Transcripts of Ellen McGaughy Wallace's Diary

Transcription provided by James T. Killebrew

October 1, 1862: A large force of rebel cavalry came in town today.  A part of soldiers stopped at the gate, one came to the door and ordered cooked provisions for the soldiers.  I replied that we have but three pieces of bacon on the lot and if you must have it, come and take it.  They left without accepting my invitation.

October 2, 1862: The cavalry company that came in yesterday, left tonight in the hope of surprising and defeating some Federal soldiers at Lafayette.

October 3, 1862: This evening took a buggy ride with Mr. Wallace.  Met John McGaughy coming to town to attend a party at Col. Edmunds.  The state of affairs here at this time is deplorable.  The Courts are not allowed to sit, murders are turned out of jail and permitted to roam at large and none to make them afraid. Lincoln's proclimation liberating all the slaves in January is the finishing stroke to all these horrors.  This is the protection the Federal Government extends to Kentucky the only border state that did not pass the ordinance of secession.  A burning shame to Lincoln, the cabinet, and officers of the Army.

October 4, 1862: I feel very weak in the heart this morning with spitting blood in small quantities. John Mc left here this morning.  Visited Mr. Devenport this evening in company with Mr. Wallace and Julia.  Returned by moonlight met two soldiers.

October 5, 1862: Sunday. John spent the day and attended church with Julia.  Called to see Miss Fanny Campbell and Mrs. B. who is in very feeble health.  I feel very forcibly the great impropriety of speaking evil of any one however the service may be.

October 8, 1862: M.S. Mr. Wallace at the farm. I am colouring black for winter. Timothy fixing the window.

October 9, 1862: Confederate soldiers in town. One called at the door and requested food to be prepared for five or six men which was cooked and sent to the liquefy stable.

October l0, 1862: This morning a soldier came and requested bread to be sent to the camp which was done.  This evening after feeding them two soldiers went to the stable with the intention of taking the horses, but one being old and the other not in a condition to make a good cavalry horse, they left.  This night by the goodness of God we are permitted to return to our winter rooms down stairs after passing a pleasant and healthy summer in our rooms above.  The prospects of this fall and winter is gloomy indeed. Ky. filled with hostile armies, war and blood shed on every hand and from every quarter.  With Lincoln's emancipation proclamation to add new horrors to the scene. We look to God with child like confidence and trust. There was a terribel battle at Perryville, Ky., between General Bausslon, Bragg and Buckner.  Great slaughter on both sides.  Brigidier General Jackson of this place was killed.  The Confederates its said are retreating.

October 14, 1862: Mrs. Phelps called.  Mrs. White got filling and warp for 50 yards of janes.

October l7, 1862: The town thrown into great excitment by the unexpected arrival of a large Federal force.  The rebels fled in every direction. I was standing on the portico when two rebel soldiers dashed by closely pursued by one Union soldier who called on them to halt.  The call being disregarded, he fired upon them three times, but without effect.

October 18, 1862: Sent provision to the courthouse for the soldiers and dinner to the pickets. The 8th Ky. Regiment arrived tonight. The noise of the horses hoofs on the turnpike and the shouts of the people were deafening. The hearts of the Loyal citizens leaped for joy after bearing so much insolence and oppression from gurillar bands.

October 19, 1862: Late at night information was received that the rebel leaders Johnson and Woodward intended on attack and were within a few miles of town.  The Union soldiers out in order to receive them all night.

October 20, 1862: Adjutant James Wallace of the U.S. Army called and drank a glass of wine with some friends.  Mr. Wallace and myself rode out to the encampment, saw the soldiers standing or laying about on the grass, others in groups preparing their evening meal.

October 21, 1862: The army left town this morning.  It was supposed to go to Madisonville.  At 2 o'clock in the evening the gurillars made their appearance riding up and down the streets in companies of 35 with an air of defiance and bravado, ordering dinner at different houses. When all of a sudden the Union troops, whom they supposed on their way to Madisonville rushed upon them. They fled in every direction hotly pursued.  They passed our lot, some leaping fences on horse back, others keeping the straight road under a brisk fire from the Federals.  Three prisoners were taken in a short distance.  The first threw down his arms and begged for quarters, when one of his pursuers rode up and recognized the prisoner as an old acquaintance, hearty greetings were exchanged and they marched on together.

October 26, 1862: Very cold snowing and sleeting.

October 27, 1862: Snow 2 or 3 inches deep. Mat came up for the negro shoes. Extremely dull in town. But what is that? The notorious John Morgan has just entered the place with his command.  The Cap. of his artilery has just called and as the family were at tea he was invited to participate, which he did, with the additional request that bread be prepared for ten men which was done.  I slept very little during the night knowing the town was filled with famished, lawless soldiers.

October 28, 1862: This morning Mr. Wallace stepped hastily into my room, handing me his watch and purse, not having time to speak I followed him to the door where I saw an armed soldier standing.  I understood at once he was under arrest.  We were not allowed to speak, and he was marched off between two armed men without the shadow of a charge except he was in sentiment a Southern Rights Union man.  He appeared before Morgan who after putting a great many impertinent questions released him.  Bob McGaughy spent the night with us.

October 29, 1862: Soldiers leaving town.  Two called for dinner and something to put in their pocket.