Catherine Susannah Thomas Markell, diary
May 23, 1861
“Mr. Knott, his wife, son and daughter with Miss Lucy Boteler accompanied my husband and self to Harper’s Ferry. When ascending Bolivar Heights an officer in uniform overtook us and entered into conversation with Mr. Knott who was on horseback also, and gave us a cordial invitation to visit his (the Mississippi) camp. On arriving at the top of the hill both the Alabama and Mississippi camps, met Captain Franklin of Mississippi, one of Colonel Moore’s officers. He pointed out the 2nd Mississippi Regiment, Colonel Falkner’s, to whose camp we repaired. Here we met our friend who proved to be Commissary Rogers of Ripley. We enquired about my relatives from the latter place. “Judge Rogan,” exclaimed he, “Oh! he lives near our place, we all [know] him, he is one of our first men, no one in the state stands higher than Judge Rogan.” “He is my uncle,” I proudly said. “Is it possible,” replied he, apparently delighted. “Little did I expect to meet a relative of his up here.” I introduced Fred and we walked around the camp. The Regiment consists of young men of the highest standing and respectability. “There,” said he “is a man trying to slice ham who is worth over $150,000 and is one of the poorest in the company.” He called to a young man who was passing and said “Let me introduce you to Judge Rogan’s niece and some other Maryland ladies.” “Judge Rogan’s niece,” said Dr. Hunt (for it was he) in astonishment. “Why, I have a sister married to Lafayette Rogan, your cousin, so we are kinfolks, not very near to be sure, but near enough to claim a thousand miles from home.”
The Doctor spoke in the highest terms of Uncle James and my cousin and said Cousin Richard was among the Alabama troops, but I could not find him.
As a fine looking elderly man approached, he called out, “Here, Parson Gray, is a niece of your old friend Judge Rogan.” The parson seized my hand and shook it cordially. “Is it possible,” he exclaimed looking earnestly into my eyes, “little did I dream of meeting a relative of my good old elder and dearest friend. Judge Rogan is my nearest neighbor and a truly pious and estimable Christian gentleman.” Parson Gray is very [hearty?] and childless he said and
would write to his wife immediately saying that he had met me. “Here Major,” called Lieutenant Rogers to a fine looking young officer who approached
and was introduced as Major David Humphries, the affianced husband of Uncle’s second daughter, my Cousin Kate. The Major’s greeting was most cordial. “Your cousin’s name is Catherine Crawford for her grandma,” said Parson Gray.
We all repaired to Colonel Falkner’s tent, but he, being field officer that day, was absent on duty. We were offered chairs and camp stools which we accepted and indulged in pleasant conversation. This regiment has 40 colored servants with it. Dr. Wilson rode up on Major’s fine sorrel. “You took that nosegay from me, Doctor,” said he, “and did I not promise that you should not have my horse again.” “We’ll settle that some other time,” returned he, riding off. Saw three tents made by Cousin Cattie. All were made by the Ripley ladies in three days and nights. We promised these kind friends to come and dine with them soon as we were compelled to decline the invitation for that day. After an hour’s pleasant chat we bid a reluctant farewell and set out for the Alabama camp. Two of General Scott’s nephews belong to the 2nd Mississippi Regiment. At the Alabama camp we saw a white satin flag run up, which the Captain told us was painted by Abe Lincoln’s sister in law, Mrs. Todd. The device is a wreath of magnolia leaves and flowers, inside of which are the words Magnolia Rifles. The servants furnished seats for us and we sat awhile looking at some youths dancing to the sweet streams of a violin. We were introduced to Captain Martin of the Huntsville Guards and Lieutenant Taylor of the same company. They ran up their flag in our honor. It is composed of three strips of thick silk, red, white and red, with a double blue field on which was beautifully embroidered seven stars in writing/script characters the inscription “Huntsville Guards,” all in “raised” embroidery and both sides alike. Another flag was white satin, with a red cross and blue star in centre, gilt-edged.”
Author
Name: Catherine Susannah Thomas Markell
Unit: N/A
Document Information
Type: Diary
Subject(s):
- Civilian Support for the Confederacy
Event Location: Harpers Ferry, Jefferson Co., WV; Frederick City, Frederick Co., MD
Document Origin: Frederick City, Frederick Co., MD
Source
Markell, Catherine Susannah Thomas. Frederick Maryland in Peace and War 1856-1864, The Diary of Catherine Susannah Thomas Markell. Transcribed by David H. Wallace. Frederick, MD: The Historical Society of Frederick County, Inc., 2006.
Transcripts
document-129.pdf 
