Special Collections

---

JOHN WESLEY JOHNSON COLLECTION

CONTROL NO: 79-29

Box 1

Folder No.:

1. Inventory.

2. Biographical information on John Wesley Johnson.

3. ADS. [1881-1882]. C. W. Sears, University of Mississippi, to Secretary, Board of Trustees, 1 p.

4. ALS. June 24, 1882. A. J. Quinche, University of Mississippi, to Gen. A. P. Stewart, Chancellor, 1 p.

5. ALS. June 26, 1882. John L. Johnson, University of Mississippi, to Gen. A. P. Stewart, 1 p.

6. ALS. June 23, 1885. W. D. Hedleston, University of Mississippi, to Gen. A. P. Stewart, 2 pp.

7. TLS. October 30, 1888. L. T. Davidson, Courier-Journal Job Printing Company, Louisville, Kentucky, to JWJ, 4 pp.

8. TLS. November 10, 1888. L. T. Davidson, Courier-Journal Job Printing Company, Louisille, Kentucky, to JWJ, 2 pp.

9. ALS. December 8, 1888. H. M. Lazelle, War Department, Publication Office, Washington, D. C., to JWJ, 1 p.

10. ALS. April 20, 1889. J. V. Moore, New Orleans, Louisiana, to JWJ, 3 pp. With envelope.

11. TLS. May 9, 1889. [Joseph Cummnigs], Evanston, Illinois, to JWJ, 2 pp.

12. ALS. May 29, 1889. Bertha Macy, Columbia College, New York, to JWJ, 4 pp. With envelope.

13. TLS. June 6, 1889. E. W. Hilgard, University of California, Berkeley, to JWJ, 1 p.

14. ALS. October 2, 1889. H. L[ ] [Martenburg], University of Chicago, to “My dear friend,” 4 pp.

15. ALS. November 4, 1889. Clara C. Fant, Holly Springs, Mississippi, to JWJ, 2 pp. With envelope.

16. ALS. December 11, 1889. Mrs. [ ] [Murray], Cincinnati, Ohio, to JWJ, 2 pp. With envelope.

17. ALS. March 6, 1890. Mrs. F. A. P. Barnard, New York City, to JWJ, 4 pp. With envelope.

18. ADS. August 3, 1890. Illegible signature, Gottingen, 1 p. In German.

19. ALS. April 23, 1892. Robert Lowry, Jackson, Mississippi, to “To Whom it May Concern,” 2 pp.

20. ANS. May 17, 1897. Thomas A. Edison, Orange, New Jersey, to JWJ, 1 p.

21. TLS. June 5, 1907. John N. Tillman, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, to JWJ, 1 p. and TLS. August 28, 1907. John N. Tillman, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, to JWJ, 1 p. With envelope.

22. ALS. August 26, 1910. H. Trueman Wood, Royal Society of Arts, London, to “Sir,” 2 pp.

23. TL. June 17, 1911. J. G. Gaither, Oxford, Mississippi, to A. A. Kincannon, 1 p.

24. ALS. March 4, 1912. David H. Bishop, University of Mississippi, to Mrs. JWJ, 2 pp., with TL. March 11, 1912, [Mrs. John Wesley Johnson], Chicago, Illinois, to David H. Bishop, 2 pp.

25. ALS. February 22, 1918. [Aunt Glen], to Chris [L. C. Johnson], 4 pp. With envelope.

26. ALS. [February 28, 1918]. [Aunt Glen], to Chris [L. C. Johnson], 5 pp. With envelope.

27. ALS. February 23, 1929. Aunt Tessie [Mrs. G. C. Savage], Nashville, Tennessee, to Christine [Whitlock], 4 pp. with ALS. April 1, 1929. Aunt Tessie [Mrs. G. C. Savage], Nashville, Tennessee, to Christine [Whitlock], 6 pp. With envelope.

28. ALS. March 1, 1929. Leslie Christine Johnson Whitlock, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, to Mr. [H. C.] Williams, 2 pp., with TNS. Williams to Whitlock.

29. ALS. March 5, 1929. Aunt Tessie [Mrs. G. C. Savage], Nashville, Tennessee, to Christine [Whitlock], 6 pp. With envelope.

30. TLS. March 15, 1929. J. A. Cunningham, Booneville, Mississippi, to C. Glenn Whitlock, 1 p.

31. ALS. May 29, 1929. Aunt Glenn to Christine [Whitlock], 4 pp. With envelope.

32. ALS. [September 26, 1929]. Aunt Glenn [Davis], Booneville, Mississippi, to Chris[tine] Whitlock, 7 pp. With envelope.

33. ALS. September 26, 1929. Aunt Glenn [Davis], to Chris[tine Whitlock], 1 p. See photograph removed to Collections Photographs.

34. ALS. March 4, 1949. Aunt Corrie to Christine, 4 pp. With envelope.

35. TLS. May 8, 1958. George F. Lull, American Medical Association, Chicago, Illinois, to Mrs. C. Glenn Whitlock, 1 p.

36. ACS. August 28, 1905. Sudie to Christine Johnson.

ACS. November 25, 1906. Unsigned to Mr. Hollis C. [Racoles].

ACS. April 7, 1908. Marie Hendley to Christine Johnson.

ACS. April 11, 1908. Sudie to Christine Johnson.

ACS. July 15, 1908. Marie Hendley to Christine Johnson.

ACS. August 25, 1908. Papa to Christine Johnson.

ACS. September 3, 1908. Papa to Christine Johnson.

ACS. December 31, 1908. Sudie to Christine Johnson.

37. ACS. April 3, 1909. S. R. to Christine Johnson.

ACS. September 15, 1909. Francis to Christine Johnson.

ACS. December 28, 1909. Sudie to Christine Johnson.

ACS. [ ] 25, 19[17]. Dr. H. Lindlahr to “Dear Friends”.

ACS. March 25, 1930. Ella C. Norman, Memphis, Tennessee, to Mrs. C. G. Whitlock.

38. ALS. Not dated. Aunt Glenn to Chris, 2 pp.

39. ACS. Not dated. Christine Whitlock to Sudie.

40. Printed invitations:

May 4, 1877. 25th Anniversary of Phi Sigma Society, University of Mississippi.

February 22, 1881. 21st Anniversary of Hermaean Society, University of Mississippi.

June 26, 1890. Commencement Ball, University of Mississippi.

February 22, 1894. 45th Anniversary of Hermaean Society, University of Mississippi.

December 9, 1904. Evening with Sigma Chi fraternity, Oxford, Mississippi.

January 18, 1901. Founder’s Day Reception at Dr. W. A. Montgomery’s.

April 14, 1905. 55th Anniversary Cotillion, Delta Kappa Epsilon, University of Mississippi.

March 9, 1906. Founder’s Day, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, University of Mississippi. 2 copies.

February 9, 1911. Sigma Chi Fraternity, University of Mississippi.

November 15, 1907. Linen Shower for Miss Sudie Burt, at home of Mrs. Edward Donald Beanland.

November 20, 1907. Wedding of Sudie Burt and Stokes Vernon Robertson, Oxford, Mississippi.

41. Miscellaneous envelopes.

42. ADS. 1881-1882. J. M. Long, University of Mississippi, Report of the Department of Metaphysics, to Gen. A. P. Stewart, 2 pp.

43. Folio of autograph letters, signed in re: John W. Johnson’s Application for Chair of Mathematics at the University of Mississippi, 1886:

ALS. July 23, 1886. JWJ, Booneville, Mississippi, to Board of Trustees, 3 pp.

ALS. July 27, 1886. J. W. Buchanan, Okolona, Mississippi, to Board of Trustees, 1 p.

ALS. July 20, 1886. Illegible Signature, Corinth, Mississippi, to Board of Trustees, 1 p.

ALS. July 20, 1886. A. N. S. Smith, Heidelberg, Mississippi, to Board of Trustees, 1 p.

ALS. July 20, 1886. R. G. Porter, Verona, Mississippi, to the Board of Trustees, 1 p.

ALS. July 20, 1886. V. P. Willing, Jr., Fort Worth, Texas, to the Board of Trustees, 1 p.

ALS. July 22, 1886. W. B. Walker, Aberdeen, Mississippi, to Board of Trustees, 1 p.

ALS. July 23, 1886. J. B. Stone, Verona, Missisippi, to Board of Trustees, 1 p.

ALS. July 28, 1881. Alexander P. Stewart, Chancellor, University of Mississippi, to JWJ, 1 p.

ADS. July 6, [1881]. A. J. Quinche, University of Mississippi, 2 pp.

ADS. July 6, 1881. Lewis T. Fitzhugh, University High School, Oxford, 1 p.

ADS. July 28, 1881. John L. Johnson, University of Mississippi, to JWJ, 1 p.

ADS. July 28, 1881. J. W. Wheat, University of Mississippi, to JWJ, 1 p.

ALS. July 24, 1886. John M. Allen, University of Mississippi, to Board of Trustees, 1 p.

44. AD. April 30, 1889. List of Articles Departed/[Library] Corner Stone Relicts, 1 p.

45. AD. [April 30 1889]. Oration delivered at the Laying of the Cornerstone of the Library Building upon the Centenary Anniversary of the First Inauguration of Washington, by Charles Firman Smith, Law Class of 1889, University of Mississippi, 18 pp.

46. ADS. Not dated. A. J. Quinche, University of Mississippi, to Chancellor A. P. Stewart, 1 p.

47. ADS. Not dated. Edward Mayes, Robert Fulton and W. Latham, Report of the committee appointed to make a preliminary investigation of certain rumors of a fraud committeed by Miss [ ] Smythe . . , 16 pp.

Box 2

Folder No.:

1. Biographical sketches of University of Mississippi alumni:

a. John McSwine, 1855.

b. James M. Smith, 1855.

c. Henry Minor Scales, 1855.

d. Rev. M. L. Weller, 1855.

2. Biographical sketches:

a. Burfoot Aldrich, 1889.

b. J. M. Allen, 1870.

c. J. W. Allen, 1881.

d. C.H. Alexander, 1877.

e. Jefferson Davis Anderson, 1881.

f. Jno. Hodge Arrington, 1889.

g. William Franklin Ashley, 1889.

3. Biographical sketches:

a. Rev. Louis M. Ball, 1871.

b. Evon Marion Barber, 1883.

c. D. C. M. Bigham, 1871.

d. Oscar F. Bledsoe, 1860.

e. J. M. Boone, 1878.

f. Roswell Valentine Booth, Jr.

g. Gerard Brandon, 1882.

h. Jefferson Davis Brown, 1889.

i. Edgar Eugene Bryant, 1880.

j. John Carroll Byrson, 1888.

4. Biographical sketches:

a. J. M. Buchanan, 1878.

b. J. W. Buchanan, 1861.

c. Edward Jefferies Buck, 1889.

d. T. E. Bugg, 1852.

5. Biographical Sketches:

a. Walter Cain, 1880.

b. Ezekiel Samuel Candler, 1881.

c. William Locke Chew, 1882.

d. C. T. Cooper.

e. J. W. Cutrer, 1878.

6. Biographical Sketches:

a. Rev. J. S. Davenport, 1870.

b. Hon. John L. Dodd, 1871.

c. Walter Hugh Drane, 1894.

7. Biographical Sketches:

a. J. B. Earle, 1852.

b. J. B. Eckles, 1889.

8. Biographical Sketches:

a. J. W. T. Falkner, 1869.

b. Edwin Clifford Finley, 1889.

c. Guston Thomas Fitzhugh, 1866.

d. Lewis Thomas Fitzhugh, Jr., 1885.

e. Walter L. Foxworth, 1894.

f. James Walter Furr, 1888.

9. Biographical Sketches:

a. J. H. Gaillard, 1855.

b. James Lockhart Goodloe, 1860.

c. Cornelius Washington Grafton, 1868.

d. E. F. Griffin, 1854.

e. Robert James Guthrie, 1868.

10. Biographical Sketches:

a. Judge E. P. Hamilton, 1868.

b. Stephen T. Hampton, 1882.

c. L. S. Handly, 1869.

d. James Maury Harding, 1869.

e. Henry Hughes Harper, 1881.

f. Hon. W. R. Harper, 1879.

g. J. C. Harris, 1882.

11. Biographical Sketches:

a. William Shryoe Hemingway, 1889.

b. Thomas Hinds, 1854.

c. Addison Hogue.

d. Samuel Holloway, 1884.

e. Ira Griffin Holloway, 1854.

f. Samuel Holloway, 1889.

g. Francis Holmes, 1858.

h. Laurentius Holmes, 1854.

i. Frank M. Howell, 1869.

Box 3

Folder No.:

1. Biographical Sketches:

a. David Bell High, 1878.

b. Howell.

c. John L. Hudson, 1851.

d. Richard Franklin Hudson, 1868.

e. Eugene Victor Hughston, 1882.

f. Edwin William Hunter, 1894.

g. Milton Calhoun Hulton, 1869.

2. Biographical Sketches:

a. Frederick Hugh Ivy, 1881.

3. Biographical Sketches:

a. William Thomas Jenkins, 1877.

b. Edwin Lee Johnson, 1894.

c. Eugene Johnson, 1870.

d. Dr. J. L. Johnson.

e. J. J. A. Johnson, 1869.

f. Dudley W. Jones, Jr., 1894.

g. Garland Mordecai Jones, 1893.

h. Joseph Blake Jones, 1880.

i. J. H. Jones, 1858.

4. Biographical Sketches:

a. Leroy Kennedy.

b. James Monroe Kyle, 1890.

5. Biographical Sketches:

a. J. W. Lambuth, 1851.

b. Thaddeus Booth Lampton, 1889.

c. Frank Ernest Larkin, 1882.

d. A. J. Liddell, 1870 and J. A. Shackelford, 1870.

e. Dabney Lipscomb, 1879.

f. Mary Little, 1889.

g. R. H. Loughbridge, 1871.

6. Biographical Sketches:

a. W. A. McDonald, 1880.

b. Monroe McClurg, 1878.

c. W. H. McGruder, 1879.

d. Charles S. McKenzie, 1871.

e. Frank Alex McLain, 1874.

f. Albert T. McNeal, 1861.

g. Samuel Madison McWhorter, 1889.

7. Biographical Sketches:

a. Thomas Dabney Marshall, 1882.

b. William Elijius Martin, 1878.

c. Edward Mayes, 1868.

d. James Andrew Mecklin, 1869.

8. Biographical Sketches:

a. W. J. Mhoon, 1871.

b. Walter Pelham Mills, 1889.

c. William Minor Mitchell, 1889.

d. D. P. Montgomery, 1868.

e. Henry Mounger.

f. William Austin Murch, 1889.

9. Biographical Sketches:

a. J. K. P. Newton, 1871.

b. Brodie Strachan Crump, 1852.

c. Capt. W. B. Lowry, 1860.

10. Biographical Sketches:

a. Malachi Christopher Pegues, 1880.

b. Edward Beauchamp Peirce, 1885.

c. Samuel Logan Postel, 1889.

d. James Jones Quarles, 1851.

11. Biographical Sketches:

a. Robert Clark Redus, 1882.

b. W. H. Rees, 1869.

c. Jackson Reeves, 1888.

d. Sarah Alice Reeves, 1888.

e. Jackson Roach, 1853.

f. Eugene Harper Roberts, 1889.

g. John Henry Rogers, 1868.

h. William Thomas Ross, 1871.

12. Biographical Sketches:

a. H. M. Scales, 1855, 1859.

b. Edward de Seebuch-Juny, 1879.

c. John Whitfield Shields, 1869.

d. Walton Shields, 1889.

e. William Isidore Sinnott, 1887.

13. Biographical Sketches:

a. A. T. Smith, 1881.

b. Charles Firman Smith, 1889.

c. Milton Samuel Smith, 1889.

d. Lee Spence, 1889.

e. John Thompson Stevenson, 1869.

f. C. S. Stewart, 1882.

g. Benjamin Arthur Stockard, 1881.

h. William Johnson Stockett, 1889.

i. Jno. Willis Stovall, 1894.

j. Charles Calvin Swinney, 1889.

14. Biographical Sketches:

a. Collin Southall Tarpley, 1879.

b. Marcus Elvis Taylor, 1871.

c. James Barrett Thompson, 1889.

d. Robert Harvey Thompson, 1870.

15. Biographical Sketches:

a. George R. Waddel, 1868.

b. W. B. Walker, 1882.

c. John Thomas Walton, 1854, 1857.

d. Harry Warren, 1881.

e. Hon. Edmond Watkins, 1871.

f. W. Calvin Wells, 1869.

16. Biographical Sketches:

a. Rev. Richard Whitehead, 1855.

b. Lula Whitten, 1889.

c. Harry Hill Wildy, 1870.

d. John Fernanders Williams, 1889.

e. Dr. Thomas Emerson Williams, 1870.

f. Walter David Williams, 1888.

g. Samuel Allen Wilkinson, 1889.

h. Joseph Beauregard Wilson, 1882.

Box 4

Folder No.:

1. Miscellaneous material, including roster, for 11th Mississippi Regiment.

2. Miscellaneous material regarding John Wesley Johnson’s Institute, Booneville, Mississippi.

3. Program from April 30, 1889 ceremony for Laying of the Cornerstone of the New Library Building at the University of Mississippi. 10 copies.

4. Miscellaneous invitations and programs from Kappa Alpha fraternity, University of Mississippi, 1900-1907.

5. University of Mississippi Examination Paper for Greek, n. d.

6. Miscellaneous broadsides:

a. “The Rivals,” September 2, 1907. 2 copies.

b. Columbus Day celebration at the University Chapel, October 21, 1892.

c. Humorous Recitations by Willoughby Reade, Hampden Sydney College, October 29, 1885.

7. Pamphlet, “Suggestions to My Pupils founded upon Lectures Delivered to Them,” by Willoughby Reade, 1885. 2 copies.

8. Miscellaneous certificates:

a. Home Library and Supply Association, 1897.

b. Masons, State of Mississippi, 1887.

9. Surveys completed by Presidents of various colleges for the purpose of introducing changes at the University of Mississippi; survey conducted by Edward Mayes, 1889.

