Horace Purdy Journal October 1864 Entry
9pgs
10/1 Saturday - Pleasant and cool. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went home and helped Burr Bradley get a load out from his gun. In the afternoon, John Cosier and myself went hunting. We got 3 woodcock and 1 quail. I gave my share to him. Gussie and I went up to Nelson Nickerson's in the P.M. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. She came home leaving me to attend the caucus preparatory to the town meeting next Monday. I understand that the Copperheads' meeting last evening in Concert Hall was a small affair. The attendance was good. But the speaker (Bond) was a blackguard and produced no sound arguments to substantiate his doctrine. The speech was low slang and abuse of the administration. He uttered some of the foulest lies. For instance, saying in the face of Sherman's, Sheridan's and Grant's great victories that the army has never been successful and have not gained one single victory. 10/2 SUNDAY - Stormy. On account of the rain, I did not start for church until 11 o'clock. Brother Hill exchanged with the New Canaan minister a one armed man, Carroll by name, who preached for us. I stayed to Sunday School, which was slimly attended and then came home and wrote to George in the afternoon. I mailed it in the evening, also a Harper's Weekly. Gussie attended prayer meeting with me in the evening. 10/3 MONDAY - Town Election. No work in the shop. Mr. Cocking paid his rent (or rather his wife paid it for him) this morning. Cleaned my gun before breakfast or commenced and finished it after breakfast. I went to A. G. Crosby's Coal Office to see John Cosier. From there to the shop and then down to the courthouse and voted. Previous to going to the shop, I called at the car building shop at the Depot and got the ages of Manton Bailey and William Warren of their father. From the courthouse, I home by way of the Post Office and Swift's News Office. Father Griswold came home on the morning train and voted before going home. I took a nap after dinner and about 2 o'clock went to the shop for my pay. Walked down to the courthouse again with Burr Bradley and back up to John Cosier's office. From there home and picked some apples for Father Griswold. Just before going to the shop for my pay, Mr. Harris came with my barrel of cider and helped me in the cellar with it. I went in the evening to hear Major Haggerty speak at Concert Hall for Lincoln and Johnson and the Union. It was an excellent speech. He is young but decidedly smart. He was preceded by a _____ who accompanied him. Time after time, he brought down the house with great applause. A few Copperheads in the meeting and quite a number outside seemed disposed to make a disturbance but he was not one of that kind to be bluffed off and told them so. The result of our town election was a majority for us (Republican) of 184. James S. Taylor for First Selectman by majority. O. H. Swift for Town Clerk 178. 10/4 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it finally came off pleasant. There being no work in the shop, I finished weeding my strawberry bed. I went downtown before dinner. Called at Parmalee and Bradley's store and while there, agreed with Haviland to go hunting in the P.M. I ate dinner and went down to Dr. Lacy's and got his dog. Met my comrade at Benedict's factory in West Street and started. We went up by Oil Mill Pond, through Terry's Woods and over to a little swamp near Granville Ambler's entrance to his land. We ran 2 rabbits in a stone wall and got them. I shot a High Hole and a Blue Jay. He shot a chipmunk. I took home rabbit and gave him the remainder. Burr Bradley and wife came in to spend the evening. She stayed with Gussie while Burr and I went to Hatters' Meeting. Burr came back home with me and then went home with his wife. 10/5 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gave Lieutenant Governor Averill the list of men and their ages who have come of age since entering the army in the 17th Regiment, viz. George S. Purdy, 23 years, August 13th, 1864, Mr. H. Warren, 22 years old, March 2, 1864, James S. Bailey, 23 years old, September 25, 1864, William Otis, 22 years, September 7, 1864, Theodore Morris, 21 years, October 13, 1864. Averill is to write by the first mail to Colonel Noble and get furloughs for them in possible to come home, be made freemen and vote in the coming presidential election. I came home about 11 o' clock. Walked up with John Cozier. After dinner, I finished picking beans in the garden. Hattie Gregory, a niece of Walter F. Olmstead, living neighbor to us was married this P.M at 3 o'clock at the Baptist church. She married _____. Gussie went to see them married. After which, I met her near Benedict and Nichols' store and we tried to match some oil cloth which we have but could not. After getting my papers at the Jeffersonian Office, I found some horrid mistakes in George's letter published in it. I returned to the office before they finished striking off the papers and had the errors corrected and exchanged the copies I had for some more which had been corrected. I then came home and after tea put one for George and another for his friend in St. Augustine, Mr. Arnie Allers . I also wrote a letter to George, the writing of which made me too late for class meeting. I went down in the evening and mailed the papers and letter. Called at Jeffersonian Office and showed Ashley more mistakes and laughed at him about them. Milford Ruff (sp?), an apprentice at the Pahquioque Shop who enlisted in a New Jersey regiment for 100 days returned home on a train this evening, his term of service having expired. 