TO

INDEPENDENCE TEXAS

MARCH - APRIL  1848

 Transcribed by Thomas F. Booker Jr.

AT INDEPENDENCE

 SEPTEMBER 1983

---

INTRODUCTION

Paul Anderson Haralson (1798-1852) was my great-great Grandfather.  His wife was Leannah Graves, and one of their children was Leannah (pronounced Lena).

Lena was married to William Thomas Willie at Independence, where they lived the rest of their lives.  Their children were:

Rebecca Robertson
Sarah Pope
Caroline Emily

Caroline was married to William Lee Booker at Independence, and here they lived virtually all their lives.Their oldest child who lived beyond infancy was Thomas Frederick Booker (1881-1972), who was my father.

"Paul's Diary" is one of the few remaining records that reveal to us who our people were, what they were like, and the life-styles and events of their time.  He had a facility with the language, and and interest in people, that made him perhaps our outstanding practitioner of the art of communication, long before that term took on its modern meaning.

He must have been active in establishing or carrying on the family custom (which was enjoyed by my generation if not later), of handing down the family history by word of mouth.

Here, I must digress to acknowledge a debt I feel, to Aunt Sadie Willie, Aunt Mary Pope Booker, and to my own Father, for their devotion to the task of recounting the family history and their patience in passing it on orally to me.  I regret that I was not a more attentive listener.

The Diary is a simple account of the highlights of each day on a trip Paul made from home in Georgia to Independence, Texas and return, in the Spring of 1848.  It does not pretend to be more than that. That simplicity permits it to reflect a certain grace and dignity (and at the same time earthiness) that must have characterized the man.

The little book is still clear and complete, for all its age and handling, lovingly preserved by Grandmother Willie, Aunt Sadie and Aunt Mary Pope.  However, just a few more times of handling could crumble the paper to dust.  It is for this reason that I have transcribed it, and hope to get copies into the hands of all the family.  The size, format, spelling and punctuation are reproduced as closley as possible, in order to convey something of the feel of the original.  The original will remain in Uncle Bob's collection.

If Grandpa Paul could have his "druthers", I imagine he would like to see us, his descendants revive the custom of keeping journals or diaries, for our own pleasure and to serve as aids to reflection and "getting perspective" on what is happening to us and our world.

Tom Fred Booker,
Independence,
August 1, 1983.

JOURNAL

OF

PAUL HARALSON OF THE STONE MOUNTAIN

DEKALB COUNTY GEORGIA - TO TEXAS - 1848

*  *  *

Started from the Stone Mountain Depot on Monday morning the 20th day of March 1848 in company with William Garrett of the Social Circle.  Garrett had come up on the car that morning on his way to Shreve Port La. came to Atlanta and took the Macon (?) cars to Griffin at Atlanta.  Saw Judge King & talked with him about my new building, & also about the hire of Mrs Pick's Carpenter.  At 8 o'clock left Atlanta for Griffin pay $3:50

Arrived in Griffin at 11 o'clock & put up at the B... & K... Hotel.  Here found Charley Miller the Stage Agent, and being both on the Square, he provided me with a Seat in the Mail Coach in company with Wm. Garret & Andrew .. Lamar.  Left Griffin at one o'clock in the mail coach, wiht a jolly crowd & being well pleased. talking first on politicks, then on Religion & winding up on the consequences of the recent French Revolution-  The first news of which we heard this morning on board the Georgia Rail Road Car. which last conversation had a narcotic effect.  from silent mediatation fell into ennui & from ennui to drowsiness & from drowsiness to gentle slumber-  When I & my slumbers being disturbed by the jostling and ricking of the Stage, produced strange dreams, and amongst the many other strange visions which I had under the protection of Morpheous I dreamed that my friend Garret was a Deacon in the Church, and a Justice of the peace, & kept a Stud Horse. 

Tuesday The 21st, March

Last night from the rocking of the Stage & my disturbed imagination, I became sick and ate no supper but this morning my appetite was of a wolfish nature, and the 50 cents which I paid for my breakfast was hardly a Valuable consideration.

Arrived at Opelika, the terminus of the Montgomery Rail Road at eleven o'clock  & took the cars to Montgomery paid $3:15 for my fare to Montgomery- I forgot to mention that I paid an extravagant Stage fare from Griffin to Opelika, it being less than a hundred miles over a rough foad, giving a fellow no time to rest & very little to eat.  And making him "sea-sick" or  Stage-Sick, and draging along at the slow pace of about 4 1/2 miles to the hour, really it is intolerable.