10. University of Mississippi Commencement calendar and program, 1907.

11. Miscellaneous article by John Wesley Johnson.

12. Words to “Dixie,” n. d.

13. Miscellaneous membership cards, tickets and passes.

14. Miscellaneous autograph notes.

15. Miscellaneous personal and acamdemic records.

16. Miscellaneous financial records.

17. Miscellaneous legal documents.

18. Autograph manuscripts: “Electrical Engine vs. the Steam Engine,” and “Development of X-Ray Theory,” n. d.

19. T. M. S. E. W. Hilgard. Untitled. “When I arrived at the University of Mississippi in September 1855 . . ” 8 pp., re: F. A. P. Barnard.

20. Miscellaneous pages torn from University of Mississippi magazine.

21. Miscellaneous clippings re: University events, faculty, students and alumni.

22. Miscellaneous.

Box 5

Folder No.:

1. Photocopy of JWJ diary, 1854-1855. Notes on research.

2. Original of JWJ diary “Electric Heating in Niagra,” 1897.

3. Photocopy and original of JWJ diary, 1859-1860, 1864-1865. University notes.

4. Photocopy and original of JWJ diary, 1865-1866. University notes.

5. Original of JWJ diary “Saturday Night Report,” January 1874 – December 1878.

6. Original of JWJ diary, 1865-1866 and 1879. University notes.

7. Original and photocopy of JWJ diary, “Notes on Travelling,” July 1890.

Box 6
Oversize

Folder No.:

1. Broadside. University of Mississippi. University Players presentation of “The Rivals,” under the direction of Stark Young, April 27, 1907. 3 copies. 2 encapsulated.

2. The University Record (partial copies):

a. January 17, 1900

b. January 31, 1900

c. February [3], 1900

d. February 14, 1900

e. February 28, 1900

f. March 28, 1900

g. April 11, 1900

h. April 18, 1900

i. May 2, 1900

Loose fragments of various newspapers.

Items catalogued from John Wesley Johnson Collection:

Oscar F. Bledsoe, “Oration before the two Literary Societies of the University of Mississippi,” June 27, 1866.

Speech of the Hon. A. J. McLaurin of Mississippi in the Senate of the United States, February 22, 1902.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISISIPPI

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

TRANSCRIPTION OF THE JOHN WESLEY JOHNSON “SATURYDAY NIGHT REPORT” DIARIES. TRANSCRIBED BY JENNIFER FORD, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIAN

Saturday Night

Report

January ’74

April ”

Preface 3

Often have I tried to re-

call past events; or the time

or circumstances connected with

the events but in vain because

I had taken no special notice

of them at the time, thinking that

they were of little importance.

I have thought it would pleasant

to read a brief account of ones

own acts, thoughts, feelings, &c.

years after they had past. It

seems that it would have a tenden

cy to make one a closer observer

of what is going on around him, if

he were in the habit of taking

notes of all that passes under his

observation. It seems one would

become interested in writing some

thing for himself only, to express

his thoughts in his own way perhaps

4

no other person would understand it

at all, and yet prove a satisfaction

to the author, after adversity had

[illegible] his bright hopes, or pros-

perity crowned his efforts with suc-

cess. In consideration of all

these things I have determined

to write something every Saturday

night about the events and time

of the past week. This I will

call the Saturday Night Report.

Johnson

5

January 3rd 1874

The past week has been long

and tiresome. Christmas dull.

Was glad when Friday came

with duties of college to be

resumed. I felt rather disappointed

when Witherspoon & Miller returned

without bringing any news about my

money affairs; but was relieved

when the five o’clock train brought

a letter with a Post Office

order in it. Was too late for

chapel Friday morning in consequence

of it, but greatly gratified when

I paid General Sears his long

Due $28. Had my teeth plug-

ged Saturday morning and was

deprived of more of my money than

I expected.

January 10

6

Sunday was a very pleasant day

for the season, except that there

was sign of rain. Presbyterian

preached in our church. In the

evening the wind began to blow from

the North, which of course, made the

air chilly. Monday there was some

snow and sleet. The same Tuesday,

Wednesday the sun shown out

and and glistened through the

icy covered trees and formed

so may beautiful shades, glitters,

and reflections, that it looked

like we were living in a Par-

adise. Weather continuted to mod

erate till Saturday when it

seemed and felt like farmers

ought to be planting corn. Wed.

we were turned back in math

emetics. Mon. Greek started

spelling logarithm. I went to the

singing Saturday evening; determined

7

to go oftener. Saw the dumb man

on my return. We contemplate a

plan by which we may better our

way of baching. FS elected officers

for the Hermaen celebration.

January 17

Sunday we had a splendid lect-

ure from Dr. Garland, on the mir

acles of the bible. The 11 o’clock

sermon was good; showing that

we all have an influence which

works either for good or evil. Mon.

& Tues were rainy days then the ground

Froze which proved to us that winter

Was not neglecting us after all. Wed.

[Pope] turned us back into the [Satires].

Thu. we finished reviewing Mesuration

& Trigonometry & Fri took up the [Sur]
Friday night Kennedy brought me

three letters one from [H.M.] Bigham

one from M.A. Hicks, another from [Long.]
After reading them I could scarce

8

ly draw my mind off enough to

finish getting my old speech. Very

anxious to get another from some

body to know for certain if [J.] K.

Barmone is married, and whether

Aunt Lizzie is to marry next

Sunday week. I rather made

a [flot] this morning in FS. Stew

art says I will have to come

out if I get a speakers place.

I think he is about right. E.E.

Bigger was delivering an excellent

bimonthly oration when the dormi-

tory took fire this morning. Ex-

pecting to interest myself writing

to ma & Jimmy tomorrow. The

oil is out of my lamp; so I must

quit writing. Tis now 11 o’clock.

Jan. 24

Sunday morning. I was too

late for Sabbath school. Heard

most of the lecture and determined

9

that I would be in time

next Sunday. After school

Wiseman gave me my little

[Daisy] and a letter from [Sank].

No preaching at the Prsbyterian

church, consequently we had a

large congregation at our church.

Dr. Wheat preached an excellent

Sermon John 7-17 “If any man

will do his will, he shall know

of the doctrine, whether it be of

God or whether I speak of my self.”

He proved the divine mission of

Christ by three evidences: External,

Internal; and Experimental. Mon

day and Tues. brought on their rotine

of work. Wed I got a letter from

Uncle Jim Stating that shure

enough Aunt Liz & St. Clair are

to marry 4 Sunday. It had in it

also a P.O. order for $40- [illegible]
for my warrants, 10 from

10

Lawrence. I went over in town

a 11 o’clock, got my money, and

after looking about some for

a suit of clothes finally bought

one from some Jews $20. Some

what fear that I am cheated.

Think hereafter I will offer

only about half what they ask.

Thu. we begin our review in Ana

Lytical. Johnson [kepet] us up in

his room the whole hour without

any recitation or giving us any

at all. Demerited

several of us for applauding the

ringing of the bell, after being bored

there the whole hour. I consider

that either he or the faculty is

making some [flats]; as well as

ourselves. How will we make

it on the examination in Eng?

our old Anal. Sounded very

natural Fri after our absence

11

of about three weeks. Did not

send me to the board as I expected

Look Monday! first one in Greek

will be I & no doubt first in

Math and not surprised if [illegible]
calls on me also. Singing this

evening as usual few in attendance

on account of examination.

January the 31.

I have been too busy this week

to pay much attention to any thing

except my books. Heard for a fact

that Barmone is married. Tom Wheat

left, they say, for Texas, last Wed

nesday night. [Pafs] has excused

us from two of the satires. I think

I know why. Johnson’s order is to

write the examination with pen & ink.

Before another Saturday night comes

we will have passed the direful

examination in English. Will we

all make the rise. I fear that

12

Tunstall, Terry, Juny & some others

will not because they failed to give

the analysis. I have spent this

month $77! Dont expect to

spend that much from now till

June.

Febraury 7

I cant refrain from taking a few

notes on the excellent Sermon I have

just heard (Sunday) Dr. Wheat’s text

may be found in John 6-35 “I

am the bread of life.” Jesus uttered

these words after he had performed one

of his great miracles of supplying the

multitude with bread. This furnished

him an opportunity of illustrating

his mission. As bread which we eat

goes to the sustaining of the body

hands, feet, and even the very rain

of our head; so is Christ to the Chris-

tians in all their words, thoughts,

acts, and deeds. Is this so with

13

Us all? Is all we do and think

and act in accordance with this holy

precepts? This is answered yes or

no according as we are Christians

or not. For us Chist was born, for us

He lived, for us He died, for us

he rose, for us he is now making

intercessions at the right hand of

God. Tis not sufficient for the mortal

body, that food may be cooked and spread

on the table, that we look at it

and see others enjoy it, that we seat

ourselves with them, and frame

some excuse for not enjoying the

feast. This will not do; not do. We

must actually partake of it. Neither

is it sufficient for us to have a Bible

in the house, to go to church, pay

the preacher, to partake of the blessed

emblems of his sufferings and death

These to be sure must be done but

they are not the essential means by

14

which “Christ is to us to bread

of life” No God bless you it it

not. The humble servant may eat

of scraps from the masters feat, with

out having tables set with fine [illegible]
spread with white linen; Yes

he may take sparing morsel and

eat in secret; which nourishes his

body strengthens him for his mas

ters service. So may we eat of

the “bread of life”; not because we

are dressed fine, because it is Sun-

day, because it is in accordance

with formality. What then are the

means of taking this bread of life? “Believe

in Jesus” He is the bread of life.

No time now for writing in my

report; it is nearly 12 o’clock. I

Came out better than I expected on

my Eng. Examination–94. Fear I

will flat on Greek. But will keep

15

Trying. Nothing more, ,”I am tired

Now and sleepy too.”

Feb. 14th

Well I have heard from my

Greek examination and by the

Way I will just take down

all of our names with the standings.

Sess Ex Aver Sess Ex Aver

Bingham 92 89 90.5 Juny 82 56 64 (66 crossed out)

Bailey 71 McCollum 86 50 62 (68 crossed out)

Dial 70 McIntosh 76 51 55 (63 crossed out)

Foster 93 86 88 (89.5 crossed out) Nash 41

Greenwood 98 96 97 Rives 96 93 94.4

House 96 87 90 (91 ½ crossed out) Trotter 53 63 59 (58 crossed out)

Isom 76 51 59 (69 ½ crossed out) Tunstall 89

Johnson 85 91 89 (88 crossed out) Scott 86 93 90 (89 ½ crossed out)

Ledbetter 87 70 75 (78 ½ crossed out) Williamson 70 50 56 (60 crossed out)

Lester 74 62 66 (68 crossed out) Witherspoon 94 90 91 (92 crossed out)

I am anxious to hear from

Mathematics. Would not risk the

examination over but do hate

it for missing the first prop

16

osition. I think now I will

never forget that mensuration

has for it object the finding

of areas; Trigonometry the so-

lution of triangles–not with

respect to area. Before another

Saturday night comes the long

Trial for speakers place will be

Over. Will I have a place?

I am now a little perplexed be

Cause Pa does not pay Lankey

Dont know really what to do about it.

I got my little pictures Tuesday

night. Dont think I will send for

any more like them.

Feb. 21st

The report was wrong about the first

position. We got that all right but

missed it, putting “sine” where I

should have said “chord.” Well I

got a speakers place but do not expect

to use it. Probably we will know

17

Standing of Sophomore class in

English Feb. 6th 1874

Exam Av Exam Av

Andrews 88 90 McCollum 92 92

Bailey 89 85 McIntosh 64 72

Bingham 85 86 Nash 40 47

Corlton 53 49 1/3 Rives 95 95

Dial 84 85 Saunders 75 74

Ellis 84 85 Scott 91 91

Foster 83 84 1/3 Smith A.N.W. 95 93 ½

Gardner 87 82 Stockard 96 94 1/3

Greenwood 93 95 ½ Sullivan 93 92

House 90 91 Terry 86 70

Isom 75 81 Trotter 93 92

Johnson 94 94 2/3 Tunstall 30 37

Juny 62 68 Williamson 45 56

Ledbetter 74 79 Witherspoon 93 94

Lester 53 60

John L. Johnson Prof.

exactly how we all stand by next

Saturday night. Scott and my-

self have just tied so far. Bing-

ham is about one ahead of me.

18

Sophomore Class 1873-4 U.M.

A.B.

Mathematics

Term Examination Average Term Examination Average

Bingham 94 97 96 Scott 98.5 87 91

Bailey 86 31 ½ 50 Smith 70 45.5 54

Dial 86.6 50.5 63 Tunstall 61.5 16 31

Ellis 83 26.5 50 Trotter 94 66 76

Foster 93 54 67 Williamson 77.5 19.5 39

Greenwood 100 100 100 Witherspoon 98.5 99.5 99

Howze 93 70.5 78 B.S. Section

Isom 97.3 51.5 67 Andrews 94 40 58

Johnson 99.4 83.5 89 Carlton 80 34 47

Juny 77 46.5 57 Cooper 96

Ledbetter 99.5 66.5 77 Gardner 66.9 28 41

McCollum 91 78.7 83 Smith 94 49.5 64

McIntosh 83 33.7 50 Stockard 99 ½ 94 93

Rives 97 89.7 92 McDaniel 97 80 86

Saunders 96 62 ½ 74

Gen. Sears Professor

I have been on double duty this week

while Sam is down with the measles. I

may be down with them by next time I set

myself to my Saturday Night. Strange wedding Wed-nesday

19

A.B. Sophomore’s standing in

Latin. U.M. ’73-4.

February

Term Exam Ave. 1874 Term Exam Av.

Bingham 81 Ledbetter 85

Bailey McCollum 84

Dial 72 McIntosh 73

Elis Nash

Foster 90 Rives 94

Greenwood 95 Scott/Smith 83

Houze 93 Tunstall 75

Isom 85 Trotter 81

Johnson 90 Terry 65

Juney 73 Williamson 52

Lester 55 Witherspoon 94

Feb 28.

The Orator came down Sunday eve-

ning. So we had the celebration;

but without the band of music.

We thought sure Dr. Wheat was caught

on the other side of the river, but twas

a mistate. Plenty of Greek and that

which is hard enough. Demosthenes

20

A.B. Sophomore’s Standing in

French

February Exam Term Av. 1874 Term Exam Av

Bingham 93 89 93 Rives 80 86 82

Bailey 75 89 79 Scott 80 86 82

Dial 82 89 85 Tunstall 60 90 70

Foster 91 93 95 Trotter 60 86 68

Greenwood 95 93 95 Williamson 65 89 73

Houze 80 88 89 Witherspoon 95 92 94

Isom 60 85 68

Johnson 88 87 88

Juny 97 95 96

Lester

Ledbetter 80 88 83

McCollum 76 86 79

McIntosh 80 90 84

Nash 50 86 62

F.A. Juny Prof

March 7th

Nothing grand, gloomy, or peculiar has hap-

pend this week. Elected officers in Phi Sigma

this morning. Craighton Pres Smith V. Pres & c.

21

General averge standing

With the number of each Sophomores

February 24, 1874

Scholarship Standing relative

Bingham 89 5 Nash* 54

Andrews# 74 Rives 91 3

Bailey* 71 15 Saunders* 74

Carlton c 48 Scott 87 7

Dial* 76 11 Smith A.N.W.# 78

Ellis* 67 Smith E* 54

Foster 84 8 Sullivan* 92

Gardner* 61 Stockard# 93

Greenwood 96 1 Terry* 67

Houze 88 6 Trotter 75 12

Isom 72` 13 Tunstall* 53

Johnson 90 4 Williamson 55 17

Juney 71 14 Witherspoon 94 2

Ledbetter 79 10

Lester* 60

McCollum 80 9

McDaniel* 86

McIntosh 67 16

* Uncertain; c Civil Engineer; #B.S. Students.

22

March 14

I received a post office order

for $40 Tuesday, paid Sam & c

Lessons all hard. I did as well

as I expected in FS this morning

Mar. 21

It has been raining all the week.

The trees are budding out as

If we were going to have an

Early spring. I rec a letter

From Ma Monday. Am anxious

Now to get one from Hale.

I have had the headache all

day to day very unusual for me

must be in consequence of so much

inclement weather.

Mar. 28

We are having more rain than

any thing else these days. We think

of quitting our baching soon.

23

April 4.

Still plenty of rain hard

[sudy] and obliged to bach.

J.J. Hueston & Nash quit

college this week. We are

anxious to quit baching as

soon as Plant gets back

April 11

Plant still has not started

surely he will be back before

this time next Saturday night.

So much rain finally termin-

ated in snow last Thursday.

We began Horace again last

Wednesday. Latin prose Friday be

fore. It seems to me like

it will be a hard matter for

me to make respectable ex

amination & leave by the 5th of June.

I do hope the Old General will turn

us back in a few days. It

seems that my letters cant go to Pontotoc

Second Quarter quine of

“Saturday Night Report

April ’74

October ”

April 18th

We were disappointed in get-

ting any money from Union County

and so we concluded to quit bach-

ing any how. Began boarding this morn-

ing with Mr. [Gambrel]. Shall I ever

forget my disappointment which be-

fell me last Sunday eve? May the

blessed virgin never catch a worse

beau than myself. Next time I of-

fer my services to a young lady for

accommodation’s sake I will be sure that

my offer will be gladly accepted. Gen.

Sears has been sick two or three days

I think he will turn us back in

a few days. Still raining, surely

I never saw so much.

April 25.

Sure enough Old Gen. turned us

back last Wed. Glory! Boarding is

very much more pleasant than baching

As I have been excused from the So

2

ciety I try to make up my examina

tions all right. However I have made

a very poor start this evening spending

the whole afternoon in looking at the

R.R. hands—I have one more ev-

idence of the fact we often change

a friend to an enemy in trying to

do something which we think will please

or benefit him.

May the 2nd

The weather has been very pleasant

This week for both mental and phys-

ical labor. May it remain so. I took

dinner last Sunday at Mrs. Murrey’s

Well pleased with the apprearance of things

There. Miss Newell made my watch

Pocket in exchange for the ribbon. I

think it is a beauty, and that its maker

means business at whatever she un-

dertakes. Adams left Wed. eve.

Poor old Ad Brown in penitentiary

for 20 years! Never will forget the

parting scene.

May

[Bro.] Johnson’s Freshmen reflected

honor on themselves, and also on him

in their performance this afternoon.

May 9

We had no preaching last Sunday as

Dr. Wheat was in St. Louis. I went

To the P-church and [Newell] came home

with me. No Greek Mon. Led thought

we would have to recite it Tuesday

although it was the Anniversary!