10/6 THURSDAY - I went to the shop this morning, expecting work, but there being none, I went up to Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and sat a while with John Cosier. We finally concluded to go hunting. We got ready to go just before dinner, but on account of the appearance of rain, we waited until after dinner. In the meantime, we bought a wad cutter and cut a lot of wads. It continued so lowery with some fine rain that we gave up going. I left my gun at his house rather than bring it home in the rain. I came home and got 12 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar into mine. Gussie went up to Mrs. Sanford's and to the cemetery in the forenoon. I went up for her just at night and stayed to tea. I came home with her as far as the Union Club rooms and stopped there until the cars came that I might get the news and the mail should there be any for us. The papers say that General Grant's advanced position near Richmond is strengthened. Gold went up about 3 per cent today. Smith Pulling brought me a pot of butter - 30 lbs. I not being home could not pay him. 10/7 FRIDAY - Clear and pleasant today. Had work all day in the shop. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Mary Purdy came in. I went to the Union League in the evening. Walked home with David Bradley. Paid Smith Pulling $3.00 towards my butter bill of $15.00. 10/8 SATURDAY - Pleasant and grew cold all day. Cold as winter in the evening. Worked hard all day in the shop. The Copperheads hoisted a McClellan banner about 6 o'clock this evening. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. The evening post gives us good news of the army of the James. Butler has been attacked by the rebels but has repulsed them splendidly and drove them within their inner line of entrenchments. 10/9 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy in the P.M and evening and cold as winter. I have shook with cold all day except when close to the stove. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Acts 4:4. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon, at which Brother J. W. Nichols read to the school a letter he received from George. Sacrament in the P.M. at which Brother Crawford assisted. Martha Stevens, or rather Martha Downs, as it is now, is home on a visit with her baby and a colored servant. She was at church this morning. Mr. Cocking shot a pigeon hawk while over to Mr. Lynes' doing the chores this evening. We moved our houseplants from the piazza into the parlor just at dusk. We feared to leave them out another night on account of the cold. Mrs. Judson, Harriet Ely's mother, died. 10/10 MONDAY - Cold last night. A severe frost this morning. We finished up our work in the shop today. I got mine done at noon. There is no time set when we will have more to do. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned our bedroom upstairs for us today. Mr. Cocking moved over to Mr. Lynes' this morning. They are to do as they did last year, hold my rooms to store their goods and live over there this winter during the absence of Mr. Lynes and family. While we were drinking tea, Harriet came in. I walked downtown with her. Called with her at Dr. Buckley's office to get some medicine. She went to Dr. Lacy's where she is now staying and I went to Societies Meeting at the church. The following trustees were elected for another year: George Starr, George Hull, E. S. Davis, Mr. S. White, Henry G. Fanton. A. N. Gilbert spoke for the union at Concert Hall. After leaving the church, I spoke with John Cosier for a few minutes at the hall. The house was filled to overflowing. We the saw Fred Jackson about going hunting tomorrow. 10/11 TUESDAY - I mailed a Harper's Weekly with two republican campaign documents to George this morning before breakfast. I went hunting with John Cosier, Fred Jackson and dog. We were gone all day. We got separated about sundown and did not get together until we met at John Cosier's. I got there first. I brought home some everlasting for Gussie to make a wreath for me. I went downtown in the evening. I came home as soon as the mail came. 10/12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy after dinner and commenced raining about 4 P.M. and was raining hard when we retired. Mrs. Stone helped us clean house. We cleaned the pantry and bedrooms. I helped them all day, not leaving home until evening, when I went down to get the Jeffersonian, to market, to the Post Office and to hear Ethan Allen of New York speak for the Union in Concert Hall. I stayed but a short time, the house being too damp and cold for me not having an overcoat. I went from the Hall up to see how John Cosier stood the hunting excursion yesterday. I found him feeling first rate. Previous to going to the Hall in the evening, I called a t Dr. Lacy's to see Harriet about getting some wood for her, etc. She gave me $8.00 to get a cord of wood for her. 10/13 THURSDAY - Pleasant but windy and cool. Before breakfast, I went to the Post Office and mailed a Jeffersonian to George and called at Dr. Lacey's to get his bird dog to go hunting. The doctor having come home last night, the boy would not let him go without first seeing the doctor. And he not yet being up