Damp - gloomy. Ground very wet - roads full of water. Had proposed going on horseback to examine Riverton back levee, but it was so threatening and roads so muddy, gave up the notion. Rode to Clark sugar house where they were receiving cotton seed meal. Saw Mr. Tucker and Mr. Breaux. The corn boat has reached Darrow, but from some strike among the boat hands will be delayed there, Mr. Hardwicke says, probably until Monday. This is bad, as the corn is about out on all places now. Mr. Lawless says he cannot let the other places have any more of his. Mr. Tucker will try and see Mr. Hardwicke this afternoon (he has gone to Baton Rouge - but may come down on Cannon this P.M.) and ask him to let us send carts to the boat at Darrow for corn. This being a day when - fortunately as it turns out - the land is too wet for work, the mules are doing nothing, and so can be fed on pea hay alone.
Went to store and sent letter to Mr. Beirne by Cannon as the quickest way for it to reach him.
Wrote Col. Jones (in reply) about his tribute to Nat Barnwell and about Willy, who he says passed "a perfect examination in English History" and was quite well. Thanks God! He has escaped colds and coughs entirely, so far, this winter and I hope sincerely will continue to escape them to the end of it.