It is a wonder to me that some disciple of the Lord Coke has never looked into the actionability of this case- Garrett left us at the Greenville to wait for his negroes Who were coming on behind by private conveyance as he said, but the price of the fare & the trials & sufferings he had in the Stage were enough to scare him off before he got to Greenville.  We paid $10-50 for one night's suffering- on board the cars to Montgomery we had a fine company of passengers. Dr. Wilcox of Halifax N. C.  & A. I. Lamar were two gentleman with whom I had a pleasant conversation-

Arrived in Montgomery about four o'clock & took the Exchange Omnibus to the Steam Boat "Montgomery" which was then nearly ready to sail- I had hardly got on board the boat before I was met by Alonzo Haralson, who greeted me with that warm-hearted cordiality so characteristic of the Haralson blood- Son is a noble fellow.  He is reading law in Montgomery but promised to take a recess sometime during the Summer & make me a visit- He told me of the cause of the fight between G.  W.  Jones of Tennessee & his Uncle Hugh in the House of Representatives-

At 5 o'clock we sailed for Mobile, in the beautiful and splendid Steam Montgomery- The Montgomery is a new boat & put upon the River this season in place of the old boat of the same name.  She is 235 feet long with an upper & lower deck.  Can carry 3000 bags of cotton & can comfortably entertain more than 250 cabin passengers, besides Deck & Stearage.  On board this boat we had a splendid array of beauty,  fashion,  Wealth Glory and ambition with now & then an occational touch of the oposite extreme from the wise to the otherwise from the palace to the hovel & from the Mexican War-Dogs to the willing worshiper of the God of Peace.

Here I met with Leornard H. Sewell Son of the old Judge of N.C.; with a brother of Hardy Croom, with James Gilmer, who owns the Rich Cotton Plantation on the Red River below Dr. Vance with all his family etc. etc. etc.  This night after the boat got under way & feeling the need of some rest, I took State Room No. 16 and in a few minutes travel passed through the land of Nod and was soon in the pleasant and happy Country of Dreamland, where without anything to distract my peace and Comfort I enjoyed myself until breakfast the next morning.

Wednesday 22nd, March

I this morning arose at the ringing of the breakfast bell.  had a pleasant wash & a fine Breakfast & came out on deck & found that in a few minutes we were to be at Cahawbe, near where I supposed Em Browning lives: as the boat took in wood & freight at this place, I went on Shore & enquired for my friend-  Met with Warren Holcomb who is here with negroes for "sale": found that Em    lives six miles from Burton & learned that Monroe Blann was fiddling & dancing in Mobile.

Returned to the boat again & spent the day pleasantly.

Thursday 23d.-

Rose and found the morning beautiful, with the promise of a pretty day.  We traveled very slow, having to take in landing & freight at almost every point on the River-  Today had a pleasant conversation with my friend Sewall & Gilmer on the physical resources of Georgia, as compared with those of North Carolina and Lousiana-  as we passed down the river today saw an Aligator sunning himself on a log, and landed in Mobile about 5 o'clock just too late to witness the great Ball play between the Choctaw Indians who live in the neighborhood  of Mobile on the one side and a band of the remnant of Cherokees who live in Sumpter about 200 miles from this place.  The contest had been advertized for some time in the Mobile papers & the play came off today at three o'clock for a wager of $20 a side in the presence of a great crowd of Spectators.  Ten on a side, from what I understand it is something of the character of Bandy-playing, in which they use sticks about two feet long with a cup at one end to catch the ball & throw it, instead of using the old-fashion Bandy stick to strike & roll the ball: the       were the victors- Soon after arriving at Mobile I transferred my baggage from the Montgomery to the Montezuma, which sails tomorrow at eleven o'clock.

I registered my name on board the Montezuma & took lodgings there-Visited the Town, but found no acquaintances-

Friday 24th March

After early breakfast this morning, I went on Shore visited the cotton packing screws.  Bought me a summer coat for a Sovereign & called upon M A Van Hooke and spent some time with him.  At 11 o'clock the Boat bell rang & I went on board paid my passage $4-  and just at 12 o'clock we left port, & on board this boat I found the Capt a very clever fellow by the name of Kelly, and he told me that he had a Sister lliving in Cass Coty at Kingston with a Judge Ever-

I also on board the Montezuma found a Clever Young Gentleman by the name of Duval.  Who was very attentive and polite to me, and who was perfectly familiar with all the Coast from Mobile to New Orleans.  Who pointed out to me all the important points as far as Paschagola, where he left us.  (This man had once been a commander of one of the Mail packets from Orleans to Mobile)  The Clerk of The boat (Mr Randle) is also a clever fellow-  At Pass Christiann where we stopped to wood, a fine looking Gentleman came on board &  told us that he had just found the body of his friend who had been drowned a few days before &  he wanted that boat to carry it to Neworleans.