and I being in a hurry, did not wait. After breakfast, I took my gun and started without a dog. I went to Fish Ware, Fox Pond Hollow, Mount Tour, Long Ridge Town Mountain and home, making it about 5 o'clock when I came in. My game was 2 red squirrels, a Shide Poke, and chipmunk, the chipmunk I did not bring home. The squirrel, I gave to Mother, as I came home that way. 10/14 FRIDAY - Cooler than yesterday. I went in the forenoon to A. G. Crosby's Coal Office to see if he had any hickory wood (I wanted some for Harriet). From there, I went to the shop to see what was doing and found that they had sent a boy for me to finish a dozen brush hats. I got there ahead of the boy. The hats were not quite ready, so I went again about 3 P.M. and squared them up (they being full stiff) and cut out a dozen tips for them, ready to finish them tomorrow. Before dinner, however, I went up on Clapboard Ridge to Mr. Elwell's (sp) with Mr. Jacob Fry for a calf which he had bought. While there, I bought a bbl. Of Roxbury Russet apples for $2.25 of a man from Stony Hill, Weed by name. He had bought the apples of an orchard of Russell Hoyt I think and was gathering them. I had the pipe fitted to a stove and put it up for Harriet up home. My apples came about 5 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street, waited until the mail came and came home. 10/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have had a dozen black brush hats to finish today. Mrs. Charles Brokerton called just last night to see if we had heard from the boys in the 17th Regiment. Before tea, I filled the low places between my Trope de Grand strawberries with earth. I went to market in the evening. Called a few minutes at the Republican Club Room, took a letter from the post office for Harriet and walked home with my neighbor John Green. While in the street, Henry Ely spoke of hedging their cemetery lot joining mine to give us a chance to do mine at the same time. They want to hedge theirs next week. Wallace Pine lost his child about 6 o'clock this evening. They went down to Starr's Plain to old Captain Pine's. A dog came toward the horse barking and frightened him, throwing them all out. The child struck his head upon a stone and killed him instantly. Wallace Pine is a colored man living near us. 10/16 SUNDAY - I went up home before going to church this morning to carry a letter to Harriet which I took from the post office last night and to get my lead pencil which I left there on Friday when I put up Harriet's stove. Brother Hill preached from Genesis 19:15-20. Sunday School Concert at the 1st Church in the P.M. A Mr. Pardee of New York was there. It looked so much like rain at noon that I came home and did not attend the Sunday School concert. Gussie took care of Josie in the afternoon to let Harriet go. Commenced a letter to George. After tea, went over to Bro. McDonald's to get his horse to take Gussie to the cemetery. Could not get it. He was going to use it. So I walked up alone. I found Henry Ely up there. We talked a little about hedging our lots which join. I mailed Harper's Weekly with some Republican campaign documents enclosed to George. Mr. Pardee delivered an address to their congregation in our church in the evening on Sabbath Schools. Gussie and I attended about 3 P.M. The sun came out pleasant. The evening was clear and delightful although pretty cold. I wore an overcoat in the evening for the first time this season. 10/17 MONDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went up to the cemetery and dug a trench in which to set a hedge around our lot. Went up to Mr. Down's nursery with Henry and Abijah Ely to look at the evergreens for the hedge. After dinner, I went to the shop. Squared up a dozen drab brush hats for tomorrow. Got my pay and came home. I then got my stove down from Father Griswold's barn and commenced blacking it before tea. After tea, Gussie and I went downtown and bought 2 yards of oil cloth 2 yards wide for $2.25 per yard. We then came home and before retiring I finished blacking the sitting room stove and drew the tacks from the sitting room carpet preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. Father and Harriet both received letters from George today, but none for me. 10/18 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer today. I had the 1 one half dozen brush hats to finish today, $3.00 per dozen. I burned one which cost me. Mrs. Stone cleaned house for us today, the sitting room and the sink room. I helped her shake carpet at noon. When I came home from work about 6 o'clock, the whole neighborhood was out looking for Josie Wheeler who was lost. I immediately went searching myself. A general alarm was given by ringing the bells. He was finally found at the lower end of Main Street. Butler G. Noble, ex-governor of Wisconsin spoke for the Union at Concert Hall this evening. I went in to the street and into the Hall for a few minutes but could not stay of account of nailing down carpet and putting up a stove which I have just completed at 10 one half o'clock. Before retiring, I finished a letter to George. 