Introduction
Since this autobiography of my grandfather came into my possession, I have felt that it should be published so that his other descendants, as well as any who are interested in the events of a century ago, might have the privilege of reading it. The sketch is printed as it was in the original, except for obvious slips of the pen, and I wish to express my gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Smith for their advice and assistance in the preparation of this little book.
-E. LEONARD.
Austell, Georgia,
September 15, 1930.
"A well-written life is almost as rare as a well-spent one."
—THOMAS CARLYLE.
DIARY OF JOHN BANKS
July 14th, 1830. At the age of nearly thirty-three, I commence a laconic biographical sketch of myself, with other incidental remarks. The object of which is to afford myself reference to dates and facts, as well as a satisfaction it may be to my family at a future day. Of the tradition of my family I know but little, and shall not attempt to trace it. My parents (Ralph Banks and Rachel Jones) were born, raised and married in North Carolina, moved to Georgia about the year 1788, settled in Elbert County nine miles north of Elberton, on Cold Water Creek, where I was born October the 27th, 1797. My father continued to live at the same place till his death, which was on the 26th of October, 1823, occasioned by fever. He was about 60 years of age, was a stout man weighing upward of two hundred pounds, and had enjoyed almost uninterrupted good health until his death. Was very temperate, had a wonderful talent for the government of his family, both white and black. He lived to be quite rich for the age and country he lived in. Was a rigid economist and brought up his sons to manual labor.
He had fourteen children: eleven sons and three daughters, born in the following order (to wit), Thomas Alston, Willis, James Jones, Sarah, Richard, Ralph, John (myself), Mary Jones, Dunstan, Priscilla, Henry, Lemuel, Elbert and Marion, all of whom are now living except Elbert who died in about the seventh year of his age. My father was, from my earliest recollection, a member of the Methodist church.
In the disposition of his property, he endeavored to make it equal with the older children, except Ralph, who married contrary to his will. His portion was not equal to the others, which was nearly made up to him by the contribution of his brothers and sisters. The younger three brothers, not being of age at his death, had more left them than the older ones. He gave to my mother some of the most trusty negroes, the old mansion and some money, leaving her in quite comfortable circumstances. My brother, Thomas Alston, and myself were appointed his executors. We have long since settled with the legatees all in harmony.
My father gave me, when I became of age, five negroes, a piece of land (which I afterward traded to him for one thousand dollars) a horse and other little appendages. After his decease, I received from his estate one other negro and about eighteen hundred dollars in cash, being about an equal share with the other older children. Mother, in the fall of 1824 sold out her possessions in Elbert and moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where her daughters, Sarah (who had married Mr. Edward Sims) and Mary (who married Dr. Robert E. Jones, who was then dead) together with brother Willis, had moved. She is still living there in the enjoyment of tolerable good health. Brother Dunstan and Marion have since moved there, which places mother in the immediate circle of five of her children. Sister Mary (the widow Jones) has again married—to Mr. John Napier, a Methodist preacher.
Thomas Alston, the oldest brother, married Mary, the daughter of Joseph Chipman, and now lives in Elbert County, Ruckersville. Willis married Mary, the daughter of James Oliver, who had one child and died, leaving him a widower. He again married Mary, the daughter of Hezekiah Gray, and then moved to Tuscaloosa where he now lives. James Jones married Hannah, the daughter of James Alston, and has moved to Monroe County, Georgia, where he now lives. Sister Sarah, as before observed, married Edward Sims, a widower, who is also living in Tuscaloosa.
Richard was sent to college (Athens) where he obtained a liberal education. He then studied physics and settled in Ruckersville, Elbert County, Georgia, and commenced the practice. He still lives there.
Ralph married Elizabeth, the daughter of William Maxwell, and now lives in Franklin County, near the Cumber Mountain.
Sister Mary, while staying with Sister Sims in Alabama, married Dr. Robert B. Jones. They had one child, and the doctor died. She then returned to Elbert, where she married her present husband, Mr. Napier. They settled in Tuscaloosa, where they continue to reside. Dunstan is still unmarried and lives in Tuscaloosa. Sister Priscilla married Moses Butt, a widower, and is now living in Columbus, Georgia. Henry married Judith, the daughter of James Oliver and sister to Willis' first wife. He lives in Ruckersville. Lemuel is living in the same place, not married. Marion is living with mother, going to school in Tuscaloosa.
While I was raising, I went to school in the summer, stayed at home and worked through the winter. In this way I got a common country education, till 1813, when I prevailed on father to let me go to the school or the Academy at Elberton, under the care of James McDowall, and study the English grammar. I boarded a short time with Richardson Hart, and then with brother James, who lived about four miles from Elberton. I went to the Academy but about three months. I then went home, and in the spring of 1816, I commenced teaching a country school, at the request of father, whose principal object was that I should teach my younger brothers and sisters. I continued through the summers of 1814, '15 and '16 to keep school at Cold Water meeting house. I made for myself about fifty dollars per summer. In the winter I worked on the plantation.
In 1817, being then twenty years of age, I went to Elberton to keep store for Mr. Sims (my brother-in-law). He gave me eighty dollars per annum. In the latter part of the year he let me take some goods in a house to myself to sell on commission. I continued in that situation till February, 1818, about which time the Seminole Indians in East Florida committed repeated murders and depredations on the Georgia frontier which brought on an Indian war. Having listened with envy to the stories of the soldiers on their return from the British and Indian wars of 1812, '13 and '14, I determined to try a campaign if an opportunity presented itself.
Accordingly on the 24th of January, 1818, I volunteered with a few others. A draft was then resorted to, in order to raise the amount of men called for from Elbert, it being two companies. The account of this campaign I here extract from my diary. On Tuesday, the 27th, an election was held in Elberton for officers to take the command. William H. Mann was elected captain of one company and John Ashley of the other. I was elected first lieutenant in Captain Mann's company. On the 2nd of February the troops convened at Elberton and set out for Hartford where they all were to meet.
On the 11th we passed through Lexington. The officers dined at Judge Moor's tavern. After dinner I remarked that it was the first time I had ever eat in a tavern or had a meal's victuals to pay for. I was then in my twenty-first year, and had never before been out of the country, nor not exceeding fifteen miles from the place of my nativity.
On the 8th we passed through Milledgeville. On the 13th we reached Hartford on the Ocmulgee river. We immediately drew our arms and tent clothes, crossed the river and pitched our tents at Camp Experience. Here, for the first time, I saw General Jackson (now the President) who took the command of the army. We were immediately under the command of General Glascock of Augusta. General Gaines was also attached to the army, commanding the regulars. On Monday night, the 16th, our company with one other was ordered down the river to meet a party of hostile Indians, who we heard were advancing up the river.
We marched about 8 miles that night, very cold, had much water to wade through. We camped at 1 o'clock. Early next morning we continued our march four miles further, made no discovery and returned to the encampment that night. On the 18th we commenced the line of march for Fort Early on Flint river. On the 26th we reached the fort. From Hartford to this place we had an unpleasant march of it. The distance is only 48 miles which took us eight days' hard march. It rained nearly all the time, the waters were very high, we had to build some bridges and flats to cross the creeks on. We carried our baggage wagons till we got in ten miles of the fort, found it impracticable to carry them any further. They were dismissed and we took our provisions on our backs, officers and all, and performed the balance of the expedition without a wagon.
When we left Hartford we had some live pork, which we drove with us, and some flour. We suffered considerably for provisions before we reached the fort, for our flour soon gave out and left us nothing but the pork. On Saturday, the 28th, we crossed the Flint river four miles below the fort. On Sunday night, the first of March, we marched till 9 o'clock P. M. We had a rough time of it that night, the rain fell in torrents while it was so dark we could not see to follow the trail. We were endeavoring to overtake the main army which had left us crossing the river. In this, however, we were disappointed, for we could no longer follow their track.
