Horace Purdy Journal May 1865 Entry
10pgs
05/01 MONDAY - The insurance runs out today and as I went to work this morning, I took the policy to get it renewed. I called at L. C. Hoyt's office and found that he died this morning at five minutes past 4 o'clock. Some say that it was the spotted fever that killed him and others that it was erysipelas, and some say that it was the plague that is prevailing in Russia, and one account is that Dr. Bennett gave him powerful medicines and poisoned him. He was well a week ago. The insurance on my house and furniture which I wished to renew was in the Aetna Company. I concluded to defer the matter until he was buried and someone began to conduct the insurance business in his stead. Burr Bradley is very sick. He has indications of a fever. After tea tonight, I went over to see him and took a pail at his house and got some ice as I went into the street. 05/02 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I pulled some weeds from my strawberry bed until dark and then went over to see Burr Bradley. He is pretty sick, no better than yesterday and last night. He wished me to order through Peter Starr one dozen lesson books, 1st Series. I went to the paper office and did so. When I came home, I walked up West Street with Nathaniel Cable. L. C. Hoyt was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. The services were in our church. I did not go, but Gussie did by going up and getting Bell to take care of Georgie. I took the baby carriage over to McDonald's as I went for milk this noon and had it mended. 05/03 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but rather cool. Gussie got up with a severe headache, tried to get breakfast but could not, so I cooked it myself. I ate, cleared off the table and went to the shop. I found Gussie very much better when I came home from work. After tea, I went over to see Burr Bradley and found him better. From there, I went to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Bought my first mess of porgies at Raymond's three large ones for 13 cents. From there, I went down to Billy Kyle's in the Pahquioque Block and bought a large shad for Father Griswold for 18 cents a lb. 05/04 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday, though there was a white frost this morning. Just as I was starting for the shop, Mr. Stevens, the gardener, came to spade my garden for me. As the manure was not yet on the garden, I stayed to get it out. It was coal ashes, door yard grass and other vegetable matter. The best part of the forenoon being used in getting out the ash heap, I then concluded to spend the day in planting. Accordingly, I went into the street for some garden seeds, June potatoes, etc. I spent the P.M. in planting lima beans, potatoes, sweet corn, string peas, beets and parsnips. Miss English and her friend Miss Brown called in the P.M.; also Bell Purdy. In the evening, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George and called to see Mr. B. Bradley. He is worse than he was yesterday. 05/05 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I planted more potatoes in my garden before going to the shop this morning. On my way, I carried to Parmalee & Bradley's 5 lbs., 10 oz. of pieplant for Mother Griswold. Gussie drew Georgie up home on Deer Hill this A.M and spent the day. When I came home from work, I found the house locked. I got my supper ready to eat just as she came in accompanied by Bell. After supper, I went over to see Burr Bradley and found him more comfortable than he was last night, though I suppose he is really but little if any better. I then went to the Post Office and home. 05/06 SATURDAY - Stormy. It rained gently all day until just at night and in the evening when it rained very hard in showers. There was some lightning with it but no thunder. On my way to work in the morning, I carried my boots to Reed's Shoe Store to have some pegs drove in the soles to stop them squeaking. I came home to my dinner for the first time since last fall. After tea, I went over to see Burr Bradley. I engaged to go and watch with him tonight. Mr. Pond got some trompe De Gard Strawberry plants of Father Griswold this morning and set them out. I planted a few more potatoes in the garden this morning, also some squash. I took 6 lbs. of pieplant for Mother Griswold this morning and started for Parmalee & Bradley's store with it but sold it to Hoyt Dibble, engineer at Mr. Crofut's Forming Factory in West Street. 05/07 SUNDAY - I watched with Burr Bradley last night. I came home about half past four this morning and went to bed. I slept until 8 o'clock. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home as soon as church was out and I went down to Sunday School and attended preaching in the P.M. Brother Hill preached upon the providences of God in our own congregation during the past week, viz. the death of L. C. Hoyt, the severe sickness of Burr Bradley, etc. His text was ____. A dispatch was received today that Sally Ames (Sally Keeler it used to be) was dead. She being pregnant miscarried, at the same time had the small pox. She died at 10 o'clock this morning. After tea, Fanny came down to take care of Georgie to let Gussie and I go to call at Burr Bradley's that I might leave the Sunday School collection - 65 cents with him as he is the treasurer. His wife took the money and brought the book so that I could put down the amount taken. I did not see him as he is too feeble to see anyone. From there we called on Mrs. Stone (our wash woman) and at Daniel Starr's. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the evening while I stayed with Georgie. As she went she mailed a Harper's Weekly to George for me. 05/08 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the bedroom tearing off the paper preparatory to putting on the new. She made out nearly a day's work. I paid her a dollar. I helped her shake carpets at noon after dinner. In the evening, Louisa took care of Georgie and Gussie went with me and bought some paper for the bedroom. Dr. Bennett and son and Dr. Lacey held a consultation this morning and decided that his disease was erysipelas and that there was no hope in his case. I called a little after 6 o'clock as I came home from work and found him dying. After buying paper in the evening, Gussie and I came that way home. Gussie went home soon after seeing him and I stayed a while and fanned him. I left him fading fast and got home at 10 o'clock. While in the street I left my watch with Captain S. G. Bailey for repairs. Received this noon through the Post Office a blank to be filled out with my income the past year. It was from C.H Sanford, Asst. Assessor of the U. S. Internal Revenue. Showery just at night and in the evening. 