We passed the day very well. I dont

think the speech pleased Dr. Waddel. McIn-

tosh’s Temperance meeting seemed to

be rather a failure. I shall not join

this year! probably never. We are

embarrassed about our money, from

Union County. I am a little afraid

we will have to leave Oxford before

we pay all we owe. I am now on a [stand]
to know what to do about standing for the

prize in math. Our time will not be

fully occupied, till Dr. Wheat gets back.

The Seniors did not seem to inter-

est the crowd this morning. I suppose

Johnson will make use of this as an

opportunity of complimenting his pet

Freshmen. Sexton left us last

Thu. I wish him well, but dont

think I would approve of his resting

one month. Before this time next

Saturday night we will know who is

Elected for the next Anniversalian.

I am for Bigger staight out!

May 16

Yes Bigger is elected by a ma-

jority of only three! I think

now we ought to elect Green for

Valedictorian for next year. My

examinations are bothering me now

I fear I cant get 90 all round.

Jimmy Lawrence stayed all night

with me Wednesday night. Jo-

seph Gambrel brought our money

from Union Co. at last. Rive’s

bimonthly was splendid this morn-

ing. I think he will stand a very

good chance for Anniversalian next

year.

May 23

McIntoshes Temperance

Has a very good start now

I hope it will succeed in

doing good but I greatly

fear it will help to make

Mc loose the rise. My

Latin examination is now

over and by this time next

Saturday night my Greek

& Mathematics will be

over. I am too busy and

too much bothered to

write now.

May 30

Well, well, flat in Mathemat

ics. I just know I made

the biggest flat that I ever

pretended to make since I

have been in College. I dont

know what to do. I would

like to stand it over, but

now I know I have not time.

Tuesday I had my hateful

old tooth pulled. That may

have been a part of the cause

of my flat. I know it bother-

ed me the day & night before.

I shall always feel grateful

to Mrs. Gambrel and family

for the kindness they showed

me that evening and night so

miserable to me. It has

been about a month since

it rained. I think I never

saw such a spring, so un-

favorable for work. Perhaps

the farmers will get their

crops clean. I would much

rather have a dry May than

a dry June. Well it is not

worth while to grieve over my

flat, in fact I have not time

now I shall just do the best I

can in the future. I have

lost all hopes of making 90

all round now, or of being

one of the first five in the class.

I shall try my best I think

To go through the Greek &

Latin compositions by the first

of Aug. I hope to be with

my old school friends by this

time next week.

June the 6th

Yes I am at Mr. Purvine’s

to night tired enough. I

left Oxford yesterday at

1 o’clock, at 6 we had gone

Just six miles. I would

much rather walk than to

ride on a heavy loaded ox

wagon We traveled on till

8 and I slept on the bare

Ground covered with my

shall started quarter before 4 & got to Lafayette Springs

at 9 there I left my trunk

and proceeded on foot.

My examinations are now over

all except French. I hope

that will not be much I might

have stood French also if I

had known that the wagon

would not get off till 1

They told me it would leave

at 9. I fear the school will

be very small. Mr. Purvine

says, however, he will send

his two girls.

June 13

One week is gone already.

very little study done yet.

Hicks scared me all over

Sunday when he told me that

He thought it would be im

possible to start the school

under two weeks. It would

have been too big a flat to

have just lost two weeks

when I had made such

sacrifice in Oxford to

get off. Monday I had only

9, some increase every day

Friday I had 16. Think

I will have twenty next

week. How I was shocked

to hear that Barmone had

stolen a horse! I did think

the boy would take warning.

June 20

No 20 came in; we had a nice

rain last Mon and all have

been busy at work. I think

we stand a chance for a fair

crop yet. I could not get

a horse to ride to see Grandpa

this morning. I fear the old

fellow will think hard of me

Perhaps it will suit me

better for several reasons to

go next Saturday. I hope to see

Witherspoon & Miller, and also

Miss Ellen at church on Sunday.

How I long for Saturday to come!

I am doing well with my

studies, hope I will be able

to come up to my expectations.

I must record the day that I

first saw Miss [Dinkey] Newell

for I must acknowledge she struck

me with more than common admiration.

It was June the 14 at Oak Forest.

June 27th

No more new scholars yet it

frets me to think how I will be

crowded with the little brats, now

soon when my time ought to

be occupied with the larger ones.

I failed to see Witherspoon &

Miller. Am very anxious to

hear from Oxford. I received

my paper from Craig this week.

Also a copy of the Southern Home

stead. I find Grandpa’s folks

all well this evening.

July 4

I did get to see Miss Ellen

but that was all, did not speak

to her. J.R. Graves preached

Sunday. I could enjoy my-

self better some other time when

there is not such a crowd.

I have been teaching now just

a month. My school aver-

aged 15 11/20 I hope I will have

an arbor to teach under be

fore this time next month.

Tis very dry again in this

Neighborhood, very little rain

since the 15th of June.

We have been watching a Comet

this week ‘Tis a little West

of North seems to be about

15° high probably falling.

July 11

Moon preached a very

sermon last Sunday. I

heard at church that Dr.

Waddel and four other pro-

fessors had withdrawn from

the University I am so

anxious to know about it.

I fear that there will be

a general confusion and

disturbance of the school.

I do want to go back

if there is any possible

chance. My school has in-

creased to 30 this week.

I expect more next week.

The Comet seems to be low-

erring. I think it will be out

sight this time next week.

July 18

Rev. Gailyard preached us

a good sermon last Sabbath

and again took up his collection.

I did as I intended talk to

Miss Mittie Gregory, a little

while. Think I shall do

so again. I want to

make it a point to talk

to the ladies in preference

to the men from now on.

After getting my dinner at

Mont’s I came over to

Wile’s to see Miss Mary Jer-

nigan. And, as I was of-

fered a horse by Mr. Hue

Bell, had the pleasure of see-

ing Miss Mary a part of the

way home. And, behold

I saw her catch a fall by

riding into a [ving] bush. She

denies being hurt; but, un-

less she fared better than

her hat did, she is hurt/

I like her appearance very

well, for the first sight.

Monday evening I received

My long-wish-for letter from

Ledbetter. It contains only a part

of a report. I see, as I know

I would have to see that there is

no chance for 90 all round. It

might be better for me to try my

Mathematics again. But I dont

expect to do it. I shall keep

trying to read some in my

Latin & Greek. I will in-

sert my piece of report on

the next page. I may want

to refer to it some day. But not

soon. I had 46 schol-

ars Thursday. Lawrence tells

me that there is no chance for

an assistant to get pay from

the county. I fear I will

be worse bothered next fall

to get to Oxford than I

have ever been. Warrants are

worth only 60 cts. I feel very

much disheartened in trying

to make money in such a

way.

July 25

I heard Rev. D.C.M. Bingham

preach last Sunday. I liked

his discourse very well. Text

“To day if ye hear his voice harden

not your hearts.” I enjoyed

myself very well in the buggy

ride with Miss Mary Ann. Hope

I may have the pleasure again

I failed in getting an assist-

ant from the county. I have

been trying to day to make

up $10 00 for Milly to help me

It seems quite a task. [We]
are suffering in flat woods for

rain. the last good rain

was on the 15th of June.

August 1st ’74

I have finished my Greek &

Latin Composition. Had to omit

the translation of a few lessons

before I got through. Old

Mrs. Jernigan was buried

this evening. Friday morning

was the coolest, I think I

have ever felt for this time

of the year. ‘Tis in contrast

with some days last week

which, I think, were un-

doubtedly the warmest

I have ever felt. Tuesday

I had to whip Joseph &Will

do hope they will do better

for a while.

Aug 8th

I am bothered about my school.

It seems like that a subscrip

tion school will be worth nothing.

My notion is that stopping the

Schools is just an arbitrary

notion of Lawrence and the

Supervisors. I hear much

Talk of the Singing Convention

Will try to go over tomor-

row.. I find Grandpa & fam-

ily well as common.

Aug 15

So I went to the convention

saw many of my old friends,

and heard some excellent sing-

ing. I do not admire the

‘fa sol la’ system. I did not

get to speak to Miss Ellen at

last but I think I will

[illegible] and speak to her yet.

Aug 22

My school lacks now only

one week of being out. I

shall try my best to have the

the Free School continued not

because I think the pay is good

but because I have begun

with it intending to teach 4

months and I want to carry

out my plans. I met up

with Mr. Bigham in town

and went home with him

last Saturday; went to church

with Miss Mary Ann, and

saw to my surprise and

satisfaction Miss Newell

Gambrel. The chaps have

torn my my demerit book

so much that I will leave

it at home for a while and

try putting the demerits

on their backs

Aug. 29

My school is out now I dont

know whether I can get it star-

ted again or not. I dont like

to be in such a fix. I

find Uncle John & family well

except Arther. He is trying to

have chills or something of the sort.

I will feel better if I can

get my scholarship warrant

issued Monday.

September 5th

Well I have been teaching again

this week. I dont know that

I can ever get any pay for

it. I will teach any way

and then try to get my pay.

I probably could go on again

to Oxford with what I have

but would do much better with

a little more money. The Super-

visors gave me my warrant very

readily. Ab was bitten to day by

a spider or something else, which

made him very sick for a while.

Sept. 12

My school has been going on very

well this week. I dismissed on

Thursday to go to Mr. Bigham’s

[illegible]: I arrived in time and

after I got started I never en-

joyed the company of ladies better in

life. I hope I will have the pleas

ure of meeting Miss Amelia Word again

some time and see if she has kept

her word. I think Mr. Bigham has

a fortune in the selection of his

wife. Would that I could meet

with her sister, Miss Florance.

Sept 19

This has been a long weary

week. I had to teach to day to

make up for last Friday. I ex-

pect a small school from now on.

Perhaps I can study a little

better. I have done nearly nothing

at it for the last 6 or 8 weeks.

My school averaged the first month

[illegible], second 40, 3rd 45. Only 3 more

weeks now till I expect to return

to old Oxford, where I will have another

long siege of study and baching.

Sept 26

I have been much confused this

week by hearing that Hicks had chang-

ed his notion and wants my school

to stop. Hope however as he

did not come to see me yesterday

that I can teach on yet. Our

teacher’s convention met in Pontotoc

to day Little done. I am at

Lawrence’s to night expect to go

back tomorrow. I must try to

sustain my school.

Oct 3rd

Sure enough my treacherous

friend, Hicks, defeated me in the

school by riding around to see

all the patrons. Policy prevents me

from doing any thing in way of revenge

Third Quarter of

Saturday Night Report

Oct ’74-75

To March 27 ’75

Oct 10

This finds me again at old

Oxford. I could not borrow

money, to come on nor sell

warrants above 60 cts Gave

Bell nearly 15 % premium to

exchange his State warrants

for my school warrants.

Prof. Quinche has loaned me

$50 00 without interest.

Stewart arrived this evening

but says he expects to board with

Major Estelle so that I

will probably be alone baching

again. Tom Wheat is at

home again.

Oct. 17

I have been sick this week

with a cold, and baching went

hard with me. So much so that

I went to Mrs. Wilborne’s yester-

day morning and engaged board

I would rather work several

months after I get through than

to “bach” this winter again.

Stewart has gone to board in

town, so that I am alone a-

gain.

Oct 24 & 31

I have felt much better this

week, since I have been boarding.

Smith A.N.W. arrived last Sunday

Morning, and has bought Stewart

Out, so that I have a room-

mate again. I have some hope

now that I will get my board

some cheaper, if I can be of any

help to Mrs. Wilborn. We had

a light frost on the night of the

28th of September, at Mr. Purvines,

then at Oxford we had another

but not a killing frost- the

12 of Oct Heavy frost 31st of Oct.

The meeting in Oxford is still

in progress and I think it

has done great good. I am

now on a stand to know what

to do about money. I dont

want to borrow, and yet I

know that I need it, because

certainly I dress the plainest

of any of the Junior class.

Nov 7

We have just got good to work

now in our Junior Class. Little

change is going on It seems that

all my friends have forsaken in wri-

ting. Gen. Stewart is to be in-

augurated next Tuesday. I am

getting tired of that work we

have to do for the society.

Nov 14

Gen Stewart gave us his inau-

gural address last Tuesday. It

was plain & practical rather than

vain and showy. Col. Lamar

delivered an address welcoming

Gen. Stewart to the position

in behalf of the people. I must

mention the swindler who payed the

town of Oxford a visit to day. I

simply saw the lesson repeated which

I have long known, i.e. never spend

any money on another man’s tricks.

Nov. 21

We have had a very good weeks

work. Dr. Lyon started to his

church’s Synod last Wednesday.

We again had to day the pleasure of

hearing the gifted Lamar, pouring

forth his mighty strains of eloquence

for two hours. He mentioned his

friend Flourney who spoke against

him two years ago.

Nov 28

Dr. Garland started to Con-

ference at Aberdeen last Mon-

day. We finished electricity

and began in Mechanics last

Monday. I saw Uncle John in

Oxford Thursday which was our

holliday. He told me that Un-

cle Jim White died on the 13 inst. re-

ceived a letter from Ma also

this morning stating the death

of Uncle Jim.

Dec 5

We recited to Dr. Garland Wed instead

Of to Dr. Juney. We will not study

French any more till we get through

with Chemistry and Dr. Garland starts

to Europe. I am very anxious to

hear whether Uncle Jim can lend

me any money. I was much sur-

prised to know this morning

that I was elected President of

FS. Can I make and deliver an

Inaugural address? Time will show.

I will try.

Dec 12

Colonel Pegues was buried last

Tuesday. The faculty dismissed

all the exercises which gave me

a better chance to work on my in-

augural. I did as well with

my speech as I could expect.

Several of the boys complimented me

highly. I shall do all I can to for-

ward the FS cause. I think Uncle

Jim ought to write to me; and

let me know whether or not he

will let me have some money.

Dec 19

The boys are anticipating Christ-

mas. As to myself I expect

to have a feast of reading. Some

of my friends may come after me,

but I hardly expect it. The

FS’s adjourned this morning

contrary to my will. All delib-

erative assemblies have the right

to appeal fro the decision of the President

Dec 26

I have undergone a considerable

change since last Saturday, as

to how I will spend my Christ-

mas. Prof. Johnson offered me

last Wednesday an agency to

sell “Personal Reminiscences of

Gen. Robert E. Lee.” I have now

About 18 subscribers. Johnson

Says I will get 30 pr ct.

I look for my canvassing [book]
and other information concern-

ing it Monday next. Christ-

mas is somewhat dull. Most

of the boys have gone home. I

went to a sociable at Mrs

Macie’s Tuesday night, and to

another Friday night at Mrs. Simmons.

Jan. 2, 1875

Well Christmas has come and

gone. We must go to work

Monday. Several of the boys

have returned. My canvassing

book came last Sunday. I

see now that I can make

about 66 2/3 pr cent on the invest

ment of the books. I have

not had much luck this week

selling. I have only about 23

names in all. Times are too

hard. Uncle Jim still

neglects to write. He certainly

never rec’d my letter or else

he does not wish to let me have

the money. Perhaps I will get

my money from Union Co. when

Mr. Davis returns. However I

little expect it since I have

had to wait so often. Mr.

McLeod says he will take my

State warrants to Jackson for

Me; thinks he can get the

cash. How much I will be obliged

to him!

Jan 9

In looking back over this I

see blots on nearly every page.

Can I not do better? And

write more neatly? We have

had regular work this week

Some few of the boys will not

Return. We have had an

awful cold day. Dr. King in

Oxford says that it has been

colder to day than it has been

since ’56. The thermometer

has been from 8 to 9 Fa. All

day. Jan 16

The thermometer was down

to 4 F last Sunday. Very

cold all this week. I now

have great hopes of getting

the cash for my state war-

rants when Mr. McLeod re-

turns from Jackson. He told

this morning that he would

start Tuesday. I would

be so glad if I could get

the money and send for my books.

I am at Cousin Joe Johnson’s

to night. We will begin

review in Electricity Monday.

Jan 23

Saturday night has again

come, but no money for me

yet. My warrants could not

be paid notwithstanding the

Treasurer wrote to me himself

that he would be ready by

the 15. I came to Oxford

with only one dollar and have

never got a cent since except

as I borrow. Surely I will

either hear something, or get

some money from my Union

Co. scholarship, before an other

Saturday night. I have been

Looking every day for more than a month

Dr. Quinche is, in the true

sense of the word, my friend

in this time of need. This

morning he let me have 70 dol-

lars to send for my books.

I think I will lift one

or the other of my notes before

next Saturday night. We

will finish Our Eng. book

in two lessons more. I

fear we will make a bad

work in it on Examination.

It bores me, in spite of my

efforts to enjoy it. Uncle

Jim still neglects to write to

Me. Shurely he never got

my letter in Nov. We have

had a pretty spell of weather

this week. Spring is coming.

January 30

We had a call meeting of FS.

this morning and accepted

the donation offered our library.

I have my books all in

safety now I think except

one. Perhaps I will keep it.

[three] let them fall back on

me, but I sold them again.

if I collect closely I will

have made clear of all ex-

penses about $38.35 Quite

a help to me now while money

is so hard for me to get.

Craig has deceived me, and

has gone to Mrs. McMayhan’s

to board. It is poorly worth

while to believe what many per-

sons say. It seems that those

with whom I take the greater pains

in trying to get to board with

Mrs. Wilborn; are the very ones

Least apt to go, and then again

They work “vice versa.” Such is the

world. It seems that [Wiatt]

is determined to leave college.

As he has begun to think he ought

to go on. I know, however,

it never would have suited

me to begin boarding with any

family without paying for

my board. Perhaps it would

be different if I were a preach-

er. No money come to me yet.

How many “Saturday Nights”

will I record without money. I

am now thinking of going to

Holly Springs the 17 to sell

my book. I would be sat-

isfied if I could just make

enough to pay my expenses.

February 6

Our recitations will now

be stopped two weeks during

the examinations. How are we

to make “the rise.” The boys

say that I will get the 5

speaker’s place. I dont know

my-self. ‘Tis better than I

expected when I left here

last June. I thought all the

class would beat me. I do know

that my standing would have been

better could I have remained

last year, and the year before,

till the regular time for

examinations. I dont know that

I can remain this year though

I would much prefer it. Mrs.

Wilbourne left Monday to go to her sick

son. Thursday night I had high

fever for my first time in college.

I hope it will prove to be nothing

more than cold. My throat us sire

to night. I shall try the experiment

of putting a wet sock around my neck.

