Diaries, 1900-1901

Peyton's diaries cover the Civil War and Reconstruction periods and frequently mention conflicts, specifically the Yankees and how many people were killed on both sides of battlefields. His diary entries describe the Yankees being at his home and near his neighbors in Rapidan, Virginia. Many southern generals are mentioned including General (Stonewall Thomas) Jackson, General (J.E.B.) Stuart, and General (Richard S.) Ewell. There are also references to President (Andrew) Johnson.

Peyton writes on May 31, 1865, "The people of the South quietly awaiting to see what the Yankees are going to do with them." He also mentions enslaved people, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the Amendment to the Constitution, abolitionists, and the exclusion of southern representation in Congress.

Peyton starts every entry with comments about the weather, and activities of the family. He also writes about family social events and local Baptist church activities.Included in the collection are two letters from William Alexander Hill about the Baptist Church in Madison, Virginia.



In addition to the 44 small handwritten diaries of John William Peyton, there are also four account books and a bound transcription of the diaries from 1862-1865. (The diaries are fragile and not always legible.)