Monday, Mar. 21, 1864

William started again to Chillicothe & Cincinnati to be gone all the week -- The weather is cold & disagreeable -- cannot uncover the pits list the flowers be frozen.  Lizzie received a letter from Kate.

Sabbath, Mar. 20, 1864

All went to meeting.  A cold day.  Sarah & I to sabbath school.  I taught Kate’s class for the first time,  Mr. Blackington taught my old class.  Sermon by Prof. Fish -- very good.  Mr. Curtis & Prof. Fish came here to tea.

Saturday, March 19, 1864

Busy preparing for the Sabbath.  Barbara Morgan, the little maid who helps in the kitchen went home after dinner to spend the Sabbath.

William went to town, Mrs. Dawes has not yet returned from Pennsylvania, prevented by sick headache, will probably come next Monday.  Mrs. Lt. Col. Dawes got back last night -- her husband having brought her to Wheeling & placed her on the Packet boat and then turned his face to the Army of the Potomac.

Peggy’s notes:

Rufus Dawes wrote to his wife Mary after he sent her back to Marietta and he returned to the Army of the Potomac:

Near Culpepper March 24, 1864 

I can’t tell you how I pitied you when I saw you almost fall down before you could start on the boat and how glad I was to see you able to come out and wave your handkerchief at me. Keep a good heart.  I am coming out all right.

March 27, 1864     

It was I who raised the hat at the car window and I had been watching and hoping all the way to catch another glimpse of you and know that you were safely through the pain of parting that seemed to paralyze you so at the omnibus.

Throughout their lives, Rufus and Mary Dawes wrote to one another whenever they were apart.  For a selection of family letters, see the tab at the top of the page, The Dawes House.

Friday, March 18, 1864

A very windy day, the waves in the Ohio ran high capped with foam.  The coal and other boats are obliged to tie up and wait for the wind to lull.  A coal-boat stopped near here and seven or eight men came and asked to buy apples to eat.  William gave them half a basket of russets with which they were much pleased.

Our little hand maiden Barbara does not understand much of the “science of cookery” so I undertook breadmaking and think I had “one grand success” for it was white, light, and sweet.

The “gallant 36^th” were in Cincinnati Wednesday and are daily expected home.

Thursday, March 17, 1864

Emeline M^cClure called to inquire after Lizzie’s & Sarah’s health.  Sarah is really better, but Lizzie had a sick night.  Female prayer meeting here this afternoon.  Mrs. M^cClure, Mrs. W. D. Bailey, Ellen & Lizzie Bailey were here, there will be another meeting here next Thursday.

We learn from the Cincinnati papers that the 53^d (Ephe’s Regiment), passed through the city on the 15^th “on its way to the front” in company of two or three other regiments, “veterans” returning to the field.  The 53^d is now 800 strong having received 200 recruits while at home.  It has a good reputation for drill, endurance, and courage.  May God in great mercy watch over them all, and deliver them in the time of peril and make them & others successful in putting down the rebellion, sustaining the Government, and establishing Freedom to all, everywhere.

Wednesday, March 16, 1864

William went to town again, George has got better, and went on the train.  Col. F. W. Moore called.  He told us that Mr. Ainsworth was found dead in one of Bennet Bailey’s fields, this morning.  He had been absent from his boarding place since Sabbath--he was habitually intemperate, and probably died drunk.

Nancy Carlin rode over & took dinner with us.  James is no better & I fear is appointed to die.  He was young, vigorous, brave and handsome.  May the blessed Redeemer give him Salvation.

Mr. Curtis called to see Lizzie.

Tuesday, March 15, 1864

William went to Marietta.  Lt. Col. Dawes left home to join his regiment this morning, he will visit Kate on his way East and take his wife and mother that far with him.  We had company to tea.  Miss Ada Bartlett of Athens, and Miss Mary Holliday of Illinois, they are grand-daughter of Uncle William Parker.  Louisa Carpenter came with them.  They are pleasant girls.  A. S. Bailey took tea with us.  Mrs. Cutler has a very sore throat--The Dr. B. F. Hart came on the night train, he thinks it is not diphtheria but comes from a cold.