Entry by Josie Underwood, April 16, 1861

APRIL 16TH -

I took a horse-back ride with Mr. Baxter this afternoon. The air was so balmy and sweet. The country so lovely with Red bud and Dogwood in blossom among the fresh budding green leaves of other trees and “Mount Air” as we came home just as the sun was setting, the most beautiful place in the whole country round. The peach trees all in blossom made it look like a huge bouquet of pinks and the perfume of the early honey suckle was wafted to us on the gentle breeze just as we rode up the Hill from the front gate - never was there a more peaceful happy home and never I believe a happier girl than I. It is too horrible to think of war devastating this beautiful land and that is what dear Pa dreads for he says if there is war - the border states will have to bear the brunt of it.