[238] to visit Richmond, and went there with Dr. George Whitfield, our beloved surgeon. Stopped at Hatton's on Mayo Street. Escorted Miss Ella H. to Miss Nannie King's marriage. At night Dr. Whitfield and I went to the ‘Varieties’ and saw ‘Naval Engagements,’ and ‘The Married Rake.’ Harry McCarthy was the leading actor.
Sunday, April 19. A glorious beautiful spring day. Private W. A. Moore of my company, preached an excellent sermon on the 8th verse, 2nd chapter of Ephesians. Private Rogers of my company preached in the afternoon. Received a letter announcing the marriage of my brother James F. Park to Miss Emma Bailey of Tuskegee, and wrote a congratulatory letter.
April 25. Rev. F. M. Kennedy, a North Carolina Chaplain, preached at Round Oak Church. It was an able sermon. General Wm. N. Pendleton had been expected, but failed to come.
April 28.. One year ago the ‘Macon Confederates,’ Company F, were re-organized while stationed at Yorktown. R. H. Keeling, J. W. McNeeley and I were respectively elected captain, first and second lieutenants by a unanimous vote. It was the turning point in my life. The life of a private soldier is not an enviable one, and I intend to do what I can to relieve and cheer the brave men who have, by their votes, promoted me from their ranks. Our former captain, R. F. Ligon, and Lieutenants George Jones and Zuber returned to Alabama.
April 29. This day, twelve months ago, I was assigned to duty as second-lieutenant in the ‘provisional army of the Confederate States.’ To-day we are hurriedly notified that General Hooker, the successor of the unsuccessful Burnside, has effected a landing near Fredericksburg, and Rodes' old brigade, under Colonel O'Neal of the Twenty-sixth Alabama, is ordered to meet them. My, duties, as acting quartermaster, require me to have several wagons loaded with officers' baggage, quartermasters stores, tents, etc., and driven to Hamilton's Crossing, where we remained all night.
April 30. Our brigade moved to the opposite side of the Richmond, Fredericksbnrg and Potomac Railroad, and drew up in line of battle, while our wagon train moved a mile and remained until 12 o'clock midnight, and then moved to Guinea's station.