It seems that the Telegraphic wires between Mobile & Orleans had gotten out of fix, and the two operators of the Telegraph (Mr Lyons of Utica N Y, and Maj Willard of Orleans) had gone down on the line to find out what was the matter, and in attempting to cross the lower end of Lake Ponchartrain near the Reguletts in a Peroque (or Cannoe) a squall upset the cannoe & they were both drowned & to day the body of Lyons was found which we took on board.  The body of Willard has not been found & it is supposed that it has been eaten up by the Aligators and fish-

Saturday 25th March

This morning at light I was awakened by the Capt & told that we were in Sight of Orleans.  I got up & dressed & walked out & had a beautiful morning.  Passed the Shipping at the lower landing and came up to the Canal Landing & there we took the canal boat and came up to the city seven miles and landed in Orleans about 8 o'clock.  Came to Planters & put up and went on the Strand to look for a boat which was going to Galveston. found Palmetto was to sail tomorrow at 9 o'clock & returned.  hunted up Frank Haralson who has been appointed a Notary Public of the City, and had a pleasant interview with him, for an hour or more- He told me that Judge Hughes, my brother in Law was in the city, with his son (John) & Daughter Mary.- Frank went with me over the city & to Dr Duncan's where I found Judge Hughes & Daughter Mary. He told me that he had sold out in Jackson & was on his way to Galveston, where he intended to settle. That Archy was already there having previously gone over with his effects. That James his oldest Son was in the Quarter Master Department in the City of Mexico. And that my brother John H. was still in Jackson practicing Law. - I went to the Strand or Warf to engage passage to Galveston & at the warf, I met with Henry Willie & Joab Robertson with negroes for sale & had but a few minutes conversation with them.

I returned to my room & after a late supper retired to bed being a little unwell. but was saluted and serenaded with sweet notes of the Pianno until near midnight. It made me think of home.-  Ah if there be a nearer, dearer, Sweeter place that all else in this world besides, that place is home-

Sunday 26th March 1848

After Breakfast and paying a Bill of $1.50 I went to the Steam Ship Palmetto & took State Room No. 1. Soon afterwards Judge & family arrived. And at 9 o'clock we sailed. The Scene and beauties of this beautiful River out to the Gulf  I have once before in my life attempted to describe and I now feel that any effort of mine in that way would be ludicrous if not perfect mockery. The Grand & Majestic River. The Rich farms, the Stately palaces, the Orange Groves. The ships in full sail, laden with the rich productions of the earth, from every country and clime.

The battle ground where Lord Takenham fell to gratify British ambition with his thousands around him under the unerring aim of the American Rifles, all these & and many more, are more than I shall attempt to describe, but all those we here see & witness as we pass down this Great Father of Waters. We arrived at the Bar which opens into the Gulf just as the sun was setting, and as a soon as we got into the Gulf the ship commenced heaving and rocking under a severe Gale, which carried me to my State Room as usual.  I suffered the sufferings of the sickest of the sick- With me night passed away with one unremitting heave & Monday - came and went I know not how, for really I felt (prepared or unprepared) that I was willing to die.

Tuesday The 28th. March

This morning about daybreak, I felt the ship stop and only now and then rise & fall again as a heavy billow would roll under her.  I opened my State room door & asked what was the matter  & the Capt said that he had to anchor until day light as the sea was running so high he was afraid to cross the Bar before light.  I begged him to risque it for I had rather be stove than to suffer as I had done another day. he told me to be patient for in four hours he would be in Galveston - And never did the words of Salvation come to the Heathen with more joy than did those words from the Captain.

In an hour we weighed anchor again & was soon over the Bar & into smooth water. When I got up and striped naked & paid the Steward to pur six pails of fresh water over my head and body.-

Which cured me-. we arrived in Galveston at 9 o'clock and put up with Mrs. Reese, Step-Mother of Kellar Reese, who is keeping a private boarding house in this place.

After breakfast, walked to the Tremont House. To the Strand, to see the shipping- and down the beach in company with John Hughes who was as much delighted with the sea shore as young men commonly are.  Here too we met with Archy Hughes, who having been at the battle of Buena Vista entertained me very pleasantly with the stirring events of that important event.-  After supper this evening, We were treated to some rich music on the pianno by a Miss Carnelia Robinson, the second Daughter of our kind hostess- this evening Hugh MQueen who is practicing Law in the city came over to see me and spent an hour or two- I was furnished a bed in the same room with Judge Hughes, and we talked until a late hour in the night-

I also had a very interesting interview with Archy on his future prospects in life and was pleased with his views on the subject of Economy, both in regard to time and money - I do hope he may make a useful man.

