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From the moment she heard news of her husband''s death at the Battle of Point Pleasant, a strange, wild dream seemed to possess her and she became determined to avenge his death. Clad in buckskin pants, a petticoat, brogan shoes, a man''s coat and hat, a belt about her waist which held a knife and a tomahawk, she shouldered a rifle and took up the life of a frontiersman and a messenger carrying dispatches between Fort Lee at present day Charleston, WV, Fort Savannah at present day Lewisburg, and Fort Randolph at present day Point Pleasant, WV. In 1791, large bodies of Indians were discovered hovering near Fort Lee. The powder supply was perilously low. It was one hundred miles to Fort Savannah, the only place for re-supply. The commander asked for volunteers to go and bring back powder. No man was willing to put their lives in jeopardy, but Mad Anne Bailey, without hesitation, shouted, "I will go!"

Alexander G. Downing enlisted in the Eleventh Iowa Infantry on August 15, 1861 and kept a diary of his life in the Army until he was discharged on July 31, 1865. The 11th Iowa Inf. was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee and became part of Crocker''s Iowa Brigade. This unit participated in several major battles, including Shiloh, Vicksburg and Corinth. They were eventually assigned to General Sherman and took part in his famous "March to the Sea" where they fought in the Battle for Atlanta. As you read of this soldier''s life during one of the most trying times in our country''s history, you will gain an understanding of what it was like to be a soldier in that great war. Mr. Downing made entries for each and every day he served so you will find there were times of boredom as well as moments of terror. You will find both humorous and sad entries as well as the inner feelings of this truly remarkable American patriot who experienced so much in the four years he served his country.