On the 2nd we overtook the army in Chehaw town. This was an old Indian town in the Creek nation, which tribe refused to join the Seminoles in the war, and as we passed through, most of their warriors joined us. The town is about ten miles from Fort Early. They had a white flag hoisted in a prominent place in the town. We purchased some provisions of them, such as corn, potatoes, ground peas, etc. On Tuesday, the 3rd, we had to build a bridge to cross a creek. While the army was waiting, I went about 4 miles to Kenard (an Indian chief) and bought some provisions. That night it snowed, the next day it was very cold; we were constantly wet from wading ponds and creeks. and we had ice to encounter in the ponds.
On the 6th about six hundred friendly Indians joined us, with those that previously and subsequently joined our army, made about one thousand. These Indians were commanded by two chiefs, Lovet and Kenard. On the 9th we reached Fort Scott after dark. We found provisions scarce at the fort, and the army entirely destitute. On the tenth we drew three days rations of corn and pork, and crossed back on the eastern side of Flint river. We crossed about midnight in a little boat; the river was very high. Here the regular army joined us, being nearly one thousand of them.
We set out down the river to meet the provisions which were ascending the river in boats. This was a most desponding time with the soldiers, we had been living on corn and fresh pork for many days and that very scarce. Our only hopes were upon meeting provisions on the river, which was considered very uncertain whether or not we should meet them, and if we did, whether they could supply us, for the army by this time consisted of about three thousand souls, which soon amounted to four thousand by an increase of Tennessee horsemen.
On the twelfth of March, we crossed the line and entered into east Florida, about twenty miles below Fort Scott. On Friday, the 13th, while marching down the river about 12 o'clock M., we met the boats laden with provisions; a most joyful meeting it was. Things assumed a new aspect, every countenance seemed animated which was before marked with discontent and despair. Starvation which had stared us in the face was changed to plenty (for the present). When the news was proclaimed that the boats were in sight the army halted. I seated myself under a black-jack bush, and with a most devouring appetite, consumed the little remnant of provisions that I had reserved as a dernier resort. This was about 6 miles below the junction of Flint and Chattahoochee rivers, which two make the Appalachicola bay. We stayed there till the next morning which afforded the army a short and acceptable respite from the fatigue of hard marching.
While encamped here, we caught a hostile Indian and took him on with us. On Sunday night a little after sunset, as the army was in the attitude of stacking arms, and all was in confusion, the hostile Indian endeavored to make his escape. He was fired on by about fifty of the guards and was killed. Those who were not contiguous to the scene thought the army was attacked by the enemy. It produced great confusion in the ranks.
On Monday, the 16th, we arrived at the negro fort 69 miles from Fort Scott. This place derived its name from the circumstance of a body of free and runaway negroes, together with some Indians, associating themselves in 1814, built a fort which was soon after blown up to the destruction of nearly all that were in it. Colonel Clinch ascended the bay with some United States troops and succeeded in its destruction by throwing a hot ball in their magazine. A part of the old fort still remained. We found some of their arms and cannon ball lying in the mud. The guns, although they had been exposed to the weather for four years, when put in the fire to burn the rust off, would fire. Here we erected a new fort upon the ruins of the old one and called it Fort Gadsden.
On Tuesday, the 24th, a sloop arrived with provisions. On the 25th we drew what provisions we could carry on our backs and set out in an eastern direction toward the Mackasooky town. The next Sunday following (the 29th) we came to the Oconochy river. All hands set to building canoes, the river being very high that night, and the next day we crossed the river. On Tuesday, the 31st, arrived at a town called Tallahassee. The Indians had abandoned it before we got there. We passed an old Indian lying near a pond, dead. She had not been dead long from her appearance; she had been left there to die by the Indians who fled before us; she was lying on the ground by some ashes and a dirt pot. We burnt the town (this is the present capital of Florida). We found some cattle that day which were distributed amongst the soldiers.
On Wednesday, the 1st of April, we arrived at the Mackasooky town at 2 o'clock P. M., 78 miles from Fort Gadsden. The day before we reached this place, the Tennessee horsemen joined the army. We had a battle here with the Indians. They met us a mile from town. They fled before us, but continued to fire back. The Tennesseans, being mounted, pressed them through the town. They took to a swamp. Eleven Indians were found dead on the ground. We took some prisoners. One of the Tennesseans was killed and five wounded. We got between four and five hundred cattle, some horses, hogs, poultry and about one thousand bushels of corn. Here we had a plentiful feast. The cattle were put in a pen near the encampment. I shall never forget the melancholy effect produced on me by the simultaneous lowing of the cattle, howling of the dogs and chirping of the young chickens.
We found in the town a pole on which were many scalps nailed. One could discover from the length of the hair several female ones. While we were here stationed, scouting parties were ordered out to explore the adjacent country. They took a few provisions. On Friday, the 4th of April, I went about two miles up the town, got some corn, etc. We tried in vain to dry some beef; we had no salt; what we attempted to cure soon spoilt. A party of friendly Indians took the cattle we did not kill and drove them back to the Creek nation.
On Sunday, the 5th, we commenced our march for St. Marks (a Spanish fort on the sea coast). On Monday evening, the 6th, we arrived in sight of St. Marks (28 miles south of Mackasooky). We sent to the fort a white flag, which was responded to by a similar one on the part of the fort. From this time the commissioned officers were allowed admittance in the fort. We continued to pass and repass till Tuesday morning, the 7th, when General Jackson ordered a battalion of regulars to march in, while the gates were open, and take possession of the fort. I happened in the fort at the time.
The Spaniards seemed very much alarmed at this movement of the army. They made a feeble effort to command their cannon but were forced away by the regulars; not a gun was fired. I suppose there were not exceeding sixty or seventy men in the fort but with this number they could have made a strong resistance. The fort is situated in the fork of two small rivers, so we could only approach in one direction.
It is built of lime and shells, very strong, with upwards of 50 pieces of cannon mounted. Immediately after it was taken and our flag hoisted, a vessel sailed up to the fort which had left us at Fort Gadsden. This vessel had passed out at the mouth of Appalachicola bay and sailed around the coast waiting our movements. While passing round, the commander managed to decoy some Indians, who made to the vessel under the impression that it was a British sloop. Two Seminolean chiefs were taken (Prophet Francis and King Michelimico). On Wednesday, the 8th, both were brought from the vessel to the gallows and hung without ceremony or trial. Thursday, the 9th of April, we commenced our march to Sewanee town, situated on a river of the same name. It lies about one hundred miles east of St. Marks. We left about two hundred men in possession of St. Marks, having shipped the Spaniards around to Pensacola. We took with us from the fort nine days' rations. On the 10th nine hundred Tennessee mounted troops joined us, and General McIntosh with the Indians.
Sunday, the 12th, McIntosh discovered signs of the enemy and left the army. He soon overtook them and gave them battle with his friendly Indians. He killed 36, took several prisoners, chiefly women and children. Amongst the prisoners was a white woman who had been made a prisoner by them in 1817, at the time Lieutenant Scott was killed ascending the Appalachicola bay with provisions for Fort Scott.
McIntosh lost three men killed and four wounded. He took about five hundred head of cattle, several horses and other plunder. The battle was fought in about one mile of our army; we could hear their guns. Some of the Tennessee troops went to join McIntosh, the battle was over before they could reach them. Tuesday, the 14th, the front guard found an Indian fellow, squaw and three children. They attempted to run; the fellow was shot dead, the others all wounded; we left them to take care of themselves.