Wednesday 29th March

I rose early this morning and in company withe John Hughes, went down to the warf to engage a passsage to Houston. had a long and pleasant walk. Visited the Market & heard a Dutch quarrel, and after breakfast paid my bill and went ($1:00) with Judge Hughes to his office, and from there to the Steam Boat Reliance which sailed at 9 o'clock.

Genl. MQueen came on board as one of the passengers- we had a pleasant trip-

As we passed up the Bayou Buffaloe to day we saw a good many water fowl of a peculiar species called here the Water Turkey. A different bird from any thing I ever saw before.

we were also pointed out the famous battle Ground of San Jacinto where Santa Anna was made a prisoner in the Texas Revolution, and where the Hon. Sam Houston acquired an undying fame- Arrived at Houston at 7 o'clock and put up with John O'Bracken who married Durrit Richard's Daughter of Milton-

Thursday 30 March 1848,

This morning, I found upon enquiry that the Stage did not leave until tomorrow morning, and had to remain here all day.  Hunted up & found James Walker who tells me that he is doing a good business in the practice of law. Spent a pleasant time with him and talked of old times.  He told me that Fred A. Hill had gone to & settled in Milam in East Texas on Red River.

Made the acquaintance of a clever young Gentleman by the name of Geo. C. Red, of Washington County, who is a practicing physician in that county and is acquainted with my Sister Jane Ann.

Met here also with a Gentleman by the name of Sheppard, son of Sevier Sheppard formally of Caswell.

Walked over & viewed the Town and as near as I can guess it is about the size of Madison.

Was pleased with the society & general appearance of this place.

Friday 31 March

After breakfast this morning, paid my Bill and took the stage to Washington in company with Col Gross, Mr Perryman Dr. Red & four other Gentleman, had a pleasant company of the stage companions- during the day became sick from        in the stage and eat no Dinner-

At the Dinner house was shown two Mustang Colts which had just been caught in the prairie.

Came this day to Mrs. Stephens where we slept all night-

This night we were crowded & although I got a bed to myself, yet I was disturbed by a fat Dutchman-looking fellow, who took a bed by the side of the one I occupied, & from some cause or other jammed his bed against mine. greatly to my annoyance.  And in requesting him as civily as I knew how not to be too familiar he pettishly replied that he was not lousy.  I had a bad nights rest-

April 1st

The next morning we eat breakfast before we started-

At this house we parted with several of our stage companions & amongst them Col Gross whom I found to be a clever man & one who I understand is of the aristocracy of Texas. Here too we changed stages & got into an open four horse waggon not much over the speed of a Dutchmans cart. Which I found to be the character of the Texas stages generally. We came a few miles to the Brazos Botoms & here we dropped Mr. Perryman formally of Twiggs County Georgia & a wealthy planter of the Brazos. - Came on to Washington without anything particularly to attract notice if I may except the Richness of the Brazos bottoms which is inferior to nothing I have seen in Texas except Old Caney.

Arrived in Washington at half past eleven o'clock and went directly to Mrs. Moore's (widow of the late Dr. Moore) where I understood my sister was boarding.

She had understood that I was in Houston & was expected up in the stage, & she had gone to the Hotel expecting me to stop there & whilst I was at her boarding house to see her, she was at the Hotel to see me- As soon as I found she was at the Tavern,  I left & went up there, but she understanding that I was at Mrs. Moore's left the Tavern & went home & in passing we took different streets & did not meet.

My mortification was as great as hers- She soon sent for me, and as the stage had about 30 minutes to stop I had hardly time to tell her howday- But she determined not to be outdone, got in the stage with me and went up to Independence-, I should in justice to my feelings pay a passing notice to this meeting.

Here in this strange land I had met my widowed Sister whom I had not seen in Twenty Seven years. and upon this occasion I had feelings which I shall not attempt to describe, even if I had time to do so-. arrived at Independence about two o'clock & put up at Hoods Tavern. My sister having no acquaintance with Mr Graves & wife stopped at Tavern & afterwards went to see an old acquaintance of hers by the name of Mrs Taylor-. As soon as I could arrange my baggage, I went over to parson Graves I was met before I got to the house by his wife who recognized me. Found Henry L very sick with nervous headache & all the rest of the family well.