No money comes yet, from any source.

I sent Uncle Jim another letter Tuesday

I believe he thinks it rather a sorry invest-

ment to lend me money. I

do think “deo volente,” that when

I get out of this jail of a college

I will try to rid myself of money

embarrassments and live less depedent.

I have been in cone continual press ever

since I entered college, embarrassed

when in company for the want of clothes

suitable to the occasion. I have not

yet determined whether to go to Holly Springs

Must decide before next “Saturday

Night” is written. Three examinations

must also be passed before Saturday

night. I will record some perhaps

on the opposite page would that I could see them now

Feb 13.

I have received $85 dollars this

week which has greatly relieved me.

I paid Dr. Quinche $50 last

Wednesday. We aer now settled

as to money affairs. I certainly

Semiannual Examination

Junior Class

Univ. of Miss. February 1875

Names Greek M.S. Latin Mech. Eng. Chemistry

S. E. A. S. E. A. S. E. A. S. E. A. S. E. A. S. E. A.

Bingham 91.89.90 95.100.98 88.82.84 83.84.84 94.78.89 71.90.85

Cooper 98.99.99 Germ. 93 93.80.84 92.77.82 90.94.93

Dial 72.75.74 97 83.71.75 86.50.62 94.79.84 70.75.73

Foster 90.93.92 99.85.90 94.85.88 91.70.77 95.82.86 90.75.80

Greenwood 98.94.95 99.100.100 97.95.96 98.98.98 98.96.97 98.99.99

Isom 87.61.69 98 86.75.79 95.65.75 91.80.84 90.57.70

Johnson 92.90.91 98.99.99 94.79.84 96.84.88 94.89.91 93.96.95

Ledbetter 93 98 92.82.85 84.93.90 94.66.75 90.90.90

Rives 97.92.94 98 94.89.91 90.95.93 94.76.82 90.86.88

Scott 82.90.87 97.97.97 87.75.78 96.95.95 93.87.89 91.90.90

Smith 98.99.99 Germ 87 92.90.91 92.92.92 92.80.84

Stockard 98.100.99 ” 95 97.88.91 96.85.89 90.82.85

Trotter 75 85 85.81.82 85.88.87 87.82.84 92.90.91

Tunstall 88.80.83 98 86.76.79 68.50.56 92.69.77 60.54.56

Williamson 71.60.64 70 75.55.62 60.51.54 81.56.64 60.38.46

Witherspoon 96 Sick 85 95

Proff Wheat Lyon Quinche Fulton Johnson Johnson

ought to be under obligations

to him, almost “the only one faith-

ful to me.” Yes three of our

examinations are past. We have

heard from but one, M.S. as yet.

It is quite satisfactory. I think

Now that I will go to Holly Springs

I dont expect to make much at it.

I paid Mr. Geo. Leavell $20 this morning.

Feb. 20

Well, I am in Holly Springs

to night, have 14 subscribers

for my book. I think I will

make enough to pay my expenses

as I expected, and am well pleased

so far. The Misses [Cammons]
were in my room playing for

me when I returned this evening.

I am a little uneasy about my

warrants.

Feb 27.

Mr. McNeil sent me a bill

of exchange yesterday evening

and I got cash for it this

morning. I will long be under

obligations to him. I shall count

my suit & trunk as being paid

for with the money I have made

selling books. I will not

be embarrassed so much now I

hope when in company for want of

clothes.

March 6th

I paid General Sears the $28

which I have been so long

owing last Tuesday. Prof

Quinche gave back to me twenty

dollars of the money which I paid

him the 10 ult. saying that it was

counterfeit. I will be

quite embarrassed to have to

pay it again. I sent it im-

mediately back to Lee Jarvis; but

I have but little hope of get-

getting any thing for it.

I ought to have registered

the letter by all means, but

did not. Perhaps I will learn

something about tending to

business, when I lose enough

to convince me that I have

bought my wit.

Mar. 13.

Last Sunday we had our first

snow. Twas on the ground when

we waked, and nearly all gone again

when we retired. I have been

anxiously expecting to hear something

from Mr. Jarvis. I am a little

afraid that he will not get my

letter. I sent of $55.00 for

my second bill of books this morning.

Will risk them by freight this time

Expect to be in Holly Springs

again in two weeks from this

time. But Oh! the study in Chem

istry before that time.

March 20

I still hear nothing from

Jarvis. I wrote to R.F.

Jarvis this morning. My

books were received safely

this evening, all safe & sat-

isfactory. The man did not

send me a copy of Seward’s

Travels around the World. Per-

haps he will send it as he

says by mail, but I doubt

it. Our examination in Chem-

istry will be next Thursday.

How will I make it? Next

Saturday night I may be in Holly

Springs–Oh! this makes me think

of death. I heard yesterday

that Millie Jernigan was dead.

Whose time is next? Her father &

Mother are both living, one grand-

father & mother and her father’s

mother was only buried last

summer. “Death with equal

pace and impartial fate, knocks

at the palace and cottage gate.”

Her family seemed to be long-lifed,

and she, I thought, was a girl

of the strongest constitution. But oh!

she was “as the flower of the grass, in

the morning it flourisheth, in the

evening it is cut down and withereth”

Her letter to me was dated the 19th

Feb. last thing she said was that

she hoped soon to get an answer. But

it is not answered, nor can it ever be.

March 27

I have succeeded upon the

whole as well as I expected

in delivering my books in

Holly Springs. I finished

delivering this evening, after the

train had been gone about a half

hour. In all, now, I have dis-

tributed 52 books, and made

about $52 clear of all expense,

and have a nice copy myself,

beside the canvassing book. I

dont expect to sell any more before

next fall. I shall claim my

suit & trunk, which cost $40, as

my returns for selling books. The

other $12 may go to my general

expense. Mch. 30 My money matters have been

easy since my warrants were cashed

I can see my way through this year

I have received this college year, $275 ½,

Beside what I have made with my

agency. I now have $95 counting

Stewarts note of $45 and board paid

for about a month. I still hear

nothing from Jarvis. It seems that I

will have to pay that $20 again, which

will again put me in a strain for money,

till Christmas perhaps for it seems impossible

for me to get money early in the fall

4th Quarter

Saturday Night Report

April ’75 &

June “”

April 3rd

I sent another letter to Mr.

Jarvis this morning. I do hope

to get an answer soon. We

are getting restless to know

who of the Juniors will get pla-

ces from the faculty. We are

having quite an easy time

now. I am somewhat on

a stand to know what to do;

whether to leave the 1st of

June as I have always done

or stay for commencement.

I have no idea of staying next

year for commencement. It

seems that I ought to attend one.

April 10

I received my answer from

Jarvis last Friday, but no

money. He said, however,

that he would send it soon.

Dr. Garland left last Tues-

day. His lecture Sabbath eve-

ning was very interesting and

appropriate. His place in the

Univ. will hard to fill

April 17th

We are having quite a cool

spell of weather for this season

of the year. I fear we will have

a backward spring. We have the

appearance numberless millions of

caterpillars coming again. How

I do despise to see them. My old

patrons seem anxious for me to

return again next summer. I

think now I will do so. However,

it seems difficult for me to

hear from Mr. Ike Bill, the [illegible]
Well I have a speakers place. How

will I fill it? I think I will

try, and then afterward I ex-

pect to turn my attention

wholly in my leisure moments

to the study of the profession of med-

icine. Uncle Jim says now

that he cannot let me have mon-

ey this year. I can go through

any way till June without it.

I think I will even have

some left; but, judging from

the past, I know he will not have

it for me next fall, and I will

again be here, a moneyless man

However the Future must take

care for itself. I enjoyed my-

self splendidly last evening

at Rev. J.B. Gambrel’s I was

sorry that the whole Junior class

could not be there as the en-

tertainment was given specially

for us. I do think Mrs. Gam

brel is one of the most splendid

wives I ever knew. Would

that I knew I could get such

a wife when I marry. But who knows?

April 24

Debate in FS was enthusiastic

this morning. Mr. J.G. Rives made

quite an eloquent and lengthy

speech; but, upon the whole, it

seemed to me was foreign to the

subject. We elected Lewis Green, 2 weeks since,

from Columbus, our valedictorian

for commencement. And now candi-

dates are in the field again for anni-

versalian. Who will be elected, is the

question all over the campus. I

will now guess E.H. Dial, from Meridian,

Old Dr. Garland, I suppose is, on the

waters to night. May the Lord spare

his life and return him in

safety is my prayer.

May 7.

The weather is yet cool for

the season and spring seems

late. I hear that wheat is fine.

I was disappointed in getting

to see Miss Lizzie Berry last night.

She stated no reason in answer to

my card, nor did she give any ap-

ology, which is not wholly satisfac-

to me. Though I may be wrong in

this. One thing I know and that is

I do not yet want to make any

egagements for marrying, though I would

like to keep the ladies company at

least once in every two weeks. It

seems that I am naturally un-

lucky in sending cards for calling.

I never have written but three

which were for calling and have

failed on every one–two to Miss

Moss Harris, and this one to Miss Lizzie

Dr. Garland’s pictures came safely

to hand yesterday evening, all sat-

isfactory. If I succeed in col-

lecting all I will make my pict-

ure for my troubles–I am in a lit-

tle suspense just now. Ledbetter

may make arrangements for us

to accompany the Misses Nelson to church

tomorrow evening, and Isom may

make the same at the College. I thought

I would see Led. before he could write.

But now it is nearly 10 and I have not

seen him since 4. Hereafter I shall be

more certain about things- I forgot

to state in the proper place that

the Seniors planted their “Memorial

Tree” on Monday the 11th ult. The occa-

sion was interesting to us, not only

for its own merits but also because

we were released all the afternoon

from recitation. Stewart left col-

lege yesterday. I am, indeed, sorry

for that boy. It seems that many

boys cannot endure the hardships,

privations, and sacrifices of college life.

May 8th

Our anniversary was cel-

berated last Wednesday. The

speech was as good as I ex-

pected. I think it was satis-

factory to FS’s generally, and also

to the assembly which was

quite a mixed one. So that

I think Mr. Bigger did credit

to himself, and reflected honor

on the society by the way he repre

sented us. I was disappoint

ed in seeing Miss Dinkey Newell,

and then made a flat in going

with Bingham after Miss Mag

gie Plant & Miss Lizzie Berry.

I know that Mrs. Leavell thought

I went after Miss Lizzie, and on

that account I am sorry that I

went. However, I do not believe

that Miss Lizzie means to slight

me or Mr. Bingham either by the

careless (?) way in which she

has treated us. I was favor

ably impressed by the compa

ny of Miss Katie Corethers last

Sunday evening. I anticipate a

Similar fate with Miss Lou

Ella Neilson tomorrow evening.

I made second class in every thing

Except Eng & M.P.–1st in these–

last month. It does seem that

I ought to make better marks

while times seem easy upon us.

I do dread old “papa Quinche”

On the examination with his

“Latin on the board.” Dr. Juney

has been gone to Vicksburg since

Tuesday, so that we have had

no French this week. This has

slackened our rope still more

for this week–Jarvis is sore

ly trying my patience by not send-

ing that money. Surely will an-

other week pass without my hearing

any thing from him?– FS adjourned

prematurely this morning. Very much to

my disapprobation. Though no doubt

I enjoyed myself much better by read-

ing physiology than I would to have

served during the meeting as [Servato-

lean]
May 15

I indeed enjoyed myself last Sabbath

evening with Miss Ella but did not

accompany her to church on account

of the rain. She promised, without

being solicited, to bring me a nice

boquet (? I can’t find this word in my dic

tionary) for my speech at commence-

ment. Surely I ought to do my

best (Craig has found my word

Tis bouquet I will never forget

this. So my ignorance may here go on

record for coming years. But as this is

only for my own private perusal I will

not change any thing on this page. And

I will just state here that should any

one be so silly; meddlesome, and curious

as to read this, hereby let him know

that he is transgressing on private and

forbidden property. I don’t think up to

this date any one, save myself, has ever

read a page of my “Saturday Nigh Report”

Dr. Phillips replanted the Sen-

ior’s tree Thursday evening. I think

it also will shed off its leaves,

notwithstanding. Dr. Phillips laughed

at me when I told him so. We

recited our last lesson in Eng.

Friday evening. We must now

prepare our Junior speeches for

commencement and let Prof. Johnson

criticize them. My speech is boring

me considerably. I dont know

what to write. I suppose I am

now feeling the disadvantage of never

having been here at a commencement.

Examination is now drawing near.

As I will remain this year I

do want to make a better mark than

I did last year, especially on Math

I know we can prepare very well

for examinations if we will, although

the weather is warm and the young

ladies encourage us in going to

see them–I sent Miss Lizzie a

card this morning and she answered

it favorably. It seems that I

can accompany her to church but

cant make a regular call. Stew-

art came back this evening and told

me that Mrs. Gambrel said, I made Miss

Lizzie mad that night at Gambrel’s en-

tertainment, about eating the love-can-

dy knot with me. And also that if

I were going a courting there I would

certainly fail. My criticism on this is

short. I simply think Mrs. Gambrel

is somewhat taking time by the forelock.

Miss Lizzie, as every other virgin,

knows I never said a word of love

to her in my life. I dont expect

to say any in earnest till I get

through college, and perhaps through

a Medical College also. But some-

thing else is bothering me worse

than any “love scrape.” Jarvis still

remains silent and I can hear

nothing from my $20. I think

yet I will finally get it. But it

does [bore] me to wait so long-my pros

pects are rather gloomy for coming back

here next year. I suppose I will get

bell-ringer’s place next year, which will

replace my loss of the “scholarship’s ben-

efit.” I can teach only three months next

summer, and, they say, that warrants

are worth only 50 cts in the dollar, So

that I will make at that rate but

little more than my board–I see

that Thom. Wheat is again at home

I hear he is to stay till after

Commencement. I think my “Saturday

Night” took notice of his leaving in

in Jan in ’74–Willie Wheat was

very sick last Monday so that we

had no Greek on that day- This

is about the longest Report I

suppose up to date. I will remem-

ber however that I wrote the first

part of this early in the week; but

kept the date 15th. This I ex-

pect to do for regularity’s sake

and also for convenience of reference.

May 22

E.H. Dial of Meridian was

was elected this morning in

FS as our next anniversalian.

John F. Rives was his only opponent

whom he beat 28 to 19. I think

this difference was greater than

their merits justify. Dial was

my choice but I sympathized

with Rives in being so badly

beaten- I hope we will get

Bigger’s speech next Saturday

May 29

I got a few copies of Bigger’s

speech this morning. Isom &

Trotter did not make the con-

tract with Thompson as definite

as I wanted. However the

whole cost will not be more than

$33 00; which is light compared

With $80 00 which we paid las

Year.- The examination is now

coming on so near at hand that

I have no time, it seems, either

for taking note of events for

my Report, or even for writing.

June 5

I never studied harder I think

in life than I have to day. Green-

wood is sick, so that he cannot

stand his examination in Eng.

with us on Monday, so that

Smith is the only one ahead of

Me; and if I could just beat

him I might stand a chance

for the British prize. I did

not think of this until yesterday

evening; and, perhaps would not

then had not I noticed Smith

studying his Eng. with uncom-

mon zeal & interest- I still

hear nothing from Jarvis. Stew-

art, I think, could have answered

my letter, by this time, had he

been as prompt in seeing

about my money from Jarvis,

as I have been in sending

his from the treasury.

June 12

Three examinations are now

over and three more to

stand. I fear I flatted

smartly in Eng. But have

some hope, from what he

says, that I beat Smith. John-

son might have had our

marks out by this time if

he had tried. I made a [ten]
again with Miss Lizzie by sending

her a card for tomorrow night. I

anticipate a nice time. Also

I hope to meet Miss Dink New-

ell at commencement and enjoy

her sweet smiles and lovely looks.

Stewart sent me a postal card

Wednesday and again failed to say

any thing about my Jarvis money

Human nature is certainly self-

I9sh. I was much more anx-

ious to hear from him, in

order to know something about

my money, than for any other

reason. I certainly

will rejoice when the time

comes for me to record another

“Saturday Night” for these, ex-

aminations are truly boring

to me. I see that by

throwing away my freshman

makrs, and marking an average

of 93, from now on I

can get get a first class

diploma. I have never made

an average of 93 on an ex-

amination yet, and therefore

have but little hope of

doing so.

June 19

I can now see from the op-

posite page how my marks

are doing, and indeed I

am heartily ashamed of some

of them. I shall attribute

our flats in Eng. to the

ambiguity of Johnson’s questions.

As to the British prize

I hear two reports (a) none of the

class will get because none have

made over 90; (b) This last book

which we have studied is

Semiannual Examination

Juniors U.M. June 1875

Names Eng Lat Logic Mech Greek Fren

E. S.A. E.S.A. E.S.A. E.S.A. E.S.A. E.S.A.

Bingham 95.55.68 95 83.84.83

Cooper 96.70.78 97

Dial 98.33.54 90 82.95.86

Foster 96.80.85 93 91.94.92

Greenwood Sick

Isom 99.76.84 87 85.84.84

Johnson 96.76.83 97 83.88.84

Ledbetter 96.78.81 93 80.87.82

Rives 96.79.85 88 90.93.91

Scott Sick

Smith 96.65.75 93

Stockard 98

Trotter 89.88.88 90 70.83.74

Tunstall 97.38.57 77 84.90.86

Williamson 89.10.36 83 65.81.70

Witherspoon 99.92.94 97 95.94.95

not counted, and therefore the

prize has been awarded to Green-

wood. However this may be, I

dont want it, when I make no

more than 76. Counting both books

I came out ahead; it up

to this time Greenwood having

missed this examination, and

Witherspoon the one in Feb; which,

though no doubt they will beat

me badly would exclude them

from the prize. I have always

thought this book was rather

and obscure conglomeration and

wondered how Johnson would

ask questions. I dont believe that

the author himself would have

recognized some of the questions as

being taken from the text.- Dr. Juny

surprised me worse than any in

the marks. And, I will record

although I may hereafter be ashamed

of it, that I talked to him

this morning more imprudently

than I ever did to a professor.

