interest. Late this evening a heavy wind blew up that filled the air with dust, and drove away the most of the horse dust in the streets, a little rain with it.

Saturday, [July] 23rd. Hearing that the old man Sowell was suffering with a fever I went last night and stayed with him. He has considerable fever, but rested very well during the night. It is cloudy this morning, and a little cooler than usual. Spent the day in a variety of preparations for the Sabbath and for school next week. Also assisted T. Wright in making out a report, of Eagle Temple of Honor, to the Grand Temple of Western Texas. The Templers met tonight.

Sabbath, [July] 24th. Spent the morning preparing for the Bible class, which I attended as superintendent. It was tolerably full and some interest manifested by the members of the class. After hearing the class I went down into the Brazos valley, to Mr. Nall's where I spent the most of the afternoon and returned to town after dark.

185 July 1859

Monday, [July] 25th. The air is a little cool this morning, enough to make it a little more pleasant. Upon going to the school-house this morning I found the following resolutions awaiting me, viz: The State of Texas } July 24, 1859 County of Palo Pinto} Resolutions of the Trustees of Common school in Palo Pinto To J. H. Baker 1 We the Trustees order that J. H. Baker be restricted to 32 schollars [sic] 2 That S. A. Oxford be restricted to 25 schollars 3 That J H Baker procure the assistance of another teacher (Cornelius McGlothlin or some other aggreeable [sic] with Trustees who shall be proportionate as S. A. Oxford in students and pay 4 That if J H Baker wishes to open his school by prayer that he perform said duty before 8 o'clock so as to be ready to teach at 8 in the morning, S. S. Taylor J. W. Lynn J. W. Dillahunty J. C. Carpenter E. R. Harris I have give the Orthography and Puncuation of the Resolutions as near as I could copy them. 62 students today, so that assistant had only 5[th].

[July 1859] 186

Thursday, [July] 26th. The Trustees sent me word this morning that I need not procure an assistant teacher till students come in to justify it. 66 students today. The day has been quite warm.

Wednesday, [July] 27th. There are some few clouds this morning, and it is very pleasant. 58 students today. Some of them are inattentive, and I have kept them in at recess this evening, it hurts the feelings of some of them very much. I hope they may be more attentive in future.

Thursday, [July] 28th. The day has been quite warm. 61 students. Two of those who set in at recess yesterday are not here today, and I do not care if they never are again, unless they comply with the rules of the school. I do not feel well today. My lungs are weak and symptoms of cough are returning.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 65 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday, [July] 29th. A pleasant breeze is blowing this morning. The day turned out very warm, 63 students today. Had a spelling match this evening and some 9 or 10 visitors. There seems to be some interest getting up with the people concerning the school. Not very well this evening.

187 July 1859

Saturday, [July] 30th. Intended to go down into the valley today, but before I was ready I saw my assistance was necessary to get our well walled up, so I assisted at that for some time till it was got under way. A call was then made for assistance to make an arbor at the school house for preaching the last of next week: so I went and assisted at that till it was complete. Then spent the evening preparing for the Sabbath. Wesley and uncle F brought some corn to town for sale, and disposed of it at one dollar per bu[shel].

Sabbath, [July] 31st. Attended the Bible class this morning. But few were present at the opening, though several came in afterward. We had a tolerably interesting class. After the meeting of the class Dr. S. S. Taylor delivered a lecture on prayer according to previous appointment. He made several good remarks as to the nature and design of prayer. But he advanced some new ideas that I do not subscribe to, with the understanding I have of them. Such as its being wrong to pray for sinners to be awakened, [or to] ask God to lift upon us the light of his countenance, Thy kingdom come &c &c.

[unnumbered]

A Sermon on Prayer by Dr. S. S. Taylor. Commenced by reading the 2d chapter of 1st Timothy, singing the hymn, "Prayer is the soul's sincere desire," &c. and by prayer. He, in the commencement of his discourse, impressed the idea that "Truth is truth, no matter who speaks it." (Very impressed by him) On the same principle that "one dollar" is "a dollar whether you get it from a beggar or a prince." Two objects he had in view viz: first, "To stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance, and secondly, To present some new ideas, or truths." There must be a subject, and a source to which the subject is directed. Man is the subject of prayer; and God the source to which all prayer should be directed. There must be a sincere desire on the part of the supplicant in his petitions to God or they will not be heard. Positions. It makes but little difference as to what position of the subject. The Pharisee and publican stood up to pray. The angle [sic] that appeared to Paul, and said, "Come on to Macedonia and help us," stood up to pray. Elijah sat down to pray. Daniel knelt down, and so did the Apostles. Some fell on their faces. So there are examples of all positions in prayer. The position that is most appropriate[..]

[unnumbered] is the proper position. It is sometimes one and sometimes the other. In schools he thinks the standing position the most appropriate. The great and important item is the desire of the heart; the position being immaterial. The prayer may be loud, or repeated ever so often, and if not performed understandingl [sic], in faith, and sincerity it will not be heard by God. The mind of man must be informed so as to ask understandingly. There must first be a zeal, but that zeal must be according to knowledge. The will of God must first be known, and man must conform to that will. No person can pray successfully until he knows the will of God. The day of miricles [sic] is passed, and people are so instructed, or trained in this day, that they hardly know to pray or what to pray for. "Lord, lift up the light of thy countenance upon us; put down the right foot of thy power, &c" are foolish and unmeaning expressions. God cannot lift upon us the light of his countenance, because he is reconciled to man. God is love, He invites all to come unto him. The irreconcilliation [sic] is with man. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 66 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Man is mad at what God says, and will not be reconciled to God. The reason that man is not saved is that man is not reconciled to God for [sic]. God is reconciled to man. Man must turn to God. God has[..]

[unnumbered] already turned to man, and it is wrong to ask God to come to the sinner, for God asks the sinner to come to him. The manner in which the sinner comes to God was here omitted. God speaks to the mind of the sinner by Revelation. Many prayers are not answered because not according to the will of God, faith being an indespensible [sic] requisite to a prayer being heard. The Lord's prayer is not an appropriate prayer of the present day - especially that clause that say [sic] “Thy kingdom come” &c. For the kingdom here spoken of did come in the days of the Savior, and it is foolish to pray for it to come now. This prayer was designed for the apostles and not intended for use after their day. All that we can do is to use the influence of moral truth. The sinner must first turn and come to God, or God will never cause them to come. People do wrong to pray for sinners to be awakened. There is one of two conclusions that the sinner is bound to arrive at, viz: That it is wrong for christians to pray for them to be awakened, or that they do not ask in faith or sincerity. And the sinners present were appealed to notice that christians had prayed for them and they were still not awakened; and it seemed that both sinners and christians were warned against this dangerous delusion.

August 1859 188

Monday, [August] 1st. Election on hand today. Quite a number of people in town. 147 votes cast at this place. Houston 131. Runnels 8. Brother brought me some oats to sell for him which I think I can do at 5 cts per doz. 61 students in school.

Tuesday, [August] 2nd. A little rain this morning, and but little. 62 students today.

Wednesday, [August] 3rd. Cloudy the most of the day. No rain of consequence. 63 students today. Give [sic] a short lecture on physiology in the evening. The students seemed to be interested in it. Heard of a Mr. Kake being killed last evening at his own house. Particulars not known yet.

Thursday, [August] 4th. Commenced raining tolerably early this morning and rained on moderately until 2 or 3 o'clock P.M. A beautiful rain indeed. 49 students today. A Mr. Bennett was brought into town this evening, a prisoner supposed to be the man that killed Kake. No positive proof against him. But he is retained a prisoner upon suspition [sic]. I hope the guilty may be exposed in this case.

189 Aug. 1859

Friday, [August] 5th. A little cloudy and quite pleasant today. No rain of consequence. 55 students. Meeting commenced this evening by Rev Slaughter delivering an exhortation, singing and prayer. Rev. J. Turner from Grindstone in Parker Co. is present this evening. People are beginning to come in from various parts of the county.

Saturday, [August] 6th. It is cloudy this morning and rains a little by showers. Prepared a stage and a book board at the school house this morning for preaching during the meeting. At 11 o'clock A.M. Parson Turner of Parker held fort in an extended address from the subject, Ye are the salt of the earth" &c. He did not use the figure as I should have done, or as I understand it. He left out the idea that salt is salt and though there is not sufficient quantity at all times to produce the savory effect, the lack is for want of quantity and not of quality. My belief is that the salt may lose its savor, and though it was once good salt it is not never salt in consequence of its having lost its savor. It is then good for nothing but to be cast out and be trodden under foot of men.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 67 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Aug. 1859] 190

Parson Slaughter then followed in an exhortation of some length. There was no more meeting before candle lighting in consequence of a trial on hand in town. The case of the state of Texas versus Bennett. Though the trial was not completed, and but little evidence produced against him. The Templers met at night and initiated John Powers. The Templers meeting prevented me from attending preaching.

Sabbath, [August] 7. Court adjourned last night, to 8 o'clock this morning, to continue Bennett's trial. But it was continued this morning, till 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. A meeting was held at the court house for the purpose of raising subscription to educate Young Wm. Cane, who was shot accidently, in the Indian war and rendered a permanent cripple for life. About $75th.00 were subscribed. Preaching at 11 o'clock by Rev Turner. "Ye that fear God have the witness in yourselves." He delivered a tolerably good discourse. Parson Robinson of Weatherford followed in an exhortation after which the [sic] was dismissed to 4 o'clock P.M. Parson R. preached a commoner sermon in which he tried[..]

191 Aug. 1859

to show that the Baptists were free communionists, and other denominations are exclusive. To prove this he contended that Baptists invited all their members to commune, and the Methodists do not. They recognize children as members of the church; they do not invite them to the communion table; consequently they do not invite all their own members and are therefore exclusive. But the premises are wrong, consequently the position is wrong. They do not regard children as members of the church though they may be baptised in infancy. But they do invite, not only their own members, who are in good standing, but all christians who are in good standing in their own churches. He also contended that he could have Christian fellowship for members of other denominations, but not church fellowship. Rather a drool [sic] conclusion I think. After the sermon they administered the sacrament of the Lord's supper. While we poor Methodists had to stand back and look on with tears in our eyes, but they would not give us anything to eat. After the congregation was dismissed Dr. Taylor & Parson Turner had an altercation concerning the teaching[..]

[Aug. 1859] 192 of Alex. Campbell. T. affirming that Campbell denied the operation of the spirit; and Dr. T. positively denying the truth of the charge against Campbell. The disputation became so warm that Turner rather defiantly boasted that he was not a coward, and wished it distinctly understood that [sic] was not. To which Dr. T. with an expressive nod of the head and curl of the lip "wished it distinctly understood that he was one of the old ones". However, they did not fight, the Dr. invited Rev T home with him to supper & he went. Preaching at night by Parson Slaughter. In his usual manner he preached with much energy and calling for mourners. 11 or 12 came forward. The prospects are tolerably good for a good meeting.

Monday, [August] 8th. Had to dismiss my school today, and probably longer, to give place to the meeting. It is quite calm this morning and presents the appearance of a hot day. Prayer meeting this morning at 9 o'clock. Preaching at 11 A.M. by Rev Turner from the text "Go ye unto all the world and preach my gospel to every creature," &c. He set out with the idea that Christ set up a kingdom on earth, and all persons[..]

193 Aug. 1859 must get into that kingdom in this world or they will never get into it in another. The working of this kingdom consists in the operative influence of the spirit of God upon the heart. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 68 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

The design of the subject was to show the sinner that he was in the kingdom of darkness until his nature was changed by the grace of God; and he was placed in the kingdom of God. There was some good feeling in the congregation and some mourners came forward. Preaching at 4 P.M. by Rev Robinson. His discourse was somewhat impressive. The door of the church was opened, but no person joined. The trial of Bennett terminated this evening, and resulted in his committal in a bond of $4000.00, and as he is not likely to give security, it is probable he will go to jail. Preaching at night by S. Harris from the words "e have toiled all night and caught nothing, nevertheless at thy bidding we will let down the net," &c. The poor old man, though illiterate, seemed to have the spirit of the work at heart, and made many remarks to the point. There was considerable feeling in the congregation one or two professions, and many mourners at the alter of prayer.

[Aug. 1859] 194

Tuesday, [August] 9th. The morning is calm & pleasant, foreshadowing a hot day. Spent the time till 11 o'clock writing and visiting the ladies. Went to preaching at 11. Heard parson Turner hold forth on the principles of faith, repentance, regeneration, &c. showing the necessity of all to the salvation of the sinner. Meeting at candelighting [sic]. Considerable feeling in the congregation. But the Rev Stephen Harris concluded that there was too much confusion among the people. He therefore gave a lecture upon the course of propriety, of order, and decorum, at such meetings. He said they had got into a Methodist "rippet" and thereby had too much confusion. The remarks he made had a tendency to check the excitement and feeling among the people to a great extent. But one of his children came forward for a mourner, and seemed to be wrought upon considerably and it touched the old man's sympathies so much that he got into a regular Methodist "rippet." So when the spirit works properly on the heart it makes but little difference about the "rippets."

195 Aug. 1859

Wednesday, [August] 10th. Spent the morning writing, before meeting. Parson Robinson held forth in a very lengthy sermon, but somewhat tedious. On the nature of Christ's kingdom, and the manner in which the subjects get into the kingdom. The congregation came together 4 P.M. and parson Turner gave a long and tolerably interesting exhortation on various topics. At night parson Slaughter preached quite a lengthy sermon, upon the duties of christians, the nature of the church, the ordinance of Baptism &c. Showing to his satisfaction, that believers' baptism represents the death, burial, and resurection [sic] of our savior. That immersion is the only mode of baptism. One person came forward and joined the church after which the meeting closed with several mourners at the alter.

Thursday, [August] 11th. The meeting continuing till last night kept the school from assembling and as there are but two days for school this week it is thought best not to commence till monday [sic] next. Spent the fore part of the day writing letters. Went to the valley this evening, with Varney in his buggy.

[Aug. 1859] 196

Friday, [August] 12th. Spent sometime this morning at uncle's molasses works. He has a wooden mill for grinding his cane, consisting of three rollers, the middle one having cogs in the upper part of it. All are set in a perpendicular position, confined at the bottom and tops, the middle one having a lever attached to the top to which a horse is hitched that moves the machine. In a Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 69 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 few hours they grind enough cane to keep them bailing all day; for they have but three kettles to boil in. They make from five to eight gallons per day. After this went to Mr. I. W. Cox's and remained there till after dinner. He is a thorough Methodist, contending earnestly for their principles. By the way [he's] a good man, I think. In the afternoon I came back to uncle's, and went to my place on the river above. And from here I went to Col. Barber's, where I spent the remainder of the afternoon till after supper, very pleasantly in the company of his agreeable family. After this I went to uncle's and found them all in bed. Had a long conversation with Wes concerning our prospects, business &c. &c.

197 August 1859

Saturday, [August] 13th. Started home tolerably early this morning. After a pleasant ride of some 3 hours we arrived at town where all seemed to be quiet. At 11 o'clock A.M. the Methodists commenced a two day meeting. Parson Williams held forth in a zealous effort to get the people engaged in the cause of Christianity. In the afternoon Parson Wright occupied the stand. His text was "Now prepare to meet thy God." There are two ways of meeting God, viz: To meet him in worship in this world, and to meet him in judgment in a future state of existence. Meeting was appointed for candle lighting; but a rain came up just at night that prevented the people from gathering at the arbor so I did not go to meeting. Though I learn that they are holding meeting at the school house tonight. I am too lean in Religion! Lord help me?!

[August 1859] 198

Sabbath, [August] 14th. The Bible class met this morning at 8 o'clock. Prayer meeting at 10, and preaching at 11. Parson Wright preached a warm and zealous sermon, after which the Rev Colwell gave a lengthy exhortation. Preaching at 1/2 past 3 P.M. by the Rev Colwell. Williams followed him in a lengthy exhortation. Meeting again at candle lighting. Parson Wright preached another warm sermon and Williams followed in a labored exhortation; but the people seemed to be cold and somewhat indifferent. Five came forward as mourners and one joined the church after which the meeting closed.

Monday, [August] 15th. The day has been very warm indeed. 60 students in school today. One of my patrons started to leave today without paying his tuition; so I took out an attachment against him and started the sheriff after him. But I do not expect to be much benefitted by it. For a man that will have, as he has, without giving a creditor any notice of it, will not pay a debt if he can avoid it.

199 August 1859

Tuesday, [August] 16th. 57 students today. I find that loosing [sic] one week from school has a deleterious effect upon myself as a teacher, and upon the students as such. I hope we'll lose no more time this session.

Wednesday, [August] 17th. Went to Mr. Arnett's last evening and stayed all night with him. He is quite a social old gentleman and has an excellent lady, I think. 58 students today.

Thursday, [August] 18th. The day has been quite warm. The nights are beginning to get a little cooler I think. 57 students in school today. A Mr. Beldon is in town today for the purpose of getting a female school.

Friday, [August] 19th. I do not feel so well this morning as I would like to. Nor have I since the meeting. The morning is quite calm and pleasant. 58 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Several visitors. The Templers met tonight.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 70 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[August 1859] 200

Saturday, [August] 20th. There are some few clouds this morning and it is quite pleasant. The nights are becoming more pleasant. Spent the morning making out my return to the County court of my last school, till 11 o'clock. I then went to preaching and heard Rev Slaughter from the words "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear." As is usual with him, he dwelt at great length in laborious exhortation, repeating the same sentiments frequently till the people were wearied. After the sermon the Conference sat, and had so much church business on hand that it required a great length of time to get through. It was near 4 P.M. when I left and I left before conference closed. Spent the remainder of the evening reading and preparing for the Sabbath. Received a letter from father this evening, giving considerable information from home that was interesting to me. Though absent in body from my friends I can commune with them in spirit, and enjoy the influence of their sympathy and affection affording me exquisit [sic] pleasure and delight. To live without the conciousness [sic] of friends whether present or absent would be a constant torment & trouble.

201 August 1859

Sabbath, [August] 21st. Attended the Bible class this morning at 9. It was quite full and considerable interest manifested by the members, several hundred verses being recited. I hope the blessings of God will attend the labors and much good will be accomplished by the efforts made in the class. After the meeting of the class there was preaching by Rev S Harris from the words "Know that when many run a race all run and so run that you may win." He made many practical remarks to the point, though in rather a broken and uncouth stile [sic]. Rev Slaughter followed in one of his long exhortations, and then the congregation repaired to the water where Mrs. Harriet Spears was baptized by emersion. Prayer meeting at 1 P.M. Considerable feeling in the congregation, which was larger than it has been before this summer.

Monday, [August] 22nd. Cloudy, calm, and very warm this morning. 55 students in school today. Tolerably good order.

Tuesday, [August] 23rd. An assault was made last evening upon Mr. Love of this place by Mr. J. L. McCracken, grocery keeper. Love was knocked down with a stick. Court sat this morning on their cases, and McCracken was fined $5th.00 and cost. Love was released. 56 students in school today. Had to whip three of the boys this evening. So many of them are together that they will do wrong some of them [sic].

August 1859 202

Wednesday, [August] 24th. The day has been extremely warm. 57 students in school today. Had to correct three students again this evening for fighting. O that all would do wright [sic] and avid [sic] all such foolishness & wickedness.

Thursday, [August] 25th. Tolerably pleasant breeze stirring the most of the time today. 58 students today: tolerably well behaved. The most of the class seemed to be considerably interested in their exercises. Another difficulty occurred in town this evening between H. C. Carpenter, Sr. (a Classleader in the Methodist church) and W. Hullum (a deacon in the Baptist church) concerning a settlement between them. They did not fight, but the only thing that prevented them was their being kept apart by their friends.

Friday, [August] 26th. It is a little cloudy, and a fine breeze blowing this morning. 54 students in school today. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 71 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Had several visitors this evening, who brought two prizes to be contended for by the students: one by the girls, and the other by the boys. They were awarded by committees, selected by myself, to Marcus O. Lynn, of the boys, and Joanah Taylor of the girls.

203 August 1859

Saturday, [August] 27th. Spent the most of the day preparing my annual return to the county court, of my school. Worked very hard and accomplished but little.

Sabbath, [August] 28th. Attended the Bible class this morning, tolerably good attention, and class tolerably full. After the meeting of the class I went to uncle F's to see cousin Frank Young who was sick there and had sent for me. I found him somewhat hippoed [sic] and some considerable fever, and the bowels in a very costive state. He took some blue mass and occupied rather a cool position, and seemed to rest better during the night. His mind is considerably wrought upon concerning his future destiny; and he promises to live a new life for the future, and endeavor to embrace Religion. O that he may continue faithful for the pearl of great praise, and live a devoted christian!

Monday, [August] 29th. Came home early this morning. It is quite warm today. 50 students in school today. Do not feel very well today, in consequence of looseing [sic] sleep last night.

Tuesday, [August] 30th. A little rain last night, and it is considerably cooler this morning. 50 students in school today.

[August 1859] 204

Wednesday, [August] 31st. Considerably cooler this morning. 50 students today.

September 1859

Thursday, [September] 1st. The summer is ended, it is gone by never to return again - we are the length of another summer nearer the judgment seat of Christ - But how thoughtless! how indifferent: concerning those things that pertain to our Eternal welfare! [sic] My leanness! my barrenness! my coldness is deplorable! I pray the Lord I revive his work in my heart! The fall winds are blowing freely this morning, and the change in the season is clearly perceivable. It still remains very dry - there has not been a thorough wetting rain at this place since April. It has remained cloudy all day, and rained a little occasionally; but not enough to do much good. 48 students in school today. I do not feel very well myself. I am not but fretful - generally a forerunner of disease.

Friday, [September] 2nd. It is quite cool and thick cloudy this morning, and looks very much like rain. Did not rain. Left the school in the care of Sam Oxford[..]

205 [September 1859] and McGlothlin; and started to camp meeting about 3 o'clock P.M. After rather a tiresome ride of about 17 miles, we arrived at the camping ground. It was dark when we got to the place, and lights were lit and the congregation assembled for preaching. We went to the tent of Mr. Graves, got our suppers, after which we went into the congregation, and found the Rev Jones of the Parker circuit holding forth upon the subject of paying vows unto the Lord. His discourse was tolerably well timed, showing the necessity and importance of all paying their vows unto the Lord. After the sermon two mourners came forward to the altar, and there seemed to be considerable feeling in the congregation. In consequence of the appearance of rain the meeting closed tolerably early. After which I, with several others, went to Parson Wright's for shelter during the night.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 72 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday, [September] 3rd. Well it was for us that we went to Wright's last night; about 11 P.M. the rain commenced falling and continued at intervals till after day this morning. The people that remained on the campground were in an awful situation this morning.

[September 1859] 206

They had no shelter except brush covering for their tents, and "the rains descended and the floods (almost) came, and beat upon" their tents, but they did not exactly fall, for they were almost filled with water, and all that were in them were almost as wet as water could make them - beds, clothing and all. The consternation among the people was so great that the tenters [sic] all (but one) moved home and there was no more meeting till Sabbath at 11 o'clock A.M. This being the case I, in company with McLane, Peters, McCracken, Mays, & Price concluded to go to chief justice McLaren's to witness some trials to come off there today. We had a travel of about 4 miles over wet prairies caused by the last night's rain. We arrived at McLaren's about 12 M. and remained there till 2 P.M. before court was called. The first case was J. C. Loving versus R. C. Bettie in a plea of $21 money paid by plaintiff to be loaned, but denied by defendant, their [sic] being no evidence on either side, but the oath of the parties, which were directly opposite, the case was dismissed at the cost of the plaintiff. The next case was Whatley against Taylor, who in default of attendance paid the cost &c. defendant.

207 September 1859

There was a fine rain this evening while we were at McLaren's. After the trial all went home with Col. Whatley and stayed all night.

Sabbath, [September] 4th. Went to the camp-ground this morning and found a tolerably large congregation assembled. We were addressed by the Rev Mr. Jones, from Parker: from the "text to be earnestly minded is death, and to be Spiritually minded is life Eternal." He illustrated beautifully the nature of death, showing clearly that there are three kinds of death, viz: Temporal death, or the cessation of the Physical faculties of the body, Spiritual death - and Eternal death, which is nothing but a continuation of our Spiritual death in this world, throughout Eternity. It was a gloomy picture indeed. But there is another side to the subject. There is life that is as glorious in every respect as the death is horid [sic]! He illustrated this also viz: the three kinds of life Temporal, or natural life. The latter being only a continuation of the Spiritual life. So christians that "are spiritually minded" in this world begin to live the life that will be theirs to live, to relish, and to enjoy with all its increased blessings, and hallowed delights through countless ages of Eternal duration!

[September 1859] 208

Oh what a contrast! Who would not wish to be spiritually minded in this world, in order to enjoy the comforts of such a life here, as well as hereafter with all the increased importance that Heaven and freeness from earthly infirmities will attach to that state of existence [sic]. After preaching I went to parson Wright's and after dinner I started home; and came to Mr. Arnett's that night.

Monday, [September] 5th. Came home early this morning. It is quite cool and cloudy, and a considerable "Norther [sic]" blowing this morning. The state of the air is such that school is quite small today, there being only 36 or 8 students in school today.

Tuesday, [September] 6th. Raining considerably at times during the day. 41 students in school today.

Wednesday, [September] 7th. Still cool and cloudy today till evening, when the sun broke out and it was quite pleasant. 36 students today. Prayer meeting tonight. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 73 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday, [September] 8th. Cloudy and a little cool this morning. Continues cool all day. 50 students in school today. Visited E. Canfelt this evening who is in a very bad state of health, and I think he is not long for this world.

209 September 1859

Friday, [September] 9th. It is quite cloudy this morning, and looks very much like raining. I have a very severe cold this morning, which depresses my feelings considerably. 49 students today. Had some visitors this evening at the general exercises. A tolerably heavy shower of rain this evening.

Saturday, [September] 10th. Cut some garments for Mrs. Councell this morning. Finished my school returns and had them attested by the justice, and settled up some business with the school trustees concerning school house rent. A fine rain this evening; it is remarkably warm and the grass is beginning to come up finely. There is quite a change in the atmosphere since the rains have commenced falling. I feel much better this evening than I did yesterday.

Sabbath, [September] 11th. A tremendous rain fell last night that raised the waters, even the ravines about town to overflowing - the heaviest rain I ever knew fall in the same length of time I think. Spent the day, after the rain, reading. No Sabbath school - preaching or prayer meeting in consequence of the rain.

[September 1859] 210

Monday, [September] 12th. Cloudy, a little cool, and raining this morning, and the appearance is for a wet day. A very heavy rain fell between 7 & 8 o'clock this morning, which raised the branch between the house and school house so that the small students could not get to the school house. Only 30 students in school today - my assistant was not present - and the manner in which the classes are arranged kept me very busy. It is still raining, raining tonight, and has the appearance of continuing wet.

Tuesday, [September] 13th. A shower again this morning. 36 students today. It keeps me very busy to attend to all the classes myself. Met and organized a debating society tonight at the school-house with 18 members. W. M. Peters, President, and J. H. Baker, Secretary. Had a small debate on the works of Nature & Art.

Wednesday, [September] 14th. It has been quite pleasant today. No rain here. 40 students in school. Appointment for prayer meeting, but no meeting.

211 September 1859

Thursday, [September] 15th. the [sic] day has been very warm and beautiful. 48 students. My assistant returned again to my relief today. The Frontier Debating society met tonight and discussed at some length the Subject of Art and Nature. The decision was given in favor of the side of Nature. I think that the Society bids fair to be interesting and profitable to those who participate.

Friday, [September] 16th. The morning is clear and beautiful. The [day] continued very warm. 46 students in school today. Declamation of pieces this evening. The Templers met tonight and initiated T. R. Harris & B. Strait.

Saturday, [September] 17th. The morning is beautiful and pleasant. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 74 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Spent almost the entire day copying the Constitution and By Laws for our debating society into a book for that purpose. It has been quite a tedious day's work. This is the day of the Baptist meeting, yet I did not attend it, I hardly know why. The appearance is for fair weather.

[September 1859] 212

Sabbath, [September] 18th. Attended the Bible class this morning, but it [was] not very full. I took the position that the parable of the healing of the two blind men by Jesus on his way from Jericho to Jerusalem was a beautiful figure of the healing of the blinded sinner and the breaking in of Gospel light upon his benighted soul: and that their importance, when the multitude rebuked them, was a good example for sinners at the present day to continue their petitions, notwithstanding the scoffer, and the multitude should cry out against them and try to prevent them from calling upon the Lord. My position was attaced [sic] by Rev S. S. Taylor, who negatived [sic] the position in toto [sic] - denying that sinners should call upon the Lord atall [sic] till they were baptized, or in the act of baptism. He requested that we should let the matter rest till next Sabbath and then each sustain his point if he could. At 11 o'clock Re. N. T. Byars delivered a sermon from the words, "Now abideth faith, life, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." He was quite forcible and fully sustained my position in the Sabbath school. Singing at 2 o'clock, and prayer meeting in the evening. It is a little cool this evening.

215 September 1859

Monday, [September] 19th. There is a small Norther [sic] blowing this morning; but the appearance is for a pleasant day. The day has been a little cooler than common, though quite pleasant. 46 students in school today. The Trustees concluded that the school was small enough to dispense with the assistant teacher; as the present students do not keep us occupied all the time.

Tuesday, [September] 20th. The assistant teacher took his leave of the school this morning; and I was quite busy, but was assisted by C. M. McGlothlin occasionally as I had need of it. 41 students in school today.

Wednesday, [September] 21st. A cool wind has been blowing the most of the day. 42 students in school. Had a lonesome ride some 10 miles from town tonight, and back again.

Thursday, [September] 22nd. A little cool again today. 40 students. A camp meeting commenced today. [I]t was thought expedient to close the school until Monday. Had a few speeches this evening by the students.

[September 1859] 214

Friday, [September] 23rd. Spent the morning reading, talking, and preparing for meeting. At 11 o'clock Dr. S. S. Taylor addressed the people at the arbor on the subject of redemption by grace. Showing in the first place that Christ purchased salvation of the human family upon the tree of the cross, and made ample provisions for the salvation of all, and designated the terms and manner in which all may be saved, all of which is the gift of God, not merited by man for any works of his own. But while this is the case, man must comply with the requisitions of the gospel, in a proper manner, and show his faith by his works. Parson Graves preached in the evening, and Maderas at night, the better from the words, "Ponder the paths of thy feet &c." He gave an interesting discourse, pointing out the beauties and comforts attending the "path" of the just, and the evils, miseries, and dangers of deviating from that path that lions and fiends lurk on either side of the path way to devour those who leave it. One mourner came forward and the people manifested some interest in the meeting. A large congregation. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 75 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

215 Sept. 1859

Saturday, [September] 24th. Prayer meeting at 9 o'clock this morning. Several have moved in from different settlements; others have just come on horseback so that there is a considerable congregation in attendance, but the appearance is for rain this morning, and all fear the people will suffer inconvenience from the rain. Preaching at 11 o'clock by Rev S. Wright. He held forth in a very pious and devoted address urging the christian to faithfulness in duty and inviting sinners to turn to the Savior. He was followed by Maderas in rather an extended exhortation after which the congregation was dismissed for dinner, and at the same time it was announced to the people that a meeting of the citizens would be held at the court house this evening for the purpose of raising a ranging company to range the western border of the county. All that was done was to draw up a kind of pledge, or resolution, for Ranges to assign, with Robt. Martin as capt. I was not at evening preaching, but at night I heard parson Graves preach. Some 3 mourners tonight but the members seem rather cold. Congregation tolerably large. Not rain enough yet to molest the congregation.

[Sept. 1859] 216

Sabbath, [September] 25th. The appearance is for rain this morning, as it is cloudy and the very atmosphere seems to portend a wet day. Prayer meeting at 9 o'clock this morning. Preaching at 11 by Rev. Maderas on the foundation of the christian Religion and the material necessary to complete the building. Christ is the foundation, the sure and true upon which to build our faith. The materials are Faith, Hope, Chastity, represented in the text by gold, silver, and precious stone. There must be a wall, a roof, and girders to complete the building. Faith is a material that will stand the firey [sic] test that will try every man's works. It is indispensible to the life of a christian to exercise Faith in all its earnestness and fervency. Faith is represented by gold, the most precious metal. The next material is Hope. The principle that bouys [sic] up the soul in adversity and stimulates to energy and to action, when, without hope, man would despond and be a miserable creature - This is compared to silver. The third material is Charity - or love. This answers to the girders of the building that unite and binds it together - This is compared to precious stones. If a man rear[..]

217 September 1859 a superstructure upon this foundation with material of this kind, his building will stand, and he will receive a reward. But if he ever build upon this foundation and use not these materials - but use wood, hay, stubble - his works will be burned up. For all works shall be tried by fire, and all but pure works will be destroyed, though if he is honest and teaches ignorantly he may be saved, though as by fire. Parson Wright preached in the evening to a large audience, though all of them were not as attentive as they ought to have been, several young people being engaged in private conversation. However, there seemed to be a good feeling in the congregation, and some mourners came to the altar. At night the sacrament was administered to the members of the church, after which mourners were called for and several came forward, one made a profession and some eight or more found the church. There seems to be considerable interest manifested by the people generally, and the prospect is for a good meeting.

[September 1859] 218

Monday, [September] 26th. Preaching by Taylor at 9 o'clock, at 11 by Rev Maderas, from the word "O Israel thou hast destroyed thyself, but thy hope is in God." He showed that the people had destroyed themselves, but there is hope in the Savior if the people only come to him in faith and humility. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 76 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Rev Colwell preached in the evening from the text, "We have no abiding city here &c." He spoke of the instability of all earthly things, [and] the beauty, extent, and durability of the heavenly country, and presented many inducements to seek that country. Mourners were then called for, and several came forward and the meeting continued till night. There was then a short sermon by Maderas from the words, "And yet there is room." Room in the Atonement, room in the Divine, and room in the church militant, and room in heaven for all that will come to the savior through faith and humble prayer. Mourners still flocked to the altar. There were three conversions tonight, and five accessing to the church. The meeting will continue tomorrow.

219 Sept. 1859

Tuesday, [September] 27th. The people were called together about 10 o'clock this morning and addressed by Rev Maderas from the words, "Shun the very appearance of evil." He made several practical remarks concerning the various kinds of evil to be avoided which had a good effect upon the people generally, I think. After some very appropriate farewell remarks, the congregation was dismissed in regular order, which closed the meeting. I think the meeting has been a benefit to the people of the county. The members of the church were revived, six professed to find peace in believing in the Savior, and eighteen joined the church. A subscription was gotten up for the purpose of building a church house for the Methodist, and I spent the remainder of the day in procuring subscriptions for that purpose. I think I have tonight about $325.00 on the subscription paper. Our country is improving, and I hope the time is not far distant where we will have [a] good society, and a very desirable country.

[Sept. 1859] 220

Wednesday, [September] 28th. It is cloudy this morning, and has the appearance of rain. I will go on with my school today. No rain today. 37 students in school. The loss of three days seems to have thrown the students back considerably. Rev N. T. Byars preached tonight at the school house from the words "We know that the Law is good if a man use it lawfully." He pointed out the different ways in which the Law is good when used lawfully, viz: in faith and repentance, baptism and the Lord's supper. Emersion he said, was the only baptism, and that as soon as the sinner was awakened, the [Law] required him to arise strait way and be immersed. Repentance, he said, was a Godly sorrow. After sermon Dr. S. S. Taylor attacked two of his positions and said they were not in the Bible, viz: "Repentance is a Godly sorrow," and "Arise straitway and be baptised." He then defined the two points his way, "A Godly sorrow worketh repentance. Repentance is the fruit of a Godly sorrow, [but] Godly sorrow is not repentance. The Bible says arise and be baptised calling upon the name of the Lord, but not Arise strait way &c." After some further contention on both sides the people dispersed. A Godly sorrow worketh repentance is the right position.

221 September 1859

Thursday, [September] 29th. It is cloudy this morning and the wind blowing considerably. No rain today. 37 students in the school today. Debate tonight tolerably interesting.

Friday, [September] 30th. It rained during the night and caused me to leave the bed I was occupying and go to another room. I do not fancy such arrangements. It is cloudy this morning and a small Norther [sic] blowing, tolerably cool. The clouds passed away, but the day has been tolerably cool and this evening it has the appearance of being fair weather. There were 42 students in school today. Speaking came off this evening and the pupils evince an improvement in that art that is highly gratifying to me. I hope they may all requit [sic] themselves creditably on the day of examination.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 77 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[October 1859] 222

Saturday, [October] 1st. Spent the fore part of the day working on the school house. The after part of the day was spent in town to but little purpose. At night I, with McLane, went to Col. Barber's and stayed all night.

Sabbath, [October] 2nd. The day has been remarkably fine. Went to uncle F's this morning, and found uncle Wm. Baker had arrived there from N.C. with J. Carson, J. Grimsley, and J. McMillan. Uncle is not very well pleased with the appearance of this country at first sight. Came home this evening by myself.

Monday, [October] 3rd. It is clear, calm, and cool this morning - almost cool enough [for] frost. About 40 students in school today. A general "row" or difficulty took place in town today between J[ohn] Hittson [Palo Pinto County Sheriff] and W. G. Councell. Neither was badly hurt; but Councell got so drunk that he has been unable to travel all day - What an evil is Whiskey!!

223 October 1859

Tuesday, [October] 4th. The morning is clear, calm, and cool - it is remarkably delightful. The day has been very pleasant indeed. 44 students in school today. The students seem to be considerably interested in preparing for the examination. The trial came off today between Councell and Hittson, or rather the state of Texas against Councell for disturbing the peace. Councell was fined six dollars and cost. He and Hittson made friends.

Wednesday, [October] 5th. The day has been very pleasant indeed. 45 students in school today. Prayer meeting tonight.

Thursday, [October] 6th. 48 students today in school. Formed a procession of the students, which seemed to please them very much. Was visited by uncle Wm. Baker and J. W. Grimsley today. Uncle seems to be considerably dissatisfied with the country. I think he will go home well satisfied to stay there. The Debating Society met tonight.

[October 1859] 224

Friday, [October] 7th. There are some clouds this morning: but the appearance is for a pleasant day. The day has been very pleasant. 47 students in school today. Speeches were recited this evening, and several of the students acquitted themselves creditably, while others made almost entire failures. I fear we will not make a brilient [sic] display at the examination. Though I hope we will acquit ourselves creditably.

Saturday, [October] 8th. The morning is calm and very pleasant. Took my morning exercise before breakfast working on the school-house. Spent sometime in the fore-noon preparing the arbor for the examination. Spent the afternoon principally in study and preparing the order of examination.

Sabbath, [October] 9th. Studied the Bible lesson this morning but the class did not come together, so I did not examine it. I announced that it would be discontinued a few weeks till the house was repaired. Prayer meeting at 11 o'clock. Spent the remainder of the day reading. Have a touch of the flux.

225 Oct. 1859

Monday, [October] 10th. The morning was rather cool; but the day has been very pleasant. 43 or 4 students in school today. Spent the day in a precursory examination. Students did not do so well as I expected, or at least as I had hoped. Feel unwell, but the symptoms of flux are considerably better.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 78 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [October] 11th. Spent the day in precursory examination and hearing speeches. It is a little cool this evening and we have concluded to have the examination tomorrow at Mr. Hittson's house in town, in consequence of the room it affords. We prepared it this evening for that purpose. I am very unwell tonight. I fear I shall not be able to do much tomorrow.

Wednesday, [October] 12th. Erected a stage in the house this morning for the students to occupy. After making every necessary preparation for the exercises of the day, we repaired to the school-house, and formed a procession of the students, and several spectators in rear of the students, and marched to the house prepared for the exercises of the day, with music at the head of the procession. H. H. McLane Esqr. acted as marshal. The exercises of the day were opened by reading the 19th Psalm and prayer. After which the opening oration was delivered by H. H. McLane. He delivered quite an interesting address, encouraging to the pupils. The examination then commenced of the little spellers, and the various reading classes. After which Geography, Eng. Grammar, and Arithmetic, which occupied the time till noon. There was [sic] a considerable number of visitors out this morning to witness our exercises.

227 Oct. 1859

Afternoon the people came together and the exercises commenced by examining the 4th Reader class. The speaking next came off - which seemed to interest the audience very much. Prizes were then awarded to D. W. Hullum & Eliza Harris for delivering the best speeches. The four regular classes of the school had each a prize presented for the highest number of tickets obtained: they were awards as follows - 1st class Mary Dillahunty. 2d class Jane Taylor. 3rd class Victoria Jowell. & 4th class Mary Strong. The closing oration was then delivered by T. Wright, Esqr. after which the students and spectators formed a procession, marched around the square, and were then dismissed. We had music interspersed with our exercises and at the head of all our processions. All passed off very well, and the people profess themselves wonderfully pleased - very agreeably surprised. It is the first attempt of the kind that has ever been made in this county; and I hope it will have a good influence upon the students & people.

[Oct. 1859] 228

Thursday, [October] 13th. Went to the valley this morning and returned at noon. Spent the after noon completing the accounts of the school for the last session. Attended the debate tonight.

Friday, [October] 14th. Made a contract with C. M. McGlothlin this morning to furnish me with boards and framing timbers at the school-house for the purpose of building an extention [sic] to the house for $25.00. I also employed him to assist me at $1.25 per day. We then went to work, sawed out one [part] of the old house, faced up the sides, dug out the foundation for the new house, hauled the framing timbers and plank to the place, and employed L. S. Bise to build the chimney for $20. But I find this evening that some of the sanctimonious, pusillanimous [sic], invious [sic], and parsimonious ones object to the mode of procedure and intend to thwart me in my purpose if they can - Such as H. C. Dillahunty, John Williams, &c &c. My plan is to pay for all the school property and keepit, and extend the room for students as it is needed. The Temple met tonight and did some important business.

229 Oct. 1859

Saturday, [October] 15th. Spent the most of the day drawing off accounts for E. R. Harris. The Templers held a called session tonight initiated four new members viz: J. Stanley, Thos. Humphries, P. M. Crouch, & John Funderburg. The day has been cloudy & tolerably warm. a [sic] little rain.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 79 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [October] 16th. A fine rain fell last night, quite a wetting rain. The wind is blowing a little this morning and the sun shines out finely. Went to preaching in the morning and heard Parson Byars hold forth from the words: "For as much as in me I am ready to preach the gospel to you at Golconda also" &c. Spent the evening to but little profit any way.

Monday, [October] 17th. Spent the day at work on the school-house - got it framed, raised, all the studding up, and the rafters ready to put up. I feel tired tonight and a considerable norther [sic] is blowing.

Tuesday, [October] 18th. Put up the rafters & weatherboarded [sic] the end of the house up to the plate. Not so cold tonight. Quite tired tonight.

[Oct. 1859] 230

Wednesday, [October] 19th. Weatherboarded [sic] the gable end part of one side, and put in two window frames today.

Thursday, [October] 20th. Finished the south side of the house, put two window frames in the north side, and weatherboarded [sic] the most of that side.

Friday, [October] 21st. It rained a little this morning - in fact it was wet - drizzly the most of the day. Completed the weatherboarding of the north side of the house: then went to Eagle creek, cut down, split out, and hauled to the school-house the lathing timber. Temple met tonight.

Saturday, [October] 22nd. Hauled the boards to the school-house and put the most of the roof on - only a few coarses [sic] wanting on one side.

Sabbath, [October] 23rd. Spent part of the morning reading and talking. At 11 A.M. heard Dr. S. S. Taylor preach out a part of his favorite Campbellite doctrines. But the point that makes it wrong for sinners to pray, I cannot subscribe to.

231 Octs 1859

Spent part of the afternoon in reading and sleeping, consequently did not go to church. Went to church at night and heard parson Eddleman preach from the words, "So teach us to number our day, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." His remarks were practical, as to the importance of early turning away from the ways of folly, seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness that the thoughts and actions might be turned to the way of wisdom unto the Lord who will have mercy, & to our God for he will abundantly pardon. Dr. Taylor followed in a short exhortation and then the meeting closed. The order and attention were excellent. The day has been remarkably pleasant. Several Lawyers and gentlemen have come into town this evening to attend District court, which sits in our town this week.

Monday, [October] 24th. Hauled some sleepers and plank to the school house this morning. Then spent the most of the day in town attending to my school affairs. In the evening layed about half the school house floor. A beautiful day.

[Oct. 1859] 232

Tuesday, [October] 25th. Spent a portion of the fore noon in completing the roof of the school- house. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 80 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Then came and attended to the drawing of the school money, which amounted to over $200. In the evening payed out $25 to G. W. Slaughter, $50 to S. R. Barber, $56.35 cts to John Hittson, $26.70 cts to S. S. Taylor, $10 to J. H. Dillahunty. District court is going on and several lawyers and many people in town.

Wednesday, [October] 26th. Done some work on the school-house floor this morning. Then came to town and spent a considerable portion of the day in arranging matters so as to settle a difficulty pending between W. Hullum and S. S. Taylor, and finally succeeded in getting the matter amicably arranged by paying off a bill of cost. I paid six dollars and 25 cts.; also paid to S. Oxford $15.75 cts.; Dillahunty $5.52; G. P. Barber $20.00. Spent a portion of the evening drafting a plan for the Methodist church at this place.

Thursday, [October] 27th. Spent the fore part of the day about the court house to but little purpose. Done [sic] some little work on the school house. I feel quite unwell this evening.

233 Oct. 1859

Friday, [October] 28th. Layed [sic] the hearth of the school-house, and made some window shutters this morning. Did nothing this evening but sit in my room and suffer severely with a boil on the muscle of my thigh.

Saturday, [October] 29th. Sat in the house all day and suffered much from my boil, though the pain is abating a little. Some of my friends came to my room and we settled our accounts. It is quite cool - almost quite cold.

Sabbath, [October] 30th. Spent today as yesterday, sitting in my room. My boil is improving considerably. Quite cool indeed.

Monday, [October] 31st. Commenced the third session of my school at this place this morning, in the new house - or the enlargement of the old one. 32 students today. A majority of the students seem to be interested in their studies, and from every indication at this time, I think, I will have an interesting and profitable session. The day has been more pleasant. I feel quite unwell tonight.

Nov. 1859 234

Tuesday, [November] 1st. This morning was tolerably pleasant. Wrought [sic] at the school house till breakfast, which did me much good, I think. 40 students today, and tolerably attentive. The day has been very pleasant. After school this evening, hung two of the window shutters. I feel much better tonight than I have for many nights. I can but revert to the goodness and benificence [sic] of the blessed Creator, who, while He afflicts for wise purpose, will remember mercy, and restore to health & bouyance [sic] of the spirits. O that I could always be humble, resigned to his will, and have a lively fiaith [sic] in Christ!

Wednesday, [November] 2nd. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 42 students today. Do not feel quite so well tonight as I did last night. Prayer meeting tonight.

Thursday, [November] 3rd. The wind has blown considerably all day today. 45 students. Tolerably attentive. My boil pains me considerably this evening. Debate tonight. A considerable turn out of visitors to the debate; the debate itself quite ordinary, according to my opinion.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 81 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

235 November 1859

Friday, [November] 4th. The day has been tolerably pleasant, though a little on the cool order with some wind. 43 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening, after which I divided the school into two classes for the purpose of getting up a spirit of emulation among them in declaiming, and in writing compositions. Do not feel well tonight. A regular party ball, or fandango is going on in town at Mr. Crouch's tonight, considerable attendance.

Saturday, [November] 5th. The morning is clear, calm, and a little cool. Feel a little better this morning. Spent the most of the day making, and putting up some book shelves in the school-house, putting some books on the window shutters. The Temple of Honor met tonight.

Sabbath, [November] 6th. Spent part of the morning reading, after which attended class meeting, tolerably well attended, and a very good feeling among the brethren. Spent the evening at home to but little profit any way. Do not feel well at all.

Monday, [November] 7th. The morning is calm, clear, and a little cool. 45 students today. The labors of the school are very intense.

[November 1859] 236

Tuesday, [November] 8th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 47 students, they continue to come in. The students are tolerably attentive.

Wednesday, [November] 9th. The morning is calm and pleasant. The day continued pleasant. 47 students today. Prayer meeting tonight.

Thursday, [November] 10th. Cool and a little frosty this morning. The first frost I have seen all fall. 47 students today. Gave 4 of the boys a little brushing for staying out too late after recess, the first I have done this session. Debating Society met tonight.

Friday, [November] 11th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 45 students today, not well behaved at all. Considerable Indian excitement in town today. We learn that quite a number of horses were stolen in this county last night by Indians. Companies are organizing and starting in pursuit of them. I fear that there is but little hope of getting them.

Saturday, [November] 12th. A very heavy Norther [sic] is blowing very cold this morning. Continued to blow very cold all day. Moved from Hullum's to Jowell's this morning to board with him this session. No Indian news of importance today.

237 November 1859

Sabbath, [November] 13th. Spent the most of the day in my room reading. At 11 o'clock went to the school-house for preaching but was disappointed, for there was no preaching. The day has been tolerably cold, though clear. It is tolerably calm this evening, and not quite so cold as it has been. Indian excitement is getting up again. They have stolen several horses in this vicinity, and are reported to be numerous in various parts of the county.

Monday, [November] 14th. The morning was tolerably cold, but the evening is more pleasant. 37 students in school today. Indians are said to be seen in the immediate vicinity of this place, and quite a Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 82 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 number of men are gone in pursuit of them. Several emigrant wagons, from Missouri, came in to town this evening.

Tuesday, [November] 15th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 35 or 36 students in school today. Not well behaved by any means, had to whip, and fine several of the students. I hope a reaction will now take place, and there will be better order. No Indian news of importance today.

[November 1859] 238

Wednesday, [November] 16th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 38 students in school today. Did considerably better than yesterday, I hope they may continue to do better. Do not feel very well tonight. My old cough seems to be returning. No prayer meeting.

Thursday, [November] 17th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 38 students in school today. Preaching in town tonight by Rev N. T. Byars.

Friday, [November] 18th. The day has been a little cool. Was visited by cosns. [cousins] Eli & Freelon Young, just from Va. 41 students today. Preaching in town tonight by Byars.

Saturday, [November] 19th. The day has been very pleasant. The Baptist meeting is still going on. Byars preached today, on the subject of the laws of Christ. He was followed by G. W. Slaughter, and he reproved and rebuked the brethren for any wrong he could think of - especially for being absent from preaching, and visiting the late ball, held in this place. At night S. S. Taylor held forth in a sermon of about 1 1/2 hours, in which he set forth his peculiar mode of teaching, and endeavored to impress it upon the people. I cannot agree with him on some points.

239 November 1859

Sabbath, [November] 20th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. Spent part of the morning reading. I was informed, by one of the trustees of the academy at this place, that I am selected as the assistant teacher, when the school opens in the academy. I told them I would not engage myself till the time came and then would see further. Heeard [sic] Rev Slaughter preach one of his long sermons. Preaching tonight by Rev Byars.

Monday, [November] 21st. The morning was quite cold, the day has been tolerably pleasant. I have not felt well for two or three days. 57 students in school today. Mrs. Cox sat in this morning to assist me in the school the remainder of the session. I agree to pay her one third of the profits of the school. I am very well pleased with the manner of commencement, I hope she will give satisfaction to all concerned, and advance the interest of the school.

Tuesday, [November] 22nd. The day has been very pleasant. 61 students in school. Not very well behaved. Feel tolerably well today. Commenced a review of Anatomy, Physiology & Hygiene last night, and expect to keep it up during the winter.

[November 1859] 240

Wednesday, [November] 23rd. The day has been very warm, and showers have fallen occasionally. 57 students today. Mrs. Cox was not present during the day; but Cornelius served in her stead. Dr. S. S. Taylor preached in town tonight. He took up the subject of the jailor, and descanted upon the circumstances connected with the affair. His preaching seems to be destitute of that spirit and animation that characterizes the Gospel of Christ. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 83 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Some of his doctrines are good; but they seem to be lifeless. I have just commenced a fourth reading of the Bible.

Thursday, [November] 24th. The day has been quite warm and pleasant, though the wind has blown occasionally all day. 62 students in school today. Had a hard case of an unruly student this evening. Had to whip him considerably before I could conquer him; but finally succeeded and he became quiet. Debating Society met tonight.

Friday, [November] 25th. The day has been warm. 60 students today. Speaking and compositions this evening. Preaching tonight by Rev W. Williams.

Saturday, [November] 26th. Spent the most of the day painting the cracks of the schoolhouse. Quite tierd [sic] tonight.

241 November 1859

Sabbath, [November] 27th. Spent the morning reading. Went to church at 11 o'clock. Heard Dr. S. S. Taylor preach. He preached out his favorite doctrine - taking up and commenting on the case of old Cornelius - still keeping up the important idea that the people must be taught, and them baptized, then they are in Christ. After him Rev Williams delivered a short address, or exhortation, in which he taught that the sinner must come to knowledge of the truth by repentance toward God and faith in Christ. That God consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost uniting in one person, whose arsenal are essentially the same; and if either of these elements are destroyed God himself is destroyed; on the same principle that our material sun is composed of three distinct elements; destroy either of these and you have no sun, viz: its material substance, its property of light, and its property of heat, all of which are necessary to form, or constitute a perfect sun. At 3 o'clock P.M. heard Rev Woodard, from Va., preach a very plain practiced Sermon, showing that the law of Christ was a perfect law, a law that gives liberty, and those who do the law will be blessed. At night Rev Harris held forth in his usual scattering way, saying many good things.

[November 1859] 242

Monday, [November] 28th. The morning tolerably cool, the day tolerably pleasant, and the evening warm. 63 students today. Have a very bad cold and feel quite stupid tonight.

Tuesday, [November] 29th. The day has been tolerably pleasant, and is quite warm this evening. 60 odd students today, had to whip several of the boys this evening. There are several of them that think they are "privileged characters" and can do as they please. Preaching in town tonight by L. P. Bise - a Campbellite - his first attempt. His text was "Except ye be born again ye cannot enter into the kingdom of Heaven." He said in order to [have] a kingdom there must be subjects, a king, and laws to govern the subjects. In order to get into the kingdom of Christ there were four steps to be taken, viz: 1st, the word must be heard, 2d, there must be faith, 3rd, then repentance and, 4th, an acknowledgment of sins and faith in Christ, after these steps are taken the person is ready to be initiated by baptism into the kingdom of Christ.

Wednesday, [November] 30th. The day has been pleasant. 63 students today. Today Autumn disappears and gives plase [sic] to dreary winter.

243 December 1859

Thursday, [December] 1st. The morning was very warm, as the weather has been for some time past. [A]t about 9 A.M. it commenced raining, and not long after the wind from the north commenced blowing. It continued to rain heavily till 12 P.M. After which there was, probably, an hour's cessation, but then the sleet began to fall, the wind increased; and from sleet the snow came, so that before night it Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 84 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 might have been called severe winter weather. There were 65 students in attendance this morning; but the change was so sudden that I was compelled to dismiss school, and let the students go home. At night the Debating Society met. The wind is now heavy from the north, the wind snows blowing, even into my room, and it is very cold indeed.

Friday, [December] 2nd. Gloomy winter! North wind strong this morning, ground covered with snow and sleet, all hard frozen; and ice in the waters. "Who can stand before His acts!" Too cold for school. Spent the day in my room at regular reading. The day has continued cold. Several chickens have frozen to death. At night the wind is not so heavy as it has been.

[December 1859] 244

Saturday, [December] 3rd. The wind has almost ceased blowing this morning, and the cold is not so severe as it was yesterday. Spent the most of the day reading, made a short visit to R. W. Pollard's, where I ate dinner. It is more pleasant this evening, the snow having melted a little at warm points. The "Temple of Honor" met tonight. The new officers were installed.

Sabbath, [December] 4th. The day has been clear and tolerably calm; the snow has melted some on south warm lying ground. Yet the weather is by no means warm and pleasant yet. There was no meeting today. Spent the day, almost entirely, in my room reading. Do not feel very well tonight.

Monday, [December] 5th. The morning was tolerably pleasant. The day a little cool, and in the evening a heavy and cold norther [sic] blew up and it is now blowing very cold. How changeable! 59 students in school today.

Tuesday, [December] 6th. The day has been remarkably cold, so excessively so that I would not attend to school, spent the most of the day reading.

Wednesday, [December] 7th. The day has been clear and calm and very cold, to be calm. 51 students today. Had to whip two of the boys for fighting.

245 December 1859

Thursday, [December] 8th. The day has been calm, clear, cool, and beautiful - a little too cool to be pleasant. 59 students in school today, not well behaved as could have been desired. Debating Society met tonight. I do not feel well.

Friday, [December] 9th. The morning is quite cold, frozen hard this morning. I do not feel well this morning, being troubled with dysentery - the first symptoms of the kind I recollect to have had since I have been in Texas. 56 students today. One student acted so contemptuously to my rules that I am bound to expel him. The first case of the kind I have had.

Saturday, [December] 10th. The day has been cloudy and rather cool. Spent the most of the day in my room reading. Feel quite stupid tonight.

Sabbath, [December] 11th. The day has been tolerably cool. Spent the most of it in my room at study. A Mr. Irvin Blair has been missing some days & quite a number of men have been hunting him, and he was found yesterday in the river drowned. He pursued a deer on the ice & it broke in with him and he was drowned. Surely we have no lease of our lives!

[December 1859] 246

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 85 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday, [December] 12th. There was a tremendous frost this morning and the ground was frozen very hard for a frost. The day has been very clear & calm and pleasant enough in the sunshine, but quite cool in the shade. 56 students today, not very orderly. I made a proposition to them this evening that all who were willing to abandon the practice of talking and laughing in the school would manifest it by arising to their feet. A large majority of the school arose; though some did not. Had symptoms of a chill this evening. Indeed I believe I had a light one, some fever and a headache followed.

Tuesday, [December] 13th. The day has been remarkably clear and calm; though the morning was very frosty, yet the day has been quite pleasant. 58 students in school today; better behaved than yesterday. Feel better tonight than last night.

Wednesday, [December] 14th. A very heavy frost this morning. The day has been tolerably cool. Prayer meeting in town tonight. Feel quite unwell. 61 students.

247 December 1859

Thursday, [December] 15th. The morning is very frosty. There are some few clouds. I feel better this morning. 61 students today. The day has been quite pleasant after the morning. Debate tonight.

Friday, [December] 16th. A heavy frost this morning, and tolerably cool. The day has been quite clear and tolerably pleasant. 60 students today. Spelled a match this evening - had some visitors. The Temple met tonight. Still have a cold and feel unwell.

Saturday, [December] 17th. A heavy frost again. Spent part of the morning visiting and arranging my school papers. Preaching at the school-house by Rev Byars from the word, "Seeing we are compassed [sic] about with so great a cloud of witnesses" &c. His remarks were practical, and well calculated to edify the christian, if practiced. The church excluded S. Harris for preaching Campbellite doctrine, or heresy, as they termed it. Spent the most of the evening in town trying to collect some money but utterly failed. So the time was almost entirely lost with me. The day has been tolerably pleasant but there is an appearance of Norther [sic] coming up. Do not feel well tonight.

[December 1859] 248

Sabbath, [December] 18th. It has been tolerably cold today, the bowing [sic] from the north. Spent most of the morning reading. Went to preaching at 11 o'clock. Heard parson Byars hold forth on the subject of Debora & Barak delivering the children from hands of the enemy. At which time some were called upon to come to the help of the Lord against the mighty! He called upon all to come, both the saint and the sinner to the help of the Lord against the mighty at this time, and avert the curse that fell upon Menas. Spent the evening at T. Wrights.

Monday, [December] 19th. The north wind is blowing cold this morning, and there is a considerable snow on the ground this morning. 54 students in school today. Feel quite unwell tonight.

Tuesday, [December] 20th. The morning is very cold and frosty. The evening is clear and warmer. 51 students today. Feel a little better tonight, but still have a cough.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 86 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

249 Dec. 1859

Wednesday, [December] 21st. Quite unwell all day. The day has been tolerably cold. 50 students today. Meeting in town tonight. Too unwell to attend.

Thursday, [December] 22nd. Cold again today. Feel much better today than yesterday. 47 students today. Debate in town tonight. I hear that the boys are aiming to “turn [sic] me out in the morning.

Friday, [December] 23rd. The morning is cold, frosty, and clear. Do not feel so well this morning as yesterday. The boys had the doors fastened this morning to prevent me from getting into the school-house. I had no difficulty in getting in, and they did not attempt to resist my authority, so I continued the school during the day. At noon the doors were fastened again, but I found it a very easy matter to get them open again. 51 students today. Speaking this evening. I let the students vote as to whether they would have a week's holoday [sic]; the vote was almost unanimous, so I dismissed the school till monday [sic] week. Feel unwell; come very near having a chill today, I fear I shall chill unless I use a preventative. Evening tolerably pleasant.

[Dec. 1859] 250

Saturday, [December] 24th. The day has been tolerably cold. Spent it in various ways. Made some patterns for garment cutting &c. A great number of large Christmas guns in town tonight. Last night the boys made quite a commencement for christmas [sic]. Put a horse in the school-house. Pulled down Parson Byars' fence to make a pen into which they put a horse; took one of his wagon wheels to the court-house and put it up a tree. Put Vannoy's buggy on the top of the court-house. Besides stealing chickens and other pranks.

Sabbath, [December] 25th. The Shivalree [sic] continued almost all night with bells, tin pans, clevices, guns, pistols, and every other fuss that they could invent; besides yelling, whooping, hollering, &c &c. The morning is pleasant and promises a pretty day. Went to the valley to G. W. Baker's. Found him in a small shanty, with F. Young, keeping back. Went with him to F. Baker's after load of corn for hogs.

Monday, [December] 26th. The day has been quite pleasant. Spent the fore part of the day "rendering out" some lard for the baches [sic]. Spent the evening assisting them to make a fire to heat water for scalding hogs tomorrow. Tired tonight.

251 December 1859

Tuesday, [December] 27th. Commenced killing hogs this morning. Continued till twelve and killed eight. They are tolerably good pork. Went to R. Y. Powers' this evening. Then started home, found I was rather late and turned aside to M. G. Nalls' and stayed all night.

Wednesday, [December] 28th. The morning is frosty, the day has been pleasant. Came to town this morning, found Mr. Harris, the man I borrowed the horse of, very angry with me for keeping his horse so long. Found also that the wild and rowdying [sic] boys about town here have carried their Christmas sprees to a great excess and have offended some of the best citizens by removing and hiding property, stealing chickens, and various other things quite unbecoming highminded [sic] and honorable men or boys. What a great pervertion [sic] of the great event that they attempt to celebrate. Spent the evening writing for an Album and various other exercises. The boys are still going on with their foolish amusements, regardless of property, good sense, good breeding, refinement of any Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 87 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 kind, or those principles that should prevail among intelligent people. I would that all would abandon their foolishness, be sober, thoughtful, and attentive to what is wright [sic]. Prayer meeting in town tonight. Do not feel very well.

[Unnumbered] [December 1859]

Happiness

Happiness! it is a bubble. Often sought but seldom found. In this world of toil and trouble - World of changes most profound.

Yet why so many fail to find it! When within the grasp of all! No demon monster can confine it, From those that rightly for it call.

Wrong the means that they employ, To secure the holy treasure: Happiness we can enjoy, When duty prompts - not present pleasure.

May happiness be thine forever. May joys, the purest, noblest, best, Attend thee always - falter never, And make thee now & ever blest.

Palo Pinto, Dec. 29, 1859. JHB

Written for Mrs. E. Saunders' Album

[December 1859] 252

Thursday, [December] 29th. A light norther [sic] is blowing this morning, which makes it rather unpleasant. As I have no blanket nor over coat I cannot stir out very much. Though I have visited town three times today. Bought a book [from] P. M. Crouch, Encyclopedia of history at $2.25 cts. Spent the time at home making patterns for garment cutting. Made only one set. Feel quite unwell tonight. A social party is going on at J. C. Carpenter's tonight. I have not been invited consequently have not attended. The air is cool, but no wind is blowing tonight.

Friday, [December] 30th. The morning was frosty and tolerably cool. Clouds came up tolerably early in the day, the wind also commenced blowing moderately about the same time; and has continued to blow moderately, tolerably cool all day. Four wagons, loaded with goods, came into town today - being gone about twelve weeks from this place. Spent the fore part of the day making patterns for garment cutting. Spent the evening in town to but little purpose. Feel considerably better this evening.

253 [December 1859]

Saturday, [December] 31st. The morning was tolerably cold. Went to the store to examine the goods, they are remarkably high, I think. A common article of overcoat is sold at from 18 to 25 dollars. Bought some books and came home and spent the remainder of the day perusing them. The Temple of Honor met tonight and initiated two members, P. W. Witt and B. F. Sprague. The snow is falling quite fast at 10 o'clock tonight. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 88 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Soon the old year will be entombed in oblivion, with all its foyables [sic], follies, and long catalogue of crime, blood shed, and misery; as well as its excellencies, achievements in art and literature, in science & religion. My career has been as prosperous as I could have expected, considering the circumstances that have surrounded me. My school has continued, with considerable intermissions, during the past year. And the third session is now progressing as satisfactorily as I could expect, having from 60 to 80 students. Mrs. Cox is assisting me.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 89 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

January 1860 1

Sabbath, [January] 1st. The New year makes its appearance cold in the emblem of purity. A snow some two or three inches deep covers the ground this morning. The sky is clear, but frost is flying in the air, and it is quite cold. Went to town this morning, found the stores open and crowded with customers, and the merchants bartering, or sell their goods as though there was no such a thing as the Sabbath, or a command to keep it holy. I spent a good portion of the day in my bed, not feeling well able to get up. I feel considerably debilitated tonight. Thus, the new year commences. What will be the results of this year? How many hopes will be blasted! How many that are now joyous and gay, and basking in all the fullness of pleasure, strangers to care and privations, will see another new year come around, be the subjects of charity, of pity, and indescribable misery and suffering? But it is to be hoped that this year will also be fruitful of blessings innumerable to the human family! and O that I may have wisdom to discharge all known right!

2 January 1860

Monday, [January] 2nd. The morning was very frosty and tolerably cold. 58 students in school today, only tolerably well behaved. Have not felt atall [sic] well today. A very cold south wind has blown the most of the day.

Tuesday, [January] 3rd. The morning was cold and frosty, the day tolerably mild and pleasant. 65 students in school today. Feel considerably better tonight than I have for several previous nights.

Wednesday, [January] 4th. The morning was frosty but not very cold, the day has been quite pleasant. 66 students in school today; the labor is very intense. I do not feel well tonight. Have four boils on my face and one on the muscle of my left thigh at this time.

Thursday, [January] 5th. The morning was cloudy and tolerably cool. The day continued cool and cloudy. 71 students today. Feel better tonight. Debating society met tonight. Finished the study of two volumes today, one on Rhetoric, and the other on Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene. Am pursuing two volumes of history also.

[January 1860] 3

Friday, [January] 6th. A considerable rainfall last night and this morning till near 12 o'clock. The sun then shone out and the evening has been very pleasant, and nature presents a different appearance to what it did last Saturday night. 55 students in school today. Speaking this evening. Have felt very unwell all day. The night is beautiful and pleasant.

Saturday, [January] 7th. The day has been very pleasant indeed. Spent in various occupations, reading, garment cutting, &c. Felt much better today and this evening, till supper, when I ate too much and have not felt well since.

Sabbath, [January] 8th. The day has been remarkably fine indeed. Not a cloud to be seen, no wind, and the air very pleasant. Spent the morning reading. At 12 o'clock went to preaching and heard Rev S. Wright preach from Paul's letter to the Corinthians, speaking of every man's work being tried, and of Christ being the chief corner stone or the sure foundation, on which if any man build gold, silver, or precious stones, wood, hay, stubble &c. He differed from some in the application of this text thinking that it refers to the preacher and his works of additions to the church. Mr. Arnett buried his little son in town this evening.

4 January 1860

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 90 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday, [January] 9th. The morning was warm and cloudy, and the day has continued pretty near the same. 82 students in school today. It seems that they "still come." I suppose they will stop after a while. Do not feel well tonight. Hope I may yet feel better.

Tuesday, [January] 10th. The day has been rather cloudy and warm. 80 students in school today. Feel tolerably well tonight. Just at sundown, after the day had been quite warm and calm, a Norther [sic] blew up and is now blowing severely, though not very cold.

Wednesday, [January] 11th. The Norther [sic] was blowing freezing cold this morning. I went to school, had about 30 students. About 10 o'clock there was some thunder, after which snow fell heavily at times during the day. The wind also has continued to blow incessantly all day; and it is still blowing, and very cold!

Thursday, [January] 12th. Still cloudy and snow and sleet is falling at intervals. So concluded to dismiss school till better weather. Spent the day principally reading. Still sleeting tonight. Some thunder today. The snow covers the ground & sleet covers it.

[January 1860] 5

Friday, [January] 13th. A heavy sleet fell last night, so that the previous snow and the trees, and all nature, on the surface of the earth is entirely enveloped with a hard sleek quoating [sic]. Too bad for school today. Spent the day at home reading and giving instruction to the students of our house hold. It is not quite so cold tonight; but still there is snow falling occasionally, and the appearance is for a continuation of unpleasant weather.

Saturday, [January] 14th. The day has been clear and warm. The most of the snow has melted off. Spent the morning reading, cutting garments, &c. At noon heard Rev Slaughter preaching. He was not so tedious as common preaching, only 1 hour & 3 min. Did but little this evening, but prepare wood for fires till monday [sic]. Had Parson Byars in my room till almost bed time; so my lesson was to learn after the usual hour. Traced out the Orion in the heavens tonight.

6 January 1860

Sabbath, [January] 15th. Spent the morning on my bible lesson, and Summers [sic] on baptism. At 11 o'clock A.M. heard Rev Byars preach from the words, "What think ye of Christ." He delivered quite a practical address on the nature of Christ's mission to our earth to redeem man from under the cures of the law: and also the duty of man. At night Rev Slaughter preached from the words "Worship God." He was very energetic and tolerably lengthy. A very good feeling seemed to pervade the congregation at the close of his sermon.

Monday, [January] 16th. The day has been tolerably cold and windy. 65 or 66 students in school today. New goods came into town today; one I bought part of, a teachers library. 6 volumes. Do not feel well tonight.

Tuesday, [January] 17th. The day has been more pleasant than yesterday, it has been cloudy all day. 70 odd students today. Have just commenced singing in the school. Feel better tonight than last night.

[January 1860] 7

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 91 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday, [January] 18th. The day has been clear and tolerably pleasant, though the air has been a little raw. 71 students today. Fell tolerably well tonight.

Thursday, [January] 19th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 74 students today. Feel tolerably well tonight. Debate tonight.

Friday, [January] 20th. The day has been quite pleasant, the wind has blown some. 73 students in school today. Had a spelling match this evening, at which I spelled my students in the dictionary for the first time in a match. They spelled badly, about 28 of them being cut off twice in spelling about 3 pages. The boys are "chivalreing" the town tonight with pans, bells, trumpets, pistols, guns, and the most savage, wild, and ferocious yells imaginable. how [sic] simple they are!

Saturday, [January] 21st. Spent the forenoon cutting and hauling fire wood. Purchased Byron's, Milton's, Shakespear's, and Montgomery's practical works this evening, besides several small works. Feel tired tonight.

8 January 1860

Sabbath, [January] 22nd. Spent a portion of the morning reading, and then went to church and heard Parson Harris preach from the 2d ch. of the Acts. His object was to fully establish Campbellism by illustrating the use of the word "for"; and proving that it meant "in order to." He is an ignorant old man, somewhat whimsical in his notions. Spent the evening to but little purpose in anything. The day has been cloudy and warm.

Monday, [January] 23rd. The day has been warm and cloudy, and the frogs are bellowing tonight. 70 students in school today. Have bites that render me unpleasant. An exhibition of scripture scenes astronomy &c. illustrated by the magic lantern at the school- house tonight. Tolerably large attendance. Recd. the following note this morning. Hermitage, January 23rd, 1860 Bro. J. H. Baker Sir you are respectfully solicited to take supper at my house Tuesday evening the 24th. (confidential) Samuel R. Barber

[January 1860] 9

Tuesday, [January] 24th. The day has been cloudy and warm. 70 odd students today. Went to col. Barber's this evening and saw his daughter, Miss Olivia, married to H. H. McLane, Esqr. by Rev G. W. Slaughter. Quite a good supper was served up, after which, the friends amused themselves by social conversation upon various topics, until 8 P.M. when I, with several others left for home. Just as we were leaving about forty young men of the town came to chivalree the bride & groom, with pans, bells, pistols, guns, and the most savag [sic] yells. But just as they were commencing their music, they were stopped by an express from the landlord. They retreated a little distance and set up a very menacing and taunting yell - defying opposition. They were soon met by a Mr. Jones, son-in-law of Barber's, who effectively dismissed them, or intimidated them, from further action. So they went home. I got home before 10 o'clock.

Wednesday, [January] 25th. The day has been warm and cloudy, and now it is raining. 73 students today.

10 January 1860

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 92 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday, [January] 26th. A small Norther [sic] blew up last night, and it has continued to blow tolerably cool all day. 75 students in school today. Formed a military company of the boys today, and give them the first lesson [in] drilling. They performed very well for the beginning and I hope they will do well. Formed the acquaintance of Drs. Robinson and Valentine tonight. They are young men - new comers to our town from the state of Missouri.

Friday, [January] 27th. The day has been clear and tolerably pleasant. 70 odd students in school today. Performed my second drill today. Feel quite stupid tonight.

Saturday, [January] 28th. The day has been tolerably cool. Spent the fore part of the day in my room reading, and making tampe [sic] measures. Spent the afternoon in town, to but little purpose, by request of the Trustees of the school, some of them thinking the school too full. Nothing done. Parson Slaughter preached at night.

[January 1860] 11

Sabbath, [January] 29th. It is almost clear this morning, the wind blowing a little but tolerably pleasant. But the bell has just rang [sic] for preaching 1/4 before 11 A.M. Parson Slaughter preached from the parable of the Wise & the Foolish man. He gave a practical discourse showing the great folly of not laying the right kind of a foundation, and the great benefit of laying the right kind of foundation. Rev Byars followed in a short discourse, or exhortation. After coming home I spent the time perusing a work title: "More about Jesus." I feel that I wish to experience more about him! Oh! that I may think more about him and realize more of his presence! But the bell has just wrung for evening preaching. O that Jesus may be with me this evening. Dr. Taylor preached this evening from the 10th of Romans, and attempted to overthrow all that had been said in the morning. All pious feeling seemed to be checked, and confusion to prevail. I did not go to night meeting.

12 January 1860

Monday, [January] 30th. The day has been cloudy, and rather cool. And it is raining a little tonight. 78 students today. Had 44 in my drilling company today. Learned them the "Right - Face." They performed it tolerably well. Do not feel well tonight.

Tuesday, [January] 31st. A considerable rain fell last night, but it has almost stopped this morning; and the wind is beginning to blow tolerably cold from the north. It has continued to blow, and to get colder all day; and now it is a tolerably cold Norther [sic]. 74 students in school today. Had an interesting "drill." This ends January one thousand eight hundred and sixty.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 93 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

February 1861 13

Wednesday, [February] 1st. The day has been clear, calm, and very cool. Did not succeed very well in drilling today. 76 students in school today. Had to lecture on order and decorum, and settle a difficulty between two of the girls this evening.

Thursday, [February] 2nd. The day has been calm, clear, and tolerably pleasant. 76 students in school today. The drill was not so interesting today as usual. Debating society met tonight.

Friday, [February] 3rd. The day has been cloudy and tolerably warm. Had 45 soldiers on drill today. Elected officers - J. A. Lasater Capt, C. C. Slaughter 1st Lieutenant, C. M. McGlothlin 2d Lieu., W. A. McGlothlin 1st Seargeant [sic]. 75 students today. Had speaking and dialogues this evening - Very good performance.

Saturday, [February] 4th. A gentle rain fell last night and this morning till about 10 o'clock. Patrons of the school met this evening & agreed to continue the school as it is, pay me for the house, and build another. The Temple met tonight and initiated 4 new members.

Sabbath, [February] 5th. A Norther [sic] blew up last night and continues to blow tolerably cool. Went to church at 11 o'clock and heard a circuit rider, Rev Kidd, preach from the words "For none of us liveth to himself and no man dieth to himself." His remarks were few, but plain and pointed. He assumed the position that believers were here referred to; for the sinner does live to himself - his notions proceed from selfish motives; his object is to benefit himself. On the other hand the christian does not live to himself, he rejoices at the prosperity of others, he is interested in the good of the human family in general; yet he considers himself nothing, but "Christ is all in all" and the glory also is his. Here is the test between christianity and carnality. The carnal man "is all in all" to himself; the christian is nothing of himself, but God is all in all to him, and in deep humility, with holy reverence, he acribes all the glory to his Creator, joyful that he has the privilege of being a servant of the Most High. How few live entirely to God! how many live entirely to themselves, perfecting the works of the devil, not in fear, but in defiance of the wisdom, benevolence, and long suffering of Diety himself! Surely their damnation is just!

[Feb. 1860] 14

The day has continued to get colder, and the Norther [sic] increases. Spent the afternoon reading. Rev Kidd descanted upon the parable of the sower tonight, showing who were "wayside hearers," "strong ground hearers," "thorn and brier hearers," and "good ground hearers." His remarks were very pointed and practical; and I think well timed.

Monday, [February] 6th. The Norther [sic] has not blown today; but it has been cloudy and rather cold. 72 students in school today. The moon is partially eclipsed tonight. Feel quite unwell tonight.

Tuesday, [February] 7th. The day has been tolerably cold. 71 students today. Our "drill" was interesting and tolerably well performed. Commenced the study of "Chemistry" this morning. Feel very stupid tonight.

Wednesday, [February] 8th. Feel better this morning. It is clear and still this morning and the appearance is for a beautiful day. The day has been pleasant. 67 students in school today. Several students are confined from school by sickness. Report of Indian depredations just came in. Hope they are false.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 94 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

16 February 1860

Thursday, [February] 9th. The day has been tolerably cold, a norther [sic] blowing the most of the day. 63 students in school today. The report of Indian depredations of last night is confirmed. Two women have been found dead, others are gone, and houses have been robbed and property stolen. Rev Slaughter preached in town tonight. Subject - the parable of the ten virgins. He was vehement and lengthy, as usual. He is certainly a man of great devotion and energy. Have a severe cold & lungs much oppressed.

Friday, [February] 10th. A large frost this morning. It is cool and clouds begin to rise. About 10 A.M. it commenced raining and rained and froze considerably till after 12 P.M. The clouds passed away and it is tolerably pleasant. A burying of N. Eldridge's child that died this morning, took place this evening. 53 students in school today. Feel sleepy tonight.

[February 1860] 17

Saturday, [February] 11th. Quite a heavy fog this morning. Also some clouds and the air is quite cold. Several persons are sick in town this morning. It is thought to [be] Typhoid Fever. An express came into town last night informing us that two of the women that the Indians took the first of the week have come in, and that the other two were killed. The Indians are still in that portion of the country stealing horses; and it is thought that there is a considerable body of Indians concealed somewhere intending to do greater mischief before they leave. 13 men started from this place today to pursue them. Success to the Rangers. Spent the day in a variety of little exercises not amounting to much. The evening has been clear, calm, and pleasant.

Sabbath, [February] 12th. The day has been tolerably pleasant - a little cool. Spent the morning reading. Went to class-meeting at 11. Felt well at it. Preaching at 3 P.M. By Rev Williams. He is quite tedious. The sick in town are not improving much; there are still new cases. Do not feel very well.

18 February 1860

Monday, [February] 13th. The day has been cloudy and warm. Sickness still prevails in the town and the vicinity. Quite a number of students are now confined, and some are thought to be dangerous. Only 43 students in school today in consequence of sickness. Commenced the study of Logic this evening.

Tuesday, [February] 14th. The day has been rather cool. The symptoms of the sick are improving a little. 46 students in school today. News has been brought to town today that our men had a fight with the Indians killing one and wounding others. They also took about 61 horses from the Indians. But let the Indians get 18 of them back the same night. The sent the scalp of the Indian they killed to town.

Wednesday, [February] 15th. The morning is a little frosty. At noon it is very pleasant. 42 students in school toady. Sickness and the Indian excitement have reduced my school very low indeed. I hope it will not get much smaller. No new cases of sickness that I know of.

[February 1860] 19

Thursday, [February] 16th. The day has been cloudy and warm, and a few drops of rain have fallen occasionally. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 95 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

The symptoms of the sick, in two or three cases, are worse this evening. No new cases that I know of. 45 students in school today. Debating society met tonight. Feel tolerably well tonight.

Friday, [February] 17th. The day has been mostly clear, but windy and a little cool. 49 students in school today. The Temple of Honor met tonight.

Saturday, [February] 18th. A small norther [sic] was blowing this morning. The day has been clear and the evening tolerably pleasant. Spent the day in reading preparing school exercises, making a drum &c &c.

Sabbath, [February] 19th. The day has been clear, tolerably warm, and windy. Went to col. S. R. Barber's this evening and spent the most of the day there. Have read but little today.

Monday, [February] 20th. The day has been cloudy, warm, & raining a little. 42 students today. Rangers returned & have done nothing.

20 February 1860

Tuesday, [February] 21st. The day has been quite warm, cloudy, and the wind blowing a little. 42 students in school today. Several of the students still remain sick and some of them thought to be dangerous. Commenced a new system of school government by merit and demerit marks in the place of scolding and whipping. It has worked very well today. Just now - at 9 P.M. - a brisk norther [sic] is blowing up. Not 1 hour ago it was too warm to be pleasant.

Wednesday, [February] 22nd. The day has been tolerably cool - a norther [sic] blowing all day - and is still blowing. 37 students in school today. Some new cases of sickness in town: the old ones are improving. My marking plan is doing very well.

Thursday, [February] 23rd. The norther [sic] has blown tolerably cold all day; but it is calm tonight. 38 students in school today. Debating society met tonight.

