Inside the Civil War Journals of Margaret Nichol Vaulx, May 1861: Eleanor Ryburn Armstrong (1816-1895) Maggie’s mother. Eleanor was the daughter of General Robert Armstrong (1790-1854) and Margaret Dysart Nichol (1798-1834) daughter of Josiah and Eleanor Nichol. Armstrong was one of Andrew Jackson’s men having served with the general in the Indian War’s and at the Battle of New Orleans. The holiday may have been May Day or perhaps a day off from school. Wednesday, May 1st. I had a holiday to-day and I spent it in visiting my dear friends with mother. I am not satisfied with the state of my mind; for when I kneel in prayer it is constantly wavering. Oh! my God when shall I be wise? Not until I can cease thinking of the fleeting pleasures of this world, and set my heart on those that are everlasting. Ah how unlike the children of God are the thoughts that occupy my heart! It is the beginning of a new month, and may I begin to draw nearer to my Saviour and live more truly happier than I have otherwise done. Thursday, May 2nd. I rose very early this morning and thanked my heavenly Father for his manifold blessing to me. I do not think I am lively enough in secret prayers and therefore I do not feel at peace. I think far too much of earthly things, and eternal ones dwindle from my view. But God is showing me that all is vanity here below and I must not look for happiness in this world but I must turn my attention to those realms of eternal rest and peace. Friday, May 3rd. I have very little to put down in this book as each day is the same. Last night I made a resolution not to fall into any passions, or speak a disrespectful word to my mother or any one, and as the day is drawing to a close, I can look back upon the expired time and conscience tells me I have acted according to my resolutions. May it ever be so is the fervent prayer of my soul! Attachments: Pictured Robert L. Armstrong, Nashville City Cemetery gravesite of Robert and Margaret Armstrong, The book Maggie: The Civil War Journals of Margaret Nichol Vaulx is available for purchase at Ft. Negley Civil War site and Walker Books, Fairview. Go to rosshudgins for information.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 15:36:16 +0000
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