I do believe the examination

was conducted unfairly, un-

reasonable before man, and un-

just before God. He allowed

Tunstall and Foster and others as much

time as they wanted after

dinner, when he told us plainly

that we should close promptly

at (he first said 12 oclock) 1 oclock

I told him I was satisfied

as to my grade absolutely, but

not relatively, that I could

have corrected nearly all errors

had I known that he would

allow it, being directly contrary

to what he had said. I now

feel like buying me a Jack

and using it in his recitation

room seeing there is, in his

department no [illegible]
for honest labor. However

I know of a truth, that as

to marks- per se- I care noth-

ing. Tis for something higher that

I endure my hardships, privations,

and inconveniences, which are known

to me human as they are to me.

But when a man, a sensible man,

treats me wrongfully I glory in

my privilege, as a free man to

tell him of it. He said he con-

sidered my language as insulting

and he may, as I told him

demerit me, but I dont believe

he will.–I am in no humor

to night to leave on record a

few pleasant memories of the young

ladies whose company I have

enjoyed some for the last two

days & nights. God bless them

all. I am tired now, and sleepy too.

June 20

Examinations have come

and gone, commencement

has come and gone and

here I am in the flat

woods waiting till Monday

to begin my regular siege

of boring in teaching school.

I have not heard from

Greek and Mechanics, and

will not now perhaps till

I return next fall. But

marks are of little impor-

tance any way. I see that

there is no hope for me

to get a first-class deplo-

ma. I shall always believe

however, that I could have

gotten it, had I remained

in my Freshmen & Sophomore

years till the class was

examined.

Saturday Night

Report

From June 26 ’75 To

January 15 ’76

June 26

I have lost some time

by staying for commence-

ment which will only

strengthen my necessity for

borrowing money next year.

I feel, however, now that

I shall never regret my

stay, and the little sac-

rifice and expense consequent

thereto, even if, in after

life, it costs me a month’s

labor. I talked to Miss

Lizzie Berry several

times during commencement,

and she treated me kindly

saying nothing whatever of

“walking papers.” I think

upon the whole, that Miss

Dinkey Newell was the

most amiable Miss, that

I met at commencement.

I now see that it was useless

for me to study for the British

prize in philology; as the

prize was given in the other

book. Greenwood got it; who

doubtless was worthy of it.

July 3rd

I am to night at Grandpa’s;

and Aunt Jodie is here also. I

will not get to see Matt nor

Aunt Liz, but expect to see

Miss Ellie in the morning.

I sent a letter to Miss Dink

Newell this morning. Now what?

Will I get myself into business as

Smith says? It is not my

intention to enter into courtship

at present. Miss Dink certainly has

some qualities which I admire

very much, and shall risk some-

thing in order to cultivate her

acquaintance and friendship

My school opened last Monday

with 19 students. Bell says

that my contract is all

right. I am indeed fortu-

nate with my school. I was

the only one who taught last

Sept. in the county. Had I

not got the contract then,

which was indeed difficult,

I would have failed to get

It now, or not have gotten

More that $45 at most,

As it is I get $60 pr. mo.-I

began reading Physiology last

week; and to day Dr. Fon-

taine has lent me two vol-

umes of Anatomy. Now I

must try to read some, for

practical use in life.

July 10

I called on Miss Ellie last

Sunday morning at 8 oclock

At two oclock I stopped

to see Miss Sallie for a short

time, failed to hitch my horse

on account of the saddle bags

I suppose and consequent-

ly my horse left me. But

accidentally I found her in

about a half hour; but was

benighted in getting home,

lost the road entirely and

had to roam over the flat

woods and through dense thick

ets matted with fine logs,

till nine oclock. My school

did not increase this week as

much as I expected. Have

not had more than 23. I

do hope I will be able to

get on without whipping

as much as I did last year.

My reading has been rather

slow this week. Have read

about 160 pages. This rate will

finish my task of three vol-

umes for the summer, but

my chance will not be so

good when my school is

full as it has been. I heard

Rev. Mr. Fontaine preach to day

at Palestine.

July 17

I am to night at Mr. Big-

ham’s and happily have met

Miss Lamar Phifer. Dave and

his wife look very natural-I

received Miss Dink’s letter yes-

terday morning, and hurriedly

answered it last night- I

hear to day that Will Stew

ard has been condemned and

put in jail for stealing! I

do sympathize with Sam.

July 24

I called for a few min-

utes on Miss Ina Word last

Sunday. She gave me the kind

of a social equality grasp that

I admire. I arrived home in

due time, owing perhaps to my

getting lost a fortnight previ-

ous. I am to night at

Mr. Steele’s. So far I am fa-

vorably impressed by Miss Ellen,

and would like to see her again

before I leave for Oxford.

July 31st

I have just staid at home

all day to day; and have been

trying to finish up my task

of reading for the week. I

have done so ’tis true, but

it seems that I know but

little of what I read. It is

in some chapters almost like

reading the dictionary. I have

much study before me ere I

make a doctor. My school bores

terribly. The boys are so hard

to make get their speeches!

I long to get away from this

country, and land again at

Oxford. Surely I will not

come back here again next year

to teach if I do not get

off to Texas.

Aug. 7th

I am to night at Mr. N.M.

Berry’s on my return from

New Albany where I failed

to get any money from

my old debtor Jarvis.

Miss Lizzie looks very sweet

Says she dont know whether she

will return to Oxford or not.

I do hope she will. I received

A sweet letter from Miss Dink

yesterday.

August 14

I am getting on very slowly

trying to read my books

on Anatomy. But my one

hundred pages per week will

give me some information after

a while. I dont study however

like I would if I were in

college. I must now begin

to talk around about electing

Trustees again, and try again

to teach through September

as I have done the past

two years. How I do despise

such arrangements!

August 27

I am to night at Grandpa’s

Find him an Grandma

at home and in their usual

health. Uncle Jim has gone

again to see Miss Lizzie

Steele. I do wonder if

they will marry? It may be.

Bell gave me no encourage-

ment to day about teach-

ing on through September

I expect however to teach on

till the Supervisors meet.

If I risk nothing I will sure-

ly make nothing. I would

lose the 4 days if I were

to do nothing; if I teach

and get nothing for it

perhaps it may do the chil-

dren some good. They certain-

ly need every day they can

get.

Aug. 28

Mr. Bigham received the nom-

ination for Treasurer in the

primary election last Mon-

day. I think he and Don-

aldson stand a chance

to be elected. But as for

Duke I think it uncertain

And so for Horton. We

elected Trustees to day, the

same ones who served last

year. Hicks says he is anx-

ious for the school to go on

but I cant help but watch

him with suspicion. I dont

believe he will “do to tie to.”

For although I taught through

September last year, yet

he imposed his services

enough to break up the

school when I wanted to

teach two weeks longer.

Consequently I lost the time

and they lost the schooling.

“Most men ought to be watched.”

September 4

I am more uneasy now about

whether I will get to teach

another month than any thing else.

Have taught already 4 days

without any sign of a con-

tract. We had our first

bread from new corn for sup-

per to night. People have gen-

erally been wonderfully blest with

good crops this year; a compen-

sation I suppose for the bad

crops last year.

September 17

I was in Pontotoc last Monday

staid all day and worked hard

with the Supervisors in trying

to get them to locate the

schools. The President said

positively in the morning that

there would be no schools

begun till the 1st of Dec.

Then in the afternoon he

made a speech in favor

of locating immediately. They

passed but one motion for

their evening’s work, which

seemed to leave the loca-

ting of schools to the

Supervisors of each district and

the Superintendent. I have

been teaching now another

week without any contract.

I cant help but be uneasy

about it. How I do despise

such arrangements! I would

be very far from dobbling

with such uncertainties were

I not pressed so for time.

Mrs. Newell (blind Granny(

died Wednesday night; was

buried at Oak Forest Thursday.

Sickness is almost alarming

Now in the Flatwoods. It may be

That in my next report I will

have to record the death of

Mrs. Mooney, who is very low at

This time, and God only knows,

who else, perhaps, some who

now enjoying good health,

or this may be my last report.

I hope to be able to got to

Oxford a few days before

college reopens to renew my

claim for “bell ringer.” If

I miss that I dont know

what I will do for money

next year. Mrs. Newell,

“blind granny” was buried

last Thursday evening at

Oak Forest.

September 18th

I feel quite discouraged this

evening about my school. It

has rained so much to

day and yesterday that the

children could not come to

school at all. Teaching on

Saturdays is inconvenient any

how. I do hope I will

never be so pressed again

for time as to be obliged

to teach Saturdays. To be

straining every point in

order to teach my month

out in time midst so much

sickness, rain, and general

indifference of my patrons;

together with the reluctance

of the superintendent in giv-

ing me merely a verbal contract,

and, after all, the worthlessness

of the warrants, all combine to

make this the most unpleasant

month’s work I ever performed.

There is but little chance

On Mrs. Mooney; we cant tell

that she is any better or

worse than she was a week

ago. It is thought that

Mrs. Harriet Jernigan had a

Congestive chill to day. She is

very sick at any rate. If

the Lord spares me to get away

from this country I think

I will stay away.

Sept. 25

I am to night at Cousin

Bryant’s. Have had quite

an unpleasant ride from

Pontotoc in the rain- Bell

talked very clever to day,

and promised to have my

warrant issued in Dec. If

he does, and I believe he will,

it seems to me really that

I ought to be grateful to

him and to others. No

other school was allowed

in the county. And the

same was the case last

year. Hicks has done very

well this year. Indeed I

suppose he thinks that he

gained a complete victory over

me last year. I am will-

ing for him to think so;

and furthermore I feel

somewhat under obligations

to him and all the patrons

for employing me to teach

for them three summers

in succession; but a the

same time I do believe

that I have done a good

part by them as a teacher.

I received a letter to day from

my old friend and bad

paymaster Lee Jarvis, say-

ing that he would send

me a Warrant for that

$20 he has been owing so

long, on the 5th of Oct. “So

mote it be,” I was startled with

the news to night that Uncle Henry

Brooks had died in May.

Oct 2nd 1875

I am to night at Mr. John

Hall’s near Oxford. “How I

long to there.” Tomorrow I

expect to go to see Miss

Ellen Garrett and Miss Dink

“Oh! That will be joyful.” Last

Monday I had a long weary

ride to Okolona after Matt;

who had gone there to see

a grand show. I’d rather

show keepers would stay at

home, as to my part for the

present. There is a great

deal of sickness every where

now. Tis almost alarming.

Uncle Jim has lent me

Me $50. Now when will

I be able to pay it back?

I do want to make out if

possible without borrowing

any more.

Oct 9 ’75

I have again arrived safe

at old Oxford. But few

boys have as yet returned.

I hear that James Sexton

is married! I am not much

surprised, no more at least

than at Wiseman & Lester.

Who will be next of our College

boys? McInnis & Alezan-

der are sub-profs $600

salary. Cant I make that

much next year in Texas?

I have secured the place of

“bell ringer”, which saves me

of borrowing $100. I intend

now if I can get $130 for

my warrants to make out

without borrowing any more, and

go on also to Texas in June.

I do hope that this is my

last year of such galling em-

barrasssment about money.

Oct 16th

One week of regular work has been

performed. Our text books are

scarce and high, in consequence partly

because of the changes made in the several

departments. I gave Bigger $1 00

for his Isocrates, and now I have

to give $1 50 for a Plato bacuse

Dr. Wheat prefers that for this term.

I hear that Mrs. Gailard is dead.

Oct 23

Old Mr. McMahan died yesterday

at 2 oclock, will be buried

tomorrow with Masonic ceremony.

Miss Lizzie Smither died this morn-

ing. How careful ought we to live!

I began to day to write for my

first on any Bimonthly. Great ex-

citement is now prevailing over the

state on the subject of politics. Al-

though I expect to cast my for-

tune with that of the lone Star

state, yet I would be glad to

see my own native state once

freed from the galling yoke of

Radicalism. I am making but

Little progress now in the way

of reading Physiology; but I hope

to do better soon. I am

now considering the propriety of trying

to sell books again.

Oct. 30th

Wednesday night we felt sen-

sibly the earthquake. I hope

we will soon hear from it through

the newspapers. One month

is now gone! Seven more

and then where will I be?

I long for the time to

come when I shall take board

for the lone star State. Thurs-

day we received the news

that Mr. Eggeston Wilbourn

was dead. Death seems

to be making rapid strides

over our country. Only last

Sunday was it that I

attended the burial of two of

our citizens.

Nov. 6

The excitement of the election is

now over and the Democrats

are highly rejoicing in their victori-

ous triumph. Mr. Percy

Howry was buried yesterday.

His death, I think, ought to be

a warning to the boys against

the useless practice of carrying

pistols.

Nov 13

McInnis has returned from

his sister’s wedding and has

been boring us badly on the

subject of [illegible]. Dr.

Lyon started to New Orleans

to his church Synod last

Tuesday night. We expect

him back next Tuesday. I

went out last Sunday evening

to tell Miss Ellen Garrett good-

bye. I wish I could get a

chance to go to see Miss Dink,

but I dont think I can afford

to give a dollar for a horse

out of the livery stable.

Nov. 20th

We are all looking forward

with anxious expectation to

next Thursday when we expect

holiday, and also the big London

show that is expected here on that

day. Although it is a

“Thanks Giving Day” I think most

of the boys will go for on any

other day we could not get excused

from our lessons. I think I

shall go for my first time in

Oxford, and no doubt it will

be my last time. Our bash-

ful little Magazine keeps making

some progress. I do hope it will

appear in time for us to take a

copy home with us Christmas

Nov. 27th

Both the big shows have come

and gone. I did wrong, no doubt,

in attending last Thursday when

I had been having fever with my

cold for three nights previous. As my

fever continued to rise at night I went

this morning to see Dr. Chandler; and had

to pay $1.75 for medicine. He says

my cold is right severe and that I

must keep close lest it develop itself

into Pneumonia. This makes me a little

uneasy, but it shall be very careful

from now on and try to get well.

Dec. 4

I was obliged to miss recitations

last Monday and Tuesday on account

of my cold and fever. My cough

is right severe yet; but I am in

hopes that I will get well without

an attack of pneumonia. I dont

think I ever saw more gloomy weather

in my life; every thing seems to be

melancholy–Lee Jarvis has

promised to be in Oxford next

Monday and pay me; but the in-

clemency of the weather together

with the fact that he has so often

deceived me heretofore makes

me have but little hope of

getting the much needed money.

My money affairs are very

embarrassing every way; Uncle

Jim tells me that warrants in

Pontotoc are worth but 50 cts in

the dollar! I cant hear any

think from Mr. Hicks whether

he has had my last month’s

$35 warrant issued or not;

As every thing was so tangled and

confused, I am a little afraid

that I will lose that month’s work.

It seems that many things are

working together to defeat my

purposes in trying to go to

Texas in June: but I have not en-

tirely lost hope yet. I want

my services in FS hall to pay

for my washing. Perhaps I

may make a few dollars by

selling my book again; though

I cant expect more than half,

if that, such success as I had

last year. I feel grateful

to Dr. Chandler for giving me

that prescription gratis. I expected

to pay at least a dollar for it.

Uncle Jim says that he will

bring or send some conveyance for

me to come out to his wedding

on the 29th inst. and that Miss

Ellen Steele and I are to be two of the

waiters. I anticipate a nice time,

notwithstanding Miss Ella Neilson says

that those who “wait on” will never

get married themselves. If Miss

Ellen looks as sweet as she did last summer

when I saw her no doubt I will say many

things to her, some wise, some otherwise.

I was not able to deliver my bi-

monthly to the FS’s this morning. I

do hope I will be well by next Saturday.

Christmas will soon be here; and

no doubt, it would be better for

my pocketbook if I were to spend

it as I did last Christmas selling

books; but under the circumstances

I suppose I must forego the op-

portunity of trying to make a few

dimes, lay aside all wordly care

and try for once to enjoy myself.

This is my last Christmas in College;

and as I have always heretofore had

a certain task for the holidays,

it seems that I might afford to

devote the incoming ones, under the

auspicious circumstances to innocent

enjoyment, and harmless gratification

Dec. 11

Perhaps I was never more agreeably sur-

prised than I was on last Monday, when

I ascertained that my old friend, slow

in paying debets, Mr. Lee Jarvis, had

left that long desired twenty dollars

in town for me. I have suffered

no little uneasiness about that since

last March. I think I will

never act so hastily again as I

did in sending that counterfeit

bill back to him. I think if I

had kept it and simply informed

Jarvis that it was counterfeit, and

that unless it was redeemed in

ten days, I would put it into the

hands of an officer, I would have

got it all right without half so

much trouble uneasiness and expense.

My cold is still bothering me. I

had to disappoint the FS’s again this

morning about my bi-monthly. I do

hope I will be well by next Saturday.

I know, however, that the constitution

of FS says that bi-monthly shall

not conflict with the inaugural

of the President; so it seems that

I could not have spoken, had I

been well. I am a little ex-

cited about my little piece of

poetry that I wrote for our Magazine

Ed Dial seems to think that the

editors will have it published.

My sickness and bi-monthly both

seem to work against my selling

of books. Martin has already

started around with his book

and has three subscribers. Time

about is fair play; I succeeded

last year, and therefore I should

not grumble if I fail this year.

Besides I have the bell ringing

and services in the FS hall to at-

tend to, both of which pay men,

and so I should not be too greedy

for getting other things than my

books to demand my attention.

Indeed 4th class in optics last

month looks like I have

by far too many worldly cares

already. I should I know for

marks sake, have told Bobby

that I was not prepared when

he called on me just after I

had been sick and had not

looked a the text for a week.

So work only for marks is a poor

business in college.

Dec. 18

Well my old “bimonthly” speech is deliver

ed at last. I fear I hardly did

justice to the occasion for I was

not interested in it from the start

as I should have been. I t was

so cold, and our fires being rather

bad we were uncomfortably

situated and as a matter of course

I had an ungrateful audience.

As to my cold I hope that it is

about well. Hereafter I will, I think,

be more careful at the beginning and

try to break it up before it

gets so permanent and stubborn

a hold on me. For the past week

I believe I have been more interested

in my little piece of poetry

than my bimonthly. Have not yet

heard from the editors. Where

will I be next Saturday night?

I am perplexed about my ar-

rangements. Uncle Jim wrote

to me that he would come after

me but did not say what

day he would come. I would

be very glad to go by, and

see Miss Dink, but am afraid

I might stay, should I wait

till he comes for me; till

I would wear out my welcome.