[February 1860] 21

Friday, [February] 24th. The day has been tolerably cold, the norther [sic] blowing the most of the day. 40 students in school today. Expelled one member from our company today, for contempt of company. Speaking this evening. Tolerably fair performance. Do not feel very well tonight.

Saturday, [February] 25th. Spent the day assisting W. G. Councill in auctioneering and invoicing his old stock of goods. The invoice amounted to over $1600. Feel tolerably well tonight. The day has been a little cool. An Indian meeting was held here today, and a company of rangers ordered out to take the field on Monday next. Delegates were also appointed to attend a convention to he held at Weatherford.

Sabbath, [February] 26th. The day has blown a little cool and windy. Went down to the valley and spent the most of the [day] at brother G. W. Baker's.

22 February 1860

Monday, [February] 27th. The day has been windy and rather cool. 40 odd students in school today. Did not perform a drill today. Feel very stupid indeed tonight. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 96 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [February] 28th. More Indian news came into town last night. It is reported that the four Indians were seen last evening a few miles west of town. Several men went in pursuit of them last night, and have not returned yet. 42 students in school today. It has been cloudy and raining a little at intervals during the day. And it is now 7 P.M., raining. I am so sleepy and stupid that can scarcely keep my eyes open to write a few lines.

Wednesday, [February] 29th. Our Indian hunters came in this morning and say the report of Indians was a false one. The day has been clear, calm, and tolerably pleasant. Prayer meeting tonight.

March 1860 23

Thursday, [March] 1st. The day has been clear and quite pleasant. March wind, at the commencement, has been very mild. 44 students in school today. Debating Society met tonight.

Friday, [March] 2nd. The day has been warm and cloudy; and the wind has blown a little. 40 odd students in school. Almost an entire failure in declamation this evening. And there seems to be a corresponding failure of energy and resolution on any part.

Saturday, [March] 3rd. The day has been tolerably warm, though the wind has blown from the north. Spent the forepart of the day reading and arranging various school papers; and spent the afternoon in town attending to some business, and settling some business, or rather difficulty, between Templers. More horse stealing in the vicinity by the Indians. Our circuit rider walked into town this evening, his being stolen by the Indians. The Temple met tonight.

24 March 1860

Sabbath, [March] 4th. Spent the morning reading various pieces. There was a fine shower this morning. At 11 o'clock went to hear Rev W. L. Kidd. He preached from "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." He was pointed, plain, and forcible showing that the works of the law will not justify any man, but it must be done through faith. He came home with me and took dinner, spent the evening with me. At night he preached from the words, "The voice of crying in the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord make straight his paths" &c. He was very practical - applying the text to the present time people and circumstances - Reproving the common errors of the times and place. The Sabbath breaker, the profane swearer [sic], the man that will defraud his neighbor. Showing what man might to do and what they ought not to do. The evening is warm and pleasant.

Monday, [March] 5th. The day has been quite warm. 50 students in school today. The grass is beginning to spring up and everything has the appearance of spring.

[March 1860] 25

Tuesday, [March] 6th. The day has been very warm - the warmest this spring. The Indians, we learn today, killed the mail rider between this place and Stephenville, last Sunday. They are numerous in our country at this time, killing our citizens and stealing our property, yet the government affords us no protection, and we are too poor to protect ourselves. Truly we are a distressed people! 47 students in school today.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 97 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday, [March] 7th. The day has been quite warm. Settled with W. G. Councill and found my bill amounted to $70. And after making all deductions and credits I am still behind $33.94. 43 students in school today. It seems to languish in spite of all my efforts.

Thursday, [March] 8th. A considerable Norther [sic] blew up this morning and has continued to blow all day, tolerably cool. 47 students in school today. Debating society met tonight. The Indian excitement is increasing and people are becoming alarmed.

26 March 1860

Friday, [March] 9th. There was a little frost this morning. The day has been tolerably cool, but calm. There was the burial of a child in town this evening. The Indians stole, it is said, 150 horses in this vicinity last night. The people are becoming still worse excited! 46 students in school today.

Saturday, [March] 10th. There was considerable frost this morning. The day has been warm. Spent the fore part of the day reading, and preparing school documents. Spent the afternoon clerking for a sheriff sale, which amounted to about $150.

Sabbath, [March] 11th. The morning cool & frosty, and the day warm. Went to class meeting this morning; but there were only two others in attendance. So we had only a prayer meeting. I felt somewhat encouraged even at the small collection. Great excitement & uneasiness now prevails on account of Indian depredations.

[March 1860] 27

Monday, [March] 12th. The day has been rather cool. 40 students in school today. More Indian news and excitement. Do not feel well tonight.

Tuesday, [March] 13th. The day has been tolerably cool. 36 students in school today. Indian excitement; selling goods at auction by the Sheriff. Moving in to town from the country; all kinds of business languishing; “bread stuff” not to be had in this country at all, and very high 200 miles east of here, and but little money in the country, and the weather dry are a few of the general disadvantages that the people labor under at this time, in this section. While boiles [sic], itch, and general depression of spirit are a few of the particular annoyances that disturb my enjoyment.

Wednesday, [March] 14th. The day has been tolerably cool. Our Rangers have returned and done nothing. 36 students today. Feel very unwell - very much like chilling.

28 March 1860

Thursday, [March] 15th. A fine rain fell last night, and all nature, as well as myself, seems refreshed this morning. The day has continued damp and cloudy and a little cool. 32 students in school today. It is getting down very small. Feel tolerably well tonight.

Friday, [March] 16th. The morning was very fogy [sic], and the day has been warm and smoky. About 31 students in school today. My assessment was not there, and the classes being arranged as they were kept me very busy. Indian excitement continues, and our citizens are trying to make a second Ranger company to follow the Indians to their villages, and retake the horses that have been stolen from this vicinity. Success to them!

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 98 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday, [March] 17th. The day has been tolerably warm. Spent the morning reading and making out accts; and the evening in loitering about town.

[March 1860] 29

Sabbath, [March] 18th. A norther [sic] has been blowing all day tolerably cool. Preaching appointee but the preacher did not come. It was turned into a prayer meeting. I have spent the most of the day in my room reading.

Monday, [March] 19th. There was a heavy frost this morning; but the day has been quite pleasant. 34 students in school today. The Indian excitement is still kept up.

Tuesday, [March] 20th. The day has been warm and pleasant. 35 students in school today. A very severe case of Cramp-colic occurred in town this evening.

Wednesday, [March] 21st. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 34 students in school today. I am getting weary of the session!

Thursday, [March] 22nd. The day has been cloudy and warm. 30 odd students in school. Spent the day in a precursory examination. The performance of the students not very flattering.

30 March 1860

Friday, [March] 23rd. The day has been cloudy and a little cool. The examination of the students came off today. It was tolerably well attended, and, I think, met the expectation of the people, though it was not as good as I desired, or expected. We had a very appropriate and interesting oration from T. J. Stokes, Esqr. The prizes were awarded as follows: First prize of the boys for declamation Tolbert Robertson, subject of piece, "The Village Blacksmith," prize Byron's poetical works. First prize of the girls for reciting pieces, Martha F. Hullum, Subject - Frienship [sic]. Prize, Milton's poetical works. First class in tickets Sarah T. Jowell. Prize Popular Superstition & Mesmorism [sic]. Second, Tolbert Robertson - Rollo's Phylosophy [sic]. Third Martha Lehy - Ray's Arithmetic, 2d part. Fourth, John Cureton - Parker's 1st Reader. After the exercises were through, the students and citizens formed a procession and marched to town with a banner and music at the head of the procession. The crowd then was dispersed, and all went to their homes in a cheerful mood.

[March 1860] 31

Saturday, [March] 24th. The day has been tolerably pleasant, though some wind from the north yet. Spent the most of the day making out my school accts. Which accts amount to $476.86 of which $122.67 cts. is due my assistant, having $456.86 cts. to my part for five months, out of which my board and school expences [sic], which [are] $56.00 cts. leaving me a net profit of $400.29. Hard earned money.

Sabbath, [March] 25th. It is cloudy this morning, raining a little and tolerably cold wind blowing from the north. The day has been cold and unpleasant. Spent the most of the day reading, and payed a visit to the family of Parson Byars this evening.

Monday, [March] 26th. The day has been cold and disagreeable. Started a class of three in garment cutting today. But spent the most of my time in the store for Mr. Layne and sold about $50 worth of goods for him, and received a new load this evening. The Rangers elected their officers today. S. F. Jones Lieu. & A. Hart 1st Searg.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 99 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

32 March 1860

Tuesday, [March] 27th. There is considerable frost this morning. The day has been very cold indeed for the season of the year. Spent the day alternately at the store selling goods, and at the house giving lessons in garment cutting. Mr. Lane returned this evening, so I will be confined in the store any [sic] longer. The frost killed the weeds, young leaves, and quite a quantity of garden vegitables [sic].

Wednesday, [March] 28th. The frost is much larger and the freeze much harder than yesterday morning. The day has been quite pleasant. Continued my marking school today.

Thursday, [March] 29th. There was some frost this morning, but the day has been tolerably pleasant. Spent the fore noon finishing my class in garment cutting. And spent the evening in town getting subscribers for my next school. Feel unwell this evening.

[March 1860] 33

Friday, [March] 30th. The morning is tolerably cool, a little frost, and the wind is beginning to blow from the east. The evening was warm. After attending to several little business items, I went down to the valley and stayed all night at G. W. Baker's - Walked down.

Saturday, [March] 31st. The wind has been almost incessantly blowing from the north west today, being very unpleasant. Came to I. W. Cox's this morning, and got a horse to ride to town. After coming to town I set about my business and succeeded in lifting a note of thirty three 94/100 dollars that was in the hands of the magistrate ready to be issued upon. And also in paying W. M. Peters and co. $10 on my acct. Settled with the Landlord, my board bill and all accts with him. The accts. were upwards of $50. I am .57 cts in his debt. The Temple met tonight. March has passed away with all its excitements, Indian depredations, cold winds, heavy frosts, &c. Just two years and one month since I left the paternal roof and have been wandering among strangers in a strange land, but the best of all is the Lord is and has been with me. Praise be to his holy name!

34 April 1860

Sabbath, [April] 1st. The morning was cool and the wind blowing from the north made it quite unpleasant. The day has become more pleasant. Spent the morning partly in reading and partly in preparations to start a trip to Hubboard's creek in Buchanan county. I promised to go with John Hitson [sic] & John Pollard and remain there part of the week. I have not spent a more uneasy and restless day for eight months than today has been to me.

Monday, [April] 2nd. Spent the fore noon making settlements with my customers. After dinner started to Hubbard's creek. Got to Ironi and stayed all night at the Rangers' camp.

Tuesday, [April] 3rd. The wind blew very hard all day. Went from camps to Hittson's on Hubbard's creek in Buchanan county. Fine lands and good grass up here.

Wednesday, [April] 4th. Spent the fore noon doing but little. After noon attempted to start home but one of our horses getting away, we hunted for him & oxen all evening. Stayed all night at Hittson's again.

[April 1860] 35 Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 100 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday, [April] 5th. Started home this morning early, traveled hard and got to the Rangers camp and stayed all night again. They are searching diligently for Indians but do not find any.

Friday, [April] 6th. We appraised a part of the Rangers's horses, guns, pistols, & horse equipage. Came from there, by town, and on to the valley to G. W. Baker's and stayed all night. The day has been very warm.

Saturday, [April] 7th. Went to town this morning on various kinds of business - Settlements, &c. Came back to G. W.'s again and stayed all night. (Came from town after night)

Sabbath, [April] 8th. Spent the fore part of the day doing nothing of importance. Went to B. F. Baker's in the afternoon. Came back to G. W.'s and stayed all night. Very hot today.

Monday, [April] 9th. Came to town early this morning, give bond, & was sworn in as Deputy Sheriff. Several cases put into my hands. Have to start in the morning. I hope I may have good luck in business and discharge all my duties.

36 April 1860

Tuesday, [April] 10th. Started from town with Dr. Robertson, went to Ward's & levied on a negro called Jake. Went from there to Current's, on Palo Pinto and put up a notice of Sheriff sale, also a notice for I. W. Price, Assessor & Collector for Palo Pinto county. From Current's, went to J. H. Blair's, and left his commission as presiding officer of precinct No. 3. Also put up another notice for Price. Went from here to Count's and put up another notice for Price & stayed all night.

Wednesday, [April] 11th. Came from Counts's this morning to Robt S. Porter's, & put up Price's notice and left a summons for Porter for Grand Juror. Thence up Buck creek, put up another Price notice at Brown's, and another at Eddleman's, thence to the head of Buck creek to Lavender's, left a summons for him as Grand Juror, also a citation and notice of Interrogations, petition &c. From here went to Saline creek and stayed at Hestaloe's. The most of the country has been a barren desert and very burdensome traveling.

Thursday, [April] 12th. Put up a Price notice at Hestitoe's, another at Miltie's , another at Broox's on Barton's creek, and left a 4th at B's to send to Garland's. Left B's commission as presiding officer of Precinct No. 7. Also a summons for Thornton as Grand Juror, and commission as overseer of the road.

[April 1860] 37

From Broox's went to Davidson's on Palo Pinto, left a commission there for G. F. Cowden as overseer of the road. Then to Mingus's and served a commission on him as presiding officer of precinct No. 5. ut up a Price notice here and left one with him to send to Davis's. Put up another at the school- house near Mingus's. Then undertook to go to Brannan's but missed my way - bogued [sic] the woods for some time - and finally at night fell in at Lloyd's where I stayed all night.

Friday, [April] 13th. Started before day on a turkey hunt, found one just at day, when I was allowed to shoot at it but did not kill it. Then went to Brannan's and served a subpoena on him. Went back to Brown's for Breakfast and summoned him as petit juror. Put up the last Price notice here. Came from here, by Cochran's, and down Lake creek to Wheat's and served a citation on him. Then came to town. My four days' trip has been very very tiresome and the most of the time very lonesome. My horse has given out. The Temple met tonight.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 101 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

38 April 1860

Saturday, [April] 14th. Spent a part of the morning writing and the remainder attending to Sheriff business. After noon cut 5 cats [sic] for Dillahunty and Hunter. Collected the money on a judgment in my hands, and after supper a prisoner from Jack county named John Owens was committed to my care. He is charged with horse stealing. Have summoned a guard and left him in their care. We have had a fine rain tonight.

Sabbath, [April] 15th. Commenced early this morning to get the jail in readiness for our prisoner, and after about a half day's work succeeded in getting it in readiness. Afternoon committed him to the jail and turned the heavy bolt upon him. It creates quite an interest in the town, and almost all wished to go and see him in jail. It is an awful looking sight to see a hole [sic] and hearty looking young man possessing all the requisites of intelligence and refinement so degrade himself as to be chained down in prison for the low and degrading crime of horse stealing. He seems very much afflicted this evening. He tells me he has been a member of the Baptist church; but was drawn away from his duty by bad associations. He requested me to furnish him with a new Testament to read while he is in jail, which I did. The day has been quite warm and pleasant & vegitation [sic] is growing finely.

[April 1860] 39

Monday, [April] 16th. Spent the forepart of the waiting [sic] for John Hittson, and also for my horse, to come to town. Afternoon recd. quite a number of papers from Hittson and served several of them. In the evening started on a trip with papers to serve, went to I. W. Cox's and stayed all night. Had quite a small sprinkle of rain this evening.

Tuesday, [April] 17th. Went from Cox's to W. G. Evans's, on Keechi, today. Summoned four jurors. They have had a fine rain & some hail in this region of country. This is a beautiful country, and some good farms & a pretty fair prospects for a crop. My horse has almost given out.

Wednesday, [April] 18th. Came from Evans's to town today. Summoned 3 jurors, gave 3 commissions, and served four citations. A heavy rain commenced falling when I was about 3 miles from town, and continued to fall till I arrived here. The ground is now covered with water, and I think, will be thoroughly wet, vegitation [sic] will now spring up, and I hope we will have a good season. My horse is almost past traveling, walked a good portion of the way.

40 April 1860

Thursday, [April] 19th. It is still raining this morning. Returned several citations and served one this morning. Returned quite a number of papers this morning to the District Clerk. After arranging my paper and getting instructions from I. W. Price, as to the Assessor's & Collector's duty, I started on a tour for him. Served one subpoena this evening and went to J. H. Blair's on the Brazos about 18 miles from town.

Friday, [April] 20th. Commenced the business of A&C this morning, stayed the most of the day at Blair's. But few came in, so I concluded to go to their houses and waited [for] several this evening and came to Barton's and stayed all night.

Saturday, [April] 21st. Went from Barton's to the creek of Palo Pinto where I met quite a number of men going to the precinct to give in their property. We stopped by the side of the road, and I took an inventory of their property and received their tax. Afternoon went from Palo Pinto to Buck creek and stayed all night at A. B. Brown's. Took a considerable list this evening at Brown's.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 102 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [April] 22nd. Went from Brown's to Parson Eddleman's and stayed all night. The day has been quite warm, & it is a fine season now.

Monday, [April] 23rd. Quite a number of men came in this morning and give [sic] in their property. After getting through with them, I went on by several houses, doing the business as I went, to Wylie's on Barton's creek where I stayed all night. There are 7 or 8 Bachelors staying here and keeping "hall" without any female about the house.

Tuesday, [April] 24th. Did the business of A&C here this morning after which I attempted to serve some writs I had in my hands against 3 of the Wylies. I got hold of one of them but could not keep him. The others got out of the way. Went on from here to Gordon's on the head of the creek. Got dinner here and then went to Robt Martin's in Eastland co. He lives outside any settlement in a rough, dreary wilderness looking place. The range is, however, fine, water good and he has his house forted in. Came back to Gordon's and stayed all night. Adventurous day!

42 April 1860

Wednesday, [April] 25th. Came from Gordon's to Brooks's this morning, where I spent the day, and took all the inventories that came. Brooks is a plain, honest, old fashioned man with a large stock of cattle and making money very fast. Has now from 110 to 150 fine beaves [sic] to sell. He is liberal and generous at his house.

Thursday, [April] 26th. Came from Brooks's to Loyd's today. Went by the mouth of Barton's creek and did considerable business thereby accommodating the people by saving them to trouble of going to the precincts. A considerable norther [sic] blew up this evening and the night was tolerably cold.

Friday, [April] 27th. It rained a fine rain this morning and the day has been quite cool. Came from Loyd's to Ward's and stayed all night. Did business as I came down Lake creek. The Lake creek country is an awfully rough country. High and ragged mountains and cliffs project up on both sides, while the valley, at most places, is very narrow and covered with briars & thick undergrowth making them almost impenetrable.

[April 1860] 43

Saturday, [April] 28th. Came to town this morning after being absent 10 days, traveling over quite an extent of country, taking a tolerably large list of taxable property, about 85 polls, 147 children on the scholastic list and collecting about $137 tax money. Spent the most of the day in town, part of the time taking down the tax list, preparing the courthouse for court next week, and making out and returning my papers. I am inquired of on all hands if I am "not a Candidate for Sheriff." I answer I do not think I am. The air is still a little cool.

Sabbath, [April] 29th. The air is still cool this morning. Went to church at 11 & heard parson Slaughter preach one of his long sermons. His object was to impress upon the minds of the people the truth that all are accountable for their own conduct, irrespective of the conduct of others. Parson Williams followed in a lengthy exhortation. At 4 o'clock P.M. parson S. held forth again in another of his lengthy sermons. His matter is good, but his style is vehement & boistrous [sic], and the length of his sermons detract from the interest that would otherwise be felt.

44 April 1860

Monday, [April] 30th. The morning was cloudy and cool and occasionally had the appearance of rain; but the clouds passed away it is clear this morning and feels a little like it might frost. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 103 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Started before breakfast this morning to summons witnesses for the court. Summoned three before breakfast, eat [sic] at J. J. Cureton's, borrowed a horse of him and made some distance for witnesses & returned to town by dinner. Afternoon court was called, and the juries called in. The Grand Jury was empanneled [sic], and judge Battle gave them a lengthy and interesting charge when they retired. Part of the Petit jury was sworn & dismissed and the Sheriff ordered to finish it by 9 o'clock in the morning. Court adjourned. Summoned eight witnesses today. Lot sales come off this evening, and I bought one, about three acres, for thirty six dollars. The first town property I have bought.

May 1860 45

Tuesday, [May] 1st. Spent the day about the courthouse to but little purpose. Not a great deal of business done in court. The morning was cool but the has [sic] been pleasant.

Wednesday, [May] 2nd. The morning is clear, and the wind blowing a little cool. The day has been tolerably pleasant. Court is still in session, but does business slowly. I have done nothing of importance today. Hope I may not spend another day so utterly destitute of interest or profit.

Thursday, [May] 3rd. There are clouds, and the wind is blowing somewhat cool this morning. The day has been warm. Court adjourned today. Considerable business layed over till next court. I have done but little this week. We hear that the Indians are in the country again stealing horses.

Friday, [May] 4th. The day has been quite warm. Still reports of Indian thieving in the southern part of the county. Another fruitless day in business with me. Arranged the school room.

46 May 1860

Saturday, [May] 5th. Spent the most of the forenoon in town doeing [sic] but little. Attended to some little business in the afternoon and went to hear Parson Maderas preach. His text was, "If the righteous scarcely be saved, Where shall the ungodly & the sinner appear?" He showed that though they were scarcely saved yet they were saved: and though the sinner was a good moral and upright man, and was scarcely lost, yet he was lost eternally, without a change of heart. His discourse was plain, pointed, & practical. The day has been very windy. No new news of Indians. The Temple met tonight.

Sabbath, [May] 6th. Spent the morning in reading and singing till meeting time, at which Parson Maderas preached a very good, practical sermon. Parson Kidd preached in the afternoon and parson Wright at night. They both preached good sermons, calculated to arouse the christian people to action and cause them to be more zealous in the discharge of their duty, unless they are almost entirely out of the way. O that I may keep nearer the way!

[May 1860] 47

Monday, [May] 7th. The day has been quite windy and a little cool. Commenced the 4th session of my school this morning, had 31 students. I hope I will not have so full a school as the last session was, so that I will not have to employ an assistant. I hope also that the order will be better this session than it has been before. I feel quite unwell tonight.

Tuesday, [May] 8th. We had a fine shower of rain last night, it is still cloudy and quite cool this morning. Feel a little better this morning Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 104 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

The day has been rather cool all day. It is clear this evening, nearly. 31 students again today. Conduct very good. If the conduct of the students continue so good all the session, there will be some pleasure in teaching this session.

Wednesday, [May] 9th. The morning was quite cold, almost cold enough for frost. The day has been calm and warm and beautiful. 33 students in school today. Did tolerably well. I find that my roving life has been a disadvantage to my intellectual improvement; for it is difficult for me to confine my mind to any thing long at a time.

48 May 1860

Thursday, [May] 10th. The morning was quite cool, but the day has been pleasant. 30 students in school today. Parson Williams preached in town tonight.

Friday, [May] 11th. The morning is not so cold as the previous mornings have been. The day has been pleasant. 30 students in school today. After school went down to the valley to Wesley's and stayed all night. Started about six P.M. and walked, distance about 7 miles and waded the river.

Saturday, [May] 12th. The day has been warm. Assisted Wes in hoeing corn till about 4 P.M. and then walked to town. Did quite a job of hoeing; and it and the walk has tired me considerably. I think my sleep will be sweet tonight, though I have eaten "much" tonight.

Sabbath, [May] 13th. Today has been very warm. Class meeting in the morning. Not well attended. There was a burial in town this evening - Mrs. Fleming. Also a Mrs. Magnus was buried in the valley below here today. A shocking affair has just taken place here tonight! Just after the bell rang for preaching Mr. T. R. Harris' little child's clothes cought [sic] on fire & burned off of it before assistance could arrive. It is thought it cannot live.

[May 1860] 49

Monday, [May] 14th. The morning is warm and cloudy. The little sufferer that was burnt last evening died about 12 M. It has, in a very short time, passed off this stage of action to an other [sic] and happier state! All should take warning by this casualty. The burial took place about 1 P.M. The day has been very warm. About 29 students in school today. I have felt quite stupid, and in bad condition for teaching.

Tuesday, [May] 15th. The day has been quite warm. 33 students in school today. Just after sunset a dark cloud sprung up in the north, and the wind commenced blowing heavily; and now it continues to blow and a fine shower of rain is falling, which—

Wednesday, [May] 16th. It continued to rain and blow till it put out my candle and stopped my writing and wet my paper before I was done. There is a heavy fog, and it is quite cool this morning. The evening was warm enough to be pleasant. 34 students in school today.

Thursday, [May] 17th. There is a heavy dew and the morning is quite cool. The day has been tolerably warm. 36 students in school today. Had a little row with one of the boys this morning. Nothing serious.

50 May 1860

Friday, [May] 18th. The day has been tolerably warm. 36 students in school today. The Temple met tonight.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 105 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday, [May] 19th. The day has been very warm. Spent the day in reading, with a few miscellaneous arrangements for the school next week, and in lounging about the house.

Sabbath, [May] 20th. The day has been pleasant, a fine breeze blowing all day. The most of the morning was spent by me in reading. There was meeting at 11 o'clock, but no preaching. Prayer meeting in the evening.

Monday, [May] 21st. The day has been very warm. County court is sitting today in our town. 46 students in school today.

Tuesday, [May] 22nd. A considerable storm blew up last night which seemed almost like blowing the house down. The power of the Allmighty [sic] is truly seen in the storm! The wind still blows considerably today. 45 students today.

Wednesday, [May] 23rd. The day has been tolerably pleasant, the wind blowing constantly. 45 students in school today.

[May 1860] 51

Thursday, [May] 24th. The day has been pleasant. 44 students in school today. Prayer meeting in town tonight.

Friday, [May] 25th. The day has been warm indeed. 43 students in school today. Had a spelling match this evening.

Saturday, [May] 26th. Spent the most of the day in writing a letter to father. Covered four sheets of large letter paper. Give him general statistics of all my business operations since I have been in Texas. Some what as follows: Total aggregate for all the sessions I have taught $1100. Paid to assistant teachers $200. Board $125. Store bills including medicines $50. worth [sic] of book & Dr.'s bills $200. Paid toward my land $375. Balance $200 yet due.

Sabbath, [May] 27th. Spent the most of the morning in reading. Heard parson Williams preach at 12 M. He indulged in his usual style. Prayer meeting in the evening. The day has been remarkably hot.

Monday, [May] 28th. The day has been another hot one. 41 students in school today. Whipped a boy for swearing. Parson Turner preaches in town tonight. Read some papers of Hittson's to execute.

52 May 1860

Tuesday, [May] 29th. There was a considerable change in the atmosphere last night, and the day has been cool enough to be pleasant. 41 students in school today. Whipped the same boy this evening that I whipped last evening, for a repetition of the same offense. I put it on him in such a way as to cause him to remember it a longer time than he did the last.

Wednesday, [May] 30th. The day has been a little cool enough so to be pleasant. 40 students in school today. A Daguerriar is in town soliciting patronage. He has done nothing yet.

Thursday, [May] 31st. The day has been tolerably pleasant. The ground is getting very dry, and the crop is needing rain very much. 40 students in school today. So ends May 1860.

June 1860 53

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 106 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday, [June] 1st. The day has been quite warm. 42 students in school today. Recitation of pieces this evening, did tolerably well. I have not felt very well, consequently have been a little cross.

Saturday, [June] 2nd. The day has been very hot. Spent the forenoon in writing notices to the patrons of the school, of the standing of their children. At 11 o'clock heard parson Kidd preach one of his practical good sense sermons. From one of David's prayers, "Restore unto me the joys of they salvation" &c. He showed that the reason that the cause of Christianity languishes as it does, is that the professors lost, or forfeited the joys of the christian by sin, either of omission or commission. The Temple met tonight. There was also preaching in town.

Sabbath, [June] 3rd. Prayer meeting this morning. Preaching at 11 by Rev Kidd. Another good sermon. He showed that the mere pardoning of the sins of an individual was not sufficient to work a reformation without an interposition of Divine grace to renew the heart and renovate the whole natural disposition of the man, and without this no man could ever be really happy, not even in Heaven.

54 June 1860

Monday, [June] 4th. The day has [been] remarkably hot! Even the brisk breeze that has blown the most of the day has been very hot! Like a warm breath blown into the face. 48 students in school today.

Tuesday, [June] 5th. This has been another hot day, but not quite so hot as yesterday. 50 students in school today, and still they seem disposed to come.

Wednesday, [June] 6th. The day has been remarkably hot. Rain is badly needing. 47 students in school today.

Thursday, [June] 7th. The day has been cloudy, but still warm, even hot! 43 students in school today.

Friday, [June] 8th. The day has been cloudy and very hot. 42 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening.

Saturday, [June] 9th. A fine rain fell last night, and it is raining a beautiful shower this morning. How thankful we ought to be! Spent the day to but little profit at any thing. Will I get to be a town lofer [sic]?

[June 1860] 55

Sabbath, [June] 10th. Spent the forepart [of] the day in close reading. At noon went to the house of worship, no person was there so there was no meeting. Spent part of the evening reading, though my eyes are so sore that I can scarcely read this evening. The day has been very hot indeed.

Monday, [June] 11th. The day was awfully hot before, and till about 3 P.M. A cloud then came up and rained a little, and the wind blew cool and has blown cool enough ever since. 47 students in school today.

Tuesday, [June] 12th. The day has been a little more pleasant than yesterday. 51 students in school today.

Wednesday, [June] 13th. The day has been quite warm, though not so oppressive as some others have been lately. 48 students in school today.

Thursday, [June] 14th. The morning is pleasant and a little cloudy. The day has been warm. 47 students today. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 107 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday, [June] 15th. The day has been the hottest one yet. 47 students today. Speaking this evening. A sad tragedy occurred near town today - a boy was caught by the neck with a larriet [sic] fast to a mule, dragged over the rocks till his skull was torn off, and he died very soon.

56 June 1860

Saturday, [June] 16th. Spent part of the morning reading and writing and then went to Slaughter's who lost the boy yesterday by the mule. Stayed there till in the evening when the corpse was brought to town and deposited in its final resting place. What a lesson this should teach poor, depraved man! Truly in the midst of life we are in death!

Sabbath, [June] 17th. Spent the morning in reading and lounging on a pallet feeling quite unwell. Parson Slaughter preached at 11 o'clock. He was very pathetic, rehearsing the incident connected with the death of his child. Quite an impression was made on the congregation, indeed there was more feeling expressed than I have seen in a congregation for some time. There was preaching again at 4 P.M. It was well attended and all behaved with the utmost respect. The day has been very warm.

Monday, [June] 18th. The day has been very hot. 42 students in school today.

Tuesday, [June] 19th. Not quite so hot as yesterday. 43 students today. We hear that the Indians are again in the country committing depradations [sic]. What a shame!

[June 1860] 57

Wednesday, [June] 20th. The day has been very warm. 48 students in school today. We hear today that the Indians have killed two men very recently on Hubbard creek.

Thursday, [June] 21st. Another hot day. 47 students in school today. Had a court instituted this evening and a trial was went into by the boys concerning the right of property. A jury was empanneled [sic] and the case regularly tried and disposed of.

Friday, [June] 22nd. Another very hot day. 47 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening.

Saturday, [June] 23rd. Spent the most of the day writing and composing a speech for the 4th of July next. Several executions came into my hands this evening. Find considerable opposition to the Barbacue [sic] on the 4th in consequence of its being a Temperance arrangement.

Sabbath, [June] 24th. A pleasant and brisk breeze blew all night. There are some hazy clouds this morning and the atmosphere is quite pleasant. All nature seems vocal with praise to the Creator. But alas! my laziness! my want of the power of Religion is deplorable! O! that I could control my passions!

58 June 1860

Monday, [June] 25th. The breeze has been cool enough to make the day pleasant. 53 students in school today. Had another court among the boys this evening. Cut some garments for Dr. Taylor's boys. There is a kind of hazy appearance in the atmosphere this evening, especially around the horizon.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 108 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [June] 26th. The morning is a little cool and there seems to be a general haziness of clouds, or dizziness in the atmosphere, corresponding with a similar feeling in my own mind. The day has been quite pleasant. 47 students in school today.

Wednesday, [June] 27th. A fine refreshing shower fell last night and all nature is calm, mild, and pleasant this morning. The day has been very pleasant. 46 students in school today. We hear that Col John R. Baylor very recently killed nine Indians on the clear fork of the Brazos. A fine shower this evening.

Thursday, [June] 28th. The morning is cool and pleasant. The day has been likewise. 46 students in school today. Did not feel very well in the forenoon, but feel better this evening.

[June 1860] 59

Friday, [June] 29th. The day has been tolerably warm, though pleasant enough it has been. 44 students in school today. Had speaking in school this evening, did tolerably well. The students voted for an exhibition at the close of the present session. Hope it may be successful. I wish the bell would ring for supper!

Saturday, [June] 30th. The day has been warm. Spent the fore noon principly [sic] in writing, though I visited town once or twice. Spent the most of the evening in town, expecting to do some business but did not any of consequence. It has been rather a wearisome day with me. The Temple of Honor met tonight, and it had quite an amount of business of various characters before it. And equally as diversified sentiments exists among the members present. The manner in which each side maintained grounds amounted almost to invective! Alas! for the frailty of human nature! Unrestrained and aside from the influence of Divine grace it is productive of untold and unknown sorrow, remorse, and anguish to those who indulge it – i.e. unknown to those who do not indulge in the shameful excess.

60 July 1860

Sabbath, [July] 1st. The day has been tolerably pleasant - a cool and lively breeze circulating the most of the day. Preaching at 11 A.M. by Rev Kidd - the circuit rider, from the parable of the "True Vine & its branches." He showed that without the fruits of the Spirit - Love, Tolerance, Sympathy, and a desire to do unto others as we would have others do unto us - we could not be grafted into the true vine, or if we had been and had had the oil of Divine grace burning in our hearts and did not produce those fruits. The lamp had gone out, had ceased to burn. There are also two states that a church may be in, viz: a state in which the form of Religion is kept up without much spirit, life, or animation. And a higher and more exhalted [sic] station of spiritual life and pure religious enjoyments in which all move on easily and enjoy the smiles of the Crator [sic]. Alas! for us! the former is our condition. O Lord, reclaim us from that condition! Have felt very much out of order this evening.

[July 1860] 61

Monday, [July] 2nd. The day has been tolerably pleasant. The people have been preparing the barbecue grounds today. 38 students in school today. I have been scarcely able to keep up today, but feel a little better this evening.

Tuesday, [July] 3rd. The day has been tolerably warm. 37 students in school today; all seem to be busy preparing for the Barbecue. Feel very bad tonight; am suffering considerable pain.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 109 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday, [July] 4th. The morning was calm and pleasant. At an early hour the people began to assemble for the Barbecue. At about 11 o'clock the Templers formed a procession and marched to the place of speaking; quite a number of ladies and some gentlemen joining them in the procession. Music on the violin & drum! Rev G. W. Slaughter read a chapter in the Bible, sang, and prayed. T. Wright then read the declaration of Independence. After which I made a meek effort on the subject of Temperance. [Note from transcription:The speech is not directly a part of the diary and is available as a separate file.] Col J. R. Baylor then brought[..]

62 [July 1860] forward his Indian scalps and gave a harangue upon frontier affairs. First telling his adventures in his recent fight with the Indians and how he succeeded in killing nine of them. He then noticed Col Johnston's movements showing what he thought would be the result of his expedition - the Indians protected and no good done for the frontier. Very probable, I think. Capt Ward was then called upon, who also sustained Baylor's opinions. Dinner then cam [sic] off in which all seemed freely partake [sic] of the refreshments prepared. There was quite a large attendance and all seemed to pass off well. It has been through much pain and unpleasant feelings that I have kept up atall [sic]; and I am now lying down scribbling these few lines. The day has been very hot. At night the young people got up a pleasure party and enjoyed the dance till a late hour. The lovers of Whiskey also took their part after night, and two of them had a little difficulty in which one got a small hole pecked in his head with a rock. What a contrast between the exercises of the day, and those of the night.

[July 1860] 63

Thursday, [July] 5th. The day has been very warm, the heat in the evening was oppressive. 37 students in school today. Feel much better this evening than I have for sometime.

Friday, [July] 6th. The morning is calm and the appearance is for a hot day. The day has been very hot. Even the breeze that was stirring would come in hot puffs. 37 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. The news has just reached us that S. A. Douglass was nominated candidate for the presidency at the Baltimore convention. Also that the convention was ruptured and the southern wing nominated J. C. Breckenridge as their candidate for the presidency and Gen J. Lane of Oregon for vice president. Success to the last ticket. Much excitement will now ensue and the two sections will be more thoroughly estranged from each other than they already have hitherto been. The contest will be between Breckenridge and Lincoln, in [sic] think. Though I do no think that either will be elected by the people. The election will then go to the congress of the United States and there it will be between the same two men, and I would not know which to bet on. Hope that right will prevail.

64 [July 1860]

Saturday, [July] 7th. The morning is pleasant - a lively breeze is blowing. Rode down to Col J. J. Ward's today on business. Found it very hot traveling, and found that the corn crops on the way were almost entirely burned up and the hopes of the farmer entirely blasted for this season, so far as corn is concerned. The Col is quite a gentleman at home, but unfortunately has gotten under the weather in money matters. Nothing of interest in town this evening.

Sabbath, [July] 8th. Took passage on an ox wagon this morning and went to preaching on the prairie 5 miles north of town at Elm school house. Rev. Brashears late of Mo. held forth. He recounted the events of man's fall and the provision of salvation through the Savior and the great obligation that all were under to the Savior, or to God; and the Savior had lifted the obligation by his death, suffering, & resurrection, and that if we will properly humble ourselves before him, he will give us the obligation - and Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 110 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 once getting the obligation we never can lose it. The latter idea I cannot subscribe to. At least I think we may incur another obligation, or forfeit the first donation by disobedience and sinfulness. In the evening[..]

[July 1860] 65 he preached at Mr. Arnett's on the constancy with which Daniel served the Lord, and his reward for so doing. Winding up with an appeal to the people to imitate Daniel's constancy in the service of the Lord if we wish to receive his reward. I think he is a very good meaning old man but I think he errs on the one point of doctrine, "The final, unconditional, perseverance of the Saints." We came home in the evening, and was exhilerated [sic] by the ride. The day has been very warm.

Monday, [July] 9th. The day has been very warm, the wind blowing in hot puffs, which are unpleasant. 45 students in school today. The heat has a tendency to cause debelity [sic].

Tuesday, [July] 10th. The morning is tolerably pleasant. The day has been hot again, but not quite so oppressive as yesterday. 43 students in school today. I am now getting a start on my studies again since stopping to prepare my speech for the 4th inst. [In the] morning I got a lesson in Chemistry and Algebra, and in the evening one in Aids to English Composition and Universal Education besides a variety of miscellaneous reading - news-papers, journals, periodicals &c. &c. Yet it seems that I advance slowly in acquiring knowledge.

66 July 1860

Wednesday, [July] 11th. The day has been tolerably hot. 45 students in school today.

Thursday, [July] 12th. The morning is calm, and the appearance is for a hot day. The [day] has been tolerably warm. 44 students in school today.

Friday, [July] 13th. There are some clouds this morning - the sun shines rather dingy, and all is calm. In taking my morning walk, I saw a large ball, or blaze of fire on the top of the mountain north west of town: seemed to be about 10 or 12 miles off. It continued about 1 ½ minutes and then seemed to pass off in a north-westwardly [sic] direction beyond the mountain. My first impression was that it was a house on fire; but then I discovered that the light was rather too pale. It had somewhat the appearance of the full moon just rising above the horizon. It was probably some meteroic [sic] phenomenon which in ancient days would be looked upon as the harbinger of some national evil or calamity that will soon happen. 41 students in school today. Had speaking and dialogues this evening. The Temple met tonight.

[July 1860] 67

Again another birth-day has rolled around: today I am 28 years old! Alas! how little I know! How limited any education! Yet I am still trying to add to my stock of knowledge. During the last 12 mo. I have went through a review of Rhetoric, Intellectual Phylosophy [sic], Physiology, Anatomy, & Hygiene. Studied a work on Logic, studied the 2d & 3d books of the History of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Read 5 volumes on Teaching containing about 2400 pages. Besides a great variety of miscellaneous reading - school journals, newspapers, magazines, and at least one chapter on the Bible each day. I am now studying Chemistry (nearly through), Algebra, and Composition. I also keep up a course of reading on the subject of Teaching. Am still engaged in teaching. Have succeeded beyond my expectations. During the latter part of the session [in] '59 the school was very full, had to employ an assistant. The winter session was also still more full, the whole number of students in attendance during the session being 112. Had an assistant this season who did me an injury pecuniarily [sic]. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 111 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

My present session has reached the number of 65, have no assistant yet. My regular attendance is from 40 to 50. I have reduced my debt to about $200 and have about $300[..]

68 July 1860 due me besides the proceeds of the present session which will amount to near $300. The session is half gone. I hope to be able at the close of this session to meet all my liabilities, and have a little surplus left, as well as the tract of land purchased. I do not know what I shall do for the next year after the termination of this session. My Religious attainments are almost an entire blank. I feel almost destitute of the vital principle! How weak my powers to keep good resolutions! I have been entirely too unfaithful, and my passions have almost got the ascendency over me, so that I am on precarious ground, and nothing but the power, mercy, and grace of the Redeemer will save me from shipwreck of the faith! I pray the Lord to interpose on my behalf, to give me his Spirit to aid my infirmities, and to restore me to his favor and image! That I may enjoy His presence and the smiles of His countenance during the next 12 months! That I may advance and grow to the fullness of the stature of a man in Christ. And that all the faculties of my body, soul, and spirit may be subjected to the Divine will on all things.

[July] 1860 69

Saturday, [July] 14th. This has been another hot day, very hot. The cedar breaks and mountains north-west of town are on fire, and the smoke fills the whole atmosphere making the light dim, and giving nature a gloomy appearance. Though the fire is 8 or 10 miles from town, yet the whole face of the country, the ground, even in the houses the ashes from the fire are thick. I suppose that these fires account for my meteor of yesterday morning - it was fire on the mountain. Spent the morning reading. Was at preaching at noon, heard parson Slaughter preach one of his long sermons. He is certainly a good man, but I think he mistakes the length of time for his sermons. Spent the most of the evening in town to but little purpose.

Sabbath, [July] 15th. Stayed all night at M. L. Dalton's last night and set up with a sick child. Spent the most of the morning reading. Was at prayer-meeting in the morning and heard parson Brashears preach from the Savior's commission to his Apostles reworded by Mark, "Go ye into all the world, and preach my gospel to every creature, he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned." He first attempted to show that the Savior still calls and sends out ministers of the gospel, whose duty it is to preach a full and free salvation to all. Next, the nature of believing. There are two kinds of belief, viz: an historical and a realizing belief. The historical acknowledges[..]

70 July 1860 a belief that there is a Savior who has atoned for our sins, and that we may accept of and receive the pardon of our sins through his merits. The realizing belief takes hold of the principles of the gospel by a living and active faith in Christ, by whose merits our sins are forgiven and we realize the blessings of Redeeming grace and know it for ourselves. As an illustration of these two kinds of faith, he cited the history of Washington, all believe it, but who can be qualified that [sic] there ever was such a man as Washington? None of us, because we have never seen him. We believe that there is such a country as California, but who can be qualified to it? None but those who have seen it. In like manner no one can be qualified, or testify to a saving faith but those who realize it though all believe there is such a thing. He seems to be very zealous in maintaining his doctrines, but I cannot agree with him on every pint [sic]. Parson Slaughter followed in a very pathetic exhortation, and there was considerable feeling in the congregation. In the evening I was called on to go into the valley and attend some Sheriff business which prevented me from attending evening preaching. I very much dislike this part of a Sheriff's business. I procured a horse and went to M. G. Nall's passing Mr. Ford's late in the evening with whom I had some conversation. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 112 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[July 1860] 71

Monday, [July] 16th. Stayed all night at Nall's. Went early this morning to Dr. Griffith's, served a citation on him and levied on a field of corn. Returned to town just in time for school. 40 students present today. At noon took bond of Griffith concerning the levy I made in the morning. The forepart of the day was tolerably warm. There has been considerable thunder today, and this evening ha [sic] heavy wind blew from the east for some hours driving immense clouds of dust before it; a few drops of rain fell, but none of consequence. The evening is cool enough to be pleasant.

Tuesday, [July] 17th. The morning is calm, cool, and comfortable. The day has been pleasant. 46 students in school today.

Wednesday, [July] 18th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 43 students in school today. Had to chastise 3 small girls this evening for wrong conduct. A considerable little whirlwind passed through town this evening, causing some excitement. It started a little south of the academy, passed through it and scared the workman on it considerably in consequence of the manner in which it shook the rafters. Then passed on by Mr. Jowell's, blew off his milk house, scattered his fodder, and passed on northward.

72 July 1860

Thursday, [July] 19th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 49 students in school today. What a dry country we have!

Friday, [July] 20th. The morning is calm and clear, and the birds are singing joyfully. I have just seen a tub of hard corn gathered to grind raised this season. It is tolerably good looking corn. The day has been quite pleasant. 45 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Had some lady visitors this evening.

Saturday, [July] 21st. The morning is calm and warm. Studied my regular lessons this morning. Did some work on the school-house. And arranged sundary [sic] school papers. Spent the most of the evening preparing my annual school-return to the county court.

Sabbath, [July] 22nd. Set up part of the night at Hullum's, his wife being sick. Consequently feel dull and sleepy this morning. Read my regular morning lesson, and then slept till meeting time. At 11 o'clock heard the Rev Dr. Taylor go off in one of his regular Campbellite sermons. The Bible is given as a testimony of the will of God concerning us. In it we learn all about God. Out of it we know nothing about God. It is impossible to have faith without history - history produces faith. We get into Christ by baptism, where we receive the remission of our sins, and not till then. There the sinner gets into the body of Christ, who is the church, and realizes the efficacy of the Savior's blood.

[July 1860] 73 I think his theory presents several inconsistencies and errors that I cannot subscribe to. I think there are two kinds of faith, an historical which all, except athiests, possess; and an active, living, and saving faith that all true believers, or christians, possess. This faith, I think, is exercised, or may be, before baptism. But the Dr. think [sic] it is exercised in the act of baptism, and there the person receives remission of his sins. False, I think. Again he says it is attempting to do what God has not commanded, for a sinner to pray, or for christians, to pray for sinners. Another very erroneous opinion, and directly contrary to the teachings of the Bible, as I understand it. Upon the whole it was but a general exposition of the Campbellite system of faith. Spent the most of the afternoon in a visit to Col Sam R. Barber's. The day has been very warm.

Monday, [July] 23rd. The day has been tolerably warm. 50 students in school today. Still new ones come. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 113 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday, [July] 24th. It is calm and pleasant this morning. The day has been quite warm. 48 students in school today. Collected an execution against S. Spears. Amt $16.25 cts. Still more business in my hands.

Wednesday, [July] 25th. The day has been quite warm. 45 students in school today. 2 new students & other applicants.

74 July 1860

Thursday, [July] 26th. The morning is pleasant. The day has been remarkably hot. 48 students in school today.

Friday, [July] 27th. Another hot day. 40 odd students in school today. Spent the evening in singing by note, a new exercise with the students. They did tolerably well.

Saturday, [July] 28th. Went to B. F. Baker's this morning, and sold 42 hogs, levied on as the property of W. B. Hale. He brought $75. Returned to town in the evening executed several papers. The day has been very hot. The dryness of the weather is remarkable. The Brazos river does not run atall [sic]. There is no running stream in the country, except small branches a small distance below the springs.

Sabbath, [July] 29th. Spent the morning in reading, writing, and conversation. Afternoon heard Dr. S. S. Taylor advocate his peculiar doctrines. Spent the evening about the same as the morning. Heard quite an amount of Abolition news this evening. It is reported that the citizens of Tarrant county have hung 10 Abolitionists lately. I hardly believe it.

Monday, [July] 30th. The day has been very warm. 46 students in school today.

Tuesday, [July] 31st. The day has been hot. [A] fine shower this evening. 53 students in school today.

August 1860 75

Wednesday, [August] 1st. It is calm this morning, the air is cool enough to be pleasant. It has been a pleasant day. 51 students in school today.

Thursday, [August] 2nd. The morning is calm and beautiful. The day has been very warm again. 46 students in school today.

Friday, [August] 3rd. The morning is pleasant. The day has been warm. About 45 students in school today. Recitation of pieces this evening.

Saturday, [August] 4th. Spent the morning reading and writing. At noon returned several citations and opened court for Dr. S. S. Taylor. Spent the most of the evening in town to but little purpose. The Temple met tonight. There is considerable excitement and anxiety manifested concerning the election: the friends of each particular candidate doing all they can to secure the election of their favorite. I am willing for the matter to be quietly settled at the Ballot Box by a majority of the voters.

Sabbath, [August] 5th. The morning is calm, serene, and pleasant, presenting all the forebodings of a hot day. Have spent the morning mostly in reading. Have just finished the perusal of a religious work designed to illustrate the manner in which young children should be tought [sic] the first lessons of Christianity. It is illustrated and practical,

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 114 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

76 August 1860 and clearly exhibits some of the beneficial results arising from early and corrected training. It also points out, or brings to light, some of the responsibilities resting upon the parent and teacher and the great religious enjoyment to be derived from a faithful discharge of all the Christian duties in prosperity and adversity, health and sickness, in the ample enjoyments of all the comforts of this life, as well as in the dark and gloomy hour of death. How sweet the communion of the Holy Spirit! How rich the blessings of the Redeeming Grace! O that I could always keep in the valley of humiliation! and subdue the sinful passions that so often curtail my happiness, and seem as though they would hold me captive at their will! Heard parson Kidd preach at 11 o'clock from the words "Many are called but few chosen." There are two things clearly implied in the text, viz: That many are called is one, and that few are chosen is the other. Many are called from the fact that the ministers of the Gospel are canvassing hill and valley from one end of our country to the other and are continually calling all and exhorting them to come to the gospel feast. But some will not come. They acknowledge they ought to come but yet they will not. Others are so engrossed with the cares of the world that do not leave them long enough to come. And a third class even pretend to come, they join the church and make profession of Religion, but are so negligent of their duty that they will not be chosen.

[August 1860] 77

If the separation was now made in this congregation it is probable that but few would be chosen. All expect to be chosen, and all expect that they will be chosen, but still they neglect to make the preparation necessary to be chosen, for can [sic] pass the scrutiny of Divine Wisdom and Purity but the holy and the pure in heart. How thoroughly all should be prepared for the final day of retribution. A short and impulsive effort of spasmodic feeling will not prepare a person for that great change. It must be an established principle wrought in the heart by the influence of Divine Grace in the heart. It must be acted out in the lives of all that will be saved. Then how important that all should come out on the side of the Lord and live consistent christians that they may die the death of the same. Parson Mullins followed on an appropriate exhortation and the meeting closed. Spent the evening in reading and writing, sleeping &c. The day has been quite warm.

Monday, [August] 6th. The day has been quite warm. 59 students in school today. Election in town and county today. The indications are, this evening, that R. W. Pollard is elected Chief Justice, T. Wright County Clerk, Jesse Hittson Treasurer. For Sheriff it is doubtful between Slaughter & Medders. For J. P., S. A. Oxford & J. J. Metcalf, for Constable Wm. W. Cain. There was very near a shooting scrape this evening, no one hurt.

78 August 1860

Tuesday, [August] 7th. Still warm. 47 students in school today. The election indications the same as yesterday, the returns are not all in yet.

Wednesday, [August] 8th. About 10 o'clock A.M. a fine shower of rain came up, and it has rained, at intervals, all day. The air seems much refreshed this evening and the prospect is for more rain. I hope we will have rain enough to start the grass to growing again. 48 students in school today.

Thursday, [August] 9th. There have been gentle showers today, and it appears that there will be a season yet. Hope it may be so. 49 students in school today.

Friday, [August] 10th. There are some clouds this morning and it is quite pleasant. The day has been tolerably warm. 46 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 115 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday, [August] 11th. The morning is clear and warm. Went to the old man Arnett's last evening and stayed all night intending to go on to the Quarterly meeting in Loving's valley. But I was a little bothered in getting off so I did not go. Came back to town and spent the most of the evening in town to but little purpose. Took supper at parson Byars's, he has just returned from a long journey.

[August 1860] 79

Sabbath, [August] 12th. The day has been quite clear, calm, and pleasant. Spent the forenoon reading till meeting time, and then attended class meeting. There were not many out at meeting, indeed it seems as though the people care nothing for class meetings. Spent the most of the evening at Capt Pollard's. Formed the acquaintance of Mr. Alexander, a young merchant just about setting up in our town. He is a native of Poland. He give [sic] me some spesimens [sic] of the way schools are managed in Prussia. The children are required, by law, to attend school from the age of seven to the age of fourteen a portion of the time each year unless prevented by sickness. A fund is created by taxation to support these schools; an excellent law, I think and one that ought to be enforced in all countries at all reasonable times, and under all circumstances. It would work a gradual and wonderful change in the moral, political, and religious world. Crime and misery would be greatly curtailed and a new era in the history of the world be ushered in. Prisons and houses of correction would generally be dispensed with. And we might begin to look for that age of "light and love" that is so desirable.

80 August 1860

Monday, [August] 13th. The morning is clear and tolerably cool. The day has been tolerably warm. 53 students in school today.

Tuesday, [August] 14th. The morning is very nearly the same as yesterday morning. The day has been pleasant. 52 students in school today. A. F. Young, from Tarrant, came in today to go to school.

Wednesday, [August] 15th. The morning is very nearly the same as the two last, only a little more smoky. The day has been tolerably warm. 55 students in school today. Another Indian scalp was brought into town today. It was killed by Mr. Browning whose son was lately killed by the Indians.

Thursday, [August] 16th. The morning is a little warmer than the others have been this week. The day has been quite warm. 55 students in school today. Commenced drilling today. The polls of the county were compared today and resulted as follows: Chief Justice R. W. Pollard. County clerk T. Wright. Sheriff B. B. Medders. Treasurer, Jesse Hittson. Commissioners Peaveler, Williams, Blackwell, & Wadkins. Beat officers JP Sam A. Oxford & J. J. Metcalf. Cons. Wm. W. Cain. There is a probability of the election's being contested, if so it is uncertain who will fill the offices of the county. There will be strong efforts to succeed on both sides.

[August 1860] 81

Friday, [August] 17th. The day has been warm. 53 students in school today. Spent the afternoon, after recess, reciting pieces and dialogues. The Temple met tonight.

Saturday, [August] 18th. The morning is quite pleasant. Spent the forenoon in reading and preparing school papers. Spent the most of the evening in town but to little purpose.

Sabbath, [August] 19th. Spent the forenoon in reading and sleeping. At 11 A.M. heard parson Byars deliver a lecture on prayer, first giving a Bible exposition of the nature of prayer, secondly an illustration of the Lord's prayer from the Bible, and finally closing with an exhortation to the members of Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 116 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 the church to [be] dilligent in prayer - especially heads of families around the family altar and at regular weekly prayer meetings. At the solicitations of the Parson's lady, I went home with him for dinner. She is quite hospitable and social at home - an English lady of very peculiar temperament. The old gentleman's lungs are weak and consequently he cannot speak long, it seems to grieve him considerably as he is anxious to preach and arouse the people from their cold lethargic state. He seems to be a man of much firmness, strongly devoted to his peculiar church doctrines, and grave and dignified in his deportment.

82 August 1860

The old gentleman gave me a description of two sea animals I had not heard of before. The Sea nettle & the Stingeree [sic]. The former a huge looking creature of square form with papellia [sic] on the side that sting like nettles. The Stingaree [sic] is a kind of shell fish of round form and very long tail with a sting in the end of it, no mouth perceivable. We were shocked this evening by the news of Indians in the neighborhood. They killed a negro within 1/2 mile of the town survey, stole his horse and took what money he had in his pocket, about $15. He was brought into town a bad looking specticle [sic]. He was shot through with an arrow.

Monday, [August] 20th. The negro was buried today. Nothing has been discovered with regard to the Indians. A few of the citizens have gone in pursuit. There have been clouds the most of the day, and a fine shower this evening. The air is pleasant. 47 students in school today.

Tuesday, [August] 21st. There are clouds this morning, and it is cool enough to be pleasant. There were clouds the most of the day, and a fine shower fell in the evening. The appearance is for plenty of rain now. Hope we may have plenty. 57 students in school today.

[August 1860] 83

Wednesday, [August] 22nd. It is cloudy and misting rain this morning. The day has been pleasant with occasional showers. 51 students in school today.

Thursday, [August] 23rd. The morning is cool and cloudy. The day has been pleasant. No rain. 46 students in school today.

Friday, [August] 24th. Cool and cloudy this morning. There have been some gentle showers today. It is warm and a fine growing season. 47 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening.

Saturday, [August] 25th. The day has been generally cloudy and some misty showers this morning. Spent the forenoon in a variety of exercises, reading, writing, calculating, and regulating school papers, &c. Spent the most of the afternoon in town in justice's court and loafering [sic].

Sabbath, [August] 26th. It is quite cloudy this morning and fine showers fall at intervals. There have been heavy showers this evening. Spent the day in the house reading, writing, & sleeping.

Monday, [August] 27th. The day has been cloudy, misty, and cool. It was cool enough this morning to have fire in the school-house. 35 students in school today.

Tuesday, [August] 28th. There has been no rain today; the day has been cool and pleasant. 43 students in school today.

84 August 1860

Wednesday, [August] 29th. The day has been pleasant. There have been clouds at times, and light showers. 50 students in school today.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 117 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday, [August] 30th. The day has been pleasant. A fine shower of rain fell this evening. 48 students in school today.

Friday, [August] 31st. The day has been quite warm, and occasional showers. Just before sundown a heavy cloud came up, and a very heavy rain fell which raised up the branches and covered the ground with water. It is still raining, 8 o'clock P.M. and appears as though it would rain all night. There are great extremes in this Texas country. Sometimes we have no rain and at other times we have a surplus. 45 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening, the exercises were tolerably good. We had several lady visitors this evening, it seemed to stimulate the students considerably. Tomorrow the Baptist Association will commence at this place. Several preachers and people came into town this evening for the meeting. If the rain continues it will be a very unpleasant time for the meeting. So ends the summer of 1860, with all its excitements and dryness. Hope we may have a pleasant fall and plenty of grass for winter, so that our stock will do well.

September 1860

Saturday, [September] 1st. There has been no rain today, and it seems that the ground is not thoroughly wet yet. Spent the forenoon computing school accts, and preparing for my annual return, which is now due. At 11 o'clock A.M. attended church which was the opening exercises of the Brazos River Association assembled at this place. The opening sermon was preached by Elder G. W. Slaughter, from Eph. on the subject of the building up of the church. He illustrated the building of the church by the building of Solomon's Temple. Solomon was the projector, or the one who gave directions as to the preparing of the material and had his men appointed in different countries to prepare the material for building the Temple, all of which was to be prepared according to a certain rule so that all would fit together, in order that the building might be reared up without the use of any tools. The workmen prepared their work according to the instructions given, and all parts harmonized in the construction, or rearing up of the Temple. Some however prepared material not according to the instructions given, which was not approved by the builders, but was rejected as rubbish. The Savior is the verification of Solomon and has given directions to the builders how to prepare the material, and what the material must be before it can enter into the building. The preachers in the various parts of the world are builders, they have the Bible for their book of instruction, and all the teaching and practice that does not conform to the teachings of the Bible will be rejected as rubbish. All should endeavor to understand these teachings in order that they may be properly applied and that none should be rejected in the final test. All should endeavor to be united, and to cowork [sic] together in the rearing of the building.

86 Sept. 1860

The meeting was then closed by N. T. Byars till 3 o'clock P.M. During the recess I spent some time on my school return. Attended the session of the Association in the evening. It was called to order by Elder N. T. Byars and several churches presented letters by their delegates to the Association. Two letters were presented by one church - the church has had a difficulty and had separated - and both parties had sent delegates to the Association. The letters however were laid on the table till the next Association. The election of officers was then went into, and resulted in electing N. T. Byars Moderator. M. Ikard Clerk, Joseph Robinson Corresponding Secretary, and R. W. Pollard Treasurer. The meeting then adjourned to candle lighting. At which time J. Robinson addressed the people from "And if the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" He said that the text naturally divided itself into two parts - and that some more engenuous [sic] workmen than he was divided it into three parts - making the ungodly and the sinner different persons. He gave an exhortation of considerable length, not doing much for the subject. He is a peculiar kind of man. Seems to be very sectional, or exclusive in his sentiments, desirous of using all arguments against other denominations he can find. Elder Hofford followed him on an appropriate exhortation of some length. Slaughter followed in an exhortation. The meeting then closed to half past 9 o'clock in the morning. All has passed off tolerably well though the amount of delegation is small. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 118 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Sept. 1860] 87

Sabbath, [September] 2nd. The morning is cloudy and pleasant. Spent the most of the morning in reading and writing. Attended prayer meeting at 10 o'clock. Preaching at 11 by Elder J. Turner from the words "Go ye unto all the world and teach all the nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and so I am with you even to the end of the world." His first object was to show that it was the Savior that commanded, and secondly that he had a right to command. He then expatiated upon the fact that the Gospel must be sent to all the world as a sign unto all people before the end come [sic]. There must also be means by which the Gospel is to be sent, that means must be furnished by the members of the church, not only unto foreign countries, but also among ourselves, and if they fail to do so they fail to discharge their duty. He wound up with an earnest appeal to all christians to discharge their duties in this particular. He was followed by Elder N. T. Byars in an earnest appeal to the people to be prompt in the discharge of this christian duty - a duty as binding as any other, and [failing this] they cannot expect the blessings of God, spiritually or temporally. A public collection was then taken up at which time twelve dollars and seventy five cts were collected by the deacons of the church. The meeting then adjourned till 3 o'clock P.M.

88 September 1860

At 3 P.M. the congregation came together and was addressed by Elder Holford in a zealous and devoted manner. The congregation was attentive and well behaved. After the sermon the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was taken by the privileged few that belonged to "our faith and order." And though there might have been other christians present, they were denied the privilege of communing with the few that enjoy peculiarities above the rejected. This may be a christian spirit and mode of action, but whenever the consistency consists, or where those liberal sentiments, that all christians should possess exists, is a mystery to me. That a simple outward rite, not in itself essential to the salvation of the soul, without which almost all denominations of christians agree that a person may enjoy religion - and even the Baptists agree that others are christians about this rite, - should abide all but our "faith and order" from the communion, I think is very unchristian, exclusive, and selfish. But if others believe this to be right, I am willing to allow them their liberty of conscience to worship under their own vine and fig tree and not allow other irregular christians and those who have not been plunged into the water to molest or trouble them. After singing a hymn they went out, not exactly into the Mount of Olives, but to as near its representative as possible. There was some feeling in the congregation when they all came to gather and gave each other a hearty shake of the hand, but it seemed to me that the flow of sympathetic feeling would have been greater[..]

[September 1860] 89 had all christians been invited to participate in all the exercises. At night Elder J. Robinson addressed the people from the words "God is love." He spoke about one hour and a half in a very vehement, boisterous, and uncouth style. Giving many awkward jesticulations [sic], and using many repetitions to the wearying of the congregation. But, of course, he saw many good things, that if acted out in the lives of the people would make them better and happier. He was followed by Elder G. W. Slaughter in an exhortation of some length in his usual boisterous and drive ahead manner after which the meeting finally wound up for the night, the people generally feeling more refreshed from relese [sic] from their hard seats than from the mental exercises of the night, so I think. The day has been pleasant. No rain of consequence.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 119 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday, [September] 3rd. Spent the most of the forenoon preparing my annual returns to the county court. Went to the Academy just before noon and heard a small part of a discussion on a litigated question before the Association, wherein one of their churches has separated into two parties and each claim to be the church and both parties have sent delegates and letters to the Association claiming their seats, and the body was discussing the matter. A motion was made to lay both letters on the table till next Association and request the two parties to carry the matter back and try to settle it. I than came home and finished my report, eat my dinner, have my reports sworn to, and went back to hear the cause decided.

90 Sept. 1860

It was brought up in regular form and the discussion was continued till about 4 P.M. when the final vote was reached and the letters were layed [sic] upon the table for twelve months by a vote of 10 Ayes to 6 Nays. There were then a series of small, or minor resolutions passed with passing remarks. These exercises became rather dull to me and I went into town and spent some fifteen or twenty minutes. But the scene was different. A crowd was loafering [sic] about the street, using profane language, throwing up "heads and tails" for a dime a throw, using such expressions as "I've got it by the jumping Jesus" &c &c. I could but observe the contrast and admire the sober action of the Association though sometimes tedious, rising up of infinitely great importance about the low, shameful and degrading practice of the street loafer. Spent the evening at home and did not attend the night meeting, but learn that they had several mourners and a fine meeting.

Tuesday, [September] 4th. The morning is pleasant. Spent the most of it arranging several kinds of papers, specially the school papers. After which attended to examining a teacher who applied for a certificate of qualification. The Association then commenced its session which I attended till noon. They had a little contention about the same old difficulty of Shilo church; but it was soon settled, and the business proceeded. A committee was appointed to district the Association and retired for consultation. During which time the Association attended to the election of delegates to the West Fork and Richland Associations,

[Sept. 1860] 91 resulting as follows. West Fork M. Ikard & J. Robinson. To Richland, J. Turner & G. W. Robertson. The committee on boundaries reported that Parker county composed the first district. Erath the second, Palo Pinto & Buchanan the third, and Jack and Young the fourth. The corresponding secraty [sic] reported that J. Turner had preached 70 sermons, and delivered 70 exhortations, assisted in organizing two churches, and traveled 1000 miles. J. Robinson had preached 41 sermons, and delivered 30 exhortations, assisted in organizing one church, and traveled 500 miles. The adoption of the reports was moved and pending the motion, J. Turner addressed the Association at some length. Recounting his labors for the last nine months, showing that there is a large portion of territory in the Association [that] was destitute of Baptist preaching. He appealed to the christian philanthropy of the brethren to send forward the christian works among them, and even to the ends of the earth. He was followed by J. Robinson, who recounted his missionary labors and deplored the destitution in our midst, surpassing anything he had imagined before he commenced his missionary operations. He thought that all should make equal sacrifices with the missionaries themselves, and not suffer them to spend their time without remuneration. G. W. Slaughter followed in a discourse of some length, speaking of the nature of the missionarie's work - the privations of home and family associations, the loss of training to his children and assistance to his wife in the ordinary business of life. That after being absent from his family and children for a considerable length of time, the mother might complain that such and one has done so & so, but the[..]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 120 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

92 Sept. 1860 natural affection of the father was more inclined to forgive than to censure and chastise. So their children often grew up without that amount of appropriate training they should have. He was very pathetic in his appeal to the brethren to be prompt in supporting their missionaries. Rev N. T. Byars then confirmed all that had been said and requested the brethren to come forward and contribute their several amounts to pay the missionaries. Whereupon a collection was taken up, but the result was not announced. The time now came for preaching and J. Robinson addressed the people from the words "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lost his own soul? or what will a man gain in exchange for his soul?" He preached a long and tedious sermon and the people were dismissed for dinner. Afternoon the Association met again and transacted considerable business and adjourned for supper. At night Elder John Turner preached from the words "For as in Adam all die so in Christ all are made alive. But every man after his order" &c. He contended that no person would ever be lost for the sin of Adam, but that each would suffer for his own sin. Christ atoned for the sin of Adam, consequently all that die in infancy are saved through the atonement of Christ. But after a person sins himself, he must repent of his sin, if he is saved. He was followed by Slaughter in a stirring appeal to sinners, and he called for mourners and a few came forward. There seemed to be considerable feeling in the congregation. But no one made a profession, I think.

[Sept. 1860] 93

Wednesday, [September] 5th. Spent part of the morning reading, after which attended the Association. There were several reports of committees, and various miscellaneous business attended to preparatory to adjournment. And adjourned to 2 o'clock P.M. for the final reading, during which there was a long contention as to some trivial altercations and change of words, which caused them to occupy the most of the evening; but finally they got through and adjourned "Sine die." A long, tedious, and contentious session. At night Elder Holford preached from the text "Now abideth Faith, Hope, Charity, but the greatest of these is Charity." His discourse was long and tedious. He took up each part of the text and handled it for a considerable time. First Faith. He endeavored to explain the nature of faith and the requisites to produce faith. Hope was examined in its turn, and explained as consisting of two parts, desire and expectation, and as being essential to the life of the Christian. But Charity was far greater than both put together. Why? Charity suffereth long and is kind, is not puffed up, wanteth not itself, &c. And again, "It suffereth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. He then went on in a long successive train of exhortations to a late hour, which was only stopped by the brethren raising a song and letting him call for mourners. Parson Slaughter then took hold of the meeting and carried it on in his lengthened and boisterous style till some time past 10 o'clock P.M. There were some few mourners, and some of the members appeared to be considerably revived. Upon the whole they consider the meeting satisfactory under the circumstances.

94 September 1860

Thursday, [September] 6th. The morning is warm and pleasant. After the family moved out of the school-house that had camped there during the meeting, I opened school. Though the school was small, only 28 students being in attendance. The day has been very warm; and I have felt rather sleepy part of the day.

Friday, [September] 7th. The day has been rather warm, too much so to be pleasant. 33 students in school today. Hear Indian news almost every day. We hear that Indian sign is seen in the county. Some men go in pursuit occasionally, yet no discoveries are made, and but little excitement is produced by the reports, they have become so common.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 121 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday, [September] 8th. Spent the forenoon doing various little things, and nothing of much importance. Spent the afternoon in town, part of the time I was assisting Esqr. Oxford in the store, by request of Mr. Layne. Hurt my back by lifting some flour sacks and I fear I shall be afflicted some days with it. The day has been quite warm.

Sabbath, [September] 9th. The morning is quite cool. My back is very much out of order this morning. The day is pleasant. Spent the forenoon in reading and writing. At 12 o'clock went to Class meeting. There seemed to be considerable feeling in the congregation, and I think the majority of the numbers present felt considerably encouraged, at least I did myself to some extent.

[September 1860] 95

Prayer meeting was appointed for half past three P.M. The attendance was better in the evening than in the morning. There seemed to be some good feeling among the people this evening. I do hope that we may have better times, and that the cause may yet prosper, that christians may rejoice and that sinners may be awakened. And especially that I may be renewed in the spirit of religion, humility, and self denial.

Monday, [September] 10th. The morning was quite cool, enough so to put on a Janes coat. But the day has been warm. 41 students in school today. Tolerably good behavior and attention. I hope all will use due dilligence [sic] from this to the examination.

Tuesday, [September] 11th. The morning was cool and the day has been warm. 39 students in school today. The citizens of our town are getting an enterprise on foot to stop forced sales for the next twelve months. I do not approve of the measure; but I believe it will carry.

Wednesday, [September] 12th. The day has been pleasant. 39 students in school today. Heard of Indians being seen near town today. Have been working on the following example for some time and have just finished it tonight. (ET Page 85, Sen 145) "A ship of war sailed with 650 men, and provisions for a cruise of 15 months. At the end of 3 months she captured an enemy's vessel, and put 75 men on board of her. Five months after, she captured and sunk another vessel and took on board the crew, consisting of 350 men. How long did the provision last[..]

96 Sept. 1860 from the commencement of the cruise? Solution First find what proportion of the provision is consumed in 3 months by the 650 men. 15 : 3 : 650 } ___3 } Amount consumed in 3 months is 130 parts 650 being 15 |1950 } the whole ___ } 130 } Next ascertain the amount consumed by the 575 for 5 months who are left after 75 were put off. 650 : 575 x 130 = 74750 [division symbol] 650 = 115 parts for 3 months, or 38 1/3 for one month. This multiplied by 5, the number of months. 38 1/3 x 5 = 191 2/3. Add this to the 130 + 191 2/3 = 321 1/3 the amount consumed in 8 months. Take this from 650, the whole amount 650 - 321 2/3 = 328 1/3 To supply the 575 + 350 = 925. Find what they will consume in one month. 575 : 925 x 38 1/3 Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 122 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

= 106375 [division symbol] 1725 = 61 2/3, the amount the 925 consumes in one month. Now they have 328 1/3 yet to. 328 1/3 [division symbol] 61 2/3 = 5 12/37 the time it will feed the 925 men. Add this to the 8 months already calculated. 5 12/37 + 8 = 13 12/37 Final result.

Thursday, [September] 13th. The day has been pleasant - rather warm. 34 students in school today. Several of the citizens seem disposed to leave our county. Some are just on the eve of starting.

Friday, [September] 14th. The day has been cloudy the most of the time. A raw wind has been blowing all day beginning to give the first sensations of the declining part of the year, and the desolation occasioned by the approach of winter, giving a gloomy appearance. My feelings have corresponded with the gloomy appearance of nature, feel dull and stupid and but little interested in any thing. 28 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening, performed very indifferently.

[Sept. 1860] 97

Saturday, [September] 15th. The rain commenced falling sometime during the night and has continued to fall, by showers, till now, 11 A.M., at times very hard. The branches are now fuller than they have been for near 12 months. The prospect is for the rain to continue. The rain stopped about 12 o'clock. The evening has been mild and pleasant. No mail the [sic] evening in consequence of high water. Parson Slaughter preached in town tonight from the words "The wages of sin is death," &c. He spoke of different kinds of death - temporal, spiritual, and eternal death. The latter of which was alluded to in the text. It is a death that is always dying, yet never seases [sic]. He was not so tedious as common.

Sabbath, [September] 16th. The morning is mild and pleasant. All nature seems to be revived after the rain. We will certainly have fine grass this fall. Spent the most of the morning reading. Went to the church at 11 o'clock and heard parson Slaughter preach from the words, God is good." He was a little tedious, but so much so as common. He had no regular plan for his sermon, but merely pointed out some instances of the Goodness of God and exhorted the people to remember and appreciate his goodness by obeying him in all his commands. He also stated that he believed the difficulties of our country at the present time are caused by the sinfulness of the people; and unless they repent and do better that worse evils will come upon us. Three persons joined the church.

98 September 1860

Spent the most of the evening in town at Col. R. W. Pollard's eating watermellons [sic] and reading the news. The first ripe melon I have eaten this season.

Monday, [September] 17th. The morning was quite cool, a very heavy dew. The day has been pleasant. 24 students in school today. The school seems to be on the decline. Several have moved off recently, and some seem to be dissatisfied with the school from some cause or other. I wish that I may get some other employment at the close of the session, so as to change my business for the winter.

Tuesday, [September] 18th. The morning is clear, calm, and cool. The day has been pleasant. 31 students in school today. Some of them did very badly. Interest seems to be waining [sic].

Wednesday, [September] 19th. There was a shower of rain just at day this morning. There are yet clouds and it is quite warm. In the early part of the day the air began to get cool, and has been getting cooler all day. And it is quite cool tonight. The wind is from the north and here have fire in the room tonight for the first time this fall. 29 students in school today. I feel very solicitous for the school to close.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 123 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday, [September] 20th. The morning was very cool, almost cold enough for frost. The sun has shone brightly all day; but the air has been very raw, enough so to be unpleasant where the wind strikes fair and out of the sunshine. 27 students in school today. I have fever this evening.

[September 1860] 99

Friday, [September] 21st. The day has been tolerably cool. 28 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening, a slim affair compared with former exercises of the same kind.

Saturday, [September] 22nd. Stayed the most of the night at E. R. Harris' setting up with his sick son. Spent the most of the morning reading miscellaneous matter. Attended the burial of Thos. Rain, a lad of some 17 years, who died this morning, it is said, of Black Scurvy. I went, with a friend, to the house where the corpse was, and found but two men there but several women. We put him in his coffin, which was made by his brother-in-law, with whom he lived, and three of us carried him to the grave, half a mile, and performed the services of burial. We three were all the men present, there was quite a number of women present. It is shameful to see so little interest manifested in the burial of the dead.

Sabbath, [September] 23rd. The morning was a little cool but the after part of the day has been quite warm. Early this morning got into a wagon and went down to the valley to M. G. Nall's, where I found quite a number of watermelons of which I ate very heartily. Stayed at Nall's till after dinner. Then walked home through the hot sun in the evening. Just as I got home I heard Dr. Taylor preaching and went and heard part of a sermon. It was of the old and stereotyped character, "Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins" &c. For without Baptism (by emersion) there is no remission of sins.

100 September 1860

Monday, [September] 24th. The day has been pleasant. Nothing of interest transpiring. 23 students in school today. Still they go. It seems as though I would be left without scholars by the close of the session. Hope it will not be quite the case.

Tuesday, [September] 25th. The day has been pleasant. 23 students again today. Have not felt well.

Wednesday, [September] 26th. The day has been quite warm. A heavy east wind blew up this evening and was quite violent for some time, but ceased without doing any damage. 22 students in school today.

Thursday, [September] 27th. The day has been warm, and clouds a portion of the day. Spent a part of the day in precursory examination, the result not very flattering. 28 students in school today. Tomorrow the school closes.

Friday, [September] 28th. There are clouds and some rain today. School closed at noon today. Quite a small number of students in attendance, and but few spectators. A very meager examination, but little interest manifested by any person. I am glad that I am done and do not expect to teach another school at this place, or any where else if I can do as well at any thing else. Spent the evening making out accts. and arranging my school papers. I find that the present accts, or the accts of the present session, amount to about $420. It has rained the most of the evening a regular and consistent rain, very uncommon in this part of Texas; but delightful anywhere.

[September 1860] 101

Saturday, [September] 29th. The day has been quite pleasant. There have been quite a number of persons in town today. Various causes have been tried before the Justice's court. Some property was Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 124 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 sold at Sheriff's sale. One horse brought only $5. One yoke of oxen sold for $10. And a plow that was said to be worth $18 at the shop sold for $6.50 cts. Spent the most of the day in town, part of the time assisting Mr. Layne in the store. I am warmly solicited to continue the school, the people not being willing for me to abandon the business here. I may consent to their solicitations under certain circumstances, but I am not much inclined that way at the present.

Sabbath, [September] 30th. Took my regular morning walk and spent a portion of the morning reading. Had a visit from squire Topps, a lawyer of our town, occupying some time. About 10 o'clock A.M. it commenced raining and rained till about 12. The rain continued so long that it prevented the meeting that was appointed at 11 A.M. After dinner took a walk into town a short time, when I returned I had company the most of the evening. About 5 P.M. a dark cloud came up from the north west and a very heavy rain followed which continued till after dark. A great quantity of rain fell, the most that has fallen for the same length of time this season. The branches were raised up very high, and they ran down their channels in torrents almost like a river. The rain poured down through the roof of my room so that I could not remain in it.

102 October 1860

Monday, [October] 1st. The day has been warm and pleasant. The vegetable kingdom seems revived and the appearance is for fine grass this fall. Spent the most of the morning reading and arranging some papers, and the remainder of the time loafering [sic] in town. After dinner cut Capt Pollard some pants and loafered [sic] the remaining part of the evening in town. I get awfully tired and wish I was in business again; but do not know when or what business I will engage in. Hear that the Indians are in the country again. They have killed considerable stock and have stolen some few horses. They are still coming in.

Tuesday, [October] 2nd. Attended to the settling of some business in town this morning. Then loafered [sic]. In the evening took passage with Mr. N. Stanley in his carriage and went to the valley and stayed all night with G. P. Barber, where I found some watermellons [sic].

Wednesday, [October] 3rd. Went from Barber's to Pruett's this morning, where I found the greatest profusion of melons I have ever seen at any place. Found Mr. Pruett to be a gentleman and very liberal. Spent a portion of the day with him and eat "lots" of melons. Went to Ballow's in the evening and stayed all night. Was led too far by a passionate temptation but did not commit any criminal act. O that I could subdue my passions!

Thursday, [October] 4th. Came from Ballow's to Cox's for breakfast. From Cox's to B. F. Baker's old place, where I assisted Cox to load his wagon with corn. Went from here to G. W. Baker's and stayed all day with him. We went to the melon patch in the evening and brought a load home with us. Stayed all night.

[October 1860] 103

Friday, [October] 5th. Came from G. W.'s to B. F. Baker's this morning, and spent the day at B. F.'s. The day has been extreamly [sic] hot for this season. Almost as warm as any part of the summer. Learned that the Rangers have returned with two Indian scalps and ten horses taken from the Indians. They also had one of their party killed by the Indians. It seems that there were about ten Indians in the company but all escaped but the two they scalped.

Saturday, [October] 6th. Came from B. F.'s to town early this morning. The morning is quite warm and my walk has tired me a little. After arranging some things about my room I went to town, saw the Indian scalps and fixtures taken in the battle, and loafered [sic] the balance of the day in town. The Temple met tonight and continued its session till about 1 o'clock.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 125 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [October] 7th. The morning is beautiful and pleasant. The day has been quite pleasant. Have not been fifty yards from the house today except my morning walk. Spent the day in close reading. No preaching in town today. Regret being so secluded. I feel that all my social faculties are almost dormant for want of some rational exercise. The intelligence and social capacities of the people are almost entirely wanting, so there is no enjoyment of society in this place atall [sic]. I am extremely anxious to get a business situation among a different class of people, where there are intelligence, sociability, and refinement.

104 October 1860

Monday, [October] 8th. Spent the day assisting Mr. J. P. Layne to box up and prepare his goods for removing from our town. We learn today that the man who was wounded by the Indians in the late fight died last Tuesday. The day has been a little cool, but quite pleasant.

Tuesday, [October] 9th. The day has been quite pleasant, a little cool. Assisted Mr. Layne to box his goods again today. Not done yet. Come very near disabling my back lifting boxes.

