21 November 1863: “In Buncombe the cavalry are scouring the country gathering up every man they find of conscript age and they have taken some that are beyond the age”

Item description: In this diary entry, dated 21 November 1863, Samuel A. Agnew recorded some of his usual comments on the weather and his doings and also noted the cavalry’s apparent ruthlessness in rounding up conscripts in Buncombe, Miss. Samuel A. Agnew resided in northeastern Mississippi, chiefly in Tippah and Lee counties. He was an Associate Reformed Presbyterian minister, teacher, farmer, and prominent local citizen.

18631121_01

18631121_02

Item citation: pages 77-78 in volume 7b in Samuel A. Agnew Diary #923, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

November 21 This morning has been closely clouded: now at noon it looks as if it would break off and be a pretty evening Study critically 15-19 verse of the third chapter of Romans Look over journals with a view to birth-day retrospect_ Everything has been quiet this morning and I have not heard any news. It is now just 1 o’clock and my horse is at the gate and I must fix to be off very soon for Hopewell. Started at 1/2 after 1 o’clock & rode down to Mrs. M Caldwell’s where I spent the night. Met Lit Wager over beyond Camp Creek. He had a petition that he be detailed to work in the Blacksmith shop I signed it. In Buncombe the cavalry are scouring the country gathering up every man they find of conscript age and they have taken some that are beyond the age as G. Haynie They arrested Osborne Roberts who although 25 years old is a dwarf and also J M Caldwell whoose eyes are very defective. The doings of the cavalry form the principle theme in that community at this time Charles Caldwell is home from the Macon Ga Hospital on furlough Capt Sloan is also home. He has lost his lower jaw and is said to be a melancholy spectacle. Wm G Stone is dead He died at Atlanta Ga on the 10th Oct. This evening has been clear and very pleasant

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