If I stay here I will be in great

suspense should I go out to

John Smith’s as Uncle Jim request

ed me, I might get bored un-

mercifully. I rather think

I shall go by Miss Dink’s house

any way. Without any dis-

simulation, I am quite conscious

that my affections for Miss Dink

are rapidly increasingly by our

correspondence, which for the past

six months, has been of the most

pleasant and endearing character’

for indeed she is a sweet letter

writer. I hope (?) that this

increase of affection is nothing more

thank an increase of friendship. I

know that if I ever intend to make

an M.D. I should not try to win

any young lady’s affections with

the intent of consummating them

in wedlock for several years

yet. I cant say that I regret

that I asked her to correspond with

me; for indeed the correspondence

has been not only a source of real

and I hope innocent pleasure and

harmless gratification, but also

it has been a source of improve-

ment and information; for certainly

she makes fewer mistakes than any

correspondence I ever had. My

intercourse with her has caused

a feeling of doubt to arise with

reference to two questions: viz.

Would I be willing for her to mar-

ry any one else without my making

her an offer of myself? Would my

being engaged to her render me less

happy, or interfere with my plans

for making a doctor & c? I believe

my cool unprejudiced judgment

advises that “I wait for a more

convenient season.” I sold three

of Lee’s books this evening. I fear

I shall not be able to sell many

Times are hard and people want

something new. I am anxious

to try Seward’s travels, I think

it might sell very well.

Dec. 25

I left Oxford last Wednesday

morning in Mr. Jim Trott’s wag-

on as I had the chance to

thus save my Uncle from the

trip by getting there before

he would start. I regretted

very much, however, to miss the

opportunity of seeing miss Dink.

Thursday I had a very rainy

and muddy walk of 12 miles

from Bigham’s mill to Grandpa’s.

About 2 o’clock in the after-

noon I found Uncle Jim, Un-

cle John & Henry very busy

repairing Grandpa’s house, as

Miss Lizzie will have to live

with them till Uncle Jim can

build his house. Friday

I had a muddy ride going with

Matt over to Mr. Gilmer’s. I

wanted to cross the creek very

badly to see Miss Ellen Garrett

but could not on account of the

high water. Saturday after-

noon I arrived at Mr. Garrett’s

1876

but was too late to see

Miss Ellen for she had gone

with Mr. John Abernathy to Red

land. I am somewhat unea-

sy about my $35 claim in Pon

totoc county. They say that it

is probably that Bell will be

turned out of office; then the

new board of supervisors might

refuse to issue my warrant

which is very likely if schools

are suspended for a year- so

then I would be compelled

to lose my labor

January 1st 1876

Christmas has come and gone.

The 4th and very likely the

last one that I will spend

as a student in the University

To say the least I have en

joyed this Christmas very

well. Perhaps I enjoyed the

the success of my business

as much as any other one

thing. I was gratified

when Uncle Jim told me

that he had disposed of my

warrants at 70 & 75 cts, when

I was expecting to take about

50 or 60cts. Then I was

happily surprised last Monday

when Bell issued my pay

certificate without consult

ing the suprviro’s and

much more so when Carr

cashed the warrant for me.

I spent Monday night pleasantly

at Mr. Bigham’s. Miss Mary Ann

however, was not at home. This

made the third time that I

was disappointed in seeing my

lady friends. Tuesday morn

ing it began to rain again,

so that I remained till after

dinner, when I was obliged

to ride all the afternoon in the

rain, and cross frightful

looking creeks, and at last be

disappointed the second time in

seeing Miss Ellen. Although

Miss Sallie said that she would make

her come home Tuesday night, no

doubt, they both, like myself were

water bound. Wednesday we had

a middle ride out to Mr. Steele’s;

where we found but little preparation

for the wedding. Although there

were but few to witness the wedding

no doubt I enjoyed it as well

if not better than I would had

all their rooms been crowded with

spectators. I did see Miss Ellen Steele

enjoyed her sweet expressions both

from her eyes and mouth, nor was

I convinced that Miss Addie was

better looking, though several had

told me that she was both smarter

and better looking. Thursday

morning I felt constrained to bid

them all farewell and start again

back toward Oxford. I think I

must have walked some 12 or 15

miles before I reached Mr. Har

well’s where I stayed all night.

The family treated me kindly, charged

me nothing for my lodging, and

next morning Mr. Ab Harwell went

with me to Mr. Bullard’s and

assisted me in hiring young

Mr. B to bring me to Mr.

Bigger’s Mill. This riding cost

me a little more than ten cents

a mile–$2.00 for the trip. Af-

ter leaving my satchel in care

of Mr. Bigger and getting some

directions to Mr. Newell’s house

I set out, on foot, but in fine

spirits to see Miss Dink, whose

presence I had so long wished to

enjoy. Though I wrote to her

that I hoped to be there on Sat-

urday, yet she seemed pleased to

see me on Friday as it was. And

now that I have seen her, and enjoyed

her company which was indeed

gratifying to me, yet I am no

nearer decided than before as to

whether I wish to cultivate toward

her a feeling of any thing more

than friendship. If I know

my heart I dont wish to deceive the

harmless little virgin, in any

way. I know I began our inter

course and have taken the lead all

the time. I am glad to believe,

however, that she has more sense

than to take on about me or any

one else without good reasons for it.

I am a little afraid of her temper.

I think now that I shall wait on

till I see Texas and a little

more of the world generally; in the

mean time, however, try to find

her out as far as possible; and perhaps

make her a nice present of a gold

pen. I think I will never regret

the sacrifice it would cost to see

her once a month from now till

June when we will be so far

separated. I was very favorably

impressed by her mother. She treat

ed me in every way as kindly as I

had any right to expect. I ar-

rived in Oxford just before 5 oclock,

took tea with Willie Jenkins and

then made a new year’s call on Misses

Ella & Lou. We had cakes, candy,

and wine in plenteous abundance;

and all ate drank and were merry.

Now it is time to lay aside all

thoughts of Christmas and turn

my attention wholly to my

studies. I have much hard

work to do between now and

June. I ought to try to make

a respectable “rise” at least.

My Christmas has come and

gone and I have sold no books.

Martin has made, he says,

about $30 dollars. Now if he

ever gets it, he has done well.

My heart rather fails me in try-

ing to bore the people again

with my books. It seems

that I could try with good

grace at any place better

than Oxford or Holly Springs

where I have already sold books.

I think I never noticed

such warm weather for Christ

mas. It rained nearly every

day.

January 8

We have had a week of most

pleasant weather. It seems almost

like spring, grass is growing up

and flowers are opening; but

I fear only to be soon killed

again. Miss Dink sent me

a letter to day with very

scorching reproofs for asking

her if she was tired of our corres-

pondence. I cant get mad

at her though. When I love

a friend as dearly as I do her

I cant get mad, even should

they err considerably. Her

rebuke was right in one sense

viz., that I intended to intimate

that I was tired writing.

I intended no such thing at

all. General Sears oldest

son Willie accidentally shot him-

self through the arm to day

while hunting with some other

boys. As it is only a flesh

wound we hope that it will prove

to be nothing serious. It

seems a hard matter to get

right down to hard work

now since Christmas.

Jan 15th

We have done some better this

week in our studies. We are

just now through with the ex

cises in French, will have

common reading from now on.

I like this much better than

the exercises- I began Prac

tical Chemistry last Thurs-

day afternoon expect to

devote 4 hours a wekk from

now on to that department.

I think this may be of some

service to me in trying to

make a doctor- Examinations

are again drawing near. I

lose no time from now on

in trying to become thorough

in the texts. But I do

feel now that I am but poorly

prepared on many of them.

We had a little fine excite

ment last Tuesday. It seemed,

that the soot caught in the

chimney and heated the brick

through so that the Mantle-

shelf in the library, caught

fire. As no serious damage

was the result, perhaps it

will beneficial in learning

Record of Deaths from Oct. 75 to Jan ’76

Oct. 22 Old Mr. McMahan

“” 23 Miss Lissie Smither

Nov. 3 Mr. Percy Howry

Jan ’76 13 (?) Old Mr. Smithers

all to be more careful in

the future. I gave my

second piece for the Mag

azine to Mr. Dial this morn

ing. Perhaps I will have

read the proof sheet of my

first piece before next Saturday

night. It does seem that

I ought to write one piece

at least for each number;

but it seems also that I

will be too busy in

February to prepare one for March.

I sent my little order

Record of Marriages

Nov. 9 Mr. French Cannon to —-

“” Mr. Alsworth to Miss Mary McInnis

Nov. 25 Lewis Green “” Jennie Jones

Dec. 29 James L. Johnston “” Lizzie Steele

to Mr. Colby, Jno W. (20 St. Charles

Street New Orleans) for more books.

I have sold only six of Lee’s two

of Seward’s and subscribed my-

self for Jackson’s. I think

probably he will make me

a present of a copy of Sew-

ward’s. He has intimated sever

al times that he intended

to give me a copy. I

am now thinking that prob-

ably I might sell a few

books in Memphis or Little

Rock, as I go on to

Texas, but am afraid to

Invest heavily I might loose.

Saturday Night

Report

From January 23 1876 to

July 22 1876

January 22 1876

Examinations are drawing near

and it seems that I cant re

alize its certainty and importance

I feel so little prepared! From

this on I think I will lose

no time. I received quite

a sweet letter from Miss Dink

this morning, and am highly

gratified to know that she is

reconciled and does not think

now that I want to drop the

correspondence. I think my

purpose is the same yet that

it was in the beginning: viz to

cultivate a high degree of acquaint

ance and friendship between

us; but nothing more at present.

My books have not yet come;

but I received a letter from

Mr. Colby stating that he

had started the books by

freight and that he had

sent me “Seward’s Travels” bound

in [sheep]. I am that much

the more obliged to him. I

shall send soon for a map which

I expect to sell by subscrip

tion–perhaps for some pictures

and charts also. It would

be quite consoling to me in-

deed if I could yet make

money enough to pay back

to Uncle Jim that $50 and

leave here out of debt.

Jan 29th

My books came safely to

hand last Monday, but now

I have not time to read them.

Examinations are pressing too hard.

I am at Miss Dink’s house in

the full enjoyment of her bliss

ful presence. Will I ever for-

get here to write her name

in the Monogram? (JK)

The second issue of our Maga

Zine reached us this evening.

Sure enough my piece was in

it. It seems to me now that

it is not much after all, although

several of the boys have compli

mented it. I hear that a

Mr. Stowers was shot, but not

killed last Monday. Enock Enocks

went home on the train this after-

noon. His brother left several days

since.

Feb. 5th

Examinations are now in prog

ress so that I have no time

to write “Saturday Nights,” love

letters nor any thing else. We

stood our examination in Latin

yesterday. I fear that I did

not make 90 this time. Mon

day comes Optics, I think I

am tolerably well prepared

for it.

Feb. 12th

We have not heard from a

single examination yet. The

Professors are, I think, quite

independent and indolent

about making out their reports;

however as to myself I

do not expect encouraging

reports for I have been

quite unable to study

for the past few days as

I would like to during

examinations. My cold

before affected my lungs

giving me a cough for

several weeks; this time

it affects my head and

face, so that I fear I

have something like Neu-

ralgia. But I hope to

get well without having

to consult a doctor or pay

out any money for medicine

I hear that Mr. Stewers is

dead, and that they have

the fellows in custody, whom

they accuse of having shot

him some time since.

Ma is ancious for me to

try to get a school in her

neighborhood during the sum-

mer. I hardly know how to

proceed about it.

Feb. 19th

Examinations are now closed, and

we are once again forced so to speak

To night I am with Mr. Smith

at Mr. Daniel Gardner’s. He

tells me so many encouraging

talks about St. Louis

Semiannual Examination- Senior Class- February 1876. U.M.

English Greek Latin Optics Minerology French Zoology Ethics

S. E.A. S.E.A. S.,E.A. S.E.A. S.E.A. S.E.A. S.E.A. S.E.A.

Bingham 87 94.84.87 93 84.76.78 90.73.78

Cooper 94.90.91 99 90.86.87

Dial 55.80.72 87.83.84 40 80.59.66 72.61.65

Foster 91.95.94 94.90.91 91 87.77.81 86.83.84

Greenwood 96.96.96 95.95.95 100 97.95.96 97.98.97

Isom 95.82.86 93.89.90 94 84.74.77 89.90.89

Johnson 93.83.86 94.85.88 98 91.72.78 88.90.89

Kilpatrick 97.93.94 93.94.94 95 95.95.95 96.97.97

Love 97.89.91 94.88.90 80 95.71.79 94.65.74

Rives 97.93.94 93.96.95 97 93 97.97.97

Smith 95.84.88 95 95.80.85

Tunstall 71.76.74 85.91.90 55 99.63.72 86.59.68

Williamson 45.62.56 75.75.75 80 60.50.53 77.61.66

Witherspoon 99.96.97 95.95.95 98 96.83.87 96.98.97

Ledbetter 96.93.94 94.91.92 92 91.78.82 94.85.88

[Porterfield] 50 86.60.69

that I am strongly in

the notion to go by there

on my way to Texas.

Monday is the day for

me to try my luck at

selling maps. I shall

go at it rather reluc-

tantly, for I dont

have much hope of suc-

cess. I almost widh

I had my money back

which I paid for the

outfits.

Feb 26

The Hermaeans failed on

Their anniversary, but

I succeeded with my

Maps splendidly- sold

25 Tuesday, 10 Wednesday

and two to day. I

am in great hopes now of mak

ing a success of the business

and can consequently go more

easily by St. Louis on my way

to Texas–The Senior Class,

Centennial Class, as we style

ourselves, met this evening

at 5 o’clock at Prof. Johnson’s

residence to name his infant

daughter. We gave her the

name Rosylind which I

hope will ever serve as a

token of remembrance of

our class. Mr. Witherspoon

short address on the occasion

was, I think, most admira

bly appropriate. I am to

night again blessed with the

blissful presence of Miss Dink.

I have been so busy for the

past few weeks that I scarcely

had time to think of her.

I have given her the gold

pen which I have been con

sidering so long. If our re

lations are never stronger than

simply true friendship I hope

I will never regret buying

it for her.

March 4

I ordered my maps last

Wednesday, am anxious

now for them to come im

mediately. I am earnest

ly considering the propriety

of my going to Holly Springs

to sell maps. I think I

could make a handsome lit

tle profit for myself and

do some good also for the

Magazine: but I would

lose some time from College

and perhaps divert my [illegible]
from my books more than

my profits would be worth.

I am to night at Cousin

Joe Johston’s: and Cousin

Wafe and family are here

also.

March 11

Mr. Bigham arrived last

Wednesday with some books

and pictures; which he has

been selling here and in Holly

Springs. The like rather

discourages me. It looks like

such a little business, though

I dont think it would look so

bad in a young man selling

in order to travel. If I

thought the business would

draw me off, and cause me

to have a raving disposition

and a disregard for any per

manent business I would

[illegible] it forthwith. My

maps have not yet come. I

am getting quite anxious to

to deliver them and see how

the pay will be. Mr. Bigham

lent me his horse, so that I

am to night at Miss Dink’s

house again. Others may

deny there being any reality in

friendship only between the sex-

es, but I shall have a con

trary opinion. Prof Jones has

gone up to meet his family

at the Grand junction. I hope

we will find his wife possessed

of the same genial disposition

as her husband.

Mch. 8th

Mrs. Jones arrived safely last

Sabbath morning. I think she

is the prettiest woman of any

of the profs. wives. And I

admire too her discipline with

her children. But fear that

Prof. Jones and his wife will sub

ject them to many temptations

by associating them with the

bad influences about the

University. I am getting

uneasy some about my

maps, especially about the

ones I have been expecting to

get from Mr. Bigham. I fear

I will miss my opportunity

for going to Holly Springs.

There seems to always be some

risk and inconvenience in

trying to make money. But

I have been embarrassed so

long here that I think when

I get free I shall risk some-

thing in trying to make a lit

tle at least. I must men

tion the sudden changes of the

weather. Last Saturday we

needed no fire, but Sunday

seemed like we ought to see

ice, and to day is really an

unpleasant day on account

mostly perhaps of the brisk

wind.

March 25.

Last Sunday night we had

by far the heaviest snow

that has fallen this winter.

It was 6 ½ or 7 inches deep

and lasted four days and

would no doubt have lasted

much longer had it not

been for the rain. My

maps and books all arrived

safely yesterday, and, in the

highest degree, satisfactory.

If I collect all as I think

I will, I will have made

$34.50 clear money. We

Seniors, held our meeting

last Tuesday to discuss

the propriety of trying to

get rid of McInnis as our

teacher. We concluded to

send a committee to Prof. Jones

to ask him to take the class.

Prof. Jones agreed to do so.

This is the first thing any

ways like a rebelling in

which our class has ever

engaged. I believe now

that we will make a complete

success at it. No doubt

my influence, as spokesman

of the committee, and also in

the confidential interview with

Gen. Stewart on the subject,

contributed much to its thus

far success. I dont know

what can be the matter with

reference to Dr. Juny. Dr.

Wheat’s asking me confiden

tially if he ever acted in

such a way as to make us

think that he had been drink-

ing too much- has raised

my curiosity- no little. And

by the way, I dont like to

be made the confident of so

many no how! I fear they

will think I am a regular

tattler, which, of all things

I abominate most.

April 1st

What a change! I am to

night writing in my room

alone not having been in it

at night before since Mon

day. Mr. Smith was taken

fearfully ill with Pneumo

nia Monday, Tuesday we

moved him to Prof. Fulton’s

where he has been ever since,

and to night I have return

to my room for the first

time and take a good

nights rest. I never

can forget the kindness of

Mrs. Fulton, she is certainly

a most excellent wife.

As I have failed to get my

expected school in Texas I

am still more inclined to

try for an agency for my sum

mer’s work, but am still un-

decided as to what I shall

try to do. I am carefully

considering the propriety of my

applying for a tutorship here

next year. I cant easily get

any consent to work for $600

I really believe I could make

more in some good locality

in the country. But the work

would be much more laborious.

And really I believe I could

make more with an agency

for books or maps, and the

traveling might be worth

much more to me than my

study of medicine for one

year during my spare moments

or even the A.M. degree.

But I dont like the idea

of getting cut off from the

educational world. I am

a little afraid I will be

somewhat avaricious when

I get out from here any how.

April 8th

To night I am again at

Miss Dink’s house, and feel

Like I had made an unfear

donable blunder in coming out

so late. Our exercises at

the planting of the Senior Tree

were very pleasant this after-

noon, but were very long.