Wednesday, [October] 10th. The day has been quite warm. Boxed a few goods this morning. While boxing goods the town was alarmed by the cry of Murder! Murder! at the hotel. The citizens of town ran together in a great hurry expecting to find some person killed. But it turned out that Chief Justice R. W. Pollard & C. Vanney had had some altercation concerning some debts between them. Vanney used some insulting language and Pollard motioned as though he would hat [sic] him when Vanney vociferated "murder" at the top of his voice near a dozen times. The crowd finding no harm done, dispersed and Vanney & Pollard attempted to settle when their passions were aroused and Pollard ordered him out of the house, hit him with his fist, and kicked him out. Vanney quietly went off and never offered any resistance. The affair created considerable excitement in town for a few minutes; but it soon subsided and an almost universal feeling of contempt pervaded the minds of the people against Vanney for his cowardice.

October 1860 105

Thursday, [October] 11th. The morning is quite cool, the wind is blowing from the north. The wild geese and cranes have been passing south for some days. The day has been tolerably cool. Spent part of the morning writing, and assisted Layne the most of the day. Completed the boxing of his goods and started off one load. Feel very restless in consequence of having nothing to do. I must have some business very soon or I can have but little enjoyment.

Friday, [October] 12th. The day has been remarkably cold for the season of the year. A cold bleak wind has been blowing all day. Spent the most of the day assisting to prepare Barbecue grounds for a public dinner that is to be given tomorrow to the Anti Base Line Rangers who had the late fight with the Indians. Several people have come into town this evening from the country to attend the Barbecue tomorrow. It looks tonight like it might snow by morning.

Saturday, [October] 13th. The day has been clear and tolerably calm. The morning was quite cool, but the day has been pleasant. The Barbecue came off today. A considerable number of people were present - probably from 300 to 400. Had a plentiful dinner. The materials were very well prepared. The order was very good and the affair was very well managed. Dr. Valentine and Hon. H. H. McLean were the speakers of the day. Did tolerably well. Passed resolutions requesting Capt S. Ross to resign his captaincy and leave the frontier. There were about 80 assigners to the resolution.

106 October 1860

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 126 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [October] 14th. The morning was very cool, most [sic] cool enough for a frost. The day has been pleasant. Spent the most of the morning reading, going to town, and in conversation. After noon loaded some wagons for J. P. Layne and then started for Weatherford, in company with C. Vanney, in his buggy. We have come to B. F. Baker's, and are staying all night with him. Col V is a great talker and advances some droll ideas. He spoke of Andrew Jackson Davis - a very celebrated clearvoint [sic], or somnambulist. He is said to have written some works of intererst, viz: The Seer of Poukeepsie, or A Voice to Mankind. The Harmonia, &c.

Monday, [October] 15th. The morning was cool, the day has been pleasant. Started tolerably early this morning. Came on by Cox's, Pollard's, Rock Creek, to Mr. Jones's in Parker county, where we are staying for the night. We have had no dinner except for some watermelons this evening. The roads are very dry and dusty. Very little farming done on the road we have passed today. Plenty of fine grass. The country is broken timber, scrubby, and the land is generally poor. Do not fancy the country we have passed through today for anything but grazing. Feel tired this evening.

Tuesday, [October] 16th. The morning is quite cool again. Will start to town soon to attend the fair. We have been very hospitably entertained for the night by Mr. Jones. Started from Jones's about 9 A.M., and arrived at the city by 10 A.M. Find quite a number of people gathering in from all directions to attend the Fair.

[October 1860] 107

The Fair has just opened 1/4 past 11 A.M. and it is just now announced that no articles will be admitted for exhibition after 2 o'clock P.M. The Fair Grounds are quite spacious. About five acres are enclosed by a plank fence, ten feet high, made very close so as to prevent any person from seeing who is not inside. The enclosure is somewhat circular and in the center there is a circle made by setting posts into the ground and stretching ropes from one post to another quite around the circle, except a door at one side. The circle, or ring is about 100 or 150 yards in diameter. No person is admitted into the ring, but the Directory, the awarding committees, the marshals and deputies, and persons or grooms in charge of stock. On the east side of the ring is a platform for the President, vice-president, secretary, and musicians (and as many others as can get on it). On each side of the stage there are elevated seats, one above another, enough to accommodate a large audience of people. Near the gate on the inside of the enclosure Mr. Richey is established with cakes, pies, candies, bread, cheese, water, &c for the accommodation of the people (for their money). On the other side of the gate is a well of water. Admittance fee to the fair grounds for footmen 25 cts, horsemen 50 cts, buggy $1.00, Two horse wagon or carriage $2.00. A tolerably large crowd is present. Among the articles on exhibition today are cabbage, beets, sweet potatoes, melons, pumpkins (one is supposed to weigh 50 lbs), butter, janes cloth, bed-spreads, needle-work, embroidery, paintings &c &c. Bought me a dime's worth of bread and cheese on which I have just made my dinner. The fair has closed this evening. Do not know[..]

108 October 1860 who has received premiums. Some very nice articles exhibited; though the number of articles exhibited is very small indeed, very often but one article of a kind shown. Quite a number of persons; ladies and gentlemen, inside of the enclosure this evening. Visited the fine steam mill of Prince & Phelps this morning. They have a very superbe [sic] building, good work on the inside of the house, and very superior looking machinery attached to all the work. The wheat mill is not yet started and no grinding is going on today. A fine looking carding machine is in operation, attached to the same concern. The proprietors are said to be very energetic & enterprising men; and the manner and style of the whole affair will certainly sustain such a character. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 127 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

In the evening visited Carter's steam mill which have been in operation here about two years. There seems to be a large amount of grinding done at the mill. They are just constructing a carding machine to the mill. There is also a saw mill in operation here that seems to perform well. And from the number of sacks in the mill and wagons in the yard there is certainly a large amount of grain in the county. So I think that there is not much danger of people starving for bread here. I also visited the office of the White Man and found the Capt. in fine spirits, with plenty of letters to read, editorials to write, and friends to converse with. He has a spacious room fitted up that will not be easily burned down as it is built of stone. He is anxious for a Buffalo (Indian) hunt this fall. I think he intends to get up an expedition and march to the Indian reserves and attempt to exterminate the Indians under the pretence of a Buffalo hunt. Success to him!

October 1860 109

There [sic] 7 or 8 dry-goods stores in the city, and 3 or 4 more were expected here this fall - besides 2 or 3 groceries, saloons, livery-stables, 3 hotels and another going up, and other privat [sic] boarding houses. Two printing presses, silver smith, ambertypist [sic] gallery, boot & shoe shop, taylor [sic], gun shop, smith shops, &c &c too tedious to mention. There is a fine two story brick seminary almost completed, and a good school going on in the old one. There is a large amount of business done in the place by an enterprising set of citizens. It is really astonishing to see what a city can spring up in so short a time, for it has been only four years since the present site of the city was a wilderness traversed by the wild savage. Industry and enterprise can accomplish wonders. I would like very well to have a profitable business situation in the place. It would be more attractive than my present city home. Paid 25 cts entrance fee to the Fair grounds this morning, 10 cts for dinner and 15 cts for a pencil trimmer. I have put up for the night at the brick hotel kept my Mrs. Hunt. She is very attentive to the wants of her customers, keeps a very good table, and has several boarders. There are some ladies here from Ft. Worth attending the Fair and the ball. One of them, a Miss Kitty Coleman is a very affected aristocratic, proud, and hauty [sic]. She acted very much beneath the dignity of the genuine lady at supper by giving vent to, almost, peals of scornful and satirical laughter, affecting at the same time to surpress [sic] it, the cause not known. A regular ball is going on at the courthouse by the gentry tonight.

110 October 1860

Wednesday, [October] 17th. The morning is beautiful and pleasant. Had a pleasant night's sleep; but think rather long of the time that breakfast is coming this morning. It is 1/2 past 7 o'clock and the first bell not rung yet. Breakfast did come at last in tolerably good style. After which paid my bill (75 cts) and have just commenced loafering [sic]. I have loafered [sic] over to the court-house. It is a large and convenient brick building, divided into four rooms for offices in the lower story. The upper story is one room, used for the court-room; it has a fire place in each corner. Here I find Mr. Harding, the Ambertypist [sic], prepared to accommodate all who may wish their likenesses. Came to the Fair grounds after 10 A.M., paid entrance fee 25 cts. Find but few persons inside this morning and nothing on exhibition, save a few chickens, a gang plow &c &c. The President and other officers are absent, and it seems to be rather difficult to get under way. The people are coming in tolerably fast. There is tolerably fair music on hand this morning. Maby [sic] something else will come in soon. Mr. Thos Jackson has just brought in a fine wooled [sic] sheep. Davidson is just now bringing in two other sheep. From the appearance it seems that Jackson will get the premium. R. P. Baker has just brought in a fine bull calf 6 mos. old. Jackson did get the premium for the fine wooled [sic] sheep under one year old. The calf closed the property show before dinner. The people dispersed , and Wes and I took dinner at R. P. Baker's. At 1/2 past 2 P.M. Col J. Rushing was in attendance at the Fair grounds to address the people on the subject of Agriculture.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 128 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[October 1860] 111

He commenced by congratulating the people of Parker county on the commencement of an agricultural fair in so new a country. Though there is but little property on exhibition, yet the people should be prompted to emulation on the subject of Agriculture. Emulation is necessary in all departments of business. The student, the lawyer, the doctor, the statesman, and even the Agriculturist should be stimulated to activity and industry if they will accomplish anything valuable. All will be active, if not in good things they will in bad ones. And ladies I will give you a piece of advice, were I in your place and saw a young man too proud to work I would be too proud to marry him. The Farmer is the polar star, as it were, of all mankind! His position is very honorable, about the most honorable of all others, for upon him all must depend. For when his interests go down all others instantly go down with his. The position of the Agriculturalist is the most independent of all others, indeed it is the most enviable of all others. He is independent in all respects. Though there is a mutual interest between him and all other professions. He needs a physician, attorney, mechanic, merchant, preacher, teacher, &c &c. And I should have been a farmer instead of a lawyer if I had been able to buy a farm that suited me. The farmer lives more independent, free from want, happy - yes more farmers die happy and go to heaven than any other profession. The miser is an only useless character of all others. He has his little hole in a box, in it he drops[..]

112 October 1860 his money in it, and he nor any other person can get it out. If perchance he is compelled to spend a dime he pinches the eagle so hard he almost makes it squeal! He does no good to any one, only when he dies. Then his money is divided out among those who will use it, so that all the good he does is to die and get out of the way of people that will do some good. The old Fogy must keep up with the general improvement that is now sweeping over our country, or he will be trampled down and run over, and be left far behind in the pursuit of knowledge, peace, and happiness. Washington was a smart man. A man of great wisdom and good understanding, but he never saw a percusion [sic] cap, a sharp's rifle, a Colt's repeter [sic], a steam engine, or a telegraph on which news can be sent from one end of the country in an instant of time &c. We have all come here from different states, and we all have our peculiar notions about farming, each learned in the state from which he came. Our different modes of farming learned in the old states will no do in Texas. We must learn to adapt our farming to the country, regardless of our original ways in the old states. The laws of nature are unalterable. We must conform to them. This is certainly a small grain country. It is an easy country to farm in. Plow up your land deep, and at the proper time sow your wheat, rye, barley, and then go a hunting (A cow hunting I mean). And be sure not to mark any yearlings that are not your own! By so doing you will live easy. It requires no unusual industry. But it ought to require[..]

[October 1860] 113 some industry to keep us out of other mischief. Do not write to your people that this is a great and good country; but tell them the truth: that we can live easy, have plenty to eat such as it is, and be healthy. The Executive of the state vetoed the bill giving us our land, which has caused the hardness of the times. Fifty thousand dollars have been sent to the General Land Office at Austin from Parker county. Consequently I believe my old hat would hold all the money in Parker. The policy of the state is too extravagant. Instruct your representatives to the next Legislature to grant no more Rail Road Charters untill [sic] the present roads are finished. They will then furnish means of transportation out of and into our country. The resources of the country can then be developed, and we will have a great and glorious state. Then other and more remote Rail Roads may be Chartered. The vegetable kingdom is continually undergoing changes. All the beautiful flowers - the rose, the lily, the jessamine [sic], and the magnolia are only dust. They have been taken up from the dust and formed into those beautiful and fragrant flowers, and the rough hand that cultivates them probably never thought that they would return to dust and become materials for forming other bodies. All this the farmer should learn. He should also learn to adopt the growth and decay of vegetable matter to the reproduction Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 129 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 of the various grains and celerys that flourish in our country. He wound up rather abruptly; after which music was commenced again.

114 October 1860

The awarding committee then announced the premium awarded to R. P. Baker's calf. $1.00. It was then announced that Judge Evans of Marshall would address the people tomorrow at 12 o'clock M. at the Fair grounds. The people then dispersed from the Fair grounds; and many of them followed the Gang plow to R. P. Baker's field to see it operate. There are four plows attached to the same machinery a little apart and far enough behind each other for one not to be in the way of the other, but still coming in just behind so as to plow the next land left by the foremost plow. All together they cut about three feet or probably more at one time. If it is desired they also sow the seed ready to be covered up by the plow that follows. The whole affair is attached to the wheels of a wagon and drawn by from two to six or eight horses or oxen. One man sits on the wagon, drives the team, and attends to the plow, so that one man can plow from four to five acres per day. It is adopted equally well for breaking sod land or sowing and covering seed. It costs, seed sower and all, $100. It is certainly a great thing for farmers in speed and convenience. After leaving the plowing place, came to town and took supper at the Blackwell house, bill 25 cts. I was here introduced to Judge Evans of Marshall who will speak here tomorrow. Went with him to the office of the White Man and read the news in the various exchanges for a time, and have now come to the courthouse, where a crowd of the young people is gathering for amusement for the night. I continued at the court-house till about 9 P.M.

[October 1860] 115

A large crowd gathered and kept up the dance as long as I stayed. They seemed to engage with all soul, mind, and spirit in the amusement. They no doubt did not retain the Creator in all their thoughts. And if the earnestness of thought and action that was manifested here tonight had been directed to some more laudable enterprise or pursuit, [something] much more beneficial might have been attained. Went to R. P. Baker's and slept the remainder of the night in the position in which the "Redskin froze to death."

Thursday, [October] 18th. The morning is clear and quite cool, almost cool enough for a frost. Took breakfast with R. P. this morning. At 9 A.M. had the pleasure of accompanying his lady to the Fair grounds, the time appointed for opening the Fair. But few are present. At 1/4 past 10 the Fair opened. Quite a number of horses are inside of the enclosure. Jacks and Jennetts are first called for. Only one Jack and no Jennett presented. Mules were called next; and three presented, a draft mule, a saddle mule, and a sucking mule. All three took premiums. Stallions four years old and upwards are called, and two presented. Over three and under four were then called, and one presented. Over two and under three were then called, and two were presented. Over one and under two were then called, and one was brought in. Those under one year were then called and four were presented, very good colts. Mares four years old and upwards were called next, and five were presented.

116 October 1860

Over three and under four were called next, and two were presented. Over two and under three were called and one presented. None over one and under two. Colts under one year were then called, and two were shown. The showing now adjourned till after dinner. Bought another dime's worth of bread and cheese which made me a fine dinner. Then went to the court-house to hear Judge Evans hold forth. He commenced at about 1/2 past one P.M. and spoke about two and a half hours. He commenced by reading extracts from Major Breckenridge's speech delivered in Kentucky in 1859. He attempted to prove that the Breckenridge party was a cecession [sic], disunion, and dangerous party; and that it was the duty of the people to unite against it in the South and the Republican party of the north, and to prevent the consequences that will follow if either of the sectional parties succeed [sic]. He took the ground that the South could not secede from the Union, or even attempt it without committing Treason against the Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 130 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 general government. He contended that Douglass was the regular nominee of the Democratic party and that he would get three popular votes in the union to where Breckenridge will get one. He thought that all ought to unite on a Union ticket, and use all the means in their power to defeat Lincoln in the first place and Breckenridge in the second place. He kept the people there untill [sic] they became quite weary. When he concluded Col Terry of Tarrant announced that he would answer the Judge at night. He told the people that he would show where the Judge properly belonged, for we needed no[..]

[October 1860] 117 political missionaries in this country to tell us how to vote. The Judge said he never voted any but a Democratic vote in his life. The Col asked him whom he voted for in the last presidential election. He said he did not vote atall [sic]. The crowd then dispersed in great confusion, each fired for his own peculiar cause, and contending for it with great energy and earnestness. The great demonstration was for Breckenridge and Lane. The Judge is certainly a very fine speaker; but I cannot agree with him on the grounds he occupies in this canvass. I do not think he changed the opinion of any person. Attending the speaking prevented me from seeing the close of the Fair, as it broke up while the speaking was going on. I hear it said there was not much of interest shown this evening. Upon the whole I think the Fair has been a very slow and meager exhibition of the Agricultural products of our great and growing country. Hope it may be better another year, that more interest will be manifested by the citizens generally; and that stock of all kinds will be in full and complete competition another year. For it is known by all that there is a large amount of fine, or at least good stock in this country and much better than has been exhibited here this year. By which all the farmers should be much stimulated to improvement all [sic] every department of business pertaining to their profession. After speaking got my horse and started for Tarrant county [sic]. Traveled about 7 miles & put up with a Mr. Moor for the night. The day has been pleasant. The night is cold.

118 October 1860

Friday, [October] 19th. There is some frost this morning. The appearance is for a warm day. My kind and hospitable friend Moor [sic] charged me only one dollar and twenty five cents for supper, bed, and breakfast, all on rough Texas style. Took up my line of travel from Moor's at 1/2 past 7 A.M. Traveled on very slowly, walking occasionally to rest myself without stopping atall [sic] till I reached Ft. Worth about 2 P.M. The road is very dry and dusty, and the scenery I have passed today is very monotinous [sic]. After leaving Clear Fork it is a continual undulating prairie land, with scarcely a tree or shrub to vary the scenery. Almost the entire change of scenery was occasioned by considerable herds of cattle and horses feeding leisurely upon the wide spreading prairies with nothing to prevent them from becoming extremely fat without any attention. There are very few dwellings on the road till arriving within the vicinity of Ft. Worth. The lands are generally poor, adapted to little else but grazing. The grass is fine, the tallest I have seen this year. The Fort presents rather an imposing aspect. Several very superb and stately mansions and business houses have been put up since I was at the place. A very large and commodious court-house has also been put up lately. The city has the appearance of extensive business and energy and enterprise. There are two academies, one male, and the other female, in operation in this place, and both seem to be well attended.

[October 1860] 119 Came from the Ft. to my old school-house and found it occupied by Mr. A. Y. Young, who was laboring with might and mane to learn mine young "ideas how to shoot" [all sic]. He exercises his usual slow and drawling mood which detracts very greatly from the influence he might otherwise exert over his students for good. He seems to lack many essential qualifications to make him the persevering and successful instructor of the young. Came with him to his boarding place, Mr. Wm. B. Greer's, and am staying all night with him. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 131 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

I find the neighbor-hood pretty much the same as it was when I was here two years ago. There are, however, some changes, as several of my old acquaintances from Va. have come and settled in this vicinity. The face of the country is more even and not as mountainous and rocky as it is in Palo Pinto county [sic]. There is no timber here except along the water courses, and the water is not as good as it is in Palo Pinto. This is not altogether so healthy a country as ours.

Saturday, [October] 20th. The morning is quite cool; there is considerable frost. After breakfast A. Y. and I concluded to go on the prairie where the neighbors are cutting grass and making hay. After a ride of about six miles we came to the place.

They were just loading their wagons for Ft. Worth as they make it a regular business to furnish two loads per day to the city for $8.00 per load, or $16.00 for the two loads. Their machine for mowing is drawn by one yoke of oxen.

120 October 1860

They say they can cut about four acres per day with it. After the hay dries a short time a boy with a one horse rake follows and rakes the hay up into windrows, from which it is loaded on the wagons. It is a very pleasant and profitable business. It reminds a person of the days spent in the meadows of old Virginia. While in the early gambols of youthful enjoyment I have joined in the evening revery [sic] in the gay meadows amid the newly made hay, and regailed [sic] myself upon the delicious sweet apples. If I only had the apples here I would enjoy them very much indeed. Butwith the many advantages that this country affords, the pleasant seasons we enjoy here, there are some luxuries we are denied, yet upon the whole I suppose that this and that country are nearly upon an equality. After satisfying our curiosity at the meadow grounds, we returned to the neighborhood. We passed the house of Mr. Thomas, an old Virginian, and an old acquaintance, expecting to get our dinner with him. But alas! for us he did not think of proffering the tempting morsel, as he was so much overjoyed at our presence! So after conversing with him for some time upon the various hearsays of Texas and Virginia, and seeing that we would get no dinner, we went to Greer's and got our dinner about 3 P.M. We then came to Mr. S. Calaway's, from North Carolina, and are staying all night with him. It seems very much like old times to meet up with so many old acquaintances, converse on old topics, and reiterate old sentiments.

[October 1860] 121

Sabbath, [October] 21st. There is the largest frost this morning that has come this fall. The grass upon the prairies is white with frosts, and the air is very cold. After breakfast we went to Mr. Hiram Calaway's and stayed till about 10 o'clock A.M. He was not at home, but his lady received us kindly and expressed herself glad to see old country people. She is not very well pleased with Texas and says she is going back to N.C. next fall, and she is going to stay when she gets there. She would be well enough pleased with Texas if she could raise plenty of vegetables, get plenty of fruit, and be with her friends. Mrs. Shad Calaway seems very well satisfied, and says she is willing to stay in Texas. She treated us very kindly and insisted on our visiting her often. Came from here to Isaac Greer's, got our dinner and stayed till late in the evening. Here we met with some young ladies of our former acquaintance, and spent a social evening very agreeable with them on the old Grayson plan of amusement. Some of our friends appear to be well satisfied with Texas and others do not appear to be well satisfied by any means. The day has been very pleasant. I left Greer's late in the evening and have come to H. Roberts's and am staying all night with him, or at his house, he is not at home. Feel almost as though I was at home here, where I recollect the kindness and hospitality shown to me at this place two years ago when I was chilling so severely. The same charitable spirit possesses his excellent lady.

122 October 1860

Monday, [October] 22nd. The morning is tolerably cool, no frost of consequence. The appearance is for a fine day. Started from Roberts's about 9 o'clock A.M. Came to Ft. Worth and am Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 132 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 loafering [sic] about town this morning. Find a few of my old acquaintances about the city. But somehow or other I have not a turn to be very interesting to them. Consequently they are not very interesting to me. I have just made the acquaintance of Dr. Needlet, Surgeon of Capt S[ul] Ross's Mounted Rangers on the Frontier. He says he, or the company, intend to have Indians before they leave the Frontier, notwithstanding the citizens of Palo Pinto and other counties [that] have requested Ross to resign his commission and leave our Frontier. The people have no confidence in his accomplishing any good for the Frontier people, as he is known to be an avowed friend to the Reserve Indians who we are satisfied are stealing our property and killing our citizens. Wish the Captain may accomplish some good. If he does he will much, and very agreeably, surprise the frontier people. Eat dinner at Mr. Andrews' of the Ft. Worth hotel, bill 50 cts. After dinner, started for home and traveled about twenty to miles. I am now at Cotton Wood grove and am staying for the night with a Mr. Christian. The evening has been very warm; but the air is tolerably cool now. The ride this evening has been tedious, tiresome, and lonesome. There [sic] a few very fine farms on the road I have passed this evening.

[October 1860] 123

Tuesday, [October] 23rd. The morning is pleasant. A brisk south wind is blowing. Left Mr. Christian's about 8 A.M. bill 50 cts. Came to Weatherford at 1/2 past 11A.M. The morning has been very warm. Visited the office of the White Man and handed over the names of some subscribers I had obtained for it. Took dinner at the Blackwell house. Fair good. Bill 25 cts. Visited Mr. J. P. Layne at the Red store and purchased some articles of goods from him. After dinner went to the school of Prof. Keeler, and stayed during the morning. Find him quite an agreeable and pleasant gentleman; very well qualified for the position he occupies. His students appear to be very attentive, not disposed to be noisy, respectful to their teacher, and cheerful and quiet in the school room. His tact at securing distinct articulation in the recitations of his pupils is very good. According to Dr. Page he is a little inclined to use the Drawing out process with some of his students; and not to make them depend enough upon their own judgments. Stayed at the school-room till the colse [sic] of school in the evening. At the dismissal all got their affairs quietly and left the house without any useless noise or confused bustle. Quiet and good order are very desirable. School closed about 5 P.M. After school came out about four miles from town to Col S. R. Barber's and am staying at his house for the night. The day has been quite warm, more so than usual.

124 October 1860

Wednesday, [October] 24th. The morning is warm, and the appearance is for a warm day. About 8 A.M. started for Palo Pinto from Barber's. On starting his generous lady wrapped a lunch of steak and biscuit of [sic] my dinner. Will not soon forget such manifestations of hospitality and kindness. She is truly an amiable lady, and her daughter Mrs. Jones is of the same stamp. Traveled on slowly, reading the White Man, till I met a Mr. Blevins. He asked me if he was not published in the paper as a thief. I read to him the resolutions passed at the Indignation meeting in Buchanan county [sic] in which the citizens resolve to expell [sic] the Meekses and Blevinses from their county, if they will not go peacefully they say they will use compulsory measures to make them go. He raved and charged like a mad man, swore he would have his name set right or he would spend $3000 dollars in law with the persons who published him. About 12 M. I met Rev G. W. Slaughter of Palo Pinto. We stopped and divided my lunch with him which we soon devoured with some apples I bought at Ft. Worth. We sat on the grass and conversed for some time letting our ponies graze. While we were here Col Barker came up and joined our party. I told him of Blevins's tirade, and he expressed himself ready to assist the citizens in expelling those characters from the country if it was necessary, or if it was the wish of the people. Traveled on slowly this evening and passed I. W. Cox's about 5 o'clock. Left my horse here[..] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 133 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[October 1860] 125 or rather his horse that I borrowed. Came on on foot to Bachelor's Hall, found no one at home. So I set about getting supper. In looking for something to cook I could find nothing but a little corn meal, coffee, a little butter, and some water. And as I do not drink coffee myself, I only had to bake some bread, and upon it, butter and water make my supper. Before I got my supper ready Wes and a hired hand came home from a melon patch loaded with fine melons. We had to increase the amount of bread, and all took our supper on bread and butter and water, the hired hand using coffee. We all retired to quiet repose for the night in the same bed.

Thursday, [October] 25th. We arose from our bed of straw this morning considerably refreshed. The morning is calm and pleasant. Wes and the hired hand have gone a hunting to see if they can get some meat, as they are tired of living on bread and coffee. I am here getting breakfast. I have bread baked and coffee made, and here comes the hired hand ready for his breakfast without killing any game 1/2 past 7 A.M. While we were eating we heard both barrels of Wes's gun go off with a clear report in quick succession. We fondly anticipated some venison for dinner. We finished our breakfast and are working in the well. Wes has just come home chafing and mad as a wild boar. He got a fair shoot [sic] at a fine buck about 75 yds. The deer did not see him and ran up to within[..]

126 October 1860

40 yds of him. He fired the second barrel at him standing "broad side," and the deer walked off perfectly unconcerned. He followed along 100 or 200 yds expecting the deer to fall dead. He had neglected to take caps from home, consequently he could not load and shoot again. As soon as the deer saw him it bounded off with all the nimbleness and agility that are common to such animals at the approach of an enemy. So he has returned home and is eating his breakfast in great rage. Eubanks is still working in the well and we are all here. Wes and I have nothing to do but to windless out what he digs up in the well. This is a very easy task as he is picking in rock and it takes some time to get a basket full. Wes has concluded to go after his deer again and let me attend to the well. I find it is not quite so easy as I thought it would be, for he is filling the bucket much oftener than I had expected. Wes returned after 10 o'clock finding nothing more of his deer. About 11 I started for town and arrived at B. F. Baker's 20 minutes after 12 M. Very hot. Got dinner at uncles intending to go on to town this evening. But we became engaged in conversation with each other, and in reading the news till it is too late to go to town. The day has been very hot. A pleasant breeze is blowing this evening. There are some clouds and the appearance is for rain. I hear that the Indians are again in the country stealing horses. I saw horses leaving for a more secure retreat from the Indians.

[October 1860] 127

Friday, [October] 26th. The morning is pleasant. Started for town as soon as I got up this morning and arrived at town before breakfast. Find the people in a state of excitement about the Indians. It seem that acursed [sic] creatures, about twenty in number, have come boldly in daytime down into the settlements farther than they have been known to have come before. In the north part of the county they have met with several cow hunters and have given them some very warm chases for their lives. They strolled though the neighbor-hood till they gathered up over 200 head of horses and then started for the Reserve with the horses. In crossing the Belknap road in the north side of this county they find a lone wagoner [sic], kill him, take his clothes and provisions and drive their her on leisurely. While they were doeing [sic] all this the citizens were gathering and preparing to give them a battle. It is said that about 40 citizens passed on after them about two hours after they killed the wagoner [sic]. They are mounted on good horses and are determined to overtake and punish the infernal devils. Hope they will find them and kill the last one and bring back their scalps and their horses. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 134 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Spent the fore part of the day and part of the evening writing in my journal. Visited town a short time in the evening, and find but few people in it. The day has been pleasant.

128 October 1860

Saturday, [October] 27th. The morning is quite cool. The appearance is for a pleasant day. After taking my morning walk and reading my morning lesson I have been closely confined writing till 1/2 past 12 o'clock M. And have just now caught up my journal. I have been absent from town about 13 days and have only kept note of my travels which are now recorded. My hand is tired and I am listening for the dinner bell. On returning home I find my school-house occupied by a Mrs. Burkley with from 10 to 15 students. The majority of the patrons appear to be much dissatisfied and seem very anxious for me to demand my house and go to teaching again. It is said that a Mr. Keith will soon come to town for the purpose of teaching. If he does I will not teach this winter; if he does not and the citizens continue to press me it is probable that I may teach for them. Spent the evening in town. Part of the time listening to a trial before justice Court. When the mail come [sic] assisted in opening it and distributing the mail matter. There was a general rush and call for the White Man, the most desirable paper taken at the office. The Day Book next. Learn that the Indians are getting away with the stolen horses. Ross's Rangers are after them and a large number of citizens, in all about 100 men. Hope they will get them. The day has been pleasant.

October 1860 129

Sabbath, [October] 28th. The morning was quite cool; but not cool enough for frost. Feeling somewhat indolent. I did not get up very early this morning, but happened to be up and washed in time for breakfast. Read my regular morning lesson in the Bible. Then took my morning walk, as well as an old fashioned bathe in a pool of water. The water was almost chilling; but after coming out, rubbing well, and getting on my clothing again I felt remarkably well. But the water was most too cold after reaction taking place I find the shock was most too severe; consequently have not felt very lively during the day. After my bathe I came home shaved and blacked my boots, a very unusual thing for me on the Sabbath. Since then I have spent the larger portion of the day reading the news, of which I received a good supply last evening. About noon went to the school-house to hear Dr. Taylor preach, but did not find the venerable parson in attendance. The boys about town are gathered in groups engaged in various kinds of amusement to suit their tastes. It seems that they are almost entirely left to themselves to grow up as abandoned as they may wish to become. Even those who profess to be christians - heads of families and leaders in the community - almost entirely disregard the Sabbath and pass it by as any other day. And the Merchant - the business men - often do as much and sometimes more business on the Sabbath than on a week day. It seems that religion is almost forgotten, and each one abandoned to his own evil pursuits. What a need of renovation!

130 October 1860

Monday, [October] 29th. The day has been tolerably pleasant with the exception of a considerable south wind that kept a continual cloud of dust circulating. Spent the most of the fore-noon doing sundry little "jobs" about my room. Had the pleasure of a visit from my old friend, Mr. Arnett, just returned from a business tour from the state of Missouri. He says that times are very hard in that state. Provisions and money very scarce. After seeing his old state he is better pleased with Texas than ever. Went to town after dinner and found that a large number of people were collected there to attend District Court. Court opened about 1 o'clock P.M. Judge Battle in the chair. The Grand Jury was impanneled [sic], charged by the judge, and sent out. The Petit Jurys were then impanneled [sic]. The Docket was then sounded through and the court adjourned till half past 3 o'clock A.M. tomorrow morning. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 135 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Spent part of the evening collecting money for our preacher W. L. Kidd. Finished his allowance for our class $40. At night people came together to hear Mr. Gordon, of Meridian, speak in behalf of our District Elector, Mr. Nowlin for Breckenridge and Lane. He is quite a young man and he said it was the first political speech he had tried to make. He commenced by reviewing the two original political parties our country. The old Federal party, whose founder and first leader was Alexander Hamilton,

[October 1860] 131 and the Democratic party whose founder and first leader was the immortal Jefferson. The thirteen original colonies formed themselves into independent states and united themselves together into a general government and delegated certain rights to that general power for the benefit of the whole. Each state still remaining an independent sovereign in all things not expressly delegated to the general government. The first enfringement [sic] of the Constitutional rights of other section of the confederacy was made by the North in the passage of the Missouri Compromise. In this compromise Slavery was excluded in all the territories south of the same line. This was the Pandora's Box out of which had grown all the evils of Slavery agitation. That law was repealed. A proviso was offered by a Mr. Wilmot, of the North, that was very aggressive to the South and was rejected by Congress. The Celebrated Kansas Nebraska Bill was passed by Congress allowing persons from all parts of the union to settle them in which it was provided that the people might form their own laws in their own way, Subject to the Constitution. Here the members of Congress differed upon a Constitutional point. The North contending that the people could exclude Slavery from the territories prior to the formulation of a state Constitution, and the South contending that they could not do any such thing under the Constitution.

132 October 1860

As this was a Constitutional question both sections agreed to abide the decision of the Supreme Court on that point. That Court decided in favor of the South in the Dread [sic] Scott case. S. A. Douglass the Founder of the Kansas Nebraska bill refused to abide the decision of the court. And at the Charleston and Baltimore Conventions forced his nomination upon those conventions in opposition to the determined wishes of the Southern people and contrary to the Constitution expounded by the Supreme Court in the Dread Scott decision. This being the case the Southern members withdrew from the Convention and nominated their own Candidates, representing their own principles which are the principles of the Constitution. On this ground all Southern men should sustain Breckenridge and Lane. This effort was tolerably good for the first. After he closed McCall of Waco was called. He came forward and said he did not expect to make a political speech tonight from the fact that he was an old line Whig, but he was going to vote for Breckenridge and Lane. For he thought the contest now lies between the North and the South, and he thought that all political preferences should be laid aside and the South supported. He indorsed [sic] Mr. Gordon's sentiments chiefly. He then directed his speech to Frontier protection and requested that a meeting be called tomorrow night to consider the matter. Agreed to and a committee was appointed to report then.

[October 1860] 133

Tuesday, [October] 30th. The morning is warm and pleasant. Have spent the time till 1/4 past 10 A.M. in my room writing the most of the time. The most of the day has been pleasant, a little Norther [sic] is blowing this evening. Went to the court-house this morning about half past 10 o'clock. Found that the court was in session investigating the case of "The State of Texas Versus W. C. Baker.["] On an indictment for unlawfully branding a calf. The evidence was soon concluded and the case submitted to the jury. Col. Rushing addressed the jury in behalf of the defense in an able and conclusive manner in which he plainly set forth the innocence of the defendant. He was followed by the District atty. Mr. Dennison, who Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 136 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 contended that the defendant was guilty. The court then gave the jury special charge and it retired. When it came in it reported a verdict of "Not Guilty!["] The case of the State of Texas Versus N. P. Dodson was taken up and investigated. Dodson was indicted on five different cases for unlawfully marking and branding cattle.

A "Nol Pros" was entered on the three first indictments. The fourth one was taken up and investigated. The witnesses being examined testified that a two year old red bull belonging to R. Slone had been marked and branded in Dodson's mark and brand. Judge D. O. Norton then addressed the jury in behalf of the defense. He made a kind of blustering defense - conglomerating & confusing terms - and leaving Dodson in a worse condition before the jury than he was at the start. He was[..]

134 October 1860 followed by the District Atty. who having the start that Norton gave him seemed to confirm the guilt of the defendant. The jury retired and soon returned with verdict of "Guilty," and of fine of $20 against the defendant. I do not think that Dodson intended any fraud, as the bull was branded by his herders and he was willing to repay the animal when the mistake was known. The crowd now dispersed, went to supper, and returned to the courthouse at candle lighting to hear the report of the committee appointed last night on Indian affairs. The meeting was called to order by appointing Jno. F. Prince of Weatherford chairman and L. P. Strong Secretary. J. L. L. McCall then addressed the audience on Indian affairs and presented a series of resolutions in behalf of the committee. The purport of the resolutions was that we correspond with General Houston requesting him to appoint a commission to hold courts in the different frontier counties and take evidence from the people that have lost property and have had friends killed, in order that it may be furnished to our representatives in Congress, that they may have the "Documents" to vindicate the citizens of the frontier of Texas against the charges of the Abolitionists who say that our citizens are nothing but "Thieves, Cut-throats, Robbers, and Murderers." And in order that they may more effectually present their claims when they ask again for protection from the General governments. The resolutions were passed, and the crowd was addressed by Norris Gatesville, and Prince of Weatherford. After which the adjourned.

[October 1860] 135

Wednesday, [October] 31st. The Norther [sic] continued to blow during the night. Sometime before day it blew up a cold rain from the north, which came down through the roof of my room, and on my bed. But my bed happens to have substantial covering, so I wrapped up as cautiously as I could and endured the rain till day, not getting very wet. Now at 10 A.M. the rain still continues to fall and the wind to blow from the north. It is cold and unpleasant. Went to the court-house, found the court investigating the case of the State of Texas Versus Thomas Humphries. Indicted for unlawfully stabing [sic] Robert C. Nall with malice aforethought with intent to kill. The examination of witnesses was long and tedious, which closed in the evening and the case went before the jury. The pleading commenced by John Topp opening on behalf of the state. He was followed by Mr. Ball for Mr. McLean and Mr. Poage for the defense. Night now coming on, court adjourned till 1/2 past 8 o'clock tomorrow morning. The case was not concluded, and the law requires the jury to be kept together and not to communicate with any outsider upon any subject except it be concerning the care of their horses; and then it must be in the presence of a baliff [sic] appointed by the judge to attend the jury and see that they do not converse with any person. I was appointed by the judge to attend to this. So I had to provide for their suppers, a room for them during the night, and to stay with them, and see that they complied with the law. The day has been very cold.

136 November 1860

Thursday, [November] 1st. The morning was clear and cold. We got our suppers and breakfast at the Pollard house. When court was called Pollard would not let the jury go untill [sic] their bills were Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 137 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 paid. The judge was informed of it and sent for them immediately, informing Mr. Pollard that the county provided for their expenses. As soon as court was called to order the pleading went on. Mr. Gordon in behalf of the state. Col. Rushing colored the pleading for the defense. He made an excellent and pointed effort impressing the minds of the jury of the innocence of the defendant. The pleading in behalf of the state was closed by Norris Esqr. This was an able effort in which he used logic and eloquence to convince the jury that the defendant was guilty. It is astonishing to see the turns that can be taken by practiced speakers. Each making his side look very plausible and the other rediculous [sic] in the extream [sic]. The pleading closed, the jury retired, and court adjourned till after dinner. When court was called, the jury came in and reported a verdict of "not guilty," to the extreme gratification of the Defendant. The court was then occupied with minor Civil cases the remainder of the day. The day has been remarkably cool - almost very cold. It is still cold tonight. So much so that I cannot write in my room without fire. And as I have none and no wood to make any, I go to bed early.

[November 1860] 137

Friday, [November] 2nd. The morning is clear and cold; the wind is blowing from the south. The case of Click Versus Lavender came up this morning and is now being investigated. The court stands adjourned for dinner. The investigation of the case continued this evening for some time. The testimony closed and the cause was debated by Messrs McKenzy and Norris for the prosecution. And Messrs. Gordon and Rushing for the defense. The jury then retired and remained out for sometime [sic] and returned with a verdict or rather no verdict, for they did not agree. The clerk was sometime [sic] in making out the minutes of the court for today. After it was done the court then adjourned till the next regular term. There has been considerable business done at this court of different kinds. The judge says that if our county is not broken up by Indian depredations nor Abolition Raids, we will soon have a full dock that will afford a week's business. The judge is a very mild, pleasant, agreeable man. The crowd seemed tolerably lively this evening and the celebrated, and hitherto respected, Dr. Valentine was quite drunk, and acted more like a mad man than a dignified member of the "Faculty." Shame! Shame! rest upon the M.D. The day has been tolerably pleasant, and the evening is calm but cool.

138 November 1860

Saturday, [November] 3rd. The morning is tolerably cool. Have spent the greater part of the morning arranging Templar's papers, as the Regular Semi-Annual Returns must be prepared by the meeting of the Temple tonight. Went to town in the evening and found that Justice's court was in session. The case of Bragg and Burras Versus S. S. Taylor was being investigated. H. H. McLean was Atty. for the plaintiff. From what I could learn of the merits of the case, McLean accused Taylor of fraud and was attempting to draw it out of Taylor by cross questioning. The Rt. Rev Dr. became very much exasperated and the result came very near being a collision between the L. L. D. and the M. D. in open court. They were finally quieted, the case was investigated and finally decided in favor of the defendant. I assisted in opening the mail and spent the most of the evening in reading the news. We learn this evening that those who pursued the Indians from our county about a week ago have returned without affecting anything. They report that they found so much "Buffalo Sign" that it was impossible to follow the trail; and so they returned. It is also reported that the trail of about 40 Indians has been seen lately coming into the settlements. And why should they not, when they can come in, take in broad day light from 200 to 300 horses and escape with them without injury. The Temple met tonight and elected officers for the next term.

[November 1860] 139

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 138 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath, [November] 4th. The morning was tolerably cool. The day has been tolerably pleasant so far. 1 o'clock P.M. Spent the morning reading very closely except when I took my morning walk. No preaching in town today. The day has passed off very heavily indeed. Went to the old man Arnett's this evening, and stayed all night. He is a cleaver man at home. He has a daughter just arrived from Missouri, about 20 years of age. She is good looking, tolerably intelligent, and quite social. Like Miss Nannie very well. The evening has been very warm for walking.

Monday, [November] 5th. The day has been beautiful and pleasant Spent the morning and till after dinner at the old man's in conversation with Miss Nannie very pleasantly. The old man paid me 12 gold dollars this morning. After dinner came to town and found all quiet and lazy. Doing nothing and wishing for beef! It is quite warm tonight.

Tuesday, [November] 6th. A Norther [sic] blew up during the night, and it is cold this morning. Today the great presidential contest is to be decided by the people at the ballot box, upon which the fate of the Union depends, at least for the next four years. The day has been cool. It is a little warmer tonight and is raining a little. Breckenridge and Lane recd 100 votes at our precinct today and Bell and Everett recd four. Total 104 at precinct no. 6.

140 November 1860

Wednesday, [November] 7th. A considerable rain fell during the night. I changed rooms in order to evade the rain; but it was as bad where went [sic] as my old room. For it came through the roof on to my bed and wet the most of it thoroughly. But I managed to keep from getting very wet. The morning is cool, raw, and cloudy. Cannot remain long in so uncomfortable quarters. Got E. R. Harris to make a well bucket out of a powder keg, for which I paid him one dollar and fifty cts. In the evening took the bucket on my back and carried it to G. W. Baker's a distance of seven miles. The walk in addition to the load I carried fatigued me considerably. I found Wes at home with Eubanks putting up the walls of his well. They were pretty near done. Backing in the usual style.

Thursday, [November] 8th. It is cloudy this morning and a cold North-Easter is blowing. After breakfast Wes went to G. P. Barber's to assist him the remainder of the week. I went with him and conversed with the Dr. for some time; and came on to Mr. Nall's for dinner. As the evening was rather pleasant and the people seemed very social and friendly, I concluded to stay for the night.

Friday, [November] 9th. It is clear this morning and there is a very large frost, the largest we have had this fall. After conversing with the family for some time and contending with the old man that the battle of Lundy's Lane was fought in the[..]

[November 1860] 141

United States, and he contending that it was fought in Europe, I came on to town about 12 o'clock M. Tolerably warm walking. Got dinner and loafered [sic] about town an hour or two; and then went to Levi Ford's in the evening. Assisted him to kill and dress a shoat. Stayed all night with him.

Saturday, [November] 10th. Another considerable frost this morning. The appearance is for a beautiful day. Ford wished me to go with him into his horse range and assist him to drive his horses home. I concented [sic] to do it provided he would procure a horse for me to ride. We went to Nall's expecting to get a horse; but failing to do so, I returned to town and found the gentry - Capt Cureton, Assessor & Collector, Keith (present aspirant for school Teacher of our town), Sheriff Medders, and son of the District Clerk engaged in the favorite game of the place - "Marbles." The high toned, dignified, amiable, and intelligent citizens of our city and vicinity are scarce and hard to find. Would that I were in business in a more congenial region. But alas! I can do nothing nor get Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 139 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 situated for leaving. Spent the evening loafering [sic] in town till the mail came in. I assisted to open it and distribute a considerable amount of mail matter. Recd some letters from home this evening. Spent the latter part of the evening reading the news. The day has been tolerably pleasant.

142 November 1860

Sabbath, [November] 11th. The morning is quite pleasant. No frost of consequence. The appearance is for a fine day. Spent the fore-noon reading first my morning lesson in the Bible; and then the news paper. No meeting of any kind in town today. Cannot feel contented in any situation long at a time. Spent the most of the evening scanning the news. Became weary late this evening and concluded to go to C. H. Johnston's and stay all night. I went, did not find him at home, and returned home. The day has been remarkably calm and pleasant. It is a shame to the people of the village to let as beautiful a Sabbath as today has been pass without any religious meeting.

Monday, [November] 12th. There is a little frost this morning. It is perfectly calm and clear. Spent the forenoon reading, arranging accts, cutting garments, &c. Spent part of the afternoon in town; and in the evening went to B. F. Baker's and stayed all night.

Tuesday, [November] 13th. The day has been quite warm. Went with uncle to where G. P. Barber was making a lime kiln. "Pulled off my coat and rolled up my sleeves," and have done a hard day's work, beating up lime rock and assisting to make the pile of wood for burning the lime. Feel considerably fatigued tonight. My hands are blistered and sore. The day has been warm. Stayed at B F's again tonight.

[November 1860] 143

Wednesday, [November] 14th. Assisted at the lime-kiln again today. We finished the job. A kind of norther [sic] blew up last night and it has been tolerably cool today. Went to Barber's and stayed all night.

Thursday, [November] 15th. Went with G. W. Baker this morning to his domicil [sic] and assisted him in hauling rock and wauling [sic] his well. The day has been pleasant. Tired tonight.

Friday, [November] 16th. It is tolerably cold this morning. Hauled one load of rock this morning and finished the waul of the well. We also hauled the timbers to make the frame and pulley for the top of the well. Afternoon I came by Barber's and Blair's and brought their tools home that G. W. had been using on his well, and came on to town to meet with the Temple. Find Mr. Reid from Hopkins has moved into our town this evening. The day has been tolerably cool. Very tired tonight.

Saturday, [November] 17th. The morning is cloudy and tolerably cool. Spent the forenoon reading and writing, and arranging accounts. Went to church at 12 M. There was no preaching; but the brethren held a kind of Conference meeting. The mails this evening bring us the sad intelligence of Lincoln's election, or so near it that we are sure of his election. The announcement has caused a great sensation among the people, and they are in for disunion! Still cool.

144 November 1860

Sabbath, [November] 18th. The morning was a little cool; but the day has been calm, mild, and pleasant. Spent the morning reading. At 11 A.M. went to church, the regular day of the Baptist. The Pastor was not there; and to my great surprise, Dr. S. S. Taylor was invited to fill his place. He accepted the invitation and preached one of his old fashioned "Campbellite" sermons. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 140 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

He took no regular text, but commented on the 10th chapter of Luke. Seventy were sent out at one time by the Savior. They were told where to go, what to say, and how to act. Their field of labor was confined to certain bounds. Not so with preachers of the gospel of the present day. They are called and sent forth to preach. The world is their field of labor. It is the duty of the laborer "to study to show himself approved, a workman that need not be ashamed" &c. It is also the duty of the hearer to be attentive to what is said by the preacher; to read the Bible and see whether he preaches the truth or not. When the truth is properly expounded, it attracts the attention of the hearer. He sees that he is a sinner by nature, that there is a provision in the gospel for his redemption from sin. The Spirit takes hold of the mind, and the man becomes a new creature. His affections, his desires, his whole nature is changed. And now his state must be changed in order that the great pardoning act may take place and that the person may be a christian. There must be an overt act of submission on the part of the creature. That overt act is[..]

[November 1860] 145 performed by "going down into the water, being baptised, and coming up straight-way out of the water." The person then puts on Christ by his burial into his death, and is then a christian when he comes up out of the water. The Dr. concluded his remarks by exhorting all christians to come up to the house of worship when ever there was an appointment for preaching, and for all Denominations to unite so far as it was possible for them to do; and when they differed let them agree to differ friendly. He was followed by Rev Harris in a short exhortation. He did not agree with the Dr. as to the application of baptism. But it in the main, he endorsed the sermon. I cannot agree with the Dr. with regard to the use of Baptism. "It is not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience." Spent the evening at home talking, singing, and reading.

Monday, [November] 19th. The morning is a little cool. There are some clouds and the wind is blowing from the west. The day has been a little cool. County court has been in session today and commenced the distribution of the school fund.

Tuesday, [November] 20th. The day has been unpleasantly cold. The distribution of the school money was completed and I recd to my part $200 in gold.

146 November

Wednesday, [November] 21st. The morning was quite cold and unpleasant. The day has been more pleasant, but cloudy. Spent the most of the day in town attending to the settling of my business. Am staying for the night at parson Byars'.

Thursday, [November] 22nd. It has been raining some during the night, and is still raining this morning, and is tolerably cool. About 10 AM the clouds blew away and the day has been warm the most of the time. Late this evening a blue norther [sic] blew up and is still blowing tolerably cold. Spent the most of the day about town leisurely - taking a few notes occasionally and making settlements otherwise with some of my customers. Make poor speed getting money. Have put out an article for a school and have 11 scholars subscribed at once. Will commence teaching soon.

Friday, [November] 23rd. It is very cold this morning. The wind snow has been blowing the most of the night, and there is a considerable ice this morning. After breakfast went to B. F. Baker's, got his horse and went to M. B. Lock's for dinner. I then accompanied a man by the name of Moor to my farm on the river for him to examine it for the purpose of renting. Come back to B F's and stayed all night. The day has been very cold. Another man killed by the Indians.

[November 1860] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 141 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday, [November] 24th. There was a real old fashioned "swinging" frost this morning and ice 2 inches thick. Have just walked from B F's to town. Spent the most of the day in town settling accts. and hearing the parties cavaling [sic] before Justice's court. It is still cold tonight. The mail brings us certain accounts of Lincoln's election, which causes considerable sensation among the people.

Sabbath, [November] 25th. The morning is tolerably cool. It is cloudy and a cold north-wester blowing. Have spent the most of the morning in my room reading. The day has been drizzly, cold, and unpleasant. Have spent the entire day in my room talking and reading.

Monday, [November] 26th. The morning is cloudy and a little cool. Have spent the morning in town settling accts. Spent the evening in the same way. It is more pleasant this evening.

Tuesday, [November] 27th. The day has been cloudy and raining part of the time. The wind has been from the north and it has been unpleasantly cold. Have spent the day in my room reading and preparing blanks for the school record.

Wednesday, [November] 28th. The morning is quite pleasant. About noon word came to town that the Indians[..]

148 November [1860] had stolen all the horses in the valley east of town and had camped there during the night. We got up a small company as soon as possible and went across on Keechi to intercept them; but when we got there we found that they had passed on in the morning and that other companies were ahead of us in pursuit. We also learned that they had stolen a large amount of horses killed 21 persons in Jack county one man in Parker county, and scalped one woman alive in Parker (Mrs. Sherman) then shot an arrow into her and left her lying on the prairie naked. They told her husband to leave and never molested him. We came to the conclusion that it was useless for us to follow them with the expectation of overtaking them. So we got supper at Whatley's and capt. Cureton concluded to prepare to follow them to their stopping place. But in order to do that preparations were necessary. He left some men at Whatley's to dry beef and sent the balance out to raise men and prepare for a regular campaign. I, with E. G. Hale, went to carry our express to Weatherford for men, provisions, and ammunitions. We started from Whatley's about 8 P.M. and rode till 12 in the night in Pleasant valley to Dick Miller's and put up for the balance of the night.

[November 1860] 149

Thursday, [November] 29th. We start early this morning on our way to Weatherford. We learn that the lady who was scalped is still alive this morning, but will probably die before night. The most intense excitement prevails every where. The most of families in this region of country are forted up and those which are not afraid to leave are leaving. Gloom and depression are depicted upon the countenance of all! We arrived at Weatherford about 1/2 past 12 o'clock. We were immediately surrounded by crowds of anxious listeners to learn the news. We delivered our express and the citizens went to work immediately to comply with our request and say that they will send as many men as they can raise with full amounts of provisions and ammunition. Great excitement prevails here! We got our dinners at J. C. Loving's. After resting a short time and attending to other business assigned us we started again. I on the route to the town of Palo Pinto, while Hale returned on our old route. The men are to rendisvous [sic] at Whatley's by Sunday morning next. I came to Mr. Z. Shirley's and stayed for the night. Have rode very hard today and am considerably fatigued tonight. The day has been very pleasant.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 142 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

150 November 1860

Friday, [November] 30th. Started for Palo Pinto early this morning and traveled as fast as I could conveniently. Met horses and people leaving the Frontier. Came to Millsaps for dinner. Found that he was going to leave and that quite a number of others were in the same condition. Came on to town this evening and learn that trains of wagons and families miles in length are leaving this county for more secure abodes. Consternation and excitement prevail and the indications are for our own county to be depopulated very soon!

[December 1860]

Saturday, [December] 1st. I have spent the day making ready for a start on the Indian campaign. There have been quite a number of people in town today, some preparing to go on the expedition, some preparing to leave the county, and some no preparing to do anything. Reports are coming in constantly that Indians are to be seen in the vicinity of town in various directions. Many others will still leave; and no person can tell to what extent the county will be depopulated. The state of affairs is very deplorable. No kind of business will do any good till we can have more secure times. The day has been pleasant.

December 1860 151

Sabbath, [December] 2nd. Spent the forenoon preparing to start on an expedition against the Indians who have been depredating in our country recently. About 1 P.M. started from town in company with capt. Jack Cureton, B. B. Meaders, & V. Simons and one pack mule. We traveled very closely till after dark when we arrived at camps. We found about 30 or 35 men in camp from Parker & Palo Pinto cts. with plenty of beef dried for several days rations. The camp fires were burning brightly, and camp jokes going around freely. We soon regailed ourselves upon their dried beef, steaked [sic] out our horses, put out our guards and reclined for repose upon the ground. About midnight we were reinforced [by] J. H. Prince and others from Parker county, who kept up a continual uproar of laughter for some hours, but finally quieted down and all were still till day.

Monday, [December] 3rd. On going to look for my horse this morning I found that it was out of the way. I at once procured a horse and started in pursuit, without breakfast, expecting to find it soon. But I traveled till about 2 o'clock P.M. without finding my horse, and was going "to hook" one I had found on the prairie in the morning. But before I got to the place I met with Simons and Flinn who had found my nag. So we all "put off" for camps; but meeting with Capt Jack, who was on a broken down horse, and telling him of the horse on the prairie, he detailed me to go back with him after the horses, for there were two on the prairie. We soon found them and succeeded in driving them to camps, a saddle horse and pack horse. Where with an excellent relish I ate my breakfast about 4 P.M. Capt Jack had an invitation to stay all night with Esqr Peaveler[..]

152 Dec. 1860 and he invited me to accompany him, which I agreed to do. We set out for and arrived there just before sundown, and turned our horses [into] the wheat which is excellent. We are now seated before glowing fire greatly to our comfort, as it has been cold riding through the norther [sic] this evening. We find that the most of the citizens of this part of the county have left for parts unknown, so that north of the river is almost depopulated.

Tuesday, [December] 4th. A cold norther [sic] is blowing this morning, and the appearance is for cold, unpleasant weather. After breakfast Capt Jack, Darnell, and myself started for camps and arrived about 9 A.M. The wind snow is blowing and all seem cold and chilly. We have to stay in camps today to wait for our provision wagon, and for recruits that are expected soon. About noon part of the company Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 143 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 went on to Rock creek to strike another camp. The company is variously engaged this evening, sleeping, joking, and training guns and pistols. Some few recruits have come in the evening - Chick and others in a very jolly mood. Late this evening our provision wagon came in with flour, meal, coffee, powder, lead, shot, caps &c &c. We are in tolerably good spirits tonight, and expect to march early in the morning.

Wednesday, [December] 5th. The sun comes up this morning in splendor above the eastern horizon. The night has been a continual scene of uproar and confusion in camps, in consequence of the "Bust head" that Chick and Co. brought into camps last night. About 2 o'clock A.M. the news came into camps that all the horses (about twenty that were put up in Whatley's field) were stolen by the Indians. This caused great bustle in camps till the field[..]

Dec. 1860 153 was visited, and it was ascertained to be a false alarm. There is a heavy frost this morning. We packed up early this morning and marched for camp No. 2. Distance about 10 miles to a musquit [sic] valley in Young county about 25 miles east of Belknap. We arrived at camps at 1 P.M. and are grazing our horses with the advance portion of our company. After dinner the company was called together and regularly organized by electing J. J. Cureton Captain, R. W. Pollard 1st Lieut, M. D. Sanders 2d Lieut, and J. H. Baker 1st Sergt. The company was then divided into nine messes with six men to the mess, except four messes which have only five men each. After making several camp regulations and getting supper, the guards were stationed, and the regular round of camp devilry and yarnings [sic] was gone through with and all were still till morning.

Thursday, [December] 6th. The night was tolerably cold, a heavy frost this morning. On going to move my nag, I found that it had slipped the knot on the end of the larriat [sic] and was gone. I made considerable search for it but failed to find it. But Capt C - - furnished me with another, and we were on our march for Belknap. The Capt detached some men to go on with him to Belknap, me with others. We went ahead of the company and arrived at town about 3 P.M. On arriving at town we learn that a company of men from Parker county captured 15 Indians somewhere on the Wichita, and are taking them into the settlements. They are said to be Kickapoo Indians.

154 Dec. 1860

We hear a great deal of Indian news of various, but none of any definite character. The town of Belknap seems to be to some considerable extent deserted. About 4 P.M. the company came up to town. One pack mule was killed during the day, and another ran away and waisted [sic] his pack. We were directed to a camping place about 3 miles north west of town. But we missed the direction, got bothered, and finally came to the Brazos in the night, crossed it, and struck camp No. 3 on the west bank of the river, amidst cursing and many demonstrations of discontent at our mishap. Dr. Dulin swears "he would not care for himself, but for his horse to travel all day and starve at night was too much for any horse to bear!" We have no grass of any value, and the Brazos is our chance for water. All were finally quieted, supper eaten, and guards stationed. And after some whooping and yelling by some who were tight, all were still in sleep.

Friday, [December] 7th. We were up soon this morning and on our march for better grass and water, part of the company [tended the horses] while the other part are gone to town for various purposes. We traveled 7 or 8 miles in north west direction, and about 10 A.M. came upon a herd of buffalo. The sight was too tempting for the boys, they could not be restrained, but were off on the charge in doubly quick time, and very soon the sharp crack of the rifle, and the loud report of the six-shooter told that the poor animal was suffering from the anxiety of the boys for exciting amusement. I was in the rear at the commencement of the firing, kept back with a pack; but in good time[..]

[Dec. 1860] 155

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 144 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

I came up with the boys, and found that they had one old bull wounded. And it was amusing to see them and the bull give chase to each other alternately. I soon joined in with them in great glee to help kill the first buffalo I had ever seen. I succeeded in giving him three shots - two with my rifle and one with my six- shooter. But he continued upon his feet till he had recd about thirty different shots, from rifles, shot guns, and six-shooters. He seemed so mad that he almost literally died on his feet before he fell to the ground, and would hardly fall when he was dead. The boys maneuvered and rejoiced over their victim for some time, after which we came on to camp No. 4 and found that another buffalo had been killed this morning by our men. The camp is in a musquit [sic] valley of good grass but sorry "puddle hole" water near California creek. Our hunters have just killed a fine young beef, and all are busily preparing a dinner of fresh steak and cold bread. We have concluded to stay in this valley today, rest and graze our horses, and wait for the men to come on who went to Belknap. The most of the boys are out trying their luck after buffalo this evening. Several have been killed during the evening and one fine skin has been brought into camps by Wes off of a buffalo he killed. Late this evening Capt. Cureton came into camps with the remainder of the men. We learn that the Indians were trailed to their stopping place about fifty miles above the mouth of the Pease river. Wm. Mosely Esqr, one of the trailers came into camps[..]

156 Dec. 1860 this evening with Capt C -. He says he can guide us to their villages where he thinks there are about five hundred Indians. It is thought to be best to wait in this vicinity till Wednesday next, in order to get as many recruits as possible. Expresses are sent to Jacksboro, Palo Pinto, and to Capt. Ross's camp soliciting all the help that can be raised to rendisvous [sic] at Williams's [sic] hay camp on Salt creek 2 1/2 miles above the Radsminski road. Capt. Cureton has also gone to the Clear fork of the Brazos in Buchanan county to get some select men. The company is in fine spirits this evening, confident of getting a fight before we return. The usual camp arrangements being made, all retired to balmy repose.

Saturday, [December] 8th. A tolerably cold norther [sic] is blowing this morning and there are some clouds. After an early breakfast Lieut. Pollard gave the order for the company to form in regular order and march together for a new camping place on Salt creek. Here I made my first effort to form the company, was rather awkward, but we were soon in line with our packs in front. After rather a tedious march over high musquit [sic] prairie of rather poor land and sorry grass, and with some hinderance [sic] in repacking our mules, we arrived at Salt creek, at the old camping ground of the celebrated "Beef Expedition" and struck camp No. 5 about 12 o'clock. The order was given to uncap our guns while marching, but our friend Bradley having a flint lock, and being desirous of obeying orders took the flint out & unprimed his gun.

[Dec. 1860] 157

Our horses are now grazing on the prairie, some of the boys are gone buffalo hunting, and others are lounging about camps playing "Seven Up," Some working on their guns, and all seem to enjoy themselves well. The day has passed off very quietly, and the horses are brought inside of the guard line. Some of the boys have killed buffalo this evening. The valley in which we are camped is a beautiful musquit [sic] valley of excellent land, fine grass, good water but rather poorly timbered. This is certainly an excellent stock country.

Sabbath, [December] 9th. There was a considerable rain last night and it is still cloudy this morning. It has been a cold rain and several of the boys have fared badly. Several are somewhat discontented and we have concluded to get us some tent cloths for the campaign. I am detailed from our mess to go to Belknap after our tent. I, in company with Lieut Lander and others set out for the city early this morning. We traveled in an easterly direction some three or four miles. We then turned south and struck the Preston and Belknap road, which we followed till we arrived at town, after a travel of about 12 miles. We found several persons in town. We also learn that Capt Ross will be with us with fifty men; and that thirty Dragoons will be sent us from camp Cooper. We completed our trading and Lieut and I got an excellent dinner at J. R. Jowell's. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 145 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

After dinner we set out for camps. The lands for about two miles north of town are brushy.

158 Dec. 1860

The musquit [sic] timber and grass then set in. The lands are generally undulating, and covered with fine musquit [sic] grass. The lands seem to be good, and upon the whole this portion of the country is bound to be populous and productive when its resources are fully developed. For there is enough Post oak timber here to supply the country besides abundance of cole [sic]. There are considerable indications of other mineral in this vicinity. We saw many fine deer and one buffalo feeding on the prairie this evening. We arrived at camps just as the first guard was going out. Two recruits joined us today - Ball and Hill from Parker county. They were out on the late trail and are said to be bold and fearless men such as we need on this campaign. Hope we may have many more true and brave men.

Monday, [December] 10th. There is a heavy frost this morning. Several of us are engaged in making our tents today. Others have gone to town for more cloth to make tents. The day has been spent in the same camp, and some of the men are getting restless. The boys were amused a short time today killing some beeves. Two were killed. They were wild and it was difficult getting near them, so they had to run them on horses and shoot them as they run. The consequence was that each received about thirty shots from rifles and six-shooters. One was a barren cow, the fattest beef I ever saw I think. Beef fares badly in our range. The boys who went to town report that they found some horses rode down poor, and hobbled with grass rope supposed to have[..]

[Dec. 1860] 159 been left by the Indians. No doubt but that they see our camps and watch our movements, and I fear they will leave their village before we get there. The day has been pleasant.

Tuesday, [December] 11th. A tremendous frost this morning. Some of the guard say they heard Indians around our camps last night. We have moved camps this morning about one mile down the creek to where we find plenty of good water and grass. Soon after getting down, Mr. R. Moss discovered a large raccoon up in a large pecan tree lying quietly for the day in the split part of a large limb. But the quiet of his repose was soon spoiled by our 2d Lieut M. D. Sanders, who ascended the tree and contested the lodging place till "racky" gave up the contest and concluded to find a more secure retreat by ascending higher up the tree. Soon Mr. J. F. Porter (known in camps as Henan) brought him to the ground with his unerring rifle. He is very fat and will make a fine mess. Some of our hunters have killed a fine deer this morning. After the first move from the upper camp some went back after some articles that had been left, and to our utter astonishment found that two of our men - J. Q. Johnston and Riley Blevins had shamefully deserted us, and were gone home taking some provisions and ammunition that belonged to the company they had drawn out. They went without giving notice to any one of starting. All are "down upon them" with a vengence [sic] and they will be booted out of company when we get home. The men have been variously employed today.

160 Dec. 1860

Some dressing hides, some making hair bridle rains [sic], and some one thing and some another. Late this evening Capt Jack and escort returned, bringing five new recruits with him. Thos. Stocton, E. G. Hale, D. G. Wells, Jas. Yaney, J. G. Steel, and Wm. Moseley Esqr. They report that we will have considerable recruits tomorrow. All are quite lively tonight.

Wednesday, [December] 12th. The day has been pleasant. We remained in camps till 12 M. Just before 12 a large buffalo came charging in among our horses and came very near giving them a general stampede; but several of the boys gave chase to him and after firing about 50 shots at him, succeeded in bringing him to bay. When Capt Jack came up and gave him one round from his six- Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 146 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 shooter, which brought him to the ground. After an early dinner the order was given to saddle up; and the company was soon on the march, led on by Capt. Jack and W. Moseley. The pack were put in front of the company today. We marched in a northwest direction over musquit [sic] prairie, sorry grass on the head waters of the Salt creek about six miles from our old camp. Here we struck camp No. 7 in valley of tolerably good grass, but ordinary water. We have had no new recruits today. All arrangements for the night being made, we reposed quietly on our blankets.

Thursday, [December] 13th. There is a considerable norther [sic] blowing this morning. We heard several guns down the creek during the night indicating recruits in the field. Soon after breakfast Chick and others came into camps and informed us that recruits were on the road; and it was concluded to wait for them till tomorrow morning on the same creek.

[Dec. 1860] 161

Soon after we concluded to stay, Capt Ross with about 70 men came into camps. About 47 men of his company and 22 or 23 Dragoons from Camp Cooper. They are all well mounted and appear to be well prepared for the trip. We now number about 140 men and expect more this evening. We moved up the creek about one mile this evening and struck camp No. 8. The day has been cold and unpleasant. Ten of our county men came in tonight after dark and inform us that others are on the way. All are lively and in good spirits tonight.

Friday, [December] 14th. The norther [sic] is very cold this morning. About 1/2 past 8 this morning Capt Ross with his company came up to our camps and we were all soon ready for a march. Our spies were sent ahead, Capt Ross and company next, and our company brought up the rear. Each company placed its packs in the rear. We marched on in a north west direction over rather high, poor, musquit [sic] prairie, interspersed with sharp ravines and rocky points. We traveled about seven miles and eat our dinner in [a] valley on a branch of the little Wichita. After resting about two hours we set out again in the same direction and in the same order observed in the morning, and marched about 7 or 8 miles to another branch of the little Wichita, said to be the middle fork. We are all encamped tolerably close together and busily preparing for our suppers. The day has been cold, and marching has been quite unpleasant. The boys have amused themselves with buffalo and other game today. Mr. Strong and others charging a dead buffalo and then giving chase to two live ones, losing a six-shooter and not killing anything. The probability is we may have other recruits tonight or sometime tomorrow.

162 Dec. 1860

Saturday, [December] 15th. We set off this morning in the same order observed yesterday at 20 minutes past 8 o'clock. The night was very cold, the coldest we have had. There is an exceedingly heavy frost this morning. Our route today has been almost due north across poor prairie uplands, at times crossing tolerably good creek valleys. Some of them have fine grass. The crossings of some of the creeks have been rather difficult. The channels are very deep and the banks remarkably steep, and some of the creeks are a little boggy in the bottom. There is no timber on the route we have traveled today. Except small hackberry in the valleys, and a few scrubby musquits [sic] on the high prairies. We are now camped on the banks of the big Wichita. It is a stream about the size of the Red fork of the Brazos. The water is so salt [sic] as not to be good, but we find some pools of good water not far from the river. As we approach the river the creek valleys widen out to a respectable size, and the land appears to be of an excellent quality. The river valleys are tolerably large and very fine, except their lying rather low. No timber of consequence in these valleys, but some scattering cottonwoods and hackberries. We stopped at 40 minutes past 3 P.M. and struck camp No. 10 without stopping for dinner. The grass is very sorry in this valley. All have finished their dinners and are variously employed some lounging about camps, some attending to their horses, others gone a hunting &c &c. I forgot to say that we have seen plenty of buffalo on both sides of our trail today. Our spies fired on some of the buffalo, they also killed some turkeys. Just before stopping the spies found a mule and a horse supposed to have been dropped by the Indians on the late trail. But after chasing them for some time found they were too wild to catch. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 147 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Dec. 1860] 163

Sabbath, [December] 16th. The night was tolerably cool. We were up sooner this morning than common and had an early breakfast. Immediately after which Capts. Cureton and Ross with escort went on as advance spies. The Dragoons led off this morning, Ross's company next, and ours brought up the rear. After crossing Big Wichita we set off in a north west direction. About five miles from camps we crossed a narrow creek with some hackberry timber on it. Here we found a valley of tolerably good grass and grazed our horses about 1 1/2 hours - Taking a cold snack at the same time. By "nooding it" [sic] we were left in the lurch of the other companies some distance. We started about 11 1/4 o'clock A.M. and traveled till 4 1/2 o'clock P.M. a very regular gate [sic]. Soon after leaving "Dinner creek" we came to Beaver creek, a running stream of very red water. On the north side of this creek is a valley of excellent land, very level and of considerable extent. It is the finest valley we have seen since we left home. The most of the lands we have passed today are very poor. Some are tolerably good upland prairie. No timber atall [sic], except a few cottonwoods and hack-berries on the creeks. We have seen thousands of buffalo to our left today. Some of the men say ten thousand. A few miles north of Beaver creek the company came suddenly to a halt, and all were looking eagerly at some object east of them. They were determined to be Indians, six in number. Six men were detailed to charge them. They were near two miles distant. When the order was given to charge, the six men went of[f] at "Gilpin speed," followed by some six or eight others; and it was with some difficulty that the whole company[..]

164 Dec. 1860 was restrained from the charge. They all charged bravely, each vieing [sic] with the other, anxious to distinguish himself above his fellows and bring back a scalp. Just as the blow was about to be stricken that would crown their heads with glory, who can guess at the mortification of the men as they suddenly came upon some buffalo hunters from Grayson county! The fun was all spoiled and the boys returned into line on tired horses with disappointed expectations. I being very submissive to orders and not well mounted was not in the charge. We went off regularly on the trail of Ross's men, and passed a small prairie dog town. Several of the little creatures could be seen running to their respective homes. They are peculiar looking creatures somewhat resembling the common ground squirrel, but a little larger. About 5 1/2 o'clock P.M. we came up with Capt Ross's encampment, in a valley of very sorry grass and but little timber. It is one of the head branches of Beaver creek. The water is tolerably good. We have traveled over 20 miles today. Our horses are considerably jaded this evening. We saw a very beautiful and exciting scene just before we stopped. A very large herd of buffalo was feeding near our trail. Some of the boys went to the herd to kill one. A considerable portion of them ran across our trail just before us, and such was the regularity and compactness of the herd as they ran that the sight was almost terrific, and they would have borne down almost any kind of an obsticle [sic] they found in their way. After the usual round of camp yarns and the guard being stationed, we were soon lost in balmy repose upon our blankets and buffalo rugs.

[Dec. 1860] 165

Monday, [December] 17th. It is close, cloudy, and misting a little this morning. About 8 1/2 o'clock the Dragoons and Capt Ross led off. The most of our company soon followed, though some of them had lost their horses and were hunting them when the company started. Capt. Cureton and some of the men stayed with them. We traveled in a northwest direction till about 11 o'clock. There we struck what we supposed to be Pease river near its mouth. We turned up the river about 6 or 7 miles in rather a south west direction and have stopped on the bank of the river for dinner. Where we struck the river there was no water atall [sic]; but where we are for dinner the river is running a little. It is still cloudy. The fog has been tolerably thick so that we could not see any object at a distance. We searched for better grass for some time, but failing to find it, we concluded to stop here for the night, and here we struck camp No. 12. We have no water but salt, brackish river water. There is a small pool about 3/4 of a mile from camps that is not brackish. But it has been frequented so much by Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 148 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 buffalo that their filth can be tasted in it, though we are glad to get it in place of the river water. About night Capt Jack and those who had lost their horses came into camps. Our boys from Palo Pinto and Belknap came in tonight, nineteen in number. Our company now numbers about 95 men. The clouds are thick tonight, and the Loafer wolves are howling in all directions, indicating a great number in this vicinity. We saw the skin of a buffalo this evening supposed to have been killed by the Indians as all the meat was taken. We see other indications of Indians in this region. Ross and company are camped about four miles above us on the river. The most of the land we have passed today is very poor and no timber of value.

166 Dec. 1860

Tuesday, [December] 18th. We had a heavy rain and thunder last night. As the midnight guard came in it was raining hard, and they reported, in camps, that the horses were stampeding. All were soon in search of their horses in the mud and water amid the greatest confusion. The most of the men at length found their horses and brought them up to the camp fires and tied them up to trees. It was very unpleasant and some of the men complained considerably. The most of the horses were in sight this morning and all were soon found. About 8 1/2 o'clock the order was given to "saddle up," and all were soon in readiness for traveling. The company was then formed into a hollow square around Capt. Jack, who gave the men "a small talk." Showing the necessity of keeping better order than we have done. He wished to know who were willing to observe order in company and comply with all the commands that are given by the proper authority. All agreed to comply, and he told the men if they did not, he would put the first man that disobeyed "on roots! The packs were then put in front and the company formed in regular order in the rear of the packs. All moved off in regular order and our company presented a very imposing appearance. We moved up the river about 12 or 15 miles and stopped about 1/2 past 2 P.M. and struck camp No. 13. We here came up with Ross's company and found tolerably good grass and wood but the water is very bad. The wind from the north is tolerably cold today and it is still cloudy. The lands we have passed today generally are not good; though we have passed some valleys of excellent land. Some of the valleys are so sandy that it is very laborious traveling for our jaded horses. They will do tolerably well tonight. The most of the company is out of meat, and[..]

[Dec. 1860] 167 several of the boys are out buffalo hunting; while the balance are lounging about camps cooking and eating. None of our hunters killed any meat. The wolves seem to be as numerous as ever tonight from their howling. We are camped in a straight line tonight - the camp fires forming one part of the guard line. After the regular round of camp arrangements the men retired to repose.

Wednesday, [December] 19th. We were off at 9 this morning. The fog was thick early, but was beginning to disappear about the time we started. Ross was off some time before us. We traveled up the river 10 or 12 miles and crossed the old trail that come [sic] out from our country last. On this trail our guides found a pillow slip with a little girl's belt and Mrs. Sherman's bible in it. The lady that was scalped alive in our settlement the last time the Indians were down. They also found a fresh trail of five Indians that has just passed up the river. We were somewhat excited upon the announcement, and the men spurred up and went forward as though they were on a charge, leaving the packs behind, and the pack drivers were so fearful that they would be left in the lurch that some of them left their packs and the 2d Lieut, Sanders, had to go back and bring up the pack train. As we were moving up the river on the trail in this manner, we saw Ross and company coming down the river on the opposite side meeting us. We were soon together and he informed us that he had overtaken a party of 15 Indians and had killed 12 of them and had taken three prisoners!

168 Dec. 1860

There was great ado, yelling, whooping, and hollering! Shaking hands with Capt. Ross, and congratulating him upon his good luck, for he did not even get one of his men wounded! Our boys could Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 149 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 not be restrained but charged eagerly to the scene of action! I was among them! We found only four dead Indians, all squaws. There were many packs strown [sic] on the prairie for two or three miles with a large amount of beef, buffalo skins, camp accouterments &c &c. The boys gathered up a large amount of tricks of various kinds - rugs, blankets, pack saddles, tents of dressed buffalo skins, meat, cooking vessels, axes, knives, hatchets, tools for dressing skins, wodden [sic] bowls, mocasins [sic], whetstones, leather bags filled with marrow out of bones and branes [sic], little sacks of soup, sausages, the gut stuffed with tallow and branes [sic], and various other peculiarities of theirs dropped in the fight. We returned to the river where camp No. 14 had been struck and found that they had taken about thirty horses and mules. The prisoners are a woman, a small child, and a boy about ten years old. The woman is of white parentag [sic], was taken by the Indians when a small girl, has married and [sic] Indian, has a family and looks just like an Indian except she has blue eyes, and light colored hair. She says she was so small when she was taken that she does not recollect where she was taken from. The horses are very poor and some of their backs are almost ruined. The woman says that there are no more Indians in this region of country. She says that one company is down in the settlements stealing horses, and that the main company is on the[..]

[Dec. 1860] 169

Canadian, about 175 miles from here, that there are about 2000 Indians there, that they are of the party that stole the horses and killed the people down in our country recently, that all the stolen horses are sent on to the villages by fresh Indians. Some two or three of our men found their horses among the horses taken from the Indians. There is great rejoicing in camps this morning over the victory! Our men are dissatisfied to some extent that Ross done all the fighting, and that we were left entirely out of the fight. Ross's men and the Regulars take the horses to themselves. Capt Ross and Sergt. [sic] Spangler came to our camp and had a consultation with our officers, and the conclusion seems to be that Ross and the Regulars will go home in the morning and that our company will go on and try to make more discoverys [sic].

Thursday, [December] 20th. The weather is pleasant this morning. We were on the march this morning as soon as we could get off before breakfast for better grass and water. We traveled till about 10 A.M. and found some brackish water and tolerably good grass. Ross and the Dragoons left us for home this morning. After getting our breakfast some of the men went to the battle ground for meat and rugs. A spy company is also sent out to see if they can make any discovery of other Indians, a village and anything else concerning our enemy. The company consists of nine select men with picked arms from the company and well mounted. They are to be gone at best four days unless they make discoveries sooner. The company is to remain in camps till the spies return.

170 Dec. 1860

Moss and Porter have just brought in a pony found on the trail this morning. The boys are coming in this evening from the battle ground with meat, buffalo rugs, pack saddles, and other things found among the plunder. No report of fresh Indian sign. Some of the men who came in late say that they trailed some six or eight Indians who made their escape during the fight yesterday. So Capt Ross was mistaken about killing all the Indians. I think probably he was honestly mistaken, being deceived by the report of Sergt. [sic] Spangler of the Dragoons, who reported to him that he had killed a party of seven that ran in a different direction from where Ross was engaged. We cannot find but one in this place killed, but we find the trail of six leaving this place, hence we legitimately conclude that Spangler lied and let his Indians get away. We cannot find but seven Indians killed, four squaws and three bucks. The fact being evident that some of the Indians got away has discouraged our men considerably; as those who escaped will give item [sic] to other parties which may be in this vicinity. The best grass we have is in a deep ravine in which we have the most of our horses tied.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 150 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday, [December] 21st. About midnight last night a violent norther [sic] blew up suddenly, blew down our tents, and caused all of us who were on the prairie to move down on short notice into the lowest ravine we could find. Each did the best he could for himself. But all suffered with cold to some extent. Some suffered intensely, having a very meager supply of blankets. I did not suffer much after getting moved as Wes and I had plenty of buffalo rugs in addition to our blankets. It was with some difficulty that the [sic]

[Dec. 1860] 171 guards could be gotten up atall [sic]; and they could not be kept at their posts long at a time. They cursed me vehemently because they happened to be put on guard on so bad a night, maintaining that I selected my guard especially for the cold night, as though I knew before hand what kind of a night it would be - it being pleasant enough in the evening and fore part of the night. The norther [sic] is still blowing very cold this morning. After a tolerably early breakfast we moved about two miles up the creek and struck camp No. 16 in [a] cove behind a mountain, which protected us to some extent from the norther [sic] that still blows very cold. The grass is fine in a large valley that fronts our camp, and wood is tolerably convenient. Water is about 1/4 of a mile distant, and a little brackish when it is obtained. Our horses will fare better here than they have since we left Salt creek. This country is generally a steril [sic] barren region. There is not timber enough since we left Big Wichita to any thing like near do for fire wood, it often being difficult to find enough for camp fires. And it is almost entirely hack-berry or cotton wood. There is abundance of mineral in this vicinity; the greatest portion of which seems to be Gypsum. The blossom of this mineral extends many miles up and down this river. There is certainly a vast amount of it here. The norther [sic] has calmed down this evening, and it is quite pleasant to what it was this morning. The men have been out in small spy companies in various directions today; but they report no important discoveries of any late Indian sign. There is a great quantity of old sign all over this region showing that they have herded horses here this winter.