Thursday, the 16th of April, we marched 21 miles and reached Sewannee at dark. The Indians fled before us. McIntosh had some small skirmishing with the negroes, killed seven, took two prisoners, lost none, but twelve wounded. Friday, the 17th, I joined a scouting party and went down the river about two miles. We surrounded Arbuthnot's store where we expected to take his clerk but were disappointed in that; he had made his escape. Arbuthnot, an Englishman of intelligence and enterprise, was made prisoner at the time we took St. Marks. He had been instrumental, as was believed, in inciting the Seminoles to war and had furnished them with powder, lead, etc. He was afterward tried by a court martial and shot at St. Marks. Ambrister, another Englishman, who was taken at Sewannee, was likewise tried for exciting the Indians to war. He was condemned to hang. We got from Arbuthnot's store about five hundred bushels of corn and a vast quantity of deer skins which he had not had an opportunity of moving.
On Saturday, the 18th, a part of the army crossed over the Sewannee in canoes; we found some horses, cows, etc. Crossed back on Sunday. On Monday, the 20th, the army divided. General Jackson took the Tennesseans, regulars and friendly Indians and started back to take Pensacola. General Glascock set out with the Georgians to make our way home. We got corn in Sewannee which was our only support to take us back to Hartford, about two hundred and fifty miles. Here our sufferings and privations increased on us, our corn grew scarce, our fatigue from hard marching was almost too much for our emaciated bodies to bear. Before we reached Phelemmy's town on Flint river, about fifty of us were sent on ahead to try and provide some beef cattle for the army, for starvation at this crisis threatened us strong.
I had bought me an Indian pony early in the expedition but had not rode him any, gave him up for such as were less able to walk, for I enjoyed good health myself. Some five or six field officers joined us, who were mounted. I brought on my pony and occasionally rode a little. Thus we continued to travel ahead of the main army, till those who had horses and a few of the best footmen left the company. After traveling so about half a day the horsemen still left us about six or seven in number. I stuck to the footmen, knowing my pony could not keep pace with the horsemen. In this situation we reached Phelemmy's town and to our great surprise we heard the war-whoop. We looked around and saw some Indians who seemed to be in great confusion. They continued to whoop for some time and then made off to a swamp near them.
Major Woodard was with us, who had much acquaintance with the Indians, (and who had had a commission amongst them during the campaign). He expressed great alarm and told us it was the war-whoop and that we must prepare for battle. We accordingly prepared our muskets and waited a few minutes for an attack. The Indians did not appear any more from the swamp. We then held a consultation whether we should go back to meet the army or go ahead and try to overtake the horsemen. The conclusion was that we would go on, it not being more than about twenty miles to Fort Early up the Flint river. We had not progressed far before we overtook the horsemen, in conversation with an Indian negro, who told us that the Indians were in a state of hostility, and that were they to see us they would certainly attack us; that they were gathered not far from us. That the cause of their hostility was that since we had passed Chehaw town, the soldiers from Fort Early had been over and destroyed the town and killed many of their women and children. The warriors being principally with our army.
This was news to us. We all considered ourselves in much danger, but determined to try and reach the fort that night, it being about two o'clock and seventeen miles to go. Accordingly we set out; the horsemen, most illiberally, left us again. We had not progressed far before we discovered the horsemen had taken a trail, which course did not suit us. We determined to take the left hand which seemed to be the better course.
About nine o'clock that night we reached the fort, found the horsemen had not reached there. After making the circumstance known to the officers of the fort, we all concluded that they had been taken by the Indians. A regular soldier had reached the fort the same evening before us, who had been discharged from Fort Scott with the others. About the place we saw the hostile Indians, from the description he gave us, they had fired on him and his comrades; he was the only one that escaped and reached the fort
We then learnt the particulars of the destruction of Chehaw. Which was that a detachment had been ordered by Governor Rabun, under the command of Captain Wright, to destroy the Phelemmy Indians, (in a small town on the river who were suspected to have committed some murders, etc.). Captain Wright not being acquainted with the geography of the country marched against Chehaw instead of the other, and burnt it. Besides killed many of its inhabitants. The next morning the horsemen, who we feared had fallen victims to the Indians, came into the fort. They had only been lost the night before. Major Roberson was one of them (aide-de-camp to General Glascock). He determined it was important to dispatch an express immediately back to the army and called on me to bear it. I promptly refused, unless he would place me at the head of a detachment sufficiently strong to make some resistance in case we were attacked by the Indians. He accordingly gave me command of thirty men and I set out, not expecting to meet the army till the next day, but to my gratification that evening I met General Glascock, delivered him the express, and returned to the fort the same day.
We reached Hartford on the first of May. Having marched in eleven days 250 miles. I had no other provisions but what corn each man carried for himself. Did not have as much as we desired to start upon. During the long march we suffered much as well from fatigue as want of corn.
On Monday, May 4, 1818, as we were mustered out of service I set out next day for home. I traveled by myself—had my little pony but he was very poor. I rode some and walked most of the distance. I arrived home at Elbert courthouse on the 9th of May. Was gone 3 months and 8 days.
Again I went into my little store, having got my brother Dunstan to attend to it during my absence.
September 1, I quit business and commenced going to school in Ruckersville to Alexander Speer, and continued at school till July following. About this time Colonel Speer was admitted to practice law. I then took up the study of the law with him.
On the 23rd of February, 1820, I set out to Virginia to purchase some negroes for brother Willis. I myself returned home in May and commenced the law again. 25th of August I was admitted to practice law at Habersham courthouse. then opened an office in Ruckersville and commenced practicing.
In 1821, I bought out an interest my father had in a store in Ruckersville with Joseph Rucker. Rucker and myself continued the business till 1824 when I bought him out and continued it that year on my own account. During this time I continued to practice law, and merchandise. Had in 1822 a long and violent attack of bilious fever. In 1823, I was elected a member of the Legislature from Elbert County. In October, 1823, my father died.
In the winter of 1824-25, I bought out John Oliver of Petersburg, wound up my merchandise and settled in Petersburg and commenced planting. Made a crop in 1825 and, in 1826, I sold out my planting interest to Solomon Knowland.
In 1824, Governor Troup made me one of his Aids, with the title of Colonel. In 1825, General LaFayette visited America. I was ordered by Governor Troup to escort him, with Colonel Randolph, from Milledgeville to Alabama. We escorted him and suite to Fort Mitchell, Alabama, and returned.
In trading with Knowland my Petersburg plantation, I took a stock of goods from him and moved to Augusta, where Mr. B. Baird and myself commenced merchandising. While I lived in Petersburg I had a store in partnership with James E—— in the upper part of Elbert County, where I made nothing. E ——- swindled me out of what we made.
I also had a store in Henry County under the management of Mr. James Shaw. Think I made nothing there, rather lost.
On the 14th of February, 1828, I married Sarah Watkins of Elbert County, and during the following summer, sold out my mercantile interest in Augusta, and moved to Lexington, January, 1829, where I lived till 1836. During my stay there I had a store part of the time in Lexington, and one in Madison County, entrusted with Mr. Wm. Mirong who managed it. I made nothing there again. I practiced law and traded. In 1836, I sold out in Lexington to my brother Henry and moved to Columbus, Georgia, where I settled in the village of Wynnton, one mile from Columbus. In 1839, I bought cotton and lost some 6 or 8 thousand dollars.
In 1840, I commenced merchandising in Columbus and continued till 1844. Made considerable money. In the summer of 1841, I had considerable stock in the Planters and Mechanics Bank. The bank was in a bad condition and General McDougald resigned the presidency. I was persuaded to take the presidency, which I did. I went to New York and borrowed a large amount of money for the bank. Made myself indorcially liable for it. In December of the same year I found the debtors of the bank would not pay and seemed determined to break the bank. I resigned the presidency. In 1842, the bank broke and I was a large loser by it. In 1842, I bought a plantation on the river (Pittsburg). I commenced planting. Collected my debts when I could, and took negroes and bought others. When I married, Mr. Watkins gave my wife some twenty odd negroes, which I had no place to put them on and sold them to my brother-in-law, Mr. D. Watkins. I got by my wife in all her property some eight or nine thousand dollars.
