ee!" was the exclamation of many as they became
possessors of the prizes.

But to me it brought many dark and serious thoughts to mind. Yes, free,
but for the first time in my life I am my only dictator as to what
course to pursue. Have arrived at age with life's issue fairly before
me, and undecided what course to pursue. Inclination and duty seem
strangely at variance. The importance of such questions is almost
oppressive. But I must strive to attain the highest good that lies in my
power. The dictates of conscience shall be my guide. To-night I retrace
my steps to my quiet valley home. The many tender ties which bind me to
my comrades of the march, battle and camp, are more than likely forever
broken on this earth. And the diary which I have kept unbroken is hereby
ended with the end of my service, having lived two years and eleven
months in the service of my country. Three of the best years of my life
have been lost to self-instruction, and the plans and hopes of my
childhood have been ruthlessly toppled down, but the time has not been
lost. I have no regrets for the way it has been spent. My prayer is that
the remainder of my life may be as usefully spent. So, dear Diary,
good-bye!

Jenk. Ll. Jones.

Amount of Pay Received in United States Army

1862.
Aug. 28 Advance bounty at Madison $25.00
Aug. 28 Premium 4.00

1863.
Feb. Pay to 1st Nov. '62 at Memphis 33.87
May Pay to 1st Mch. '63 at Millikens Bend 52.00
June Pay to 1st May '63 at Vicksburg 26.00
July Pay to 1st July '63 at Vicksburg 26.00
Sept. 17 Pay to 1st Sept. '63 at Glendale 26.00
Dec. 2 Pay to 1st Nov. '63 at Chattanooga 13.15

1864.
Feb. 19 Pay to 1st Jan. '64, at Huntsville 26.00
May 24 Pay to 1st May '64, at Huntsville 52.00
Aug. 5 Pay to 1st July '64, at Etowah 32.00
Nov. 6 Pay to 1st Sept. '64, at Etowah 32.00

1865.
July 22 Final pay and bounty to 18th of July, 1865 256.95
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Total amt. rec'd for service for 2 yrs. 11 months
and 4 days $604.97

Amount of Pay Sent Home

1862.
Aug. 23 Advance bounty at Madison