172 Dec. 1860

Saturday, [December] 22nd. The wind is blowing from the east this morning, very cold. Several of the men are getting dissatisfied and talking of going home today. Some are out spying around this vicinity. Some have gone to the battle ground and the remainder are in camps engaged variously, at cards, making moccasins, legins [sic], &c. The weather has moderated considerably this evening, and it is quite pleasant. Some of our spies report fresh Indian sign in this vicinity. From the appearance of it they must be watching our movements. Our regular spy company has not returned yet. None of the men have left yet, but they say they will start in the morning. We are still in the same camps at the same place, and some of us are getting [used to] living off buffalo meat alone. And more especially this filthy stuff taken from the Indians. We do not kill anything.

Sabbath, [December] 23rd. A norther [sic] is blowing very cold this morning, and the ice is about 1 1/2 inches thick. We were alarmed last night by a fire from one of the guards, and a plaintive holler, or shriek, as though some one was killed. Each man making great speed to get on his boots and get his arms ready for fight. The Sergt [sic] of the guard ran to the post to see what was the cause of the alarm. He met the sentinel - Bev Harris (known in camp as Parson Harris or Capt Harris) running toward the camps with "might and main" in great alarm as though many Indians were just at his heels. On being interrogated as to the cause of alarm answered "My gun went off, or somebody shot at me, I do'nt [sic] know which, ugh!!

[Dec. 1860] 173

The officer exchanged guns with him, sent him back to his post, and took the "Parson's" gun to the fire to examine it and see whether it went off or not. On examination it was ascertained that it had "went off" in the Parson's hands without his knowing it! And it was he who shrieked so piteously! He owns "that he never was scared so badly in all his life before!" He is awfully teased by the boys this Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 151 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 morning. The Parson Capt. will not hear the last of his gun going off without his knowledge soon! The discontented party has concluded to wait another day for our spies to return and report to us. Some are gone to the battle ground, and the others are amusing themselves the best they can about camps. All are becoming discontented, as we are out of bread, and have to live on buffalo meat taken from the Indians that they had packed for their own use. The thought of the way they pack it - their filth &c almost takes our appetites from us. Though after refraining from eating a day or two, our appetites are so voracious that we cannot hold back; all our consciencious [sic] scruples leave us, and we "pitch in" to the revered Indian buffalo meat as though it was a very delicious dainty!

Monday, [December] 24th. The morning is pleasant. Our horses are put out to grass early. The time so often spoken of by the Parker boys has at length arrived. We cannot prevail upon them to stay any longer. Fifteen are just now starting from camps for home, leaving us about 70 men, besides the spy company that is still out. Not one of the Palo Pinto, Buchanan, or Young county men has left, and honor to some of the brave Parker county boys who have determined to stay till our spy[..]

174 Dec. 1860 company comes in and reports. They are Lieut Sanders, F. Ball, W. R. Hill, J. H. Coffey, W. Shirley, R. Wood, &c. Some who are gone I regret to part with, as I think them to be brave and good men. Such as the Mosses, the Porters, Brown, Elkins, &c. There are others I do not regret to part with so much as I do not think they would do us much good, had they stayed. Those who remain, or several of them are going out today in small scouting parties. Capt. Jack and myself are going to the battle ground to see if we can make any discovery, and to get a better article of meat than we have. We traveled over the most of the ground but found nothing new more [sic] than had been seen before. No fresh sign. We selected some very fine pieces of meat and returned to camps. We were met by "little" Hale and others some distance from our camps and informed that our spies had returned, bringing the information that they have discovered a great deal of fresh Indian sign north and west of us; and that about forty miles up this Pease river they discovered a very large trail going south; with every indication that there were about 1500 or 2000 Indians moving south with large herds of horses to winter in a warmer climate. We came on to camps and heard the report confirmed by the spies themselves. They say there is a great deal of fresh Indian sign above here on this river of foot and horse men going up and down from the main trail. Supposed to be hunting parties. The trial seems to have been made some eight or ten days ago. It is about 200 yards wide, and beaten down like a regular public road. Some of the men say they felt very wild on seeing such a tremendous trail, and knowing if they had met this party of Indians, they, only nine[..]

[Dec. 1860] 175 in number, would certainly all have been scalped, though they had about 120 shots without loading. Their report has created considerable excitement in camps. Our number is now diminished from about 165 men to 78 or 79 men all told. At least one half of our horses are broken down so that they cannot go three days travel, and carry their masters, there is no grass in this country, except in patches. The grass is our only dependence to keep up our horses. Our provision is entirely out, except the meat that was taken from the Indians in the late fight. We are several days travel from the Indians now; and under all the circumstances we are perplexed to know what to do, as we wish to accomplish something before we return. A council of war is to be held after supper on order to come to some understanding as to what is best to be done under the circumstances. All are eager to fight but we fear we are not able to contend successfully with the enemy with our present forces in their present condition. Supper being over and our guards stationed, the company was called together by Capt Jack, and addressed by him as follows. "Fellow soldiers, we are generally of the opinion, from the report of our spies, that we are too weak in our present condition to meet and vanquish our enemy. Permit me then to give you my opinion as to the best means of procedure in the present crisis. I think it dangerous for a few men to undertake to follow these Indians. From the fact that they will discover us by their spies[..] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 152 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

176 Dec. 1860 and if they find a few men on their trail they are sure to overpower and kill them. This would embolden the Indians and do us no good. My plan is for part of our company to go on to the Wichita or Brazos as many as can stay, and wait there on good grass, rest and graze their horses. The balance to go into the settlements and recruit, get fresh horses, and start as many men from the lower settlements as can be had, and all unite in a general campaign. And so be prepared for any emergency, and to kill as many of the "Red Devils" as possible and take all their horses from them. I am bound to go home myself. My business has been neglected for the last 18 months. The most of my time has been spent on the frontier making preparations and prosecuting campaigns against the Indians. I have become enthralled by so neglecting my business about 1400$ are now demanded of me that I justly owe, which must be paid. I have about fifty fine pork hogs that now ought to be killed, upon which I depend to raise money. I employed men before starting from home to kill and take care of them; but on their getting the last dispatch from us they left all, and are here in camps tonight. This, gentlemen, is now my situation, and the Indians had just as well kill my family at once as for me to starve them to death. Under these circumstances I think it doubtful about my being with you any more. If I can get time on my debts and reliable men to attend to my business, I will be with you, if not I will ride as low down as Dallas county, have meetings called, explain the condition of affairs out here and send you all the help I can in men, ammunitions and provisions, for the men must have something to eat or they[..]

[Dec. 1860] 177 cannot be kept together. No man will do more to fit out and support the expedition than I will according to my means. These, gentlemen, are the suggestions I have to offer. This is my opinion; though it is no more than any other man's. I would be glad to hear from other gentlemen of the company. When we all part I consider the company disbanded. I do not wish to be considered any longer commander of the company, for I may not be with you again, and if I am there will be many men here who were not present at the election. At the coming together again I think it best to have a new election, as I don't wish to force my services upon any set of men without a majority in favor of me. So do not consider me Captine [sic] any longer than till we disband. If I am with you on reorganizing the company and am the choice of the company I will serve you to the best of my abilities." Lieut Pollard was then called for. He made a few brief remarks, endorsing the opinions of the Captin [sic]. Moseley, Stocton, and Wells were each called in succession, each declining to say anything except Wells, who said "That it was understood that some 15 of the men were not going home. That they were going to stay in this upper region of country. That they intend to follow the trail the [sic] vicinity of their stopping place. That they would spy out hunting parties of Indians and clean them up. And that they would in this way harrass [sic] the Indians till companies could be brought into the field sufficient to whip the main body of Indians." He then read the report of the spy company. The substance of which is contained in letter to Col. Baylor, stating "That about the 19th or 20th inst. the spy company left Capt. Cureton's camp, followed the late trail of stolen horses from the[..]

Six mountain fork of Pease river in a north west direction till they come into the Cedar mountains where there were so many small rocks and grail [sic] that they could not follow the trail. They turned a westerly course and struck another fork of Pease river where they found plenty of moccasin and pony tracks. They still went on west till they found the main trail about forty miles west of camps on this river. They then turned and came to camps." A vote was then taken to see who would go home and who would stay. About 15 voted to stay, and the balance voted for going home.

Tuesday, [December] 25th. This morning about 9 o'clock the memorable retreat commenced. The stir in camps was earlier than common. As fast as the men could get ready they would be off. There was great disparity in the times of starting, as some had quite a number of rugs to pack, and each wished to carry home all that he had. When the men all got started on the way home, they were scattered some 4 or 5 miles. The wind blew cold all day, so that we stopped a time or two to build fires and warm. Our course was south east the most of the day. We passed the battle ground and took a long, lingering farewell look at it as we passed. We then passed on over high prairie lands till about 3 P.M. Here we discovered one of the head branches of Beaver creek skirted on both sides with timber. This sight Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 153 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 cheered us very much, as we had been traveling for some time in the norther [sic] and were very cold. After crossing one of the tributaries down to the main stream we were almost elated with joy to find that it contained plenty of good water. The grass is sorry.

[Dec. 1860] 179

We were soon off of our horses, and regailing [sic] ourselves by warm fires at camp No. 17. Not much sooner were we fairly dismounted, our horses tied out, and our fires burning, than we were eating broiled buffalo beef, taken from the Indians, and scarcely eatable a few days since, with a gusto and relish that ought to have put hungry wolves to shame. I am confident that at no one meal I ever eat half so much in my life. If it was weighed it would go considerably into lbs. The boys generally use the same expressions tonight. Several of the men have cut down cotton-wood trees for their horses in place of grass and corn. Some of the horses relish it very well while others will not eat it. We have traveled about 25 miles today. It seems, because we have started home, that the most of the men have lost all apprehensions of Indians. The Parker county boys are camped some 4 or 5 miles below us, and some of the Young county men several miles above us. None are paying much attention to guarding. The spy company is still with us and are going on with us till they get to the little Wichita, where they expect to find plenty of good grass for their horses. They will stay there and send to Belknap for breadstuff. Our situation tonight is very different from many of the gay circles of youth who inhabit our vast country. Instead of reveling in the halls of luxury and affluence, joining in the social party with the milding [sic] sex, who are ever ready to sooth [sic] all cares that may arise and to make the heart beat merry and light, instead of all this we are here in the comfortless wilderness with the bleak winds of a merciless winter whistling around us with no protection except our tents, campfires and blankets. Our fare is of that delicious kind that the western prairie affords - meat without bread or salt. Yet it is well relished with us and we enjoy a kind of secret pleasure that gives our consciences quiet - The fact of being nobly employed.

180 Dec. 1860

Wednesday, [December] 26th. Our heavy suppers, warm fires and patriotic reveries caused us to enjoy a very refreshing night's sleep. Here is something remarkable about Texas, eat as heavy suppers as you please and they seldom disturb the sleep. As there is no grass here for our horses we are starting from camps about 7 A.M. We traveled on in rather a southeast direction. The north wind is blowing cold and it is unpleasant traveling. The lands we have traveled over today are very poor. They are mostly breaks between Beaver creek and Big Wichita. There is no grass and no timber, a perfect barren region of ravines, rocks, and steril [sic] lands. After traveling 10 or 12 miles we began to strike some of the little creeks that run into Big Wichita. There is a little sedge grass and some wood here. So some of the messes keep stopping, making fires and grazing their horses. About 11 A.M. the most of the company stopped in a valley of good sedge grass. My mess was behind, so I got my dinner of hackberries and scattering pieces of meat gathered from other messes. After grazing about two hours, we marched on down the breaks about 5 miles to Big Wichita. Here we parlied [sic] some time. Some of the boys shooting at buffalo, some shooting fish, and some hunting a crossing of the river. A crossing was finally affected, and on ascending the far bank of the river a large gang of turkeys ran off before us. The order was given for the shot-gun men to charge them. I, being a shot-gun man, set off at full speed on my old pack horse. I soon found the turkeys gaining on me, so I quit the chase and turned off to hunt a camping place. I soon found plenty of wood, water, and tolerably good grass. We were soon dismounted at camp No. 18, our horses grazing, and our hunting parties scattered in all directions. As I had not hunted any it seemed that I was almost a nuissance [sic] about camps. So I asked[..]

[Dec. 1860] 181 the Capt. if he thought it would do any good for me to go a hunting. He said I could go, though from his manner of expression it was evident he had no confidence in my success. I took my double-barrel and Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 154 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 struck out up the river along the border of a river valley that skirted on abrupt bluffs and deep ravines running up between the bluffs. I finally traced the valley out at the upper end to where the bluff and the river come together. There is a sublime spectacle! The bluff is a huge mass of sand rock somewhat impregnated with some kind of mineral. This material is piled up tier upon tier till it reaches a considerable distance toward the skies! The river lies just north of the bluff, barely room for a man to walk between them. A person cannot stand alone in the midst of such vast and romantic scenery of nature without being weightily impressed with the sublimity, grandeur, and magnificence of the Creator's works. And man himself sinks into utter insignificance in his own estimation, and feels to some extent that he has no power within himself to do anything without Divine aid! After passing beyond this bluff I came into a fine large valley of good land. But I found some of the Young county men camped here, and that they had been shooting game; all my prospects for hunting in this valley were blasted. I then turned across the ends of the bluffs and ravines in the direction of camps, hoping that I might chance to happen upon some game in the deep ravines on my return to camps. When I ascended the bluff a scene of magnificence and splendor opened itself to my view. I at once lost all sight and thought of hunting to contemplate wonder and think! On casting my eyes up the river in a westerly direction, the bed of the river is visible for many miles - its silvery waters moving down in solemn majesty and grandeur. The fertil [sic] valleys of land lying on either bank[..]

182 Dec. 1860 of the stream, sending up motts [sic] of cotton wood and hackberry timber. All together presenting a very picturesque and beautiful appearance. Look toward the north and the eye is met by vast expanses of high prairie lands, interspersed from one end tol the other with deep ravines and barren country generally. On these hills can be seen vast herds of buffalo feeding and traveling. The whole at a distance presenting the appearance of most excellent prairie lands covered with the finest of grass. And had it not been for our just coming through the country and seeing that there was no grass nor good land there, I could not have been made to believe the truth as it is. Look again to the east and the river is seen in its meanderings, winding its way toward "old ocean." The view in this direction is not so extensive as it is above. The bluffs of the river in this direction rise up and form small mountains. Between two of these bluffs is a fine large valley of some miles in extent. About the center of which is the largest grove of timber I have seen since we left Young county. It is about two miles below our camp in the same valley. Here our hunters are making the "welkin wring" with the keen crack of the rifle, and the sonorous report of the six-shooter. We will certainly have plenty of meat from the gun reports. To the south the old Loafer wolf is keeping dull hoarse music to other doleful sound that may be heard in all directions. No trace of any human improvement is to be seen in any direction, and all other things combined with the fact that this is really an Indian country, possessed, owned, and inhabited by them, truly gives it the impress of a wilderness country and a waist howling desert. But I must descend from those lofty themes[..]

[Dec. 1860] 183 of contemplation and see if I can find my way back to camps. I passed down and across one deep rough ravine and ascended the bluff on the opposite side. Suddenly a fine turkey came running across the hill just before me. I attempted to get ahead of him but failed. He is gone. I proceed slowly and cautiously hoping to fine more. Some distance off I see one slip into the head of a ravine to hide. I approach cautiously and see another about 100 yds off just starting from me in a slow walk. I raise my gun and fire! He runs off unhurt while the shot whistle in the air far above him. About this time my other turkey comes up on top of the bluff and stops about 75 yds off. I prepare to shoot him but my gun goes off before I am ready, and he runs off! I step back behind the bluff, reload, and follow the course of the first one I shot at. I soon scare him off and give up the hunt in despair! But frequently when despair takes deepest hold of a person he is nearest success. So it was with me in this case. I had not moved far from where I scared my last turkey, till I saw a fine large gobbler squatted down in the ravine to hide about 40 yds off. I took deliberate aim and fired. He jumped out of his bed and flopped off up the ravine some 8 or 10 steps and fell down dead! This is the largest piece of game I have ever killed. I was not long finding my way over the rocks to him when I put him on my shoulder and bore him in triumph into camps. I find that one other Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 155 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 turkey has been killed and also a buffalo. Capt Jack has just made a fine bucket of soup of my turkey and a little flour he happened to meet with this evening. The hunters have at last come in. About nine turkeys, three deer and one buffalo have been killed.

184 Dec. 1860

Thursday, [December] 27th. Our horses did tolerably well last night. After a hearty breakfast of turkey and soup our mess fixed up for starting. The spy company is going to stop here probably today. As it is foggy, cloudy, and misting rain a little, they are afraid a norther [sic] will overtake them on the prairie. As each mess gets ready it moves out its own way. Several of the messes were gone before we were ready. We finally got ready and I rode my old pack horse down into a ravine to get water. After drinking he attempted to ascend the far bank. But misfortune seemed to have marked me for its victim. The mist and rain had wet the banks and made them slick, my horse had no shoes on, and he was very weak besides. A narrow trail had been beaten out to go down to the water up this. I tried to spur my horse. But in vain! it was too slick for his bare feet and weak frame, and he fell back on his haunches in the mud! There he sat like a hog of a hot day [sic]! and could not get away. I slid off backwards into the mud, got off my saddle bags and blankets, and finally succeeded in putting him around on his broad side in the awful mud hole! After wallowing and struggling in the mud for some time he got up and out on the same side he went in! A fine thing for the painter to sketch! An old, little poor, brown one-eyed ewe- necked horse, covered with red mud would certainly do to paint! I got some sedge grass and scraped the thickest of the mud off my saddle, till I could find room enough on it for myself, put on my tricks and was soon ready to try it again! By this time my mess was all out of sight and there I was alone, my horse too poor and weak that I did not know whether he could come up with the company or not! After getting up the mountain bluff I found Wes[..]

[Dec. 1860] 185 waiting for me to give me the direction. We were of the opinion that our company was traveling too far east, as they were turning down the channel of the river. So we kept along in sight of them on the bluff thinking that they would soon turn up to us. We kept on this way so long that we were several miles from the company, the fog became more dense and we finally lost sight of them. We would not have tried to find them, but we were afraid they would become uneasy, go back to hunt us, and lose time. We took an object near where we saw them last and started to hunt them. We found their trail and trailed them up just as they had given chase to a large herd of buffalo without killing any of them. They had turned and were traveling about a due south course. We had a compass and regulated their course. We have only four messes together, some of which are not full, so our company now numbers 21 men. About noon we came in sight of the Brazos and were crossing the bluffs that run into it near the Round timbers. We have passed over some fine looking musquit [sic] prairie wheat land, and are just getting into the edge of the lime stone rock. In one of these valleys, about 12 o'clock, we saw a large gang of turkeys. We stopped to graze our horses awhile and sent hunters after the turkeys. They killed none. There was a piece of a turkey on one of the pack s that was killed last night. So the 21 men made their dinners out of it, as it is all the meat we have. We depend upon our guns from here home. Here Thos. Nelson's mare "gave out" and after shedding a few long tears over her, he was prevailed upon to put his saddle on a pack horse and leave her. We now traveled at rather a slow rate, having to keep Tom up with us. We passed a spur of the[..]

186 Dec. 1860

Round Timbers and turned in an easterly direction and traveled a few miles over fine musquit [sic] country and were beginning to think of finding a camping place and hunting some meat. On turning the point of a small ridge our guide discovered some horses about two miles distant coursing rather meeting us. We could not tell whether there were riders on them or not. They were soon behind a clump of timber from us and we fell rather down in ravine and concluded that we would intercept them and see what they want. We set off in a lively trot, all eager to get a glimpse at the object ahead. The trot soon changed to a long lope. All looked intensly [sic] forward and scarcely a word as spoken. We traveled about three miles in Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 156 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 this way when we suddenly turned the brow of a hill, and saw distinctly in the valley below us about ½ a mile distant, five Indians on horses just letting off at full speed! Word was given back along the line, blankets and loose baggage dropped, the pack abandoned, Tom Nelson left afoot, and every man was lashing his horse to the top of his speed, and eagerly yelling in the chase! Many of our horses moved off finely, and the appearance was that the Indians would soon be overhauled. But soon some of our horses began to fail! My old mud horse of the morning got off better than I expected, though he finally gave out and I had to stop! How provoking! After riding so long as we have, suffering fatigue, privation, and hunger and cold to kill Indians, then to come so close upon them and almost have them at command, then for want of horses be compelled to set still and see the bruits run off before our eyes was almost heart rending! The most of the horses have broken down and their riders returned! Though some of the boys are still ahead on pretty[..]

[Dec. 1860] 187 good horses making fair headway when last seen. Capt. Jack's horse has given up, and he has returned to gather up the men and packs and prepare for camping. He sent Lieut. Pollard on to guide those who quit the chase last back to camps. The packs are scattered, some torn off, some in one place and some in another, and all is confusion. The Capt orders some to strike camps, some to go after the blankets and baggage that were thrown off in the charge. He also detailed me to go with him to hunt his pack mule. We soon found it and brought it into camps. And assisted in getting the plunder together as well as we could till dark. We found three buffalo rugs, one blanket, one quilt, one shawls, a pair of moccasins, some little bags of paint and bunches of feathers dropped by the Indians. It is now dark and our men have not returned. We count and find that nine are gone. We wait, shoot signal-guns and listen for them. No sound or word do we get. We begin to get uneasy and speculate as to the probable result of the adventure. "Probably they have gotten into a fight, some of them hurt and are not able to get back to camps." "They may have run into a large body of Indians and are all scalped." "They may have run till dark and gotten so far from camps that they cannot find their way back through the darkness of night." Then another signal-gun is fired, but a strong east wind is blowing so that it cannot be heard far. And so on - Surmising, conjecturing, and shooting till bed time, and still nothing of our men. Our provisions being out, our fancys [sic] are keen enough to sketch out many things. Some of the boys complain of being very hungry. I feel very unwell tonight and could not eat anything if I had it. The wind is so strong we cannot keep up our tents. I feel so badly that I cannot take any care in guarding tonight.

188 Dec. 1860

Friday, [December] 28th. About 5 A.M. a regular old blue norther [sic] blew up, so cold that we suffered very much around our camp fires in any condition we could place ourselves. I had not the courage to raise my head or look out till the sun was about one hour high. I feel very bad this morning. When I summoned courage enough to look out, the boys around the fire presented a ludicrous appearance. All who were up were sitting as close to the fire as they could get, each with a buffalo rug wrapped closely around him, up to the top of his head. Indians themselves could not have looked more Indian like than they did. Our men are still not heard from. Some time in the morning and old buffalo bull came in sight of our camp. Capt Jack, spurred by hunger and easier stirred from camps than the other boys, took his six shooting rifle and was soon off for some beef. We soon heard three reports of the game. But as the buffalo was north of us the wind was blowing too cold to look and see whether he had killed it or not. We waited patiently till he returned and reported he had killed him. He also reported a ravine about 50 yds from our fires in which we might better the condition of our camp. By his setting the example each of us dragged off after him with a load of wood. We soon had a fine fire burning in the ravine, where we were principally sheltered from the wind and were tolerably comfortable. The boys were soon off for some buffalo for breakfast, each man that stayed sending for his choice piece except myself, who am not able to eat any thing. They soon returned in a rage saying that the beef had run off. Some are still without any thing to eat, our men gone, and the norther [sic] blowing to desperation. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 157 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

A council of war was held and it was thought best to go and hunt for our men, though almost at the risk of freezing. Capt Church,

[Dec. 1860] 189

Meaders and Harper volunteered to go. I was not able to go. They were gone two or three hours but did not find them. The wind had filled their tracks with sand so they could not be trailed. They are almost frozen and we are in worse suspense than ever. While the boys were out they were charged for Indians by Young county men of our company. They bring some meet [sic] and coffee into camps. It is really a show to see our men eat. They divide liberally and the boys perfectly gormandize it [sic]! I cannot eat, my throat is swelling, I have some fever, severe headache, and am full of cold. In the midst of the feast our last man came into camps. There is much joy to see them all come in, though there seems to be a horse missing. They were at once pressed for particulars of what had passed. The report was that Bradley and Tom Pollard came up with the Indians. The Indians stopped to fight them in a ravine. They dismounted and fought the Indians close up. Bradley fired all the barrels of his six-shooter and wounded one Indian. He also recd a tolerably severe wound in the arm from an arrow, the spike striking the bone. He presented his gun and it snapped and the Indians run. Two or three fought him. One fought Tom and shot him twice. Once in the head, the spike striking the bone and turning up without entering the skull, the other passing through the muscle of his thigh just below the groin, the arrow passed entirely through. Both are pretty severely wounded, but are not thought to be dangerous. Tom fired two barrels of his six- shooter and one barrel of his shot gun and thought he wounded an Indian. The Indians shot his horse through the neck and got him. J. Dalton and J. Harris came up about the same time that Bradley and Pollard did; but they stayed a little back on the hill. Dalton fired two shots and Harris one. Dalton was also shot through the thigh by the Indians. He and Harris remained on their horses. Just as Bradley finished firing his six-shooter, Chick came up, and two Indians got on[..]

190 Dec. 1860

Pollard's horse and the Indians all left. The horses were so near run down that it was impossible to take care of Pollard and attempt another fight with the Indians. So the fight resulted in three of our men getting wounded, one of their horses taken, and only a probability of two Indians being wounded. A bad fight, which might have been bettered if Dalton and Harris had rushed in with the others, no doubt. They then tried to find our camp, but it being dark and they having ran the Indians about 10 miles they failed to find it. They have had nothing to eat. So the Young county men handed out all they had to eat and our last man ate a hearty dinner. The Young county men then left for home. After warming and resting about an hour we took up the line of march for better quarters. The weather has moderated considerably since morning, yet it is very cold. We traveled about five miles this evening and are camped on a creek that runs into the Brazos. We have fine wood, tolerably good grass, but ordinary water. We are down in a deep ravine where the cold does not molest us. Several are out hunting. I feel bad, worse than ever; cannot do any thing but sit on a rug by the fire. After dark the hunters return with a fine fat buffalo calf. Great rejoicing in camps, all alive and plenty to eat! The calf was very nearly devoured for supper by twenty men. I eat none. The horses tied up, all are on blankets at ease.

Saturday, [December] 29th. The morning is cold. After early breakfast we were on the march. I am still bad and eat nothing. We traveled over fine musquit [sic] prairie this morning till about 12. Then we came to the Brazos and crossed it. The ice was frozen entirely across the river. After crossing the river we came into a valley of excellent land. We continued on this side of the river all day, stopping twice to warm during the day. Late in the evening we came in sight of a herd of cattle. Some of the[..] men went off to kill one while the others struck camp No. 21 in good grass, water, and timber. Our beef men mistook the creek and did not come to us, so we are out of meat again.

Sabbath, [December] 30th. Early this morning we started from camp and found our beef men about three miles from our camp with a very fine beef slaughtered. We stopped and the boys "pitched in" to it like "sweep steaks" again. They eat so near all of it that by tying a small piece of it to each ones saddle it was carried along. I am still unable, and almost unable to ride. We traveled on some time over Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 158 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 very fine river valleys till we came to Elm creek. It was full of water and covered with ice so that we had some difficulty in crossing. We came to the road leading to Belknap a few miles from Elm and by 4 P.M. we arrived at the city. I left my horse with the company and am staying at the house of J. R. Jowell.

Monday, [December] 31st. I suffered severely during the night but had the kindest care from Mr. Richards to whom I am under many obligations. I am much worse this morning. My throat is so swollen that I can scarcely swallow. I am almost suffocated with phlegm. Lieut Pollard thinks I can go on with the company. Capt C. says if I attempt to go on it will kill me certain. The Dr. agrees with Capt C. On attempting to take some Expectorant, I had to gasp for breath some minutes. The company goes on and leaves Wes to take care of and come home with me. Dr. Stanifer has been very attentive and has done all he could to relieve me. He gave me some emetics this morning hoping they might relieve my throat. But a blister on my throat was the last resort. He is very sympathetic and seems deeply interested in my recovery. Wes bathed me well in warm water and give me a change of clothing. The blister is drawing a little, and I think is easing my throat already. The Dr. says mine is a very clearly a case of acute Bronchitis, and is very dangerous without speedy relief. I have taken Ayer's Cherry Restoral at times all day. It is very nauseating to my stomache [sic]. This ends the old year. May my errors of this year be forgiven and grace be granted for the next to keep me more humble!

192 January 1861

Tuesday [January] 1st. My blister has done very well and my throat is a little easy this morning. I suffered considerably during the night. I am much debilitated, have no appetite to eat any thing, and feel very much depressed. I have lingered along today and taken Expectorant at stated times all day. I think I am a little easier tonight, as I can swallow much better than I could yesterday. Took some Blue mass pills today. This is a New year; but I have no enjoyment of it as thousands and millions of the young and gay do. While they revel in luxury, feast on the dainties that the world affords, and engage in all kinds of merriment and pleasantry, I lie here tormented with disease not able to partake of any luxury, away from society and the most of my friends! But still I have my comfort, and hope that I may soon be able to enjoy the blessings of life with gratitude to my beneficent Creator.

Wednesday [January] 2nd. I do not recollect much about my condition today, as I have to write from recollection after getting up. I have lingered and suffered considerably and have taken some Salts to act on the bowels. My throat is a little easier tonight. Have taken Ayer's Cherry Restoral at times all day.

Thursday [January] 3rd. My throat is considerably better today. The general state of my system is very bad. I am yet costive and have taken six of Louden's pills, as the Blue mass nor Salts has produced no effect yet. A little boiled milk is all that I have eaten yet.

Friday [January] 4th. Have taken pills this morning. No effect yet. My throat is still improving; but my system is in very bad condition. Mrs. Moseley has just sent me a bowl of dried apples stewed. I relish them better than anything I have tried yet. Took oil tonight, the first thing that has moved my bowels.

[January 1861] 193

Saturday [January] 5th. My throat still improves by keeping it well poulticed [sic] and regularly attended to. I have taken a heavy dose of oil and feel that the effect will be good. I have drank water in which stewed apples have been soaked. I have also eaten of the apples. I eat a little rice this evening. I have regularly taken Ayer's Cherry Rectoral. If I could once get an appetite I think I could mend very fast. I have no fever nor have I had, to any extent, since Sunday night. The Dr. thinks I am mending fast, that I am out of all danger, and that I need but little attention from him. Eat [sic] some fried cakes and drank some tea for supper.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 159 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath [January] 6th. My throat seems to be almost well this morning, except the sore on the outside caused by the blister. My medicin [sic] becoming active; I feel better. Eat [sic] a biscuit, butter, rice and drank a cup of tea for breakfast. Have set up some today. The day has appeared very long and lonesome. Eat biscuit, butter, rice, and tea for supper, also a little meat. We heared [sic] this morning that about fifty Indians charged fourteen buffalo hunters yesterday about twenty-five miles west of this place. Took the most of their horses but declined fighting them. They were mounted on excellent Indian ponies, looked clean, were armed with bows, arrows, and lances; the lances weighted with lead, and all have shealds [sic]. They have created considerable excitement. It is thought to be a regular war party going down into the settlements. The people of this place also fear that large bodies of Indians will concentrate, come down and attempt to destroy the town of Belknap. Many of the citizens would leave on the strength of it, it they could get away.

194 Jan. 1861

Monday [January] 7th. Feel much better this morning. Eat [sic] about the same as yesterday, only a little more for breakfast. Took a walk out about 100 yds. this morning for the first time in a week. Have set up and written in my journal the most of the fore noon. Eat a hearty dinner today. We have concluded to start this evening, as we hear Judge Vannoy will start tomorrow from this county and go down through our county. He is six miles east of Belknap. We think of going down and accompanying him so far as he travels our course. We have just gotten our bill from Mr. Fisher $523 for goods and other articles bought at his store for my benfit [sic] while sick. Dr. Stanifer made out his bill for medicin [sic] and professional services in my case $150. No bill atall [sic]; scarcely the first cost of the medicin [sic] I have taken! Many thanks and much gratitude to the venerable M.D.! Mr. Jowell absolutely refused to make out or accept any bill whatever in our case for board or otherwise! Such kindness merits the greatest gratitude and warmest thanks of my heart! We procured a horse from Mr. Richards for me to ride, and Wes rides one left by our company. We have come out to Phillip George's four miles from town and are staying with him. I feel a little fatigued by my ride; but well otherwise. I eat extravigantly [sic].

Tuesday [January] 8th. Rested well during the night and have eaten almost a glutton's breakfast of corn bread, beef, rabbit, butter, tea, and milk. I feel perfectly well but weak. We leave the horse here that we borrowed last evening for Mr. George to take back to town. We put both of our saddles, saddle- bags, and other accouterments on the one horse and I got on him while Wes takes afoot, and we start for Vannoy's, distance two or three miles.

[Jan. 1861] 195

About an hour's travel brought us to the Judge's. He seems cheerful to accept of our proposition, and will carry us down the country so far as we wish to go. But he will not start till Thursday morning. I am lounging about the house and Wes has gone with the Judge back to town today for company to the judge. The family appears kind and disposed to contribute to my comfort as much as possible. They have prepared a small bed for me to rest on when tired. Eat [sic] a very hearty dinner today of turkey and other good things. Was about as hungry when I quit eating as when I commenced! Oh! I wanted another piece of the turkey so bad! Spent the evening reading, lounging, and talking to but little purpose except to pass off the time, which I have done quite pleasantly. Miss Mollie the Judge's daughter, is a flashing girl of about 17 or 18 summers. Tolerably good looking, very social, some (refined) education, and upon the whole quite an interesting girl. The Judge and Wes returned this evening with no important news, except that a large [body] of Indians has gone down into the settlements, as is ascertained from their trail. The day has been quite warm. There are some clouds tonight, and the appearance is for rain soon.

Wednesday [January] 9th. Rested very well in a wagon during the night. It is a little cold and it looks like we might have a norther [sic] soon. Dressed my throat this morning. It feels a little like getting sore again. I fear I may take cold and be prostrated again. I took some exercise this morning and feel that I am gaining strength very fast. Returned to the house and was presented by Miss Mollie with some nice new books for amusement; upon[..] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 160 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

196 Jan. 1861 which I have regailed [sic] myself the most of the time till noon. They are novils [sic] of different styles. One I was interested in as it contains some good pieces. Title, "Home Scenes." The evening has been spent here in loading the Judge's wagons and preparing to start in the morning. Some of the friends have been in this evening to give the last farewell to the Judge's family. Among others was Mrs. Butoff, widow of Butoff killed by the Indians recently in Palo Pinto county. She seems to be a fine lady, though much distressed at her loss. The day has been cold enough to be pleasant to me out of doors. I feel very well this evening, except I fear I have taken a little cold. Rev. Fleming, the circuit rider of Young county came to the Judge's tonight and stayed till bed time. He is a young man of very good appearance, social, tolerably intelligent, and good company.

Thursday [January] 10th. All are up early this morning preparing to start. Breakfast was announced before I got out of the wagon in which I slept. I do not feel as well as common. I have taken cold during the night. Hope I may feel better after starting out. Eat some breakfast, not near so hearty as common. Considerable loading, packing, and arranging affairs have been going on till now, about 10 A.M. when we are ready to start. Two large wagons are headed with plunder and each drawn by six yoke of cattle. They led off, followed by the family wagon drawn by three yoke of cattle. The stock cattle are put in the rear of the wagons and the horse men after them. I am on a horse which is going off below; his back is sore. Some four or five of the neighbors are going with us today. The wagons went to Capt Marlin's and waited for us to come up, which we did about 10 1/2 A.M. and rested 1/2 hour.

[Jan. 1861] 197

This place looks very familiar to me from Col Baylor notoriety. When the battle was fought in the spring of 1859, between Baylor's men and the Reserve Indians. Every point here and on to the river was recognized by me as plainly as if it had been but a few days since. Hope I may not be engaged in so useless an expedition soon again under any circumstances. About 11 we moved on from Marlin's till we came into valley below, where we stopped and grazed the cattle till the wagons came up. We here took a right hand road and crossed the river near the Tonkaway village. After crossing the river we stopped for dinner and rested our animals about one hour. There two of the citizens who started with us this morning turned back - Williams and Nance. We traviled [sic] on down the river to the crossing near the old Anadaco [sic] village. Here one of our teams stalled in the river and delayed considerable time, but finally got off and traveled till we came to the old Caddo village, where we are camped for the night. We have our cattle in a pen, our oxen in the field, and our horses tied up around our camp. We are in the yard of the house where Mrs. Cornett was taken by the Indians during the last spring or summer. The deed was a shocking one, she not being heard of since she was taken away from her house and a small sucking child! We have passed over some good land today, and some that is very sorry. The land we passed this evening is well watered and timbered; and there [sic] some places that will make desireable [sic] settlements. The day has been a little cloudy and cool. I have not suffered much with cold, and I feel tolerably well tonight, except that I am tolerably tired. But after resting and eating heartily at supper I feel very well.

198 Jan. 1861

Friday [January] 11th. It is raining a little this morning and one yoke of our oxen is out of the way. Three men are gone to hunt them and the others are preparing to start. About 9 1/2 o'clock all were ready and the lost yoke of cattle was brought in and all were off. Some of us went on, turned out the stock cattle and grazed them till the wagons came up. We then moved on together to Little Rock Creek. Here our other two neighbors turned back - Bowers and Meding; leaving the Judge and family with young Nance, Wes, and myself. The rain ceased falling about the time we started, and did not fall any more till after we passed Fillabuster Creek. This place was very familiar to me, as it received its name from the fact of our Fillabustering party, under Baylor, camped out for several days and starting from it the morning Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 161 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 of the day we had the fight at Marlin's. After passing this place a mile or two it commenced raining again, and continued to rain gently till we got to Carter's 2 1/2 P.M. We were detained at the river some time doubling teams to get the wagons across. We had 10 yoke of cattle to one wagon at the same time. Just before we got to the river, four of Capt Ross's rangers overtook us - sent by the Lieut. to accompany the Judge so far as he wishes them to go. It still continues to rain till night. Our cattle, oxen, and horses are in Carter's field tonight. I am sleeping in the house.

Saturday [January] 12th. It is cloudy this morning but not raining. It may not rain today. I rested finely during the night and feel better this morning than I have for some time. They are gathering and yoking the oxen 30 minutes past 8 A.M. Have eaten a hearty breakfast this morning of biscuit and pork. The first biscuit I have seen since I left Belknap. The cattle started about 10 and in an hour or two's drive we came up with the wagons.

[Jan. 1861] 199

All moved on very nearly together two or three hours. The wind commenced blowing a little from the north, so as to be cold riding. We came to our old camping ground near Whatley's and stopped for dinner. After eating a hearty dinner and resting about an hour we came on to Whatley's. By this time it commenced raining and the Judge concluded to stop here for the night. A small company of rangers was passing Whatley's as we gathered there and we hear that many others are on the road for the purpose of following and killing the Indians. Wish they may be very successful, but fear they may not for want of horses by the time they get among the Indians. Their only dependence to keep up their horses is grass; and that is so dry at this season of the year that horses cannot travel on it and be fit for active service. I know something about this from recent experience.

Sabbath [January] 13th. It has rained heavily during the night and it is very cloudy this morning. Rested well under the Judge's tent during the night, and have eaten a hearty breakfast with him this morning for the last time on this trip. The Judge has concluded to stay here today and wait for better weather. Wes and I are about leaving him this morning and starting home. Parson Wright has kindly furnished me a horse to ride home. It is great kindness indeed in the old Parson. About 30 min past 9 A.M. we were ready for starting. We bid the Judge's family farewell with feelings of gratitude towards them for the kindness they have manifested toward us ever since we came to their house. The Judge is certainly a high toned gentleman and a very worthy man; and his lady is seldom excelled in kindness, generosity,[..]

200 Jan. 1861 and true lady like amiableness. A person feels perfectly at home and easy in her presence and well entirtained [sic] with her company at all times. Miss Mollie is a very good girl and good company, intelligent, warm-hearted and kind. After leaving the Col we came on across the prairie toward the river at rather a slow gait. Just as we were coming near the river bluffs we discovered some person walking on the prairie at some distance from us. It was so far that we could not tell whether it was a white man or an Indian. We turned slowly toward him till we came into a ravine that hid us from his view. We then charged on him a pritty [sic] fair speed; but on getting to the place we could make no discovery. We think it was an Indian and that he ran into a cedar break hard by. We then came across the prairie past Garland's old battle ground to town by 30 minutes past 1 P.M. We were too late for preaching but not too late for dinner. My friends come around to see me, and seem glad to greet me home again in a fair way for good health. Spent the evening leisurely about town and my room. At night our circuit rider preached in town from 3 ch and 10 vers of Isaah [sic]. He is a very singular preacher, using many high-sounding words often inappropriately applied. He did not preach out the doctrine contained in the text by any means. He seemed to engage in rather flighty speculations of various kinds without much reference to the text. He seems to be a pious, zealous, devoted man, but very peculiar in his way of getting along. I think him to be a little egotistical and not as profound as he thinks he is. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 162 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

I find that Dr. S. S. Taylor has gathered up a little school and has been teaching five weeks. Yet several are soliciting me to commence one at once. I probably will do. Just six weeks today since I left home.

January 1861 201

Monday [January] 14th. There is a heavy fog early this morning. It is thick, cloudy, thundering in various directions and raining a little. Spent the early part of the morning in my room where I am visited by my friends. Spent part of the fore-noon in town. I learned that an order has just come to our Chief Justice from the Governor of the state [Sam Houston] to raise fifteen men to Range on the borders of our county. Our Governor says he is determined to protect our women and children if he has to take charge of a company and stay on the Frontier himself. “So far as the men are concerned the Indians may scalp them, for they are all ‘down on me’ anyhow.” Very good uncle Sam, while you are protecting our women and children you may chance to scare some of the Red skins off of the men. Saw Capt. Jack this evening. He is lively as ever, and has been very busy since he came home. He want as low down as Dallas to encourage men to turn out after the Indians. He says Dallas will send fifty men in the "Buffalo Hunt."

Tuesday [January] 15th. A considerable norther [sic] is blowing this morning, mixed with rain or hail, and it is turning to snow. Spent the most of the morning in my room reading and writing. Went to town a short time and purchased some articles of clothing. Several persons are in town, but all seem languid. No business of importance is doing. No new goods have been brought to our town this fall or winter. Two stocks that were here in the fall have been taken away. Spent the evening loafering [sic] at different houses in town. Took supper at Parson Slaughter's. The weather has moderated this evening.

Wednesday [January] 16th. The morning was calm, clear, and quite cold. There is a very heavy frost. I hired a hand this morning and we went into the Post oak and cut timber till dinner to make seats for the school-house. After dinner got three yoke of oxen and two other hands and went to hall [sic] our timber. We wrought faithfully, and it was after night when we got home with our load. The day's work has fatigued me some, yet I feel very well. There are clouds, the wind is blowing, and it appears like it may rain.

Thursday [January] 17th. It has rained, by showers, till about 12 o'clock. The wind has blown cold from 12 till night. Though now it is calm, 8 P.M. Spent the fore-noon in my room reading and writing. Spent the evening in town trying to get under way to get the school-house repaired. Late this evening I cut Mr. I. W. Price a fine cloth coat. There is prayer meeting in town tonight, but I am rather afraid to go out yet.

202 January 1861

Friday [January] 18th. The morning was clear, calm, and frosty. The day has been clear and pleasant. Spent the fore part of the day trying to settle some business with John Hittson; but failed. Spent the evening getting some forks and timber to make a pit for sawing the school-house seats with a whip-saw. Debate in town tonight. The most of the men and boys are out. The Secession question is the subject for debate. I did not stay till it was through, but learn it was not decided.

Saturday [January] 19th. A heavy frost this morning. The fore part of the day was cold; but the after part tolerably pleasant. Spent the day in town. Did but little business of any kind, except to try to influence the election of a commander for our ranging company. It was organized by enrolling fifteen men, electing one Lieut, one Sergt, and two corporals. C. C. Slaughter was elected Lieut, consequently commander of the company. I opposed his election, thinking him not to be a suitable man for that office. Have but little confidence in the company's doing any good; but hope for the better.

Sabbath [January] 20th. There is a very heavy frost this morning. The day has been tolerably pleasant. Have spent the whole day in my room reading. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 163 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Do not feel well tonight.

Monday [January] 21st. The day has been rather cool. Commenced saving my lumber for seats today. Made a very poor start. The saw does not work well.

Tuesday [January] 22nd. A heavy south easter [sic] is blowing very cold this morning. Still attempting to saw, but make very slow progress. It has rained from noon till night. Have sat in my room and read till late this evening; then I carried some lumber to Corban's to make window sash for the school house. Feel badly tonight.

Wednesday [January] 23rd. It continued to rain the most of the night. It is cloudy and very cold this morning. The day has been very cold. Have sat by the fire and wrote the most of the day. The sun shone out this evening and looked pleasant, although it is cold. The weather has moderated some this evening.

Thursday [January] 24th. The morning was very cold; but the evening is not quite so cold. Spent part of the morning in my room and part sending by W. Hullum for articles I need to Weatherford. Spent the evening hauling sand and lime to stop the cracks of the school-house. The celebrated company of fifteen left town this morning for the enemy.

[January 1861] 203

Friday [January] 25th. Borrowed a horse and started to Weatherford early this morning. Stopped at Wes's and fed my horse and got some corn to feed on tonight. It has been cold unpleasant traveling the most of the day. Though the sun has shone out finely. Came to Col S. R. Barber's and am staying all night with him. He met with a serious accident today. He was at a house raising, a log fell from the wall on his leg; but lucky did not break it. He seems to suffer very much with it tonight.

Saturday [January] 26th. A heavy frost this morning. The Col's leg seems to be easy and not so badly hurt as he thought last night. Got to Weatherford by 9 o'clock this morning. Found that Hullum was just having to go farther down the country. So I just got in soon enough to see him attend to my business myself and not be disappointed. Spent the most of the day in town getting articles for myself, the school-house, and others. Happened to meet with Mr. Evans who is oweing [sic] me, and got the necessaries I wanted on his acct. Went with R. P. Baker and am staying all night at his house. The Masonic Lodge meets here tonight. I sent up my name to be proposed for membership. The day has been very fine. Sabbath, January 27th. The morning is fine indeed. Started about 9 A.M. for home. Traveled on leisurely till about 1 P.M. and stopped at Mr. Millsaps' for dinner. Came on from here to bachelor's hall, and am staying at it for the night. I learn that the Indians a few nights ago made a heavy rake of horses on the south part of this county and in Erath county. It has become so common that it created but little excitement. The day has been pleasant. Wes is determined to stay at his hall and try for a crop again. He is alone and is living on dry beef and bread that he grinds on his steel mill. He occasionally hooks some turnips where the people are gone. His lot is certainly lonesome. I intended to try to get some person to go and stay with him.

Monday [January] 28th. Came to town early this morning. It is cold riding. I find that the sawyer's I left to saw Friday and Saturday did not do much good. It seemed to be a hard case for me to get the sawing done. I, in commission with S. A. Oxford Esqr, was called upon to examine Mr. J. G. Sheek as to his qualifications to teach school. Find him very poorly qualified, but granted him a certificate. Spent the evening making preparations for tomorrow's work. The evening has been pleasant.

204 January 1861

Tuesday [January] 29th. The morning is frosty, but the appearance is for a fine day. Got a late start at work this morning. Mr. Corban assisted me. We made some changes at the school-house and Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 164 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 put sash in the windows. We made tolerably good speed and are getting the house in a pretty fair way to be comfortable. If we have good weather this week I think I will have the house in fine fix for school by the last of the week. My day's work has fatigued me considerably. I have taken cold today. Have set up and wrote till 10 o'clock tonight. This is too late for me, as I am not in the habit, of late, of setting up so late. Am taking some medicin [sic] just before lying down.

Wednesday [January] 30th. Was up sometime before day this morning. It is cloudy and looks very much like raining. Went to my work and was preparing to have a large day's work done; but before my hands were collected it commenced raining and appears like turning cold. I feel so much disappointed and fear that I will not get the house in the right kind of order this week if the weather continue unfavorable. Have come home and am in my room writing, and have been hoping we could work after awhile, but it is getting colder and will, I fear, prevent us from doing any thing today. It has continued to rain occasionally during the day, the wind has blown cold from the north, and we have done nothing at the school-house. I have spent the most of the day in my room writing, sewing, and regulating accts. W. Hullum returned this evening and brought my box of window glass from Weatherford. I opened it to see whether I can get my windows filled out of it or not. I find fifty three good glass in it. I need forty eight. I have five to spare that are good; and about ten that are broken in two pieces and would be made to answer in case of emergency. Took supper with Mr. W. T. Harris. It is still blowing cold from the north mixed with rain. The frogs are hollowing tonight.

Thursday [January] 31st. A heavy sleet has fallen during the night. It is very cloudy this morning and every thing books very gloomy. Cannot do any thing at my word today. Do not feel very well this morning. Have taken considerable cold. A kind of mist continued to fall all day. Took dinner at I. W. Cox's. Carried some plank to the school-house in the evening. At night went [to] T. Wright's, and am staying all night with him. It is not very cold tonight.

February 1861 205

Friday [February] 1st. The day has been calm, clear, and pleasant. got several hands to assist me, and we have painted the school-house and made a tolerably good lot of seats for the house. Cureton has moved out of the house and it is very nearly in readiness for school and is more pleasant than it ever has been. There was a debate tonight. Subject Collumbus and Washington. Collumbus gained it. I was on the side of Collumbus. We are to meet on Monday night next and organize regularly. The wind is blowing cold tonight.

Saturday [February] 2nd. The norther [sic] is blowing heavily this morning, and it is tolerably cold. Spent the most of the day fitting up the school-house and getting it in readiness for meeting tonight and school next week. Got it completed except getting the glass put in three of the windows. Parson Wright assisted me in putting the glass in one window. The Parson preached in town tonight. A very small congregation. The weather has moderated some this evening. It is clear but the air is unpleasantly cold.

Sabbath [February] 3rd. It is calm, clear and cold this morning. The day has been calm and clear, but tolerably cold. Spent the morning in my room reading till meeting time. Rev Perry the circuit rider preached from the words "If any man will serve me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." His discourse was very practical, and well adopted to the condition of the people, if they would but take heed to the instruction given by him. The congregation was tolerably large. I took dinner with I. W. Cox. There was class meeting at 3 P.M. A good turn out for class meeting. There was considerable feeling manifested among the people; and I do hope ther [sic] tokens are favorable for better times in our church. I think our preacher is more fully enlisted in the work than our last one was; and will accomplish more towards ressussitating [sic] the church. Parson Wright preached at night again to a crowded house. The sermon was plain and practical. The old man certainly enjoys religion, I think. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 165 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

206 Feb. 1861

Monday [February] 4th. The day has been calm and clear, and it has been tolerably pleasant. The birds sing as though it was spring of the year. Commenced the fifth session of my school at this place this morning. My house is renovated, made comfortable, and has a supply of good seats. The improving of the house seems to have its influence in inclining the people to [miss] their Teacher. I have had the work done at my own expense. There are 27 students in attendance today. I learn this evening that Dr. S. S. Taylor has closed his school, in consequence of mine commencing today, and the indications are that I will get the most of his students. A Legislature was organized at the school-house tonight as a substitute for a debating society. Only eight names were enrolled.

Tuesday [February] 5th. The morning is beautiful in appearance, though a little cold. The day has been clear and pleasant. There are 47 students in school today. I have not exercised as much as I ought, consequently I do not feel very well, and have been a little crabbie [sic] in school today. Hope I may do better and feel better hereafter. The school is likely to be too large for me to attend to.

Wednesday [February] 6th. The day has been fine and pleasant. 47 students in school again today. Have to labor very incessantly to get through the regular lessons. Feel better tonight than last night. Put the lights in the sash of one of the school-house windows tonight after school. It kept me till after 9 P.M.

Thursday [February] 7th. The day has been remarkably fine. It appears very much like the spring of the year. 47 students in school again today. The most of them have done tolerably well today, though some have done badly. I feel tolerably well tonight. This is the night of prayer meeting.

Friday [February] 8th. The day has been very pleasant. In the evening a warm south wind blew up, and it continued to blow tolerably strong. 48 students in school today. Tolerably well behaved. Spelled a match this evening. Put the glass in the sash of one of the school-house windows tonight. It kept me till 1/2 past 9 P.M.

[February 1861] 207

Saturday [February] 9th. The wind is still blowing strongly this morning; though it is warm. It is cloudy and looks like rain. Spent the day making benches an improving the arrangements of the school room. In the evening a heavy wind, or rather a gale blew up accompanied with rain. It blew the roofs off of some of the houses in town, blew down trees on across Dr. Hunter's house. It also blew Judge Pollard's carriag [sic] about 200 yds, and it also blew the most of the dust out of our streets. It has however passed off and the weather is tolerably calm this evening. The Legislature met here tonight and discussed some matters of interest. My cold still continues.

Sabbath [February] 10th. A heavy west wind is blowing this morning. Spent the most of the fore noon in my room reading. At 11 A.M. went to the appointment for Class meeting; but there were but two others besides myself. The members seem very careless as regards attending Class meetings. In the evening went to B. F. Baker's and am staying with him for the night.

Monday [February] 11th. Started from B. F.'s at the first appearance of day break and got to town by the time it was broad day light. Got breakfast and cut a coat this morning before school time. 51 Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 166 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 students in school today. The appearance is for the school still to increase. It requires very incessant labor to attend to so many. The day has been remarkably fine. Feel better tonight than common.

Tuesday [February] 12th. There has been a continual blowing of wind today from the south tolerably heavy. The day has, however, been warm enough to be pleasant when sheltered from the wind. Have had to keep the south door of the school-house closed in consequence of the wind. 53 students in school today. It requires my time so closely that I am at the school-house soon after sun up and remain there till dark, doeing [sic] extra work before and after school. Setting copys [sic] and working out hard examples in the arithmetic.

208 Feb. 1861

Wednesday [February] 13th. A heavy west wind has been blowing heavily all day. It has calmed off a little this evening. 54 students in school today. It is very burthensome [sic], yet I get along tolerably well. Still I hope I may get along better.

Thursday [February] 14th. The day has been quite pleasant, though the wind has blown considerably. But we are getting so used to it we do not pay much attention. 53 students were in school today. I hear this evening there are several more wishing to come if the school is not so full. I feel tolerably well this evening. Prayer meeting in town tonight. It was tolerably well attended. Hope the spirit of Religion and of attending meetings may be reviewed in our town, and in this entire community; for the church is very cold at this place.

Friday [February] 15th. The day has been cloudy and tolerably cold; a norther [sic] has been blowing the most of the day. A heavier one blew up this evening accompanied with some rain. 51 students in school; this evening they recited pieces. Some did tolerably well while others failed entirely. The Legislature met tonight and continued in session till about 11 P.M.

Saturday [February] 16th. It was calm and clear early this morning, but now at 8 A.M. the wind is blowing from the north tolerably cold. The wind has continued tolerably cold all day, though it was clear. Spent part of the fore-noon in town. Went to meeting after dinner. It is parson Slaughter's Conference day. He preaches so long and tedious in Conference that I got my dinner before I went. It was near 3 P.M. when the meeting closed. Spent the evening in various little preparations for the Sabbath. At night went to church and heard Parson Slaughter hold forth. He was not quite so tedious as common - preaching about one hour. Meeting closed near 8 P.M.

Sabbath [February] 17th. The morning was rather cold, and the day has been a little cool all day. Spent the morning in my room reading and writing. Heard parson Slaughter preach at 11 A.M. and at 3 P.M. There seemed to be some good feeling in the congregation. Three members joined the church. The meeting continued till nearly dark.

[February 1861] 209

Monday [February] 18th. The day has been a little cloudy, warm, and the wind has been blowing considerably. 55 students in school today. Several new students and others still talk of coming. Visited Mr. Price tonight. He is confined with disease, but my assistance not being necessary I have returned home, and am writing these lines tonight.

Tuesday [February] 19th. It has been warm, cloudy, and the wind has been blowing the most of the day. It is still cloudy and warm tonight. 54 students in school today. It seems that some of the people begin to envy me, and wish to get up another school, for the reason that my school is to [sic] full; but really they think I am making too much money.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 167 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [February] 20th. There was a little frost this morning and it was tolerably cool. The day has been quite warm, the warmest we have had yet, I think. 56 students in school today. Some of the boys are getting most too unruley [sic] and I had to take them down a little. The first regular whipping I have done. It is calm, warm, and smoky tonight, like Indian Summer.

Thursday [February] 21st. It has been rather cloudy all day. The wind has blown from the south tolerably lively. And it has been quite warm. 54 students in school today. Mrs. Wright is trying to get a school in town and by so doing she will relieve me of some of my students, probably several of them. Prayer meeting in town tonight.

Friday [February] 22nd. This has been another cloudy, warm, and windy day. The wind has been very high from the south for several days; and there has been some appearance of rain; but it has only proved to be appearances. It is rather dry and rain would be of great advantage to the grass and wheat. The grass is beginning to grow pretty well, and the wheat is taking a fine start. 50 students in school today. I guess several will quit my school and got to Mrs. Wright, as I hear she talks of commencing on Monday next. I suppose it will be best for the students generally; but not for my purse. The students spelled a match this evening. Considerable excitement the result.

210 February 1861

Saturday [February] 23rd. The day has been rather windy from the north and rather cool. Spent the fore part of the day at work at Nall's on a room that I expect to occupy soon. The afternoon was spent in town. The election came off here today "For or against secession." There were about 80 votes polled. I think every one "for secession." The Legislature met in town tonight, several in attendance.

Sabbath [February] 24th. It is calm and clear this morning, and a little cool; but the appearance is for a beautiful day. The day has been a little cool all day. Spent the most of the morning in my room reading. About 12 M. went to church and heard the closing remarks of parson Slaughter's sermon. Preaching again at about 3 P.M. after which the ordinance of baptism was administered to three subjects by immersion, in a muddy hole in the creek. It does not present that sanctity and reverential respect to me that I would like for it to, or that it would [be] performed in a more decent and respectful manner. Have eaten too much tonight and feel very dull, stupid and incapacitated for study in consequence of it.

Monday [February] 25th. It has been cloudy and a tolerably cold wind has been blowing in the south or southeast. There have been some indications of rain; but none of consequence has fallen. 48 students in school today. Mrs. Wright commenced a school in town today; and she has taken off some of my students. Yet others came in. Had to expose one of the young men of the school this evening for writing a "Love Letter" to one of the school girls and making her a present of some ear rings. Her father got hold of them and sent them to me with a request that I return them to the student and tell him that he was able to buy his daughter ear rings when it was necessary for her to wear them.

Tuesday [February] 26th. It was quite foggy this morning. The day has been somewhat cloudy, windy, and warm. 44 students in school today. Mrs. Wright is taking several students from my school. She had 17 today.

[February 1861] 211

Wednesday [February] 27th. There was a fog again this morning and some flying clouds. The fog and clouds passed off sometime after the sun was up. The day has been warm and the wind tolerably high from the south. 46 students in school today. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 168 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

After school this evening [I] moved from my boarding place at Mr. Jowell's to Mr. Martin G. Nall's. Where I expect to stay for some time. I have been quite warm tonight fixing up my affairs.

Thursday [February] 28. The morning was cloudy. The day has been warm and windy. 45 students in school today. So ends the gentle February. The requiem of departing winter. The inclemecies [sic] and unpleasantness of the cold months. The season that has kept vegitation [sic] from springing forth. That has caused the cattle to want for their necessary food, the house to become poor, and lose his majestic step and stately bearing; and become poor low spirited and imbicile [sic]. The sheep has been caused to crop the dry foliage to sustain its life till spring. While the hog with his rounded back and piteous squeak truly attests the severity of the winter. The feathered tribes have been awed to silenc [sic] by the mighty monster, this chilling season. The brooks have been frozen up – the tops of the streams have been crested so obstinately that they refuse to give forth the refreshing draught for the accommodation of the brute creation. It is a[s] the general pulse of nature had paused while the northern blast held dominion over land and sea, hill and vale, mountain and plain. Yet these thing [sic] apply more accurately to latitude farther north. To regions more remote from the Equator. Where the oblique rays of the sun shed a less heating influence than on this region. For here the cattle have kept fat. The horse retains his wantoned [sic] nobleness. The sheep is amply supplied and now has hundreds of the innocent bleating race shipping on the prairies around the contented dane [sic]. The hog is fat, and is killed for pork without feeding. The feathered tribe seldom have stopped its warble. While the brooks have remained liquid.

212 March 1861

Friday [March] 1st. The morning was cloudy. The day has been warm and windy. 42 students in school today. Recited pieces and read composition this evening. The Legislature met in town tonight. Just three years today I left home and have been a wanderer among strangers ever since. I have many reasons to be thankful to my benificent [sic] Creator and Preserver for all his overruling goodness to me since I left my home, my kindred, and friends. Surely the words of the prophet are true in my case. "When my father and mother forsake me the Lord will take me up." Though my father and mother have not forsaken me, yet I am a long ways from them and the reality is as though they had forsaken me. I know their feelings are as tender and sympathetic towards me as they ever were. The Lord has surely been good to me. He has preserved and kept me amidst dangers seen and unseen. He has, from a state of impotency, restored me to vigorous health. He has also prospered me to some extent in pecuniary affairs. And I feel that it is through his goodness, mercy, long suffering and forbearance that I am this morning enjoying the blessing, priviliges [sic], and immunities that I now enjoy. For I know that I merit no favor from this, his bountiful hand. I have been stubborn, perverse, sinful, corrupt, and ungreatful [sic]. I have not availed myself of all the means that I might have done to acquire holiness of heart or uprightness in all my actions. I have given way to evil and corrupt passions until they have almost overwhelmed me in the awful abyss of ruin, misery, and despair. I pray the Lord to vouch safe unto me the saving influence of divine grace! To renew me entirely in the image of His Son! To make me devoted to his service, and enable me to be more steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the duties which I owe to my God, myself, and my fellow man. I pray that I may have expanded and benevolant [sic] feelings, having the gospel principles of faith, hope, charity ever present with me to strengthen, confirm, and build me in the favor of my God! That my capacities of comprehending, appreciating and communicating truth and detecting and exposing error be greatly enlarged and put into general practice.

[March 1861] 213

Saturday [March] 2nd. It is cloudy, warm, and windy this morning. Spent some time at the school-house this morning, cleaning it out, arranging the seats, and preparing it for meeting, as our 1st Quarterly meeting for this mission commences here today. At 11 A.M. Rev Perry, the circuit rider preached a very plain, practical sermon. There were not many people out. Quarterly conference met this evening at 3 o'clock. I was appointed Class Leader - a position I feel myself very poorly qualified to fill. Yet my trust and confidence is in the Lord. I pray that I Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 169 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 may be strengthened through his grace and enabled to discharge this, as well as all other duties with an eye single to His glory! At night Parson Graves addressed the people from Luke 21 ch, 36 verse. "Watch therefore and pray always, that ye may be able to stand" &c. He said we should watch against the delusive follies of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Pray at all times - that is, exercise a devotional frame of mind. He feared that the present national troubles would prevent many from praying as they should do. It might be the design of the Supreme ruler of all things to scurge [sic] the nation for its sins. If this was the case, all who were truly christians would be apt to be saved from the great calamity. For Dr. Clark said in the destruction of Jerusalem and the great destruction of the Jewish nation at that time, that all who were christians indeed and in truth were saved and did not perish in the general destruction. But were sent forth as heralds of the cross to preach the gospel in various places and to different people. He thought that the people ought to pray more in order to be better prepared for such a national calamity as might follow a destructive domestic war. After he closed, the circuit rider gave a tolerably lengthy and pathetic exhortation. The day has been warm. We are again pained to learn that the Indians are in our country again and stole several horses last night, one the preacher's horse.

214 March 1861

Sabbath [March] 3rd. There was some rain last night and considerable wind. The air is considerably colder this morning than it has been for some days. Spent the early part of the morning reading. Went to prayer meeting at 9 A.M. There were several in attendance before the meeting closed. At 11 A.M. the circuit rider preached from the words "This gospel shall be preached into all the world for a witness unto all people; and then shall the end come." He spent some time showing what the gospel was and that all who preach it are called to do so. He gloried in the fact that it will be preached to all people. After this is done the end will come and all must appear at the judgment bar and be judged. What an awful scene will be presented when all people shall be congregated together to receive their sentence. All ought to prepare for that event. The meeting then closed till candle lighting. Parson Wright preached from the words "For it was needful for me to write to you to stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance to [pray] earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints." The old man was a little tedious in his description of faith—the faith once delivered to the saints. He cited to Abraham's faith as an example [of] the kind of faith that was delivered to the saints. He was followed by the circuit rider in an exhortation of some length. The meeting closed with tolerably good feeling among the people. After meeting at 11 A.M. two persons joined the church, one by letter and the other probably on probation. A large congregation tonight.

Monday [March] 4th. It is clear this morning but tolerably cool. The day has been pleasant. Clear and calm. 43 students in school today. The wind is blowing from the north tonight tolerably cold, enough to be a little unpleasant in any room without fire.

[March 1861] 215

Tuesday [March] 5th. There was some frost this morning and the day has been tolerably cool. Cool enough for a fire to be very pleasant. 43 students in school today. Have been rather cross all day and have found some examples in Exchange in Smiley's Arithmetic that I have not been able to perform yet.

Wednesday [March] 6th. The morning was quite cool. The day has been pleasant. The wind has been from the south today. 45 students in school. I have felt lively today and consequently managed the school better than yesterday, or than I can when I feel ill.

Thursday [March] 7th. The morning was a little cool. The day has been quite pleasant. 43 students in school today. Several Indians have been seen in the north side of this county this week. None have been killed yet. They still steal a horse occasionally. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 170 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

The people are so used to them that they pay little attention to them. Prayer meeting in town tonight.

Friday [March] 8th. There was a little rain last night and considerable wind. The day has been quite warm. The grass is taking a fine start, and the cows are beginning to [fatten] and we begin to get some milk. 41 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening.

Saturday [March] 9th. Spent the fore part of the day at work on the school-house making desks on the backs of the seats. I now have the house in pretty convenient condition. I have spent about 140$ in building and repairing the house. Spent the evening in town. A Ranger company was formed in town today. D. B. Cleveland Capt. The mail failed to get here this evening. The Legislature met in town tonight.

216 March 1861

Sabbath [March] 10th. The morning was a little cool. The day has been pleasant. Read some this morning till time to go to Sabbath school. About 9 A.M. the school was opened by J. C. Carpenter reading a chapter, singing, and praying. I was then chosen Superintendent of the school. W. M. Peters Ast. Sup't. and I. W. Cox Secretary. The male students were then divided into three classes, two of 11 students each, and one of five. The females were divided into two classes of 7 students each. Out of the respective, two teachers were chosen to each class. After reading a chapter around the classes the school was dismissed. Considerable interest seems to be manifested in the school, and I hope it may prove beneficial to all concerned. After school was dismissed a short time class meeting was held. Some good feeling seemed to exist. Took dinner with Mr. Peters. Spent the most of the evening [at] Mr. Peters and [then at] Wright's late in the evening and stayed till after supper. Wright is quite social and has more intelligence than the "commonality." I regret very much to hear today that Mr. A. Thomas, a very worthy young man, was killed accidently in the late Buffalo hunt. Another man was also killed by the guard on the same hunt. The hunt affected but little in the way of killing Indians, only four being killed by the company. Do not feel very well tonight, my eyes are weak.

Monday [March] 11th. The day has been pleasant, though tolerably windy. 38 students in school today. The number of students is diminishing. Hope it will not be reduced much lower. A shooting scrape came off in town this evening between a drinking rabble. No person injured. One of the parties is in the custody of the Sheriff tonight, awaiting his trial. He will probably be committed to jail. Though he may give bail. I wish the liquor shops and all persons who get into such scrapes from its effects were banished from our country. Cut one coat this morning and two tonight.

[March 1861] 217

Tuesday [March] 12th. The day has been warm and windy. It is quite dry now, and rain would do much good. 41 students in school today. Two of the large boys had a difficulty and come very near fighting in the school-house. I had the difficulty settled and they agreed to let the matter rest if I would not expell [sic] them from the school. Such difficulties are very unpleasant to me at all times.

Wednesday [March] 13th. It has been cloudy during the day, and occasional showers have fallen. Vegetation seems generally revived. Though the ground is not thoroughly wet. 36 students in school today. A little cool this evening.

Thursday [March] 14th. The morning was cool. The day has been clear and pleasant. 40 students in school today. Prayer meeting tonight.

Friday [March] 15th. The day has been warm and windy. 37 students in school today. The students recited pieces this evening. The legislature met tonight.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 171 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday [March] 16th. The most of the forenoon was spent in my room attempting the solution of an arithmetical problem in Exchange without success. Spent the most of the evening in town, assisting the P.M. after the mail came in. We were all glad to get the mail as it did not reach us last week. Meeting in town tonight.

Sabbath [March] 17th. There is quite a cold norther [sic] blowing this morning. Spent the most of the morning in the school room reading till time to open Sabbath school. As the morning was cold and unpleasant, there were not many present at the opening of the school. But before it closed there were some 30 or 40 persons present. There were 120 verses of scripture recited. When school closed a brisk snow was falling; it, however, soon stopped. The wind has blown cold all day.

218 March 1861

Monday [March] 18th. It was quite cold this morning. The ground was frozen a little. It has been calm and clear, and tolerably cool all day. 38 students in school today. They still seem to be falling over to Mrs. Wright. If they continue she will almost supplant me. I do not feel well today. Out of fix for teaching.

Tuesday [March] 19th. The morning was tolerably cold. The day has been pleasant enough. A considerable [wind] is blowing tonight. 39 students in school today. Feel better tonight.

Wednesday [March] 20th. The morning was quite cold. The day has been calm, but rather cool. 35 students in school today. Have felt more in the spirit of teaching today than yesterday.

Thursday [March] 21st. The morning was cool. The day has been pleasant enough, though quite windy. 38 students in school today. Prayer meeting tonight.

Friday [March] 22nd. It has been warm and windy today, and is rather hazy or smoky this evening. 39 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Paid my tax: 75 cts today.

Saturday [March] 23rd. Was up early this morning and on the road for Weatherford by the time the sun was up. Traveled on regularly without any resting of consequence till I got to Weatherford, which was about 2 P.M. Found quite a number of people in town and considerable business going on in town. They also organized a military company. Mr. C. Jordan was elected Capt. Put up with R. P. Baker and stayed all night with him. Was initiated into the degree of "Entered Apprenticed of Free and Accepted Masons." Was tolerably well pleased with it.

Sabbath [March] 24th. Started from Weatherford about 9 A.M. and reached Palo Pinto a little after dark. Stopped at several places today. Got dinner at Mr. Millsaps. The day has been very windy and tolerably warm this evening.

[March 1861] 219

Monday [March] 25th. The day has been warm, cloudy and windy. 36 students in school today. It is very warm this evening. About 4 P.M. it rained a fine shower. The air is much refreshed.

Tuesday [March] 26th. The day has been quite warm. The vegetable kingdom seem revived, and the grass looks greener than usual today. 33 students in school today. It is getting down too small. I must get up some excitement to renew the interest in the school.

Wednesday [March] 27th. The day has been tolerably warm and windy. 33 students in school today. Some do not like to be governed and one has left in consequence of being required to be quiet in school. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 172 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday [March] 28th. The day has been quite warm and windy. 33 students in school today. Somehow teaching is getting to be a monotonous and to some extent uninteresting to me. If I had so profitable an employment at something more active I would engage in it. Hope I may find some other by the [end] of this session. Prayer meeting tonight but two members out!

Friday [March] 29th. The day has been quite pleasant, neither too cold nor too hot. 32 students in school today. Recited pieces and read compositions this evening. The Legislature met tonight.

Saturday [March] 30th. The day has been warm. Spent the most of the forenoon reading. Spent the afternoon in town assisting to appoint delegates to the Dallas Convention which is to nominate a Gubernatorial candidate. Election in Aug next.

Sabbath [March] 31st. The day has been quite warm and windy. Attended Sabbath school this morning. It was tolerably full and tolerably interesting. Went home with Miss Nan Arnett this evening and took supper there. Miss Nannie is a very cleaver girl. Quite social, considerably more than ordinary intelligence. I think she is a good girl!

220 April 1861

Monday [April] 1st. The day has been remarkably warm, almost to depression. 40 students in school today. 6 new students and one returned from Mrs. Wright's school, who left mine at the commencement of her school. I may not be so seriously injured by her school as I thought for. It is raining a fine shower tonight.

Tuesday [April] 2nd. All the vegetable kingdom seems much revived this morning from the effects of the rain that fell last night. The ground is not thoroughly wet, yet the rain has done much good. The day has been quite warm. 39 students in school today. Commenced on Dr. Rogers plan to wake up the minds of the students. My text was a piece of wood. The question was "What is this?" Various answers were given, but none answered that it was "wood." The question is continued till tomorrow.

Wednesday [April] 3rd. The morning was very warm and cloudy and occasional showers falling till noon. About 12 M. it commenced raining in earnest and rained on the finest kind of a rain till after 5 P.M. 41 students in school before dinner and 21 after dinner. The rain raised up the waters so high that the students that crossed it to their dinner could not get back. The question was answered correctly today, and the following was given for tomorrow, viz: "What is the use of wood?" Could not cross the creek home this evening; so I went to Capt Cureton's for the night.

Thursday [April] 4th. The day has been warm enough; some clouds the most of the day, but no rain. 33 students in school today. There were various answers as to the use of wood, and the next is "What are the different kinds of wood?" The vegetable kingdom seems much revived today. I do not feel very well this evening.

Friday [April] 5th. There was a heavy fog this morning. The day has been quite pleasant, the wind blowing a little cool. 36 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Feel better than I did yesterday evening. The Legislature meets tonight.

[April 1861] 221

Saturday [April] 6th. The day has been very pleasant, indeed it has been remarkably delightful. Spent the most of the day in my room reading. Have felt a little dull this evening. The mail did not reach us this evening in consequence of the river being too full to cross. We feel disappointed as we are anxious to get the news in general, and our state news in particular. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 173 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

It is a little cloudy tonight and appears like raining.

Sabbath [April] 7th. The day has been a little cool. It has been clear and the wind blowing the most. I fear it is almost cold enough to frost tonight. Spent the most of the morning reading. Read one chapter of "Baxter's call to the Unconverted." It is truly a valuable work. It shows very plainly the origin and nature of the controversey [sic] existing between God and man. God says repent of your sins and be converted. Man says I need not repent, I have done nothing to repent of. But God is the Judge in this case, and it is the unmistakable duty of man to bow in humble submission to him. God says turn or ye shall die. Yet man will not believe it. But God will make him believe it and submit, or he will make him suffer the pangs of that death that never dies. But God says at the same time, if you will turn, ye shall live. So if man will turn to the Lord, repent of his sins, believe in the Savior with all his heart and obey the precepts of the bible, he may be - nay, he will be saved. There is the great difficulty to get man to believe it and act accordingly. Attended the Sabbath school at 9 A.M. The attendance was not very large. Yet there were several present who manifested some interest in the exercises of the school. There were 252 verses recited by different persons. This was the regular day for circuit preaching. But the river was so full that the preacher did not get here. Spent the evening reading and in conversation with different persons.

222 April 1861

Monday [April] 8th. The morning was a little cool but the day has been pleasant. A brisk wind has been blowing the most of the day. 41 students in school today. I have not felt entirely well all day, consequently I have been rather ill, or fractious in school - more so than I like to be. We hear reports of Indians being in the country again.

Tuesday [April] 9th. The morning was a little cool - almost cool enough for frost. The day has been pleasant enough but tolerably windy; it is rather cloudy and quite warm tonight. 37 students in school today. Have felt some better today than yesterday and have managed the school somewhat more satisfactorily than did yesterday.

Wednesday [April] 10th. The wind blew heavily during the night and continued blowing heavily and tolerably cold the most of the forenoon. It has been tolerably cold the most of the day and is still cold tonight, almost enough so for frost I fear. For it is quite calm tonight. 38 students in class today. A new stock of goods were brought into our town today belonging to Mr. Narbo. The clerk, Mr. Dickson, appears like a very cleaver young man.

Thursday [April] 11th. The day has been cloudy and quite cool. Cold enough to be quite unpleasant without fire. I fear we will have frost tonight, as it is pretty near clear and calm. 38 students in school today. Some of them did quite badly in their lessons. I also had to whip one boy for fighting.

Friday [April] 12th. The morning is quite cool. There is some frost, but I hope not enough to do a serious injury. The day has been more pleasant. About 35 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Had one visitor, the first one for some time. Capt Cureton. After school this evening borrowed a horse and went down to G. W. Baker's and am staying the remainder of the night here.

[April 1861] 223

Saturday [April] 13th. The morning is quite pleasant. After breakfast we went into the corn field to see what injury had been done by the frost the previous night. We found to our gratification that it is not seriously injured. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 174 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

The weeds and grass are beginning to grow very fast. The corn has come up very irregularly, and the stand is not very good. After completing our walk we spent the remainder of the morning preparing a cultivator to use in the corn field next week. After dinner came to town. Several persons are in town this evening, all anxious to get the news as we failed last week. We receive no very startling news. Our Legislature met at 4 P.M. and had a tolerably interesting discussion. The bill was declareing [sic] an Atheist to bear incompetent witness in court of justice. It was finally adopted by a small majority. A light shower of rain fell this evening, and it is still cloudy tonight.

Sabbath [April] 14th. The day has been warm, especially the fore part. About 2 or 3 P.M. a cloud gathered over our town and a considerable hail fell for a few minutes. It soon passed off to the east and had the appearance of being very angry and a considerable storm after passing here. Hope it may not have injured the crops of wheat and corn. Spent the morning chiefly reading till time for Sabbath school. The attendance there was not very large. There were 302 verses of scripture recited today. Something is needed to keep up an interest in the school. I wish I knew what could be done to get up the proper spirit and animation in the cause. After Sabbath school Class meeting was held. Only 5 new members of our church were present and one Baptist brother. We had quite a feeling meeting. I hope we may yet see better time here. There was preaching at night by Parson Wright. Not many out, for it has blown up quite cold tonight, and it is unpleasant.

224 April 1861

Monday [April] 15th. The norther [sic] was blowing very cold this morning. Indeed it seems almost like winter again. I fear for the crops at the winding up of this spell. I learn from men, who are up here from Parker that the hail storm that commenced here yesterday accumulated in violence and fury as it proceeded, and the probability is that it has done serious injury to the wheat and corn, and probably other crops. District Court is in session here at this time. His Excellency N. T. Battle presiding. I suppose nothing was done today more than empanel and charge the juries. There is a very small turnout of people for a District Court. The weather has moderated very much this evening; yet I fear we shall have frost tonight. 28 students in school today. This is getting too low!

Tuesday [April] 16th. The day has been quite pleasant. 32 students in school today. Had a very stubborn and refractory case to deal with this evening. But I conquered him and made him comply with my requisitions before I quit him. Went to Parson Byars for supper, and bought part of his library as he is going to leave here soon. As I came by the court house I found a meeting assembled for the purpose of making some regulations concerning some appropriations which have been sent to the needy of the county by the benevolent citizens of Galveston. A committee was appointed to make the necessary distributions.

Wednesday [April] 17th. The day has been quite warm. It is still warm and the wind is blowing considerably tonight. 31 students in school today. Had to whip some of the boys today. Court is still going on. Not a great deal of business is doeing [sic] in court.

Thursday [April] 18th. The wind blew heavily for sometime this morning. The day, however, has been quite warm. Took some exercise playing with the boys today. 30 students in school today. I feel a kind of restless uneasiness, as though something was wrong, yet I cannot tell what it is!

[April 1861] 225

Friday [April] 19th. The morning was tolerably cool; but the evening has been quite warm. 29 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. This is the smallest week's attendance I have had this session. The cold, at the first of the week, court being in town this week, and several of the students having the whooping cough are some of the causes of the meager attendance. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 175 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

We learn that the Indians are in the country again, and have stolen some horses this week on Cedar creek. A load of new goods came into town today. The Legislature met again tonight. But few members present.

Saturday [April] 20th. The morning was quite warm. The after part of the day has been quite windy. Spent the most of the fore noon reading. Spent the afternoon in town. Was at the preaching tonight. Parson Robinson held forth from the words "Ye are the salt of the earth, if the salt hath lost its savor it is then it is good for nothing but to be cast out and be trodden under foot of men." Math 5 & 13th. This discourse was of ordinary length, and very well suited to his peculiar Baptist views. Yet all of which I cannot agree with him.

Sabbath [April] 21st. The morning and day has been warm and windy. I spent part of the morning reading before time for Sabbath school. The Sabbath school was not very well attended. Only 186 verses recited. At 11 A.M. Rev. N. T. Byars held forth in an eloquent, sensible, and forcible discourse. Showing the knowledge of the Savior is made unto his followers. Wisdom, Justification, Sanctification, and Redemption. He bade his christian brethren farewell in a very affecting manner, as he will leave here soon, probably forever. Preaching at 3 P.M. by Rev. J. Turner from the words "By grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

226 April 1861

Monday [April] 22nd. The day has been quite warm - the warmest we have had yet. The wind has been brisk. 28 students in school today. It is somewhat discouraging to be reduced so low. We hear that the measles have made their appearance in our town. If so, the school may yet be reduced lower.

Tuesday [April] 23rd. This has been another warm and windy day. 24 students in school today, the smallest number I have had this session yet. I hope the scale of numbers may be changed the other way soon; for it is very poor pay at the [present] rate of attendance. Parson Byars left us today for the southeast.

Wednesday [April] 24th. The morning was tolerably cool. The day has been cooler than some days past, though quite pleasant. 26 students in school today. We hear this evening that war has commenced. That Fort Sumpter at Charleston S.C. was bombarded on the 12th inst. We have only the report of the first day's action. We are very anxious to learn the final result. The measure is highly approved of here. The only objection here is that it was not done sooner.

Thursday [April] 25th. The day has been quite pleasant. The after part has been cloudy; and a light shower of rainfall fell late this evening, during which there was a beautiful rain-bown [sic]. The wind blows a little cool tonight. 25 students in school today. Kept one of the "immaculate urchins" in to learn a lesson at noon, that he had failed to learn at the proper time. For which "dreadful act" I was visited by the parent in a very surly mood for an explanation of the "injustice I had done his child." I soon found that he had been wrongly informed. I told him the truth in the case. He left saying "Let us have a meeting Saturday and have the thing settled." I am really sick of such little-souled, narrow-contracted pent-up, diminutive, deformed mockeries of humanity!