10/19 WEDNESDAY - Before breakfast I went down and mailed my letter to George. After breakfast, I helped Gussie move her plants from the parlor to the sitting room. Before we finished doing it, Harriet Mills called to see us. I then called at the shop, but there being nothing to do, I went down to see if Fred Jackson would go hunting with me. He could not go, but lent me his dog. I went over to Mill Plain Swamp, to Miry Brook and to Benjamin Norris' and engaged a cord of hardwood for Harriet. I came home by way of Mill Plain and Edward Hull's to see if I could buy some apples, but could not. Bell came down while we were drinking tea to have me to go up and fix Harriet's curtains. I went down to Jackson's to take Milo home and then went up. It took me until nearly 10 o'clock to put them up. James Birdsell, being intoxicated, tried to drive his horse and wagon across the railroad bridge just below the old crib (sp) shop and was run over by the freight train going down this evening. His horse was knocked down between the ties and suspended to the timbers by portion of the harness, but was finally extricated without serious injury. I believe the man had his leg badly mangled and was otherwise injured. Dr. Bennett amputated his leg. 10/20 THURSDAY - Worked all day in the shop on 1 one half dozen drab brush hats. About 5 P.M., the bells began to ring. We at the shop supposed it to be a fire, but soon learned that it was for another victory by Phil Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. We captured 43 guns, one major-general and several thousand prisoners. We had one general killed, three others wounded. The 'Evening Post' gave the particulars. The cannon was fired about 9 o'clock in the evening in honor of the victory. I mailed the Jeffersonian and New York Daily Tribune to George. I tried to get a Post, but could not. At the Republican Clubroom, I saw Henry Ely and paid him $2.00 for Arbor Vitae trees for hedging around my cemetery lot which joins his. A load of soil was also included in the $2.00. The man who had a leg amputated last night it is thought cannot live. 10/21 FRIDAY - James Birdsell died last night or this morning from the effects of the amputation of his leg and other injuries received at the time of the accident. I went to the shop this morning, but there being no work, I went hunting. I went down to get Fred Jackson to go with me but he had just gone in company with a schoolmate. I got Dr. Lacey's old dog, Major, and hurried on to find Fred but did not. I was gone all day and got 2 quail and a robin. I went to the depot in the evening and met Mother Griswold. She has been up in Hartford County on a visit. John Cosier, who has been away for a week came home on the train this evening also. Later - John Cosier came home from his visit on the freight train Wednesday P.M. instead of this evening. 10/22 SATURDAY - No work in the shop. In the forenoon, I borrowed Mr. Lyne's horse which Robert Cocking drove into town and rode up to the cemetery to see the new hedge around our lot. After dinner, I walked up, borrowed a wheelbarrow and shovel of Mr. Day and took the dirt off our lot which was left there after setting our hedge. Gussie went over to Daniel Starr's and in the meantime and about the time I came home, Harriet Purdy came down and wanted more Belladonna and Aconite medicine. I was alarmed when she said that Mother had taken all that she took from us the other day as it was the liquid medicine from which we put only 4 or 5 drops into a half tumbler of water. I suppose there was about 30 drops of it which she put in a half glass of water. There was about the same of each Aconite and Belladonna. But instead of hurting Mother, it did her good as she is much better than usual today. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. We made a fire in our sitting room stove for the first time this evening. 10/23 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, cloudy in the P.M. Brother Hill being sick, I understood that Mr. Robertson, Pastor of the 2nd Congregational Church, would preach for us in the morning, so accordingly, I went for the first tome and heard Brother Hawley at the Episcopal Church. I went to our Sunday School as usual, and there learned that Chaplain Ambler preached for us instead of Robertson. Robertson preached for us in the P.M. and I went to the Baptist church and heard Mr. Stone. George Bell and bride were there. Bell came to our house to tea. She went with us to prayer meeting in the evening and went home in company with Mr. Squire's folks. As I went to prayer meeting, I mailed a copy of Harper's Weekly to George. It had very much the appearance of rain when we retired. 10/24 MONDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went up to A.G. Crosby's Coal Office and sat awhile with him and John Cosier. John and I arranged to go hunting in the P.M. I went down to Mr. Jackson's to get his dog, but Fred had just gone hunting himself. I arranged to have the dog whenever I want him if they are not using him. He wishes me to use him as often as I can in order to train the dog. On my way home at noon to prepare to go hunting, I found Dr. Lacey's dog (Major). He followed me and I was glad to have him do so. We went over to Fish Ware and Mill Plain Swamp. We came across Henry Rider with his gun. We all three hunted together. Rider got 2 woodcocks. Cosier got 2 woodcocks and I, one woodcock and a quail. Rider wanted the quail for his wife who is sick, so I exchanged with him my quail for a woodcock. Cosier gave me his two and I gave Mother Purdy 2 and Mother Griswold 2. It rained a little before we got in. After tea, I went home and carried two woodcock for Mother, while Gussie gave the other two to her mother. 