August 25, 1858. It seems that I have omitted doing anything with my diary from 1842 to the present time. I now commence from memory to make some mention of this long omission. The stockholders in the Planters and Mechanics Bank were under the charter liable for the ultimate redemption of its issue. It turned out to be a bad failure, as many of the stockholders and debtors refused to pay their indebtedness. Suits were commenced against the debtors who managed to evade the payment. The stockholders were then sued and these suits are to this day pending in court. I have been a large loser and now don't know the result of these suits.
William D ——— a lawyer of distinction, moved to Columbus and commenced the suits against the stockholders. He borrowed a large amount of money from me, promising me protection against the suits, saying he would satisfy the plaintiffs, so far as I was concerned, out of his fees. He now owed me near fifty thousand dollars. He has recently repudiated his promises and is now trying to recover of me after having got my money and refusing to pay.
From 1842 to the present, I have kept up my plantation in Stewart County and from the increase of my negroes naturally and my crops, I have found it a good investment. Have up to this time, 1858, settled off my five oldest sons, to wit John Troup, Willis D., George Y., Watkins and Edward S. I have given each ($15,000) equal to fifteen thousand dollars, and hope to have as much or more for the other seven younger children.
In 1849, I took stock in the Howard factory in Columbus which lasted till the fall of 1853 when it was sold out. I lost my stock of $5,000. I bought the factory for $3 with assuming its liabilities in mortgages, which was about forty thousand dollars. This was again a most ruinous step. I have been struggling ever since, selling stock to others and now, 1858, have about $20,000 in it. Have never made anything by it, but a loser largely.
During the past year, 1857, the banks suspended throughout the Union in September and caused an unprecedented panic. Property fell and very few sustained their credit. I had to financier for the Howard factory as well as for myself and went through the panic and sustained my credit; but it was done at a great loss. Cotton sold at the opening of the season in September at 15c and went down to 8c. When the estimate of the crop was made up for 1857, it turned out within a fraction of thirty-one hundred thousand bales (3,100,000).
In the spring of 1857, I invested on our joint account with Robert Dougherty (my brother-in-law) about $10,000 in Coohoma County, Mississippi, in the bottom, about 18 miles east of the Mississippi river. I furnished the funds and am to have back the original amount invested, with the interest. In the spring and summer of 1858 there was a great overflow of the Mississippi river, greater than had been known for many years. Most of the bottom lands were overflowed or partially so, which affected the price of the bottom land seriously. Mr. Dougherty and myself speak of settling the land; there are about 1,800 acres, very rich. The overflow affected our land less than most of the bottom, proving that it is a good location.
Oct. 1858. Have just heard of the death of my sister, Polly Napier, who was next to myself in age, (died in her 59th year). Was living in Monrow County, Alabama.
William D —— before alluded to, on August 1, 1859, made a proposition to me, viz: That he would have me released from about twenty-five thousand dollars I was security for him, provided I would give him six annual payments on the amount he owed me, which I consented to and signed a writing to that effect.
When said William D —— moved to Columbus, I paid him to become my attorney generally, which he faithfully did for a few years. I paid him liberally as well as loaned him a large amount of money and went his security. He promised to relieve me from the securityship whenever I claimed it of him. He also promised me payment of the cash lent when I demanded it. I wanted my money or a part of it, having a large family to support.
He would not pay me (as he promised) and caused me to sell my property, sometimes at a sacrifice, to get funds for immediate use. I then claimed of him to be released from the large amount of securityship but this he neglected to do. I reminded him of his promise, "that when I called upon him to release me, if he had not the money he had negroes and would put them in my hands to sell and relieve myself."
He still refused to pay the debts or bring me the negroes, but (as I think) held that securityship as a rod over me to force me to give longer indulgence upon what he owed me (which indulgence I suppose would average 10 years or more). He abandoned part of my business as attorney, although liberally paid, giving as an excuse that it came in conflict with his other business. I had cause to think hard of him; but to cap the climax of his repudiation, and bad treatment of me, when he was paid by me, he volunteered in court against me in an important case. This incensed me so as to cause a breaking up of our friendship, and at the spring term of court, 1860, he had his name stricken from the docket, when he was my attorney, and caused me to pay other attorneys in cases, when he had received the fee. Of all the men I have had dealing with in my long business life, William D —— has deceived and injured me more than any man I ever came in contact with.
I doubt whether I am worth half as much as I should have been, had I had nothing to do with him. The amount he owes me is small, to the sacrifices he has caused me to make. I have made this memorandum about him that my children may know, when I am no more, who to trust and where their anticipated fortune has gone, and who got it.
From the foregoing it would seem I was a litigious man. It has been my practice through life to pay my debts at maturity, and carry out the wholesome doctrine, "Debtor, seek your creditor." I have hunted up creditors and paid them at maturity.
My connection with that bank caused much litigation and hence the necessity of the services of William D — as attorney. The suits he has control of have all been compromised. I settled up, for which he has received a large amount of money, but still pays me nothing.
April 1, 1860. Sold out my interest in the Howard factory in Columbus, Georgia, for about $25,000 at one, two and three years' credit without interest, which is a loss from the time I first took stock in it in 1819, of from twelve to fifteen thousand dollars, which winds up my business life. I have been an active business man from 1820 to date and had but few idle days. Am now in my 63rd year of age and so much paralysed as to render it troublesome and laborious to do active business. Hope after all my misfortunes I shall be able to give my children from $25,000 to $30,000 each. Property of all kind has risen very much and cotton is selling for 10c a pound.
Now the year of 1860 has gone, I again take my pen to note down some of the events of the past year. It has been a year of great drought and consequently short crops. The previous year, 1859, was a fine crop year, much more cotton made than ever before. The whole crop amounted to (4,700,000), forty-seven hundred thousand bales and still the price kept to about 10c. After settling off seven children, 1 made myself 240 bales. But the past year, made only 101 bales. It has been a year long to be remembered and the prospect of the crop of cotton will be about three and a half million bales. Consequently may anticipate good price but for the political troubles.
The black Republicans have carried their schemes of emancipation of slaves to great extent. Refused to surrender fugitives in violation of the Constitution, and nominated Abe Lincoln, of Illinois, their candidate for President. The other parties nominated Breckenridge, Bell and Douglas; four candidates were run and Lincoln elected, the champion of emancipation.
South Carolina held a convention and seceded from the Federal government. Florida, Alabama and Mississippi soon followed, and now while I write Georgia is holding her convention and will no doubt go out too, and a probability of all the slave-holding states following.
The war spirit is up and may have it, between the Republicans and slave states.
In December, Mr. Dougherty and myself sold our Mississippi plantation for ($47,500) forty-seven thousand five hundred dollars on a credit of one, two or three years. It cost us about $25,000, making $22,500 profit, to be equally divided between us. We again invested and commenced making another settlement about 1 mile from the other place.
April 12, 1861. I have neglected my diary for some time and now begin it again. The cotton crop has brought a good price, say 9 to 13 cents. I shipt mine to Liverpool. My factories sold it too soon, averaging me about 10 cents. The war feeling has continued to grow. Seven states have seceded, viz: South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Texas. and others holding conventions preparing to secede.
These seven states have met at Montgomery, the temporary capital of the Southern Confederacy. Elected Jefferson Davis of Mississippi, President and Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia, Vice President. The old government refuses to recognize the secession and hence a war now seems inevitable.
The old government keeps possession of Fort Sumter at Charleston, South Carolina, and Fort Pickens at Pensacola, while the Southern Confederacy has gotten possession of the most of the forts in the South. Both governments have been concentrating their forces at these two points, where the war will likely be inaugurated. Yesterday we had news that Fort Sumter would be demanded and if not surrendered to the Southern Army an attack would be made, and the firing of three cannons all through the confederated states would be the signal of the attack and the firing of seven guns, the signal of a surrender of the fort. Great excitement and the signals expected every hour since yesterday, Meridian. 10 o'clock today the guns commenced. When there had been three fired I waited anxiously for another, but it stopt at that. Now the probability and almost certainty that the first blood has been shed, and while I write the battle is raging.