[April 1861] 227

Friday [April] 26th. The day has been rather cloudy, quite windy, and tolerably warm. No rain of consequence. 22 students in school today. The smallest number yet. It is discouraging to have so few, after the school being so full as it was. If it should continue so small long, I shall feel much inclined to quit before the regular time of the session's closing. I have some applications for new students this evening. I feel restless and a kind of anxiety of mind tonight, yet I cannot tell why! Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 176 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday [April] 27th. The day has been varied in its temperatures. The [day] was quite cool and windy—the wind from the north. The after part of the day was pleasant enough. Spent part of the morning reading. Before noon went on the prairie to Mr. Arnett's and spent the majority of the afternoon very pleasantly in the company of Miss N. Returned to town in the evening expecting to get my mail matter from the office, but to my great disappointment there was none for me. The Legislature met tonight and had a tolerably good debate. And the thing set on foot for the next debate to make it interesting.

Sabbath [April] 28th. The morning was a little cool. The day has been quite pleasant, even warm this evening. Spent part of the morning reading. Attended Sabbath school at the usual hour. The attendance was not very great, but the exercises upon the whole were interesting and, I trust, beneficial. S. A. Oxford Esqr delivered a lecture on the nature of the Sabbath and the proper modes of keeping it. He commented on the command "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." The first part of the command was generally well observed. "Remember the Sabbath" &c. But the second part was awfully violated by our community especially. "To keep it holy." This should be much better observed than it is by all classes of the community. The old, the middle aged, and the young.

228 April 1861

Monday [April] 29th. This has been one of the warm days. The wind is blowing some tonight. 29 students in school today. Three new students in school today. I feel somewhat stupid tonight. from [sic] cause.

Tuesday [April] 30th. The morning was tolerably cool. The day has been pleasant. 29 students in school today. I learn that one of the students was seriously injured by a ruffian "cow boy" running over him with a horse as he was going home from school. How shameful such conduct!

May [1861]

Wednesday [May] 1st. The merry month! the month of flowers and of sunshine, of life, of animation, and of pleasure! Was ushered in under a cloudy canopy with balmy breezes and refreshing showers! There were occasional showers during the fore noon; but no great amount of rain fell. The showers have been more brisk and diffuse this evening; and quite [an] amount of rain has fallen, and is still falling tonight. 26 scholars in school today. It seems like a very small business. May its smallness soon end!

Thursday [May] 2nd. The morning was thick, cloudy, and a fine mist fell for some time. The clouds continued all day; but were light this evening and appears a little like breaking off. It has been a little cool all day. 23 students in school today. It is quite dull and disincouraging [sic] to me.

Friday [May] 3rd. The morning was cool. The day has been cloudy, but pleasant enough. 25 scholars in school today. Spelled a match this evening. The Legislature met tonight and had a very good discussion on a resolution concerning the revolution of the earth on its axis. Feel some symptoms of my old Brochiel [sic] affection.

[May 1861] 229

Saturday [May] 4th. It rained some during the night, and it is cloudy this morning. My Bronchial symptoms are considerably worse this morning. Spent the most of the day in my room. The clouds have blown away and it is quite warm this evening. We learn this evening that the State of Virginia has seceded from the Union. The signs are for immediate war.

Sabbath [May] 5th. The day has been clear and pleasant. Spent part of the morning reading. Attended Sabbath school at the usual hour. The exercises were conducted as usual. Rev Perry Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 177 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 delivered a lecture at the close of the class exercises quite appropriate to the occasion. We sang one pride of music at the close of the lecture. At 11 A.M. Rev Perry held forth from the words “Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we should give the more earnest” &c. He spoke of the christian pathway of duty being very straight and narrow, so that the utmost vigillance [sic] is necessary in order to keep in it. He also referred to christians being the salt of the earth, &c. It was necessary that salt should come in contact with the material that it was to preserve. The christian, in order to exert a savory influence, should come in contact with the sinner, or the world. At the same time conduct themselves in such a manner as not to be drawn away by them, but let the controling [sic] influence be on the other side. Not to stick to the exclusive doctrine or exclusive and reserved habit of refraining from all communication with the world as though a person were to [sic] good to commingle with the world for fear of contamination. This I think is the true doctrine; though a new exposition of it to me. Upon the whole the sermon was a good one. Class meeting at 3 P.M. Considerable interest in it. Preaching at night by the same preacher. The discourse was quite short in consequence of the preacher being hoarse. A good congregation.

230 May 1861

Monday [May] 6th. The day has been clear, tolerably calm, and quite pleasant. 24 students in school today. It seems quite small, and like doeing [sic] a very small business. Spent the evening after school singing with Col. Whatley.

Tuesday [May] 7th. The day has been quite pleasant. It is quite warm this evening. 22 students in school today. Early this morning the town was thrown into a state of excitement by the report of Indians in the vicinity! The “military” was soon armed, equipped, and in hot pursuit of the “Red Skins.” It seems that there were four Indians who had stolen horses on Palo Pinto a few nights since. They continued down the creek to the mouth, thence up the river to the valley east of town; and last night they stole all the horses they could gather there, drove them up the mountains at a very rough place, came to the neighborhood east of town after day light this morning, [and] saw they were getting too near the settlement. To avoid this they were circling around town and were discovered within ½ mile of the town survey. They were driving rappidly [sic] toward a cedar break south of town about 2 miles. After getting into the break with the horses they were overtaken and the most of the horses taken from them. The Indians, however, escaped with three horses. There were four Indians seen. Seventeen horses were taken from them. The most of them belonging in the Brazos valley. All are as calm and quiet as usual this evening.

Wednesday [May] 8th. The day has been quite warm. 24 students in school today. About 9 o’clock this morning an alarm was raised in town, stating that the Indians were on the prairie near town gathering all the horses they can find. All that could get a gun or six-shooter were off at gilpin [sic] speed after them. They were soon over-halled,[sic] but lo! and behold! they were not Indians, but some of the neighbors gathering their horses! So our brave boys were compelled to return without a fight. We learn that the Indians that passed here[..]

[May 1861] 231 yesterday killed one man on Bosque [river] and shot two others in Parker county before they passed here.

Thursday [May] 9th. The day has been very warm, the warmest we have had yet, I think. 26 students in school today. Three sew [sic] students entered. The school is yet too small. The people are not much excited about the Indians, yet they are considerably disheartened to think we have to brave all the difficulties here and submit to the continual depredations of the savage without protection.

Friday [May] 10th. This has been another one of the very warm days. The heat oppresses me considerably. 27 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 178 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tolerably good performance for the number of students present.

Saturday [May] 11th. Soon after breakfast I assisted the old man Oxford to “make up” the mail, as his son, the P.M. was absent. After completing this job I went to the valley to G W’s place. He was not at home; but he has a hand there working out his corn and attending to his affairs. His corn looks very well, and if the season continues good he will make a fine crop. Stayed till after 4 P.M. and then returned to town this evening. It was late when I got home. The Legislature met tonight and had a tolerably interesting debate about permitting Abolitionists to stay among us. It was decided that we send them off or hang them.

Sabbath [May] 12th. The morning was spent reading. Attended Sabbath school at the usual hour. Had a lecture from T. Wright Esqr at the close of the school. The time was then occupied in singing by note till time for class-meeting. There were very few members present at class-meeting. At 2 P.M. the young people met at the school-house again and practiced singing for some two hours, led by Col. Whatley. The day has been remarkably warm. We hear this evening that a great battle has been fought at Washington city between the Abolitionists and Southern men. We are in great suspense to know the result of the battle.

232 May 1861

Monday [May] 13th. It was quite cool this morning, and it has been raining the most of the day a very cold rain. So cold we had to have fire in the school house. The ground is quite wet and in fine condition now for the growing crops. 30 students in school today. I hear that Mrs. Wright will close her school this week.

Tuesday [May] 14th. The morning was rather cool. The day has been cloudy; but little rain today. 31 students in school today. Feel stupid tonight.

Wednesday [May] 15th. It was cloudy and raining a little this morning. After taking my morning walk and commencing to study my morning lesson, I was aroused from my studies by the cry of “The Indians in town! The Indians in town!! I ran out to see where they were and found that they had stolen several horses in town this morning about day light. One was taken from the public square, and others were taken out of lots and from steaks close to the doors of their owners. I very soon procured a horse and gun and was off in hot pursuit, in company with five others of the town boys, who had beaten the others getting ready. We soon found the trail and pursued it, and pushed the Indians so closely that they left ten of the horses they had taken. We pursued them in a sweeping gallop about 20 or 25 miles until we found our horses could go no farther. Here we happened to meet with five cow hunters on fresh horses who followed the trail in our place. So we returned. Hope they may succeed in coming up with the “Red Skins!” We felt very much like eating by the time we got back to the settlements, as we did not get breakfast before we started. I feel much fatigued this evening after getting home. Hope I may not be compelled to take such another chase soon. It is provoking to be so annoyed by the Savage Devils and not be able to catch them or have the matter stopped! It is cloudy and dull this evening. The wheat is ripe, but it is not very favorable weather for harvesting. No school today.

[May 1861] 233

Thursday [May] 16th. It has been cloudy, and raining at intervals, all day. It is quite cool tonight. 28 students in school today. Feel very stupid and remarkably sore today. We learn this evening that the prospect of catching the Indians was very good when our boys turned back. As they put fresh horses after them.

Friday [May] 17th. This has been another cloudy and damp day. 27 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. The Legislature met tonight. Mrs. Wright closed her school this evening. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 179 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

The attendance was not large enough to justify her. We get good news from the Indian chase this evening. The third company that fell in after them came up with them about 3 P.M. of Wednesday about 80 miles west of this place. The killed and scalped one Indian, [and] severely wounded another; it is thought he will die. They got 11 horses from them—all that were taken from this place. Two Indians escaped unhurt, being on superb horses that could greatly out-travel our horses. It is good news to get one scalp!

Saturday [May] 18th. It is still cloudy and raining a little this morning, very peculiar weather for this season of the year in Texas. It has rained all the fore-noon, a regular moderate rain, just right to wet the ground. It also rained some time after noon. But late this evening it has faired off, the sun shines out, and the prospect is for fine growing weather. Spent some [time] reading; but feel too dull to engage in a thorough and attentive reading. The mail has not got in this evening, and we feel somewhat at a loss, or rather disappointed for want of the news. I wish my state of mind was different from what it is! I feel an uneasy restlessness, and do not know the cause of it. Probably I do not pay as strict and attentive regard to my studies as I should, indeed it seems that I cannot confine my mind to my studies long at a time.

234 [May 1861]

Sabbath [May] 19th. The day has been mostly clear calm and quite warm. Spent some time reading this morning. Attended Sabbath school at the usual hour. It was tolerably well attended. A short lecture was delivered by Dr. Valentine. We did a very poor business singing at the close of the school. There was preaching at the usual hour by Rev. Slaughter. The discourse was long and tedious. After the sermon the Sacrament was administered to their select few to the exclusion of all but those of their faith and order. How selfish it seems to me, they do arrogate so much exclusiveness to themselves. Did not get to meeting this evening. Went to Mr. [illegible, Corbow’s?] and formed the acquaintance of Miss White—She seems to be quite a lady. Modest and unassuming, tolerably intelligent, and is said to be well educated. The marriage of Mr. W. L. Hullum to Miss M. [illegible, G?] Harris was consumated [sic] tonight by Parson G. W. Slaughter. Too young to marry!

Monday [May] 20th. The day has been mostly clear and tolerably warm. 36 students in school today. Some of Mrs. Wright’s students are coming to me. Had to correct some of the boys this evening for using bad language. On attempting to correct one of the boys, he took occasion to trot out of the house and get out of the way. I at once wrote a note to his father requesting him to take the boy from school.

Tuesday [May] 21st. The morning was quite cool. The day has been pleasant enough. 34 students in school today. The mother of the absconding student, of yesterday, visited me today wishing me to receive her boy back into the school. I told her I would do so if he would come back and submit to the required correction.

Wednesday [May] 22nd. The day has been pleasant enough, though not very warm. 38 students in school today. Had J. R. Carpenter assist me in hearing the lessons of the small classes, when I was pushed for time.

[May 1861] 235

Thursday [May] 23rd. The day has been warm. 37 students in school today. I have felt much better than I did yesterday. If I could always feel so I would not mind teaching.

Friday [May] 24th. The day has been quite warm. 37 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Had several visitors in school this evening. Spent some time in town cutting garments after school this evening. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 180 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday [May] 25th. The morning was calm and clear. Started to Weatherford about 9 A.M. Arrived at Millsap’s for dinner and at Weatherford about 6 P.M. Spent a short time in town, and then went to R. P. Baker’s for supper. After supper attended the lodge and took the degree of “Fellow Craft.” Went home with Mr. Carson and stayed for the night.

Sabbath [May] 26th. Got early breakfast at Carson’s, returned to R P’s, got to S. F. Jones’ for dinner. We came on to town by about 7 P.M. The day has been quite warm, and I feel considerably fatigued tonight.

Monday [May] 27th. The day has been quite warm. 37 students in school today. Have felt dull and stupid, and still feel so tonight.

Tuesday [May] 28th. The day has been quite warm. 38 students in school today. The majority of them were tolerably attentive. Have felt considerably better today than yesterday. We learn today that about 30 Indians have just gone down into the settlements below. We will soon hear of mischief.

Wednesday [May] 29th. The day has been very warm. There have been some clouds and some appearance of rain. 38 students in school today. Feel somewhat out of order this evening; cannot study tonight.

236 May 1861

Thursday [May] 30th. The day has been tolerably warm. There have been clouds the most of the day. It began to rain about 11 A.M. and continued showering, at times, all day. It is still cloudy tonight and the wind is blowing some from the north. 34 students in school today.

Friday [May] 31st. There were clouds this morning and it rained some before noon. At noon it rained a heavy shower and has rained occasionally this evening. The branches are up considerably, and the appearance is for more rain. 35 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Not many present. The legislature met tonight. Had a tolerably good discussion.

[June 1861]

Now it is June!

Saturday [June] 1st. It is cloudy this morning, and showers fall occasionally. Did some work at the school-house this morning. Have been asked several times “When will the next session of your school commence?” Several seem anxious for me to commence again immediately. The day has been warm.

Sabbath [June] 2nd. The day has been very warm. Attended Sabbath school this morning. The attendance was quite large. Had some singing by note at the close of Sabbath school. It was rather sorrily [sic] done. Singing again this evening. Not much better than this morning. A music teacher is badly needed here.

Monday [June] 3rd. The day has been very warm. We learn that the river is very full—the fullest it has been this year. 38 students in school today. Felt out of order for teaching part of the time today. I wish I could always feel just in the right order for teaching, as long as I have to teach.

[June 1861] 237

Tuesday [June] 4th. The day has been clear, and very warm. It has been well received by the farmers as they [have] a considerable quantity of wheat lying down on the ground and much exposed to the rains. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 181 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

38 students in school today. Singing at the school house this evening by Mr. Bell. He proposes to teach us a school.

Wednesday [June] 5th. This has been another warm day. No rain today, but the appearance is for rain. 40 students in school today. Somehow I cannot keep in the right order for teaching. I think I had better change my business at least for a time.

Thursday [June] 6th. The morning was tolerably cool—enough so to be pleasant. The day was warm. About 8 P.M. a dark cloud came up very quick and a tremendous rain fell, which raised up the waters suddenly, very high. 38 students in school today.

Friday [June] 7th. The morning was a little cool. The day has been very warm. It is clear this evening and looks more like being fair weather than it has for some time. 38 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Tolerably good performance. A few visitors this evening.

Saturday [June] 8th. Spent part of the morning in my room. About 9 A.M. started with Mr. Carpenter to his farm on the river about 9 miles northwest of town. We traveled on slowly through the hot sun till we arrived at the river without anything of interest presenting itself. We, however, passed Mr. Kyle’s farm. He has a fine crop of wheat in the shock, and a very pretty piece of oats. The river is tolerably high, though it is falling considerably. Mr. C. has a very good place on the river. A tolerably good wheat crop, some oats, fine hungarian grass; but his corn does not look well as it is “sodded in,” and has not been worked. We returned by 2 P.M. The day has been very hot. The Legislature met tonight.

238 June 1861

Sabbath [June] 9th. Spent the morning reading. At the usual hour attended the Sabbath school. There were not so many out as usual this morning. But few verses recited. There was a proposition to form a Bible class. But objections were urged against it, on the ground that it might get up a controversy, contention, strife, &c, and would be likely to do more harm than good. Some said we ought not to express our opinions upon passages of scripture in the presence of children, as we might inculcate in them sectarian principles. Some few gave their names notwithstanding, to the Bible-class, and we concluded to make an effort and see how the matter will terminate. Took dinner at Mr. C. C. Corban’s. After which rode out on the prairie some 4 or 5 miles west of town in company with Messrs. Corbane, Whatley [illegible], and Mays. The sun shone very hot, with this exception, we had a pleasant ride. Spent the remainder of the evening at home talking and singing.

Monday [June] 10th. This has been another hot day. 37 students in school today. Have felt better today than usual.

Tuesday [June] 11th. The day has been quite warm again. 38 students in school today. The most of them seemed more attentive than common. There is still room for improvement in this respect.

Wednesday [June] 12th. The day has been warm again. 41 students in school today. Had to brush several of the boys this evening for disobeying my orders. Had a threshing machine in operation in town today. It is quite a show here. We got war news here of rather exciting character!

Thursday [June] 13th. The day has been tolerably warm, though a little more pleasant than yesterday. 41 students in school today.

[June 1861] 239

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 182 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday [June] 14th. The day has been quite warm. 39 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. The Legislature met tonight. Quite a number of ladies were present. The house was almost full of spectators—gentlemen and ladies. After debate went home with Capt Cureton for the night.

Saturday [June] 15th. The day has been unusually warm. Tolerably early this morning, in company with Ely Hale, started for my place in the valley. The ride down was tolerably pleasant. After getting there and resting awhile, we went into the field and found that the crop of Hungarian grass was cut and put up in shocks. The Rice-Corn and the Sugar Cane look tolerably well; and the corn looks as fine as I ever saw a field of corn anywhere. The prospects for melons, pumpkins, and cushaws [sic] is fine, some of the fruit is as large as a goose’s egg. We had a considerable time getting dinner, as we were not in practice in cooking. We returned to town this evening. Mr. Hale is quite a gentlemanly and accommodating young man.

Sabbath [June] 16th. The day has been remarkably hot. Spent the morning reading till Sabbath school. It was not very well attended, nor was there much interest manifested in it. There were but two members of the Bible class present, so they did not read. It was agreed to discontinue the Sabbath school for two weeks for the reason that I did not expect to be there during that time. At 11 A.M. Parson Slaughter preached one of his lengthy boisterous sermons. After which Beverly Harris gave an exhortation. Went to Mr. Corban’s for dinner, where I got a mess of Snaps, the first I have seen this season. Spent the evening very agreeable in the company of Miss W—.

240 June 1861

Monday [June] 17th. This has been a tolerably warm day. It is pleasant enough tonight. 42 students in school today. The students are beginning to get a little excited with regard to examination day, and most of them are striving with more energy than common to prepare their lessons for the last.

Tuesday [June] 18th. The day has been quite warm again. 42 students in school today. The students seem considerably interested in preparing for examination. I fear the examination will not amount to a great affair.

Wednesday [June] 19th. The day has not been quite so warm as yesterday. 40 students in school today. Had a Southern Confederacy made today.

Thursday [June] 20th. The day has been warm. 42 students in school today. W. Choat and Mrs. Kahn were married tonight. The most of the town “shivereed” [sic] them with tin-pans, bells, guns, and all musical instruments.

Friday [June] 21st. This has been warmer, but not so hot as yesterday. 40 students in school today. Spent the day in a precursory examination. Some of the students performed pretty well.

Saturday [June] 22nd. About 9 A.M. the school and some of the citizens assembled at the school-house, formed a procession and marched to the academy, where the examination of the students took place. In the evening the students recited their pieces, and in so doing contended for prizes. The prizes were awarded to D. W. Hullum and Belle Millsaps. The crowd dispersed in the evening, seeming to be pretty well satisfied with the exercises.

[June 1861] 241

Sabbath [June] 23rd. The morning was warm, the day has been hot. Early this morning I went to Mr. Johnston’s on the prairie and procured a horse of him to ride to Weatherford to attend the examination of Prof. Keeler’s school. Started from town about 9 A.M. in company with Mr. Eubanks. We stopped a short time at B. F. Baker’s, then went on to “Bachelor’s Retreat” and got our dinners. In the Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 183 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 afternoon we traveled on to his house where he stopped. I went on to Mr. Millsaps and stopped some time, and late in the evening I stopped at S. F. Jones’s, and stayed all night with him.

Monday [June] 24th. Started for Weatherford quite early this morning and arrived there by 8 A.M. I found on getting there that the examination of the school would not commence till Wednesday. So I spent some time loafering [sic] about the streets and stores of the city till noon. Took dinner with W. Baker. After dinner the candidates for the lower house of the Legislature addressed the people at the courthouse. Mr. Capt. Ward from Parker county first addressed the people. He proposes to use his best indeavors to secure a preemption law if elected. He is also in favor of the State introducing a new Rail Road policy, and having the R. R. Reserve lands sectionized [sic] and brought into market. He closed without making a long address. He was followed by Mr. Neal from Ellis county. He proposed the same State policy of Capt. Ward. He thinks that the citizens of Parker ought to vote for one of their candidates and for him, and by so doing divide the representation in different parts of the district. A. J. Ball Esqr of Weatherford spoke last. He indorsed the same state policy of the other gentlemen; and in addition to their policy he wishes several small changes in the practice of law. After the speaking I visited the school of Prof. Keeler and spent the evening with him till the close of the school. He is preparing for the examination. Went to Col. Barber’s and stayed all night. The day has been warm.

242 June 1861

Tuesday [June] 25th. Tolerably early this morning I went with Col. Barber to the school room of Mr. McDaniel—the neighborhood school teacher. There seems to be a difficulty getting up between him and some of his patrons. We advised him to call the patrons together and have them settle the difficulty. I can’t help sympathising [sic] with the unfortunate school-teacher. We went on to Judge Hunter’s farm to see the thresher operate. It belongs to Mr. Brock. It is a very large machine—ten horse power. It thrashed 21 bushels in 18 minutes. We returned to Col. B’s for dinner. In the afternoon I went to Mr. Shirley’s and stayed all night. A moderate shower of rain fell here this evening.

Wednesday [June] 26th. Started early this morning, in company with Mr. Strait, for Weatherford to attend the examination of the school. We arrived at the city by 8 A.M. About 9 the students of the school formed a procession at the academy and marched to the court house, where the examination commenced about ½ past 9 A.M. There were but few spectators present at the commencement of the exercises. The examination commenced by some of the smaller students spelling; then the various reading classes, up to the 4th reader class. Two classes were then examined in general spelling exercises. This closed the examination before noon. After noon the exercises were opened by an address by one of the little misses. The first class in Geography was then called and examined for about two hours, from the beginning to the end of geography. First, general definitions, next general map questions on all the maps and divisions of the earth, and finally a general outline of Astronomy. The questions were promptly answered, and the class showed that they had thoroughly studied this branch. Some other classes in Geography were then examined in a rather general manner. A small Grammar class was then examined for a short time and the people dismissed. Took supper with Judge Carson and stayed all night with him. A warm day.

[June 1861] 243

Thursday [June] 27th. Early this morning I went to look for my pony; and found that he was gone. I procured a mule and rode after him some five or six miles, but did not find him. It was about 11 A.M. when I returned to the city, and the examination was going on. I took dinner with Prof. Keeler, at Mr. Creel’s. Here I formed the acquaintance of Miss Bounds, the female teacher at Weatherford. She seems to be a lady of considerable intelligence and refinement. The examination went on this evening in Botany, the Latin language and Arithmetic. The students generally acquitted themselves very well. The examination then closed with the announcement that the students would recite their pieces tonight. At early candle lighting a large Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 184 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 audience assembled at the court-house eager to hear the “juveniles” hold forth, which they did to the general satisfaction of those present. The audience was then dismissed with the announcement that the next session of the school will open the first Monday in Aug. The exercises have passed off very well—creditable to all concerned. Went to Mr. Dillingham’s and stayed all night. The has been pleasant.

Friday [June] 28th. Procured a horse and started home about ½ past 8 A.M. in company with Mr. Straight. We came to Capt Jones’s for dinner. We stopped a short time at Mr. Millsaps in the evening, and came on to “Bachelor’s retreat” for the night. Here we took regular bachelors fare. I must say that I do not fancy the way of living. We found some watermelons pretty near ripe and had plenty of roasting ears. The day has been warm. I am considerably fatigued tonight. There has been a fine rain here since we went down.

Saturday [June] 29. Came to town early this morning. Spent the most of the day in town doeing [sic] some business. The day has been warm.

Sabbath [June] 30th. Nothing to do in town today. Spent the most of the day doing nothing. Went to J. H. Chick’s in the evening and got some melons.

244 July 1861

Monday [July] 1st. It is cloudy and raining some this morning. I am working on my accts this morning. Visited Miss White and partially engaged her to assist me during the next session of my school. During the afternoon a tremendous rain fell which set almost every thing in a float. It yet rains some; and looks like it would continue.

Tuesday [July] 2nd. It is cloudy this morning and looks like it would rain again. Am working on blanks for school recvd [sic]. Spent about half the day working on my blanks and finally completed them. Spent the most of the remainder of the day loafering [sic] about town, getting subscription for my school. I also [succeeded] some in getting subscribers, or rather enlistments to a volunteer company that is in process of forming at this place. About 18 names were enrolled today. I feel like the day has been partially waisted, or not improved as much as it might have been.

Wednesday [July] 3rd. Early this morning I was informed by Mr. Mays that he killed a bear some five or six miles northwest of town. It was an old mother bear and had two cubs left in the vicinity. So Mr. White and I, with Mr. Mays, were soon ready for the “bear” hunt. We saw some antelope on the prairie a short distance north of town. We gave them a small chase. Mr. White fired one shot at them, but did no [illegible] , so they ran off and left us. We went on to Mr. Crawford’s, but did not find him at home. We then went to Mr. Chick’s, where we got a fine lot of watermelons, and stayed till after dinner. We were then joined by 4 or 5 others and proceeded to the “bear range.” We found a steep and rugged ascent of the mountain. On the side we ascended it was prairie and rock till we arrived near the summit of the mountain where we passed a skirt of Chaperel [sic], or thick under growth. On arriving at the summit we find it very rocky, and some scattering undergrowth. Immediately on the brow, opposite our approach, a dense forest sets in, in [illegible, connection?] with an abrupt cliff and tremendous thicket of under growth and briers. Here is where the fight came off yesterday. We separated here in different directions and set down on the[..]

[July 1861] 245 bluff to listen for the hollering of the young bears. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 185 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

We set still for some time listening some time but could hear no bear. The silence was at last broken by the quick report of a rifle, soon followed by rather an animated passage of words between the parties farther down the mountain, too far to distinguish what they said. We set off immediately in that direction, down the bluff of the mountain through chaperel [sic], thorns, and briers to our no small discomfiture. There, in that tremendous thicket we met Billy—the Scotchman coming up from farther down the mountain. It was he who had shot at a deer, crippled it, but failed to get. We went back to the top of the mountain, sat there some time admiring the buties [sic] of Nature and the sublimity of the Creator’s works here presented to our view. After enjoying it some time we went back to Chick’s without any bear. We went from here to Crawford’s and stayed all night. The day has been warm.

Thursday [July] 4th. Very early this morning, I, with Messrs. White and Mays, mounted my horse rode up into the spurs of the mountain to look for deer. We crossed several ravines leading down from the spurs of the mountain looking anxiously at every turn to get the glimps [sic] of the light-footed roe; but alas! we were destined to be disappointed in our calculations, and were compelled to return without seeing any game larger than a rabbit. After breakfast we went to the melon patch and found a pretty good supply of ripe melons, brought them to the house and eat them. We then concluded to come to town, and on our way we saw our four antelopes; and gave them a lovely chase for some miles; but they finally out ran us and made their escape. We then came to town. On getting here we learned that there was to be a “candy stew” at the Pollard house tonight. I spent some little time about town, and in the evening went to Mr. Arnett’s and accompanied Miss Nannie to the “candy stew.” There were quite a number of the young people of the place present. They had to wait till after 11 P.M. before the candy was ready for pulling. The most of the crowd seemed to enjoy themselves very well. They dispersed about 12 o’clock.

246 July 1861

Friday [July] 5th. Felt rather stupid and dull this morning in consequence of being up so late last night. Went to the post office early this morning and received a letter from father. It conveyed some sad news from home, which agitated my feelings considerably and puts me in a state of feverish excitement to return to my native state and unite with my friends there to defend the dignity of the “Old Dominion” against fanatical usurpation and Abolition tyranny! It also informs me of the affliction of my dear old mother and one of my little brothers. It grieves me much to learn of their affliction and the probability of their passing away from this world of disappointments and trouble, “to that bourne whence no traveler returns.” The thought is a bitter one that we probably will see each other no more on earth! But by faith and humble reliance on him who is the author of all good, I humbly trust that we may meet in heaven where parting will be no more! That the good Lord bless and comfort that dear old mother who brought me into existence, nourished me in helpless infancy, taught me the lessons of early piety when the stubborn and perverse will of youth might have plugged me into infamy, misery, and disgrace without the kind restraining influence of a pious and gentle mother! Oh, I feel that I have been too ungrateful to her and too often forget what I owe to my dear parents! Oh how have I regret[ted] ever giving her a crass or unkind word, or that I was ever the instrument of pain or trouble to her! May the Lord forgive me my unworthiness, give me grace for the future to live more humble and do my duty as I should in every respect. May the afflictions of little Frank be sanctified to the good of his immortal soul. Would the Lord restore him to health and friends again! But if it is his will that he pass off of this stage of action, O Lord of mercy and goodness prepare him for heaven and happiness and take him to thyself! Pa’s letter also gives an account of tremendous excitement with regard to the war in that country. There is a strong probability of that country being brought to a deplorable condition by the northern arm. He [sic] it never will succeed in the attempt to subjugate the South.

[July 1861] 247

Saturday [July] 6th. Spent some time in reading and writing this morning. Visited Miss White and confirmed the contract with her to assist me in the next session of my school. Attended the sale of goods Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 186 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 that is now going on in town—a remnant of the late firm of Dillahunty and Hunter. They are selling at public auction. They generally sell for prity near their value. About ½ past 10 A.M. the people were addressed by Col. Obenchane from Parker county, who is a candidate for the state senate. He informed the people that he was no statesman, nothing but an humble farmer fresh from the farm, having been brought out by the people against his will. He revisited his past life, his settling in Texas nine years ago, the hardships and privations he had to undergo, &c. He had been on the Frontier six year, &c. He spoke of some things that would come before the next Legislature and which would demand the attention of the members. Such as the preemption law, the Rail Road policy of the state, the school fund, and the school lands &c. He is in favor of a preemption law giving lands to the actual settlers. He wishes the Rail Road policy of the state changed. He wishes the school fund to be kept inviolate, though a liberal portion of it applied to the present generation. He wishes the constitution changed so as to bring the school lands into market and let them be applied to the benefit of the respective counties. His speech was very well received and seemed to give general satisfaction At 1 P.M. those who had enrolled their names as members of the “Home Guard” company were called into line by Cleveland and organized by electing J. H. Baker Capt., G. W. Dickson 1st Lieut., I. W. Cox 2d Lieut., L. P. Strong 1st Sargt., W. M. Peters 2d Sargt., A. Alexander 3rd Sargt., and T. J. Pollard 4th Sargt. The company was then marched once regularly around the public square and dismissed till next Saturday 11 A.M. 52 names are enrolled. At night Parson Maderas preached at the school-house to a tolerably attentive congregation. This discourse was a very good one.

248 July 1861

Sabbath [July] 7th. It is very pleasant this morning—a cool breeze is stirring. Have spent some time reading and writing. At 9 A.M. went to the school-house to attend to the organization of the Sabbath school. There were not a great many persons present but, after reading a chapter in the Bible, singing, and prayer by Rev. Meaderis, those present proceeded to organise [sic] the school. By electing J. H. Baker Superintendent, S. A. Oxford assistant Superintendent, and T. Wright Sect. The teachers were then appointed as follows. Male teachers, 1st Class I. W. Cox and J. R. Carpenter, 2d class E. R. Harris and F. J. White. Female teachers 1st Class Mrs. E. Saunders and Miss Jane Dalton, 2d Miss C. A. White and Miss Nannie Arnett. Just at this time news came to town that the Indians were in the country and had killed some cattle very recently. The news caused considerable excitement and the most of the men left the house to hear the news, so we dismissed the school without organizing the class. Several of the men got horses and went out to scour the country over and hunt out the cedar breaks and try to discover their hiding places if possible. At half past 1 A.M. Rev. J. Perry preached from the words “Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are thy which testify of me” &c. He was not very systematic in his discourse, but he said many good things about the study of the scripture. Telling the people to study them from the beginning to the end; and for each one to study for him or herself, and not to take the opinions of any person for scripture. After preaching I procured a horse and started out to see if I could assist any in finding the Indians. I did not make an search, and found no sign of Indians. Returned to town in time to hear part of Rev. Maderis’ sermon. It seemed to be plain and practical, but my ride in the sun over ? me, so that I was so sleepy that I could scarcely listen to the sermon. I hate to feel so stupid and sleepy. Some of the boys returned this evening and say that other stock has been killed. It seems that two parties of Indians are going down the country below us, one south and the other north of town. We may expect to hear of depredations being committed in our county or below it.

July 1861 249

Monday [July] 8th. Early this morning I packed up my affairs for moving, as Mr. Nall promised to be on hand early in order to convey my plunder to where he is staying now—at “White Hall,” belonging to Mr. Strait. Early after breakfast I set off to the school-room to commence the labors of another five month’s session. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 187 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

I had several arrangements about the school-room to make before school. The students commenced gathering early, and seemed to manifest considerable interest in the opening of the school exercises. From the turnout today and the interest taken by the students, I hope and believe that we will have an interesting and profitable session to all concerned. I have employed Miss C. A. White to assist me in the school. She appears to be well qualified for that place. She is intelligent, appears to have a good education, and considerable experience in teaching. 71 students present today. This is by far the most prosperous beginning I have ever had. Hope it may prove the most prosperous ending. The day has been tolerably warm.

Tuesday [July] 9th. The day has been quite warm, though a little cloudy. 70 students in school today. Have not all the class thoroughly organized yet; and the programme [sic] is not thoroughly understood yet, consequently the labor is considerable. Hope we will soon be better organized. One of our beef men returned from market this evening and brings us unfavorable news concerning the state of the market.

Wednesday [July] 10th. This has been a still, warm day, the most sultry we have had for several days. 74 students in school today. We are getting a little better organized today. I feel considerably overcome by the heat and the intensity of the labor I have to perform.

Thursday [July] 11th. It is cloudy and quite pleasant this morning. The day has been quite warm; it is a little cloudy this evening, and a light shower of rain has fallen. 72 students in school today. There are so many in school that all seems lively. I hope it will continue to be so.

250 July 1861

Friday [July] 12th. The day has been cloudy and tolerably pleasant. A little rain has fallen occasionally. 71 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Had several visitors. A better beginning than I have had here. After school I went to Uncle F’s and stayed all night.

Saturday [July] 13th. At break of day this morning I got on my pony and went down to our place on the river. The corn crop is fine, and every thing else in the field. The stock has commenced intruding upon the field. There are large quantities of melons and pumpkins there. After eating plenty of melons and gathering breakfast I procured two fine melons—a watermelon and a mush melon—put them in a sack, put them across my horse and came to town. I found some people gathering in town, and the sale of W. M. Peters’ good was going on. The sale continued till about 11 A.M., when it was dismissed for the purpose the “Home Guards’” drilling. The company was called into line by 1st Sargt. Strong, who gave them some instructions in the manuel of arms. The company was then regularly formed into sections and given over to the Capt. The company was then drilled some 2 hours, performing several movements. The most of the men were very awkward at the beginning but they soon learned the most of the movements very well. The next Saturday was appointed for the next drill day. After the drill was over the sale continued for some time. The evening was spent loafering [sic] about town. The day has been cloudy and tolerably pleasant. And a little rain occasionally. The Legislature met tonight. Again another birthday has rolled around. How swiftly they succeed each other! How fast we are [illegible]! And yet how thoughtless we are of our true condition! I have not accomplished any thing very extraordinary for the last year. I completed the session of school that I was engaged in one year ago. [illegible] spent about four months in various ways. Part of the time doing nothing, settling business part of the time, traveling around part of the time, and about 1 ½ months were spent in camps after the Indians. About the 1st of Feb. I commenced[..]

[July 1861] 251 the 5th session of my school at this place, and closed it toward the last of June. I lost only one day’s time during the session, which I made up on Saturday. So the school was completed in 20 weeks, a thing I Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 188 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 have never done before. Had two weeks vacation and have now commenced the 6th session of the school. 70 odd students are in attendance at the beginning and the prospects are for the session to be a prosperous one. Yet our surroundings are such that we can have no assurance of any thing permanent for the future till our national difficulties are settled. I have not made as much money for the last year as I did the previous year. I spent more idle time than I did the year before. I did not read so much either. My religious duties were very imperfectly performed and my religious enjoyments have been far inferior to what they might have been and to what I pray they may be in the future. It seems from the above recapitulation that there has been a falling off on my part in almost everything connected with my interest, business, and enjoyment. Yet human nature always wishes to find mitigating circumstances to excuse or justify it for any shortcoming whatever. And if surrounding circumstances will serve as a justifyable [sic] excuse, I certainly might be excused in some degree. But as I am not much in favor of justifying direlictions [sic] from duty under any circumstances, I will have to confess that I have not exerted myself to the extent that I might have done and that it was my privilege to have done at times. For which failures I pray to the Lord to forgive me; and to give me grace and wisdom, and strength and energy to discharge those duties in the future, and acquit myself of the great responsibilities that I feel resting upon me! I pray that I may be kept humble, that I may always recollect that I am but dust and ashes – that I am a dependent being, that I can do nothing if left to myself; but that by the help and through the assistance of the Almighty ruler of the universe I can do my duty in all things and have a conscience void of offence toward god and man! I pray that fervent and abiding piety and pure and unspotted holiness of heart may be mine for the next year, and that I may discharge all my moral, social, and christian duties with an eye single to the glory of God, and to the well being of my fellow travelers to eternity, and present and future comfort of my own immortal spirit!

252 July 1861

Sabbath [July] 14th. The day has been pleasant, the after part rather warm. Spent the most of the morning reading and writing. Attended the Sabbath school at 9 A.M. It was not very well attended, though there seemed to be considerable interest. I hope it may be carried on to better success than the former one. At 3 A.M. attended class meeting. There were several present, and we had a tolerably good meeting. Yet there is room for us to improve in this particular, and I hope we will do it. After-noon went to Mr. Arnett’s and spent some time very agreeably in the company of Miss N. Returned home tonight.

Monday [July] 15th. It is cloudy and pleasant this morning. The day has been quite warm. Too warm for the boys to drill. 77 students in school today. Four new ones. It is quite laborious to keep them all at their duty. News reached us this evening that two companies are ordered to be raised in this county, one for immediate service and the other to hold themselves as reserves when needed. The report excites some of the people considerably. I approve of the measure as I am satisfied it is the very thing that ought to have been done long ago; but better now than never.

Tuesday [July] 16th. It was rather cloudy this morning, and very warm till noon. At noon a heavy rain fell about 20 or 30 minutes. It seemed to wet the ground very well. It continues to shower occasionally during the evening. 78 students in school today. The school exercises seem more interesting than they have heretofore.

Wednesday [July] 17th. There have been some clouds today. The day has been very warm— almost oppressive. 77 students in school today. It keep both of us very busy attending to all the classes. I feel quite unwell this evening, fear I am taking the fever.

Thursday [July] 18th. I feel very weak and stupid this morning. There are some clouds and it is pleasant. The day has been quite warm. I have felt very weak and out of order today. Yet I cannot resist the temptation of eating some watermelons. 75 students in school today. Fatiguing!

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 189 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[July 1861] 253

Friday [July] 19th. The day has [been] very warm. 71 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Had a few visitors. The pieces were performed tolerably well for the first time of reciting during the session. The Legislature met tonight, but the discussion did not last long.

Saturday [July] 20th. Spent part of the morning reading and preparing the drills for the company today. At 10 A.M. the company met and drilled on foot till about 12 M. There were about 40 men in ranks, some of the oldest men in the county. The movements were not so well performed as they might have been; yet one got through tolerably well. At 2 P.M. the company met on horse-back and drilled till about 4 P.M. They took more interest in this than in the former drill, consequently the drill was much better performed. Spent the most of the evening after drill in town.

Sabbath [July] 21st. The day has been very warm. Spent the most of the morning in my room reading and singing, till time for Sabbath school. There was a respectable turnout to school this morning. There seems to be some interest in it yet, and I hope it may continue to increase until we may do much good for the rising generation. Spent the evening to but little purpose any way; talking and laughing.

Monday [July] 22nd. It was cloudy—the clouds coming from the north—and a considerable north wind blowing this morning, making it cool enough to be very pleasant. The day has been pleasant enough. 73 students in school today. Had to whip one of the boys—that thinks himself almost a man— for refusing to comply with my orders. He was very stubborn and I had to lay it on him pretty severely, but I made him talk as he should, and agree to any thing proposed.

254 July 1861

Tuesday [July] 23rd. The day has been quite pleasant—cool in the morning—and warm in the after-part of the day. 78 students in school today. Did tolerably well in the most of the lessons. Feel tolerably well tonight.

Wednesday [July] 24th. The morning was quite cool—almost cool enough for frost. It is a little remarkable to see so cool a morning at this season of the year in Texas. The day has been pleasant, after the morning. 78 students in school today. One more than has been any day yet. New ones still come.

Thursday [July] 25th. The morning was very cool—almost cool enough for frost. The day has been tolerably warm; it is quite warm tonight. 76 students in school today. Have felt a little out of order for teaching today. We hear encouraging war news from Missouri tonight. That Gen. Jackson has captured the Federal troops that had been pursuing him for some time!

Friday [July] 26th. The morning was tolerably cool, the day has been warm. 73 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Did tolerably well. After school was dismissed I went down to the valley in company with J. W. Dickson, starting to Weatherford, and stayed all night with R. W. Pollard.

Saturday [July] 27th. Early this morning we started to Weatherford and made quick speed and arrived there by 10 A.M., distance about 23 miles. About 1 P.M. the two Military companies formed and commenced drilling, and drilled about two hours—one on foot all of the time and the other on horse back part of the time. Some of the movements were very well performed. Capt C. L. Gordon’s company is ready for active service, and Capt. M. Upton is ready for home protection. Took supper with Mr. Shelton. Took the degree of Master Mason tonight. Stayed with R. P. Baker.

[July 1861] 255 Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 190 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath [July] 28th. We started from Weatherford about ½ past 9 A.M. Came to Millsaps’ for dinner. Made good speed from here to Pollard's where we got some watermelon. Then on by our place and to town by a little after sundown. The day has been warm.

Monday [July] 29th. The day has been terribly warm. 79 students in school today. Have not felt as much in the spirit of teaching today as usual. The people here are considerably rejoiced at the report that a great battle has been fought between the Confederate and Federal troops at, or near Washington city. It is reported that Scott and Lincoln are taken prisoners of war and that our great general Boureguard is killed.

Tuesday [July] 30th. The day has been rather warm, but pleasant enough. The appearance is that regular dry weather has set in. The creek is drying up very fast, and if it continues to dry up as fast for the next two weeks as it has for the last two it will quit running before that time. 77 students in school today. Some of them do very well while others do not do so well. We hear fresh war news this evening. That Gov. Jackson and Gen. McCulloch has had another fight in Missouri in which they killed several hundred of the Federal troops and took about 12,000 prisoners. This is good news from this section of the country!

Wednesday [July] 31st. The day has been a little cloudy—tolerably warm, but pleasant enough. 75 students in school today. Several of the students are sick, so as to keep them out of school. There is considerable complaint of colds and sickness of various kinds- mostly colds, and those that have originated from colds. I do not feel very well myself, but I keep going.

256 August 1861

Thursday [August] 1st. The day has been tolerably warm—it is very warm this evening. We hear startling Indian news today. That there are large bodies of the Indians west of us preparing to over-run our frontier (the people suppose). The Rangers had a fight with the Indians. The Indians fought with [illegible] rifles, killing our men from 400 to 600 yds. They killed seven of the Rangers, no Indians killed. There were white men with the Indians. It is thought they are Abolitionists coming to attack Texas. The news has created considerable excitement in town. Some talk of building a fort, others of leaving. The state of affairs is uncertain and there is no knowing what a few days may bring forth. Hope the result may not be as serious as the signs of the times seem to indicate. 75 students in school today. The attention to studies was tolerably good. Rev. J Perry preached in town tonight from the words “Worship God.” He went off in some lofty flights of eloquence, but did not detain the people long. A very good turnout.

Friday [August] 2nd. The day has been very warm—some say it is the warmest we have had. 72 students in school today. Recited pieces this morning. Some of them performed very well. Some did very badly, and some did not do atall [sic]. Had a few spectators this evening. The Legislature met tonight. Had a tolerably good time. There is considerable excitement about the Indian news.

Saturday [August] 3. Stayed with H H McLean last night and took breakfast with him this morning. Came to town and stayed in the store a few minutes and then went to the graveyard and assisted in digging a grave for a child that was dead born last night. At 10 a.m. the company assembled on the parade ground and drilled some two or three hours, performing several movements. Spent part of the afternoon making cartrige’s [sic] for my Sharp's rifle; and the remainder of it about the street. A horse race came off this evening in town followed by a general drunken row, in which attempts were made to shot with six-shooters. It is a shame and scandal.

[August 1861] 257

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 191 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath [August], 4th. The day has been very warm. Spent the morning reading and singing till time for Sabbath school at 9 A.M. The attendance was not very large, and the number of verses recited was not very large. We spent some time singing without any particular leader. We did not [do] very well, but there seemed to be some interest manifested in it. Spent the evening visiting about town and reading till after night.

Monday [August] 5th. The day has been warm—the warmest we have had this summer. 71 students in school today. The election for state offices came off today. Clark & Lubock for Gov—Clarke 74 and Lubbock 19th. Crockett for Lieut. Gov. the most of the votes. Crosby was ahead for Commissioner of the land office. Walker for the Senate 16 majority; and Castley for Representative has almost the entire vote.

Tuesday [August] 6th. The day has been tolerably warm, but not as warm as yesterday. 71 students in school today. We learn today that the Indians scalped a boy on Clear fork a few days since. He was scalped alive, is still living, and it is thought he will recover.

Wednesday [August] 7th. It is cloudy and warm this morning. The day has been quite warm. 69 students in school today. We hear startling war news today. That the battle between the Federal and Confederated armies raged terribly for three day. That 25,000 were killed and 30,000 wounded on the side of the Federalists; and that 9,000 were killed on the side of the Confederates. The Federalists are reported as retreating. If this is true it is an awful sacrifice in the lives of human beings. A house is reported as burning in the north side of our county this evening. It is thought to be Col. Whatley's house. There were various surmises as to the cause of the fire—Some think that Indians have set it on fire, others that it is probably done by one of the Whatley's negroes, as he is known to be a mean creature.

258 August 1861

Thursday [August] 8th. It has been cloudy the most of the day. The day was very warm till about 3 P.M. a considerable wind blew up which cooled the atmosphere considerably. We still hear fresh war news of highly important character. 62 students in school today.

Friday [August] 9th. The day has been tolerably warm—though not as warm as some previous days. 61 students is school today. Spelled a match this evening. There is a considerable falling off for the last two days. Some are preparing for the barbecue, some are at work, some have gotten mad, and some want to stay at home. The boys have been drilling for a few days in order to be ready for drilling Saturday. They are having a flag made and are expecting a fine time.

Saturday [August] 10th. Spent a part of the morning preparing for the arrangements of the barbecue—preparing seats and other necessaries. At about 10 A.M. Capt. Cleveland formed his company and drilled them for some time. The malitia [sic] was then formed into a company and marched, in connexion [sic] with Cleveland's company, and the company of boys, to the barbecue grounds. Where there was a little speaking done, and then two companies were organized—One for active service and the other for reserve. JJ Cureton was elected Captain of the active company, and G.W. Dickson of the reserve company. The dinner was then served up to an audience of some 400 or 500 persons. The companies were then formed and marched back to town where they got their horses and drilled for some time. At the close of the drill Capt. Cureton called for volunteers to accompany him on an Indian scout immediately. He got but few volunteers. But 20 men from Cleveland's company are going and upon the whole I suppose he will get a good company. Spent the remainder of the evening about town and home. The Legislature met tonight. The young folks have gotten up a “Fandangle” in town tonight and are spending the time in high glee.

[August 1861] 259

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 192 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath [August] 11th. Spent the morning reading and singing till time for Sabbath school. There was a tolerably good attendance at the Sabbath school this morning. But few verses recited. After the school exercises were over, those present joined in singing for some time. They selected several pieces to sing next Sunday. At noon it was reported to me that my overseer was badly afflicted and that the hogs were destroying the crop, and that he was not able to prevent it. So I was compelled to go and see him, and ascertain the facts in the case. When I went I found the matter had been exaggerated considerably, yet he has a tolerably sore leg and the hogs have been destroying the corn some. I employed I. W. Cox to take care of affairs this week, build cribs, and prepare for gathering the corn next week. I ate a fine quantity of water melons, and returned home eating supper at Frank’s. The day has been tolerably hot. Capt. Cureton started for the battle field with a few men this evening.

Monday [August] 12th. The day was very warm till about 5 P.M. When a heavy rain came up and a considerable storm of wind that cooled the atmosphere considerably. The ground is tolerably wet and every thing seems much revived. 77 students in school today, 4 new students.

Tuesday [August] 13th. The day has been quite warm again. It is sultry tonight. 77students in school today.

Wednesday [August] 14th. The day has not been so warm as some of the previous days have been - about warm enough to be pleasant. 76 students in school today.

Thursday [August] 15th. The day has been quite pleasant—not too hot nor too cool. 78 students in school today. Have felt a little out of order today. If I could keep in the right sort of order I would not regard teaching, but it is a drag when out of order.

260 August 1861

Friday [August] 16th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. 75 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Had several spectators present. The most of the recitations were creditable. The Legislature met tonight and elected W Hullum Gov. A fine turn out.

Saturday [August] 17th. Spent the most of the morning reading, correcting compositions, and arranging school papers & records. At 11 a.m. attended church and heard parson Slaughter hold forth over an hour, and it being drill day, and the drilling to commence at 1 P.M. I had to leave before he was done. We commenced drilling at, or near 1, and drilled about two hours. We took our time for it was performed several movements with considerable regularity. After drill I spent some time on the street attending to several little items of business; after which went to the country to Mr. Arnett’s and stayed all night.

Sabbath [August] 18th. Came to town by the time of Sabbath school this morning. The school was not very well attended, though there were more verses recited this morning than on last Sunday. After school was over we spent the time singing till 11when preaching commenced by G. W. Slaughter and was continued till about 1 p.m. The parson preached one of his long sermons. It is the close of the year with him as pastor of the church at this place and he preached rather a farewell sermon commending the church to God and the care of his grace &c. There was a tolerably good turnout of people. In the afternoon some ten or twelve young persons, mostly school girls and young men about town concluded to ride out on the prairie for recreation and amusement; and as the party was going to the stone ranch where I stayed last night, and company that I came with was going back there, I accompanied the party. It was very civil but quite social and agreeable party, we spent the evening pleasantly . . . [i]n civil conversation without the amount of idle and foolish gossip that is often engaged in such parties. We stayed till after supper and then came to town by moonlight. The day has been quite pleasant. The fore part tolerably warm, a good breeze stirring in the evening that made it quite pleasant.

[August 1861] 261 Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 193 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday [August] 19th. The day has been tolerably warm though not so hot as it has been. We hear that the Indians are in the country again, and that they stole Chick’s horses last night. There is no getting shut of them it seems. 75 students in school today. It is annoying to be troubled so much by the Indians!

Tuesday [August] 20th. It rained at spells during the night, but very lightly. Early this morning it commenced raining in earnest and rained heavily for some time. In fact it continued to rain by showers till noon. A considerable quantity of rain fell and the ground is tolerably wet. It was quite unpleasant for the students to get to the school house this morning, yet there were 60 students present today. The assistant was not present till after noon, so I had my hands quite full to hear all the lessons. We hear it reported that the tracks of an Indian was seen in cole [sic] proximity to the town survey, The tracks are fresh having been made today since the rain. They will try for horses tonight.

Wednesday [August] 21st. The day has been a little cloudy and tolerably warm though pleasant enough. 74 students in school today. The report of Indian sign being seen in the vicinity last evening turns out to be false.

Thursday [August] 22nd. It has been cloudy the most of the day and a light shower fell this morning. The day has been quite pleasant. 76 students in school today. No fresh Indian news today. Quiet again.

Friday [August] 23rd. The day has been quite pleasant. 75 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Had but few visitors. After school went to BL Bohan's and stayed all night.

Saturday [August] 24th. Went to our place early this morning, and assisted the hands in gathering corn till after night. Came to town after night. It was about 12 when I came home. I am very tired tonight.

262 August 1861

Sunday [August] 25th. It was cloudy early this morning and about 5 a.m. it commenced raining, also continued to rain by showers & the most of them very heavy ones - till 12 or after. The ground is very wet and muddy. The rain prevented the Sabbath school from meeting. Spent the most of the day in my room reading, singing, and sleeping.

Monday [August] 26th. The day has been a little cloudy, and quite pleasant. 76 students in school today. Some of them have recited badly.

Tuesday [August] 27th. The day has been pleasant. 78 students in school today.

Wednesday [August] 28th. The day has been very pleasant. 77 students in school today. We hear today that Ed. [?] has made a treaty with Comanch [sic] Indians our old enemies. Hope it may be so, for if it is we will have a greater assurance of peace than we have had for some time.

Thursday [August] 29th. The day has been pleasant. 79 students in school today.

Friday [August] 30th. The day has been very pleasant. About 3 p.m. a heavy shower of rain fell. 78 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Did tolerably well. Had some spectators. The Legislature met in the city tonight.

Saturday [August] 31st. The day has been clear, calm, and pleasant. Spent the morning preparing my annual school return to the county court. It is a tedious affair and I did not complete it. At 11 a.m. heard the circuit preacher preach at the school house from the words. "Say ye to the righteous it shall be well with him." Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 194 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

His discourse was not lengthy. At 1p.m. our company was called together and drilled for some time. At the close of the drill they adopted [?] for the government of the company. At night there was preaching again by Rev. J Perry. A very good turnout.

September 1861 263

Sunday [September] 1st. It is clear and a soft breeze is blowing this morning and all nature seems to put on its most lovely garb. Yet I feel unwell, and do not enjoy so well as I could desire. Attended the school house at the time for Sabbath school; but there were but very few there so I did not open school. I announced that we would try again on next Sabbath and if there was not more interest manifested then we would abandon the idea of the Sabbath school entirely. A few of us spent the time singing till the hour for preaching arrived. At 11 a.m. Rev. J Perry delivered a very appropriate and practical sermon from the words. "That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of you that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be founded unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." He concluded that it was necessary for us to have our faith tried in order that all impurities be removed and that we appear pure and spotless without stain or wrinkle or any such thing. He illustrated the [?] of faith by the cases of Job and Abraham. They did not question God's prerogative to afflict them as He did, but implicitly obeyed and submitted to all that was put upon them without a murmur or complaint. At the same time they [?] the supremacy of God and declared their intention to trust Him though He should [?slay] them. This is the hand of faith that all christians should exercise. They should never ask why God has made such requirements of them but as soon as they know His will is it as in Job an Abraham. The discourse was very well delivered and appeared to be well received by the congregation. After the sermon he gave the members of the church a severe lecture for not attending class meetings better than they have done heretofore. The rebuke was very well timed, I think, as the members seem to take but little interest in attending class meeting. Spent part of the evening at my room reading some and conversing part of the time. The manner in which young people converse together here is not profitable. It tends more to levity and foolishness than to a proper cultivation of the social relation. I had rather be alone.

264 September 1861

Monday [September] 2nd. The day has been very pleasant. 75 students in school today. Feel much better this evening.

Tuesday [September] 3rd. The day has been pleasant. 78 students in school today.

Wednesday [September] 4th. The day has been quite warm . There have been some clouds and some appearance of rain, but no rain has fallen yet. 76 students in school today.

Thursday [September] 5th. The day has been pleasant - or rather too warm. There have been clouds and some appearance of rain but it has not rained any yet. 72 students in school today.

Friday [September] 6th. The day has been very warm. 73 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Had but few spectators this evening. It looks a little like rain this evening.

Saturday [September] 7th. Early this morning I started to the valley, in company with [?]. We had a pleasant ride down to our place. We found some fine looking plums but they were not entirely ripe. There is a tremendous quantity of grapes in the valley. We spent some time about the place and returned to A L Baker's for dinner. We then came to town. The day has been very warm. No important news in the mail this evening. The Legislature held to regular session tonight.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 195 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath [September] 8th. Went to Capt. Cureton’s last night to get out of the noise of the miserable shiveree gotten up by the uncivilized young men of the place on the decision of G W Dickson arriving at town with a wife which he has just married. To my great delight the thing failed with the boys - from cowardice I think. Spent the morning reading. At the regular time went to the Sabbath school, but few persons were present, and those who were voted unanimously for a suspension of the Sabbath school.

[September 1861] 265

I regret very much the state of public sentiments that will permit this institution to go down among them when there are the facilities for carrying it on that are hear [sic]. Yet it is so and the project is abandoned. After the matter of the Sabbath school was determined, those present spent some time in singing. At noon I was visited by Mr. Ballow who has some business for me to attend to which kept me for some time. At 3 p.m. class meeting was held. There were several persons present and considerable feeling manifested amount those present. There was prayer meeting at night. There was a considerable turnout of people. But the exercises were continued in a very dry and uninteresting manner and protracted by and the limit of endurance so that all became entirely worried out, and much of the good affected not by the continuance. The day has been very warm.

Monday [September] 9th. The day has been very warm. There have been some clouds, but no rain yet. 73 students in school today. Had another sickening and unpleasant task of correcting bad boys for fighting. Two were found guilty of fighting and I gave them an ordinary whipping for so doing. I see already it is attended with unpleasant results. The mother of one of the boys is out shedding tears of anguish, and heaping execrations upon me for the correction. It is very strange that people can never see but one side of a question, and that they imagine their children never do wrong, and that others are always on the evil side. And it is still stranger that they get the idea into their heads that I am an enemy to their children, and that I am disposed to abuse their children. I long for the time to come when all people will have common sense, and they can see faults in their own children as well as others. We [hope] the propensity to fight and destroy each other’s happiness will be done away with, and parents will learn to raise their children as though they were rational and intelligent creatures who will be accountable for their conduct.

266 September 1861

Tuesday [September] 10th. The day has been very warm. There were a few showers of rain today; but not enough to do any good. 71 students in school today. The effects of the whipping yesterday is rather waring [sic] away, but there is some of it there yet. The old lady has not faced me yet. She seems to be determined not to see me any more.

Wednesday [September] 11th. The day has been quite warm. 70 students in school today. The whipping affair exploded today with a tremendous crash! The old man came home and found that his darling son was miserably mistreated by the inhumane school teacher! So he sends for him as soon as he comes home, and at once begins to make his preparations to move back to his home on the river. As soon as I came to dinner the old codger asked for a settlement, and showed many signs of displeasure. Indeed he foamed like a mad bear and appeared like his hide could hardly hold him! He gave me a small cursing! But I looked at the old sinful creature and could but pity his ignorance and miserable foolishness! The abuse fell at my feet as harmless shafts, for I did not think the source worthy of resentment! It is very painful for me to have any person entertain such feelings toward me; yet at the same time I am not conscious of doing the man an injury—or at least I know I did not do him an intentional injury. I may have hit the boy harder than I ought to have done, yet it was not my intention to abuse him. I have moved my boarding to the Pollard house.

Thursday [September] 12th. The day has been warm. There are some clouds this evening. 71 students in school today. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 196 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Had another visit concerning the whipping affair today, by one of the patrons, requesting me not to use the cow hide in the school. He perfectly overflowed with ignorance, but he approached me in a very mild spirit. He argues that the idea of being whipped with a “cowhide” will disgrace the person whipped as long as they live. The idea is humiliating, therefore the weapon should not be used. So far as it being more disgraceful than a hickory is concerned, I have not been able to learn.

[September 1861] 267

Friday [September] 13th. The day has been very warm. Some clouds and appearance of rain; it thunders and lightens [sic] this evening. 69 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Had another visit this evening about that “miserable whipping affair,” by the father of the other boy. He is very wrathy [sic] and thinks that a great indignity has been done his darling son. He was very anxious for me to make an acknowledgment to him that I had done wrong in the affair. I told him I had no acknowledgment to make. He then said he would have satisfaction for it in town with a “cowhide.” I told him I was fully able and ready to met him and settle it in any way. So we parted, and I suppose that I am to have a cowhiding for my folly. But as I have a little experience in using the cowhide I may help him a little if he undertakes it. It is nothing but a base spirit of envy that prompts him to raise a difficulty with me. It is the venerable Dr. Taylor who so basely tried [to] prevent me getting the first school at this place. He has envied me ever since, and has sought every opportunity in his power to injure me and operate to my predjudice [sic]. But he has gone just as far with me as he can go. And if he attempts to use the cowhide on me I will make him wish he never had seen a cow hide. Such difficulties are very unpleasant to me. I am very sorry that they have occurred, and I pray that I may not be provoked to any rash acts. But if provoked I shall defend myself. The Legislature met tonight. A tolerably lengthy inaugural was presented by our Gov. But it was layed [sic] over till the next meeting.

Saturday [September] 14th. Spent the morning reading and preparing to meet my invincible enemy, to take my cow hiding. I got me a good stick, a cow hide, a bowie knife, and six shooter, and went to town and waited for him till time of day to commence drilling, but he did not come. We spent some two hours drilling. After we returned from drilling I went to preaching and hear the closing of Rev. Slaughter’s[..]

268 September 1861

sermon. They held their regular Conference meeting after the sermon. They called a pastor for the next year, and requested me to act as teller. I did so, and Rev. Slaughter was chosen. One person joined the church, and they licened [sic] one Beverly Harris to preach. They had quite a lively meeting. Not long after preaching, a cloud came up and it has rained the most of the time till night, and is still raining. Several of the young people about town are considerably disappointed this evening by the rain, as a party was to be given at Mr. Arnett’s, on the prairie; and the most of the young people were aiming to go. I was aiming to go myself, yet I do not feel much disappointed. My cow hide man, the Dr. [sic], has not made his appearance in town today. I learn that he left early this morning in a westwardly direction, and I have not hear of him since.

Sabbath [September] 15th. It was still raining a little this morning, having continued to rain the most of the night. It has been cloudy the most of the day, but has not rained much. At 11 AM attended church and heard parson Slaughter preach one of his hour and a half sermons. The people became very weary. After the sermon the congregation repaired to the water where a lady was baptized by immersion. The rain during the night had muddied the creek very muddy, making it present a very [?] appearance for a lady to be plunged into. It did not appear to me like doing “all things decently and in order.” After dinner I went with Mr. Mays to uncle F’s. And from there we went on the prairie to Mr. Arnett’s, and spent the evening. At night came to meeting and heard the new preacher, who was licened [sic] yesterday, hold forth his first sermon. I did not get in in time to hear the text. But the part of the Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 197 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 sermon that I heard consisted in a rehearsal of his feelings on being called to the ministry, and at the close an appeal to the unconverted part of the congregation to repent of their sins. After he was done Rev Slaughter gave an exhortation and called for mourners. Four came forward, one boy, one white lady, and two colored ladies all together. This I do not like. There ought to have been a separate place for the negroes.

[September 1861] 269

Monday [September] 16th. It is cloudy this morning and appears like it would rain. There has been no rain today. It has been quite warm. 62 students in school today. The rowing last week has taken off some 8 or 9 students. I am really glad to get rid of such people. Hope I will have a quiet session after this. Do not feel very well this evening.

Tuesday [September] 17th. The day has been quite pleasant. 61 students in school today. We have beef buyers in town tonight. I suppose they propose to pay money for beeves. Hope they may scatter out plenty of money among us.

Wednesday [September] 18th. The day has been rather warm. The weather is beginning to get delightful. 60 students in school today; and I hope one of that number will be absent tomorrow. If so I will then have a quiet and obedient school, as well as attentive.

Thursday [September] 19th. The day has been quite warm. 59 students in school today. A considerable falling off. Have Hon. H. H. McLean and T. Wright Esqr for guests tonight.

Friday [September] 20th. The day has been quite warm. There have been some clouds and some appearance of rain today; but none of consequence has fallen. 57 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Had but two spectators.

Saturday [September] 21st. Spent greater part of the fore noon making a stall for my pony. I succeeded in making a very convenient one. A considerable norther [sic] blew up during the night, and if it had been winter, it would have been a very cold one, as it is, it is pleasant. Wes came to town this evening after being absent for some time, so I concluded to go down with him and stay all night. We found the shanty in a very confused and filthy condition, as our overseer has not kept it in good order.

270 September 1861

Sabbath [September] 22nd. Spent part of the morning at Wes’s. Then came to G. P. Barber’s and spent some little time there. At which place I fell in company with H. H. McLean Esqr and came on with him to town. At 3 P.M. went to church and heard G. W. Slaughter hold forth for some time in his usual style. He has no system of ideas, consequently it is hard to gather much from him. His discourses consist of exhortations, repetitions, and anecdotes. Attended with a great deal of peculiar gestures, [?] hocking and spitting and so many awkward movements that his preaching does not produce the effect that it otherwise would. I think he is a good meaning man and a christian, but I cannot admire his preaching so much as I would like to. The evening has been very warm.

Monday [September] 23rd. The morning was quite cool, the coolest we have had this fall. Had a fire built in my room. 54 students in school today. They seem to drop off as fast as they come in at the start. Though several of them have stopped to seed. I have felt very much out of order today; and do not feel very well tonight. I am not fit to teach when unwell.

Tuesday [September] 24th. The morning was quite cool—cool enough to be pleasant by the fire. 55 students in school today. Feel a little better today than I did yesterday.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 198 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [September] 25th. The morning was quite cool. About 8 or 9 A.M. a fine rain fell, and it has been raining occasionally by showers the most of the day. The wind is from the north and it is quite cool tonight. 54 students in school today.

Thursday [September] 26th. The morning was cool. The day has been quite pleasant. The clouds have passed away and it now looks like being fair weather. 53 students in school today. It seems lonesome to have so few students, after having so many as have been there. Some are preparing to go to camp meeting. Several aim to start in the morning.

[September 1861] 271

Friday [September] 27th. The morning was quite cool—even cold. The day has been pleasant. 53 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Dismissed school by 3 P.M. and started to the Camp-meeting at Weatherford in company with Messrs. White and Bell, and Misses White, Saunders and Jowell. Our mode of conveyance is a two horse wagon. We moved on finely to Judge Pollard’s and stayed all night there. All lively.

Saturday [September] 28th. Very early this morning we went to the river to get our wagon out of it. (We put it in the river last night to keep the tyer [sic] from coming off.) We tried our horses and they would not pull it out. We preyed [sic] and worked at it for near two hours and did not succeed in getting it out. We then went to breakfast, got a yoke of oxen, and got the wagon out. We were not long getting ready to start. We put in a fresh horse and immediately on starting he concluded that he would not work and lay down on the tongue of the wagon. We were some time getting him up, but finally succeeded. No harm done. We were satisfied with him, turned him out, and took our old and tired horse. We then moved on in good order and fine spirits till we got to S. F. Jones’s. Here we met with S. R. Barber, stopped with him and got our dinners. We then came on to Weatherford, arriving here about 4 P.M. We put up at Judge Carson’s, where we are pleasantly lodged, and as well cared for as we could desire. After supper went to church and from there to the lodge. We have had a very pleasant travel today, after our start this morning. There appears to be a great many people on the ground tonight. They have a very large arbor made of brush, sufficient to accommodate a very large congregation. The seats are made of plank laid across logs, not very comfortable. There are only two or three tents on the ground, temporary made of canvass.

272 September 1861

Sabbath [September] 29th. The morning is quite pleasant. Spent the time before preaching in various ways—walking for exercise, talking, and reading. At 9 A.M. the people assembled for preaching and were addressed by the Rev Maderas (of Palo Pinto) from the parable of the talents &c. He showed that all persons have a certain amount of talent, and that each has the capacity to improve according to the amount of talent given. If a man with the capacity to improve only one talent had five given to him, the four would have to go unimproved, from the fact that the capacity is not given to improve any but the one. If displays very strikingly the wisdom of the Creator in adapting the capacity to the amount of intellect given. No lazy person can be a christian, because the talent cannot be improved by being idle, and failing to give due attention to the object of pursuit. This is illustrated in all the professions of the day. The merchant must be diligent or he will not succeed. The man who smites the anvil must do it with all his might if success attends his labors. All other professions are of the same principle. So are religious affairs, or the improvement of the various talents we have received from the Creator. Every one who improves the talent given according to the design of their Creator is bound to make an impression and start an influence that will continue to be felt long after the individual has ceased to exist. How important then it is that each improves his talent properly and exert a salutary influence on those around him. After the sermon there was an intermission of about 10 minutes, after which the presiding Elder, McLamding preached a sermon on the moral aspect of the present war from the 4th ch. of Nehemiah and 14th verse. “Be not afraid of them; remember the Lord which is great and terrible, and fight for your Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 199 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” A very short apology was given for raising this subject, as it was by request that he had chosen this subject. The apology was very short, and he said it would be his last. Government is of Divine origin. God has the supreme right to govern all things. He does govern the movements of the heavenly bodies and directs the operations of nature in all her mysterious revolutions. He has transferred the right of civil and temporal government to his creatures here, and so long as they exercise this delegated power of government according to justice and the will of God they will prosper and be blessed. The important lesson taught George Washington by his father, concerning the existence of God doubtless had a great deal to do in establishing his exalted character of excellence and moral greatness. We all like to refer to the name of Washington, revere his character, and honor him as the father of our country, and from various letters written by him and his views of government generally, it is almost certain that if he was alive and here now he would be the president of the Southern Confederacy—Along with Davis, Beauregard, and the illustrious leaders of the South. It has been said that the Methodist church is the cause of the present war. Nothing can be more false. If the South generally had [?] the course that the Methodist church did seventeen years ago it is almost certain that the entire separation would have taken place peaceably, and that the calamity of the civil war would have been avoided. Some men yet clamor for the “Union” and [?] at the operations of the South &c. Such men are yet tinctured with Abolitionism, or toryism just as the torys of the Revolution adheared [sic] to the British crown. Watch such men and give them no opportunity to injure us. Possessed of the same spirit and motives are these merchants and others who extortion off of the soldiers in selling [?] to them for their outfit for the battlefield. The great ruler of events exercises a providential care over those who do his will, which is plainly to be seen in the events that are now transpiring. In the selection of Jeff Davis as President of the Southern Confederacy we are peculiarly favored. The difficulties we have to counter demand a civilian of the highest order of talent to bring[..]

274 September 1861 out of confusion and direct the ship of state to a prosperous issue. These qualities are peculiarly possessed by our President. He has had experience in chief councils of the nation and in these councils he has towered a head and shoulders above his contemporaries. We also needed a man of great military attainments in order to raise, control, and direct our armies. This our President possesses to a high degree. He is a graduate of West Point, and in the war with Mexico he won imperishable laurels and proved his capacity as a great military leader. In addition to these qualifications Jeff Davis is a praying man. All his qualifications joined to this fact renders him absolutely the right man for the place he occupies. It is certainly a manifestation of God’s favor toward us in giving us the right man at the right time and in the right place. While he has given to our enemies imbecile and superannuated leaders, who are fastening upon them the unyielding chains of an absolute despotism. God’s providence is also manifested toward us in the various battles which have been fought. What but the providence of God could have saved our army from entire defeat at the battle of Oak Hill after their complete surprise? It is probable that an old lady in Texas did as much good for the success of our army there as any man on the battle field. For at the time the battle was raging at Oak Hill, Ben McCulloch’s mother was lifting her petitions to a thought of grace for the safety and success of her son. The canon ball that killed Bouregeard’s horse might have killed him, had it not been for the influence of the divine mind acting on his and influenced him to be in a position for the ball to pass him by unhurt. It could not have been by accident that Gen. Johnston knew of the time he would save by stopping the train and marching two miles instead of five to [come to] the assistance of Bouregeard, and by so doing arrived just in time to turn the scale of victory in favor of our army. God certainly influenced this movement. Look at the present crop and the facilities of the South to sustain the war compared with what they would have been five years ago, or even last year.

[September 1861] 275

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 200 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

This is certainly a manifestation of God’s over ruling providence in our favor. A few years ago when the speaker came to Texas he bought a piece of land—a beautiful piece, a pleasant grove north of the dwelling while to the south the broad prairies spread out in undulations of loveliness. The soil is as black as a hat and as loose as an ash heap. This soil compared with what I left in Va. Induced me to think I would reap a most abundant harvest. But when the time of harvest came, all my fond anticipations were almost entirely blasted by the most diminutive crop of [?] nubbins, scarcely fit for any thing atall. This year the season has been propitious and the land has produced equal to my first anticipations, and I learn that my hands have to build temporary buildings to hold the abundance of corn that is made. A good portion of it belongs to the Southern Confederacy. I tell regiments as they are passing to stop and use what they want, only to leave me enough for my own use. It is remarkable the uniform success that has attended our arms yet; and there is no doubt but what will finally be successful. We may, however, expect reverses, for we are so inclined to boast in our own strength, and not rely fully upon God with that humble confidence, and there is so much wickedness among us that the Lord will no doubt allow some reverses to take place in order that we may put our trust in the right source. I have no doubt but what it will be so; but when it comes we should not be discouraged; but should with the greater constancy adhear [sic] to our cause and at all times rely entirely upon the great author of our being for aid and succor. The discourse was delivered in an excellent style, it was an excellent production and produced a wonderful impression upon the entire congregation of more than five hundred people. I feel myself amply reposed for my trip in this sermon alone.

276 September 1861

After the sermon a public collection was taken up, the result of which was very favorable considering the scarcity of many. Dismissed till 3P.M. There was a large congregation present this evening but they were not so attentive nor so well entertained as they were before noon. At the close of this sermon the sacrament was administered. At night the people were addressed by the Rev. Fauset from Jacksboro, from the words “Put ye on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the wicked one” &c. He gave a general description of the armor that the [?] used to wear in times of war, consisting first of sandals for the feet to protect an advancing army against a number of sharp instruments set in the ground by a retreating army poisoned to cover their retreat. Next was a girdle around the waist, which answered a two fold purpose: first to secure the clothes or loose garment that was worn then and serve as a stay for the sword and other weapons carried by the [?] and secondly to be a stay and a support to the back and loins. The breastplate then came in to preserve the chest and ward off the darts of the army. And finally the turban for the head completed the uniform, or rather the armor. The christian should thrush [sic] put on the whole armor of God and stand ready, girded for the battle at all times, and never yield to the enemy one foot of ground, but fight valiantly in the cause of our master till the cola[p]se of our warfare here, and he will give us a crown of unfading glory and never dying bliss in those mansions not prepared with hands eternal in the heavens where with our friends the good of all ages, and with our savior we will enjoy the sweets of heaven forever and ever. After the sermon mourners were called and the alter was crowded with them and the meeting continued till a tolerably late hour. I did not feel very well consequently I did not stay till meeting broke, but went to my room and retired for the night. The day was very pleasant.

[September 1861] 277

Monday [September] 30th. Took a long walk early this morning for exercise. Returned to J. R. Jowell’s and took breakfast, after which spent some time in the city attending to some business intrusted [sic] to me. I did not get to the preaching place till after the sermon was commenced and pretty near half through. Rev. Fleming of the Belknap circuit was the preacher. He seemed to be contending that there are not so many hypocrites in the church as the people imagine. It is true there are some, and there are many who do not do their duties as chrsitians. But the most of them will acknowledge that there are backsliders, or in a cold and lukewarm condition. The great mass of hypocrites are of the world, and all who are among them are in bad company; and the only way to get out of it is to renounce the world and Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 201 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 cast in the lot with the people of God. After the sermon there was an intermission of about ½ hour. The people were then addressed [by] Rev. Dr. Castille from Ellis county. From the words of Naamon the Assyrian captain. “If the prophet had told thee to do some great thing, would you not have done it” &c. This displays the pride of the human heart. That is the manner of Naamon in rejecting the advice of the prophet. But here is an example for servants and members of the church to follow. To always in humility advise for the best. Christians should lay aside the pride of Naamon and comply with all the requirements of the gospel implicitly. Sinners must do the same if they would get religion. Several mourners came forward at the close of the sermon. I did not get to go to evening preaching, as I had to go and hunt for one of our horses that had gotten out of the pasture. At night the Rev. Jones from the Tarrant circuit preached. His discourse was rather dry. But at the close mourners were called and quite a number came forward. One professed religion, and some 16 or 17 joined the church. The meeting is about closed. It has been a very good meeting. Some 25 or 30 joined the church.

278 October 1861

Tuesday [October] 1st. Very early this morning I went after our horses intending to make an early start. But there were several little things to attend to so that it was near 8 o’clock before we got started. We have been very kindly treated and we are under many obligations to our friends for the manner in which they treated us. We came leisurely on to S. F. Jones’s where we stopped, got some water and rested awhile. We then came on the Rock Creek by 12 M. and stopped and eat our dinners. Nothing of interest transpired during our morning travel. We enjoyed the ride finely. When we came to the hill this side of the creek we all got out of the wagon and walked up the hill. The girls complained a little of being tired when we got to the top of the hill and were ready to appreciate a ride. We stopped a few minutes at Millsaps and took his girls into the wagon to bring them to town to go to school. When we got to Judge Pollard’s we took in another little school girl. When we got up to our place I got out of the wagon, got my horse and rode to town. I came on with the wagon and saw the ladies walk up the mountain after night. We arrived at town about 8 o’clock PM. I was not much fatigued and I have enjoyed the trip very much. The day has been quite warm.

Wednesday [October] 2nd. Went to the school early this morning and met with a small portion of students. Have not felt much like teaching today. Only 48 students in school today. It seems like a small and lonesome business; and if I knew it would continue so small till the close of the session I should be strongly tempted to quit.

Thursday [October] 3rd. The day has been warm. There have been some clouds and a considerable south wind blowing. 46 students in school today. Do not feel in the right sort of order for teaching yet, for at times I catch myself nodding a little and not students enough to keep me awake or to interest one much or to be much interested themselves.

[October 1861] 279

Friday [October] 4th. The day has been quite pleasant. 47 students in school today. Spelled a match this evening. Had but few spectators, and not so much interest as common. After school got my pony and went to our place on the river.

Saturday [October] 5th. The day has been very warm, till just at night a considerable little norther [sic] has blown up, making it cool enough to be pleasant. Early this morning I went to the grape patch to get some grapes to make wine of to use in the sacrament at our approaching meeting. I very soon found plenty, gathered a pan full and pressed the juice out of them as well as I could with my hands. I then took them to the house and attempted to strain the juice but it would not run through the strainer. I then got a cloth and tried to strain it through that, and in making a strong effort to press it through the cloth burst it, and the juice almost literally covered my face, arms, and clothes, giving me more the appearance of coming out of a fight than anything else. I very quietly cleaned myself as well as I could by stripping my Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 202 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 shirt and washing it, &c. I finally managed to get pretty near two bottles filled with the juice partially strained. After dinner came to town and carried my wine to widow Saunders to get her to assist me to make it. She had a flannel cloth and strained it through it twice and set it away to experiment upon and see if she can make wine out of it. I do not know what process she intends carrying it through. No very important news reached us this evening by the mail. Spent some time attending to some business this evening, and after supper I cut a coat.

Sabbath [October] 6th. Spent the most of the forenoon in my room reading, singing, and talking. Had Mr. White, S. A. Oxford, Esq., [and? or Dr.?] Valentine to set with me the most of the morning. Spent some time reading after noon till 3 PM. When I went to class meeting. There was a tolerably good turnout for class meeting and considerable feeling manifested among the members.

280 October 1861

Monday [October] 7th. The morning was tolerably cool. The day has been pleasant. 46 students in school today. It seems hard to get up the numbers again. The neighbors say the grass-hoppers are making their appearance again in considerable numbers. By so doing they are creating some uneasiness among the farming community. Hope they will not injure us seriously; but that they may pass us by this time.

Tuesday [October] 8th. The morning was rather cool, the day has been calm and pleasant. 45 students in school today. The citizens have been building our arbor for the purpose of holding a protracted meeting commencing on Thursday night next for the last two days. It is about completed this evening.

Wednesday [October] 9th. The day has been pleasant enough. There are clouds and wind this evening, and considerable lightening in the north and the appearance is for rain. 48 students in school today. Went to Mr. Arnett’s on the prairie this evening and spent some time very agreeably with Miss N. [sic; see if her name is Nancy, as Haley says, or Nanny]

Thursday [October] 10th. During the night a considerable rain came up and a heavy wind from the north. This morning the wind from the north was quite cold and the rain continued to fall for some time. The rain and wind prevented several of the students from getting to school so that there were only 34 students there today. My assistant did not get there either so I had my hands full as usual or even more so. Recited pieces this evening. It was about the best performance we have had this session in proportion to the number present. Some of the students recited their pieces that they have prepared for the class of the session. The first evening this session at the close of the week, but what we have had spectators. Dismissed school for the meeting. The meeting commenced tonight. No preachers present, so we had a prayer meeting.