10/25 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning with every appearance of a storm. But after dinner, it came off beautiful. I went to the shop in the morning, expecting work but had none. I came up to Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and finally arranged to go hunting in the P.M. with John Cosier. Crosby found me ammunition if I would give him what birds I shot. Before going, however, I arranged with Mr. McDonald and Crawford for a horse and saddle to ride in the procession tomorrow at the mass meeting. I had Old Major, Dr. Lacey's dog. I shot a quail and a woodcock and gave them to Mr. Crosby in the evening. I received 4 letters from George by the morning mail. He has been detailed from his company for a musician in a Regimental Brass Band. In the evening, I went to the Union Club Room, and to an extra session of the Union League. Before retiring, I wrote a hasty letter to George. 10/26 WEDNESDAY - A great Union Mass Meeting. The day has been beautiful. I rode Mr. McDonald's horse in the cavalcade. The speaker's stand was built on the old Fairgrounds near the cemetery. The speakers were Col. M. Depew, General Gault of Arkansas and Colonel Noble of the 11th Regiment. The procession was about two miles long. After the speaking was over I assisted to load chairs and settees and take down the arch over the entrance to the Fairgrounds. I was in consequence late home to my tea. Father came down in the evening and brought us a chicken and then went to hear the speaking at Concert Hall. I went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and returned and spent the evening at home. I mailed a letter to George early this morning, also one for Gussie to Bloomfield. The procession was as follows: in the cavalcade of horsemen 250, of which 26 were ladies wagons, 305, whole number of horses, 633. 10/27 THURSDAY - Copperhead mass meeting. The speakers were ______________________. Their cavalcade numbered 66 of which 10 were ladies. Whole number of wagons 238. The day has been cloudy and a little cool. Avery Raymond brought me a barrel of apples, greenings priced at $2.25. At the same time, he took Father Griswold's cider barrel to fill for him. Fred Dunning wanted me to hunting with him, so about 2 o'clock we started. We saw but little game and shot none but the dog pointed on one quail and caught it in the grass before in could fly up. It was dark when we got home. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a Jeffersonian with some campaign documents enclosed to George. I called at the Club Room and at Swift's News Office to wait for the train which was quite late. There has been a Republican Mass Meeting today at Bridgeport, and I learned this evening since the arrival of the train that it was a success and a grand affair. The Copperheads are holding forth this evening at Concert Hall and are applauding with great earnestness expressions like the following. This is a wicked, unholy and infamous war and never should have existed. 10/28 FRIDAY - Stormy, no work in the shop. Bought a hat for George's friend, the postmaster at St. Augustine, Mr. George Cole, price, $5.00. I sent it by mail; the postage was 78 cents, weighing 13 ounces at 6 cents per ounce. I put it in a band box. I wrote a letter in the evening to Mr. Cole about the hat and enclosed the bill - $5.78. I wrote to George also, stating that I had mailed the hat to Mr. Cole. Fanny came home on the freight train this evening from Hartford County. She brought me 2 dozen of Griswold's Salve. 10/29 SATURDAY - No work on the shop. I went hunting in the afternoon with John Cosier. We went up by Philo Wildman's and nearly to Neversink Pond. We came home down through Tamarack Woods and by the cemetery. I got 4 quail, John got nothing. I gave the birds to Alden Crosby for the powder and shot he bought for me for that purpose. I had Mr. F. G. Jackson's dog, 'Milo'. Gussie went with me to market and to take Milo home in the evening. While we were hunting, it rained for a while and we got pretty wet. 10/30 SUNDAY - Brother Hill preached in the morning. Harriet attended Methodist meeting in the forenoon to tell me to get a team if I could and come for Mother at noon and take her to church. I got Thomas Lyon's horse and did so. A Mr. Buckley, who has been preaching at the 1st Church preached for us in the P.M. Lt. Colonel Moegling of the 11th Connecticut Volunteers was buried from the 1st Congregational at 2 P.M. I did not go out in the evening, retired early. We have had sunshine and clouds during the day, but no rain. A special train from Norwalk bringing Norwalk Military Company and Masons to Mr. Moegling's funeral. 10/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I have had work all day in the shop. I worked as long as I could see and longer too to finish off my dozen and get out of the way of the other men as these are to be numbers for the blocks tomorrow. Mrs. Stone did three weeks' washing for us today, she not being able to come last week as usual on account of her being sick. They have been making Freemen at the Courthouse today. I brought home an old paper box from the shop and cut into gun wads after tea. I went to market for Mother Griswold in the evening and called at the clubroom to hear the evening news. The news is that the official news of the Pennsylvania soldiers' vote is 12,000 for the Republicans. The horse trainer has been here today. He gave a public exhibition in the street.