April 13, 1861, 2 o'clock, the telegraph has just brought the news of the surrender of Fort Sumter. We have known for the last thirty hours that they were fighting at Charleston and it has been thirty hours of great suspense and anxiety. The telegraph bringing us constantly the progress. Now while I write the people are rejoicing, the bells ringing, cannons firing, drums beating. The next war news we anticipate to come from Pensacola. We are hourly expecting it.
April 15, Monday. Saturday was a day of great rejoicing. Anderson, the commander of Fort Sumter, is now a prisoner of General Beauregard. The excitement seems to keep up. Orders have reached here for more troops to go to Savannah. Tomorrow, General Simms' company leaves. Watkins and Eugene are preparing to go. Reports have reached us that a reinforcement of the old government troops had gotten into Fort Pickens at Pensacola.
April 18. Some troops have succeeded in reinforcing Fort Pickens. Otherwise they remain in statu quo.
Tuesday was a solemn day. Thousands came in to see the troops leave. Many tears were shed. Some speeches made, etc.
Today the cannon has been booming again. Virginia has seceded and may possibly arrest the war. Had she done it earlier, others would have followed her. We still expect her example to influence North Carolina and we hope all the other slave holding states. Preparations are being made on both sides for a conflict.
April 27. The war excitement keeps up without abatement. Much talk of attacking Washington City. Troops coming on from the North to protect the city. Were attacked in Baltimore, several killed. Railroads torn up and bridges burnt to prevent this passage.
May 8. Last evening the cannons were booming again. Sent to town to know the cause. Tennessee and Arkansas have seceded. No attack on Fort Pickens at Pensacola, though hourly expected May 27. No general battle yet. There has been some fighting near Norfolk and Alexandria. Eleven (11) states have seceded to this time. Congress adjourned from Montgomery to meet again in Richmond, Virginia, in July. The Federal government is now attempting to blockade the Southern ports and the Mississippi river. Bacon and corn selling at 11c and $1.25 per bushel. Troops are still gathering about Richmond, Harper's Ferry and Norfolk. Nothing done at Pensacola, yet.
July 20, 1861. The war is progressing. Just heard of a fatal battle at Manassas. The Confederates triumphed, losing 100 to 200 men. Great excitement and conflicting reports. The battle between Beauregard, Confederate, and McClellan, Federal.
The battle at Laurel Hill, our folks retreated and losses heavy. My nephews, Ralph Banks and John Stephens, taken prisoners with some four hundred others.
To this date prospects of the crop good, both corn and cotton.
Watkins and Eugene now at home on furloughs, on business for the company, and leave today and tomorrow for Virginia where the fighting is the thickest.
August 5. I have been sick at home for some days and just gotten to my office.
On Sunday, July 21, the big battle was fought at Manassas. The Federals badly whipped and quit the field in a stampede. Up to this time all is uncertain about the loss on either side. But from all I can gather from the various accounts I have, I should estimate the loss on the Federal side, killed and wounded 10,000, and the Confederates about one fifth.
Bill D —— before alluded to, was to have paid me one fifth of his indebtedness to me by the 15th of July past. When the time arrived, as usual, he failed to pay me a dollar, notwithstanding he made such promises and reduced it to writing. When he got my money he promised to pay it whenever I called for it and if he had not the cash he would turn over to me his negroes till I was paid. Now that he had had my money from 10 to 15 years, he refuses to renew the notes, saying, "It would be compound interest." At this time he owes me between 50 and 60,000 dollars, and still I am bound as security for him for many thousand dollars. Bill D. has deceived me, and is, in my opinion, a swindler and dishonest man.
November 22, 1861. The war is still progressing with increased vigor. Since I last made a note many battles have been fought and most of them terminating in favor of the Confederacy. The Yankees have taken Port Royal, South Carolina, and Beaufort. Have a formidable armada on our coast and preparing for descending the Mississippi river from Cairo. A fatal battle just occurred at Columbus, Ky. Our side victorious. Great excitement there and at Memphis a renewal anticipated. If the Federals should prove successful, it is thought Memphis will be their next point of attack.
Watkins and Eugene still near Manassas and some talk of their being ordered, with Toombs brigade, to the Southern coast, which I desire. At this time the prospects are gloomy and no green spot ahead.
General Tombs and Ben Hill just elected senators to the Confederate Congress, which shows a healthy state in our Legislature. Ganey is elected senator from Alabama, though not returned from England, where he is our Minister.
Just heard the fighting is now going on at Pensacola.
December 5, 1861. The battle at Pensacola ceased at present. The Confederates got the best of it and the Federals ceased their firing.
Missouri has seceded, which makes 12 states, and Kentucky has partially joined us. The state is divided and fighting among themselves.
April 1, 1862. I have neglected to record the war news. We have had many successes and reverses since I last made any remarks, but mostly against us. I plant no cotton this year, and quite a disposition with many to do likewise.
June 2, 1862. Since I last made a note upon the war, many changes have taken place, mostly against us.
The Yankees have the coast from Norfolk inclusive to Texas, except Charleston, Savannah and Mobile. Three more of my sons have gone into the war. Willis and George, both lieutenants, are ordered to Corinth. Elbert has united himself to a guerrilla company, Captain Nelson's, and now stationed at Griffin, Ga., drilling. Eugene is still near Richmond, where at this time fighting is going on. Thus far we have the advantage.
July 23, 1862. The war is still progressing and of late things are favorable to the Confederacy. George and Willis in Mississippi. Eugene still near Richmond. Elbert near Knoxville, Tenn., the last we heard from him.
We are feeling the effects of the war sorely. Bacon, 40c. Coffee, 70c. Sugar, 50c. Flour, $25 per barrel. Corn is falling from $1.50 to $1.00. The prospects of the growing crop pretty good.
Gilmer, under my advice, has gotten a substitute at $100. His wife so unwilling for him to leave her.
Оctober 27, 1862. This is my 65th anniversary day. Am old and paralysed so much, that I get about slowly with the aid of a stick. My general health is good.
The war still progressing. The Abolitionists making great preparations to crush us this winter upon the coast and rivers. Willis was taken by the Abolitionists while sick at Glasgow, Ky., paroled, and now at home. Elbert has gotten back to Knoxville, after going through Kentucky in Bragg's army. Having accomplished but little.
December 1, 1862. Monday last, this day a week ago, my dear son, Troup, came to my office and seemed to be in great trouble. Said to me, "Pap, comfort me. Talk to me about my case." He had been for four years laboring under distressing dyspepsia. He had fallen off from the weight of 175 pounds to only 98 pounds. His sufferings were great. The next day, Tuesday, the 25th of November, his distress and suffering seemed to continue. I have since heard that he enquired on Saturday for a pistol, which he did not obtain. Tuesday, the day of his death, he went to where Shadrick was making chairs and examined his knives. Asked for a sharp-pointed one. Found none that suited his purpose. He then enquired about the gun, who loaded it, etc. All of these enquiries I knew nothing about till after his death. He sat with me till dinner time, talking about his troubles. When the bell rang, for dinner, I got up and started, saying, "Come on, Troup." He replied, "Presently." While we were at dinner, instead of following me, he went directly to the cottage, to prepare for the fatal deed. While we were at the table, the alarm was given and we hurried to the cottage, where we found him dead, sitting up in his chair. He had arranged to shoot himself. A negro boy with him, whom he told to go into the other room. He put the breech of the gun in the window, the muzzle in his bosom, fixing it at his heart, and pulled the string tied to the trigger. It seems he died without a struggle. Did not fall from his chair nor did the gun fall from his bosom. He had anticipated death by telling his ma and myself how to dispose of his property, some special legacies, etc.