[October 1861] 281

Friday [October] 11th. There was considerable frost this morning—the first we have had this fall. Very soon after breakfast I, in company with Mr. Pollard, went to the river about 7 or 8 miles north of town, at Parson Harris’s to get some grapes to make wine for the sacrament of the present meeting. We found them very scarce but succeeded in getting enough to answer the purpose. Mr. Pollard got his load of chickens and we started home about 11 o’clock and got home about 1 PM. We found that no preachers had come yet and the prospects for meeting appeared very gloomy. It was suggested that we had better send for B. Harris, a young Baptist preacher where I went this morning, and the only resident preacher in the county at this time—there is one other [?] in the county, but he is not at home—and have him to preach tonight in order that the meeting may go on, for we are sure that some of our preachers will get here by tomorrow. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 203 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

According to the suggestion I, with Mr. E. G. Hale, went after Parson Harris; but greatly to our disappointment the parson was so busily engaged sowing wheat that he could not come. So we had our long ride for nothing. It was some time in the night before I got to town, but I found that they had missed me for they had not even the house lit up. I have completely spoiled the people here for I have furnished the candles and attended to lighting them the most of the time for the last year. We found that two of our preachers had made a raft and crossed the river and had gotten to town. The river is past fording is the reason that they did not get here sooner. Rev. Lamdin, the presiding elder, preached tonight from Rom. 5th ch, 1st v “Therefore being justified by grace we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The discourse was very short but well timed, practical, and full of good sense. He showed that it was the favor of God that justifies the sinner and gives him that abiding peace has passed all understanding &c. The discourse had a good effect upon the people I think. The day has been pleasant.

282 October 1861

Saturday [October] 12th. It is a little cool this morning—but no frost. Spent the morning reading, making wine, and preparing seats and other arrangements for meeting till 11 o’clock. At this hour the people came together and were addressed by the Presiding Elder from the 1st. Cor. 15th ch. & 58 verse. “Therefore my beloved brethren be ye steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the works of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” He commenced with a notice of the mental organisation [sic] of the mind of St. Paul, representing him as having a mind peculiarly capable of judging c[o]rrectly of the principals of the Christian religion, and of giving clear and brilliant illustrations of the divine truths and expressing them so logically the [sic] he has received the epithet or title of the “Logical Apostle” &c. In the chapter preceeding [sic] the text the Apostle has completely handled the subject of the resurrection and being fully imbued, and baptized with the spirit the escence! [sic] and the reality of the subject broke forth in the language of the text “Therefore”!! From these facts! for this reason! be steadfast &c. The term brethren or brothers is applied to those who have the same parentage. They are recognised [sic] by the laws of our country, and discriminations are made in the law between those who have the same parent only on one side. But the Apostle applies the term brethren to the members of the church at Corinth because he was so fully identified in every interest of the church united in the same service as members of the same family – God being the general parent and father of all christians. The Apostle not only applies the term brethren to them, but exercises a kind of prerogative or ownership over them and calls them "my brethren." And in addition to this general property claimed by him over the Corinthians he applies the endearing term of "Beloved brethren"! At souce [sic] throwing off all mask or reserve and coming to the hearts and affections of his brethren. "Be ye steadfast"! This is an essential quality or qualification in the ordinary and every day transactions of life; for without steadfastness no man can succeed in any undertaking. But more especially is it required in the cause of our Redeemer, and in practicing out the principles of our religion. It will enable[..]

[October 1861] 283 us to withstand the many temptations, and perplexities thrown in our way, or rather by steadfastness we will overcome the hinderances [sic] and obstacles. Be not only steadfast! but "be immovable"! As the rock of Gibralter [sic] stands out upon the bilowy [sic] ocean and withstands all the ten thousand storms and tornadoes that contilnally [sic] beat against it, and sustains the fortifications built upon it so that they are impregnable to any foe, so should the christian stand firm upon his foundation – which is Christ Jesus, and never be shaken from it by all the rege [sic] of persecutions and the firey [sic] dart that the enemy of our souls can cast at us!The foundation is sure and we may build surely on that foundation! "Always abounding" &c. At what time should the christian engage in the works of the Lord? Some think it sufficient that they cut off their beard on Sunday morning, put no [sic] clean linen, and repair to the house of God and attend the various duties of the same on that day; and then for the remainder of the week engage in all manner of sin and iniquity and folly. But the test [sic] says "Always"! Every week! every day! every hour, and every moment of time is required by the Creator! We can devote all our to [sic] the the [sic] service of our Creator. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 204 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

When we are herding ar [sic] cattle, plowing our land, or attending to any business we can be engaged in the service of the Lord; if we act upon the principle that all we do is done as with the Lord! and at the same time render him the full homage of our hearts and do nothing that is contrary to his word and will. A person who follows an avocation that will injure or defraud his fellow man cannot fulfill this injuction [sic], for the measure of the rule is, as applied to time, always! Not only is the precise rule given as regards the time, but the measure, the quantity is also as accurately given. It to "Abound"! [sic] Not to be niggardly or stinted in the works of God, but let them flow out to abundance in every sense of the word. We can form a pretty correct idea of depepletion [sic], or want, and of abundance, by referring to the past years of scarcity in our country, and comparing them with the present year of plenty and abundance. So let us always abound in the works of the Lord.

284 October 1861

"In as much as we know that our work is not in vain in the Lord &c. So far as the principals of Religion are concerned the Apostle was never in doubt. He always knew positively of the truths and realities of the same and affirmed of them accordingly. From the time that the Lord knocked him down, on his was [sic] from Jerusalem to Demascus [sic], sending his servant to him, and the scales falling from his eyes, He always know positively that there was a reality in the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ, and always preached it with energy and zealousness. The Religion of our Savior is something that we can know of, and realize for ourselves. How important that we should at all times keep that abiding evidence in our hearts, and that we be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the works of the Lord? After the sermon the meeting soon closed. At 3 PM the people came together again and were addressed by the circuit rider Rev J Perry. From the words "How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation" &c. He went off in his usual style, repeating what I have often heard him do, that the validity or genuineness of the epistle to the Hebrews had been doubted by many from the fact that the name or signature of the Apostle did not appear attached to the sequel, in the original translations, and for this reason its genuineness had been doubted. But the fact of the name being withdrawn from the sequel is accounted for on the ground that a strong predjudice [sic] existed in the minds of the Hebrew brethren against the Apo[s]tle as a man; and for this reason he witheld [sic] his name from the epistle, in order that the truths contained in it might have the greater influence with them. The salvation spoken of was a deliverance, a great deliverance, of the sinner from sin. Iti s offered freely to all merely on the condition of compliance with the requirements of the gospel. Then if this is the only condition, How can we escape, how ought we to escape if we neglect this great salvation?

[October 1861] 285

Immediately after preaching the Quarterly conference met at the schoolhouse and transacted the usual business of the same. It also granted license to Bro. G. W. Graves to preach, and gave him a recommendation to the annual conference. At night the people were addressed by Rev Maderas. I did not hear the text but imagined from the discourse that it embraced the words “The way of the transgressor is hard” &c. He made a very zealous appeal to the transgressor showing him that his way was a hard one and advising them to turn away from it. At the close of the sermon he called for mourners and quite a number came forward— mostly school girls. They continued to labor with them for some time, but the people crowded up around the altar so much that I did not enjoy myself very well; for when I see such impropriety it always throws a damper over my feelings. After meeting I went to the Stone Hut with Miss N. The morning was a little cool, but it is quite warm this evening.

Sabbath [October] 13th. It is a little cloudy this morning and tolerably warm. After my regular morning lesson I spent the most of the time writing till 9AM. The people then met at the arbor for service. The time was occupied with a Lovefeast [sic], or experience meeting. Several of the brethren related their religious experience to a very good effect. It brought to remembrance the scenes that transpired in "the days of other years" when my heart has been melted to tenderness at the rehearsal of events connected with the religious experience of the old veterans of the Cross, in whom I reposed the utmost Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 205 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 confidence. My old associates and the scenes of infancy and childhood were impressed upon. Yet alas! I have not those tender emotions that I then experienced! My heart is to some extent cold and callous! and I do not enjoy religion to the extent that I desire to, or that it is my privilege to do! Yet I have a strong and abiding confidence in the religion of our Savior and there is nothing that gives me so much comfort as the realization of the principals of religion in my heart! I pray the Lord that I may be more active and zealous in his cause and enjoy more of the life and power of religion!

286 October 1861

At 11A.M. the Presiding Elder preached one of his most excellent sermons, form the words "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me" &c. He made a very ingenous [sic] appeal to the congregation to secure their attention, as there seemed to be some inattention and confusion around the congregation. He very politely requested them not to engage in any conversation at the beginning of the sermon as it always disturbed him at the commencement; but after I get warmed up and my voice gets it [sic] regular compass you can engage in conversation and take a little social chat if you wish. He gave a small exposition of the odium that by common consent is attached to the egotism that any person exhibited in boasting of what I can do, or what I have done &c. And this text is some times objected to on the ground of the pronoun I being repeted [sic] immediately in the same connexion [sic]. But this objection is entirely groundless, from the fact that God is all powerful, can do any thing he wishes, therefore the charge of egotism can never be imputed to him. He refered [sic] to the antetype [sic] that foreshadowed the event that this lifting up referred to – To the brarzon [sic] serpent in the wilderness, where the Israelites were bitten by the firey [sic] serpents, and merely by looking to the brarzon [sic] on the pole, even the infant, the youth or the aged person was immediately healed. This Serpent only prefigured our Savior and the lifting up upon the cross as an atonement for our sins. He then gave a general notice of the advent, miricle [sic], & sacrifice of the Savior. He first made his appearance among us in the form of an infant – a little babe, a loving boy. We next hear of him about the age of twelve years disputing with the wise men of the nation. As was the custom in the land of Judeah [sic] for the people to attend at stated periods at Jerusalem, certain feast, so the family in which the Savior lived had gone there for that purpose and were returning home when the Savior was missed from the company. The parents with anxious hearts, returned to search for their absent one. When they arrived at the city they did not find him at any of the places of mirth or public amusement, where it would have been most natural to expect to find a boy of his age. They did not find [..]

[October 1861] 287 him at the market place, or at any of the pools of the place admiring the beauty of the architecture &c. But they found him in the temple – among the lawyers and doctors of the law propounding and answering questions of such wisdom that it astonished all who heard him. The mother in her anxiety for him chided him for having given her the uneasiness that he had. He meekly replied "Wist [sic] ye not that I must be about my father's business." The mother was caused to ponder these things in her heart. History sweeps over the next period of his life very rapidly, or rather is silent entirely till he is thirty years of age. We then see him coming into the wilderness to receive the initiatory right [sic]at the hand of John the Baptist, of his priestly office as was the custom among the Jews. Here we see the venerable sage of the wilderness bearing testimony to the divinity of Christ. As he approached the Baptist the multitude all eager to hear what would be taught them, had their attention directed the Savior in the words "Behold the lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." And when he had received the right [sic] from the hands of his harbinger, the holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, also bore testimony to his divinity. It rested upon him and descended into him in all the fullness of its divine functions. At the same time a voice broke forth in thundering tones from the heavens, testifying also the truth of his Divinity "This is my beloved son hear ye him" &c. In this age of the world there were men and women – young men and young ladies as there are now. A young man of the connexion [sic] of the Savior of the city of Cana in Gallee [sic] had won the affections of a young lady of that city. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 206 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

And the marital right [sic] was honored and celebrated there and the Savior was one of the invited guests. And here he showed his approval of the institution by his presence, probably to give council to the young man or the young lady or to both concerning the importance of the new relation they were entering into. The purity and inviolability of this institution or the scrupulousness with which the institution is [..]

288 October 1861 guarded will always indicate the state of society where it is upheld. It is an institution that lies at the very foundation of society. It is the fundamental and most important institution, secular institution – of any land or country. The importance of the institution was recognised [sic] by the Savior by the manner in which he acted and by the interest he manifested in it. It was a custom in that country to use wine on such occasions. It seems that the supply was insufficient for the occasion; and the wine was exhausted before the seremonies [sic] of the feast were completed. His mother knowing the divinity of his nature came to him and told him that the wine was out. He looked at her and gave he, appearantly, [sic] an abrupt answer. "Woman what have I to do with you, my hour is not yet come"&c. It is probable that his mother understood this mood – for no dount but what he was often exercised in the way. She told the servants to do whatsoever he bade them. He had six water pots filled with water, each pot containing several firkins apiece &c. The blushing water turned to wine at the presence of the Savior. He commanded them to bear to the governer [sic] of the feast. When they did so he pronounced it a superior quality of wine. For he made the remark. "It is customary for men to put forth the good wine at the beginning, and after men had well drunk then that which is worse; but you have kept the good wine until the last." 'This beginning of miricles [sic] did Jesus in Cana of Gallellas, [sic] and manifested forth his glor[y]." It is said that frinendship [sic] is the noblest boon that mankind can enjoy. Yet our Savior is said have been almost destitu[t]e of friends – The birds of the air have nests and the foxes have holes, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head." Amidst all this destitution of friends there was one place where he could calmly repose, where the hand of true friendship was ever extended, where hearts were always ready to sympathise [sic] with his sufferings and hands ready to administer to his necessities. That was the house of Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary! It is said that Lazarus was the friend of the Savior! It happened that he died when the Savior was at some distance from him, but the went four days travel to comfort the sisters [..]

[October 1861] 289 of him who was dead. When he came to the place he showed his sympathy for suffering humanity, by being grieved, and weeping with those who wept. Touched so deeply with sympathy for the distressed and forlorn sisters, and again mainfested [sic] his Divine power by restoring the dead brother to life, and to the society of his sisters and friends. On many other occasions he gave exhibitions of his power and godhead by restoring life to the dead, sight to the blind, health and strength to the sick and maimed; by miraculously feeding vast multitudes in the wilderness, where food could not be had, by casting out devils &c. &c. This divine personage now comes to the period of the conclusion of his mission on earth. And as the period draws nigh he seems weighed down by the great and and [sic] ponderous weight of the wrath of God that justly rested upon the heads of offending men and women. His burden of grief and suffering was so heavy that we see him bowing down in the garden and sweating great drops of blood, and praying the Father that if it were possible that the cup might pass from him! but at the same time manifesting the most perfict [sic] resignation to the will of the Father. "Not my will but thine be done O Lord! At the same time he shows that the suffering is an entire voluntary act with himself; for he says "I could pray my Father and he would immediately send me twelve legion of Angels so that his enemies could do nothing unless the powers [sic] was given them of god. Again His divinity is manifest when upon the cross he suffers the most excruciating pains and tortures that poor humanity was ever subject to; by the sun, the luminary of the day refusing to shine, so that for three long hours it refused to shine and great darkness enveloped the earth. At the same time a tremendous earthquake shook the earth, the rock were [sic] made to rend, and even the vale of the Temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom. The dead were also seen about the streets of Jerusalem, who had long lain in their graves. His lifting up does draw all men next to him. For all men are called by the spirit Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 207 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 and , at times, feel the necessity of a change of heart; but though all men are irresistably [sic] called, yet none are irresistably [sic] forced to embrace christianity. This is left to their own choice.

290 October 1861

At 3PM the people came together for the purpose of taking the Sacrament of the Lord’s supper. There was no sermon preached, but the Elder made some remarks and called the people around the Sacrament board. I was called away at this time and did not participate in the meeting. At night the people came together again and were addressed by Rev Maderas. At the close of the sermon mourners were called and quite a number presented themselves. They continued tolerably late. No conversions. Some joined the church.

Monday [October] 14th. It is cloudy this morning and has the appearance of rain a little. Several of the legal fraternity are here for the purpose of holding court. At 10 AM the people were addressed by Rev Perry, the circuit rider. He preached his farewell sermon from the words “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes” &c. He preached a sermon of common length and considerable energ[y]; but without much systematic arrangement. At the close of the sermon mourners were called and several presented themselves. Immediately after dinner the presiding Elder and Circuit rider left us. The court was called together about 1 PM. Judge N W Battle on the Bench. After getting the Grand Jury filled out, the judge proceeded in form to give the regular charge to it. He told them he came to introduce to them an old and tried friend—the Law. He hoped that they would cling to it and see that all offenders be properly arraigned before its tribunal in order that safety, peace, and harmony be perpetuated and permanently established among us. He defined what it takes to be a violation of the law, and defined the cases that some under the jurisdiction of the jury &c. The crime of treason was formerly punished by being brought before the Grand jury &c. But under the laws of the Southern Confederacy the Grand Jurys have nothing to do with it. For the Confederacy has special courts appointed for that purpose and to them the crime of treason is referred.

[October 1861] 291

He pointed out several instances or offenses that would come under the jurisdiction of the Grand jury: Such as murder and the degrees of manslaughter, Assault and batter[y], young and able[-]bodied persons imposing on the old and the feeble; perjury, felonies, thefts, &c &c. Before he got through, preaching time came on and I went to the preaching place. When I got there Rev G. W. Graves, who was licensed at this meeting, was preaching his first sermon. I do not know what the text was, but he was endeavoring to show that the design was for man to honor and obey Him. He has made ample provisions for our salvation and has offered pardon to us freely through the merits of the Savior, and for all the blessing he has put within our reach we should honor, obey, and serve Him. Rev Maderas gave a very good exhortation after the sermon, and meeting was dismissed till night. At common candle lightning the people came together and a sermon was commenced by the Rev Maderas and was progressing finely in an interesting discourse when it commenced raining and he had to dismiss the congregation. But before he did so he opened the door of the church and received two members on probation.

Tuesday [October] 15th. It is still cloudy and threatening rain this morning. Spent part of the morning writing and then went to [?] and assisted him in arranging the [?] book. We then carried some seats to the school-house and at 11 AM there was preaching at the school-house. At the close of the sermon mourners were called for and several came forward. The meeting was continued for some time. An intermission was given and the people came together again at 3 PM and were addressed by Maderas. Mourners were called, several came and were laboured [sic] with for some time till pretty near night when the people were dismissed to get their suppers. But several preferred to stay and the most of the mourners stayed, and during this recess three Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 208 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 of the anxious one[s] found peace in the Savior and had a great time of rejoicing, and those who stayed and those who came together at night seemed to be in the spirit[..]

292 Oct. 1861

of the work. Young Graves preached again from the words, "As Moses lifted up the Serpent in the wilderness so must the son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life" &c. He gave a detailed account of the travels of the Israelites in the wilderness, their transgressions and the punishments inflicted upon them for their disobedience – and among others was the bite of the Firey [sic] serpent, whose wound was incurable. But Moses was commanded to erect a pole and place a brazen Serpent on it, resembling the serpents that bit the people. And all who looked upon the brazen serpent after they were bitten were healed. This was only a type, or foreshadowing of the Savior and his death on the cross by which he atoned for the sins of the whole world, so that all who will believe on him may have everlasting life. The pronoun whosoever takes in all the sons and daughters of the Adam, none are rejected out all are included in the plan of salvation and have the privilege of seeking and obtaining pardon. After the sermon Maderas gave an exhortation and called for mourners. Several came forward and the members seemed to get considerably revived, and several of them rejoiced greatly. Three joined the church. The meeting was dismissed till tomorrow night, leaving several at the "anxious seat.". There was very ungentlemanly, and undignified conduct by several who were present at the meeting tonight. When the excitement would get up pretty high the thoughtless men and boys would get on the benches and the crowd was so great that got on them that those which had backs and desks on them were almost entirely demolished and lay in scattering wrecks on the floor. Some were so eager to see that they crowded the mourners tramped upon them so as to wound the feelings of some of them and cause them to leave. Others were around the house drinking whiskey, swearing, and making scoff and ridicule at religion and the exercises that were going on there. Upon the whole some were disgraced by their bad conduct. It was announced that the meeting was closed till tomorrow night. The day has been threatening and it has rained a little at times. Court is still in session, but little doing.

[October 1861] 293

Wednesday [October] 16th. It is still misty and looks like rain this morning. Early I went to the school-house and labored faithfully till school time to get the seats arranged so as the students could be seated. I succeeded in getting them somewhat arranged so as to answer, but had to leave of[f] the backs and desks of some of them. I have not felt much like teaching today. 43 students. The court adjourned this morning without doing any business of importance, and the judge and legal Fraternity left. At night the people came together at the school-house—they crowded it—and were addressed by Rev B. Harris, a young Baptist preacher from the words “What will it profit a man if he gane [sic] the whole world and lose his own soul, or what will a man give in exchange for his soul” &c. He went off in a long exhortation urging upon the people the importance of seeking their souls’ eternal welfare, without giving any connexion [sic] of idea or having any particular system about his discourse. Mourners were called, several came, and the meeting was protracted to a late hour, during which time two persons professed to find the Savior precious to their souls; several of the members were revived and seemed to enjoy themselves finely. It is still cloudy and warm but has not rained much.

Thursday [October] 17th. The clouds blow over from the north briskly this morning and the norther [sic] begins to come in regular order. Read the last chapter in the Old Testament this morning, reading it through in regular order which makes the third time I have read it through regularly. 46 students in school today. Did not feel much like teaching. We hear that the Indians are in the country again, that the Keechi boys had a fight with them last night and took 21 horses from them. They killed no Indians nor got killed any of them. The Indians got off on a horse apiece. Rev B Harris preached again tonight in his unconnected and boisterous manner. Some mourners came and the meeting was Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 209 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 continued for some time; but no person made any profession. The norther [sic] is still blowing cold tonight.

294 October 1861

Friday [October] 18th. The norther [sic] is still blowing. The people around town are stirring about looking for horses, for the Indians have been in town during the night and have stolen a number of horses. It is not known yet how many are gone. 46 students in school today. It seems like a drag yet. Spelled a match this evening. Had one spectator. The Legislature met tonight and fined me three candles for not leaving the keys when I left a few meetings since. It is ascertained this evening that twelve horses were stolen last night in the town and vicinity. Three of them got away and have come home. The norther [sic] is still cold tonight.

Saturday [October] 19th. The norther [sic] is still blowing cold. Soon after breakfast, I, in company with McLean, Dalton, Davis, and Wright went to see if we could make any discovery concerning the Indians. We went on the mountain bluff east of town and found a cow that the Indians had killed as they came in. We could make no other discovery. I returned to town by noon, and have been writing ever since, now 3 PM. In the evening made a place for my corn Pollard’s stable and conveyed my corn to it. McLean found his mule this evening that the Indians took the other night. They had dropped it somewhere below here. Had a letter from home this evening and some news papers from my old county, the first news I have had from home for some time. It cheered me up and revived my feelings the most of anything that has happened for some time. The news was of a more favorable character than I anticipated. Health and competency seem to prevail. At night the Rev B Harris preached to the people at the school-house from the words “Prepare to meet thy God” &c. He said it was somewhere in the bible, he did not know exactly where. He supposed that those who read their bibles more than he did knew better than he where it was. He went off in a long, irregular, and scattering exhortation of about one hour. After him Bro. Hullum gave an exhortation. The weather has greatly moderated this evening.

[October 1861] 295

Sabbath [October] 20th. After my morning lesson I went down to the Hall and spent the most of the day with Wes. He was much pleased at the news, and particularly to one of the trophies of the battle of Cross Lanes Nicolas Va. Aug 27, ’61 fought by Gen Floyd’s Legion and the Yankees, in which one of our brothers participated. He sent a part of the flag taken from the Yankees to father, and father sent a small bit of it to Wes. We knocked around on the place, eat pecans, gathered plums, &c &c. He came with me this evening to uncle’s. After getting home I learn that it is reported that 160 Indians have recently gone down into the settlements. Some Rangers were here, but do no report any Indian sign. The day has been quite warm, but it feels a little like frost this tonight.

Monday [October] 21st. The day has been tolerably pleasant, though the wind is blowing from the north tonight tolerably cold. 53 students in school today. Have not felt very well, consequently have been in rather dull plight for teaching. Hear nothing said about Indians today. Hope they may not molest us much more this fall.

Tuesday [October] 22nd. During the night it rained some and the wind has continued to blow from the north quite cold. It still rains by showers this morning and is quite unpleasant. 39 students in school today. It has been unpleasantly cold all day, but has not rained any this evening. Hear no Indian news today.

Wednesday [October] 23rd. There was considerable frost this morning—a regular black biting frost—the first that has been sufficient to bite anything much. The day has been tolerably calm, but quite cool, cool enough to be unpleasant in the school-room without a fire. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 210 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

52 students in school today. The school yet seems so small that it is rather a drag. Have a little fever tonight.

296 October 1861

Thursday [October] 24th. There was some frost this morning and the day has been quite cool. The forenoon was so cool that we had to have fire in the school room. The afternoon has not been quite so cool. 52 students in school today. Have felt more like teaching today than I have for some days past. Prayer-meeting in town tonight.

Friday [October] 25th. The day has been tolerably cool—especially the fore part. The after part has been pleasant enough. 45 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Had some three or four spectators. After school this evening went to the stone Ranch on the prairie and stayed all night.

Saturday [October] 26th. It is clear and beautiful this morning and not very cold. Soon after breakfast I caught my pony and came to town. Had the pleasure of the company of Misses Nan and Ann. Spent the remainder of the day talking, reading, and writing. We got a considerable amount of news by the mails this evening. But no account of any great battles being fought lately, but the indications are that there will be hard fighting at various points soon. The omens are favorable to the South in almost every instance, and the prospects are for our independence to be recognised [sic] at no distant period in the future. It is quite pleasant this evening.

Sabbath [October] 27th. The morning was tolerably cool. The day has been pleasant. Spent part of the morning reading. Then rode out awhile for exercise and amusement and stopped awhile at Capt Cureton’s, intending to come home soon; but I became engaged in conversation with the Capt and did not get off till the better part of the evening. The Capt is quite social and when once fairly engaged in conversation, hardly knows where to stop. Spent the balance of the evening reading, singing, and writing. Some how I cannot feel as much engaged in reading, this evening, as I would like. The news has just come into town that the Indians are in the settlements below, stealing horses, 15 having been seen yesterday in Parker taking Mr. Tondron's horses. They are trying to head them at the passes as they go out.

[October 1861] 297

Monday [October] 28th. The morning was a little cool, the day has been pleasant. 54 students in school today—Increasing a little. We hear no news from the Indians today. The men who went to guard the passes on this side of the river last night have returned without making any discovery or finding any Indians.

Tuesday [October] 29th. There was a considerable norther [sic] blowing this morning which continued to blow till after noon. It was not very cold. The evening has been quite pleasant. 50 students in school today. Have commenced singing in school again. It seems to have a good effect upon the students; for they appear more attentive to their lessons and more interested in the school than they did before we commenced singing.

Wednesday [October] 30th. There was a regular white frost this morning, the weeds and grass on the prairies were perfectly white. The air has been chilly all day. It has been calm and clear. 50 students in school today. Have not felt well today, consequently have not been in as good plight for teaching as I am at times, or as I would like to be. It is a drag with me when I do not feel well, but when I am in proper condition for teaching I do not regard [?] it. We have heard nothing more of the Indians since Sunday night, consequently we begin to doubt the correctness of the report as we often are deceived and scarcely know when to believe a report. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 211 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday [October] 31st. It commenced raining some time during the night and has continued to rain at times all day, and is still raining now at bed time. It is quite a cold rain so that the day has been very disagreeable. In consequence of the rain there were only 18 students in school today, but I was there early and went through the regular routine of school duties. So few students seem like an almost entire desertion. Wish the session was out.

298 November 1861

Friday [November] 1st. The morning was cold. The day has been tolerably pleasant. About 45 students in school today. A corn merchant was in town today offering 50 ct per bushel for corn. He is getting some corn in the county. He is buying to furnish the government hosts west of us. After school went down to the valley to our place – distance about 7 or 8 miles, rode it in about 40 minutes.

Saturday [November] 2nd. Early this morning started from the valley for Weatherford – distance about 25 to 28 miles – started at ½ past 6 A.M. and arrived at the city by ½ past 10 A.M. making the trip in about four hours. Stayed there some two and half hours and done some trading at different places. At 1 P.M. started from the city intending to come home; but met with Dr. G. P. Barber and went with him by his father’s and he was prevailed on by his parents to stay with them all night, so we put out our horses and are staying with the Col. There was a heavy large white frost this morning and it was quite cold. There was a considerable fog also, on the river. It is warmer this evening.

Sabbath [November] 3rd. It was not very cold this morning. We started from Barber’s tolerably early this morning, stopped at Jones’s awhile and came on to the “Hall” on the river by about ½ past 12 M. Eat a hearty dinner of fresh venison sweet potatoes &c. &c. Wes had the good luck to kill a venison yesterday. Did not stay there very long, but came on to town and found some news and a letter in the office for me. The letter contained the intelligence that Wm. B. Baker (brother) had fallen into the hands of the Yankees, by being sick in Gen. Floyd’s brigade in Va. Floyd retreated precipitately leaving his sick to the mercy of the enemy, Wm. being among the sick. I think he acted miserably mean and cowardly and trifling in not providing some means of conveyance for the sick. It is reported however that the Yankees are treating the sick very kindly. Hope they may continue to do so. If through Floyd’s meanness, Wm. is killed or dies, I feel like I cannot be contented unless I go & kill him.

[November 1861] 299

Monday [November] 4th. It was a little cool this morning, but the day has been pleasant. A few hazy clouds and but little wind. About 45 students in school today.

Tuesday [November] 5th. The morning was a little cool, but the day has been tolerably pleasant. It has been clear and calm. About 45 students in school today.

Wednesday [November] 6th. This morning was a little cool, the day has been pleasant, and the evening is tolerably warm. The presidential election came off today. There was but little interest manifested in the election; but few persons present, and only 23 votes given, all for Davis and Stevens for President and Vice President. For Congress, Graham 16 and Heubard 5 or 6. It is the first time I have ever known such an election go off so quietly. 40 students in school today. Have not felt in a very good plight for teaching this evening and tonight I feel a kind of restless uneasiness, without any particular cause.

Thursday [November] 7th. The day has been quite pleasant. It is warm this evening. Nothing very remarkable has come to our knowledge today. 40 students in school today. Have felt more like teaching today than yesterday. Prayer meeting tonight.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 212 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday [November] 8th. The day has been pleasant. 38 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. Had a few spectators. Not much interest manifested. It seems that the thing will run out unless something is done to revive it.

Saturday [November] 9th. The day has been a little cool, but pleasant. After breakfast rode out on the prairie with Mer. [sic] Pollard to look for a beef steer, but did not find him. Spent the remainder of the day in my room and about town to but little purpose.

300 November 1861

Sabbath [November] 10th. The morning is pleasant a brisk wester [sic] is blowing, though not cold. Had to attend to some business the morning as I was oweing [sic] a little money and was called on for it in great haste to send below. I dislike to have to attend to such business on Sunday. I even had to walk about a mile from town to overtake the man that was starting below. Went to class-meeting at 11. There were but few persons present, but the most of them seemed to feel some interest and to enjoy themselves to some extent. Spent some time after dinner lounging about the room, when Mer. [sic] White came and requested me to take a walk with him, which I did. We went to Esqr. [sic] Metcalfe and spent some time very pleasantly with Miss Fanny. After supper Dr. V. and I went to Mr. Dillahunty’s and spent some time in the company of Misses Molly and Nan: on my part very agreeably. I do not know how the M.D. enjoyed himself. The day has been pleasant.

Monday [November] 11th. It has been rather smoky all day, a little cool during the morning , but pleasant during the afternoon. 40 students in school today. Have not felt very much like teaching this evening. A barrel of whisky came into town Saturday, which keeps a crowd there the most of the time.

Tuesday [November] 12th. The day has been pleasant. 35 students in school today. Have had company in my room tonight that has prevented me from getting my regular lessons.

Wednesday [November] 13th. The morning was a little cloudy, the day has been warm. 40 students in school today. No news.

Thursday [November] 14th. The day has been quite pleasant. 40 students in school today. Prayer meeting in town tonight.

Friday [November] [November] 15th. The day has been quite warm. There have been a few clouds, but no rain. 40 students in school today. Recited pieces this evening. But few spectators. Recitations not very good.

[November 1861] 301

Saturday [November] 16th. Soon after breakfast this morning I, in company with Mer. [sic] White, set our from town to go on the top of the round mountain, about three miles north of town. It rises up from the surrounding country somewhat in the form of a perymid [sic] to the height of about 300 feet above the channel of the Brazos river, which runs along the west slope. It is a huge mass of piles upon piles of limestone rock rising up almost perpendicularly to a considerable height. Along the brow of the hill bluffs are so high and so near perpendicular that there are but two points at which the mountain can be ascended. We found one of these and by dismounting and driving our horses before us succeeded in getting on the top. After gitting [sic] up there we found that there are about 150 or 200 acres of land on the top pretty near level. Near the center of the west end there is a considerable mound rising above the general surface of the top of the mountain. It is covered with rock and considerable undergrowth. On the west side of this mound is a spring of cool water said to be regular. On the north slope of the top there are several acres of good land. On the east end is a cedar break. The whole is covered with good grass. We also found a fine deer up there and shot at him, but did not kill him. There are but two places where they can get down. He ran to one of these and escaped from the Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 213 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 mountain. Had we known it and one of us taken our stand there we might have killed it. There is an excellent view from the top of the mountain. Look to the west – The fertil [sic] valleys of the Brazos come up before the eye presenting a tempting prospect to the future farmer. In these valleys Mer. [sic] A. G. Crawford’s farm stands “out is [sic] solitary, but bold relief.” Farther to the west are the Ironi and Sand valley mountains as living testimonies of the power of the architect of the Universe. Still beyond them are the mountains of young [sic] county. Look to the north and in the valleys below are seen the farms of Chick and Carpenter, on which the crops of wheat look very fine. Still farther north is the long range of mountains extending far into Jack[..]

302 November 1861 county where they seem to meet the sky. To the east are, by far, the largest valleys to be seen from the mountain, in which there are a number of farms to be seen dotting the prairies like islands in the ocean. And the luxuriant wheat crops that are to be seen on them look promising indeed to the hardy farmer, so they presage a fruitful crop next year. Far to the east of these rise the mountain peaks in the east end of this county and in Parker county. To the south is the famous city of Palo Pinto, though not visable from the mountain to any great extent. It is mostly undulating prairie lands to the Town, after passing town, the river bluffs and the mountains beyond Palo Pinto creek, in the direction of Erath county meet the eye. The scenery is indeed romantic and magnificent, and calculated to inspire the mind with awe and reverence for the Author of such grand and sublime scenery. After satisfying our curiosity on the mountain we returned to town by about ½ past 10 A.M. I spent t sometime about town riding, talking, reaching [sic] my pony, &c. till preaching time. The Baptist have a protracted meeting commencing here today. When I went to the preaching place I found that Parson Saughter [sic] had been preaching for some time, yet he continued to harangue the people far [sic] a considerable time in his peculiar mode of continual repetition hacking and spitting, and peculiar jestures [sic] and motions; till I think the people were all glad when he quit. He is so tedious and tiresome and continues his discourses so long that his preaching loses much of the influence it might otherwise exert upon the people. After preaching the conference of the church was called to order by the moderator and it went into regular session. So I came home for dinner and did not stay for the conference. After dinner I cut judge Strait a coat. Spent the time about town till the mail came in, after which I went down in the valley to the “Hall” and stayed all night. I found when I went down that Wes had just killed a fine turkey and after supper we had a considerable time picking and cleaning it. It is certainly a tedious affair. The day has been quite warm. Indeed we have had the finest spell of weather that I ever saw at this season of the year I think – though I have been looking for a norther [sic] for some time.

[November 1861] 303

Sabbath [November] 17th. After an early breakfast this morning Wes. and I mounted our horses and came to town. We wished to see Capt. Cureton, found he was not at town, so we went to his house. After seeing him we found that we wanted to see Mr. Dodson, who lives about six miles southwest of town so went on to his house, found he was not at home; but his people said he would be soon, so we concluded to wait for him. We waited and waited till dinner came on and we eat our dinners with his lady and interesting daughter. The time passed off very agreeably in her company, as she is tolerably intelligent and disposed to be quite social. When we got our dinners, as Mr. D. did not come, we concluded to return to town, arriving here between 2 & 3 P. M. We found that meeting was still progressing. The people came together about 4 o’clock and were addressed by Rev. B. Harris from the words “I will arise and go to my father” &c. He referred to the parable of the prodigal son as representing the condition of the sinner. He was likely to perish of hunger – the sinner is bound to perish of a spiritual hunger, produced by sin unless he arises and comes to his heavenly father for food – spiritual food the redemption of his soul. After going over these ideas and producing a tolerably fair discourse, he continued to repeat the same sentiment over and over till the people became weary and wished him to quit long before he did. It was about sundown when he quit. There were a considerable number of people in attendance. We came home, got supper, and chatted for some time, and we were called together again for preaching. Parson Slaughter appears before us and told us if we would read the bible through we would find the text, Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 214 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 as he did not recollect where it was recorded, but was sure it was somewhere in the bible in several verses and in several chapters. He said the text was “Remember.” He said there were several things that we needed our minds stirred up on by way of remembrance. He did not expect to tell us anything new or that we do not already know, but only to stir in our minds a spirit of remembrance [sic]. We found it to be true that he did not tell us anything new, but the same old thing in the same old way. Several mourners came forward. The day has been very warm again.

304 November 1861

Monday [November] 18th. The day has been quite warm A [sic] considerable wind has blown from the south. Spent the morning reading arranging school papers and cutting garments. At 11 A.M. the people came together for meeting and they were addressed by Rev. B. Harris from the words “The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor”. He spoke of the call to the ministry in reference to his own call intimating that it was impossible for him to be mistaken about [it]. He had received the anointing spoken of in the text or he could never stand before a congregation and expose his ignorance. The poor spoken of in the text were not the poor according to temporal affairs; but the poor in spiritual affairs, destitute of the provisions of grace kin the heart. He then went off in a long train of exhortation, to professors, unbelievers and mourners. In reference to mourners he made the remark “that there was no chance for a one-eyed mourner”. The remark was so ludicrous that the congregation could not suppress the feeling of laughter. He told them they need not laugh for it was so. He then explained what he meant by a one-eyed mourner. Those who would come to the bench of a night and be ashamed to come in the day, those who would seek religion awhile and then go back into sin because they did not obtain it the first, second &c. times they went to the anxious seat. Such mourners as these he called one-eyed mourners. After the sermon Rev. Slaughter gave a lengthy exhortations and then called for mourners, some four of rive came forward. They continued to talk and sing and pray with them till quite a late hour. The time was so long that I became quite weary and left before meeting closed. Spent the evening writing, arranging school records, and in company. At might the people came together again and were awfully boured [sic] for near two hours by Rev. G. W. Slaughter. I became weary that I fell into a good nap that relieved me very much. At the close of Slaughter’s harangue Harris called for mourners and several come, with whome [sic] they labored till quite late. Negroes and all were invited and into the alter they went, one of them professed religion, and they all just let loose and took the day with a perfect vengeance. The meeting is to continue tomorrow.

[November 1861] 305

Tuesday [November] 19th. I concluded to continue school this morning. 37 students present. At noon I went to church and heard Rev. B. Harris hold forth from the words “And Jesus came forth wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, and Pilate saith behold the man!” He went off in a kind of exhortation referring to the quoted as a subject; but he continued so long that I had to leave before he got through, and go to school. At night the people met at the school house and heard Parson Slaughter stretch out in one of his usual stains till the people were much wearied. When he was through mourners were called for and one came forward. This did not seem to satisfy them and parson Slaughter let off again in a lengthy and boisterous harangue. When he was done he told the brethren that if any of them had a word of exhortation to say on. Upon which Gov. Heullum harangued for some time – acknowledging how wild he had been that he had set a wrong example before the world, and he would try to do better for the future. He said he was cheated a little yesterday, by the little devils. They nibbled at him so much that they cheated him out of a blessing. But he tanked [sic] the Lord that he had the advantage of them today. He went out into the brier thicket this evening and gained the victory over them. He said that he had been impressed for about twenty years, with idea that he was called to preach. He had tried to wear off the impression – had even engagued [sic] in foolishness and light[-]mindedness, and almost folly in order to get shut of the Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 215 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 impression. But he could not do it. He was now determined to try to do his duty for the time to come, let other things go as they may. He continued so long that he made some apology for detaining the people as he had. But Rev. Slaughter told him to go on and preach the funeral of that old trecherous [sic] heart. He however quit. And Slaughter wanted to know whether there were any other “outlyers’ or “bushwhackers” present to tell their tale. At this time the affair became so ludicrous that it lost all the sanctity of a house of worship, and I left with Miss N. and enjoyed myself much better with her than at meeting.

306 November 1861

Wednesday [November] 20th. I learn this morning that three persons joined the church after I left and the meeting came to a final close. The morning was tolerably cool. The day has been pleasant. 42 students in school today. Have been a little sleepy today. It is tolerably cool tonight.

Thursday [November] 21st. The morning was tolerably cool the day has been pleasant. There have been clouds this evening some thunder and lightning and appearance of rain; though it has not rained yet. 44 students in school today. Have not felt well. Prayer meeting tonight.

Friday [November] 22nd. The morning was tolerably cool and a tolerably cold norther [sic] has been blowing all day. 44 students in school today recited pieces this evening. Had a few spectators. After school went to Capt. Cureton’s and stayed all night.

Saturday [November] 23rd. It is perfectly calm this morning and there is considerable frost, and there is also ice frozen across the water bucket. Came home early this morning, and spent some time arranging school papers. About 10 or 11 A.M. I, in company with four of the young men of the place, and five young ladies, started from town to the Round mountain north of town, which Mr. Whaite [White] and I visited last saturday [sic]. We soon arrived at the mountain, ascended it and had a fine view from all parts of the mountain. We returned to the “going down place”, and rested some time. After descending the mountain we concluded to go to the ford of the river on the Jacksboro road about seven miles from town. We had quite a pleasant ride to the river, saw a fine flock of wild geese in the river. We then returned to town late in the evening. We took supper at Mr. Dalton’s and after supper went to Capt. Cureton’s and were getting in a fine way for amusement when I was sent for to town to attend a caucus meeting to get me to run for Sheriff. I declined the offer.

[November 1861] 307

Sabbath [November] 24th. The morning is a little cool. The morning is a little cool. Spent some little time reading when I recived some company, and the same solicitations to become a candidate. I excused myself as well as I could declining the solicitation, but they were repeated and continued to be repeated, with greater energy and earnestness till the middle of the afternoon. It seemed almost impossible to get rid of their inteates [sic] after continual and repeated refusals on my part. Finally the room became clear of solicitors and I went with Mr. White to the Widow’s to get shut of them, and spent the time there till suppertime the day has been quite pleasant more so than yesterday.

Monday [November] 25th. The morning was tolerably cold, and the day has been cool. There are some clouds this evening. 44 students in school today. Have taken cold today.

Tuesday [November] 26th. The morning was a little cool. The day has been pleasant. 45 students in school today.

Wednesday [November] 27th. There has been a norther [sic] blowing the most of the day tolerably cool. 45 students in school today.

Thursday [November] 28th. The wind has blown from the south and southwest the most of the day. It is quite warm and a little cloudy this evening. 44 students in school today. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 216 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday [November] 29th. The day has been tolerably cold. 42 students in school today. Spent the day in a precursory examination which did about as well as I expected. Election was held in the county for sheriff to fill the place vacated by the former incumbent going to the war in Missouri. Heullum and Lemons are the candidates. Heullum is twelve voats [sic] ahead at this precinct. It is probably that he is elected.

308 November 1861

Saturday [November] 30. The morning was tolerably cold, a considerable south-east wind blowing. Before breakfast I placed the plank on the stage in the Academy for examination today. After breakfast I procured a wagon and conveyed some seats, the black board, my table &c. to the academy. About 9 A.M. the students formed a procession at the school house and marched to the academy. The students were alone in the procession in starting from the school house; but before we arrived at the academy some few citizens joined in the procession and marched with us to the academy. We had no music. The exercises were opened by reading the 37th Psalm, and prayer by W. Heullum. The examination then proceeded by examining a small class in geography. The several reading class. [sic whole sentence] After them the Arithmetic classes were examined, and the closing exercises before noon was the class in Natural Philosophy. It has been quite cold this morning and not many spectators out. After noon the exercises were opened by making the pauses in reading and explaining them, also the key to the vowel sounds. General exercises were given in English Grammar next, which consumed considerable time. At the close of the grammar exercises the students recited their pieces – contending for prises [sic]. There were several contestants on both sides – The boys contending for one prize and the girls for the other. Messrs. A. Hodge, I. P. Valentine, & A. Alexander were appointed a committee to determine who were entitled to the prizes. When the students were through reciting their pieces the committee retired to consult. While they were absent the students recited some dialogues. The awarding the prizes was assigned A. Dodge Esqr. He made considerable remarks on the importance of education generally and to those who received the prizes; Molly Dillhunty and G. W. Hullum were the successful contestants. The students then sang their parting song and at the suggestion of Mer. [sic] Dodge the students came forward and gave me their hands to tell me farewell. It was now dark when we were dismissed.

December 1861 309

Sabbath [December] 1st. It is quite cold this morning – a regular norther [sic] is blowing. Several of my friends have been in my room all the fore-noon. I went out with Mr. White to Mr. Corban’s and took dinner there. When I came back to my room I found several of my friends there. I stayed with them a short time, and then I, in company with Mr. Alexander, set out for the valley on the river. We arrived at the bachelor’s hall before sundown, he went on to Judge Pollard’s, and I stayed at the hall.

Monday [December] 2nd. Early this morning I went on to Pollard’s, got breakfast there, cut him a coat and pair of pants, and then went on to Weatherford by 1 P.M. The morning was cold and the day has been raw. I spent some two or three hours in town attending to some business, and then started home again and came to S. T. Joneses and stayed all night. It was not quite so cold this evening as it was in the fore-noon. I feel considerably fatigued.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 217 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday [December] 3rd. About 8 A.M. started from Jones’s and came on to the hall by 12 M. I found no person at home. So I had to get my own dinner. Mr. Alexander came on after dinner to the hall, and in the evening we came on to town together. We found all things at town about as usual except a considerable preparation for a wedding which will come off here next Thursday night between Mer. [sic] C. C. Slaughter and Miss Cintha A. Jowell – both old students of mine. The morning was cold, the day moderate, the evening warm.

Wednesday [December] 4th. Spent the most of the day in my room making out my school accts [sic] and arranging them for collection. Completed them and find that the accounts of the last session amount to over six hundred dollars; one hundred and fifty of which I am to pay Miss White leaving me something over four hundred and fifty dollars to my part. The[re] is a material change in the atmosphere and it is quite warm this evening

310 December 1861

Thursday [December} 5th. The morning is quite warm. Soon after breakfast I procured a wagon and driver from Mr. Heullum, and moved some plank from the academy to where I had gotten it last Saturday for a stage for the examination. I also returned the seats to the school house. I then loaded some lime, some picked seats, window sash, &c. on the wagon and had it conveyed to our place on the river. I cooked dinner for the driver and myself. We then returned to town. When I got home I found that the people generally were preparing for the wedding which is to come off tonight. I, of course, made some preparations and on starting I was informed by the groom that I was selected by the Bride for one of the candle holders with Miss Nan. Eubank. When we got to the place we found a very large crowd assembled and waiting. We were ushered into a back room where the bride and her maids were sitting we did not wait there long before it was announced that all were ready and we appeared on the floor[sic whole sentence]. I and Miss Nan. led the way the other waiters next followed by the bride and groom. There were several awkward moves before all were placed right. However all were arranged and the seremony [sic] was pronounced by S. A. Oxford Esqr. We were soon ushered into the dining room where we partook of a very good supper. The remainder of the night was spent, till 11 P.M., in conversation and various simple and foolish plays. The most of the young people engaging in them. As soon as I was relieved of my care I came home, after 11, feeling that I had not spent the time as profitably as I might have done. Indeed I could have enjoyed myself much better in my room perusing a book. The rabble attempted to get up a regular “shiveree [sic]”, but did not succeed very well. Some seemed to be rather backward, and they did not get off well, the[y] fired quite a number of guns blew an old bugle, and yelled around the house for some time but did not get their bells started and consequently might consider it a falier [sic]. It is a simple, shameful, and disgraceful practice, and ought to be stopped.

[December 1861] 311

Friday [December] 6th. Spent the morning till about ½ past 10 A.M. in my room talking and singing for the crowd. At this time we went to the house of the bride to form a procession to the infair [sic] dinner. The father & mother of the bride marched in front, next the bride and groom, next the two pairs of wa[i]ters and after them the crowd. When we got to the house of the bride groom we were halted till enough ladies could be formed in the rear to fill up the table. We were then marched in regular order to the school-house where the table was set, and eat our dinners. It was a very good dinner – the best I have seen in Texas. There were over 200 persons eat dinner [sic sentence]. Sometime was spent at the house and the crowd dispersed. I went to the ‘Stone Ranch’ with Miss N. and stayed all night. The dinner was well managed and all parties are well pleased.

Saturday [December] 7th. There was considerable rain fell last night. Early this morning I mounted my horse and rode to the valley, to our place, and assisted Wes. in laying a floor in our old shanty. The floor is of post-oak plank sawed by hand with a whip saw.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 218 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath [December] 8th. I came to town this morning by 11 A.M. and attended class-meeting. There were but few present. I spent the evening around town with S. A. Oxford, T Wright, the Espr. & the County clerk, getting up a plan to “sell out” the “shiveree [sic]” men of the place. They all suspicion that I am going to marry at the “stone ranch”. So late in the evening Espq. Oxford and I rode out on the prairie to the ranch to see whether they would follow us and give the shiveree [sic]. We rode out to the Ranch, made a frivolous excuse for so doing, and passed on by without dismounting. The moon shone brightly. The night was very pleasant, so we took a long ride out to the top of the mountain on the county road east of town and then returned to town by 8 P.M. and retired to balmy repose at the usual hour, not knowing the result.

312 Dec. 1861

Monday [December] 9th. On stirring out this morning I found that the boys, and even the men, merchants & M.D.’s, had bitten at our bait & that they had gotten up a crowd and gone to the Ranch and not finding me there had gone to the house of a relation, supposing me & my dear to have gone there. There they rode around the house rattled their bells, blew their bugles, fired off their guns and made a tremendous ado litterally [sic] tearing up the yard all around the house, supposing that was there, but when they found that I was not there they returned to the Ranch, and stormed the house with the batteries with might and mane for a considerable time, but when they could not find me they finally drew off and came home doubting whether I was married or not. They acknowledge this morning that they are completely sold out, but console themselves by saying that if I do ever marry there that they will repay me for the trick. I spent the day in town settling up my accts. And taking notes of my debtors. I took notes to the amount of over $200. The day had been quite warm, and all the fun and gossip on the street has been concerning the sell of last night and the means of repaying it.

Tuesday [December] 10th. Early this morning I started from the town and came to our place in the valley to work on our house. We concluded it would be best to get two feet boards to cover our houses, consequently I went to Wilson’s to engage them. He agreed to have two thousand ready by Saturday evening. I returned home in the evening, got my supper, and according to an arraingement [sic] previously made I went to the stone “Ranch,” after night in order to play off on the “Shiveree [sic]” party again, and see if we could not draw them out again. The party was so arranged as to make them think that the wedding would come off that night. They believed it got their crowd together and were going to come and “Storm the Castle,” again. But before starting they went to the County Clerk and found that he had not issued the licens[e]; so they went home satisfied that there was nothing of the kind on hand tonight. We waited till after 11 O’clock P.M. for them to come shiveree [sic] us, [..]

Dec. 1861 313

But they did not come. We did not intend to be out done, so when we were satisfied they were not coming we sent to town for license and were married about 2 A.M. of the 11th. By so doing we failed the Shiveree [sic] party completely. It was a solemn occasion to me. The idea of being permanently joined to a partner of life – to share the troubles and joys, the seasons of prosperity and adversity and all the changes of life together – is a serious thing. But by the blessings and assistance of an all wise Providence I hope that our lives may naturally flow in the same channel and that we may be mutual helpmates to each other and that our future lives may [be] happy and prosperous, and that J. W. Baker and Nancy D. Arnett may never regret the day that made them one. May the Lord bestow his blessings and be their guide, and may they always be humble and put their trust in Him.

Wednesday [December] 11th. It is really cold this morning, a regular blue norther [sic] is blowing and it is too cold to stir out much. We spent the forenoon at home, the girls were quilting and we, the boys, assisted them occasionally and enjoyed ourselves as well as we could. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 219 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

After dinner S. A. Oxford Esqr. And I went to town and spent a little time there and returned to the “Ranch”, expecting a shiveree [sic] tonight sure. We prepared to take a regular hand with them and treat them on sweet-potatoes.But they did not come, and we enjoyed perfect quite again. The day has been quite cold and the norther [sic] is still blowing.

Thursday [December] 12th. The morning was tolerably cold. Tolerably soon after breakfast we caught our horses and rode to town and took dinner at the tavern with Mr. J. B. Pollard. He was very accommodating. After dinner we came down to the valley to our place in order that she might see it and judge how she would like it. She seemed to be tolerably well pleased with the place. After examining the premises and resting awhile we returned to uncle [sic] Frank’s and stayed all night. The day was tolerably cold, but in the evening the wind moderated and it was more pleasant.

314 December 1861

Friday [December] 13th. Early this morning I sen[t] the “old lady” home and I came to our place to work on the house. I brought up the oxen and hauled several loads of timber for the house and shaved some rafters till dinner. I then went to uncle [sic] Frank’s to get some salt and brought it home this evening. T[he] day has been pleasant.

Saturday [December] 14th. We prepared some hot water and killed a hog this morning, dressed it, cut it up, and salted it. We then worked at the house till noon. After-noon I went to town and attended to some business, which kept me till nearly night. I then went to the “Stone Ranch,” and stayed all night with the “old lady.”

Sabbath [December] 15th. The morning was tolerably cool We concluded to go to church this morning tolerably early. When we got to the place we found Mr. Dodge giving a regular Sabath-school [sic]lecture as he had organised [sic] one this morning. It soon closed and an intermission was given, after which Parson Slaughter commenced one of his long tedious sermons. He continued so long that we got tired and went to Capt. Cureton’s for dinner before he got through. We spent some time at the Capt’s., and went home in the evening. The weather was more pleasant this evening.

Monday [December] 16th. Early this morning we came to town. I attended to some business there and Nannie did some trading and then went home. I came on to our place to work on our houses. It happened that I fell in company with Miss Nan Eubank and had the pleasure of her company till I got home. When I arrived at home Wes and I concluded to get a wagon and start to Wilson’s after our boards. So I went to Mrs. Powers’ and borrowed her wagon bed. I then went with the oxen to the old man Pollard’s, got his running gear and we started late in the evening with a large wagon and three yoke of cattle. We traveled till about 8 o’clock in the night. We got to Mr. J. J. Wards and stayed all night in the old Crawford house camp fashion.

[December 1861] 315

Tuesday [December] 17th. Very early this morning we got our team together and went on to Wilson’s quite soon, expecting to get our boards and get back home before night. But to our chagrin & disappointment we found that the faithless, lying, old, scamp had hauled away the boards that were there for us and had failed entirely to make any others. So we were compelled to return home with empty wagon a distance of about 12 miles. A man so entirely destitute of principle and truthfulness ought to be hung to a limb or drummed out of the country. We came on home in a very surly mood wishing we could get to see the old jade [sic] and take revenge out of him. We got home before night and spent the evening working on the house. The day has been pleasant.

Wednesday [December] 18th. Before it was light this morning I took the roof off o the old house and we raised it up higher two rounds. Mr. Parm assisted us today and we put the plates on both rooms and the passage and put the ribs on the old room. In the evening I rook Pollard’s wagon home. The day has been pleasant. Went to see the “old Lady[“] tonight. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 220 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday [December] 19th. During the forenoon we put the ribs on the new room and the rafters on the passage for I came home very early this morning During the afternoon we put the roof on the old room.

Friday [December] 20th. A considerable norther [sic] blew up during the night, and it was tolerably cold this morning. We put on our over coats and gloves and put the roof on the new part of our house during the fore-noon. About 11 o’clock I started to town to attend the election for county treasurer. Oxford & Ar[n?]ett were the candidates. Oxford was elected. My wife met me in town with a wagon. We got our affairs for the house keeping in town. I got my plunder from the tavern and we went to Pa’s and stayed all night. Several pieces of our ware were broken. About $3 worth. It is cold tonight.

316 Dec. 1861

Saturday [December] 21st. It was quite cold this morning. But we gathered up our tricks put them in the wagon and came home. We had a driver for our wagon and the “old lady” and I drove tow cows and calves. She brought half a dozen chickens and bed pillows and bed clothing. We got home about w P.M. and eat our first meal together at home. We spent the evening arranging our affairs and getting our houses ready for camping [sic]. The weather has moderated some this evening.

Sabbath [December] 22nd. It is still cold today. We sent our wagon home this morning loaded with cusharns [sic]. We spent the day at home making fires and setting [sic] by them to keep warm.

Monday [December] 23rd. It is still tolerably cold this morning. After arranging our affairs and shelling some corn I went to town to mill and to attend to some other business. When I came home I cut a coat for Mr. Ford, and worked on the house the balance of the evening till I had to attend to milking the cows, making fires &c &c.

Tuesday [December] 24th. The weather was a little more pleasant today. Spent the day working on the house. It seems like we do but little work to stick to it as close as we do.

Wednesday [December] 25th. The day has bbeen [sic] a beautiful one. Wes went to town after some plank and I and the “old lady” stayed at home and wrought all day, I at the house, and she did a regular day’s washing.

Thursday [December] 26. The day has been very warm and pleasant. Wes helped Nanncy [sic] hill hogs and Parm and I worked on the houses. We hauled some rock for a chimney to our new rooms. I think we have pretty near enough hauled.

[December 1861] 317

Friday [December] 27th. Finished hauling rock for the chimney this morning, also hauled some hearth rock. In the after-noon we worked on the roof of the passage between our houses. The morning was tolerably cold, the evening has been more pleasant.

Saturday [December] 28th. We finished the roof on the passage this morning. Wes took the wagon and team and went after a load of lime; and I took the “old lady[“] to uncle F.’s and left her there and went and assisted Wes in loading the lime. I then went on to town attended to several items of business, waited for the mail to come in, came to uncle F.’s and got supper. I then, after dark, took the old lady up behind me and came home.

Sabbath [December] 29th. The day has been tolerably pleasant. Spent it at home, attending to the regular round of indespensible [sic] duties, and reading, writing and stirring around in the evening for recreation. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 221 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday [December] 30th. The day has been very pleasant indeed. We sawed out the place, and commenced the chimney today. W[e] had Ben Eubank and J. M. Jowell to help us. Jowell is to boss the job. We learned this morning that Rev. B. Harris brought his wife home last night and that a large shiveree [sic] party went from town, distance about seven miles and gave him a shiveree [sic]. The Indians are in again.

Tuesday [December] 31. We continued working at the chimney all day, and as I had time to spare I worked at painting the house. Mer. S. M. Byers was married tonight to Miss Nan Eubank. The boys gave him a regular shiveree [sic]. The old year with all its follies and foyables [sic] has passed away. So may our error vanish and be forgotten.

318 January 1862 Wednesday [January] 1st. The new year comes in with a pleasant smile on its countenance. We are invited to a quilting at Mr. Barber’s today. I took Nan there in the morning and left her. I then went with the oxen and cart to uncle F.’s, after some salt and a lard stand [sic]for Mr. Vannoy, as he wishes us to kill some hogs for him. I hear today that the Indians have stolen several horses and killed others in the neighborhood. After getting home this evening from uncle F.’s I went to Mr. Barber’s after Nan. May the new year that has just ushered in be spent more o the glory of God that the last.

Thursday [January] 2nd. It was a little cool this morning the day has been pleasant enough. Spent part of the day at work on the house. I also drove some pork hogs from Cox’s place to ours for Vannoy to be butchered soon. We killed one and had it to clean. We have used so much water out of our well this week that it is almost dry.

Friday [January] 3rd. Early this morning we went to the river to build a fire for the purpose of heating rock to scald hogs. When we came to breakfast we found that we could not get any help, so we concluded to put it off till tomorrow. We spent the balance of the day working on the house and finishing our pile of wood at the river.

Saturday [January] 4th. We commenced killing hogs early this morning and it kept us till nearly night to get through. We did not stop long enough to get our dinners; we killed only seven hogs, though they were very large, weighing from 230 lbs. to 296. We had but one hand to help us, so it was very tedious and laborious work. We finally got them home, got our dinners and suppers together and then cut up the hogs by candle light. It was tolerably cold this morning; but the weather has considerably moderated this evening.

[January 1862] 319

Sabbath [January] 5th. A norther [sic] blew up during the night and it is tolerably cold this morning. After getting breakfast this morning and attending to our regular order of business, we salted the meat we killed yesterday. We also had to render out the “gut lard[“], to keep it from spoiling. After getting through this business we spent the balance of the day reading and writing. I regret very much to be under the necessity of attending to such business on the Sabbath; and hope that such things will not often occur. The weather has moderated considerably this evening.

Monday [January] 6th. Tolerably early this morning, I took the oxen and cart and took some pork bones to Barber and Parm; and brought back some meal and a large brass kettle. I then hauled smoke- house logs till dinner. We spent the evening working at the house sawing out doors and sawing down the corners of the house. The weather was quite cold this morning & is not much better this evening.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 222 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday [January] 7th. We finished sawing down the ends of the house this morning. I then took the oxen and carried Mr. Ford’s wagon home. I then went on to town, got a sack of meal and returned home by the middle of the afternoon; and spent the balance of the evening hauling smoke-house logs. The day has been tolerably pleasant.

Wednesday [January] 8th. Very early this morning I commenced hauling logs, and continued till dinner. Hauled 30 logs before dinner. After noon I worked at the smokehouse some and sawed out a window and assisted in putting in the sash. There was some dew and considerable fog this morning. The day has been tolerably pleasant.

Thursday [January] 9th. Spent the fore-noon at work on the smoke house. A little before noon we went to Mr. G. Blair’s to attend circuit preaching; but we arrived at the preaching place just as the exercises closed. We formed the acquaintance of the preacher, Rev. Mr. Johnston, got our dinners, came home and spent the evening at work on the smoke-house. The day has been pleasant.

320 January 1862

Friday [January] 10th. Tolerably early this morning I carried the “old lady” to Mr. Barber’s to wash, as our well does not afford enough water for that purpose. Come home [sic] finished raising the smoke-house, and put the mast of the roof on it. Went after Nannie late this evening. The morning was tolerably pleasant, but about noon a norther [sic] began to blow and it was tolerably cold in the evening and at night.

Saturday [January] 11th. It was still tolerably cold this morning. We finished covering the smoke- house this morning, we under-pinned it and sawed out the door, put a shutter to it; and moved considerable plunder [sic] into it, by noon. After noon Wes went to town and I worked on a hearth rock, filled up the place for the hearth, and layed [sic] down a very large hearth rock by myself. It took me till near 11 P.M. to get through. It was quite warm this evening.

Sabbath [January] 12th. It was calm, clear, and pleasant this morning; but about breakfast time a regular norther [sic] blew up and it continued cold during the day. We spent the day at home.

Monday [January] 13th. It is booming [sic] cold this morning. We hauled wood in the fore-part of the day, and in the evening we hauled some rails and did some reparing [sic] to the field fence. The weather moderated some this evening.

Tuesday [January] 14th. We hauled some more rails this morning and about 11 A.M. I mounted my horse and started to Mr. Whatley’s, on the north side of the county. I traveled over rough roads and arrived there between 3 and 4 P. M. I did my business with him, talked with the widow some, and then came to my father-in-law’s and stayed all night. It has been tolerably cold all day.

[January 1862] 321

Wednesday [January] 15th. It was quite cold again this morning. I came to town and attended to some business, and came on home by 1 P.M. We spent the evening killing and cleaning some hogs for Vannoy. It is more pleasant tonight.

Thursday [January] 16th. It is colder than ever this morning. By a little after daylight I had breakfast, and was off for the Weatherford mills with a wagon and yoke of oxen and about 15 bushels of grain. The day continued cold and I had to walk the most of the way to keep warm. I got to Weatherford by about 6 P.M. I unloaded my grain in Carter’s mill, fed my oxen, eat my supper at a camp fire, my own provision. After supper I went to Carson’s store and slept with Mr. S. P. Gayne. It is still cold.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 223 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday [January] 17th. I attended to some trading and other business in town this morning, got my grinding done and started home about 10 A.M. Traveled regularly till after night and came to Mr. Millsap’s and stayed all night with him. The weather has moderated considerably this evening.

Saturday [January] 18th. I came home this morning by about 11 A.M. After unloading my wagon I went to G. P. Barber’s and borrowed a saddle for Nannie to ride, and we went to her father’s in the evening and stayed all night, - the first time she has been home since we moved. – It is quite warm this evening.

Sabbath [January] 19th. We came to town this morning and stopped at Mr. Corban’s till we got our dinners. We then went to preaching and heard the concluding part of one of parson Slaughter’s long sermons. There were not very many out. We came home in the evening. It has been windy and warm today.

322 Jan. 1862

Monday [January] 20th. It is cold this morning – a considerable norther [sic] blowing. We spent the morning about the house doeing [sic] several little jobs till dinner. After dinner Wes and I went to the woods and I split over 100 rails. The weather has moderated this evening.

Tuesday [January] 21st. The day was warm. I spent the day painting the cracks of the house. Wes hauled rails and scattered around the field fence to repair it.

Wednesday [January] 22nd. We spent the fore part of the day putting the rails on the fence that Wes hauled yesterday. After dinner Wes went to town after some wool &c., and I spent the evening driving up and nailing down the floor in the kitchen. It is calm, but tolerably cool toninght [sic].

Thursday [January] 23rd. We spent the fore-noon ha[u]ling poles out of the cedar-break. After dinner we hauled wood and prepared for killing hogs. We then viewed out a road toward town, and then finished laying the hearth and putting up the pulley at the well. It is warm this evening.

Friday [January] 24th. We commenced tolerably early this morning and killed our hogs today. They were in fine order from the mast [sic], and averaging about 200 lbs each.

Saturday [January] 25th. We salted our meat this morning and attended to some things about home and then went to town. I took Nannie to uncle Frank’s and left her there. There were several people in town today, as it was expected that Capt. Cleveland would make out his company for Col. Taylor’s regiment. He put it off till next Saturday, as Capt. Cureton will organise [sic] a frontier company on Keechi [sic] then. Cleveland then aims to try to complete his company

[Jan. 1860] 323

Sabbath [January] 26th. It is cloudy smoky and tolerably cool this morning the wind blowing from the east. I intended to go back to town this morning, but some company came in and stayed till I did not go. In the evening I went to Capt. Cureton’s to see him, but not finding him at home I went to Mr. Arnett’s and stayed all nights.

Monday [January] 27th. Early this morning I came to Capt. Cureton’s had a conversation with him and came home by dinner. In the evening I went to Mrs. Power’s and Lynn’s on business. The day has been tolerably warm.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 224 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday [January] 28th. I spent the fore part of the day attending to various little affairs and about 11 A.M. I started to Weatherford with a load of wool on an ox cart. The day has been cloudy and tolerably cold. I went to S. G. Jones’s and stayed all night.

Wednesday [January] 29th. Sometime during the night it commenced raining and sleeting, so I had to get up and unload my wool during the rain when it was awfully dark. It is very cold this morning and has sleeted considerably. About 8 A.M. I started from Jones’s and arrived at Weatherford about 12 M. I sold my wool 875 lbs at 25 cts per lb. to Baume & Sanger: I did some trading, settled up my business there and came out to Mr. Sherley’s and stayed all night. The day has been remarkably cold and cloudy.

Thursday [January] 30th. It is yet very cold this morning. Early this morning I swaped [sic] horses with Mr. Sherley. I then came on home. It took me till after night a little. I had to stop at two or three places to warm. It is quite cold tonight.

324 January 1862

Friday [January] 31st. Went to Mrs. Powers’ this morning and attended to some other business before noon. After-noon we went to father Arnett’s, by town and stayed all night. The morning was a little misty, but the afternoon was clear and pleasant.

February

Saturday [February] 1st. Early this morning I, in company with Mr. White, C. & E. Mays started to the fort of Keechi to attend the organization of two military companies, one for the Frontier service and the other for the Indian nation and Kansas service. We found several in attendance there and others comeing [sic] in, so that by 12 o’clock there must have been over 200 men there. There were about 80 names enrolled for the Frontier company – the men from Parker county having to draw to see who should stay at home – The company was organised [sic] by electing J. J. Cureton Capt. without opposition. Lowe of Jack county 1st Lieut. – [name missing] of Parker 2nd Lieut. King, of Young county 3rd Lieut, Strong of Palo Pint[o] 1st Sargt &c. with 3 other Sergts [sic]. 4 corporals two buglers, one Farier [sic] and on[e] Black-Smith [all sic]. I run [sic] for 3rd Lieut and was defeated. The other company was organised [sic] by electing D. B. Cleveland Capt. H. H. McLean 1st Lieut. Thos. Mullens 2nd Lieut. Geo. Williams 3rd Lieut. Wm. Metcalfee [sic], 1st Sergeant, &c. Immediately after the organization of the companies all hands mounted their horses and started for home. I came back to Arnetts and stayed all night. The day has been cold, cloudy, misty, and a small nother [sic] blowing the most of the time.

[February 1862] 325

Sabbath [February] 2nd. It was raining some this morning, consequently soon after breakfast, I and Nannie started for hom[e], and arrived ther[e] about 1 P.M. It has rained occasionally by showers during the day. We spent the balance of the day at home.

Monday [February] 3rd. It is cloudy and tolerably cool this morning. Hauled a barrel of water and some wood before noon. After noon assisted in driving some pork hogs to uncle Frank’s. One was contrary and would not drive so I shot it with my six-shooter. Returned home and spent the remainder of the evening about the house. It is still cloudy and cool.

Tuesday [February] 4th. It is cloudy and quite cool this morning. Went to town and settled some business, and went to Elm creek and took some notes. The weather has moderated this evening. Came home late this evening.

Wed[n]esday [February] 5th. The morning was cloudy and misting rain. The evening was quite warm. Spent the day cutting poles in the cedar brake [sic]. Cou[n]t over 100. Feel very tierd [sic] tonight. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 225 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday [February] 6th. Cut over 100 poles again today. It has been cloudy and rather cool today.

Friday [February] 7th. It was cloudy, tolerably cold, and misting rain this morning. We hauled a barrel of water to wash with this morning. The remainder of the day was spent in hauling wood. It has been getting colder all day and is quite cold tonight.

326 February 1862

Saturday [February] 8th. It is cloudy and very cold this morning. – The coldest morning we have had yet, I think. Went to town tolerably early this morning, to settle with Mr. White, who is one of Capt. Cleveland’s men, and the company is to start today. I suffered with cold considerably. Spent the most of the day in town and got the mail matter this evening, and came to uncle Frank’s for supper and then came on home by tonight.

Sabbath [February] 9th. It has been clear and cold today. Spent the day at home reading and writing.

Monday [February] 10th. It has been clear and tolerably warm today. Spent the most of the day hauling poles out of the cedar break and the balance assisting to make a cotton and shuck mattress.

Tuesday {February] 11th. Hauled poles out of the cedar break till about the middle of the afternoon and then hauled a barrel of water to wash with tomorrow. Great flocks of wild geese have been flying around this evening. The day has been clear and very pleasant.

Wednesday [February] 12th. Borrowed a plow from J. P. Barber this morning and plowed about and [sic] acre of land and sowed a bushel of spring wheat, and brushed it in. Plowed in part of the wheat and brushed in the balance. The day has been clear and tolerably warm.

Thursday [February] 13th. Hauled poles off of the hill above the valley till noon. After-noon cut poles in the post-oak. Cut 50-odd. The weather was cold this morning and the wind has blown from the north and it has been tolerably cold all day.

[February 1862] 327

Friday [February] 14th. It is cold this morning – so cold that we set in the house all day and did not attempt to stir out to business. We settled with Mr. Cox and filled a tick with shucks. Still cold tonight.

Saturday [February] 15[th]. It is still cold this morning. I set in the house till about 10 A.M. and then went to town to meeting. The services were pretty near through when I got there. I stayed till after Quarterly Conference met this evening, and then came home.

Sabbath [February] 16th. Went to G. P. Barber’s early this morning to borrow a saddle for Nannie to ride to church. We had Messrs. White and Mays with us last night just starting to the army – members of Capt. Cleveland’s company. The company started a week ago for Fort Washita in the Indian Nation. These two men expect to go through and get there about as soon as the company. We went to town to church; but the services had commenced some time before we got there. We went to Mr. Dalton’s after preaching and stayed some time, and came home in the evening. It has been tolerably pleasant today.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 226 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday [February] 17th. Early this morning I started to town with the oxen and cart to bring our plows home from the shop. I went by Dr. Barber’s to take his plow and some meal home, and arrived at town just before 12 o’clock. My plow work was not done and I had to tease around some before I could get it done. It was in the night when I got home. It has been cold today.

328 Feb. 1862

Tuesday [February] 18th. It is quite cold this morning, so cold that I did not go out to work till about 10 o’clock. I cut poles the balance of the day. It sleeted considerably in the evening, and is very cold and freezing tonight.

Wednesday [February] 19th. Sleeted lots during the night and ground is a glaze of ice this morning. It is cloudy and the wind blowing, and it is cold this morning. I forgot to say that on Wednesday last the Indians killed and scalped a man in Parker county by the name of Young-Blood. There were 12 Indians and they had several horses. One Indian was killed and the horses taken from them. Also on Sunday they killed a man in this county about 7 miles southwest of town. They did not scalp him, nor were any of them killed that I have heared [sic] of. There were six Indians in the bunch. Four white men pursued them, came up with the Indians and were afraid to attack them, so the Indians rode along and cursed them, and just drove off the horses before them. Each one of them was armed. Such men ought to have all their horses stolen. Their names are N.P. Dodson, G. W. Dodson, C. M. McGlothlen, and Dr. W. S. Patterson. Cut some rail-timber before-noon and hauled a barrel of water after- noon. It is warmer tonight.

Thursday [February]20th. Went to R. W. Pollard’s and borrowed his wagon to hall [sic] rails and poles on this morning. Returned and hauled 240 poles and rails today. It is tolerably cold this evening.

Friday [February] 21st. It is cloudy and misting rain this morning. I hauled one load of poles, and it rained most too hard to continue before noon. So I sat in the house and ta[l]ked with our visitors. After- noon hauled three loads of poles. It is tolerably warm tonight.

[Feb. 1862] 329

Saturday [February] 22nd. Hauled poles till about the middle of the after-noon. I then took the cart and went to Blair’s to get a wheel and reel. I go the latter but not the former. As I went I took Nannie to Dr. Barber’s and left her till I came back there. We stayed at Barber’s till after supper. I lifted my last note of 400$ [sic], the final payment for our land, of Barber this evening. It is warm and pleasant tonight. It was I the night when we got home.

Sabbath [February] 23rd. It is warm and pleasant this morning. Spent the day at home. Was visited by Dr. G. W. Barber, and family. It is still warm this evening. R. W. Pollard brought around a set of resolutions requiring a certain I. W. Cox to leave this county within 30 days. He is accused of various cases of thieving and dishonesty generally. We all “signed it”.

Monday [February] 24th. Hauled about 300 poles today out of the cedar break and cut two coats. Still warm.

Tuesday [February] 25th. Layed [sic] the worm of a yard fence this morning and spent the balance of the day hauling poles. E. G. Hale visited us today. He is of Capt. Cleveland’s company who went to Ft. Washita lately. He is back after more men to fill the company. Wes. Agrees to go with him and is preparing to go.

Wednesday [February] 26th. Wes went to weatherford [sic] today to get an outfit for the trip. I made about 100 rails, cut 20 poles and hauled over 100 rails and poles. It is very warm & I am very tired. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 227 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday [February] 27th. Finished hauling rails and poles this morning and tried to plow some this evening; but did no good. It is very hot. Wes got no outfit at Weatherford.

330 Feb. 1862

Friday [February] 28th. Tried plowing again today; did but poor business. Got only one small land plowed and sowed in oats. My plow does badly. It is still very warm.

March

Saturday [March] 1st. Hering [sic] up our meat this morning. I then took Pollard’s wagon home. After which I took Nannie to Mr. Blair’s and went on to town myself. Several men were there preparing to go with Cleveland. I asked Dr. Taylor for a settlement he refused it and chewed over the cowhiding of his boy. He acted all the parts of a rogue and villain. I came home this evening. The weather is still warm. It is very smokey [sic]; and several fires are to be seen burning in the timbers and on the prairies. I bought 20 yds [sic] of brown domesti [sic] at fifty cents per yd. The wind is blowing hard to night when we get home.

Sabbath [March]2nd. It is quite cold this morning, a regular heavy norther [sic] is blowing. We spent the fore-noon arranging and fixing up Wes’s affairs for starting to Ft. Washita. Soon after dinner he started to meet the company at Keechi tonight. It is a hard trial to give him up. It seems as though that he may never return. And all the sympathetic feelings of our nature is aroused at such scenes and it is a trial that is truly hard to bear. I pray the Lord to be with him, protect him and bring him back safely. In the evening Nannie and I rode down to the Warner place to see how the fire was progressing; and found that it was coming on this way so as to endanger us. So we fired against it along the road till sometime in the night. It is still cold and the wind is blowing.

[March 1862] 331

Monday [March] 3rd. It is still cold this morning. I went to look at our fire this morning and found that it was out, except some old dead things that are still burning. Had some company that kept me from getting out to work as soon as I would otherwise. However I sowed down some oats and plowed in one land today. It is still cold this evening, not much wind.

Tuesday [March] 4th. Went to plowing tolerably early this morning; and plowed till noon. The wind is strong from the north and tolerably cold. At noon I discovered that the fire had broken over the road and was making fair headway toward the house. So I set the prairie on fire next to the house to keep it from getting to the field. It was surprising to se the speed with which it passed over the prairie. By close attention we got it burned off to the road down to the bottom south of the house. The wind is still heavy.

Wednesday [March] 5th. The wind lay during the night and there is some frost this morning – a cold frost. I concluded to finish my yard and garden fence today so I layed [sic] the worm of about 78 panels of the fence about 50 being finished before. I then split 55 rails and layed [sic] up the 78 panels of fence. The fire is still burning but has not molested us today. It is still cool.

Thursday [March] 6th. There is frost again this morning; but the wind is up tolerably early. I plowed till noon at the field, and brought my plow to the house at diner [sic]. The wind is from the north today and the fire still burns. I plowed in the garden this evening.

Friday [March] 7th. The wind is heavy from the south today. Plowed awhile in the garden this morning; and then went to Pollard’s to get a steer to work as one of mine has given out. When I came home I found that the fire was burning afresh and it was with difficlty [sic] that we fired against it and kept it out of the prairie. Finished plowing the garden this evening. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 228 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

332 March 1862

Saturday [March] 8th. Finished sowing oats today and brushed the ground over. The wind has been from the south today extreamly [sic] heavy. It has kept almost a constant dust and has blown down the field fence occasionally. Nannie brought me some water to the field where I was plowing, and put up part of the fence for me and partly loaded the cart with peas to haul home tonight. The wind is very high tonight. It has been clouday [sic] and looked some like raining today; though it has not rained yet. But rain is needing very badly. The river has stopped running and the water is drying up in the holes very fast. The fire has not molested us today.

Sabbath [March] 9th. It is warm and cloudy and the wind is blowing from the south this morning. I rode down to the field early this morning and found that the wind had blown the fence down almost to the ground at different places. I put up the fence; and we stayed at home all day. We became tired in the evening and went to the river and gathered some pebbles.

Monday [March] 10th. The day has been warm. The wind from the southwest. Commenced breaking up my corn ground. Saw some flowers today – the first.

Tuesday [March] 11th. Warm and wind as yesterday. Continued my plowing. Ran off some ridges in the garden at noon; and Nannie commenced gardening.

Wednesday [March] 12th. Warm, cloudy, and wind from the south today. Continued plowing. It is quite warm tonight.

Thursday [March] 13th. Warmer than ever today and wind as yesterday. Plowed again. It is cloudy lightning and looks like raining this evening. The weather is oppressively hot. I have worked very hard today and am very tired tonight.

[March 1862] 333

Friday [March] 14th. Soon after dark last night a heavy gale of wind sprang up from the north and continued for some time after which the rain came and it rained a pretty good rain. The norther [sic] is blowing cold this morning. Plowed a fine day’s plowing today. Had to put up considerable fence today. It is still cold tonight.

Saturday [March] 15th. It is still pretty cold this morning plowed till noon. After noon went in the ox-cart, Nan & I, to Mr. Blair’s after a big wheel. The weather is pleasant enough tonight.

Sabbath [March] 16th. A considerable norther [sic] is blowing this morning; and it is tolerably cold. Soon after breakfast, Nannie and I got into the cart and started to her father’s. We went to uncle Frank’s and took dinner; and in the evening we went on to the old man’s. It is quite pleasant this evening. There is said to be considerable Indian sign in the county.

Monday [March] 17th. Early this morning I dug me up 62 peach scyons [sic] go me ½ bushel of sweet potatoes for sets. Nan got her a chicken some groom-corn and several little “tricks” we pt them all into the cart and started home. Ann, a step-sister, came with us. We came on to Mr. Smith’s and got 9 more chickens; and then came on home, a little before noon. I set out my peach trees the first thing, just as I was getting done Parsons Slaughter and Hullum came. I cut Slaughter a coat and plowed the balance of the evening. The day has been tolerably pleasant.

Tuesday [March] 18th. The day has been pleasant enough, though a little norther [sic] is blowing this evening. Plowed 20 rounds today. Col. Vannoy is with us tonight.

334 March 1862

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 229 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [March] 19th. The norther [sic] is tolerably cold this morning. Vannoy examined his meat and found 8 or 9 joints beginning to spoil. Plowed 25 rounds today. The norther [sic] has blown cold all day.