1864-10
Horace Purdy Journal, January 1863 Entry
6pgs
1/1 Pleasant. I received $4.50 rent money from Mr. Swift in the morning. At about 9 o'clock I went to the Savings Bank and paid my net $21.00. I then went to the shop and worked until nearly 2 o'clock when I attended the funeral of John Basset's wife at the Disciple's church. After the funeral I came home and packed the box of good things and luxuries for George and took it to the Express Office in the evening. Mother and Belle were both down to help Gussie prepare the items for the box. I received a letter from George in the evening and hastily dropped just a few lines to him in reply I enclosed that receipt for the box. 1/2 Pleasant. I have been afflicted with a headache all day I worked in the shop until about 2 o'clock and then gave up and came home. I wrote a letter to George and mailed it in the evening. Gussie went downtown with me to look at Photograph Albums. She got a letter from her Brooklyn friend Elizabeth Mead. Louise stayed with Eddy to let Gussie go with me. 1/3 Pretty cold in the morning, but pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. In the evening I rubbed my [hands] with salt peter and molasses. I went to the post office and before I came home I bought a looking glass and small earthenware pot to put down some butter in to send to George next week. I went up to Father's with the pot to get Mother to fill it with butter. 1/4 Cold last night and early this morning but the day has been pleasant and has grown warmer during the day, cloudy just at night and in the evening with even possibility of rain. I went to church in the evening, this being the first Sabbath in the New Year. Our Sabbath School devoted the hour to recitations of passages of Scripture appropriate for the occasion. Both teachers and scholars participated; it was a most interesting session. In the P.M., I wrote to George. Gussie wrote to Harriet and mailed both in the evening as she went to church. 1/5 Pleasant and warm. I worked as usual in the shop. I came from work a little earlier than common in order to go before the Board of Relief to swear off $700.00 from my tax list onto Alfred Gregory who holds my note for that amount. I afterword came home and packed a box of good things for George and took them to the Express Office in the evening. I dropped a line to George and enclosed the receipt for his box. 1/6 Sunshine, fog and rain in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop I gave Mr. Ashley some extracts from George's letter for publication I attended Hatters' meeting in the evening. I was excused before it was out and came home after. Mr. Swift spent the evening with us after he came home from his office. We had nuts, apples and cider. 1/7 Pleasant but it grew cold very fast during the day and very windy. I worked late in the shop. Mother called on her way to class in the evening. I mailed the Danbury Times to George and directed a letter to him which was left at Mr. Swift's office for him to direct and mail. I went to class in the evening. Br. McDonald led. 1/8 Pleasant and cold I was rather late getting to the shop this morning but worked enough harder to make up the deficiencies in time. I filed off the toes of my skates in the evening preparatory to using them. I went to the Post Office in the evening and stayed at Mr. Swift's office until he closed up and the walked up with him. We intended to go over to the pond and skate a little, but when we got to the house we concluded to stay by the fire as the night was pretty cold. 1/9 Cloudy all day with the prospect of snow. I worked as usual in the shop. Bell came down just before night to stay all night. She took care of Eddie in the evening and let Gussie go into the street with me. We did some trading and then went down to the Skating Park a little while. I took my skates and skated a little. We saw Jennie Fairweather there learning. This is the first of my skating for the season. 1/10 It began to rain in the P.M. and rained very hard in the evening. I went to market in the evening. I carried over to the church from Mr. Swift's office 75 of the New Lesson books which we have been procuring for the church. 150 were ordered but only half of them have come. I walked up with Joe Young. I rubbed my hands for the last time before I retired to bed. 1/11 Pleasant. Went to church in the morning Sunday school prayer meeting at noon, first of the New Lesson books were given out at the school. Isabella came up and stayed with Eddie to let Gussie start for afternoon meeting (which was the Sacrament Service) as I was very busy in the school and was necessarily detained quite late. Gussie went and I came home with a severe headache. Bro. Crawford was unfortunate during the communion and spilled some wine on Mrs. B. Bradley's bonnet strings. After tea I wrote a letter to George and then we went up into Mr. Swifts' part a little while. While there, Mother and Uncle Horace [Maybie] came in on their way to evening meeting. I sent my letter to the office by her. Uncle Horace came up yesterday and is staying over Sunday with our folks. 1/12 Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop John Brush has been around the shop drunk all day. He pretended to work a little but hindered the other men more than anything else. I paid Mr. Jacob Fry $6.73 for a quarter beef which I had of him. I paid also for the Sunday School $15.00 to O.H. Swift for Lesson Books, 150 in number. I attended Teacher's Meeting in the evening. They voted to have a Sunday School Festival on Wednesday evening the 28th of this month I walked up home with Mr. Swift and then we went down to the Skating Park for a little time. It was after nine o'clock when we started. 