He was on this day thirty-four years and three days old. Troup was a good young man. All who knew him, white and black, loved him. He had no enemies, of good moral character Never played cards, did not gamble, did not use ardent spirits nor profane language. Used no tobacco in any way. Was a model young man. Hope his brothers will imitate and remember his virtues.
January 24, 1863. This morning Willis left for Bragg's army. Having been exchanged after staying at home since October. George has resigned and is at home, found his health too feeble for the army. Eugene has been at home, for some time and now getting up the conscripts for Stewart County by appointment. Watkins and Elbert still at Knoxville.
April 9, 1863. Great excitement for the past two days. The fight at Charleston has been in progress for two days, but today things seemed to be quiet. The Federals have been making preparations for some time for the attack. Lost an ironclad, the Keokuk, and sunk with other vessel, injured and retired. Willis is at Shelbyville, Tenn. Watkins and Elbert at home recruiting their horses. The Nelson Rangers all returned and expect to make a stay of a few weeks to recruit their horses and then to go to Louisiana. George at home. Eugene still trying to conscript for Stewart County.
April 21, 1863. Yesterday the Rangers left for Louisiana. They have been here nearly a month recruiting their horses. Watkins and Jo Watkins got substitutes. Watkins at $2,300 and Jo Watkins at $3,000. Watkins had served two years. Elbert chose to go on with the company. He and Willis are the only sons in actual service. Eugene is through conscripting and must soon enter again into the service. George on his plantation, having resigned the lieutenantcy. No signs yet of the end of the war. Various skirmishing at different points, resulting favorably for the Confederacy, in general.
May 25, 1863. The war still continues without abatement. We have reports of the Yankees taking Jackson, Miss. Fighting at Vicksburg. Elbert was probably at Jackson, though no letter from him since the taking the place. Willis still at Shelbyville, and has been promoted to the captaincy. Captain Flewellen resigned. When the war commenced, the Yankees spoke of starving us out and for some months past it looked a little like it. We have had a famine with us, at least for luxuries. We hope we have passed the crisis. I give some of the prices we have been paying for provisions. Flour, I have paid $10 per hundred pounds. Sugar, $100 to $125. Bacon, $100. Lard, $100. Wheat, 9 to $10 a bushel. Corn, $2.25 per bushel. Molasses, 5 to $6 a gallon. Salt, 20 to 30c per pound. Coffee, $3.50 to $4.25 per pound. Cotton, 30 to 35c.
The wheat crop has turned out very good last year ('62). We did not make seed time. I have none. Have flour coming in at $40 per barrel and will soon be cheaper. I have bought some wheat at $5 per bushel. Have been without flour for some time and felt the necessity for it, but now hope to have a supply.
July 1, 1863. Have just settled with Bill D. —— through Judge Dougherty, since he refused to renew his notes and told me to get it if I could. Believing that he had fixed up his affairs so that I could not collect it of him, I authorized Judge Dougherty to propose to him I would take half the amount. He never disputed the amount he owed and his own calculation is that he owed me $57,772.47. The half is $28,886.23 which he has just paid me in Confederate money, when his indebtedness was made to me in such times when negroes averaged some 3 or $400. Now the average value is more than double. I have been deceived and taken in by him. I have had to sell property at a sacrifice to meet my liabilities, after he got my money. Nominally he only owed me $57,772.47, but the sacrifices I have made on his account have been large. I sold my wild lands and my town property for a nominal price. If I had never made the acquaintance of Bill D —- I should be worth double the amount I am today. He owed me upon settlement $57,772.47. I settled with him for $28,886.23. I had previously given Susan Dougherty an order on him for $7,444, and he was so heartless as to require her to settle with him upon same terms of 50c on the dollar. Judge Dougherty made the settlement with him and allowed the settlement at the 50c. This winds up my connection with Bill D. ——- who has made me a poor man to what I should have been, had I not believed him an honest and reliable man. I am security for him to L. Napier, for some 4 or 5 thousand dollars which he promises to relieve me of.
July 10, 1863. The war news is exciting at this time. On the 4th of July inst. Vicksburg capitulated with Grant, who had our garrison under Pemberton besieged for more than two months. Pemberton was cut off from supplies and communication. General Johnston was this side of him near Jackson and could not reach the city. Pemberton surrendered 17,500 men as prisoners of war. Son Elbert with Nelson's Rangers could not reach Vicksburg and were cut off. Had been about Jackson or near for some time, where the Rangers still are.
Simultaneous with the surrender of Vicksburg, our army under General Lee had a great fight in Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. Lee proved the victor and took 40,500 prisoners, with stores, ammunition, guns, mules, wagons, etc., which counterbalances the Vicksburg loss.
About the same time Rosecrans, in Tennessee, at the head of the Yankee army, made a dash upon General Bragg, whose army was at Shelbyville, Tenn. Bragg was not prepared for the assault and retreated in great haste to Chattanooga. Lost much of his baggage, wagons, mules, etc. Willis was in the retreat, and from his letter just received, dated at Chattanooga, the army had a hard time of it, marching day and night, burning bridges behind them and Rosecrans in hot pursuit, so near as to be seen sometimes and slight skirmishing. Willis and Elbert thus far are safe. Eugene still at home, waiting for his commission.
Cotton has gone up to the fabulous price of 50c.
September 25, 1863. Just gotten telegram from Willis who was in the battle near Ringgold, saying that William Mitchell, a lieutenant, was killed. Willis was wounded, flesh wound; and that Eugene Banks, his lieutenant, had escaped unhurt. I have sent son Kelly after Willis and at this writing have not heard from him. Willis was taken from the field. His telegram is dated at Adairsville.
This battle has lasted several days and been most fatal. Our killed and wounded estimated at 10 to 12,000. The enemy's loss thought to be larger than ours. We certainly made a victory. The enemy commanded by Rosecrans. Bragg commanded our army. Many have fallen from Columbus and the neighborhood. The fighting still continues about Charleston. Nothing decisive from there yet, she still holds out and thus far has escaped the enemy. Elbert is still in Mississippi.
Cotton not so high as it has been, 35 to 45c.
September 28. Willis got home on the 26th and badly wounded. The ball passing through both thighs and lodging in clothing. Today his fever was subdued and we think not dangerous. He has not walked or sat up, lies quiet in bed. He fell on Sunday. Chickamauga is the name of the battle in Georgia. Of four officers, Eugene is the only one who escaped unhurt. Three privates were killed and five wounded. Kelly missed him as he went up. Got a letter today from him. He is still hunting for Willis.
November 13, 1863. Willis has gotten nearly well and will soon be ready to return to his command. Elbert is still at Canton, Miss. Eugene at or near Chickamauga. Stationed there near the enemy. Today I paid $2.10 for a Hhd of sugar and not good.
Sold Watkins' cotton at 40c. It was not good. 55c the average price. Corn, $3 per bushel.
December 16, 1863. On the 25th November (ultimo) we had a reverse at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. Got badly whipped. Eugene was in it and thinks we ought to have handled the place but our men failed to sustain them selves as they did at Chickamauga. It has given us quite a backset and inspirited the enemy. Willis has not returned to his command. His physician advised him not to go back yet.
April 12, 1864. Have had the coldest winter known to this country. Up to date we have had a continuation of white frosts. Corn planted at the usual time is now being ploughed up to replant. It has been so cold and wet that I have come to my office but seldom. I have neglected my Journal —- written nothing since December 16, 1863. Willis has gotten well and returned to his command. Eugene still there in the army which is stationed at or near Dalton, Ga. The Yankees occupy Ringgold. Have there a large army. Since I last made an entry many small battles and skirmishes have taken place, resulting in loss, occasionally, of both sides. Upon the whole, we think our prospects rather favorable.