Thursday [March] 20th. The norther [sic] is still blowing cold. Hauled a load of manure for a potatoe [sic] bed today. Plowed 25 rounds again.

Friday [March] 21st. The norther [sic] is still blowing cold- colder than ever. Bedded out my sweet-potatoes today, at noon and hauled some timber for a gat[e] to the yard fence. Plowed 30 rounds today.

Saturday [March] 22 [sic]. The norther [sic] has blown today; but not quite so cold nor so heavy as yesterday. Made and hung my yard gate at noon. Plowed 32 rounds today. Heard of McCullock’s death and our reverse there this evening. I regret to hear it very much!

Sabbath [March] 23 [sic]. The norther [sic] is still blowing cold this morning; I feel dull and sleepy. Spent the fore-noon at home doeing [sic] but little except reading and writing. After-noon we went down to the beach on the river and gathered pebble, chany [sic] berries, flowers, and cedar. Still cool.

Monday [March] 24th. It has been tolerably still today. Spent the day plowing. The fore-art of the day was rather cool, the latter warmer.

Tuesday [March] 25th. Spent the day plowing again. The day has been tolerably pleasant.

Wednesday [March] 26th. Finished breaking up my corn land this morning, and spent the remainder of the day brushing it. The day has been pleasant. It is very dry. The woods are getting green very fast, and it begins to look like cold weather is gone.

[March 1862] 335

Thursday [March] 27th. Finished brushing this morning by noon. Commenced planting corn this evening. I would run off one round and Nannie would drop it and then I would turn round and cover it with the plow. It is quite warm.

Friday [March] 28th. Continued planning corn till noon, was assisted by uncle Frank. After-noon I killed a squirrel which made us some fish bait and we all went a fishing, and caught a pretty mess of fish. The wind is high.

Saturday [March] 29th. This is the day appointed to organise [sic] the malitia [sic] of the county into companies. So I got into my ox-cart and put in some corn I had to take to town and started early for the city. I took a barrel of soap grease to Mrs. Blair’s for Nannie to have made up on the shears. I then went on to town and disposed of my corn at 60cts per bu. [sic] There were several people in the city, and the election of officers was conducted in the usual manner of elections. There was a Lieut Col. Capt. and 3 Lieut’s to elect. I did not stay till the election closed, so I do not know who are elected. Came on to uncle Frank’s got Nannie and came on home. The day has been very warm, and it is a little cloudy this evening and looks a little like raining, hope it may rain for it is badly needing all over this country.

Sabbath [March] 30th. It is a little cool this morning and the wind is blowing from the north. I can hear the turkeys gobbling this morning. After breakfast we took a walk up the valley and went through a considerable thicket, which plagued the girls considerably. We then went to Mr. G. P. Barber’s and spent the day. It is tolerably warm this evening.

Monday [March] 31st. Finished planting corn today and went a fishing in the evening, caught a pretty mess. I also shot a turkey out of a tree with my six-shooter.

336 April 1862 Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 230 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday [April] 1st. It has been quite warm today and has rained, by showers, the most of the day. The rain has refreshed everything very much, though the ground is not thoroughly wint [sic]. Spent the most of the day cleaning off the yard and planting out shrubbery.

Wednesday [April] 2nd. The wind was very high last night and blew down 50 or 60 panels of fence, so I had to put it up this morning. After putting up the fence I took the girls to Mr. Barber’s to wash as our water has failed. I then sowed and brushed in my hungarian grass, ½ a bushel to about 2 acres. I plowed in the evening, breaking up for rice-corn and sugar-cane. Went after the girls late this evening in the cart.

Thursday [April] 3rd. The day has been quite warm. Plowed today. Mr. Dickson is with us tonight. Sent out some fish hooks in the river this evening.

Friday [April] 4th. Had a fine cat on one of my hooks this morning. Spent the most of the day plowing. In the evening I made a cloth shoe leather sole for Nannie. It fits very well. It rained a little today. It is very hot.

Saturday [April] 5th. It is a little cool this morning. Spent the most of the day plowing, till I got done; and then made a pair of shoes.

Sabbath [April] 6th. It is cloudy and the wind is blowing cold from the south-east this morning. After breakfast caught my oxen and brought the cart from the river for the purpose of going to Pap Arnett’s. But it looks so much like rain that we gave it out and spent the day at home. It has not rained yet.

Monday [April] 7th. It rained a little during the night. Early this morning we got into the ox-cart and went to Lasater’s place and got 86 ½ lbs. of wool and came to Arnett’s for dinner. We left Ann at home and came back this evening. It rained some showers today.

[April 1862] 337

Tuesday [April] 8th. I hunted my oxen early this morning to take my wool to the water and wash it but did not find them. It got so cold also that it would not have been prudent to go. Messrs. Barber and Davis were here so I stayed in the house till pretty near noon. After dinner I spent the time raking up chips and stuff off of the yard. It has been extreamly [sic] cold for the time of year.

Wednesday [April] 9th. There was a tolerably heavy frost this morning though I do not think it has done very serious damage to vegetation. Soon after breakfast we got into the ox-cart and went to the spring about one mile below to wash our wool and some bed clothing. The job of washing consumed the most of the day. The day was pleasant enough after the morning.

Thursday [April] 10th. It is tolerably cold today. Tolerably early this morning I went to Mr. Pollard’s to take some sacks that Papa Arnett had sent down by me and to get some seed beans. I returned by Mr. Barber’s and got some African Sugar-cane seed. I spent the after-noon resetting the cow- pen fence.

Friday [April] 11th. It rained a heavy rain last night – the best rain we have had yet. I think the ground is pretty near went [sic] enough. I ran off my patch this morning – of 3 acres, and Nannie dropped it with various kinds of seed – such as African cane, chinees [sic] cane, rice-corn, broom corn, cotton, two kinds of small Indian-corn, hommony-beans [sic], black eyed pease [sic], pie-melons, water-melons, &c. &c. In the after-noon I finished brushing it in. We then dug up, hauled home, and set ot a cart load of honey-suckle vines, cactus, and dew-berry briers. It is warm this evening.

Saturday [April] 12th. It is quite cold this morning. I went to town today and the wind blew so cold that I suffered with cold with my over-coat on. I spent a few minutes at Dodge’s examination, went to the Treasurer and got 6$ and 24-cts [sic] public money and came home. It is warmer tonight. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 231 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

338 April 1862

Sabbath [April] 13th. It is cloudy and tolerably cool this morning; but I do not think there is frost enough to injure any-thing. Spent the day at home. In the evening we got on the horse and rode out for amusement. We went to the Warner spring and found our cows ther[e] that had been gone for several days. We drove them home as we came.

Monday [April] 14th. Tolerably early this morning Nannie and I got on the poney [sic] and I started to town. I left her at uncle Frank’s and went to town. There were several men in town and some excitement up about Mr. Dodge the school teacher there. He is susptioned [sic] of being an Abolitionist and a Vigilance committee was appointed to investigate his, as well as any others that may come up. After dinner District court was organised [sic] by Judge N. W. Battle; and the juries were sworn, impanneled [sic], and instructed. A runner came into town this evening stating that he had just seen 11 Indians a few miles from town. Several men were soon mounted and gone after them. I came on home. As we came home we got up 3 calves that were running on the prairie. The day has been pleasant.

Tuesday [April] 15th. I spent the fore-part of the day steaking [sic], ridering [sic], and fixing up the cow-pen fence. In the afternoon I went to the field and layed [sic] abut 200 panels of fence. It has been quite warm today.

Wednesday [April] 16th. Spent the day making rails along the field fence of large poles, too large to put up. The day has been very warm, even hot and oppressive. And the gusts are very annoying this evening.

[April 1862] 339

Thursday [April] 17th. I went down to the field this morning to lay up fence; but just as I was about to commence it began to rain. SO I had to come to the house; and spent the balance of the day about the house leveling up holes in the yard, planting out sweet potato slips, sticking peas, picking wool &c. c. between showers. For it has raine, by showers all day; and is still raining tonight.

Friday [April] 18th. It still continues to reain. Between showers I went to the cedar break and cut a few poles. The most of the day was spent in and about the house picking wool, and attending to a young colt that has come today. It still looks like raining.

Saturday [April] 19th. It is cloudy and raining some this morning and very cold. The day has been spent In doeing [sic] a variety of little things about the house and garden. It has cleared off this evening and has every appearance of a heavy frost tonight.

Sabbath [April] 20th. And sure enough the frost did come. I see ice froze about in different places; and vegetation is bitten considerably; but to what extent I have not ascertained yet. About noon T. Arnett, Nannie’s brother, came to my house with his family, just from Missouri. He came to get out of the way of the Federals. We spent the day at home. The day has been rather cool. I do not think the frost has hurt anything much. It looks like it would frost tonight.

Monday [April] 21st. Arnett has been on the road sometime and has quite a number of dirty clothing, so we concluded to all get in the wagon and go to the spring and do a regular job of washing. I spent some time fishing &c.; and then came home and shucked out some wet corn and hauled some wood. The frost was considerably heavier this morning then yesterday. And has bitten vegetation considerably.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 232 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

340 April 1862

Tuesday [April] 22nd. It is pleasant enough this morning. Tom wanted to go to his father’s today, so he got his family and Nannie in the wagon and went on, while Col. Vannoy & I drove a cow and calf. We had some difficulty in driving them, and had to neck them together. I also lost my wath [sic watch?] and spent some time hunting it; but I succeeded in getting the cow home.

Wednesday [April] 23rd. We went to town today. Left our women at Capt. Carban’s and he and I went to the school hous[e] and tore the frame part of it down or the roof off and floor out and loaded one wagon with it and we went back to the old man’s and stayed all night. The day has been warm.

Thursday [April] 24th. We went to town this morning and loaded two wagons with stuff of the school-house and came on home in the evening. The day has been warm.

Friday [April] 25th. Spent the most of the day making fence. It has been cool.

Saturday [April] 26th. Layed [sic] up 100 panels of fence, steaked [sic] and ridered [sic] it.

Sabbath [April] 27th. It is pleasant this morning. Spent the most of the day at home. In the evening went to Dr. G. P. Barber’s a short time. The day has been pleasant.

Monday [April] 28th. Early this morning Tom and I took two wagons and went to twon for the remainder of the school house. It rained some as we went up in the morning; and as we came home this evening there fell a very heavy [rain or shower] upon us, and when we got to the river bank we stalled and had to leave the wagons at the river. We are very wet.

Tuesday [April] 29th. The river is rising very fast this morning and is tolerably full fording. We double teamed and got our wagons out this morning & I took Papa’s wagon home, and came back to uncle Frank’s and stayed all night.

Wednesday [April] 30th. It is thick cloudy this morning. Very early I came home. I found that the river had rissen [sic] considerably after I crossed it yesterday, and was easily forded. I commenced plowing out my corn today, or rather running through it with a cultivator. I made tolerably good speed. I saw a flock of wild geese today. At noon the river was up booming, considerably fast fording; and is still rising tonight. It has been warm today.

May

Thursday [May] 1st. Nannie had her wool prepared for carding so I put it in the wagon and carried it to the machine at Weatherford. I got there by 5 P.M. and had the promise of some of it being carded by 8 A.M. in the morning. I went to town and spent some time. I find some of the officers of companies from this place, back recruiting. I also learn that the conscription law has passed the Confederate Congress requiring all able bodied citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 years to enlist and go into the service immediately. The [sic]will put a large force into the field. I went to R. P. Baker’s and stayed all night.

Friday [May] 2nd. I came to town tolerably early and waited for all my wool to be carded, wich was done and I was started home by 7 A.M. I was solicited to join two companies, one cavalry & the other infantry. I did not determine what to do. It has been cloudy and has rained by showers the most of the day. Heavy showers have fallen at different places. I got home by 6 P.M.

Saturday [May] 3rd. I find the river has been up very high and is still past fording. I spent the day plowing corn. It has rained by light showers the most of the day. The river is still rising this evening. Judge Pollard is with us tonight.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 233 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath [May] 4th. The river is still past fording. Spent the day at home talking, reading, and writing. I think the river is falling this evening.

342 May 1862

Monday [May] 5th. Finished plowing out the corn this morning. I then plowed and hoed out the garden before noon. After-noon I hoed corn. It is still warm & the river up.

Tuesday [May] 6th. Spent the day hoeing, thinning, and replanting corn. The river still continues past fording.

Wednesday [May] 7th. Finished hoing [sic] and replanting the corn today: also replanted several pease [sic], beans &c. The women went to the spring to wash today. The river is still past fording. It rained a little today.

Thursday [May] 8th. Spent the day putting up the frame of some shed rooms at the back side of the house. W [sic] got the frame up read for the rafters.

Friday [May] 9th. Arnett and Divis put the rafters on the shed today. I hauled a surplus of poles, that was on one side of the field to the side where they were wanting, before noon. After-noon I plowed in the cane and rice field.

Saturday [May] 10th. The river is up to the top of the first bank this morning. It seems as though it would remain past fording a long time. Finished plowing and hoeing the rice and cane field this morning. At noon Arnett and family started back to Missouri. I spent the evening taking care of the lumber for the rooms. It rained some today.

Sabbath [May] 11th. The river fell about two feet last night, but is still a long ways past fording. The morning is pleasant. Spent the day at home.

Monday [May] 12th. Commenced early and shucked 5200 ears of corn today. The river is fordable. Col. Vannoy is with us tonight.

[May 1862] 343

Tuesday [May] 13th. Spent the day shucking corn. The day has been warm. The river is still fordable.

Wednesday [May] 14th. Shucked corn again today. Davis came with his wagon to haul a load of corn to Belknap; and we went to Pollard’s and brought his corn sheller home, to shell out a load.

Thursday [May] 15th. We put up the sheller and shelled out fifty bushels of corn today. Lieut. McLean, of Cleveland’s company, was with us a short time this evening. Papa Arnett and Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are with us tonight.

Friday [May] 16th. We shelled out about 30 bushels of corn this morning and then carried the sheller home this evening. We came home, finished sacking our corn and loaded the wagon with 71 bushels of corn. It rained some showers this evening.

Saturday [May] 17th. It rained and blew considerably last night. We spent the fore-noon hunting the own and fixing to start the wagon. And immediately after dinner it started. Nannie went to Dr. Barber’s and I went to. As I came back by the mountain I found my wagon stalled there. It was too late to get it away. I recd [sic] a letter from father informing me of the death of brother Wm., a prisoner of war in the enemie’s [sic] land! Oh! what horrors and desolation attend attend [sic] us in wars! How unstable are all earthly things! How soon the ties of affection are severed forever! May I, O Lord! be prepared for a similar fate. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 234 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

344 May 1862

Sabbath [May] 18th. I came home early this morning and attended to the calves and other things and went back to Dr. B’s. for breakfast. After breakfast I went to the mountain and assisted my man in getting the wagon up. As I went I found my horse by the side of the road. I tied my gallowses [sic] around his neck and rode him. After I got the wagon up the mountain I came to uncle Frank’s and got dinner. I then came in by Dr. B’s., got Nannie and came home. The day has been very warm and it looks like raining

Monday [May] 19th. It is thick fogy [sic] and has the appearance of raining this morning. It misted a little in the morning and remained cloudy most of the day. I worked at fence today. I layed [sic] the worm, threw down the old fence and layed [sic] up about 130 pannels [sic].

Tuesday [May] 20th. Layed [sic] 194 pannels [sic] of fence worm this morning; and then layed [sic] up and set up the stakes of 142 pannels [sic]. It has been a little cloudy but no rain today.

Wednesday [May] 21st. Went to Dr. Barber’s early this morning, and plowed out his garden. I the[n] got his plow animal, came home, and spent the remainder of the day plowing my own corn. I run around it with a Bultung [sic] plow as close as I can plow to the corn and leave the middles to be broken out afterwards. It has been very warm today.

Thursday [May] 22nd. Plowed again the most of the day. It rained a few hours after-noon and kept me out of the field a while. About noon Capt. Corban, and Mrs. Hunter and family came and spent the evening and night with us. Late in the evening Col. Crawford brought his reaper for the purpose of cutting my wheat as it is ready for cutting.

[May 1862] 345

Friday [May] 23rd. As it has rained and looks a little more like raining we concluded [to] defer wheat cutting till Monday. I finished plowing out my corn today. The day has been cool. Mr. J. C. Blair came and got 20 bushels of corn today.

Saturday [May] 24th. Spent the fore-noon plowing out my cane and rice corn patches. After-noon I layed [sic] up 52 pannels [sic] of fence and set up the steaks [sic]. The day has been very warm. I am very tired tonight.

Sabbath [May] 25th. It is clear and a little cool this morning. Stayed at home all day. Had about 17 visitors for dinner today, and 13 of them all night. Mrs. Barber and family, Mr. Brawner and the most of his family, and some Kentuckyians [sic] &c. They went a fishing [sic] in the evening and requested me to go with them to show them the place; which I did. I depreciate the course on the Sabbath very much.

Monday [May] 26th. My visitors left tolerably early this morning; and papa Arnett and Crawford’s have come to cut my wheat. We had to work with the reaper some time before it would start as it was new and had never been run. We, however, got it started and cut some wheat; but it ran rather hard for the team. The meat of the wheat is well filled, except what was injured by frost.

Tuesday [May] 27th. We went to cutting tolerably early this morning, and before we completed one round the tung [sic] of the reaper broke and the balance of the day was spent making a new one. I and one of the hands spent the balance of the day binding wheat.

346 May 1862

Wednesday [May] 28th. The reaper being repaired we commenced cutting wheat tolerably early and continued with tolerable speed, till the field was finished, about the middle of the after-noon. I and Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 235 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 another hand bound and shocked wheat all day. After my wheat was cut the reaper was moved to Mr. Jo. Lynn’s this evening. The day has been quite warm, and I am tired tonight.

Thursday [May] 29th. It was cloudy, thundering, and looked very much like rain this morning, so I went to the field very early and set up 94 dozns [sic] of wheat which we had bound yesterday, and did not set up. I then went to Mr. Lynn’s and assisted him in binding his wheat, in consideration of his having assisted me in mine. We had four hands to bind and by very hard work we kept up with the reaper. He did not get quite done. I came home at night very much fatigued.

Friday [May] 30th. I went to Dr. Barber’s to see Judge McLean this morning and took Nannie along to do her washing there. I went to Mr. Lynn’s to get his oxen and wagon to haul my wheat to the stack; but could not find them. I went to the Dr.s for dinner; I then came home and prepared for stacking my wheat. I went and brought N. Home this evening.

Saturday [May] 31st. It rained heavily last night and spoiled my calculations for stacking wheat today. So I penned some of my pigs this morning to have them spayed. While I was penning one of them came up marked in Cox’s mark. I got some potatoe [sic] slips from Eubank’s and set them out this evening 234.

June 1862 347

Sabbath [June] 1st. There is a heavy dew this morning and it is calm clear and pleasant. I carried Nannie to uncle Frank’s this morning, left her, and went on to town to preaching; but the preacher did not come so I went to Mr. John Lynn’s for dinner. As I came through town I stopped a few minutes at Gov. Heullum’s to talk with him a little about a hog trade. Mr. Lynn came on with me. I came by uncle’s and brought Nannie on home in the after- noon. After getting home I went [to] Mr. Jo. Lynn’s a few minutes; and at night we went to Mr. Barber’s and stayed all night. The day has been pleasant.

Monday [June] 2nd. We came home early this morning and spent the day stacking wheat. I haul the most and Nannie hands it up to me. A pleasant day.

Tuesday [June] 3rd. Spent the day staking wheat. I haul it and Nannie hands it up to me on the stack.

Wednesday [June] 4th. Finished stacking wheat about the middle of the after-noon. I then took Dr. Barber’s oxen home and took some clothes to Mr. Blair’s to send to Wes. As some of the boys are going to start to camps in the morning. It has been quite warm today.

Thursday [June] 5th. Commenced plowing my corn for the last time today. The day has been very hot.

Friday [June] 6th. Sent Nannie to Dr. B’s. to wash today, as we have not water enough at home. I spent the most of the day plowing. Mr. Cox came and assisted me and we altered, spayed, and marked 38 pigs.

348 June 1862

Saturday [June] 7th. Made some muzzles for my oxen this morning, and then hunted for them sometime, but did not find them. While hunting them I saw a fine deer. I hoed corn till noon. After noon I took the hair off of some hides I had in line and fleshed them. I then cut a pretty waulnut [sic] tree for its timber. After doeing [sic] this I took my hides to the river and put them in to soak; and spent some time fishing and caught one gar. The day has been very hot, and it has looked very much like raining.

Sabbath [June] 8th. It is cloudy and raining some this morning. I had my gar cooked this morning and had some broth made of it for breakfast. So I have eaten some “Gor-Broth.” [sic] The gar and the broth are very good. Spent the day at home. It did not rain much. We have Capt. Carban with us tonight. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 236 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday [June] 9th. Early this morning I bought 16 gallons of stone ware of Capt. C., at 33 /13 cts per gal., one box of water proof caps for 2$ and one lb. of madder [sic] for 1$. I borrowed Dr. Barber’s oxen and plowed in my corn today. Warm today.

Tuesday [June] 10th. Continued plowing my corn today. At noon four of my unmarked shoats cam up and with Mr. Lynn’s aid I caught them and altered and spayed them. A hot day.

Wednesday [June] 11th. We had Lieut. R. P. Baker of Capt. Saunders’ compompany [sic], Parker, with us last night. I took Nannie to Dr. B’s. this morning to wash. I could not find B’s. oxen, so I drove Lynn’s home and plowed them till dinner. At noon I went after Nannie and got Barber’s oxen to plow this evening. Quite warm today.

[June 1862] 349

Thursday [June] 12th. I started early to hunt the oxen. I heard the bell across the river; but, lo! When I came to it the water was out to the bank and it was past fording. I went to the Warner place and started to drive Lynn’s oxen up to plow today. As I was comeing [sic] along the side of the river, they concluded they liked the water better than the plowing, so they put into and swam the river, and so got away from me. I came on home and spent the day hoeing corn. It is hot and getting very dry. We have Carroll Mays with us tonight.

Friday [June] 13th. Spent the day hoeing corn, it is hard and hot work.

Saturday [June] 14th. This morning two of my unmarked shoats came up. I caught them and by Nannie holding them, I altered one and spayed the other. I spent the day hoeing corn. It has been hot again. When I went to the river to water house, I saw a [sic] about 12 turkeys.

Sabbath [June] 15th. It is nearly clear and a pleasant breese [sic] blowing this morning. I killed a little rabbit in the garden before breakfast this morning. I feel very stupid and out of order this morning. Spent the day at home. Several cow men were hear [sic] for dinner. It has been warm today.

Monday [June] 16th. I assisted Dr. B. in binding up and shocking the last of his wheat before noon. After-noon we cleaned out his well. He then came home with me and assisted me in hoeing corn.

Tuesday [June] 17th. Plowed in my corn today. The ground is very dry, and it is very difficult plowing. Rain is badly needing. My oxen have gotten home.

350 June 1862

Wednesday [June] 18. Finished plowing my corn today; and attempted to plow my sugar cane, but the ground was so hard I had to quit and finish my day’s work hoeing corn. It rained a little today – no good.

Thursday [June] 19th. Finished hoeing corn this morning; and spent the balance of the day shucking corn to send to Belknap. I also sent after a sheler [sic]. The day has been hot and dry.

Friday [June] 20th. Shucked corn till dinner and by that time Dock [sic] had the sheller here. So we shelled corn the balance of the day. We got 50 bushels.

Saturday [June] 21st. We finished shelling our load before noon today. After noon I took Mr. Lynn’s ox-yoke home. I then spent the evening working at some leather I had tanning, and found that part of it was spoiled.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 237 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath [June] 22nd. I had orders to take the sheller home by this evening so I got in the cart this morning early and took it home. Nannie went with me and Ann came home with us this evening. I depreciate this kind of Sunday work; and hope I shall not do so again.

Monday [June] 23rd. Commenced cutting my Hungarian grass this morning, and finished this evening, in time to put part of it up in wind-rows. I sowed ½ bushel of seed on about 2 acres. It was very light, too thin, part of it very weedy and hardly worth cutting. It has been hot today.

Tuesday [June] 24th. Cut my Spring wheat this morning, tied it up, and shocked my hay. I sowed 1 bu. On about 1 acre & got 8 dozn. [sic] Too thin and weedy. Commenced cutting my oats this evening.

[June 1862] 351

Wednesday [June] 25th. Finished cutting my oats this morning and tied a part of them up this evening.

Thursday [June] 26th. Got some hot greese [sic] spilled on my thigh last night and burned it considerably. Tied up the balance of my oats this morning. Sowed 2 ½ bu. On about 2 ½ or 3 acres and raised 35 dozn. [sic] Too thin, a very poor yield. Very weedy. Thrashed out some Hungarian grass seed this evening.

Friday [June] 27th. Hunted some oxen and hauled some water from the river and then with Col. Vanna’s assistance, I stacked my hay, Spring wheat & oats. The day has been hot and my burn is sore tonight.

Saturday [June] 28th. I hauled a barrel of water from the spring below this morning, and then had to take my bed the balance of the day on accou[n]t of my burn. It has inflamed and is pretty large, and will surely be dangerous if not arrested soon. From recommendation I am using a poultice of fresh cow dung on it. T he weather is very hot, no rain and the ground very dry.

Sabbath [June] 29th. I am still confined with my burn. I am using a poultice today, of prickly pare [sic]. It seems to have a better effect on the sore than the one I used yesterday, as it is more soothing and pleasant. Had Judge Pollard and his old lady with us today, and Col. Vannoy came this evening. Doc. Davis started to Belknap with a load of corn.

Monday [June] 30th. Still chugged down with my leg today. Still using the prickly-pear poultice. It seems to be doeing [sic] tolerably well though the indications are for it to be a long time getting well. The day has been hot. About 80 men here today at times. Made a cloth shoe this evening.

352 July 1862

Tuesday [July] 1st. The day has not been so hot as yesterday. My leg has hurt me considerably today; but at the same time the people say it is doeing [sic] very well. Made pretty near a pair of shoes today. The wind is cool.

Wednesday [July] 2. It is calm and clear this morning. I have finished my shoes before breakfast. My leg hurt me considerably during the night. I finished a pair of mocasins [sic] I had commenced before, and made another pair of shoes. I have to lye [sic] very close with my leg.

Thursday [July] 3rd. Fixed me a powder horn and worked at a “shot-bag” before noon. After noon I commenced platting me a hat out of rye straw, and plated about 6 or 7 yards. I still keep the prickly pear root poultice on my leg. It pained me awfully tonight when the poultice was changing.

Friday [July] 4th. I hulled out some seed beans this morning and spent the balance of the day platting on my hat. Platted some 10 or 12 yds. My leg has been painful for the last two days so that I have Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 238 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 had to ly [sic] on my bed perfectly close. The shield of dead skin, blisters, and matter has come off of the sore and it is restored to sensibility again, and it is so sensitive that when our old poultice is taken off and a new one put on that it is extreamly [sic] painful for some time. I am so tired of it!

Saturday [July] 5th. My leg is still painful, about is [sic] yesterday. Continued platting till I got 26 yds. platted. There was a little sprinkle of rain today[.] The preacher is with us tonight. I feel bad. I feel almost like I am going to get sick. The day has been very hot.

[July 1862] 353

Sabbath [July] 6th. The preacher left us soon this morning. My leg is uneasy and painful. Dr. B. sent us half of a sheep this morning – it is extreamly [sic] fine. He is with us for dinner. At noon I had a salve made of sheep-tallow, bee’s wax, and basin [sic], and removed the prickly pear poultice from my leg, and put a plaster of the above salve on it. It went on with perfect ease and my leg has continued easy ever since the salve was put on. The day was very hot.

Monday [July] 7th. My leg was uneasy the most of the night. It is improving very slowly. Commenced s[e]wing on my hat today, and got it pretty near done. My leg has not pained me very much. A hot day.

Tuesday [July] 8th. My leg is about as it was yesterday. Finished my hat this morning and platted 15 yds. on Ann’s hat today. A hot day again.

Wednesday [July] 9th. My leg is about as usual. Finished platting Ann’s hat and commenced seweeing [sic] it today.

Thursday [July] 10th. My leg is painful this morning. Finished sewing Ann’s hat by noon and platted 9 yds on another this evening. My leg is easier tonight.

Friday [July] 11th. My leg is easier this morning. I road down to the field early this morning and around on the prairie this evening, the first stirring out I have done for two weeks. The confinement has been very tedious. Platted on my hat today.

Saturday [July] 12th. Rode around and hunted for a cow this morning. Found her and drove her up. Cut and shocked some fodder in the garden. After break[..]

354 July 1862 fast went to Dr. B.’s and watered his chickens. Came home and platted some on my hat and in the evening I went out with Papa Arnett to look for his hogs. He and the old lady are with us tonight. My leg was easy this morning but I have stirred about so much on it today that it is painful tonight.

Sabbath [July] 13th. I have felt very dull today and my leg has been painful. It is very hot today and the wind blows considerably. Papa and Ma Arnett left us this evening. This is the 30th day of the kind I have seen. Today I am 30 years old, and varied have been the scenes of the last year; but I feel too bad this evening to comment upon them.

Monday [July] 14th. My leg is a little easier this morning[.] Nannie went to the spring, with Barber’s people, to wash. Ann went home this evening, and I was left alone till after dark. I churned and milked the cows before Nannie got home tonight. I spent the day platting on my hat. The day has been very warm.

Tuesday [July] 15th. My leg is easier today. Finished platting my hat and commenced to seweing [sic] it this evening. A hot day.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 239 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [July] 16th. Nannie & I went to the field this morning and gathered some seed beans, and got some watermelons. When we came home Dr. B. and lady were at the house, and spent the day with us. I rode with him to the spring below. It sprinkled rain a little. I sewed on my hat today.

Thursday [July] 17th. Dr. B. brought his dogs over last night and he and I went to my corn field and caught 3 raccoons and one pole cat. They are eating my corn badly. Finished my hat today ad platted some for a basket. It rained a pretty shower this morning.

[July 1862] 355

Friday [July] 18th. I layed [sic] up a lot fence this morning and platted and sewed on my basket the balance of the day. The day has been hot. My leg is improving.

Saturday [July] 19th. I drove up the oxen and milk cows, and milked the cows early this morning. Soon after breakfast I hauled some wood. I then hauled some rails, gathered some seed beans and melons, and layed [sic] up some fence before dinner. Spent the after-noon thrashing out some beans and rye, and doeing [sic] various jobs of cleaning up about the house and smoke-house, and repairing about the cow lots, and building a shuck pen. The day has been hot and I am fatigued tonight.

Sabbath [July] 20th. The morning is pretty and I feel dull. Spent the day at home.

Monday [July] 21st. I penned some shuck this morning and put some man[u]re around some peach trees. I then dressed some coon skins and made some pretty leather out of them. Spent the balance of the day doeing [sic] various little jobs. The day has been warm.

Tuesday [July] 22nd. I commenced putting up shucks early this morning and got but few loads in the pen before I hurt my back so badly that I was compelled to keep my bed all day and could scarcely turn over without assistance. I suffered a great deal.

Wednesday [July] 23rd. My back still pains me, but not so bad as yesterday, for I have platted 23 yds. today. Still hot.

Thursday [July] 24th. My back is still better this morning. Worked some at my peach trees this morning; and then platted 13 yds. Still hot and very dry.

356 July 1862

Friday [July] 25th. Had Mr. Narbo with us last night. Spent some time talking and arranging accts [sic] with him this morning. Nannie went to Mrs. Powers’s [sic] this morning and I spent the fore noon gathering some seed corn in the garden, and doing several other little things. Platted some this evening, and Nannie & I went to Dr. B’s. and stayed all night. A hot day.

Saturday [July] 26th. We borrowed a horse and saddle from the Dr. this morning, came home and arranged our affairs, and went to town for dinner. Eat dinner with Capt. Corban. In the evening we went to Col Crawford’s and stayed all night. Very hot again today.

Sabbath [July] 27th. We got 22 lbs. of wool this morning came to Mr. Holland’s and got dinner and then came on to Papa Arnett’s and stayed all night.

Monday [July] 28. Early this morning I went to Mr. Taylor’s on business. Soon after breakfast we started to town. I came by the cooper’s shop and got some wooden ware. We stayed at town till about the middle of the after-noon. I devoted my time to settling business. I collected 50 odd doller [sic] in little dribbling debts, and pryed out 40 odd of the same kind. Capt. Mc Vee was trying to make a company of cavalry. We came home in the evening.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 240 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday [July] 29th. Went to the spring & washed some wool this morning. At noon it rained a good rain. I commenced cutting up corn this evening.

Wednesday [July] 30th. Cut corn again today. The day is very hot.

Thursday [July] 31st. Continued cutting corn. Hot; hot!

August 1862 357

Friday [August] 1st. Cut and put up 15 shocks of corn. Hot as ever. Very tierd [sic].

Saturday [August] 2nd. Cut corn till about ½ past 9 A.M. and then went to church at Blair’s. The preacher failed to attend. So we got our dinners and came home, and I cut corn the balance of the evening. It is still hot.

Sabbath [August] 3rd. It is hot and clear today, and I feel very much fatigued from last week’s work. Spent the day at home. Papa Arnett was with us for dinner.

Monday [August] 4th. Went to town today to the election. There were about 77 votes polled at town. The candidets [sic] for State Senate were Quail & Oliver[,] Quail’s majority 9. Chief Justice Carban and Lasater. Tyed [sic]. Dist Clk [sic] Carpenter and Price. Carpenter ahead. T. R. Oxford elected Co. Tr. & S. A Oxford; Co. Clk. Without oposition [sic]. The day was warm. Came home this evening. S. A. Oxford and T. Y. White are with us tonight.

Tuesday [August] 5th. Spent part of the morning knocking around with Oxford and White. Spent the balance of of [sic] the day cutting corn. Not so hot as common.

Wednesday [August] 6th. Finished cutting my corn before breakfast. Spent some time with Oxford & White going to the melon patch. Cut wood and hauled it together to burn some ashes to make lye. Commenced gathering pease [sic] this evening.

Thursday [August] 7th. Burned my “log-heap” this morning, and hauled a barrel of water. Finished gathering pease [sic] today.

358 August 1862

Friday [August] 8th. Hauled some ashes to the house this morning. Thrashed out and cleaned up my pease [sic], had about 3 pecks. In the evening I gathered our broom corn. Very sorry. We have Mr. Hester with us tonight. He has come to bring a side saddle I bought of him at 12$ 50 ct.

Saturday [August] 9. Bought 4 yearlings of Hester this morning for 22$. Hauled a barrel of water and branded 2 of my yearlings this evening.

Sabbath [August] 10th. It is haryy [sic] cloudy and the wind is blowing tolerably brisk this morning. I took Nannie to Dr. B’s. this morning, left her there, and went to Judge Pollard’s for dinner. I recd [sic] some money of him, which he brought from Belknap for my corn. We came home in the evening.

Monday [August] 11th. Went to town today and attended to some business. McVee’s company was organized. McVee Capt. Newcomb 1st lieut. [?]yars & Huttson 2nd lieuts. J. B. Davis 1st Sargt.

Tuesday [August] 12th. Cut down and set up my rice corn and sugar cane for fodder. It was good for nothing else.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 241 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [August] 13th. Spent the day cutting out a new road the near way toward town. It has been very hot.

Thursday [August] 14th. Went to Nall’s and Blair’s to get Nannie some lye yeast before noon. Hauled water afternoon.

Friday [August] 15th. Thrashed out and winded up some wheat and built a turkey pen today.

Saturday [August] 16th. Went to town to mill today. Got part of my grinding and came home in the evening.

[August 1862] 359

Sabbath [August] 17th. It is calm and clear this morning. Spent the most of the day at home. Went to Dr. B’s. a short time this evening.

Monday [August] 18th. Commenced shucking out the remainder of my old corn today. Hot.

Tuesday [August] 19th. Continued shucking corn today. It is hot and unpleasant work.

Wednesday [August] 20th. Finished shucking corn by noon and put up the shucks this evening. Caught seven turkeys in a pen this evening.

Thursday [August] 21st. Commenced shucking the corn off of the fodder in the field in order to sow it. As the hogs have begun to intrude on it.

Friday [August] 22nd. Shucked corn in the field today. Hot work. We had a pretty rain last night.

Saturday [August] 23rd. Caught another turkey in the pen this morning. Hauled a barrel of water and shucked corn.

Sabbath [August] 24th. It is clear and pleasant this morning. Spent the day at home.

Monday [August] 25th. Spent the day shucking and hauling corn. Gathered about one bushel of plums off of one small tree this evening.

Tuesday [August] 26th. Finished gathering corn this evening. My crop measured 47 bushels off about 10 acres of land.

Wednesday [August] 27th. Finished putting my corn in the crib and hauled a barrel of water this morning. In the afternoon I hauled an oats stack to the stable.

Thursday [August] 28th. Hauled my sugar cane fodder to the stable this morning. Also hauled some straw to cover the stable. Went to Papa Arnett’s this evening to see about a thrasher.

360 Aug. 1862

Friday [August] 29th. Finished covering my stable with straw this morning; and hunted for some yearlings this evening. It looks like rain.

Saturday [August] 30th. It rained a little this morning. I gathered some water-melons to get the rinds to preserve; and hauled some ashes before noon. After noon I hauled a barrel of water, made a pig pen & did several little jobs.

Sabbath [August] 31st. It rained a fine rain last night, the ground is tolerably wet this morning. We spent the most of the day at Dr. B’s. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 242 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

September

Monday [September] 1st. Spent the most of the day putting in steaks [sic] and putting riders on my fence. It has rained a little by showers today. The grass-hoppers have come in myriads this evening.

Tuesday [September] 2nd. Spent part of the [day] stacking and ridering [sic] fence. Went to Dr. B’s. this evening; and assisted the negro to fence some stacks.

Wednesday [September] 3rd. Went to Lynn’s early this morning to take some wool to send to the machine. It rained on me considerably before I got home, and continued to rain till about noon. After-noon finshed [sic] my fence.

Thursday [September] 4th. Carried Nannie to Dr. B’s. this morning and went to town and vicinity to get some rolls; and some spinning done for army clothes.

Friday [September] 5th. We spent the most of the day at Dr. B’s. I restacked some wheat and rye, and Nannie colored some thread. It looks like raining.

Saturday [September] 6th. Tolerably early this morning we went to Judge Pollard’s to warp and put in a piece of cloth. After starting home we found that a rise had come down in the river and that it was past fording considerably.

September 1862 361

Sabbath [September] 7th. We spent the day at home. It rained a tolerably good rain this evening. The river is still past fording.

Monday [September] 8th. It is raining this morning. I carried Nannie to Judge Pollard’s and returned home before noon. After noon we commenced making a raft for Mr. Harris to cross the river on; but we found out it could be forded and he forded it[.] It was deep. I commenced plowing a turnip patch this evening.

Tuesday [September] 9th. Sowed my turnips this morning after taking some yarn to Nannie. We then hauled two loads of fodder from the field, and broke our wagon and spent the balance of the day at work on the wagon.

Wednesday [September] 10th. It rained heavily last night and has rained by showers the most of the day. Between showers we worked on the wagon and set out some onions. The river is up booming [sic] today – very high.

Thursday [September] 11th. We finished reparing [sic] the wagon by noon today; and soon afternoon we started to the field after a load of fodder; but before we got there it rained on us and we came home. It has rained heavily this evening.

Friday [September] 12th. We hauled some rails and fenced the wheat stacks today; and repaired some lot fence. The river is still up.

Saturday [September] 13. Several men are water bound here. I found a deer today, that was killed by a panther last night. Spent part of the day preparing the skin to dress. Spayed some hogs and went after Nannie this evening.

362 Sept. 1862

Sabbath [September] 14th. It has rained occasionally today[;] river still up. Two of our men swam it this evening and went on. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 243 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday [September] 15th. Carried Nannie to Pollard’s, today, to finish her weaving. Hauled fodder the balance of the day. River still up.

Tuesday [September] 16th. Finished stacking our fodder, hauled a hay-stack to the house, and went after Nannie this evening. The river is fordable. Our men gone.

Wednesday [September] 17th. Ransacked the country to get a loom for Nannie to weave another piece of cloth – got one at Nall[‘]s. Came home and assisted Charley to make a log heap and went after a kettle to color some yarn in, got it at uncle F’s.

Thursday [September] 18th. Spayed some hogs this morning; and assisted Nannie in getting some dye stuffs, hauled a barrel of water and dressed my deer skin.

Friday [September] 19th. Assisted Nannie in coloring till noon. After-noon brought the wheel home from Mr. Lynn’s., hauled a barrel of water & built up the wheat stacks fence.

Saturday [September] 20th. Went to town and vicinity on business and returned in the evening.

Sabbath [September] 21st. The day is clear and beautiful, and we are staying at home.

Monday [September] 22nd. Mr. Lynn & I went to Weatherford today to get some carding done.

[Sept. 1862] 363

Tuesday [September] 23rd. We found the machines badly thronged with carding, and that our work will barely commence today. So I went out about 10 miles south of town to see some men that owed me. (No luck). We came out about 1 1/2 miles from town and camped tonight.

Wednesday [September] 24th. We were back in town early, attending to our carding. We got through at ½ past 10 P.M. and came out to our old camping ground for the balance of the night[.]

Thursday [September] 25th. We started early and came home today. Morning cool, day pleasant.

Friday [September] 26th. Spent the fore-noon helping Charley to get started. After-noon miscellaneously [sic]. It has rained a shower just at dark. The “old lady” is away from home weaving, so I am alone.

Saturday [September] 27th. Spent the fore-noon cleaning off a floor to get out wheat on. Went after the “old woman” this evening[.]

Sabbath [September] 28th. Uncle Frank and wife were with us last night. We spent the most of the day at Dr. B’s.

Monday [September] 29th. Finished cleaning off and fencing my threshing yard.

Tuesday [September] 30th. Got help and tramped out one stack of wheat today with 4 yoke of cattle.

364 Oct. 1862

Wednesday [October] 1st. I rained this morning – I hauled some water before dinner, and raked the straw out of my wheat this evening. Pleasant.

Thursday [October] 2nd. Spent the most of the day winding up my wheat. Head [sic] about 10 bushels. We went to Papa Arnett’s tonight. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 244 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday [October] 3rd. We came home early this morning and spent the day preparing to go to Camp meeting. Loaded our wagon and got to Barber’s for the night.

Saturday [October] 4th. Took Barber’s things into the wagon this morning and rolled on to town for meeting. We got there a little before noon and struck camp at Mc Lean’s house. I attended Quarterly Conference in the after-noon and heared [sic] no preaching till night. Bro. Flemming preached from the words “War a good warfare.” He showed that there is a constant warfare going on in nature visible almost every where to the most casual observer. The life of the Christian is also a warfare – a spiritual warfare. There are many things necessary to war successfully in a literal sense. And the analogy between the literal and spiritual warfare is to close that the one illustrated the other. He made his illustrations very plain and impressive. After preaching mourners were called and several presented themselves.

Sabbath [October] 5th. I heared [sic] only a part of the first sermon this morning, consequently got no train of connection. At 11 A.M. Rev. J. Boyd preached[..]

[Oct. 1862] 365 on the subject of justification & redemption. Justification is the thing that justifies a man for any act, &c. Redemption is the act of redeeming any that is mortgaged or lost in some way. We lost our original righteousness in Adam. Christ redeemed it to us, and by complying with the gospel we are qualifed [sic] by the atonement of Christ. The sermon was a good one. As we were going to preaching in the evening Indian news came in, and I went out with Papa Arnett to [see] if his horses were killed. We found two that the Indians had killed, but neither was his. It was some time in the night before I got back to town. A good meeting tonight.

Monday [October] 6th. Attended to some business, got some grinding done, was at meeting a short time and loaded up and started home after dinner. We got to Barber’s and stayed all night.

Tuesday [October] 7th. We came home tolerably soon today. I took sick today – fever and sore throat – and have kept my bed.

Wednesday [October] 8th. Still sick and unable to stir about.

Thursday [October] 9th. It rained nearly all night. Still confined to my room.

Friday [October] 10th. Head [sic] some operation of medisine [sic] and feel a little better. No apetite [sic]. The river is past fording.

Saturday [October] 11th. Still sick. RIver still up. The mail waterbound [sic] here.

366 Oct[.] 1862

Sabbath [October] 12th. The river still up. Messrs. Loyd & Williams are water-bound here. Still sick.

Monday [October] 13th. The river still up. Still sick, though I have a little appetite this evening.

Tuesday [October] 14th. The river still up. I feel a little better this morning. Williams and Loyd rafted the river this evening. There has been some frost for a few morning.

Wednesday [October] 15th. I was well enough today to haul a barrel of water, some wood &c.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 245 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday [October] 16th. Spent the fore-noon doeing [sic] little jobs about the house. After-noon assisted Papa Arnett to get his wagon out of the river. He is hauling clothes to the Soldiers. He is with us tonight.

Friday [October] 17th. Assisted Mrs. Jowell in getting across the river; and then went to town for my plow; and to Papa Arnett’s for gears &c. Came home this evening.

Saturday [October] 18th. Brought some beef from Barber’s this morning, and assisted him in hunting cattle till noon. After-noon fixed up my plow and gears for plowing and swaped [sic] for a plow nag.

Sabbath [October] 19th. It is tolerably cool this morning. Spent the most of the day at home. Went to Dr. B’s. a short time this evening. His lady came home with us and stayed all night.

[Oct. 1862] 367

Monday [October] 20th. Commenced plowing for wheat. A small turning plow and tow horses.

Tuesday [October] 21st. Wed. 22nd. Thur. 23rd. Frid. [sic] 24th. Continued plowing. Nights cool and days warm.

[Wednesday October 22nd.] [Ibid]

[Thursday October 23rd.] [Ibid]

[Friday October 24th.] [Ibid]

Saturday [October] 25th. A reglar [sic] blew norther [sic] blew up last evening and is blowing very cold this morning. There is considerable ice, it has sleeted some, and has grozen one of my hogs to death. The norther [sic] continued to blow so cold that I did not pretend to work out doors.

Sabbath [October] 26th. The norther [sic] is not blowing today, but it is unpleasantly cold. We spent the day at home reading &c.

Monday [October] 27th. Cut sugar-cane fodder till evening and then we went to Pap Arnett’s and stayed all night.

Tuesday [October] 28th. We came by town and did some business, and then came on home; and I spent the evening plowing.

Wednesday [October] 29th. Continued plowing today. The mornings are cold and frosty.

Thursday [October] 30th. Continued plowing till evening; and then commenced sowing wheat. The ground is getting hard.

Friday [October] 31st. Continued plowing in wheat today.

368 November 1862

Saturday [November] 1st. Continued plowing in wheat today. Killed a turkey & a hawk with my six-shooter today.

Sabbath [November] 2nd. There is a light norther [sic] blowing this morning. It is raw and cool. Spent the most of the day at home. Was at Mr. Lynn’s this evening.

Monday [November] 3rd. Worked at getting out wheat today. Got out one stack. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 246 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday [November] 4th. Finished getting out my wheat this evening. Holland and wife are with us tonight.

Wednesday [November] 5th. A pretty heavy norther [sic] up last night and has continued blowing all day. Not very cold. Shelled some corn for H lnd [sic] and fenced my wheat yard.

Thursday [November] 6th. Took Nannie to Dr. B’s. to wash this morning as our water is out. Brushed over the wheat ground that I had sowed.

Friday [November] 7th Saturday 8th. Assisted Mr. Lynn in getting out his wheat. Weather cool and dry.

[Saturday November 8th.] [Ibid]

Sabbath [November] 9th. A cool south wind is blowing. We have spent the day at home.

Monday [November] 10th. Assisted Lynn to finish his wheat today, and commenced winding up my own.

Tuesday [November] 11th. Winded wheat all night last night and have continued today. Finished. My crop of about 8 acres has yielded about 50 bushels. Sorry yields. Excellent grain.

[November 1862] 369

Wednesday [November] 12th. Assisted Dr. B. in getting out his wheat.

Thursday [November] 13th. Finished Barber’s wheat today. The nights are cold, the days warm. Weather dry.

Friday [November] 14th. Went to uncle F’s. and washed some wool then went to town and attended to some business; and then we went to Pa Arnett’s for the night.

Saturday [November] 15th. Came home this morning, and I worked at my straw rick and a turkey pen this evening. It looks like raining. Cool.

Sabbath [November] 16th. It is cloudy and warm this morning. We spent the day at home.

Monday [November] 17th. It rained some last night and a norther [sic] blowing this morning. Went to town and to Papa Arnett’s today and brought 50 lbs of salt home. It rained some today.

Tuesday [November] 18th. Made a brush to brush in my wheat and run off my wheat land before noon. After-noon sowed and brushed in wheat.

Wednesday [November] 19th. Finished brushing in my wheat by noon. Hauled wood this evening.

Thursday [November] 20th. Went to Papa Arnett’s and Mr. Welty’s to get some weaving done; but failed. Picked wool this evening.

Friday [November] 21st. Carried some filling to Mrs. Cathy to weave this morning. Prepared for killing hogs this evening.

370 November 1862

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 247 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday [November] 22nd. Killed two hogs. One weighed 150 lbs. and the other 170 lbs. Pork is not near so good as it was last year. Put up some scare crows in the field this evening to keep the crows and turkeys out as they are taking up my wheat & likely to destroy it.

Sabbath [November] 23rd. It is clear and cool this morning; got the horses and started to take Ann home this morning; but when we got to the river it was up past fording. We then spent the day at home.

Monday [November] 24th. I took Ann home this morning. Came to town and attended to some business in Probate court & then came home.

Tuesday [November] 25th. Assisted Nannie in picking wool till noon & worked on warping bars after-noon.

Wednesday [November] 26th. Finished my bars and spool frames before noon. After-noon made arrangements to to [sic] go to Weatherford.

Thursday [November] 27th. Sarted [sic] to Weatherford this morning in co. with Dr. B. and Parson Harris. The Dr. carried a wagon along & he & I started to drive 13 hogs. I lost three of mine. We drove to grind-stone in Parker.

Friday [November] 28th. Drove to Weatherford this morning and sold our pork at 10 cts.

Saturday [November] 29th. After weighing our hogs this morning (150 lb each) I came home.

Sabbath [November] 30th. We spent the day at home.

December 1862 371

Monday [December] 1st. Killed tow hogs today. It rained a little.

Tuesday [December] 2nd. Salted my pork this morning, and then started to Stephens county to buy pork. Got to A. Warren’s, on Ironi, and stayed all night. It rained some and is cold.

Wednesday [December] 3rd. Traveled from Warren’s to Reynold’s on Clear Fork about 33 m[ile]s. Met with but little success in getting pork. The day has been cold and unpleasant.

Thursday [December] 4th. It was raining this morning, so I turned my course toward home prospecting through the country for pork, but made no positive engagements. Came to Delong’s ranch on Cedar creek and stayed all night. It has rained, by showers, the most of the day.

Friday [December] 5th. Could make no positive engagement with Delong for pork, so I started for home though a strange and lonesome country, and got home after night. A fine day.

Saturday [December] 6th. Killed four hogs today averaging over 150 lbs. each. A pleasant day.

Sabbath [December] 7th. A very large frost this morning. Day pleasant. Spent it at home.

Monday [December] 8th. Went to Col. Ward’s this morning to try to to [sic] hire a negro; but failed. After-noon went to Mr. Cathy’s after some cloth, woven by his wife.

372 Dec. 1862

Tuesday [December] 9th. Wrought on my loom this morning and assisted Barber in driving some hogs home, before noon. Worked on the loom.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 248 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [December] 10th. Got the loom far enough along to set it up today.

Thursday [December] 11th. Riddled on the loom till evening and then went to Cox’s to receive some hogs.

Friday [December] 12th. Went and assisted Cox in killing 8 hogs. I got 5 of them hauled them home.

Saturday [December] 13th. Salted my pork this morning & went to town this evening. Warm.

Sabbath [December] 14. A little norther [sic] blew up last night though it is not very cold this morning. Spent the most of the day at home.

Monday [December] 15th. Prepared wood and rock to kill hogs before-noon. After-noon went and assisted Barber to kill hogs.

Tuesday [December] 16th. Assisted Barber to kill 14 hogs today.

Wednesday [December] 17th. Killed nine hogs at home today.

Thursday [December] 18th. Killed four wild hogs at home and salted up all that I killed the day before and today. Night cold. Days pleasant.

[Dec. 1862] 373

Friday [December] 19th. Gathered up 23 head of straggling sheep belonging to Corning today. I am to buy them.

Saturday [December] 20th. Marked my sheep this morning, and hauled wood today. Cloudy & cold.

Sabbath [December] 21st. It is cloudy and cool this morning. Spent the day at home.

Monday [December] 22nd. Went to town to mill before noon. Hunted sheep and hogs after-noon.

Tuesday [December] 23rd. Went home with aunt Jane this morning and on to Crawford’s and Holland’s, and back by town and on home this evening.

Wednesday [December] 24th. Hung up the meat of 8 hogs and chinked part of the smoke-hous [sic] today.

Thursday [December] 25th. Spent the most of the day chinking on the smoke-house.

Friday [December] 26th. Finished chinking the smoke-house and raised the meat of 18 hogs in order to resalt [sic] it. I found 16 joints spoiled.

Saturday [December] 27th. Nannie sent me out this morning after some of the neighbor women and before I returned she had given birth to a fine stout, well proportioned son! It makes a new epoch in the history of my life! The idea of being a parent implies a weighty responsibility upon me and I pray the Lord to enable me to do my duty in this sphere, as in all others.

374 December 1862

Sabbath [December] 28th. There is a tolerably cold wind stirring from the north this morning. I had to leave Nannie alone this morning and go home with Mrs. Pollard. I returned soon and spent the Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 249 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865 remainder of the day at home. Mrs. Pollard sent one of her black girls up this evening to wait on Nannie during her convalesance [sic].

Monday [December] 29th. I hooped a barrel this morning and put it in the river to soak. I then went to town to mill. While there, I went to John Lynn’s tanyard [sic] and bought leather enough to make one pair of shoes for which he charges 3$ 50cts. I left them with Corban to make. The making I suppose will cost about 1$ 50 cts, which will make the shoes cost 5$.

Tuesday [December] 30th. Hauled a load of water from the spring to wash with this morning. After-noon waited on Nannie, and hauled some wood. I also hung up some meat.

Wednesday [December] 31st. There is a tremendous frost this morning and the hardest freeze we have had this winter. Got some bark to color with and hauled some wood this morning. Waited on Nannie and wrought some in stopping the cracks of the house. A very cold south wind has been blowing all day. Nannie is doing tolerably well. So ends the cares, troubles, and errors of the old year. May all wrongs be forgiven.

January 1863 375

Thursday [January] 1st. A new year sets in. O for grace to discharge the duties of the same aright! Fixed up my turkey pen this morning. It was cloudy and cool before noon. After-noon it is raining, and I am setting in the house. This day is said to rule January.

Friday [January] 2nd. Cut wood today to hall [sic]. Cut down and cut up 50 trees & saplings. A tolerably crisp wind but pleasant.

Saturday [January] 3rd. Hauled the wood today I cut yesterday. Also hauled some water and hung up the meat of 12 hogs. The wind has been tolerably cool. This is March's ruling day.

Sabbath [January] 4th. There is a heavy frost this morning and it is quite cool. Spent the day at home. A pleasant day.

Monday [January] 5th. Went to Barber's and borrowed some pieces of gears, and patched up two pair to plow with. In the evening I made a small start at breaking up for corn. It has been a pleasant day.

Tuesday [January] 6th. Went part of the way home with "Tine" & Ann and assisted Nall in hunting for a steer before noon. After-noon I brought a sheep and a sleigh from Nalls.

Wednesday [January] 7th. Plowed today. Hauled a barrel of water this evening from the river. A pleasant day.

374 [repeated number] January 1863

Thursday [January] 8th. Plowed today. Hauled a load of water from the spring this evening. A pleasant day.

Friday [January] 9th. Plowed today. At noon I carried some girls to Judge Pollard's.

Saturday [January] 10th. Plowed till noon. After-noon hauled a load of water from the river & killed a shoat.

Sabbath [January] 11th. A fine day. Spent the most of it at home.

Monday [January] 12th. Spent the day plowing . Warm and looks like rain.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 250 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday [January] 13th. Plowed again. Cloudy and raining the most of the after-nnon.

Wednesday [January] 14th. It rained incessantly last night and today till about noon, when it commenced snowing and continued till night. It is cold.

Thursday [January] 15th. The snow is about 2 inches deep. I spent the day in the house.

Friday [January] 16th. Cout [sic] poles till noon; (60) and worked about the house this evening. Clear, calm and very cold.

Saturday [January] 17th. Carried our weaver to town today and brought my flour home.

Sabbath [January] 18th. It has rained almost incessantly today.

[January 1863] 375 [repeated number]

Monday [January] 19th. A norther [sic] is blowing cold today. Spent the day at little jobs of various kinds.

Tuesday [January] 20th. It is clear calm and warm today after the thawing of the ground. Plowed today.

Wednesday [January] 21st, Thurs. 22nd. Fri. 23rd, Sat. 24th. Continued regular plowing. The weather quite warm.

[Thursday January 22nd.] [Ibid]

[Friday January 23rd.] [Ibid]

[Saturday January 24th.] [Ibid]

Sabbath [January] 25th. It rained considerably last night and is rany [sic] and misty today. Spending the day at home.

Monday [January] 26th. It was rather cloudy and the ground was too wet to plow.

Tues[day January] 27th , Wed. 28th. Continued plowing. Nights cool & frosty days warm.

[Wednesday January 28th.] [Ibid]

Thursday [January] 29th. Plowed before-noon; and brushed after noon.

Friday [January] 30th. Plowed some this morning and the[n] went to town and got some cotton thread and some leather. Thread fifteen dollars per bunch, and leather fifteen dollars per side.

Saturday [January] 31st. Went to Papa Arnett's and Col. Crawford's to get some wool. Papa A. gave me fifty two peach trees which I brought home and set out this evening.

376 February 1863

Sabbath [February] 1st. Clear and rather cool today. We went to Dr. B's. the first time Nannie has been out with her boy.

Monday [February] 2nd. Plowed today. Tolerably warm before noon. Got very cold before night.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 251 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday [February] 3rd. Cold this morning. Plowed before noon. Brushed after-noon. The day still cold. Snowed and sleeted some this evening.

Wednesday [February] 4th. Cold sleeting and raining. Made me a shoe today- the first in my life.

Thursday [February] 5th. Finished my other shoe and killed a hog today.

Friday [February] 6th. Plowed before-noon and brushed after-noon. Finished brushing and hauled Mrs. B. a load of wood.

Saturday [February] 7th. Finished bedding up my stalk land before-noon. After-noon went to town & Mr. Lynn's and got two sides of leather, one of upper for 15$ and one of sole for 12$. Brought some flour home from the mill.

Sabbath [February] 8th. After comeing [sic] home last night I went to Dr. B's. and found that his wife was pretty badly hurt by the smoke house of meat falling on her. He was at his father's in Parker Co. So I started after him about 12 A.M. got there about sun up, and got back to B's about 3 P.M. Come home tonight.

[February 1863] 377

Monday [February] 9th. Hunted sheep till noon. After-noon commenced crossing off my "bedded up" corn land. It is warm and cloudy.

Tuesday [February] 10th. Finished crossing off my bedded up land before noon; and commenced bedding up my stubble land A.N.

Wednesday [February] 11th. Continued bedding today. There are thundershowers this evening.

Thursday [February] 12th. Continued bedding up corn land. Cloudy and misty.

Friday [February] 13th. My horses did not come up this morning, so I hauled wood till noon, then set up the loom for Nannie and helped her beam a piece of cloth. Bedded up this evening.

Saturday [February] 14th. Finished bedding up my corn land this evening. Warm.

Sabbath [February] 15th. It is cloudy and a little cool this morning. Spent the day at home.

Monday [February] 16th. Crossed off corn land till noon and went to town after-noon. It misted rain in the morning and rained all the after-noon.

Tuesday [February] 17th. Hauled rails and straw before noon; and cut poles after-noon.

Wednesday [February] 18th. Crossed off corn land. A thunderstorm tonight.

378 Feb. 1863

Thursday [February] 19th. Finished crossing off corn land this morning; and hauled 150 pol[e]s for a lot fence this evening.

Friday [February] 20th. Worked at my lot fence part of the day, and killed a shoat this evening.

Saturday [February] 21st. Finished my lot fence and hauled some wood and water.

Sabbath [February] 22nd. Went to Dr. B's. and spent part of the day. A pleasant day.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 252 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday [February] 23rd. Hauled maneur [sic] on my lot part of the day, and plowed some this evening.

Tuesday [February] 24th. Finished hauling and scattering maneur [sic] and plowed some this evening.

Wednesday [February] 25th. Finished plowing my lot and garden and brushed it, and furrowed off a part of the land.

Thursday [February] 26th. Finished furrowing and crossing off my lot before noon; after-noon planted the most of the lot in corn, beans, pease [sic], vines &c.

Friday [February] 27th. Hunted my horse this morning. Went to Nalls after a sleigh before noon. After-noon went to Pollard's & Irwin's and drove my sheep home this evening.

[Feb. 1863] 379

Saturday [February] 28th. Reset steaked [sic] and ridered [sic] my cow lot before noon. Just after dinner I recieved [sic] the very painful and sad intelligence that the Indians had killed uncle Frank Baker just a short time since; for he had passed my house this morning going from his work on the river below here home, and to town to settle some business there today. As soon as I could get off I went to the place where they had killed him. I found that he had gone to Dr. Barber's, my closest neighbor, and had gotten part of a shoat, and some salt of Barber, and had just started from there home, and had not gone but little over ¼ mile when he was attacked by 8 or 10 Indians. They ran him back up to Barber's and shot 4 arrows into him as they ran, two in his back, one in his arm and one in his thigh. He fell off of the horse just as he got [to] Barber's, he never spoke after falling off. He was so close to the house that they did not get his scalp. They did not molest the house, but they got the nag that he was riding, a fine mare of mine I had loaned him this morning to ride home. They also got Barber's horse out of the lot. It was then made my duty to carry the sad news to his wife; and I pray the Lord that I may never be the barer [sic] of such tiding again! How uncertain is life! In the midst of life we are in death! May the Lord help us to be prepared of a similar fate. I went to twon [sic] & made arrangements for his burial tomorrow, and returned to Barber's after night.

380 March 1863

Sabbath [March] 1st. I procured a wagon and had him hauled to town as early as I could today. He was taken by home and his wife and family took their last look at his pale cold form. He was deposited in his last resting place about 3 P.M. The burial service was performed by the Rev. Mitchell of Palo Pinto late of Georgia. Thus passes away the beauty and strength of manhood, and dust mingles with mother durst! May the good Lord sanctify this dispensation of his providence to the good of the living, and may the bereft widow and orphans be comforted and upheld by divine grace, and enabled to be resigned to the will of Providence. After the burial I procured another wagon and moved the widow from home aiming to move her to my house so that I can take care of her, as she is left entirely alone with the children. We were so late we only got to Dr. Barber's and stayed all night.

Monday [March] 2nd. I came home early this morning got my wagon and team and hauled a large load of here plunder to my house, and then brought her & her family home to my house this evening. The day has been warm.

Tuesday [March] 3rd. Went to Dr. B's early this morning and we brought his family to my house, his wife being afraid to stay at home. I cut and hauled some wood today. Aunt Rausy being great with child was delivered of a fine daughter this evening. It seems that the Lord was with her in her delivery she is doeing [sic] so well.

[March 1863] 381

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 253 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [March] 4th. Had to meet Mr. Pollard at uncle Frank's place and assist him to put a load of aunt's stuff on his wagon. I then went on to town with the Midwife Mrs. Jowell. I learn that Mr. W. M. Peters was killed by the Indians on Sat. last, the same day uncle was killed and about the same time of day. He was buried at town yesterday. I attended to some business at town and then came home and hauled part of the stuff that I loaded for Pollard this morning, from Barber's to my house.

Thursday [March] 5th. Spent the most of the day at little jobs of different kinds, hauling water and so on.

Friday [March] 6th. Assisted Barber in putting up his fence part of the day, and then cut some timber for some shed rooms I am building in order that Dr. B and family can have room at my house.

Saturday [March] 7th. We hauled the timber this morning and worked at the rooms till noon and Barber went home to stay tonight and tomorrow. I spent the evening jobbing around the ho[u]se & garden.

Sabbath [March] 8th. I still feel unwell this morning. A norther [sic] is blowing tolerably cold this morning. Spent the day at home unwell, gloomy and lonesome.

382 March 1863

Monday [March] 9th. We hauled Dr. B's wheat from his to m hous[e] this morning. We then hauled some boards to the river to soak them so that they can be nailed on our shed rooms; and in the evening we cut and hauled some lathing timber.

Tuesday [March] 10th. Hauled Barber's corn this morning, and then got some more lathing timber and commenced putting the boards on our shed rooms.

Wednesday [March] 11th. Hauled a load of plunder from Barber's this morning and wrought on the roof of our sheds this evening.

Thursday [March] 12th. Put boards on our sheds till noon. After-noon hauled a load of boards from Cox's, and then continued the putting on of boards.

Friday [March] 13th. Finished our roof this morning. After-noon got sleepers and layed [sic] the floor of one of our rooms.

Saturday [March] 14th. Commenced planting corn in the field today. Furrowed off with a horse, on e drapped [sic] one covering with a hoe. Planted about 3 acres. The weather is beginning to get warm.

Sabbath [March] 15th. It is extreamly [sic] warm today. Contrary to my feelings, I assisted Dr. B. in hauling some loads of water, and did other knocking around most of the day.

Monday [March] 16th. Continued planting corn. Furrowed off with a bull tung [sic] plow & covered with a board. Very warm. [March 1863] 383

Tuesday [March] 17th. Continued same plan of planting. Hot.

Wednesday [March] 18th. Finished planting corn. Also planted some rice corn & sugar cane. Hauled some nails and fixed a calf pen. Warm.

Thursday [March] 19th. Cut and hauled some sleepers and put a floor in one of my shed rooms today. Helped Barber haul a load this evening. Warm.

Friday [March] 20th. Worked at floor in the passage between the rooms. Very warm. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 254 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Saturday [March] 21st. Helped Barber haul a load this morning. Then hauled some wood and water. Spent the balance of the day finishing the passage floor, making a partition between the rooms and cleaning up generally around the house and yard. It is very warm and has the appearance of rain.

Sabbath [March] 22nd. It is a little cool and cloudy this morning. Went to Pollard's place for Pap Arnett today. Also helped Barber to skin a cow. Shameful.

Monday [March] 23rd. Went to town early this morning to mill. We got our grinding and got home after dark.

Tuesday [March] 24th. Went to Irvin's this morning and got him to make me a branding iron. I came home and branded 3 yearlings and one calf. Planted some sugar cane seed.

384 March 1863

Wednesday [March] 25th. Col S. R. Barber is with us to get our bacon as he has sold it for 17 ½ cts. per lb. We spent the fore-noon loading him. After-noon commenced shearing sheep. Shared [sic] 9.

Thursday [March] 26th. Continued shearing sheep. Sheared 27. Hauled a load of aunt Rosy's plunder this evening. Weather warm.

Friday [March] 27th. Went to Barber's place and worked on his fence today.

Saturday [March] 28th. It rained some last night. We went to haul poles and worked on the river banks the most of the fore noon. It has rained, by showers, the most of the day. The ground is wet this evening and the wind is blowing cold from the north.

Sabbath [March] 29th. The rain has ceased; but the norther [sic] is still blowing cold. The clouds are gone and the sun shines out. The river is rising . Spent the day at home.

Monday [March] 30th. Early this morning I went up into the neighbor-hood of town and attended to some business. I then went to town, attended the Probate court and took out letters of of [sic] Administration on the estate of uncle Frank. I settled some business and paid off about $120.00. I then came home.

Tuesday [March] 31st. Worked at Barber's fence. The river was booming gull so that we could not cross this evening. Stayed at Pruett's.

April 1863 385

Wednesday [April] 1st. I attempted to get across the river by rafting this morning, but failed. Continued repairing Barber's fence. The river is still up and we camp at Barber's house.

Thursday [April] 2nd. Continued repairing fence. Tried rafting again and failed. Camped at Barber's house again.

Friday [April] 3rd. I came around the mountain this morning and forded the river at Cox ford. I then went to wagon on the river below and bought 3 pair of cotton cards, for which I paid $105, $35 a pair. I came home and killed three dogs and sowed some grass seed.

Saturday [April] 4th. I skinned my dogs and a sheep they had killed this morning. Finished sowing Hungerian grass. Wild geese went north.

Sabbath [April] 5th. It is a little cloudy and smoky and quite warm early this morning; but it appears a little like blowing up a norther [sic] 11 A.M The day continued warm. Spent it at home. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 255 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Monday [April] 6th. I spent the day shoemaking. Had John, a hired hand, to commence plowing my corn. Had Parson N. T. Byars and about 7 others for dinner.

Tuesday [April] 7th. Made a pair of shoes today; and planted some cotton, sugar cane seed, beans, pease [sic], melons, &c. in the lot. John is still plowing corn.

Wednesday [April] 8th. Finished replanting my corn, beans, and pease [sic] in the lot. I also assisted in planting some garden seeds. Prepared the ashe [sic] hopper and partly filled it. Also packed some weat [sic] in ashes. John plowed.

386 April 1863

Thursday [April] 9th. Spent part of the fore noon trying to split a log for drawbars, wore out a new maul and got it open. Then went to the field and cut up bear grass and bushes till noon. Made me another maul and tried to split my log, but failed. Spent the balance of the evening cutting up stuff in the field. John plowed.

Friday [April] 10th. Hauled some poles for draw bars this morning; then hauled some wood and water before noon. Cut bear grass &c in the field this evening.

Saturday [April] 11th. I got up my old ox and plowed him before breakfast. I then made and put up a pair of draw bars. I plowed while john went to dinner and fed his horse. Finished cutting up bear grass and other stuff in the field this evening. John got through the corn the first time this evening. We recieved [sic] the painful intelligence this week of the death of quite a number of our relations in Va. & N.C. among whom were sisters Emma and Mary and little brother Hicks. What a world of uncertainty we live in! Oh that we may all be prepared for the solemn change! and that we may meet all our dear departed friends in the haven of eternal repose wher[e] parting will be no more! May the good Lord help us to be resigned to his will!

Sabbath [April] 12th. It is cloudy and thunders and looks a little like rain this morning. Was cloudy the most of the day and rained a little this evening. Spent the day at home. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin are with us today.

Monday [April] 13th. It rained considerably last night and this morning. Barber and I went to town today [to] attend court; but there was none. We attended to some business and returned home. A considerable norther [sic] blows this evening.

[April 1863] 387

Tuesday [April] 14th. John plowed in the corn today, and I hauled some wood this morning, and attended to the appraisement of uncle Frank's state. The assets amounted to over $6300. Hauled some wood this evening and assisted Barber to drive some cows.

Wednesday [April] 15th. Hauled some weed this morning and helped Barber hunt his oxen. Went with the women to the spring to wash, and worked on Barber's wagon bed.

Thursday [April] 16th. Helped Barber drive some cows this morning and replanted corn the balance of the day. The corn is badly missing. More than ¾ gone.

Friday [April] 17th. Assisted Barber to load up and get started to move to Parker this morning. Continued replanting corn as badly missing as ever.

Saturday [April] 18th. Replanted corn. John has plowed all the week and got through this evening the 2nd time.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 256 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sabbath [April] 19th. Clear and warm this morning. A heavy dew. Spent the day at home.

Monday [April] 20th. John and I went in a wagon to Nall's after some sheep this morning we got 5 and got home before dinner. Replanted corn this evening.

Tuesday [April] 21st. It is cloudy and misting rain a little this morning. Replanted corn today.

Wednesday [April] 22nd. Finished replanting corn and hauled some wood and water this evening. The grass-hoppers have eaten up a goodly portion of my corn & ruined my Hungarian grass.

388 April 1863

Thursday [April] 23rd. Early this morning John and I took the wagon and went to uncle Frank's old place and gathered up aunt's hogs and hauled 19 home. Day very warm.

Friday [April] 24th. I took the women to the spring to wash this morning and came back home and attended to some business with T. Wright. In the evening John and I pulled down an old crib and rebuilt it for a chicken house.

Saturday [April] 25th. John and I went to J. J. Ward's this morning after some things for aunt Rosy. We got only 1 ½ bushels of corn. Worked on some buckskin pants and shoes this evening. Wind and rain.

Sabbath [April] 26th. It is a little cool and clear this morning. Spent the day at home. I heard of my nag the Indians got from me.

Monday [April] 27th. Early this morning John and I went after my mare; we found her at Whitener's about 10 miles below here. From all that can be learned about it, the Indians rode her out to their villages after they killed uncle Frank off of her and that they had rode her back here as they came in to steal. She is rode down poor and back sore. We planted sugar cane this evening.

Tuesday [April] 28th. Went to Hester's and Irwin's and drove a cow home before noon. After noon hauled water and drove a cow home.

Wednesday [April] 29th. I went to mill and John hoed [sic] corn.

Thursday [April] 30th. I made [a] pair of shoes and John plowed corn.

May 1863 389

Friday [May] 1st. Took my wagon to Irwin’s to get it repaired and hunted cows the balance of the day. John plowed corn.

Saturday [May] 2nd. I went to Irwin’s this morning and got him to hoop some barrels.

Sabbath [May] 3rd. Corning is here with his sheep and is shearing some today. I knocked around and assisted him too much.

Monday [May] 4th. Assisted Barber to gather and haul some sheep over the river today. In the evening I sold a cow that I had previously posted. Hauled some water. It rained a little.

Tuesday [May] 5th. Went to Irwin’s to help on my wagon, but the wheel had swollen too much from the rain last evening. Came home and am hoeing corn. Corning and sheep left.

Wednesday [May] 6th. Howed [sic] corn today. John plows. Corn badly missing.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 257 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday [May] 7th. Howed [sic] corn part of the day. And replanted sugar cane.

Friday [May] 8th. Went to Irwin’s this morning, but got no work done. Came home and planted pease [sic] and made a pair of shoes.

Saturday [May] 9th. Planted pease [sic] before noon and assisted the women to wash. Went to town this evening. The weather has been cool for days.

390 May 1863

Sabbath [May] 10th. The winds is [sic] blowing tolerably cool today. Spent the day at home.

Monday [May] 11th. I went to Irwin’s this morning to get my wagon repaired, but did not get it done. Came home and assisted John in plowing.

Tuesday [May] 12th. Went to Irwin’s and got the tyre [sic] put on my wagon. Got home in the night.

Wednesday [May] 13th. John and I howed [sic] corn all day – a very h[ard] day’s work.

Thursday [May] 14th. Went with the women to the wash place today. Assisted them in washing and made two straw hats.

Friday [May] 15th. We hoed corn again. The hoppers have eaten up one piece of corn and we have planted the piece in pease [sic]. Warm days.

Saturday [May] 16th. Finished hoeing in the field before noon, and worked on the lot corn this evening.

Sabbath [May] 17th. It is tolerably warm and clear today. Spent the day at home.

Monday [May] 18th. John and I went to the woods and got out some wagon timber before noon. Afternoon all hands got in the wagon and went to Papa Arnett’s.

Tuesday [May] 19th. Pap cut his barley and commenced cutting his wheat today. Came home this evening.

[May 1863] 391

Wednesday [May] 20th. I spent the day making a cradle to commence my harvest.

Thursday [May] 21st. Went out to try my cradle this morning and broke out the fingers at the start; so I had to get out timber and make more.

Friday [May] 22nd. Made two dining tables this morning and then went out to cut wheat. I did not cut long till a shower of rain came up, so I came to the house and made a pair of shoes, cut wheat the balance of the day. Weat [sic] is tolerably good.

Saturday [May] 23rd. Cut wheat all day by my self. Some smut in it. Day hot.

Sabbath [May] 24th. It is still and tolerably warm this morning. Spent the day at home.

Monday [May] 25th. Cut wheat. Day hot.

Tuesday [May] 26th. Finished coutting [sic] wheat about the middle of the afternoon. Day hot.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 258 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [May] 27th. Went with the women to the wash place and made a sled.

Thursday [May] 28th. Hunted my horses fore-noon. After-noon went to Nall’s to buy a steer.

Friday [May] 29th. Necked a young steer to an old one, worked at thrashing floor and went to Irwin’s and got some work.

Saturday [May] 30th. Worked at threshing foor [sic] and hwoed [sic] around.

Sabbath [May] 31st. Went to Lynn’s and Irwin’s. Hot.

392 June 1862

Monday [June] 1st. Commenced getting out wheat. Tramping out with three yoke of oxen. Got out one floor full.

Tuesday [June] 2nd, , Wednesday {June] 3rd. Got out two floor full’s each day.

[Wednesday June 3rd.] [Ibid]

Thursday [June] 4th. Finished getting out wheat today. Weather hot.

Friday [June] 5th. Commenced cleaning. Cleaned about 30 bushels.

Saturday [June] 6th. Finished cleaning. Whole crop about 80 bushels – about 8 acres.

Sabbath [June] 7th. Hauled some water from the spring to drink this morning. Spent the day at home. Weather very dry.

Monday [June] 8th. Hauled up my last load of wheat this morning. Then went to Irwin’s and got my wagon repaired.

Tuesday [June] 9th. Made an ox yoke, a chicken coop and loaded my wagon with aunt Rosy’s plunder.

Wednesday [June] 10th. Started to move aunt Rosy to Weatherford this morning. We got to Coffey’s, 6 miles from Weatherford and stayed all night.

Thursday [June] 11th. Went on to Weatherford this morning, unloaded the wagon hauled some wood for aunt and attended to some other business.

Friday [June] 12th. Hauled some more wood, got my wagon tongue broke. Tried to get it mended.

[June 1863] 393

Saturday [June] 13th. My mare got away yesterday and I spent the day hunting her.

Sabbath [June] 14th. Took a round looking for my mare this morning, but did not find her. Spent the rest of the day about town. Went to preaching at night, but was so sleepy I lost the connexion [sic] of the sermon.

Monday [June] 15th. Hunted my mare till noon, did not find her. After-noon cousin R. P. Baker and I started to carry our horses to Johnston county. We got to Robinson’s mill and stayed with J. W. Price.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 259 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tuesday [June] 16. We went from Price’s to Barn’s where we aim to leave our horses.

Wednesday [June] 17th. Left our horses with Barn’s and started home this morning. We got back in the neighborhood of Robinson’s mills and stayed at Mathis’s.

Thursday [June] 18th. Came on to Weatherford by noon. After-noon I put a tongue in my wagon, hauled some rails for aunt for a cow pen, and made my arrangements to start home in the morning.

Friday [June]19th. Started home this morning came by Barber’s got dinner and came to Millsaps’ and stayed all night.

Saturday [June] 20th. Started early and got home by about 10 A.M Nannie went the trip with me. We got dinner at home, put some wheat in the wagon and came on to Palo Pinto to mill. I had a bail of cotton in the wagon, it rained so I had to leave the most of my grain at the foot of the mountain. Cool & cloudy.

394 June 1863

Sabbath [June] 21st. It is quite cool this morning. The rain was light. Went to preaching and to Papp Arnett’s tonight.

Monday [June] 22nd. Came to the foot of the mountain got my wheat and carried it to town to mill. Started on a cow hunt with Papa A. got to the Dodson pens.

Tuesday [June] 23rd. Hunted to the mouth of Lake creek heard of a cow I wanted and stayed all night for her. It rained heavily this morning.

Wednesday [June] 24th. Drove my cow to Papa Arnett’s and attended to some business in town today.

Thursday [June] 25th. Brought my flour from town and came home tonight.

Friday [June] 26th. Hunted for my sheep this morning and went back to Pap’s this evening.

Saturday [June] 27th. Went to town on business this morning and went to Holland’s tonight (Nannie & some girls with wagon.)

Sabbath [June] 28th. Carried the girls to town and Nannie to her papa’s.

Monday [June] 29th. Worked at an ox yoke this morning & hunted some oxen today.

Tuesday [June] 30th. Made my arrangements to start to the Hubbard’s creek salt works and got as far as town. It rained considerably.

July [1863]

Wednesday [July] 1st. to Saturday [July] 11th. I made the trip to the salt works in the time. I hauled flour, about 1500 lbs. got $30 for hauling it. Sold some flour of my own at $20 per hund. Brought 1675 lbs of salt. It cost 10 cts. Per lb. It rained on me Wed. & Thur. & on Sat. it rained heavily.

[Thursday July 2nd.] [Ibid]

[Friday July 3rd.] [Ibid]

[Saturday July 4th.] [Ibid]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 260 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Sabbath July 5th.] [Ibid]

[Monday July 6th.] [Ibid]

[Tuesday July 7th.] [Ibid]

[Wednesday July 8th.] [Ibid]

[Thursday July 9th.] [Ibid]

[Friday July 10th.] [Ibid]

[Saturday July 11th.] [Ibid]

Sabbath [July] 12th. I came home today from Papa A.’s & found my field fence down and stock in it destroying my crops.

Monday [July] 13th. Went to Lynn’s this morning, came home and spent the day knocking around. My birthday passed by unnoticed.

July 1863 [395]

Tuesday [July] 14th. Emptyed [sic] my salt sacks and hunted up a cow this morning. Spent some time gathering up the corn that the cattle had broken off the stalks. P.M. I sowed some turnips & planted some corn & beets.

Wednesday [July] 15th. Since Saturday last it has been very smoky & foggy all the time, giving everything a gloomy appearance. It thunders & looks like raining A.M. The late rains have made the grass fine. I finished cutting up my lot of ripe corn and went to town to mill. Nannie and I stayed all night at Judge Lasater’s.

Thursday [July] 16th. We went to Papa Arnett’s A.M. I spent the day with the petty deputy conscript officer who is trying, on a poor plan, to arrest some deserters. They have McGlothlin & family under arrest, charged with harboring the deserters, as their wives are at McG’s. I was put on guard at night; but my nag got away & I had to go to Pa A.’s to find it & could not go back.