1/13 Pleasant in the early part of the day but cloudy in the P.M. I rose rather late this morning in consequence of retiring after midnight last night. I have worked all day in the shop, though I have been very sick with a severe cold. Gussie went up home and brought down George's nightcap which he wants me to send to him in the army to sleep in these cold nights. A General Class meeting at the church in the evening. Gussie attended while I stayed with Eddie. During the evening, I fixed the straps to my skates in a different manner from what they have heretofore been. I also copied the minutes of the Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting which was held last evening. 1/14 Feeling almost sick. I did not go the shop in the morning and in the P.M. only to finish off 4 hats of a dozen left over from yesterday's work. While doing so, William Curtis, discharged from Capt. Moore's Co. 17th Regt called at the shop. I procured a small box to send to George to send home his watch and bought some licorice and put in it. I wrote a letter to him before night. I bought a pair of skates for Gussie. The price of them was $1 [???], but as they were the last pair of the kind and pretty large for ladies' use, I procured them for [???] at Joseph M. Ives. Gussie attended the Festival at the Temperance Lodge in the evening by invitation and I went to hear Mason Jones lecture, subject Garibaldi. I accompanied Mrs. Swift to the lecture. Mr. Swift could not do so on account of tending door at the Hall. Before going in I took a letter from the Office by the evening mail from George. He is sick with the Jaundice. I added a postscript in the letter I was about to mail and mailed it. I mailed the matchbox and The Danbury Times also. After the Lecture while waiting for Gussie to return form the festival, I wrote another letter to him. Bell came down and stayed with Eddy while we were at the Festival and Lecture. It rained hard when Gussie came home. We retired about midnight. 1/15 Raining. Foggy and warm. Before going to the shop this morning, I went to the bank with the draft George sent to me for $10. I endorsed it and left it for collection. Father Griswold brought home a black dog today from New York. After tea, I finished my letters to George and Cousin David Mills. I sent George's nightcap to him in his letter. I went to the Office in the evening and sent the items. 1/16 A severe rainstorm. I have been to the shop all day though I have been nearly sick with my cold. In consequence of which, I have not earned much. Mother called on her way to meeting. Having lost the bottom of her lantern, she went into the street with me and then I lent her mine to go home with after meeting. Mr. Swift brought a new on e and I walked up by the light of his. Before doing so, I carried over to the church and put into the library the remainder of the new Lesson Books which I have had via Mr. Swift since Sunday. It cleared off about 8 o'clock in the evening. 1/17 Pleasant and cold. Bell came to see if I would go up home and spend the evening if Gussie would go up with Eddy in the P.M. I worked as long as I could see. After I went home I took Gussie's new skates back to Joseph Ives and exchanged them for another pair of cheaper ones and more suitable for her to use in learning. I waited until the mail came and then got a letter for Bell from George and then went up to Father's and spent the remainder of the evening. Father Griswold and Harriet Wheeler were up there with Gussie in the P.M. In George's letter, he said that the boxes of luxuries were received all right. We came home about 10 o'clock. 1/18 Pleasant and cold. I went to church in the morning. I was detained very late at the Sabbath School to distribute and take pay for the new Lesson Books. I came home so late that Gussie could not attend in the P.M. After tea, I wrote to George. Mother and Bell came in on their way to evening meeting. I enclosed a letter for Bell. Gussie went to meeting with them. 1/19 Pleasant and cold. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I took my pieces of dried beef and my hams over to Mr. Olmstead to be smoked and then went to market and to the Post Office. After I returned I took my skates and went over to George Starr's pond for a short time. I found Philander Brotherton and wife over there. She was just learning having on skates for the first time. I assisted her a little. 1/20 Foggy. No sunshine in the P.M. I worked all day as usual in the shop. Eddy sick last night and today he has had a high fever. It left him just at night and he appears much better. I carried another piece of beef to be smoked over to Mr. Olmstead's in the evening. From there, I went to a General Class meeting at the church. 1/21 Stormy. Snow. I worked as usual at the shop. I went to the Post Office in the evening and mailed the Danbury Times to George. I called on Dr. Bulkely at his office to consult him about Eddy. About 10 o'clock he was so much worse that I went to his residence for him. He had retired. He prescribed different medicine and said he would call in the morning. I took my beef from the brine in the evening and covered it with water in a tub and poured away the brine on account of its being so very salty. I intend to make new brine for it, one that will not be so salt. Gussie commenced a letter to Elizabeth. 