I think Mr. Dials poetry was

really sublime. And I must

say that I think we will

see or hear of his writing

something some day which

will be really worth read-

ing. Mr. Rives, I think,

too did better than he usually

does in the society–Mr.

E.E. Bigger arrived yesterday from

the seminary looking well

and hearty. –I expected to

go next Monday to Holly

Springs. I feel some reluc-

tance in doing so as I have

waited so long on Mr. Bigham’s

maps and they still have

not come, and then I fear

some other agent has already

been there. I must say

that Mr. Bigham somewhat

surprises me. He seems

nearly altogether wanting

in business capacity. I

dont believe he ever will

ever make any money.

April 15th

Last Monday I went up to

Holly Springs intending to sell

maps, but found there, not

much to my surprise a

Yankee from Boston Mass–

a Mr. J.S. [Shunteliff]. So my

trip was necessarily a failure.

If I were through college now

I would proceed immediately

on a traveling agency, but I

dont know how it will be in

seven weeks from now. At

any rate I think I shall try

my luck on a dozen or two

any way. No risk-no gain.

Had I only gave one week

sooner I could have made

$40. I think I have learned

one lesson from this; viz, not

to wait on some other one’s bad

management or convenience

instead of tending at once to

my own business. I had

been waiting nearly a month

on Mr. Bigham’s maps. But

my business is not at present

to make money, so I shall

be content to try to study

till the 1st of June, when

I will be free to try the

unknown realities of life.

Mr. Witherspoon made us an

admirable speech last Friday

on the Hermaean Anniversary

occasion though I hardly

think it was duely appre

ciated by the audience.

April 15

The Hermaean society

celebrated their anniversary

yesterday in stead of on

the 22nd of Feb. their regular day.

April the 22

Time passes off swiftly so

that the day will soon arrive

at which I must leave

and I hardly know what

I can do to make any

money during the sum-

mer, but I shall I think

try a map agency. If

I can succeed half as well

as Mr. [Shunliff] tells me

he has been doing, I can

make enough to go on

to the medical college

next year. But this is

I think expecting too much

I look for some great ex-

cuse to break out among

the people so that I will

not be able to succeed very

well, but I must try

something and this is I think

my best prospects at present.

April 29

I am again at Cousin

Joe Johnston’s; perhaps

too for the last time,

for I am quite ancious

to get started on my busin

ness and give it a fair

trial. It seems that

I cant realize that exam

inations are so near on

us again.

May 6

Miss Maggie Plant was

married Tuesday night

to a Dr. Lanford. Miss

Lizzie Berry was there but

I did not get an oppor

tunity of speaking to her.

The faculty is boring

me unmercifully in

trying to persuade me

to withdraw my petition

and stay till commece

ment. I may re

pent of it some day but

considering my indebtedness

the long time since I

saw my precious Mother,

the chances similar to

that of Holly Springs of

making money- which I

may by waiting miss

and my general pver

ty, I shall most certainly

insist on them to excuse

me; notwithstanding I know

it is the duty of every

Senior to make considerable

sacrifice, rather than

miss being here at com-

mencement. But I

am a man, and must tend

to my own business as

in my judgment I see

proper although my friends

advise to the contrary.

May 13

The faculty positively

refused to grant my

petition and now say

that if I leave I must

sacrifice my diploma.

I dont really believe that

They will make me alone

Sacrifice it, but still

I dislike to show them

a want of respect by

leaving against their

wishes. Eight of us

went out last Sunday

to Hopewell to hear Dr.

Waddel preach, heard a

very good sermon, and

had a splendid time

generally except the

rain. Though we did

not get wet much

as we had shawls and

umbrellas plenty–I

saw Miss Dink- of course

as four of us took din-

ner at her house but that

was about all. I think

she is a little mad at

me at present but I

hope she will soon get

over it. Tis said that,

“Lovers will quarrel,” I believe

the same is nearly true

of good intimate friends also.

May 20

I saw Miss Dink again

to day but had but

little chance to talk to

her as she was standing

an examination before

the County Supt.–It

seems that it was the

intention of Gen. Stewart

and several other mem

bers of the faculty to

recommend me to a

position as teacher in

Coffeeville to a salary of

one thousand dollars.

But Prof. McInnis told

Mr. Kilpatrick who has

applied to General Stewart

without being sent for,

for the position and

The General not willing,

I suppose, to show any

Preference to me which

He had expressed to Dr.

Wheat and Prof. Jones,

allowed him to write

to the parties in Coffee

ville thus “cutting me

out.” But Prof

Johnson has gone

down there this after

noon- as he has to preach

there- and will I think

work some in my behalf.

So I await his return

with greatest suspense

and anxiety–Mr.

R.O.B. Morrow and Miss

Rosa M. Howell were married

in the Pres. Church last

Thursday night by Dr.

Lyon. Miss [illegible]

Gardner was married last

Tuesday night to a

Mr. Leverett from Water

Valley. Sam Stewart

left here Monday morning

having made the rise

into the Sophomore

class, and secured the

position of bell ringer for

next year.

May 27

Prof Johnson gives me

great encouragement about

the school at Coffeeville.

I dont know what arrange

ments Mr. Kilpatrick has

made; I believe now that

my chances are better

than his. But exam-

inations are crowding my

mind so much that I

cant write or think of any

thing but my books.

June 3rd

I have been somewhat

alarmed by hearing that

J. C. Foster and Chalmers

Williamson had applied

also for the Coffeeville

school. But this af-

ternoon Maj. Jones in-

timates to me that I

may possibly get the

offer of Tutor under

Prof. Fitzhugh. This

excites me still more

than any other thing that

has come up yet. This position

might give me

an opportunity to re-

ceive a higher call some-

where. I have so many

objections to being a doctor. I may

abandon the idea altogether.

Expenses

June 2 Ticket to Water V $.85

“” “” Coffeeville .55

“” 7 Tavern bill to Mrs. L.S. Thomas 1.50

“” Express 3.75

“” Barber .35

“” tooth brush .40

“” ticket to Grenada .80

“” Dinner, supper, & lunch 1.00

8 Tavern bill .50

“” blank book .25

“” dinner .15

9 comb .25

” lunch .30

10 Dinner & lunch .90

“” Collars .30

11 shoes blacked .10

“” [Bluid] .10

“” Dinner .50

12 Tavern bill 2.00

“” ticket & c 1.25

13 Envelopes .85

“” Tavern bill 1.50

“” Ticket 1.05

“” Lunch .20

“” 14 Ticket to Sardis .50

“” 16 Lunch .50

17 Lodging .50

June 10th

Last Tuesday I started on

my long & anxiously thought of

trip to Coffeeville and to

sell my maps. At

about 11 o’clock I found

Coffeeville not noted for its

beauty but whose citizens

I think are ancious for

a school. I might have

made them close the bargain

by which I would be sure

one thousand dollars but I

doubt it. It suited me

however exactly for them to

hesitate as I wanted some

time to try to get the

position in Oxford. But

with the 30 subscribed scho-

ars and the probability of

getting more, I think it

more than likely that I

can make the school

worth even more than

one thousand dollars.

But I leave that matter

and look anxiously fo-

ward for further word

concerning my prospects

at Oxford. I left

Cofeeville Wednesday eve-

ning, arrived safely at

Grenada at 9 o’clock.

Thursday I worked very hard

trying to sell my maps but

affected but four sales all

day. Capt. John McKie

died on the 30 of May

(The above was written last

Thursday) It is now Sat-

urday night- have sold

but six maps in all in

Grenada! What shall I

do? I was never more

surprised in life, and

am very much disheartened

at present. I expect to

leave in the direction of

Memphis next Monday. I

much fear that my expenses

will be more than my

profits. I feel consider

ably depressed every way

some of my examinations

I know must be very bad,

worse I fear than they

have ever been before. But

I had so much to think of–

the Coffeeville school and

the probability of getting a

position under Prof. Fitzhugh

Going to Texas & c & c–

that I had but little

more than half sense.

June 17

Monday morning I left

Grenada glad to get off

from the place, and arrived

about 10 o’clock at Oakland,

engaged 6 maps, lodged

at the hotel, Tuesday

morning two of my sub

scribers failed to bring

up the money so that I

had to keep the maps.

I arrived at Batesville about

11 o’clock Tuesday worked

hard the remainder of the

day, sold but one map

and that at $1.50! Tues-

day night I went up to

Sardis on the freight-

Wednesday I engaged about

12 maps, but pay for

but 10 on Thursday.

Friday morning I left

Sardis on foot with four

maps in my hands.

During the day I

disposed of two of them,

lodged with Mr. Archi-

bald, and Saturday I

disposed of the other two

and arrived at 12 o’clock

in safety at Mrs. Petersons

where I got a good dinner

with my college mates Mar-

tin, Snell, Graves &c.

The map business is rather

discouraging. I have made

nothing clear of expenses

on this trip. This togeth

er with the probability

that I shall return from

Texas to teach in this state

Induces me to abandon the

idea which I once so

much cherished of sell

ing maps on my way

to Texas, but think I

shall order Tenney to

send me a map to Tex-

as and I will try to

see if I can sell them

there. But I am most-

ly interested at present

in trying to secure my

position in the University.

Prof. Fitzhugh gave me

considerable encouragement

to night. But there is

no knowing yet what the

trustees will do. My hopes

are based upon precarious

circumstances, which puts

me on great suspense. I

do hope my business life will

not prove to be always as

full of anxiety and care

as it has been for the

past few weeks–

Mr. McKee our

Chancery clerk died last

Sunday.

General Average for

Four years Centennial Class

University of Miss.

June 1876

Bingham 80.35–7. Cooper 84.68 [illegible]
Dial 70.42–9 Foster 84.85–5

Greenwood 95.89-1 Isom 76.25-8

Johnson 86.69–4 Kilpatrick

Ledbetter 83.03–6 Love

Rives 90.87–3 Smith 84.66–2 B.L.

Tunstall 65.23–10 Williamson 57.84–11

Witherspoon 92.88.2 [Porterfield]
The last figure shows the order of

the standing in the class.

June 24

I am now in great suspense

waiting the action of the Board

of Trustees with reference to

my getting a position

here. We have eight

applicants for the three

positions as Tutors, Alexander,

McInnis, Williamson, Green

wood, Witherspoon, Rives, Kil

Patrick, and myself.

I feel sorry for Dr. Juny.

He has been thrown out of

employment now, so unex-

pectedly to him, no doubt.

But I cant say that he

Has performed all his dut

ies-Hermean Freshmen

Declaimed last night FS’s

to night. I will be

truly glad when commence

ment is over. I cant

take much interest in

my speech, if I fail to

get the position here I

shall always regret , I think,

that I did not go

on immediately to Texas from

Coffeeville.

July 1st

My case is still undecided

the matter has been referred

to the Executive Committee who

say that they will report

next week. I never

needed the advice of friends

more in life. If I get

this, it not be worth more

than $700. Whether this

would suit me better than

the Coffeeville school is

what I cant decide. I

satisfied that I can make

$800 easily at Coffeeville.

But I think reputation

from this place would be

better than form any

other place in the state, then

I would be right on the way

of collegiate promotion. I

know that I have several

very serious objections to

being a doctor, and so

have I to being a school

teacher.

July 8th

Last Wednesday morning

the Executive committee relieved

me from my awful suspense

by electing me tutor. T.D.

Greenwood was elected in the

Chemical department, S.A.

Witherspoon in the Latin.

I cant help but feel sorry

for McInnis and do

believe that in throwing him

out of his Tutorship they

have punished him more

really than his offenses de-

serve. He and Alexan

der were accused of having

the “Big Head,” May

the Lord deliver me from

such a charge! I know

how they both missed

their opportunity for re

election. It was sim

ply in not pleasing the

professors under whom

they served. I shall

endeavor to do my whole

duty, and specially to car

ry out the wishes of Prof.

Fitzhugh, my principal.

Tuesday I had only a

tolerably nice time at

the “Pic nic” dinner. In

fact I have been in too

great suspense for the past

three weeks to enjoy any

thing. I met my dear

Miss Dink at the dinner

and had a long social talk

but I believe she thinks

I was not pleased with her

continual chatting during

the speaking. I really

dont care any thing about it,

perhaps I am too much

on the opposite extreme with

my dignity so to speak; but

should I give it a serious

consideration she might not

be mistaken. Wednes

day afternoon I left Ox

ford on my long trip for

Texas, lay over Thursday

in Coffeeville with Mr.

Smith and used my

influence in trying to

get the Coffeeville school

for him; but, as Mr.

Chalmers Williamson came

down with us bringing

recommendations from Prof.

Guthrie, and having really

Some advantages over Mr.

Smith as to qualifications and

experience; the people seemed

to give preference to him, so

that Mr. Smith withdrew

and came on with me

Thursday afternoon as far

As Grenada. I arrived in

Memphis one o’clock Friday

left at 4 o’clock, arrived

at Little Rock 2 o’clock Sat

urday morning. Few towns

from Memphis to Little Rock

Forrest City De Vall’s Bluff

[several lines are obscured here due to the

pasting of a newspaper article “Texas Letter”]
I lef L. Rockl 7 o’clock Sat

urday as the train was

behind time from St. Lou

is so that I could not

leave immediately on arriving

at night. When I asked

the Conductor on the Mem

phis & Little Rock R.R. whether the

ticket which Prof. Guthrie

gave me was good, he

replied that it was good

for “Mr. Brown the man to

whom it was given compli

mentary but for no one else

and that it was a fraud

ulent imposition on the

R.R. to try to sell it and

so he kept it. I am

much perplexed about it

dont know what Prof. Guth

rie will think of me for

letting it go. I tried to

sell it in Memphis but

all said that a compliment

ary ticket was not trans

ferrable. I dont believe

really that it would

ever have done any per

son any good except

Brown, but still I think

It probable that that con-

doctor will claim that

Brown has passed over

the road and so pocket

$15. But few stations from

Little Rock to Malvern 43

Miles. [illegible] has about 3 or

4 hundred inhabitants–the

station at which travelers

to Hot Springs get off the

train. The country for about

50 miles from Memphis

is all swamp no towns or

scarcely any stations. After

we passed Forest City I saw

one beautiful prairie soon

afterward I went to sleep and

am therefore not accountable

for any thing till I reached Lit

tle Rock; thence to Malvern

the country certainly has a poor

soil, flat marshy land, plenty

short leaved pines consequently

some saw mills. Ditches

along the R.R. full of stagnant

water with surface bugs on

top and tadpoles in the

bottom. But little change

on to Arkadelphia a town

of about 2000 inhabitants

A man on the platform told

me that a blind man was

here some time since sell

ing Atlases at $16.00, but

had no wall maps. Pass

ing Arkadelphia there is

considerable change in the growth

of the country I see several kinds

of oak, gum, a few hickories,

seldom any pine. The soil

seems a little better suited

to agriculture but from the

scarcity of farms I would pre-

sume that the inhabitants have

other occupations than farming

Prescott has 7 or 8 hundred in

habitants- no agent- but one at

Washington ten miles in country

Hope 15 or 20 hundred-no agent

Country from Arkadelphia

to hope is much better I

see good looking crops; amongst

the trees I notice postoak some

pine, red oaks and hickory.

One pretty prairie near Prescott

Fulton has perhaps 6 hundred

inhabitants. Finest crops

I have seen were just

after getting out of Red river

bottom. Texarkanna has

one says 1200 another 2000 inha

itants, extensive RR apparatus

there. I left there 3 ½ o’clock

P.M. narrow [guage] road for

Dallas. Texas presents rather

discouraging prospects for a

rich country in Bowie country

Plenty of pines in Cass county

few [plantations], soil thin, sev-

eral fine saw mills. Longest

trussel across sulphur river

[illegible] I ever saw. Atlanta

[illegible] perhaps 500 inhabitants.

July 15

Between Dallas & Richardson

finest country I have seen

extensive prairies- good crops

to Plano still prairies and fine crops

Irish potato hire 6 weighing

7 ½ lbs. Sweet [illegible] lbs

J.C. Forman beet would

not go in 100 lb [illegible word]
Red [illegible word] 117 bushels [illegible]
year per acre [illegible] Stone

last year raised turnips

weighing [illegible] lbs. [illegible]
much mud low flat land

but rich nearly all prairie

from Dallas–I arrived

home in safety last Thursday

after having been water-bound

at Aunt Beck’s since Monday.

Texas presents quite a muddy

appearance now. But I [illegible]
satisfied that the soil is [illegible]
better than in Miss. If I

had money to spare I would

not be afraid to invest it

in lands here: I think

it would do better than

July 22

Sunday I went to preaching at

Lake Creek church heard

Rev. Cummins preach. Sun

day night I went to At

las [illegible] Monday morning

to Tom [illegible] too dinner

at Mr. William Beard’s Mon

day night I was at home, Tues

day I went to Wes Lambert’s

Tuesday night to MR. Williams

Attended church at Pleasant

Grove till Thursday, when I

went to Aunt Beck’s; Friday

I went to Paris where I found

a town very much like the

Mississippi towns. Friday

Night I returned to Aunt

Beck’s and Saturday home

Again. I am bothered

now about money to go

back to the University. I

might make a little money

by selling my maps; but

I think times are hard

here, and money scarce, as

it is in Miss.; so that I

feel but little like trying

If I could only make enough

to clear my expenses in

traveling over the country

I would be satisfied. I

I know that in after life

it would be a great

satisfaction to me to

have some personal knowl

edge of Texas. But my

chance is bad for trav

elling. [Sankey] & Jimmy

seem but little concerned

about going to school. If

they would go on with

mistake two leaves back

to lend money at interest.

Crops look exceedingly well

but I fear that it will

be too wet for cotton.

a determination to do some

good I do think I would

be willing to divide my

money with them, if I

am so fortunate as to

get any. But if they show

no disposition to try I

think it would be useless

for me to spend much

money with them. I

must mention how sweet

little sister Susie is. She

is now sitting on my knee

with her arms round my

neck prattling to me

all the time. I am

sorry to find Pa & Ma in

Married 1876

In the Baptist Church, May

2 by Rev. Lanford, Dr.

Lanford and Miss Maggie

Plant.