George is at home attending to his farm and Watkins at my plantation. Congress has exempted men who have charge of 15 working hands, which protects them from conscription. Elbert is in Miss. (Canton). Provisions are still very high.
July 22, 1864. Since the last entry I made in December, 1863, I have been in feeble health, and overcome with troubles, so much so that I have quit going to my office and stay at home. Susan and Lucy, with Sally Sims Banks, went to Columbus, Miss. on a visit to our relations there. While there at James W. Harris', Susan's clothes took fire and burn her very badly.* She was thought at first not to be so much burnt as it turned out. In April we were telegraphed that Susan had gotten worse and wanted her mother to go on and see her. The telegram reached us and next day her mother (who had never traveled a mile without an escort) set out alone by railroad to go to see her. When she reached Columbus, which she accomplished the third day, she found Susan much worse burnt than she anticipated. The physicians had been talking about taking off her arm, which was not done, and Susan began to improve, so that she set out for home in about a month. Doctor Butt, who had been with others her physician, came on with her and Sally and Lucy. Got home about the 20th of May, just before the sad news reached us of the death of dear Eugene. They had not heard it till they got home.
On the 15th day of May a battle was going on at Resaca on the state railroad. Our men were ordered to lie down in the trenches while the enemy was shelling them. A shell fell near my dear Eugene, (who was lieutenant of Willis company) and exploded, killing him so dead that he was not known to speak or breathe afterwards. The night following, Willis had the sad duty to perform of burying him in the night, which was near where he was killed in a garden. Had no coffin but put him in a grave and covered him with the dirt and hurried off, the enemy not far off. This was the earthly end of dear Eugene, about twenty-five years of age. He was a good, dutiful son, of fine person, near or quite six feet high, of pleasing manners and very popular. When the war broke out in 1861, Eugene belonged to Captain Sims' Columbus Guard. He, with the company, in April went to Savannah, thence to Richmond and there in the Virginia Army he was in many battles and escaped unscathed. He was elected lieutenant in Willis' company, and went on and joined the company. He was in the battle at Chickamauga when Willis was badly wounded, and other skirmishes from April 1861 to May 1864; three years and one month he was on duty. He loved his home but was denied the enjoyment of it. I had given him some land in Stewart County built him a house (all new) and eighteen negroes. Thus ends dear Eugene, which has caused many tears to be shed. Even to this day I often cry to think and speak of him.
*Susan had just returned from a party and her light dress caught fire from a candle. E. L.
The war is going on now with more vigor than previously. This week the enemy has been within thirty miles of Columbus. Tearing up the railroad about Opelika, with some fighting. After doing much damage, has retired and all is quiet again.
George and Sims have been at Atlanta some two weeks. Today Watkins and Gilmer start, then I shall have five sons in Hood's army (Johnston has been released and Hood supersedes him), viz: Willis, George, Sims, Watkins and Gilmer. Elbert still belongs to Lee's army in Mississippi. He has been at home some weeks on furlough, and last Monday he started his boy (Mack)* back to the army, he intending to go on in a few days by railroad, but this raid in Alabama and tearing up the road has delayed him, and he is still at home but goes on as soon as he can travel on the road. The Virginia Army under Lee has had much fighting and resulted generally in our favor. In Florida there has been a good deal of fighting generally favorable to us. The enemy is pressing the war vigorously and a great battle is expected near us at Atlanta, where my five sons are. The enemy has been near Columbus, Miss., destroyed one of Mr. Young's plantations, taking off 27 negro men. They have been near Mr. R. Dougherty's and my plantation in Mississippi. All the negro men ran off to them. We have brought off the women and children. I had only three men there, all gone to the enemy, taking off our mules.
The winter of '63 and '64 was the coldest winter ever known in this latitude. Had much rain and high water, the bridges and mills generally washed off. This spring, for the first time since '61, I planted some cotton, probably enough to make some 30 bales, plentiful enough to keep us in seed. Cotton has gone up to 75c per pound in Confederate money. I sold last week eighteen bales at 75c. Have no confidence in the money and see no prospect but repudiation on both sides if the war ends, though I receive it and pay it out as the currency of the country.
August 6, 1864. Now I have a painful duty to record in my diary. On the 28th of July the enemy was pressing us at Atlanta. The brigade of my son (Captain Willis D. Banks) was ordered to take the breastworks of the enemy near Atlanta, skirmishing for a time, going on. The order was impracticable. General Johnston had been relieved for retreating so often
*Mack was a negro servant. Each one of the sons had a slave to wait on him, called his "boy."
and General Hood succeeded him. Hood felt that it would not do for him to retreat under such circumstances. Willis at all times ready to make a charge when ordered. In the effort to carry out the order was badly wounded, shot in the breast with a Minie ball and taken out of the way. My son, George, was with him soon as he could get to him. As he approached dear Willis said, "George, I am glad to see you." George said to him, "Are you badly wounded?" "Yes, mortally, the doctors say. I have but one death to die and am prepared now as well as at any time." He asked George to get him his pocket-book, papers and cash. He then told George that some of his men had left money with him to keep for them and called over the amounts to George and named some amounts due him, and requested George to have it all settled up. He said to George that he was prepared to meet death and did not fear it, that he would like to get home and see the family and die there. George soon made arrangements and got him in an ambulance, thence to the cars, and he started home. The cars had not gone far before they found the enemy had torn up the railroad and the cars went back to Atlanta. When George heard of it, he was soon with him again. Willis expressed regret that they had to return and said that he wanted to see Ma and die at home. Several ministers called to see him and had full and free conversation with him of his future prospects. He seemed willing and desirous to talk with them upon the subject. He said that long ago he had had the matter under consideration and felt a change and a determination to do right for the future, that he had not done wrong since that time that he knew of. That he was prepared to die and did not fear death. The Rev. Mr. Wynn was with him and wrote me fully of his interview with him, which was to him satisfactory, and that he had full confidence of his prospects for Heaven. Willis lived from Thursday till 2 o'clock Monday A. M., and died giving all who conversed with him upon his future prospect, full confidence that he was gone to Heaven. On the Wednesday following, his corpse arrived, filling the hearts with sorrow and eyes with tears.
That evening he was buried at the Columbus graveyard, had him placed by the side of dear Troup, who had, as the writer believes, preceded him to Heaven. This is the earthly end of dear Willis. He was a good man and much beloved by those who knew him. Sunday, the 14th, is the time fixed upon for his funeral, together with dear Eugene, who was killed on the 15th of May, as recorded in this book.
August 14, 1864. And again I must record the death of another dear son. On the 11th, we were telegraphed that Watkins Banks was killed at Atlanta. Yesterday Gilmer came with his remains and told us that Watkins was passing near the enemy's lines, arranging to send out some pickets, when a sharpshooter killed him, hitting him in the head. He died instantly and was not known to speak afterwards. He was buried yesterday and today the Rev. Mr. Harrison preaches the funeral of Willis, Eugene and Watkins. Wish we had Eugene here to bury him with Troup, Willis and Watkins. Eugene was buried at Resaca without a coffin. But four sons now in the army, viz: George, Sims, Gilmer and Elbert.
August 22, 1864. I have just returned from plantation. Have not been there since last winter, after having made it a regular practice to go there every other week. This year, '64, my overseer quit me and had no other and could get none; but had to request Watkins, who had plantation adjoining mine, to attend to mine as well as his own. I found that Watkins had done it well and found all things in order. He was quite a literary man and I found he had a number of well used books.
September 7, 1864. Important events since I last made entries in my diary. Atlanta had been besieged by Sherman, the commander of the Yankee Army, for many weeks. Hood, the Confederate commander, evacuated the place at night of the 1st. Some fighting before the evacuation in which the Confederates were defeated and many killed and wounded on both sides. The retreat was successful via McDonough to Griffin, where our army now is. George, Sims, Gilmer and Elbert were in the retreat. This defeat has changed our prospects and makes this a dark day of the war. We have had considerable fighting about Petersburg, Va. We sustain ourselves better at all points than in Georgia.