Friday [July] 17th. After finding my nag I went to McGlothlin’s & found the family safely guarded, but the deserters not found. I came home, attended to the affairs & returned to Papa A’s.

Saturday [July] 18th. Came by town, got my flour & got home P.M. The fog is gone. It is clear & pleasant.

Sabbath [July] 19th. It is clear & very pleasant A.M. It is a great treat to be at home. Spent the day at home.

Monday [July] 20th. Spent the day chinking, covering and[..]

[396] July 1863 putting a floor in my crib & putting the corn in it that the cattle had broken off. Day very hot.

Tuesday [July] 21st. Clear & warm A.M. After attending to the affairs about home Cox & I started to Weatherford to move aunt Rosy back. Camped about 9 miles from Weatherford. Hot.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 261 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [July] 22nd. Drove into the city A.M. & found aunt ready & willing to go back. Spent the balance of the day hunting my mare about 3 m.s N. of town near Patterson’s. Failed to find her & stayed at P.s. Day very hot.

Thursday [July] 23rd. Found my mare late P.M. Hot.

Friday [July] 24th. Spent the day waiting for Cox, loading my wagon and preparing to start.

Saturday [July] 25th. Started early, came about 7 m.s and broke my wagon. Borrowed a wheel & got my wagon to Simpson’s on Grindstone creek. Extremely hot.

Sabbath [July] 26th. Put a spoke & two fellys [sic] in my wheel & put on the tyer [sic] A.M. After which we came home by 10 o’clock P.M. Distance about 20 m’s. Very hot.

Monday [July] 27th. A goo[d] shower of rain A.M. Spent the day at doing little chores &c.

Tuesday [July] 28th. Drove a cow home from Mer. Lynn’s A.M. Spent the balance of the day chinking the stable.

Wednesday [July] 29th. Went to Mr. Lynn’s A.M. Attended to some work at home P.M.

Thursday [July] 30th. Drove up a cow A.M. Commenced cutting up my ripe corn in the filed P.M.

Friday [July] 31st. Went with the women to the wash place A.M. Hauled some poles to fix my lot P.M. Hot.

August 1863 [397]

Saturday [August] 1st. Made 10 shocks of corn today. Hot.

Sabbath [August] 2nd. A pleasant breeze A.M. Spent the day at home.

Monday [August] 3rd. Went to Papa Arnett’s & got a cow A.M. Came by town to attend the election. Drove my cow & 2 for Aunt home P.M.

Tuesday [August] 4th. Cut & put up 13 shocks of corn today.

Wednesday [August] 5th. Cut 3 shocks of corn when it became so hot that I got sick & had to stop. Hauled the Sugar cane mill from the Barber place P.M. Hot.

Thursday [August] 6th. Put up 4 shocks of corn & carried the folks to Espr. Irwin’s. The women washed. I had some bbls. [sic] hooped. Hottest.

Friday [August] 7th. Cut & put up 7 shocks of corn.

Saturday [August] 8th. Put up 11 shocks today – finished my corn. Cooler.

Sabbath [August] 9th. Cloudy-looks like rain. Stayed at home.

Monday [August] 10th. Hauled some water, shelled some corn and went to mill. Came home & hauled spring water. It rains a little.

Tuesday [August] 11th. Set up the cane mill & mended some shoes.

Wednesday [August] 12th. Ground some cane & made about a gallon of molasses. Hauled some wood P.M. & some rock for a furnace. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 262 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thursday [August] 13th. The Indians came into my lot last night and stole my mare, so I have nothing to grind cane with. Spent part of the day with Sam Oxford. Hauled some water & rock P.M.

Friday [August] 14th. I took up Lynn’s mare & ground cane A.M. Went to Lynn’s & engaged him & his mare to help me work my cane. Hot.

Saturday [August] 15th. Lynn assisted me today. Dry & hot. Very tired.

Sabbath [August] 16th. Dry & hot. At home A.M. Went to the spring P.M.

Monday [August] 17th to Saturday 22nd. Spent the week making about 20 gal. molasses. A slow mill. Hot & dry. Rain needing.

[Tuesday August 18th.] [Ibid]

[Wednesday August 19th.] [Ibid]

[Thursday August 20th.] [Ibid]

[Friday August 21st.] [Ibid]

[Saturday August 22nd.] [Ibid]

Sabbath [August] 23rd. Hot & dry. Hauled all hands to the spring. All took a bathe in the river. Hauled a bbl. [sic] of spring water home. At home P.M. Capt. McVee is with us for dinner.

[398] August & Sept. 1863

Monday [August] 24th. Finished making molasses today. A norther [sic] blew up and it is tolerably cool tonight.

Tuesday [August] 25th. Some rain. Covered the crib with ground cane and stacked the cane fodder.

Wednesday [August] 26th. Shucked some corn off of the fodder in the lot A.M. Put sugar-cane seed P.M.

Thursday [August] 27th. Finished putting up cane seed A.M. Haired some calf skins & hauled some water P.M. Warm.

Friday [August] 28th. Carried the women to the wash place A.M. Boiled cedar ooze & put my skins to tan P.M.

Saturday [August] 29th. Assisted Cox to gather corn today.

Sabbath [August] 30th. Cool A.M. Spent the day at home.

Monday [August] 31st. Marked & branded a cow & calf, made a hog pen, put up a crib door, hauled some water & went to Larke creek to hunt my sheep, & shelled some corn for the mill.

September [1863]

Tuesday [September] 1st. All got in the wagon & went to town. Got some grinding, got aunt Rosy some cotton cards, attended to some other business, & went to Pa. A.’s & stayed all night.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 263 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wednesday [September] 2nd. Came to Aunt’s place & gathered her corn. 10 bu [sic] to her part. Came home late P.M. Hot. No dinner.

Thursday [September] 3rd. to Saturday [September] 5th. Spent the time shucking & hauling corn from the field. So hot & dry I can shuck only of mornings consequently I make slow progerss.

[Friday September 4th.] [Ibid]

[Saturday September 5th.] [Ibid]

Sabbath [September] 6th. Hot & dry. Stayed at home. Had Espr. Irwin & family, Pap Arnett, and Judge McLean & family for dinner.

Monday [September] 7th. Shucked & hauled some corn A.M. hauled some water & shucked some corn P.M. The weather is still dry.

September 1863 [399]

Tuesday [September] 8th. Shucked my usual amount of corn A.M. & then went to town with Lynn & Irwin, we had a horse between us all. We went to hear Maj. Carmichael speak & propose his paln for Frontier defence [sic] &c. He proposed to organize the Malitia [sic] of this, & other forntier [sic] counties & keep them scouting for Indians &c. The people here do not seem to favor the plan much. After he was done speaking, a dreadful tragedy occurred in town. It seems that a difference existed between P. E. Crane & M. C. Brashears about a horse. A few words passed between them when Brashears shot Crane through the side of the face. He shot several times and killed a stranger who happened to be in town. He was killed through mistake. He was taken to be Crane’s brother-in-law. Brashears was shot through the body & through the thigh. A. G. Crawford shot and killed Abijah Crane – Pete’s brother. Several other shots were fired by the friends of the parties, and there was a great excitement in town for some time, but no other injury done, except that three horses were wounded. The result was that Abijah Cran[e] and Lindsey- the stranger – were killed. M.C. & Pete wounded – M.C. thought to be mortally, but Pete slightly. How horrid a thing for men to buthcer each other so! We came home P.M.

Wednesday [September] 9th. to Friday [September] 11th. Time spent shucking & hauling corn. Finished Friday. Had 60 bu. from 9 or 10 acres.

[Thursday September 10th.] [Ibid]

[Friday September 11th.] [Ibid]

Saturday [September] 12th. Commenced hauling & stacking my fodder. Hot. Looks like rain. Mended my shoes P.M.

Sabbath [September] 13th. Clear & pleasant. No rain. Spent the day at home.

[400] September 1863

Monday [September] 14th. Hauled & stacked fodder A.M. Hauled some water, filled a bbl. of vinegar off the cane stalks P.M.

Tuesday [September] 15th. A little rain A.M. Hauled & stacked fodder today.

Wednesday [September] 16th. Finished my fodder today. A fine rick. Hot.

Thursday [September] 17th. A wind storm b[l]ew off part of my fodder rick. But little rain. Put up my fodder & helped Lynn gather corn. Pleasant.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 264 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Friday [September] 18th. Helped Lynn finish his corn, got done before night & penned a cow of mine & killed a yearling for beef.

Saturday [September] 19th. Minded my cows off the peas in the field A.M. Repaired a bed-stead & attended to other affairs at the house P.M.

Sabbath [September] 20th. A little cool & pleasant. Spent the day at home.

Monday [September] 21st. Cut & hauled some wagon timber today.

Tuesday [September] 22nd. Made a calf lot A.M. Carried my wagon to the shop P.M.

Wednesday [September] 23rd. & Thur. 24th. Assisted Irwin to repair my wagon.

[Thursday September 24th.] [Ibid]

Fri. [September] 25th. Brought my wagon home & hauled some wood.

Sat. [September] 26th. Assisted Bro. Wright in hunting sheep.

Sun. [September] 27th. Pleasantly cool A.M. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [September] 28th. Hauled some water & cedar tops A.M. Boiled ooze, attended to my tanning & did some writing P.M.

Tues. [September] 29th. Cloudy. Did some work at my tanning, writing[,] hanging up meat, hauling water & c. No rain.

Wed. [September] 30th. A considerable norther [sic] A.M. Quarried some rock to build a chimney A.M. Put my guns in shooting order & boiled some tan ooze P.M. The norther [sic] has blown all day. The wild geese are going S., P.M. – the first I have seen. Weather very dry, the grass almost entirely gone, the river has not run for more than a month, & the ground is too dry to plow.

October 1863 [401]

Thurs. [October] 1st. A calm, clear & warm day. Cut & hauled some gate timber & commenced making the gate.

Fri. [October] 2nd. Spent the day working at my gate. Warm.

Sat. [October] 3rd. Went with the women to the spring to wash. Caut [sic] & prepared some gate posts while there. Also went to Mrs. Powers’s for some tobacco for aunt Rosy.

Sun. [October] 4th. Nights & mornings cool Days warm. Stayed at home.

Mon. [October] 5th. Finished & hung my gate. Day warm & dry.

Tues. [October] 6th. Commenced hauling rock for a chimney to a shed room.

Wed. [October] 7th. 7 Thu. [October] 8th. Finished hauling rock for my chimneys.

[Thurs. October 8th.] [Ibid]

Frid. [sic] [October] 9th. Cut fire wood to haul.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 265 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sat. [October] 10th. Hauled the wood I cut yesterday.

Sun. [October] 11th. Nights cool. days warm. All got in the wagon & went to Lynn’s.

Mon. [October] 12th. A felon [sic] is coming on my left thumb. Made and hung a cow-pen gate.

Tues. [October] 13th. Thumb painful. Shelled corn for milling & loaded the wagon.

Wed. [October] 14th. Started to mill befor[e] sun up. Got part of my grinding. Bought 10 bu. lime 25cts. per. bu. Got 2 calf skins I had tanned, curried off, for which I paid $1 each. Got some work done in the smith shop, loaded a bbl. of sement [sic] on my wagon & came home. Thumb painful. I put some strong pot ash on it tonight & it caused tremendous pains for about two hours. It had been on but a short time till a tough looking substance began to ooze out, * in about 2 hours it commenced running & had bursted [sic] open.

Thurs. [October] 15th. Thumb running freely A.M. & not so painful. Nursed my thumb today. McVee is with us.

[402] October 1863

Frid. [sic] [October] 16th. Thumb still running freely, not very painful. Unloaded the wagon, cut out the chimney places in my rooms, & made other preparations for beginning to build the chimneys.

Sat. [October] 17th. Thumb still running, very tender, not very painful. Hauled some water & cedar tops A.M. Boiled some ooze, attended to my tanning & gathered some plums. Considerable norther [sic]. Dry & dusty. Can’t plow.

Sun. [October] 18th. Cool, clear, a little windy. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [October] 19th. Split some wood A.M. Scattered some straw P.M.

Tues. [October] 20th. Cut 108 cedar poles today. Dark, smoky & cool.

Wed. [October] 21st. A little rain & cloudy, misty. Cut 100 poles.

Thurs. [October] 22nd. A cold rain, by showers, all day. Spent the day working on a pair of shoes. Cold tonight.

Fri. [October] 23rd. A keen, cold norther [sic], ice is frozen in the water bucket. Finished my shoes & helped butcher a beef A.M. Sawed down the wheat on my lot and commenced plowing it in P.M. Ground too dry to plow well.

Sat. [October] 24th. A tremendous frost & the ground frozen A.M. Finished plowing my lot & sowed a turnip patch P.M. The weather has moderated some; but still cold.

Sun. [October] 25th. A heavy frost this morning. Tolerably cool, but calm today. Stayed at home.

Mon. [October] 26th. to Saturday [October] 31st. Spent the whole of the week plowing in wheat. Thursday evening a norther [sic] blew up , and during the night a snow fell about an inch and a half deep. Weather cold.

[Tues. October 27th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. October 28th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. October 29th.] [Ibid] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 266 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Fri. October 30th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. October 31st.] [Ibid]

November 1863 [403]

Sun. [November] 1st. Cloudy, misting rain a little S. wind. Stayed at home.

Mon. [November] 2nd to Sat. [November] 7th. spent the week seeding. Took my plow to town Wed. & had it repaired. Damp the most of the week. Went to town Sat. P.M. to pay my war tax.

[Tue. November 3rd.] [Ibid]

[Wed. November 4th.] [Ibid]

[Thur. November 5th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 6th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. November 7th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [November] 8th. Cold N. wind. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [November] 9th to Sat. [November] 14th. Spent the week seeding. Sowed 12 ½ bu. of wheat & brushed it in after turning it under with the plow. Very tired tonight.

[Tue. November 10th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. November 11th.] [Ibid]

[Thur. November 12th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 13th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. November 14th.] [Ibid]

Friday [November] 20th. Went to Lynn’s A.M. & brought some bread stuff & a bed stead, & hauled a bbl. of water from the spring. Hauled some wood & killed 2 hogs P.M.

Saturday [November] 21st. Carried the women to the wash place at the foot of the mountain towards town. I left them there & carried Mr. Eubanks ¾ of a beef to town. Attended to some business at town & returned home – getting a load of lime rock at the top of the mountain & brining the women from the was[h] place. I went to town to attend the organization of the Malitia [sic]; but in the draft I drew to stay at home, so I did not wait for organizing. Cool.

Sun. [November] 22nd. Clear & cool A.M. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [November] 23rd. Hauled some poles A.M. Split some rails & repaired the lot fences P.M. Cloudy & damp A.M. Norther [sic] P.M.

[404] November & December 1863

Tues. [November] 24th. to Thurs. [November] 26th. Cox & I built a chimney to shed room.

[Wed. November 25th.] [Ibid] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 267 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Thurs. November 26th.] [Ibid]

Fri. [November] 27th. Spent part of the day painting the house. Hauled a load of wood P.M. A norther [sic] all day.

Sat. [November] 28th. Put a back in one of my fire places & chinked part of the house. Norther [sic] all day – calm at sunset.

Sun. [November] 29th. Night & day cold. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [November] 30th. Carried all the women & children to Judge Pollard’s, I went to Brewers after a loom he was repairing for aunt Rosy. Came home P.M. Pleasant.

December [1863]

Tue. [December] 1st to Fri. [December] 4th. Spent the time painting both rooms – both inside and out. Weather pleasant.

[Wed. December 2nd.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. December 3rd.] [Ibid]

[Fri. December 4th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [December] 5th. Cloudy & misty. Spent the day cutting & hauling wood.

Sun. [December] 6th. Cloudy warm & damp. Went to Cox’s ranch after ¼ of a beef A.M. Spent the balance of the day at home.

Mon. [December] 7th. Went to town to mill. Got part of my grinding. Came home.

Tue. [December] 8th to Thurs. 10th. Cox & I built a chimney to the other shed room & layed [sic] the hearths in each fire place.

[Wed. December 9th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. December 10th.] [Ibid]

Fri. [December] 11th. Spent the day whitewashing the cracks of the house.

Sat. [December] 12th. Finished the whiting of the cracks A.M. Spent P.M. hauling loose rock out of the yard, getting cedar & boiling tan ooze, hauling water &c. Week warm & pleasant.

Sun. [December] 13th. A cool norther [sic] A.M. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [December] 14th. Very cold morning. Carried aunt Rosy to Wm. Hittson’s A.M. to buy some pork. Came home & assisted Nan. put in a piece of cloth & helped Cox butcher a beef. I pay $20 for ½ of it.

Tue. [December] 15th. Salted my beef & painted on the smoke house.

Wed. [December] 16th. A cold norther [sic] all day. Spent the day making Edwin a pair of shoes & mending my boot.

December 1863 [405] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 268 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Thurs. [December] 17th. Cold. Hunted oxen A.M. Hauled wood and water & worked on the loom P.M.

Fri. [December] 18th & Sat. [December] 19th. Cut & hauled fire wood. Days cold.

[Sat. December 19th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [December] 20th. A.M. cold. Day pleasant. Stayed at home McVee for dinner.

Mon. [December] 21st. Finished painting the smoke house.

Tue. [December] 22nd. Hauled water, cleaned up the rubbish where we built the chimneys & penciled down the chimneys.

Wed. [December] 23rd. Went with the women to the wash place & while they were there I hauled rails to finish Aunt’s fence.

Thurs. [December] 24th & Fri. [December] 25th. Cut 150 poles in the cedar break each day. Had Dr. Valentine & lady with us for dinner the 25th.

[Fri. December 25th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [December] 26th. Cut 50 poles & it commenced raining. I went to the house & cut Capt. McVee a buckskin coat. Spent the balance of the day at the house. The rain & norther [sic] continues.

Sun. [December] 27th. Cold norther [sic] blowing. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [December] 28th. Hunted for a beef, did not find it. Cut 100 poles & assisted Cox to build a fire for cleaning hogs.

Tue. [December] 29th. Helped Cox clean 6 hogs A.M. and cut 75 poles P.M.

Wed. [December] 30th. Cloudy & misting rain A.M. Made an attempt to kill a beef. I found him twice, shot at him four times and ran him till sometime in the after-noon, but did not get him. A norther [sic] blew up and it is cold.

Thurs. [December] 31st. The norther [sic] and wind snow has blown all day and it is very cold. Worked at a pair of shoes today.

[406] January 1864

Fri. [January] 1nd. Extreamly [sic] cold. Finished a pair of shoes A.M. Went to Grounds’s [sic] P.M. after some medicine. As the new year sets in may our virtues and Christian graces revive & grow bright.

Sat. [January] 2nd. A kind of cold mist & sleet has been falling the most of the day. Finished another pair of shoes & commenced on the 3rd. Mrs. Barber, S. F. ones & family are with us tonight.

Sun. [January] 3rd. Still cold & misting. Spent the day sitting by the fire & reading.

Mon. [January] 4th. Went to Pollard’s & assisted Creel to cut up pork. Cold.

Tue. [January] 5th. Hauled wood & prepared a place for heating rock to clean hogs. Worked at shoes P.M. Very cold.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 269 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wed. [January] 6th. Hunted up & butchered a beef – 600 lbs. Cold.

Thurs. [January] 7th. Finished some shoes A.M. Cut wood P.M. Cold.

Fri. [January] 8th. Killed & cleaned 10 hogs. Average about 100 lbs. each. cold.

Sat. [January] 9th. Salted my pork A.M. Hauled wood and water P.M. It is still cold, but moderating.

Sun. [January] 10th. Cold night. A.M. more pleasant. Stayed at home.

Mon. [January] 11th. Assisted Cox in killing hogs.

Tue. [January] 12th. to Thu. [January] 14th. Cut 470 poles. Tolerably pleasant north wind.

[Wed. January 13th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. January 14th.] [Ibid]

Fri. [January] 15th. Killed 4 hogs averaging 147 lbs. each. Hauled water P.M.

Sat. [January] 16th. Salted my meat A.M. Hauled wood & water and attended to my tanning the balance of the day.

Sun. [January] 17th. A cold norther [sic]. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [January] 18th. to Fri. [January] 22nd. I with a hired hand, hauled poles out of the cedar brake [sic], 8 loads a day for 5 days making 40 loads. I assisted in loading he drives the wagon & unloads while I continue to cut poles, in the way we got out about 1800.

[Tue. January 19th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. January 20th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. January 21st.] [Ibid]

[Fri. January 22nd.] [Ibid]

Sat. [January] 23rd. Hauled my last load of poles A.M. I then took Aunt Rosy to Col Wards & got 5 bu. corn. Pleasant weather this week.

January & February 1864 [407]

Sun. [January] 24th. Pleasant A.M. A little blustry [sic] P.M. Stayed at home.

Mon. [January] 25th. Went to town, had a plow sharpened, attended to some other business, got some meal at the mill & came home.

Tue. [January] 26th. Layed [sic] the worm of my lot fence A.M. 250 pannels [sic]. Split rails the balance of the day. Warm.

Wed. [January] 27th. & Thurs. [January] 28th. Continued splitting rails. Late Thurs. P.M went to Pollard’s & Powers’s & asked hands to Aunt’s working.

[Thurs. January 28th.] [Ibid]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 270 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Fri. [January] 29th. Went Aunt’s place, found 4 hands there. We layed [sic] up 290 pannels [sic] of fence during the day.

Sat. [January] 30th. Hauled water A.M. Lay in bed the rest of the day.

Sun. [January] 31st. A light rain. Day pleasant, spent it at home.

February [1864]

Mon. [February] 1st. to Wed. [February] 3rd. Worked at my lot fence, building the new & moving the old rails. Made a lot of about 7 acres. Closed it up Wed. P.M. Dry and pleasant.

[Tue. February 2nd.] [Ibid]

[Wed. February 3rd.] [Ibid]

Thurs. [February] 4th. & Fri. [February] 5th. Spent the time breaking up my lot for corn. Plows very dry and hard.

[Fri. February 5th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [February] 6th. Went with the women to the wash place A.M. Hauled wood & water P.M. A norther [sic] today.

Sun. [February] 7th. the day is beautiful, spent it at home.

Mon. [February] 8th. Spent A.M. rectifying the field fence, supplying steaks [sic] & riders where they are wanting Spent P.M. digging up bear grass, grape vines & sprouts in the field.

Tue. [February] 9th. Continued digging in the field today.

Wed. [February] 10th. Assisted to finish Aunt’s fence, came home and finished digging up the stuff in the field.

Thurs. [February] 11th. to Sat. [February] 13th. Spent the time plowing in my lot. Dry.

[Fri. February 12th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. February 13th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [February] 14th. Rained moderately the most of the day. A fine rain. Spent the day at home.

[408] February & March 1864

Mon. [February] 15th. & Tues. [February] 16th. Spent the time breaking up my lot. Mon. warm. Tues. a cold norther [sic].

[Tue. February 16th.] [Ibid]

Wed. [February] 17th. Finished breaking up my lot A.M. & spent the rest of the day furrowing off with the big plow. Cold.

Thurs. [February] 18th. Hauled wood A.M. Finished furrowing my lot 1st. way P.M. cold.

Fri. [February] 19th. Spent the day crossing off my lot with a bulting [sic]. Cold.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 271 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sat. [February] 20th. Went to town to mill. did not get my grinding. Pleasant.

Sun. [February] 21st. Morning cold. Day more pleasant. Stayed at home.

Mon. [February] 22nd. Went to town after my grinding, got only part of it. Had some work done in the shop. Started home at sun down.

Tue. [February] 23rd. & Wed. [February] 24th. Commenced & continued planting corn. Sowed tobacco seed.

[Wed. February 24th.] [Ibid]

Thurs. [February] 25th. Continued planting corn. Planted some garden. Very warm.

Fri. [February] 26th. Finished planting corn in my lot. Planted about 6 acres.

Sat. [February] 27th. Hauled wood, water, & gate timber, worked some on the gate.

Sun. [February] 28th. A norther [sic] after the rain. Cold day, spent it at home.

Mon. [February] 29th. A snow about 2 inches deep. Worked at shoes. Cold.

March [1864]

Tue. [February] 1st. Clear, calm. The snow gone. Hauled some wood pulled a cow out of the river & skinned her.

Wed. [February] 2nd. Hauled wood & water & skinned another cow.

Thurs. [February] 3rd. Broke up and planted a sugar cane patch.

Fri. [February] 4th. Worked on a tan trough. A norther [sic].

Sat. [February] 5th. Helped Gibson hunt his oxen. Cool.

Sun. [February] 6th. Calm & cool. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [February] 7th. Ran off furrows for Gibson to plant corn.

Tue. [February] 8th. Continued to furrow off land for Gibson.

Wed. [February] 9th. Worked on a tan trough & hauled it home. Planted some sugar cane P.M. High north wind.

March 1864 [409]

Thurs. [March] 10th. Furrowed off land for Gibson. A cold norther [sic].

Fri. [March] 11th. Planted corn & cane in the field today. The wheat was killed by the cold last winter so that I aim to plant about ½ of the field in corn. I furrow with a bullting [sic] & cover with a cultivator & drop in the drill about 3 ½ feet apart.

Sat. [March] 12th. Finished planting corn & sugar cane.

Sun. [March] 13th. Cloudy. N. wind cool. The whole family took dinner at Pollard’s. Came home this evening. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 272 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Mon. [March] 14th. Cold norther [sic]. Repaired my lot gates, got out some axe halve timber & worked on my tan trough.

Tue. [March] 15th. Still cold enoug[h] to freeze ice over a tub of water in a few minutes. Cut fire wood & rail timber; and worked on my tan trough. What corn I had up is killed.

Wed. [March] 16th. Cut fire wood & rail timber. Cold, but moderating.

Thu. [March] 17th. Cut wood. Split rails. Went a fishing [sic], caught nothing. Warm.

Fri. [March] 18th. Hauled water, rails & wood. Day pleasant.

Sat. [March] 19th. Attended the organization of the Malitia [sic] at town. The Com[pany] is divided into 4 scouts, each to be gone 10 days, so that ¼ of the malitia [sic] will be out at a time. The 1st. scout starts Mon. next. I come on the 4th. scout.

Sun. [March] 20th. Cool E. wind. Smoky & cloudy Stayed at home.

Mon. [March] 21st. A fine misty rain. Cut wood & worked on my tan trough.

Tue. [March] 22nd. Put my hides in the river to soak & hauled water. Built a log heap to burn lime & get ashes to lime hides. Warm.

Wed. [March] 23rd. Hauled lime rock A.M. Cut rail timber for a garden P.M.

Thurs. [March] 24th. It rained last night the best rain since July. Took my hides out of the river & put them in the trough. Cut rail timer & mended by heap.

Fri. [March] 25th. Cut rail timber in the bottom & worked at my hides.

Sat. [March] 26th. Hauled water, repaired Aunt’s fence & shelled corn.

[410] March & April 1864

Sun. [March] 27th. Esther [sic]. Cloudy, S. wind. About 10 A.M. hitched the oxen to the fore wheels of the wagon &7 started to Pap A.’s. One of the oxen “gave out” before we got to Jack Smith’s, so we had to leave them & walk, carrying our boy & some cloth we were taking to get fulled [sic]. Heavy W. wind & sand storm P.M.

Mon. [March] 28th. Heavy W. wind last night, moderating today. Papa & I attended Probate court at town A.M. Hauled wood & water at his house P.M.

Tue. [March] 29th. Hunted up some help & fulled [sic] 30 odd yds. cloth. Windy.

Wed. [March] 30th. Started home[,] early P.M. before we got home. Worked at my skins after getting home. W. wind. Warm.

Thurs. [March] 31st. Made rails in the bottom. A booming norther [sic] all day.

April [1864]

Fri. [April] 1st. Helped Gibson plant corn. Pleasant.

Sat. [April] 2nd. Helped Gibson plant corn again. S.W. wind all day.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 273 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sun. [April]3rd. The most tremendous sand storm I ever saw from the N.W. all day. Spent the day at home. Cool.

Mon. [April] 4th. Finished my lot fence in the bottom. A.M. Pealed tan bark P.M. McVee is with us tonight. NW. wind heavy A.M. moderating P.M.

Tue. [April] 5th. Finished fleshing & breaking my skins & put them in lime. Warm.

Wed. [April] 6th. Helped Gibson plant corn & sugar cane. Pleasant.

Thurs. [April] 7th. Replanted corn in my lot. ¾ missing. Very warm.

Fri. [April] 8th. Continued replanting. Heavy & incessant norther [sic] all day.

Sat. [April] 9th. Finished replanting my lot A.M. Sold a preemption claim P.M. Property of the estate of G. Cornett deed. Brought $25 Confederate. Hauled water. V. Bell is with us tonight. Norther [sic] A.M.

Sun. [April] 10th. Warm S. wind. Very dry. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [April] 11th. Worked at hairing my skins, putting them in the river & hauling tan bark.

Tue. [April] 12th. Hauled my skins from the river & packed the most of them in bark.

Wed. [April] 13th. Finished packing my skins in bark A.M. And [..]

April 1864 [411]

Spent the rest of the day boiling ooze & filling the troughs. Have 14 ½ skins in tan. Rained misty showers; too light to do much good.

Thurs. [April] 14th. Hunted oxen, skinned one ox & hauled wood A.M. Drove up some milk cows P.M. Cold N. wind.

Fri. [April] 15th. Hauled wood & water. Cold N. wind.

Sat. [April]16th. Hauled wood & water & prepared rawhide for ropes. Warm.

Sun. [April] 17th. Clear, windy, very dry. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [April] 18th. Planted about 2 acres in sugar cane. Hot & dry.

Tues. [April] 19th. Attended court at town. Present & presiding His Hon. A. Y McFarland. But few lawyers or people present.

Wed. [April] 20th. Meet the malitia [sic] at town and attended a suit in the district court in favor of the estate of B. T. Baker, Vs. C. Vernoy. I obtained judgement [sic] against him for $2169 principle, with interest. My scout starts tomorrow.

Thurs. [April] 21st. Hauled water & prepared to go on my scout. Spent the day hunting for a nag I had bought. Stayed all night Papa A’s.

Fri. [April] 22nd. A light rain last night. Found my nag A.M. At 2 P.M. our scout started from town. We camped at the Ford house at the foot of the mountain. A tremendous rain this evening.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 274 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sat. [April] 23rd. Went to Blair’s A.M. to arrest 3 deserters. Two were not there & the one that was agreed to start to the army in 10 days, so we let him alone. The Co. camped close by and I came home & spent the most of the day changing my skins into fresh ooze. I met the Co. on the mountain P.M. We passed town & camped on Eagle at a Haywood house.

Sun. [April] 24th. Started early, came to Ironi 13 m’s. [sic] from town & struck camp near the old Keihoe ranch.

Mon. [April] 25th. Spent the day at the same camp, some hunting some playing cards & lounging around. Poor grass.

[412] April & May 1864

Tues. [April] 26th. We recieved [sic] orders to return to town, which we did by noon. Here the scout was divided & sent to different places to watch for Jim Blair. My part of the scout watched at his mother’s during the night; but did not find him.

Wed. [April] 27th. I came home early & replanted about an acre of sugar-cane-my first planting. Hauled a load of water & returned to the scout between Cox’s ranch & the mountain. Camped.

Thurs. [April] 28th. Stayed in camps till late P.M. It looked so much like rain, came to the Cox ranch to camp. I came home.

Fri. [April] 29th. Spent A.M. attending to my tanning. Horsed [sic] hunted P.M.

Sat. [April] 30th. A pretty rain last night Warm since the big rain – a fine growing season at last. Found my pony at Pollard’s A.M. Commenced plowing my lot corn with a cultivator. A norther [sic].

May [1864]

Sun. [May] 1st. A norther [sic] still. River running again. Stayed at home.

Mon. [May] 2nd. Finished plowing my lot corn one way. Cold for May.

Tues. [May] 3rd. Commenced running around my corn in the field with a bullting [sic].

Wed. [May] 4th. Continued running around my corn. Day windy.

Thurs. [May] 5th. Finished rounding & commenced breaking out middles with a shovel.

Fri. [May] 6th. & Sat. [May] 7th. Continued plowing corn. A little rain Sat.

[Sat. May 7th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [May] 8th. A tolerably good rain. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [May] 9th. Plowed corn till it rained a good rain. Thinned corn P.M.

Tues. [May] 10th. Horse hunted & thinned corn A.M. Plowed corn P.M.

Wed. [May] 11th. Hauled water & thinned corn A.M. Started on a 10 day’s scout P.M. 1st. camp on Eagle creek. 1st. Lieut. Corbin commands the scout.

Thurs. [May] 12th. Traveled about 30 m’s [sic] today hunting water & grass; but finding neither returned to Eagle. Warm. 2 men came up. We have 8 now.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 275 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Fri. [May] 13th. Went to Lake creek and pitched camp near the Witt houses.

May 1864 [413]

Sat. [May] 14th. Grass bad here. Left early, went to the Big gap branch near the Gap & camped. Killed & dressed a yearling for beef & sent two men home after a frying pan.

Sun. [May] 15th. Barbecued our beef. Our men brought orders from the Capt. for us to march immediately to the river and arrest Jim Blair. Came to the Ford house & camped. Another recruit.

Mon. [May] 16th. We concluded to wait till night before we attempted to find Blair. Se we hunted grass for our horses & camped. I got leave of absence to go home & haul a load of water. We moved camps late this evening.

Tues. [May] 17th. Went to Blair’s before day & watched for Him, but did not find him. Spent the day in camps.

Wed. [May] 18th. Moved to aunt Rosy’s spring on the river. I came home & hauled some water.

Thurs. [May] 19th. Hunted cattle & killed a conscript for beef.

Fri. [May] 20th. Scout dismissed A.M. Plowed corn. Ground dry.

Sat. [May] 21st. Plowed corn & cane & hauled water.

Sun. [May] 22nd. Helped Lynn across the river, as he was taking Aunt to her mountain place. Spent the rest at home.

Mon. [May] 23rd. to Sat. [May] 28th. Spent the time plowing corn & cane. Did not finish. A nice rain Mon. night, another Wed. evening, and a heavy rain on Friday. We have a fine growing season now. Corn is doing well .River past fording this week.

[Tues. May 24th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. May 25th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. May 26th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. May 27th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. May 28th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [May] 29th. A fine day. Spent it at home.

Mon. [May] 30th. & Tues. [May] 31st. Spent the time plowing corn & cane. A nice rain Tues. The season is fine & there are some silks in my corn.

[Tues. May 31st.] [Ibid]

[414] June 1864

Wed. [June] 1st. Plowed corn. Rain again.

Thurs. [June] 2nd. Plowed A.M. Thinned P.M. Another rain.

Fri. [June] 3rd. Went to mill. Came home & hauled water. Rain. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 276 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sat. [June] 4th. Finished plowing my corn & cane. About 20 or 21 acres.

Sun. [June] 5th. All got in the wagon & I drove to Lieut. Pollard’s, where we spent the most of the day. The river is up.

Mon. [June] 6th. To Sat. [June] 11th. Spent the time hoeing [sic] & thinning corn & cane. Did not finish. Rain Thurs. & wind that broke off some corn. Fri. tremendous rain. Sat. river up very high, running out of the 1st. bank. Highest it has been.

[Tues. June 7th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. June 8th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. June 9th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. June 10th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. June 11th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [June] 12th. River still very high, but falling. Stayed at home.

Mon. [June] 13th. To Wed. [June] 15th. Finished hoeing [sic] & thinning corn & cane.

[Tues. June 14th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. June 15th.] [Ibid]

Thurs. [June] 16th. To Sat. [June] 18th. Spent the time building aunt Rosy a cow pen & yard fence & moving her to her place at the spring & fixing up for her generally. River down.

[Fri. June 17th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. June 18th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [June] 19th. Went to town to meeting & heared [sic] Presiding E. - Johnston preach from the 1st. Psalm. A nice discourse upon the life of the righteous man compared with the life of the wicked. Class meeting P.M. after which I came home, but N- [sic] stayed.

Mon. [June] 20th. Went to town to mill. Got home late.

Tues. [June] 21st. Hauled water & made Vic , a pair of shoes.

Wed. [June] 22nd. Made & hung a gate & commenced platting me a hat.

Thurs. [June] 23rd. Repaired my wagon & platted on my hat. A good rain.

Fri. [June] 24th. To Sat. [June] 25th. Hauling a house for Aunt Rosy from the Ballow place. Did not get done.

[Sat. June 25th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [June] 26th. A pleasant day, spent it at home.

Mon. [June] 27th. Finished hauling the house A.M. & with the help of the women, raised it ready for the boards. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 277 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

June & July 1864 [415]

Tues. [June] 28th. Covered the house & layed [sic] the floor.

Wed. [June] 29th. Went to town to attend the inspection of the Malitia [sic] by Maj. Quayl. Three companies present. One deserter detected. The Maj[or] and Judge Issabel [sic] are with us tonight.

Thurs. [June] 30th. Took Aunt a pony A.M. Hauled water P.M.

July [1864]

Fri. [July] 1st. Spent the day making a raw hide rope. Dry & hot.

Sat. [July] 2nd. Cut some grass at Aunts A.M. Cow hunted P.M.

Sun. [July] 3rd. Dry & hot. Corn drying up rapidly. P.M. went with Capt. McVee to Parker Co. after a horse of his. We stayed all night at Newberry’s on Grind stone.

Mon. [July] 4th. Found the horse on Pindle prairie, it was not his. Came by Col Barber’s & got my horse there, & got home by 3 P.M.

Tues. [July] 5th. Shocked the hay at Aunt’s A.M. Worked at my well rope. Went after water, broke my wagon tung [sic] & left the wagon.

Wed. [July] 6th. Platted my well rope, put a tung [sic] in my wagon, hunted a cow sometime, & brought my water home P.M.

Thurs. [July] 7th. Went with Judge McLean to Stephens prairie. He got his nag & went on to Parker Co. I came home. Hot & dry.

Fri. [July] 8th. Commenced cutting up my corn. Put up 7 shocks & cut down 7 more. The corn is dried up awfully, so that I fear I will not make my bread.

Sat. [July] 9th. Put up the 7 & cut & put up 2 more. 16 this week. Carried some wool to Mrs. Powers’s [sic], made Aunt a reel, stacked her grass & hauled water. Hot & dry.

Sun. [July] 10th. Dry & hot. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [July] 11th to Sat. [July] 16th. Cut & put up 115 shocks of corn making 131 in all. Weather dry & hot. Corn almost ruined.

[Tues. July 12th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. July 13th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. July 14th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. July 15th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. July 16th.] [Ibid]

[416] July 1864

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 278 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sun. [July] 17th. Went to town & heared [sic] Bro. Carpenter – the circuit rider preach. Had taken his text before we got there. Discourse not very lengthy – followed by Bro. Williams. Class-meeting P.M. Came home tonight.

Mon. [July] 18th. Put up 9 shocks of corn in the field and cut some in the lot. The Preacher is with us tonight.

Tues. [July] 19th. Finished cutting my corn & cut some cane. Hottest [sic].

Wed. [July] 20th. Finished setting up my corn & set up some cane. I have 163 shocks of corn. It is very sorry. ( shock of cane, not fit to grind. Heardly [sic] fit for food. Hauled water P.M. A light shower of rain.

Thurs. [July] 21st. Went to Papa A.’s after a can mill, came by town & got home a little after dark.

Fri. [July] 22nd. Shucked 4 shocks corn & set up my mill. Light rain.

Sat. [July] 23rd. Got timber & made an ox bow, hauled 3 loads of wood.

Sun. [July] 24th. Cloudy, pleasant. Spent the most of the day at home.

Mon. [July] 25th to Tuesday [July] 26th. Spent the time grinding cane, made two gal. molasses, so I concluded to cut the rest of the can for food.

[Tues. July 26th.] [Ibid]

Wed. [July] 27th. Cut cane & went to mill with new corn. Very hot.

Thurs. [July] 28th & Fri. [July] 29th. Spent the time cutting & putting up cane. A nice rain.

[Fri. July 29th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [July] 30th. Finished cutting and setting up cane A.M. Have 48 shocks of cane. I then moved Nannie to Aunt Rosys and started on my scout. Stayed at town till 2 P.M. Went to Eagle & camped.

Sun. [July] 31st. J. L. Davis & I were detailed, this morning, to go to head quarters for ammunition. Got our papers fixed up & came as far as home & stayed all night. Day hot. Decater [sic] in Wise Co. is the place of Head Quarters.

August 1864 [417]

Mon. [August] 1st. Started early, passed Weatherford about noon, & Veal’s Station & Spring Town lat[e] P.M. Camped about 3 m’s. [sic] past Spring Town. 45 m’s. [sic] today.

Tues. [August] 2nd. Started early, came to West Fork & found it swimming. I swam my horse over & crossed on a drift myself. Went on to Decator [sic] & attended to the business, while Davis stayed on this side. When I returned the drift had washed away, but I swam my horse again & went down the river till I found the drift & crossed on it again. We came out about 6 m’s. [sic] to Vinkannon’s on Salt creek & camped. Hot.

Wed. [August] 3rd. Came by Weatherford to Simpson’s & camped. I sold a pony to Carter in Weatherford for 800 lbs. flour. We learn that Lucky, the Traitor, was hung close to Weatherford on the 1st, inst [sic] by a mob.

Thurs. [August] 4th. Came home for breakfast. Spent the day moving back home, hauling water &c. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 279 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Fri. [August] 5th. Shucked 9 shocks of corn, they made 1 bu. only.

Sat. [August] 6th. Shucked 8 today & got about 2 bu. Went to mill this evening. Stayed all night at Aunt Rosy’s.

Sun. [August] 7th. Came home early & spent the day at home.

Mon. [August] 8th. & Tues. [July] 9th. Shucked out 43 shocks of corn.

[Tues. August 9th.] [Ibid]

Wed. [August] 10th. Finished shucking my lot corn & stacked the most of the fodder. Off of 6 acres I get 9 bu. A light rain.

Thurs. [August] 11th. Finished stacking my lot fodder & helped Vol. [sic] Cox gather his corn. Started to Weatherford after flour & got to Simpson’s on Rock creek. A heavy rain.

Fri. [August] 12th. Got to Weatherford by 12 M. Rain by showers. Got my flour & some cotton & came to J. P. Barber’s & stayed. Hot.

[418] August 1864

Sat. [August] 13th. Come home today about 20 m’s. [sic] Very hot.

Sun. [August] 14th. Clear & pleasant. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [August] 15th. Commenced plowing for grass & turnips.

Tues. [August] 16th. Plowed A.M. Thrashed grass seed & hauled water P.M. Hot.

Wed. [August] 17th. A good rain lat [sic] night. Finished plowing my patch. 4 acres.

Thurs. [August] 18th. Sowed my grass seed, turnips, buck wheat & planted some corn, broom- corn & watermelons & brushed them all in A.M. Commenced plowing some of my wheat land P.M. Hoping that there may be wheat enough on the ground to seed it. Day warm. I sowed 35 bu. of wheat last fall, but did not harvest a bushel. Hard times!

Fri. [August] 19th. Continued plowing. River up. Hot.

Sat. [August] 20th. Finished plowing about 3 acres of wheat land. A.M. Helped Gibson pull some corn, butchered a beef & shelled corn.

Sun. [August] 21st. My family & the Gibson’s got in the wagon & started to town to camp meeting; but when we got into the river it was so full we could not get the oxen across. So I packed the women out on my horse, & then we got the oxen out on the same side we started in. The wagon went back & I went on to town on my horse. Heared [sic] only a part of the sermon & came home.

Mon. [August] 22nd. Got my oxen & we started to preaching tolerably early. The 9 o’clock sermon was about over when we got to town. At recess I was called off to attend to some church business & did not get back to preaching till the 11 o’clock sermon was pretty near over. We took dinner at I. W. Prices & did not get back to preaching till the sermon commenced. Mullens preached at night. Several mourners, some professions & 6 or 7 joined the church.

August & September 1864 [419]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 280 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tues. [August] 23rd. Meeting closed A.M. It was a pretty good meeting; but owing to the start I got & the circumstances which attended me, I did not enjoy it well. Came home P.M.

Wed. [August] 24th to Fri [August] 26th. Shucked & hauled 41 shocks of corn & got about 12 bu. of sorry corn out of them. Tremendous hot.

[Thurs. August 25th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. August 26th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [August] 27th. Carried my wife to the wash place & went to town to mill & to attend the assessing of the War tax. Came home P.M. & went to Aunt Rosy’s & stayed all night. Very hot.

Sun. [August] 28th. Go some water & came home early & stayed at home. Hot.

Mon. [August] 29th to Wed. [August] 31st. Shucked 41 shocks of corn. Very hot.

[Tues. August 30th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. August 31st.] [Ibid]

September [1864]

Thurs. [September] 1st. Finished shucking & hauling my corn today.

Fri. [September] 2nd. Unloaded my corn & made Aunt Rosy a pair of shoes. My whole crop of corn foots up about 30 bushels of good corn & about 15 of the inferior off 16 acres.

Sat. [September] 3rd. Got up my oxen & moved Aunt Rosy from her river to her mountain place. Very hot & cloudy.

Sun. [September] 4th. Some clouds, wind pleasant. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [September] 5th. Cleaned up some rubbish about the yard & cut some timber & brush to make a wagon shade.

Tues. [September] 6th. Hauled some rails to fence my fodder rick [sic], the brush & timber I cut yesterday & some water A.M. Made my shade & fenced my fodder P.M. Windy & cloudy.

Wed. [September] 7th. Mended my shoes & saddle bags & prepared to start on a scout tomorrow. A little rain – windy.

Thurs. [September] 8th. to Sat. [September] 17th. Spent the time on a scout. From town to Veech’s by Millsap’s prairie, to Polo Pinto creek, Lake creek & to town. No Indian sign found. Dry & hot.

[Fri. September 9th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. September 10th.] [Ibid]

[Sun. September 11th.] [Ibid]

[Mon. September 12th.] [Ibid]

[Tues. September 13th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. September 14th.] [Ibid] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 281 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Thurs. September 15th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. September 16th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. September 17th.] [Ibid]

[420] September & October 1864

Sun. [September] 18th. Got my oxen & came home from Papa A’s. A.M. Hot.

Mon. [September] 19th. Hunted up my mild cows & hauled water. Hot & dry.

Tues. [September] 20th. N was complaining this morning & I went to call in some of the neighbors, but before I got home she had given birth to a daughter & was entirely by her self till we came & relieved her. She is doing very well this evening.

Wed. [September] 21st. to Sat. [September] 24th. Spent the time waiting on Nannie, milking the cows, cooling , &”doing the house work” generally. She is doing very well and has set up & walked around the room considerably today – Sat. The Babe is also doing well & seems to be a well formed healthy child. Hot and very dry.

[Thurs. September 22nd.] [Ibid]

[Fri. September 23rd.] [Ibid]

[Sat. September 24th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [September] 25th. Cloudy & cool. Spent the day at home by ourselves.

Mon. [September] 26th. Hunted oxen & did the house work. Some rain & wind.

Tues. [September] 27th. Hunted my oxen & found them late P.M. on Indian creek.

Wed. [September] 28th. Hauled four loads of fodder from the field. 19 shocks.

Thurs. [September] 29th. A good rain. Spent the day shoe cobbling.

Fri. [September] 30th. Dock Davis & I hauled 25 shocks of fodder from the field.

October [1864]

Sat. [October] 1st. A tremendous rain. Spaid [sic] some pigs A.M. Hauled 36 shocks of sugar- cane from the field P.M. Grass-hoppers have come, though not very numerous yet.

Sun. [October] 2nd Moved Aunt Rosy from her mountain to her river place. Day clear & beautiful.

Mon. [October] 3rd. A norther [sic] & some rain. I met some of the patrons of the school at the Jo. Lynn school-house and agreed to teach a three months school to commence next Mon. Hauled fodder the balance of the day.

October 1864 [421]

Tues. [October] 4th. A good rain last night. Finished hauling fodder P.M.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 282 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wed. [October] 5th. Went to mill & carried Aunt Rosy to Mr. Williams’s [sic] got only part of my grinding this evening.

Thurs. [October] 6th. My grinding was finished & I brought Aunt home.

Fri. [October] 7th. Worked at a pair of shoes today.

Sat. [October] 8th. Finished my shoes, gathered some shoemake [sic] berries, and hauled some water. Day cool.

Sun. [October] 9th. Cool. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [October] 10th. to Fri. [October] 14th. Commenced a school at the Jo. Lynn school house Mon. & taught during the week. Had an average of 13 scholars. I commenced for three months & am to get four cows & calves per month.

[Tues. October 11th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. October 12th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. October 13th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. October 14th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [October] 15th. Helped Sam Byars get up & butcher a conscript yearling. Hauled water P.M. Wild geese U& grass hopers thick.

Sun. [October] 16th. cool & cloudy. Hunted my calves till nearly noon. Went to Papa A’s. with the whole family & stayed all night.

Mon. [October] 17th. Went to town to attend court. No court I came home.

Tues. [October] 18th. to Sat. [October] 22nd. Continued my school. 13 Scholars only. Sat. evening went to Pa Arnett’s.

[Wed. October 19th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. October 20th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. October 21st.] [Ibid]

[Sat. October 22nd.] [Ibid]

Sun. [October] 23rd. Stayed at A’s. till P.M. Came home & brough[t] poultry.

Mon. [October] 24th. Taught school. 11 students.

Tues. [October] 25th. Dismissed school today & went to Pa A’s. after a wagon load of plunder he gave me. They started to move to the San Saba today. Came home after they started.

Wed. [October] 26th. to Sat. [October] 29th. Continued school. 13 students. After school Sat. all of Aunt’s family, Sam Byars’s [sic] family & my own got in the wagon & desired me to drive them to Col. which I did & we stayed all night.

[Thurs. October 27th.] [Ibid]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 283 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Fri. October 28th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. October 29th.] [Ibid]

[422] October & November 1864

Sun. [October] 30th. Came home A.M. I carryed [sic] Aunt and family & Byars’s [sic] famil[y] home P.M. Day pleasant.

Mon. [October] 31st. School 17 scholars. A cloudy & dull day.

November 1864

Tues. [November] 1st to Fri [November] 4th. Continued school 13 students. Rain Mon. River up from Tues. till Fri. Cold. Frost Fry [sic] morning.

[Wed. November 2nd.] [Ibid]

[Thur. November 3rd.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 4th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [November] 5th. Carried Aunt some beef, cut up & salted some for myself, hauled some cedar tops & water, put a beef skin in lime, & gathered some waulnuts [sic]. day pleasant.

Sun. [November] 6th. Morning pleasant. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [November] 7th, to Fri. [November] 11th. Continued school. From 7 to 15 students. Cold first of the week, some sleet. Latter part pleasant. Heavy frosts. Finished reading through the old Testament on the 10th.

[Tues. November 8th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. November 9th.] [Ibid]

[Thur. November 10th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 11th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [November] 12th. Went to town to pay my war tax. Did not find the tax collector but left the money. Put a hide to tan. Pleasant.

Sun. [November] 13th. Delightful day. Spent it at home.

Mon. [November] 14th. to Fri. [November] 18th. Spent the week in school. 12 to 16 students. Cloudy & cold the most of the week. Some rain.

[Tues. November 15th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. November 16th.] [Ibid]

[Thur. November 17th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 18th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [November] 19th. Killed a beef for Aunt & hauled her some wood. Hauled some wood home. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 284 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sun. [November] 20th. Heavy frost. Tolerably cold. Stayed at home.

Mon. [November] 21st, to Fri. [November] 25th. Spent the time in school 11 to 13 students. Fore part of the week cold, latter pleasant. Killed 2 shoats, not very fat.

[Tues. November 22nd.] [Ibid]

[Wed. November 23rd.] [Ibid]

[Thur. November 24th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 25th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [November] 26th. Cut fire wood & attended to my tanning.

Sun. [November] 27th. Day warm, but S.W. wind. Spent it at home.

Mon. [November] 28th. School 14. Had a fuss between the girls. Day they will quit.

Tues. [November] 29th. School again 13 students. The same fuss revived & was so mean that I abandoned the school in consequence.

Wed. [November] 30th. As my school is no more, hauled wood & water.

December 1864 [423]

Thur. [December] 1st. Went to Mers. Powers’s [sic], by here [sic] request, on account of the school fuss – her daughter was one of the parties & considerably in fault, & she got a slate broken over her head in the fuss. Came home & went to town & Mr. Ford’s.

Fri. [December] 2nd. Went to Aunt’s & painted her house. Day pleasant.

Sat. [December] 3rd. Dug a tan vat & attended to some hides in tan & killed 2 hogs.

Sun. [December] 4th. Rather cold. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [December] 5th. Hauled mud to pack my vat. Hauled water & worked at a hopper.

Tues. [December] 6th. Packed my vat, & hauled 2 loads of water & 1 of cedar tops.

Wed. [December] 7th. A heavy norther [sic]. Finished putting a floor in the smokehouse, boiled some tan ooze & set by the fire. Thur. [December] 8th. Butchered 3 mast hogs, not very good. Cold.

Fri. [December] 9th. Salted my pork, helped N[an] beat sausage meat, fleshed some hides & made an ax helve. Pleasant.

Sat. [December] 10th. Went to town to see Lieut. Corbin. S. wind A.M. Cold norther [sic] P.M.

Sun. [December] 11th. Cold norther [sic]. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [December] 12th. Dock Davis & I spent the day shelling corn.

Tues. [December] 13th. Davis started to mill & I worked at my hides.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 285 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wed. [December] 14th. Cut fire wood in the bottom.

Thur. [December] 15th. Carried N[an] to the wash place & worked on some chairs.

Fri. [December] 16th. Killed some shoats, haired some hides & hauled some water. It is reported that about 3000 Indians are on the Clear Fork of Brazos & men are collecting to go & see.

Sat. [December] 17th. Had my horse shod at Pollards & worked at my tanning.

Sun. [December] 18th. Davis & I went to town to see which should go after the Indians. He drew to go. Warm.

Mon. [December] 19th. Norther [sic], rain, snow & sleet, winterish. Set by the fire.

Tues. [December] 20th. Snow & sleet 2 inches thick. Cut some wood for Aunt & shelled some corn. Cold.

[424] December 1864

Wed. [December] 21st. Ground covered with snow. Shelled corn the most of the day. Cold.

Thur. [December] 22nd. Hauled some wood for Aunt Rosy. Snow still on the ground, but a little warmer.

Fri. [December] 23rd. Carried the family to Aunt’s & went to Millsaps & got 66 lbs of wool.

Sat. [December] 24th. Cut & hauled some wood and attended to my tanning. Has thawed some today, but snow is plenty.

Sun. [December] 25th. Clear, cool N. wind, some snow yet. Had Lieut. Strong & jerry Williams with us for dinner. We were made exteamly [sic] by Wes returning home from the army on furlough. He has been absent ever since March 1862. The first furlough he had had. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [December] 26th. Washed some wool at Aunt’s spring. Pleasant.

Tues. [December] 27th. Butchered a beef that weighed about 600 lbs A.M. Boiled some ooze P.M. Cool today.

Wed. [December] 28th. Hung up the last of my bacon & salted my beef A.M. Spent P.M. picking wool. Pleasant.

Thur. [December] 29th. to Sat. [December] 31st. Spent the most of the time picking wool. We are in a hurry to get it carded so that we can make Wes some clothes before he has to start back to the army. Saturday hauled some wood and water and worked at my tanning. The old year expires calmly. May the errors, follys [sic] & wrongs committed by frail mortals during the same, be forgiven & oh! that grace may be given to spend the ensuing year to the honor & glory of the Creator.

[Fri. December 30th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. December 31th.] [Ibid]

January 1865 [425]

Sun. [January] 1st. The morning’s sun is delightful. May virtue & purity of heart pervade & renovate our moral nature & O! that grace may be given to keep us in the path of duty the incoming year. Was at Aunt’s. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 286 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Mon. [January] 2nd & Tue. [January] 3rd. Went to Weatherford & got some wool carded. Pleasant.

[Tue. January 3rd.] [Ibid]

Wed. [January] 4th & Thur. [January] 5th. Burned a tobacco bed, shelled corn. Hauled wood, water & cedar tops.

[Thur. January 5th.] [Ibid]

Fri. [January] 6th & Sat. [January] 7th. Worked at my tanning, hung up some beef & hauled water.

[Sat. January 7th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [January] 8th. Rain by showers. Stayed at home.

Mon. [January] 9th & Tues. [January] 10th. Rain & snow. Hauled wood & mended shoes.

[Tues. January 10th.] [Ibid]

Wed. [January] 11th. We Went to town & McGlothlin’s & got some wool rolls. Unwell.

Thur. [January] 12th. Wes & I made 2 pair of shoes.

Fri. [January] 13th. Carried N[an] to the wash place & hauled wood for Aunt Rosy.

Sat. [January] 14th. Carried some rolls to McGlothlin’s & attended to some business at town.

Sun. [January] 15th. Cloudy, cool. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [January] 16th. Shelled some corn & knocked around with McLean & Jowell.

Tues. [January] 17th. Hauled wood & water, boiled ooze & burnt coal. Pleasant.

Wed. [January] 18th. Wes & I hauled some plank to town & tried to get a plow layed [sic].

Thurs. [January] 19th. Got my plow fixed at Pollard’s & plowed some. It does badly.

Fri. [January] 20th. Went to town to go on a scout, it did not leave town & I stayed with Capt. Cureton. He is just from an Indian fight in which 500 men attacked 700 Indians & were repulsed by the Reds. 22 men killed 31 wounded & 100 missing. 90 Indians killed & 200 horses taken.

Sat. [January] 21st. Hired a substitute to go on my scout, attended the burial of Sam Byars & came home. Rain & a cold norther [sic].

Sun. [January] 22nd. A freezing cold norther [sic]. Stayed at home.

Mon. [January] 23rd. Wes & I fulled [sic] some cloth at Col. Ward’s to make him a coat.

Tue. [January] 24th. Hauled wood, cut a coat & worked at shoes.

Wed. [January] 25th to Sat. [January] 28th. Spent the time plowing. Unpleasant weather.

[Thur. January 26th.] [Ibid] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 287 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Fri. January 27th.] [Ibid]

[Sat. January 28th.] [Ibid]

Sun. [January] 29th. Almost past going. Weather cold.

Mon. [January] 30th. Feel bad, shelled corn. Dock plowed. Cold.

Tues. [January] 31st. Boiled ooze & attended to my tanning.

[426] February 1865

Wed. [February] 1st. Worked at tanning & prepared to move. Day gloomy.

Thurs. [February] 2nd. Left N[an] at the wash place & hauled a load of plunder to town.

Fri. [February] 3rd. Moved the family – 2 loads – to town. I have sold my place to H. H. McLean for his residence in town where I am moving.

Sat. [February] 4th. Arranged house affairs & hauled wood & water. A good rain.

Sun. [February] 5th. Rain, snow & sleet. Went back to my old place after another load.

Mon. [February] 6th. Snow 2 inches A. [M.] Loaded my wagon & came to town. Wagon broke.

Tues. [February] 7th. Borrowed a wagon & made another load to the river.

Wed. [February] 8th. Went to Aunt’s, put on a load of her plunder & camped at my old place.

Thurs. [February] 9th. Came to town by 11 A.M. Repaired my wagon & returned to the river.

Fri. [February] 10th. Hauled the balance of Aunt’s plunder to town. Muddy.

Sat. [February] 11th. Hauled wood & bought a house of Parson Mullens for $475.

Sun. [February] 12th. Cool. Heared [sic] Bro. slaughter preach at 11 & Mullens at night.

Mon. [February] 13th. Hauled water & went after another load. Broke my wagon.

Tues. [February] 14th. Brought home my broken wagon & hauled some wood.

Wed. [February] 15th. Assisted Divis [sic] to dig & pick rock in my cistern.

Thurs. [February] 16th. Got tools & had them repaired to work in the cistern.

Fri. [February] 17th. Hands work in the cistern. Broke & planted some garden. Pleasant.

Sat. [February] 18th. Had some tools repaired & made Dock a pair of shoes. Warm.

Sun. [February] 19th. Spent the most of the day at Capt. Cureton’s. Day pleasant.

Mon. [February] 20th. Worked in my cistern. Cool, cloudy & damp.

Tues. [February] 21st. Helped Capt. Cureton load his wagon to move & moved a negroess [sic] to my house. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 288 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Wed. [February] 22nd. Went with Capt. Lleveland to my old place after some fodder.

Thurs. [February] 23rd. Hauled water, cut wood to hall [sic] & made a book case. Drizzly.

Fri. [February] 24th. Attended to some business in town & cut some wood. A tremendous rain.

Sat. [February] 25th. Hauled some wood & repaired some benches. A [sic] all day norther [sic].

Sun. [February] 26th. Spent the day at home. Cloudy & tolerably cool.

Mon. [February] 27th. Commenced school in town. 13 students. Day cloudy & cool.

Tues. [February] 28th. School today. 16 students. More pleasant.

March 1856 & April 1865 [427]

Wed. [March] 1st to Fri. [March] 3rd. Continued school. 16 students. Cloudy and cool. Started a hand to planting corn. Indians troublesome.

[Thurs. March 2nd.] [Ibid]

[Fri. March 3rd.] [Ibid]

Sat. [March] 4th. Hauled 4 loads of wood for myself & 1 for aunt Rosy.

Sun. [March] 5th. Spent the day at home. A cool norther [sic].

Mon. [March] 6th to Fri. [March] 10th. Still in school 22 to 25 students. Cool.

[Tues. March 7th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. March 8th. [Ibid]

[Thurs. March 9th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. March 10th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [March] 11th. Cut & hauled wood. Pleasant. Preaching at my house P.M. by Bro. Sltr. [Slaughter]

Sun. [March] 12th. Bro. Slaughter preached at my house noon & night. Windy, warm.

Mon. [March] 13th to Fri. [March] 17th. Continued school, 22 to 27 students. Cool and windy.

[Tues. March 14th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. March 15th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. March 16th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. March 17th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [March] 18th. Hauled some cedar & boiled some ooze A.M. Moved part of my plunder to the place I bought of Mullens.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 289 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sun. [March] 19th. Clouds & wind. Bro. T. Wright organized a Sabbath school at 9 A.M., and preached an excellent sermon at 11 A.M. form the words “ Ye cannot serve God and mammon”, Congregation well behaved.

Mon. [March] 20th to Fri. [March] 24th. Continued school. 18 to 22 students, o of the students sick. Warm, grass growing. Recited pieces Fri. evening.

[Tues. March 21st.] [Ibid]

[Wed. March 22nd.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. March 23rd.] [Ibid]

[Fri. March 24th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [March] 25th. Hauled wood for Aunt & wood & water for myself. Took down the partition in my school room & repaired window shutters for Aunt.

Sun. [March] 26th. Cloudy & windy. Sabbath school at 9 A.M. Rained a fine rain. Spent the day at home after Sabbath school.

Mon. [March] 27th to Fri. [March] 31st. Continued school 26 to 28 students. Some wind, some rain, some warm weather.

[Tues. March 28th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. March 29th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. March 30th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. March 31st.] [Ibid]

April Sat. [April] 1st. Butchered & salted a beef. Warm.

Sun. [April] 2nd. A little rain. Sun. school at 9 A.M. & preaching at 11. S. Wright.

Mon. [April] 3rd to Fri [April] 7th. Kept school 28 to 30 students. Warm & windy.

[Tues. April 4th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. April 5th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. April 6th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. April 7th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [April] 8th. Hauled wood and water. Cloudy.

Sun. [April] 9th. Sabbath school 9 A.M. Cloudy and cool.

Mon. [April] 10th to Fri. [April] 14th. Continued school. 27 to 32 students spelled Fri. evening & then went to my old place to get milk cows.

[Tues. April 11th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. April 12th.] [Ibid] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 290 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Thurs. April 13th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. April 14th.] [Ibid]

[428] April & May 1865

Sat. [April] 15th. Drove 3 cows to town & butchered a yearling.

Sun. [April] 16th. Cold A.M. Spent the most of the day at home.

Mon. [April] 17th. Tried to plow my garden – failed. Hauled water & waited for court.

Tues. [April] 18th. Made some calculations, attended Lodge meeting & waited for court.

Wed. [April] 19th. Waited for court till noon, no judge came & we were dismissed.

Thurs. [April] 20th. Hauled wood & water, some grain to the mill & ½ of a beef home.

Fri. [April] 21st. I, with some hands went to the river to get up some cows & some young steers for oxen.

Sat. [April] 22nd. Necked up one yoke of steers, broke both horns off of another steer & drove 2 cows & calves to town.

Sun. [April] 23rd. Corn bit down by frost. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [April] 24th. to Fri. [April] 28th. Continued school. 30 students. recited pieces Fri. evening. After school went to my old place on the river.

[Tues. April 25th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. April 26th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. April 27th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. April 28th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [April] 29th. Started home with some cows, lost one, but brought the calf home.

Sun. [April] 30th. Hunted for the cow I lost yesterday but did not find her.

May Mon. [May] 1st to Fri. [May] 5th. Still in school 47 to 49 students. Spelled a match Fri. P.M. A heavy rain late P.M.

[Tues. May 2nd.] [Ibid]

[Wed. May 3rd.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. May 4th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. May 5th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [May] 6th. Drove home some milk cows & killed a yearling.

Sun. [May] 7th. Sun. School. A nice rain. Stayed at home after school. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 291 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Mon. [May] 8th to Fri. [May] 12th. In school again. 54 students. Miss white assists me. Recited pieces Fri. P.M. Went to my old place on the river Fri. after school.

[Tues. May 9th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. May 10th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. May 11th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. May 12th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [May] 13th. Hunted up & drove home some milk cows.

Sun. [May] 14th. Sun. school A.M. day warm. Stayed at home after school.

Mon. [May] 15th to Fri. [May] 19th. 53 to 56 students in school. Weather hot.

[Tues. May 16th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. May 17th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. May 18th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. May 19th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [May] 20th. Hauled wood &7 water & cow-hunted. day very hot.

Sun. [May] 21st. Sun. school at 9 A.M. & Preaching at 11 by Carpenter the P. C. [sic]

Mon. [May] 22nd to Fri. [May] 26th. In school 53 students. We hear that Peace is made.

[Tues. May 23rd .] [Ibid]

[Wed. May 24th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. May 25th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. May 26th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [May] 27th. Worked at home.

Sun. [May] 28th. S[abbath] School. At home. Indians in.

Mon. [May] 29th to Fri. 2nd of June. 51 to 54 students. The soldiers returned home.

[Tues. May 30th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. May 31st.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. June 1st.] [Ibid]

[Fri. June 2nd.] [Ibid]

June & July 1865 [429]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 292 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sat. [June] 3rd. Wes. & I hunted cows & oxen and drove home. Day warm.

Sun. [June] 4th. S[unday] school at 9 A.M. & preaching at 11 by Bro. Wight. At home P.M.

Mon. [June] 5th to Fri. [June] 9th. 50 to 53 students in school. Recited pieces Fri. P.M.

[Tues. June 6th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. June 7th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. June 8th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. June 9th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [June] 10th. Hauled wood & cedar tops. Some rain. Preaching tonight by Bro. Sltr. [Slaughter]

Sun. [June] 11th. Cloudy. Bro. Slaughter preached today.

Mon. [June] 12th to Fri. [June] 16th. 41 to 47 students. Spelled a match Fri. P.M. Windy.

[Tues. June 13th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. June 14th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. June 15th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. June 16th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [June] 17th. Worked around home. Quite windy.

Sun. [June] 18th. S[abbath] school at 9 A.M. Preaching at 11 & Class meeting at 3 ½ P.M. by Carpenter.

Mon. [June] 19th to Fri. [June] 23rd. 44 to 49 students. Rowed [sic] with the large girls for bad lessons. Warm. Recited pieces Fri. P.M. Pretty well done.

[Tues. June 20th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. June 21st.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. June 22nd.] [Ibid]

[Fri. June 23rd.] [Ibid]

Sat. [June] 24th. Hauled wood & attended to my tanning.

Sun. [June] 25th. Cool A.M. Warm P.M. Stayed mostly at home.

Mon. [June] 26th to Fri. [June] 30th. 51 to 54 students in school. Pleasant.

[Tue. June 27th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. June 28th.] [Ibid]

[Thur. June 29th.] [Ibid] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 293 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Fri. June 30th.] [Ibid]

July Sat. [July] 1st. Drove home a cow & beef & butchered the beef.

Sun. [July] 2nd. S[abbath] school at 9 A.M. Preaching at 11 by Bro. Wright. At home P.M.

Mon. [July] 3rd to Fri. [July] 7th. 57 to 60 students. Recited pieces Fri. P.M.

[Tues. July 4th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. July 5th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. July 6th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. July 7th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [July] 8th. Hauled water & worked at home.

Sun. [July] 9th. S[abbath] school 9 A.M. Went to see Bevers & Cravens, who are sick P.M.

Mon. [July] 10th to Fri. [July] 14th. 57 to 59 students in school. Some rain.

[Tues. July 11th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. July 12th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. July 13th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. July 14th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [July] 15th. Worked at shoes today. A nice shower.

Sun. [July] 16th. S[abbath] school at 9 A.M. Preaching at 11 & Class meeting at 4 P.M.

Mon. [July] 17th to Fri. [July] 21st. 56 to 58 students. Session closed Fri. P.M. Public examination. Crowd large & all passed off well.

[Tues. July 18th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. July 19th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. July 20th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. July 21st.] [Ibid]

Sat. [July] 22nd. Made out my accts. Aunt [$]410.84 cts, Pay Miss White $287.50. leave me $343.34 cts., my wages for the last 5 months.

Sun. [July] 23rd. Pleasant. Sabbath school at 9 A.M. Stayed at home.

Mon. [July] 24th. Wrote an article for a school & got some subscribers. Was called in to witness a death bed scene at Mrs. Derassett’s this evening, with the request that..

[430] July & August 1865

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 294 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

I pray for James. He was suffering very much when I arrived at the house. I kneeled beside the bed & tried to pray. In a short time afterwards the spirit took its flight to the Spirit Land, while the friends were left to mourn his loss. It was a solemn scene indeed & one that should leave a lasting impression on the minds of all!

Tues. [July] 25th. Cow hunted a little A.M. Attended the burial about 11 A.M. Drove up my oxen from 5 m’s [sic] N. of town P.M.

Wed. [July] 26th. Started on a cow hunt about my old place; but the river was up, so I hunted for a cow N. of town but did not find her.

Thurs. [July] 27th. Hauled water for the women to wash. Warm.

Fri. [July] 28th. Worked at my tanning A.M. & at shoes P.M. A little rain.

Sat. [July] 29th. Corbin’s family &* my own got into Mr. Craven’s wagon went to the river & gathered plenty of grapes. Got some molasses at Vyle’s.

Sun. [July] 30th. Some rain. Sabbath school. Spent most of the day at Aunt’s.

Mon. [July] 31st. Spent the day doeing [sic] schares [sic] about the house.

August Tues. [August] 1st. worked some at the well.

Wed. [August] 2nd. Hauled wood and water today.

Thurs. [August] 3rd. Went to the river to get some cows. Stayed all night at J. B. Powers’s waiting for Mr. Ford to come & help me drive steers.

Fri. [August] 4th. Ford did not come & I came home. Meeting tonight by S. Wright.

Sat. [August] 5th. Barbecued some beef & hauled some water before preaching at 11 A.M. by the P. E. Quarterly Conference at 2 P.M. Preaching at 4 P.M. & at night. Hot. Some rain. Audience large.

Sun. [August] 6th. Sun. school at 9 A.M. Preaching at 11 A.M. at 3 P.M. & at night. Good preaching. Some mourners. Meeting closed.

Mon. [August] 7th. Hot. Hunted subscribers to my school A.M. At home P.M.

Tues. [August] 8th. Horse-hunted but did not find him. Did nothing P.M.

Wed. [August] 9th. Cut weed in the garden & made a pair of shoes. Hot.

August & September 1865 [431]

Thurs. [August] 10th. Plowed up & sowed a turnip patch. Very hot.

Fri. [August] 11th. Hunted a horse & started on a beef hunt. Stayed at Conatser’s.

Sat. [August] 12th. Dock Davis & I went to Fortune bend to meet the hand. Did not find them & came home. Got no beef. Dock lost a gun.

Sun. [August] 13th. Sun. school A.M. Preaching at 11 by Elder Stanfield of the Ft. Worth District. Subject – Salvation. A good practical sermen [sic]. Preaching at night by Bro. Slaughter.

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 295 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Mon. [August] 14th. Went to the river to gather beeves. Got 3 in the pen but they broke out. Penned two more. Stayed at Jon Pollard’s.

Tues. [August] 15th. My [?] was out of the way A.M. & I borrowed a horse of Pollard to drive my 2 beeves & a cow to town. Very hot.

Wed. [August] 16th. Found my horse on 4 mile prairie & employed Elliott to haul a load of troughs to town & came to my old place tonight.

Thurs. [August] 17th. Started home with our load, but broke our wagon & had to come on to town & employ Miller to haul our load.

Fri. [August] 18th. Some rain. Attended Mr. Veale’s examination & exhibition.

Sat. [August] 19th. Wes. & I hauled wood today.

Sun. [August] 20th. Sabbath school A.M. Spent the day at home. Warm.

Mon. [August] 21st to Fri. [August] 25th. Commenced another 5 mo.’s session of school and taught. during the week 39 students the 1st day and 47 the last. A tolerably fair beginning. Spelled a match Fri.

[Tues. August 22nd.] [Ibid]

[Wed. August 23rd.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. August 24th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. August 25th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [August] 26th. Hauled water & put it in the well. Warm.

Sun. [August] 27th. Sabbath school A.M. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [August] 28th to Fri. [September] 1st. Sept. S[p]ent the time in school. 50 to 56 students.

[Tues. August 29th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. August 30th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. August 31st.] [Ibid]

[Fri. September 1st.] [Ibid]

Sat. [September] 2nd. Camp meeting commenced in town this morning. Preaching at 11 A.M. by the circuit rider. Helped butcher a beef P.M. and did not go to preaching. Bro. S Graves addressed the congregation P.M.

[432] September & October 1865

Sun. [September] 3rd. Love feast at 9 A.M. Preaching at 11 by Bro. Veale. A good sermon. Graves at 3 P.M. & the circuit P. [sic] at night.

Mon. [September] 4th. Preaching at 10 A.M. by Bro. Veale – a good sermon. by T Wright at 3 P.M. & the P. C. [sic] at night. The meeting closed. Some mourners one accession & 7 beeves & $28 cash collected. Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 296 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Tues. [September] 5th to Fri. [September] 8th. In school. 57 to 54 students. T. Wright is assisting me. Some rain weather cooler.

[Wed. September 6th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. September 7th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. September 8th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [September] 9th. Tow of my boys & I put a beef in the herd for Davidson & Willett & drove the oxen home. Some rain today.

Sun. [September] 10th. Cloudy & windy. Sabbath school at 9 A.M. Preaching at 11 by Bro. Slaughter. Spent the evening at home.

Mon. [September] 11th to Fri. [September] 15th. Still in school 42 to 51 students. Recited pieces Fri.

[Tues. September 12th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. September 13th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. September 14th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. September 15th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [September] 16th. Hunted oxen A.M. & assisted Wes. to get off to mill.

Sun. [September] 17th. warm. S[abbath] school at 9. Preaching at 11. & class m[eeting] at 3 P.M.

Mon. [September] 18th to Fri. [September] 22nd. Still in school 50 tl 53 student. Spelled a match.

[Tues. September 19th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. September 20th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. September 21st.] [Ibid]

[Fri. September 22nd.] [Ibid]

Sat. [September] 23rd. Shoe made A.M. & hauled a sheep from McGlothlin’s P.M.

Sun. [September] 24th. S[abbath] school A.M. Spent the day at home. Clouds & wind.

Mon. [September] 25th to Fri. [September] 29th. Still in school. 52 to 55 students. Recited pieces.

[Tues. September 26th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. September 27th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. September 28th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. September 29th.] [Ibid] Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 297 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sat. [September] 30th. Cool. Hunted oxen & hauled wood & water.

Oct. Sun. [October] 1st. S[abbath] school at 9 A.M. & preaching at 11 by Bro. Wright from the words. “Search the Scriptures” &c. A good discourse. Spent the most of P.M. at home.

Mon. [October] 2nd to Fri. [October] 6th. Still in school. 48 to 54. Debating Society organized Fri. night.

[Tues. October 3rd.] [Ibid]

[Wed. October 4th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. October 5th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. October 6th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [October] 7th. Worked at little jobs about the house.

Sun. [October] 8th. S[abbath] school & singing A.M. Spent the balance of the day at home.

Mon. [October] 9th to Fri. [October] 13th. Still in school. 54 to 59. Recited pieces Fri.

[Tues. October 10th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. October 11th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. October 12th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. October 13th.] [Ibid]

October & November 1865 [433]

Sat. [October] 14th. Hauled water & did little jobs &c.

Sun. [October] 15th. Clear & cool. Preaching by Bro. Wright.

Mon. [October] 16th to Fri. [October] 20th. Spent the time in school. 50 to 55 students. Spelled a match & divided the school for future speaking.

[Tues. October 17th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. October 18th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. October 19th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. October 20th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [October] 21st. Spent the day hauling wood.

Sun. [October] 22nd. Sabbath & singing schools today.

Mon. [October] 23rd to Fri. [October] 27th. Still in school. 60 to 54 students. Debate.

[Tues. October 24th.] [Ibid]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 298 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Wed. October 25th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. October 26th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. October 27th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [October] 28th. Hunted up, killed & butchered a beef.

Sun. [October] 29th. Rain last night & today. Cold. Singing.

Mon. [October] 30th & Tues. [October] 31st. Still in school. 50 odd students.

[Tues. October 31st.] [Ibid]

November

Wed. [November] 1st to Fri. [November] 3rd. Still in school. 50 to 60.

[Thurs. November 2nd.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 3rd.] [Ibid]

Sat. [November] 4th. Worked about the house. Cool.

Sun. [November] 5th. S[abbath] School at 9. Preaching at 11 & singing P.M. Cold.

Mon. [November] 6th to Fri. [November] 10th. In school yet 50 odd students. Cool.

[Tues. November 7th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. November 8th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. November 9th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 10th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [November] 11th. Worked at little jobs A.M. Went to hear two Hard Shells preach. They advocate their perdition doctrine.

Sun. [November] 12th. Some rain A.M. Sabbath school at 9 A.M. and preaching at 11 & at night by the same “Hard Shells”. They strennously [sic]advocate the doctrine of Eternal election & reprobation of the human family to Eternal happiness or misery, aside from any act of the creature. &c.

Mon. [November] 13th to Fri. [November] 17th. Still in school 47 to 55 students.

[Tues. November 14th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. November 15th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. November 16th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 17th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [November] 18th. Hauled wood tody [sic].

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 299 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

Sun. [November] 19th. Sun. School at 9 A.M. It is now suspended till next spring. Preaching at 11 by Bro. Wright, Class meeting at 3 P.M. & Preaching at night by Bro. Slaughter.

Mon. [November] 20th to Fri. [November] 24th. Spent the time in school 50 to 55 students. Some cold 7 some pleasant weather. Debate Fri. night.

[Tues. November 21st.] [Ibid]

[Wed. November 22nd.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. November 23rd.] [Ibid]

[Fri. November 24th.] [Ibid]

[344] November & December 1865

Sat. [November] 25th. Went to my old place after a wagon load of plunder. The women went & gathered cochineal bugs till I returned.

Sun. [November] 26th. Cloudy, but pleasant. Spent the day at home.

Mon. [November] 27th to Thurs. [November] 30th. Still in school 50 odd students. Cool.

[Tues. November 28th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. November 29th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. November 30th.] [Ibid]

Dec. Fri. [December] 1st. 53 students. Recited pieces P.M. Debate tonight.

Sat. [December] 2nd. Horse & beef hunted, but got no beef. High S. wind.

Sun. [December] 3rd. Some rain last night & today. S.W. wind. Preaching at 11 A.M. at 3 P.M. & at night. Day pleasant.

Mon. [December] 4th to Fri. [December] 8th. Still in school. 50 odd. Recited pieces.

[Tues. December 5th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. December 6th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. December 7th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. December 8th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [December] 9th. Hauled wood & cut up some beef. Day pleasant.

Sun. [December] 10th. Spent A.M. at home & P.M. visiting. Pleasant.

Mon. [December] 11th to Fri. [December] 15th. Still in school. 40 to 60. Wed. & Thu. very cold.

[Tues. December 12th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. December 13th.] [Ibid]

Transcription from Original J.H. Baker Diaries, Tarrant County Archives, Fort Worth, Texas 300 Section I: March 1858 – December 1865

[Thurs. December 14th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. December 15th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [December] 16th. Hauled wood & stopped some cracks in the kitchen.

Sun. [December] 17th. Clear & cool. Preaching at 11 A.M. & P.M. by Bro. Slaughter.

Mon. [December] 18th to Fri. [December] 22nd. Still in school. 50 odd students. Debate Friday night – A party also! Shame!

[Tues. December 19th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. December 20th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. December 21st.] [Ibid]

[Fri. December 22nd.] [Ibid]

Sat. [December] 23rd. Spent the day hauling wood.

Sun. [December] 24th. Spent the most of the day at home. Pleasant.

Mon. [December] 25th to Fri. [December] 29th. Spent the time in school. 50 odd students. Weather cool. Much dancing, drunkenness and disgrace in town this week. Recited pieces. Fri. eve.

[Tues. December 26th.] [Ibid]

[Wed. December 27th.] [Ibid]

[Thurs. December 28th.] [Ibid]

[Fri. December 29th.] [Ibid]

Sat. [December] 30th. Spent most of the day hunting oxen but did not find them. Tolerably pleasant.

Sun. [December] 31st. Preaching at 11 A.M. by Bro. T. Wright. Thus ends the old year; and my its errors & follie [sic] be buried in oblivion & the new year be better spent than the old one has been. Spent the most of the day at home.