Was told that Runnels had moved up the Brazos to Judge Longstreet's land, had built him some shanties & rented land, &  was making a crop with all the negroes except Susan who was hired out in Town to Mrs Butler, as part payment of the board of Runnels children who were going to school at the place- Spent the evening very pleasantly, found the Rev Mr Huckins there. etc.  In the evening walked over & brought my sister to Parson Graves' & introduced her. took tea at the Parsons & returned with my sister to the Hotel, & she to Mrs Taylors. - This Hotel, I should here simply remark, is not as fine a one, as the St Charles in New Orleans- or the Astor House in New York-

Sunday April 2d 1848

Slepy late this morning and after breakfast went over to Parson Graves'. who told me that Runnells, he had just heard, was expecting to die at his place up on the Brazos about 20 miles-  Anxious to see him before he did die I borrowed a horse of H L Graves and rode up to where he lives- found him very sick with Bilious Pneumonia & two Drs with him. Dr Eldridge & Dr Munson.  Stayed all night & finding him too sick to do any business, never mentioned to him the object of my visit- But must here be permitted to give some little idea of his situation- He is three miles in the Bottoms, & about half way between the River and the Prarie or High lands.  Having one small shantie about 14 foot square, made of Split Hackberry, puncheon floor, one door, badly built. Stick and dirt chimney.

At the end a shelter for the negroes & one log smoke house, about 10 or 12 acres cut & the brush piles ready for clearing up.  He rented 40 acres of bottom land from Mr Hill, 30 of which is in cotton & he also rented land 25 or 30 acres of Mr Echols, mostly in cotton-  In the sickliest place I have seen in Texas- where the land is as level as the Mason instrument & where the Brazos River overflowed seven inches in the Great freshet of 1842-

Monday 3d April 1848

This morning we had a heavy dew, felt unwell myself and examined the premises & came to the conclusion to take my negroes from this place.

Was surprised to see the vegetables so large & the cotton so

high-.  Corn is over knee high & in some places the weeds of this year are waist high- Had a conversation with Reynolds & told him of my determination.  & he seemed to be greatly disappointed & said that I or Henry L Graves must furnish hands to work his crop.  I told him, I had nothing to do with his crop that I expected my negroes were hired out as I directed.

Really it seemed to me from Runnell's manner that he felt I had no business with my own negroes, & I am now convinced that if he had kept them 2 years longer he would have claimed them & plead the Statute of limitations on me.  The Lord only knows what he is to do with the Dr.- He gave me very little satisfaction about the hire of my negroes last year & said that there was no money for me- I told my negroes to fix some shafts to my old carry-all & be ready to start tomorrow- This night I spent with a Mr Jones a Batchelor who lives nearby.

Tuesday 4th April 1848

After Breakfast came over to Runnells & found my mule gone, whether by design or not, I am unable to say & Tillman sent off to load a waggon.  I waited until near night when the mules were brought home & I sent for Tillman, & just before night I started. first demanding and getting my gunn & stirup iron which is all that is left of my horse & saddle.

Came to Capt Hill out of the bottom & stayed all night

Wednesday 5 April 1848

Started soon this morning and came to the Yeawaw Creek & found it very full & had to swim over & build a raft & float over my carry-all.  Arrived at Henry L Graves just before night & stayed all night.

I had learned from my negroes where they were hired last year & I resolved to ascertain something of the conduct of Runnells.  I found that R. MWmson had hired Sevier & owed $72 for it except what he had paid Runnells.

I saw him & he paid me $15-

I learned that a Mr Isbell had hired Tillman & the amot was $92-,  I saw him & he told me that he had paid some forty odd dollars to Runnells & the balance he still owed.

I had to take his statement & I took his a/c & bond for the balance of $50-.  I understood that a Mr Dix had hired Susan.  I saw him, & he told me that he had given his bond to Runnells for the amot which Runnells held- I asked him to pay the money to H L Graves- I also understood that a man by the name of Pennington had hired Jim, but him I could not see.  These settlements I made from the statement of the negroes and from what I learned from the men themselves- And what I saw and heard, I have come to the conclusion that this man Runnells is not an honest man, notwithstanding that he is a Deacon in the church, and notwithstanding his solemn promises to Dr. Graves & myself to keep a just & correct account of all his acts, and use strictest economy.

I spent the day in arranging my business- Saw Mrs. Butler who hired Susan, and she seemed unwilling to give her up.  The bargain she had made with Runnells to board his children & to deduct it from the hire of Susan, suited her very well, & I expect it suited Runnells better.-

Slept at the Tavern to night as H L Graves had company-