Volume 13: 15 February 1853–10 January 1854

15 April 1853: Valentine visited Edenton and was there during the death of ex-Governor Iredell, which he discussed in some detail. 26 April 1853: Recorded revival of N.C. interest in building up Beaufort as a seaport. 8 June, 9 June, 11 June 1853: "Spiritual Rappings" - description of a séance held at his brother's house. Influence of spiritual experiments held at several points throughout the community. 27 June 1853: Free Mason celebration; ceremony of laying the cornerstone of Wesleyan Female College at Murfreesboro. 23 July 1853: Situation created in and around Winton by a large number of freed Negroes living there. 17 August, 19 August 1853: Discussed causes of defeat of David Outlaw, Whig, by Shaw, Democrat. 7 September , 12 September 1853: "Protracted meetings" of the Methodists and Baptists in the region around Winston. 1 October, 7 October 1853: Description of John W. Ellis, newly elected judge, on the bench in Superior Court where Valentine was solicitor. More and more entries concerning religious activities in the community, personal convictions. 8 November 1853: Twenty-one page description of his trip to Beaufort. 10 November 1853: Comments on financial conditions in Beaufort, factors which were delaying development of Beaufort area, accommodations, prices, attitudes.