Thomas Wright's Diary

September 1862

27, September 1862

Good day, most the harvest is in. Tobacco did good, about all it was a good harvest. Corn not near as well. Still good should be ahead after Mister Bowman gets his part. Made my decision, harvest is in. Goin ta tell Betsy an Ma then Mister Bowman, I am goin ta fight in this war. I must, war goin on an I am sittin at home! Just ain't right.

Uncle Thom made it home. Has two fingers missin his left hand. Stayed long nough ta visit he left goin ta Virginia. Say this war ain't over, stick with it till the end. He say Thom ya stay home now, like yar Poppy say, take care the farm. Truth be known I was ready ta take on the fight back in May.

Just waited out the harvest is all. It is done, money be in hand by the end of next week. Tobacco is already bought, corn just waiting fer the deal ta clear. Distillery in Maysville bought the corn.

Kept some of the corn fer grits and flour, feed fer the pigs. Not rich but we should be ahead. Don't think Betsy an Ma need ta worry about money.
Tell them about the put back money in that black chest. Tell thum only ta use it, ifin they have no other means ta live. Found out Theo was in Shiloh, well, ifin Poppy was confronted by the 59th.
It was war, couldn't be helped. New this here act of aggression, get friends and kin ta fightin. Tell everyone in the mornin my plans. Long day need ta rest.

  
                         28, September 1862

Its Sunday, took Ma ta church after me an Betsy went ta Rivers Edge so she can go. Told Bowman, I would be leavin ta go fight, probably leave on Tuesday ta join up. Ifin anything happen ta my Ma or property, he would be held responsible. Of course that meant Betsy my love, he didn't know the love part. Also he need not be a thinkin he could gobble up my land. Be hell ta pay.

One thin about Mister Bowman, he does understand family. He won't let any harm come ta my house. Plus he figures I am off defendin his rights. So unlessin I die, he won't come after the land or let Ma an Betsy come ta any harm. His word is good on that. Only word I trust he gives.

Waited till after supper, ta tell Betsy an Ma. My goodness never thought sayin I am goin ta fight in a war. Get thins all in a ruckus! Betsy took ta hittin me on my chest an shoulders, shoutin about not leavin who run an take care of the farm. She cried a spell still hittin me. Ma just shook her head walked away. Betsy finally calmed nough ta tell her, I could not sit at home while they is fight goin on. I am needed ta make this here war end sooner than later. She shouted I could sleep on the floor not the blame bed!

Ma came later, after Betsy stormed off, she knew I could not stay. I needed ta be apart of it. She tried ta tell Betsy, I was probably waitin till after the harvest. She hugged me tried ta smile through the tears in her eyes. Told me be smart an not get stupid. They is no glory in not comin home.

                        29, September 1862

Went ta see Joe, told him I was headed off ta fight this here war. He didn't ask what side nor speak against it. Told me I needed a beer got himself one.
He say he would stop in check on Betsy an Ma. Not ta worry, he would help out if they needed it. Make sure they weren't starvin or in need of anything.

He also say he would tell the conductors ta keep an eye out, not ta make it obvious. Told him thanks and didn't come ta ask that, just ta say I would see him when it was over. Joe smiled told me what are friends fer.

Besty is in might better mood, asked when I was leavin. Ma left ta spend the night at the new place get a few across. Told her probably in the mornin maybe little later.

                          30, September 1862

Betsy was up already had biscuits made some eggs an bacon. Had breakfast coffee, hugged my only true love good bye. Took my Griswold, some ball an powder. My possibles bag one blanket. Figure probably get few thins issued. Keepin my Griswold not goin ta fight without it. Hugged an kissed Betsy one last time, told her ta tell Ma bye fer me.

Started walkin west why don't know just, west felt right. Walked till dark west, still it only felt right.

Well sorry two very short chapters.

Where is Thom headed?

Do you think he made the right choice?

What side has he chose, he said to replace is Poppy at one point.

West is all because it felt right.

Thanks for reading your thoughts please.
Hope all are enjoying Thomas.