1/22 Cloudy and a little rain. I sat up with Eddy last night until 3 o'clock this morning and then Gussie got up and I went to bed until morning. Mr. Swift had a tedious night also with his wounded arm. I sawed a little wood for him before I went to work. I took back my suit of clothes and finally got them for $16.00. I brought them home from Mr. Harris' last evening to try them on and decide upon taking them. He wanted $17.00 for the suit coat, vest and pants. I went to the Danbury Bank and drew the $10.00 that George sent the check for payable to me. It was after nine o'clock when I got to the shop. I have felt miserable on account of being up so late last night. The doctor came this morning after I left announced Eddie's complaint to be Diphtheria. The ' dozen [???] Questions books for Mrs. John Crosier came today. About ten o'clock in the evening Eddie was taken with strangling and I went immediately for Dr. Bulkely. His son William came with him. He prepared a wash for his throat and swabbed it out. Father and Mother Griswold and Fanny all came down. Father Griswold prayed with us before he went back. Fanny came down again to watch and we retired. 1/23 Eddie's sickness made it late before I went to the shop. Doctor came just before I went. He pronounced him much better. I came home to dinner. Doctor came again in the P.M. and found Eddie gaining fast. It cleared off just before night. I got a letter from George in the evening. Frank Butler's boy was taken with the Diphtheria today. 1/24 Gussie sat up with Eddie last night until 1 o'clock this morning and then I took her place and she retired. I went to the shop rather late but did but a little work. Came home from the shop. I went around by Mr. Olmstead's and got one of my pieces of smoked beef. I went to market in the evening. I received a letter from George this noon and another this evening. 1/25 Gussie sat up with Eddie last night until 1 o'clock and then I got up and she retired. He is better today. I attended church today and gave Bro. Crawford a notice to be read for the Sunday School Festival on Wednesday evening of this week. After Sunday School, I came home and slept a part of the P.M. The Union Sunday School concert was held at our church this afternoon in place of the regular service. After tea, father came down to see us. Mother has been sick also with the Diphtheria, but is now better. I wrote to George after tea and mailed a paper (Semi Weekly Tribune) to him. Fanny carried them to the Office as she went to evening meeting. After she had gone, I got up and directed a box of troaches to him and went down and mailed them. I returned and soon retired in order to get all the rest I could before getting up in the middle of the night to take care of Eddie again. 1/26 Pleasant in the morning, but it soon became cloudy, misty and warm. I sat up the latter part of the night with Eddie. On account of rest yesterday, I have felt more like work today and have improved it accordingly. Doctor pronounced Eddie to be much better today and he really appears to be so. I went to the Post Office in the evening and mailed Mother's letter to Harriet which I should have done last night but forgot it. I called at Doctor's office and talked with him about Eddie and then came home. I found Mother Griswold with Gussie. She gave me a talking to for not staying at home with Gussie and Eddie during the day instead of working at the shop. I did not think it necessary to do so as he appears to be better. 1/27 Stormy. Fanny stayed with Eddie until 2 o'clock this morning. Before going to the shop this morning, I deposited in the Savings Bank for George $10.00 which he sent by check from the army in Va. I left an order on Dr. Bulkely's slate for him to visit Eddie and leave medicine. He is much better today. I went to the Post Office and market in the evening. I ordered ' bushel oysters brought up tomorrow. 1/28 The ground slightly covered with snow this morning. It began to snow again in the middle of the day and continued all day increasing in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. Our Sunday School Festival came off in the evening and considering the unpleasant weather, the children came out in good numbers and all appeared to enjoy it much. I attended but came home before it was over. Gussie stayed at home with Eddie, who is much better today. I brought some samples of the cake to Eddie. 1/29 A quite heavy body of snow on the ground this morning and still snowing Isabell stayed with Louisa up to Mother Griswold's after returning from the festival last night. She has stayed with Gussie all day and is to go up to stay with Louisa again tonight on account of our bed being occupied by Mr. Swift's brother. It cleared off just at night and is colder. 1/30 Pleasant. Isabella has been with us again today, but went home just at night. I worked as long as I could see. After tea I went up [house?] to engage Father for Jo. Young to saw some wood tomorrow. I then went to the Post Office and home. I received a letter from George. I took one from the Office also for Harriet from Abel. 1/31 Pleasant. I have worked hard as usual in the shop as long as I could see. Bell came down before dinner and stayed with Eddie in the P.M. to let Gussie go out to make a few calls. I went to market in the evening.
1863-01