In the Presbyterian Church

By Rev. Dr. Lyon, on the 18

of May, Rev. R.O.B. Morrow

and Miss Rosa M. Howell.

no better circumstances than

they are. The soil of Texas

is surely better than that of

Mississippi, but they have

been somewhat unfortunate in

trading with lands here, so that they

are not so well fixed as they

were. But I dont think they

should go back. However

we ought always to be satisfied

in whatever state we may

be placed.

Saturday night

Report

From July 22, 1876 to

April 21 1877

July 29th 1876

It has been raining

so much this week that

I could not carry out

my plans with reference

to going to Paris and

trying to engage maps.

However, I was there

yesterday but made only

four engagements rather

discouraging. Frank and

Ella came home with me

this morning where I met

Mr. C.C. Sanders and Mr.

Dunnigan. I was reading

the History of the U.S. War the

first part of this week, much

interested with it consid

ering that it was written

by a Yankee–Keittell I

think is the name.

Aug. 5th

Sunday afternoon I called on

Misses Stattie Street and Sarah

Horton went home with the

latter. It is very pleasant

to visit with old acquaintances

talk of old times, and

future hopes and prospects.

Monday I went to Cooper

saw some fine prairie lands,

a small but flourishing

young town, engaged

six maps, lost Pa’s saddle

skirt &c. Tuesday morning

I visited Wesley Lambert

and in the afternoon went

to Mr. Williams thence in

the evening to preaching

at the arbor, where they

raised a “mighty shout.”

I told [Sankey] that I

would try to let him have

$100 if he would go

to school next year. I

do hope he will go regularly

Wednesday I went again

to Paris from Dr. Moody’s

store, made about four

more engagements for

maps. Thursday I returned

to Paris from Aunt Beck’s

stayed till Friday after

noon. Saturday to Roxton

where I sold more maps

and pictures. I have

now 35 engagements

more successful than I

once thought. I would not

take less than $50 cash

for the agency. I may

not realize that much but

I will stand a chance to

realize even more.–I

am to night again at

“Uncle” Billy Brachine’s went

to preaching at the arbor

with Prof. Whitter & wife,

formed the acquaintance

of Misses Molly, Holly and

James- [Sank] tells me

that he has contracted

his land to a young

man who will begin

to improve it shortly

Aug 12

More rain again this week

I could not go to Paris to

order my maps till Satur

day, when it rained on me

again. I have ordered 42

maps and 60 pictures. I have

only 37 engaged, but I hope

to finish the engagements

before the maps come.

Prof. Ayers told me this morn

ing that [Sankey] was displeased

with him for treating him

with indifference at the

[writing] school.. I fear

[Sankey] nor Jimmy either will

continue to go to school the

whole year. I am sat

isfied that they would both

do better if they were going

to a man whom they esteemed

more.

Aug. 19

Sunday I went to Mr.

Williams, thence to Dr.

James, and accompanied

Miss Mollie Holly to church

at night. Monday, instead

of going to Paris as I ex-

pected, I went home; but

as the meeting was not in

progress as had been the

appointment, I went Wednes

day to Paris, finished en

gaging my maps, stayed

all night at the City Hotel

Thursday morning at

about 10 I arrived at

Sylvan where my hopes

were gratified by meeting

my friends and highly

esteemed instructors Rev.

and Mrs. A.W. Whitten. In

the afternoon he and I vis

ited Mr. Campbell’s family

which I found to be quite

an interesting one, especially

Miss Willie. Friday morning

all three of us visited Mr.

Hardison’s family by whom

we were not only treated

to a most delicious din

ner but had also the great

est abundance of melons

and fresh apple cider, which

together with the cheerful

voice of Miss Mattic McKinzey

ornamenting the games of

Croquet made the day

a most pleasant and agree

able one. We took tea

at Mr. Hancock’s after which

I was most pleasantly en

tertained by the music and

friendly discussion of “Woman’s

Accopmlishments” by Misses

Stokesie & Annie Pettus. This

morning Prof. Whitten and

I went to the camp meet

ing at Shady Grove, heard

two sermons which

[could] but [feebly] appreciated

got a splendid diner at

[another] Mr. Hancoks.

Perhaps I am indebted

for the pleasure of this

visit, to none more than

to Prof W-s hostess, Mrs.

[Dinwiddie], and her af-

fectionate little girls

Lucie & Sallie to say

nothing of the friendly and

loquacious dispositions of

her little boys, Charlie

& Eddie. Andrew & “Cousin

Ballad” [Dinwiddie] somewhat

heightened my anxiety and

faint hope of going to

the Centennial on my return

to Mississippi.

Aug 26

Sunday we went again

to the camp meeting. I

was no little chagrined

when they put up to preach at

11 o’clck old uncle McKin

zey. He may be a good

pious Christian, and I

believe he is- but he has

peculiarities of censuring

high grades of society

and using slang phrases

which I can, by no means,

admire. He is said to

have done a good deal of

good years ago in found

ing Methodism in Texas

and in teaching school

for which I suppose he

is due the reverence and

forbearance of all Method-

ists–Wednesday I took

leave of my friends with

slight intimation that

I might in the future

apply at Blossom Prairie

for a position as teacher

and passing through Paris

I arrived at Aunt Beck

ies about 1 ½ oclock. Tues-

day Laura & Frank came

home with me–I am

interested now with Ma

cauley’s History of England

which I hope to finish

before I leave.

Sept. 2nd

I have been doing but

little this week. Yester

day I went to Paris and

began delivering my

maps but did not collect

enough to pay for the

other box.–Jimmy and

Eddie are both sick.

The farmer sent for Dr.

[Pennebocha] this afternoon.

Sept. 9th

Monday and Tuesday I

worked hard trying to

deliver my maps. It

seems that money is as

scarce in Texas as in

Miss. Wednesday I went

to Roxton failed to collect

from two. Thursday

I went to Cooper, got pay

for 3, brought two

back, but escaped

without being bothered

with Mr. [Gorral], the

tax assessor. To day

I [illegible] my little bus

iness at Paris to a [focus]

four say that they

will pay me Thursday

when I leave for Batesville,

Ark.

Sept. 16

Wednesday I bade farewell

to Delta Co., and came

to Aunt Beckie’s to stay

all night with Ma

and Pa, in fact the whole

family came with me

Thursday morning was of

course a sad one as I had

to bid my kindred farewell

Frank & Tom brought me

to Paris. I got my

money from all but one.

Tom said he would co

lect that and send it

to me. Thursday night

I took the train at Paris

arrived next morning about

7 o’clock at Texarkana.

There I bought a ticket for

Newport, Ark–&11.65–where

I arrived about sundown.

I shall never foget the boy

who had the figs to sell on

the train by lottery. I

think I shall never invest

in any thing of the kind again.

This morning I left Newport

for Batesville in a so-called

stage, properly a hack. About

3 o’clock I took a chill

which shook me for near

an hour, and I arrived

at Aunt Margret’s with

a high fever.

Sept. 23

I have now been at Aunt

Margret’s just a week, but

have not been able to enjoy

myself well on account

of fear that I will be ta

ken bad sick and perhaps

not be able to return in

time to Oxford and so

lose my position there &c &c

Another thing which has

added to my discontent

is the probability which is

almost a certainty that I

will not be able to get

my suit of clothes when

I get to Memphis. Com

ing by here has cost me more

than double what I expected

Well it will always be a con

solation to me to know that

I managed so as not to

have to borrow money to

come back on, and that

I was able to give Laura

and Ella a calico dress

apiece and Ma a worsted

one. As I am just now

making a start in the world

perhaps I will never regret

having come by, as I have

thus been able to form some

idea of the country for my-

self. This is what I have

been wanting to do all the

while, with regard both

to Texas and Ark. But

now I have come to the con-

clusion that the kind of a

country is not what inter-

ests me. But rather the kind

of people. It makes but little

difference with a school-

teacher whether the soil

is fertile or not. So far

I am, by no means favorably

impressed with Ark. It

seems to me that it is a

sickly, wet, cold kind of

a country too much sub-

ject to overflows to be

pleasant. Aunt Margret

looks quite natural is as

industrious and frugal

as ever. Ida, the baby

is a pretty child, but I

fear that she, like [Annis]
will be [humored] too

much. [Annis] is grown

and very pretty; but I hard-

ly think she is so much

so as she was when she

was small. I think she

will marry this winter, from

the “W.T. to A.E.B.” which I

saw in her ring. Mr. Will

Taylor seems to be a steady

young man of good habits;

and I suppose he is popu

lar among his neighbors as

he has recently been elected

Tax Assessor. Aunt M- moved

to Batesville on purpose to

send [Annis] to school but

she just wont go. So

much, I think, from

allowing her to do as she

pleased when she was young.

I think, if ever I am so

fortunate as to have any chil-

dren I will make them mind

if I believe them to be part an-

gels! I imagine I will

leave to see the day when

she will be sorry that she

neglected the splendid oppor-

tunity of going to school.

Watt seems to be making

money as deputy sheriff.

Brady, I fear, has not bee

doing much good for him-

self as he has been hir-

ing, which I consider

a poor business for a

white man.

Sept. 30

After going to Dr. Lau-

rance last Sunday for

a prescription for my sick-

ness, I began to consider

the time and the way

which would be the best for

me to leave. Mr. [Min

nigan] having proffered to

bring me to New Port gra-

tis Monday morning, I

accepted his kind and

and arrived there about

3 o’clock in the afternoon

feeling very badly. But

taking a nap in the

hotel till 11 o’clock, I

felt somewhat revived

and better fitted for

my ride to Little

Rock, where we arrived

about 2 o’clock. I

spent the forenoon of

Tuesday in looking at the

city. But I felt so fee-

ble and worried, and

mortified at my scarce

ty of money that I did

not enjoy it heartily. I

arrived to go from Newport

to Devall’s Bluff on the

boat; but no boat was

due for several days, so

that I was afraid to wait.

Tuesday, about 4, we took

The train for Memphis

Every thing passed on

smoothly enough, and

we arrived safely about

11 o’clock. As there was

a train ready to go on

to the Junction, and as

I had no money to spend

I went on immediately

and arrived at the Junc-

tion about 3 o’clock, where

I got a bed and took

a good nap. Next morn-

ing we were bored badly

waiting for the freight

Finally it moved off about

11 o’clock and I got to

Oxford about 5 o’clock.

Since that time I have

Been trying to recruit

[up] my health, secure a

room, some clothes &c &c

Well my great anx-

iously-longed-for trip

to Texas has been made

Now what do I think of

the country? I think

there is no doubt but that

the soil is fertile. I think

they are subject to more

irregularities as to weath-

er than we are in Miss.

Society is at a lower

standard generally, so

that I can not see that

it offers any great in-

ducements to me individ-

ually. However I think

it probable that I will

live there some day for I

believe I would rather

risk my health there than

here.

Oct. 7th

School opened last Wednes-

day, pursuant to adjourn-

ment. Our numbers

thus far have been small,

I think about 80 would

cover the whole number,

I think I will be very well

pleased with my position.

Mr. Leavell was kind enough

to credit me for a suit

of clothes and such other

furniture as I need for

my room. I appreciate

the favor but fear that he

made me pay rather high

for my clothes. However

it is nothing but right for

one to pay more who

buys on credit. The

great joint discussion

between Manning and

Walton passed off to

day quietly. I must

express my satisfaction

with regard to the change

of the boarding house. “Variety

is the spice of life.”

Oct. 14

Our exercises have been

more regular and satis

factory this week, but

we have not yet [reign-

ed] the Preps up to what

I call good order. The

torch light procession

last Thursday night was

a grand and magnify-

icent affair, but I cant

help but fear that the

Republican candidates

Hayes & Wheeler will be

yet elected over our much-

praised Tilden & Hendricks.

I entered this afternoon

upon my first service

as Librarian, I mean

assistant. I shall al-

ways feel indebted to

Dr. Quinche for giving

me this appointment

by which $50 more

will be added to my

salary.,

Oct. 27

Our Prep Department is

doing tolerably well; though

I feel sure that there is more

confusion there than there

is any need for. I

will be truly glad if they

ever give me a room to

myself. My chills keep

bothering me. I fear

I shall have them all win-

ter.

Oct. 28

To night I am with

Mr. Hue Wilson’s brother.

Hue says that he is go-

ing to Texas shortly. If

he takes the chills as I

did I fear he will not

be satisfied. Mr. Wilson

intimates that they would

like for me to teach school

for them in the summer.

The time is so far off

that I cannot, of course,

tell what I will do:

but I think, considering

that the pay will be tolera-

bly sure, and that I

will be near Miss Dink

that if I teach at

all I will be glad to

accept that school

Nov. 4

Every thing is in such

excitement and anxiety

about the election that one

can hear nothing else scarce-

ly, but politics. Politics

around the family circle,

politics in the streets, in

the S.S., in the church, in

the stone every where we

hear the names of the candi-

dates. I will be truly glad

when one more week is passed

when the matter will be settled.

Nov. 11

No definite news as yet

has come from the election;

though all Democrats seem to

feel assured that Tilden is elected.

I doubt it. I am now

with Cousin Joe Johnston

who, also, is going to Texas

this fall. Yesterday

I heard the sad news that

my dear Aunt Jodie is

dead. She departed this

life the 30th of Oct., was

brought to Pleasant Grove

and buried the 31st.

I hear, also, of much sickness

in Texas. I fear that

the truth is that Texas is

a sickly place. I had

another chill last Wednesday

night.

Nov. 18

Election is still unheard

From. The government doubts

the truthfulness of the re-

ports with reference to

S.C. , Florida, and La., and

Is now testing the matter.

The Democracy claims all

of these states, which is

just gives Tilden a major

ity of 3.7 electoral votes.

I believe [illegible] has

been perpetuated by the

Democratic party; and

shall not be surprised

if some of it is detected

by this examination.

The two political parties

are so near equal and

excitement and prejudice

is so rife that I fear

there is trouble ahead.

My greatest desire concerning

the matter is that the

Republicans will be forced

to see and know that Tilden

is the choice of the people and

that peace and harmony

will again prevail over

our land.

Nov. 25

I do trust that a room will

be prepared for me, to hear

my class separate from

the others. I am well

pleased with my position

every way with the excep

tion of the confusion caused

by us both hearing lessons

at once in the same hall.

Next Thursday will be

Thanksgiving day, but I

expect to employ the day

in trying to finish arranging

the Library.

Dec. 2

I am bothered to think

that I will not be able to

take the A.M. course. I

believe my first duty is to

keep prepared to hear my class

properly, and to give instruc-

tion in the other class who

may call upon me. Per-

haps if I go my whole duty

I will get the reappointment

next year.

Dec. 9

It has been decided, I believe

to have a Christmas Tree in

in the Methodist Church.

I have no objection, nor

do I feel that I have any

money to spare in making

presents.

Dec. 16th

The boys are all trying very

hard to induce the Trustees

to grant Holiday as usual

Christmas. While I never

wanted it worse, yet I

think it better for the insti

tution that regular work

should go on.–Cousin

Joe Johnston started to Texas

last Tuesday.

Dec. 25

Now that we will have

Christmas, gives me a

fine opportunity to write

in my annual letters

to the [Centennials]. I

hardly know how to spend it

to the best advantage. I

think I shall read some

on my A.M.

Dec. 30

Christmas has about gone

and I have done but lit-

tle studying. ‘Tis true, I

have finished one book, but

I am by no means prepared

to stand an examination

on it. I found my task

of writing annual reports

to the [Centennials] a big

one; but have nearly finished

it. Next year I think

I shall not go so much

into detail concerning

local news. I am to

night at Miss Dink’s house

[illegible] as it is. But as

I have not been here before

since June I suppose I

ought not to regret it. ‘Tis

quite pleasant to have one

(at least) [illegible] friend.

I do wish she lived in Oxford.

–Last Tuesday morning

Henry Buie shot dead one

Joe Brooks (Col) and left

immediately. I think

this is about the worst thing

that has been done by any

of the students. I think

he ought to be brought

back and made to stand

a fair trial.

Jan 6–1877

School reopened Tuesday

morning with the disad-

vantages of the big snow,

which was on average

about 15 inches according

to Prof. Fulton, 18 acc’d to Dr. Wheat

Thursday night I had an-

other chill. It seems

that I can never get

rid of them.–Monday

was our pay day but there

was no money in the trea-

ury My debts are still wait-

ing. If I ever get out

I think I will try to

stay out, unless I am

investing in something from

which I may hope to get

my money back.

Jan. 13 ’77

This week has passed very

quickly. It does seem

like a hard task for me

to do any good at study-

ing the A.M.–Old

Mr. [Gambrel] died last

Sunday, was carried

to Cherry Creek to be bu-

ried

Jan 20

The snows have gone

at last and Dr. Philips

has finished my room.

I hope that form now on

I will be able to keep

better order than I have

heretofore–It seems

that we are having our

patience tried in regard

to getting pay. It will

come, no doubt, but I re-

gret that my creditors

have to wait so long–

Uncle Jim write me

that he has named his

boy for me.

Jan. 27

Our money came up from

Jackson last Wednesday

was paid to us Thursday

I do feel much relieved,

since I have been able to

Cash Book

1876 Dt. Cr.

Oct 9 To Cash for W.A. West 75.00

“” By Cash to J.L. Johnston [illegible] 57.80

Dec. 25 Sundries as pr. D.B. 8.15

“” “” “” 9.05

75.0 75.00

1877

Jan. 25 To Cash for W.A. West 97.40

“” By “” to Leavell & Cop as per bill 45.75

“” “” Archibald & Moseby 42.50

[illegible word] Mrs. Bettis

“” 26 By Cash to Prof. Johnson [illegible] 6.00

“” “” Gen C.W. Sears for 18.40

Note [illegible[ of Mrs. M.A. Wilbourn

“” To Cash for services as Librarian 25.00

“” By “” to Chandler & Thompson 4.25

“” 31 To Oxford Bank 50.00

By Cash for Board & c 32.00

“””” “”[illegible] 1.50

“” By Balance on Hand 22.00

172.40 172.40

Feb.1 To Bal for 31 Jan. 22.00

“” 1 By Pants 5.00

“”” “”2 shirts @ 1.50 3.00

“” “” Boiler .75

“”” 3 “”Cash to Mrs. Moore for Washing 3.50

“”” 7 Entertainment .75

“”” 12 ” Picture Frame .75

“” 16 To Cash for W.A. West 35.00

“””” By Cash sent to Bro. Jimmy 25.00

“”” By P.O. Order .15

“”” “””Cash to Mrs. Bettie’s for Board 12.00