November 9, 1864. I have made no entry in my diary for some time. The war is still going on. The Georgia militia is above Griffin, while the Federals are still in possession of Atlanta. They are raiding all through the country, taking provisions, stock, etc. Our main army under General Hood has left and is trying to flank Sherman. At this time they are upon the Tennessee river.
December 1, 1864. Hood's army is at Florence on the Tennessee river. We don't know where it is going, various conjectures; Nashville or Memphis, probably. Sherman has evacuated Atlanta after burning the town and going south. It is near Macon, leaving scouting parties. Several raiding parties have had skirmishes and some 10 or 12 miles south of Macon had quite a battle, defeating the Confederates, our loss about six hundred including killed and wounded, while their loss not one hundred. They have kept on south. Went to Milledgeville, burning the penitentiary and pillaging the town. A part of their army went to Eatonton, skirmishing and robbing the country. The Confederates too weak to resist such a large force. The Confederacy has been conscripted and reduced so much that we cannot successfully contend with them. Sherman's main army, it is thought, is now near Sparta, Hancock County, and aiming to get to Augusta or Savannah. There is a prospect of defeating them yet, as our folks are strengthening and in pursuit of them.
George, Sims and Gilmer are in the pursuit and thought at the time to be near Thomasville on the Florida line, aiming to get to Savannah or Augusta ahead of them. Got letter from Elbert today. Hood's army was at Florence, Alabama, and crossing over into Tennessee. This is a dark day for us, though we have hopes of defeating Sherman and turning the scales in our favor.
December 18, 1864. Sherman's army passed on via Sandersville and to Waynesboro, Burke County, skirmishing all the way without any important fight. A branch of his force turned to the west and reached Thomasville near the Florida line, and thence on to Savannah, where they now are, from the reports that reach us.
George, Sims and Gilmer are at Savannah. Had no letters from them for some days. Reports say Sherman has surrounded Savannah. This is a day of great anxiety with us. Our forces, or a part of them, have crossed the Savannah river and had a fight at Grayhamville, some miles from Savannah in South Carolina. The result seems to be uncertain. We are daily looking for a decisive battle at Savannah.
Provisions still going higher and higher. Corn, $10 per bushel, wheat, $40, pork, gross, $24. Cotton, 75 to 80 cents.
April 13, 1865. I have neglected my diary since December. Have been in feeble health and low spirits. Important events have happened since I made an entry. We got possession of Atlanta again after Sherman left it. Sherman passed on through the state without serious opposition to Savannah, with but little fighting. We evacuated the place and passed on through to South Carolina and at this time our army is at or near Raleigh, N. C. We have been compelled to evacuate Richmond and the seat of the Confederate government; not determined yet where it will be. Macon and Columbus are both spoken of.
The Yankees have taken Selma, Alabama, and now threatening Montgomery. Much excitement and fears of their approach to Columbus. Our prospects very gloomy. Mobile is now the only seaport town from Norfolk to Texas but what the enemy has control of and skirmishing there. The enemy has a large army and navy besieging it. Some efforts have been made for a treaty of peace but nothing short of subjugation will do the enemy. Hence we have renewed the war, preferring to fight to the bitter end rather than accept subjugation. Provisions very scarce and high. The past winter has been cold and much rain. Prospects for the crop of '65 very gloomy.
The Georgia Militia has been furloughed and been at home weeks. George, Sims and Gilmer at present at home and none of my sons in the army but Elbert and he near Raleigh.
April 19, 1865. Since I made my last entries on the 13th inst., we have passed days of trial and tribulation. On Sunday, the 16th, the Yankee Army reached Columbus. We made fight with them on the east side of the river, where we had made some breastworks. They came in overwhelming force so that they soon overpowered us. We had burnt the lower bridge. They soon got possession of the upper bridge and crossed over into town, so cut off the main body of our troops and captured them. They then had control of the city, destroyed the government stores, workshops, and exploded the magazine. Burnt the factories and public buildings. They came out to the Academy lot adjoining my home and camped.
The soldiers had great privilege, roamed about as they pleased, pillaging where they chose. They annoyed me much, came into my house, searched every room. Went to my meat house, corn crib, negro houses and robbed me of about five thousand dollars worth of plunder and my negro boy (my body servant, Tunx). None of my sons were with me fortunately, or they would have been captured. My age and infirmity protected me from capture. They took off many of our citizens, stayed two days and moved off, to our great satisfaction. My loss must have been five or six thousand dollars, besides the negro boy.
April 25, 1865. Now for a dark page. Have just received a dispatch that General Lee had been overpowered by General Grant's army and had surrendered. Grant had about two hundred thousand men, while Lee had only about ten thousand fighting men. This is sad news to come just after the destruction of our town. All is uncertain about our fate. Wilson's army that took Columbus, moved off in the direction of Macon. The surrender of General Lee has caused a cessation of fighting and Wilson's troops have not gone into Macon. Hopes are now entertained that the war is at an end but the details not understood. None of my sons except Elbert in the field, have not heard from him for a long time but suppose he is somewhere in North Carolina and that he had not joined Lee's army.
President Lincoln and Secretary Seward were killed in Washington City. We got news last week and no contradiction of it yet; it is generally believed. We have been overpowered and must now wind up on the best terms we can. We learn that Stephens and Campbell are commissioned to arrange it.
May 19, Lincoln was killed, Seward wounded and has recovered. The war has closed and the terms not well understood yet. We are whipped and subjugated after a four years' war. After the death of Lincoln the Vice President, Andrew Johnson, has been inaugurated and promises to be as inimical to the South as was Lincoln. He has offered large rewards for the prominent men in the Confederate government. One hundred thousand dollars reward for Jefferson Davis, who has just been captured in Irwin County, Georgia, and forwarded on to Washington. Governor Brown and General Howell Cobb have also been captured. Thus far General Toombs has escaped, though they have been to his residence in Washington, Wilkes County, and searched his house but he got away. The enemy have taken Columbus and burned a part of it, and at this time have control of the town and garrisoned it.
Elbert Banks has gotten home today, from Lee's army. I have no son in the war. Have had from the beginning of the war in 1861, till today, from three to seven sons. Three of whom were killed in battle, viz: Willis, Watkins and Eugene, which was recorded before at the time of their death. We know but little yet of the effects of subjugation. Emancipation has been proclaimed by Lincoln and partially carried out. It is now thought that it will be gradual, though not fully understood. I owned about two hundred negroes, in which my property mostly consisted. This leaves me poor.
July 18, 1865. The effects of emancipation begin to be felt. Today many of my negroes left me. Celia, who has cooked for me more than forty years, left me. I made no opposition to it. Am now satisfied it will be carried out. George, my body servant, has left me. All the negroes about the yard are gone. I have an orphan boy, Wesley, which I had brought up from the plantation. Suppose I am entitled to, till they reach twenty-one years of age. All have left me but such as are of expense to me. Wesley is about ten years old and drove me in the buggy to town today. Windsor, who came in the buggy with me (a good boy) this morning, when I called for him found he was gone. The negroes at the plantation are still there but so demoralized that they work but little.
November 23, 1865. I have neglected my journal for some time. Today Elbert got back with the remains of my dear Eugene. Although he was killed May 25, 1864, this is the first chance we have had to bring his remains and today he was buried with his brothers. This event I have dreaded much and feel glad that it is done.
John Banks, sixth son of Ralph and Rachel Jones Banks, was born in Elbert County, Georgia, October 27, 1797. He died September 18, 1870, in Columbus, Georgia, where he buried.-E.L.
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Transcribed from the book by Meg Betts Torbert, wife of Roy Banks Torbert. John D. Banks was his third great-uncle. May 18, 2023
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