Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: January 11, 1864

The snow has nearly vanished—the weather bright and pleasant, for midwinter; but the basin is still frozen over.

Gen. E. S. Jones has captured several hundred of the enemy in Southwest Virginia, and Moseby's men are picking them up by scores in Northern Virginia.

Congress recommitted the new Conscript bill on Saturday, intimidated by the menaces of the press, the editors being in danger of falling within reach of conscription.

A dwelling-house near us rented to-day for $6000.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 127

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, April 1, 1865

The weather is pleasant. No news of any importance. The camp here is the best we have had since leaving Vicksburg. Our "ranch" is eight feet square, boarded up seven feet high, and has a gable roof of the proper pitch covered over with our rubber ponchos, nailed to the rafters; it will protect us from the worst rainstorm. Our bunks are raised two feet from the ground. We have a door to the "ranch," made of boards, and the latch-string hangs out.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 265