November the 3 [1862] M S Mr Wallace and Alfred at the farm to day. Mr Wallace expects to lose his overseer. The future prospect for farmers is dulle. It is thought there will be a general stampeed of negroes at Christmass....
...No[vember] the 8, 1862
Mr Wallace returned from the farm, a large body of caveldry passed guarding waggons going out for provisions. Great apprehensions felt by slave owners. The slaves in large nunbers are constantly making their escape to different divisions of the federal army. [struck through: They are however frequently returned to their owners.]
[November] 9 Sunday, bright and beautiful. Two soldiers came in for breakfast. They were for freeing all the slaves. poor ignorant wretches, they know not what they do. The great mass of negroes are better provided for and happier, than the poorer classes in yankeedom or Europe. God have mercy on both the negro and his owner for they both equally need his compassion. [struck through: A few] On yesterday two federal soldiers were buried here. They had stoped at a black smith shop to have horses shod, when they were suddenly attacked by the rebels [struck through: and] two killed and one wounded. a skirmish followed when 15 rebels fell [struck through: and] some prisoners taken and one hundred horses. Woodard escapted without horse or hat.
[November] 10 On yesterday all the U.S. forces left. There was a p[r]etty general stampeed of negroes as the army passed. I saw a great many on horses or mules and in waggons. they thought their excape certain. When lo their is a sudden halt. the pickets refuse to let any pass who had not a written permit from head quarters[.] There is quite a feeling of consternation and surprise among them They are forbid by the officers to go farther and returned in a hurry
Ellen Wallace Diary, entries for November 3, 8-10, 1862, MSS 52, Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, KY