05/09 TUESDAY - Stormy all day. I started for the shop and went by way of Burr Bradley's to see what time he died and when he was to be buried as I supposed that he was certainly dead as none expected last night that he would live until morning. But to my surprise, he was still alive. There being no man present except his own family friends, I pulled off my boots and stood over him until he died which was a quarter to 12 o'clock. I gave him his last nourishment and wet his lips the last time. Soon after he was done breathing, I put his false upper teeth in his mouth, closed his eyes and mouth and helped tie a handkerchief under his chin to keep his jaw in place. I took two pennies (large ones) from my pocket and placed them on his eyelids after they were wrapped in paper to prevent them from coloring the lids. I came home to dinner and returned again soon after to assist if necessary in laying him out, but the undertaker, Mr. Holy (?) and Amos Stone had already begun the job and needed no more help. So I then took the blank sent to Burr by the Assistant assessor of the U. S. Internal Revenue and carried it to the Assessor (C. H. Sanford) to see what could be done in regard to it. He was not sure that it could be collected (the tax). I left the blank with him and he is to see if the payment of the tax by the widow can be avoided. I handed in my own receipts for 1864, which were as follows: wages for the year, $773.62, rent upstairs rooms, $36.00making the total receipt $809.62. The deducting from the sum total $66.00 interest money and insurance $4.20 and taxes $3.80, it leaves $735.62. The deducting $600.00 not liable to taxation. It leaves subject to tax $135.62 which at 3 percent tax will make it $6.78 as my taxes under the Internal Revenue law. I went to the shop about 3 o'clock and finished off a dozen hats I commenced yesterday and then quit. I came home by way of Burr's to see about watchers. I took it upon myself to procure two for the night which I did in the Street in the evening by getting George Hamilton and Captain E.E. Wildman. Gussie went over to see the corpse in the evening and I came home that way to come home with her and to tell them that watchers were engaged. 05/10 MONDAY - pleasant but a little cool. I took 12 lbs. of pieplant to Parmalee & Bradley's Store for Father Griswold as I went to the shop. We notified Mr.Crofut this forenoon that if he wished to keep his men he must advance $2 per dozen on his whole bill. He agreed to give it. We worked until noon and then all hands attended Burr Bradley's funeral, which was at 2 o'clock at the house. From there we repaired to the church where Brother Hill preached a sermon. I, in company with several other hat finishers walked up to the cemetery and witnessed the burying. After tea, I went over to Mr. Lynes' and got some lettuce plants which Robert Cocking, his gardener who lives with me promised to give me. I gave David Bradley a few of them on my way home. It took me until quite dark to set them all out. David and Hart then came along and I went with them downtown. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. In it was the death of Burr Bradley and Uncle Stephen. While in the street, I saw Andrew Knox about papering our bedroom. It is doubtful about his being able to do it this week. I fear we will be obliged to engage someone else as the room is all ready for the paper. I bought some halibut and went with David Bradley around to call on Mrs. Bradley to see how she was bearing the loss of her husband and to get the dress that Gussie had borrowed for her of Mrs. Barnum. 05/11 THURSDAY - Rain last night and this forenoon. It partly cleared away in the P.M. and the sun shone a little. A little splatter of rain about 6 o'clock and a very hard shower with thunder and lightning and a tremendous wind about 7 o'clock. I heard in the evening that it blew over the spire of the Presbyterian Church in Bethel and unroofed one house. Andrew Knox papered our bedroom in the P.M. He finished before I returned from work and lest his l=pocket knife. He consequently went home without his pay. Mrs. Cocking came down and stayed with Gussie in the evening while I went to get my Aetna insurance policy renewed by the General Traveling Agent who is now here to adjust the business that was left by the death of L.C. Hoyt. I then went over to Widow Burr Bradley's to get the list of S.S. Advocate Subscribers to mark off the papers for distribution on Sunday. She not only gave me the list of names but gave all the books pertaining to the Secretary and Treasurer of the School which I took until the School appoints someone in Brother Bradley's place. My insurance policy I put up in an envelope to send to Aaron Mallett at West Redding, but on account of the lateness of the hour I did not mail it. 05/12 FRIDAY - Stormy last night and this morning, but it cleared off about noon, pleasant but a little cool. On my way to work this morning, I mailed my insurance policy to Aaron Mallet, West Redding. Not feeling well, I came home before night. On my way home, I engaged ton of coal of Tom Sproul which came between 5 and 6 o'clock. I also took one dozen lesson books from Starr & Hopkins (through whom we got them from New York) and carried them over to the church. Before tea, I helped Gussie put down the bedroom carpet. Brought our last ham down from Father Griswold's barn after tea and cut a slice for our breakfast tomorrow morning and cut off a piece which we feared was fly blown to boil for dinner tomorrow. I wrote to Aaron Mallett, West Redding notifying him that I had sent him my insurance policy and telling him why I delayed so long before sending it which was that the agent L. C. Hoyt was dead. I sent the letter to the office in the evening by Gussie as she went to the milliner's and to Sewing Society. I spent a part of the evening in looking over the Sunday School secretary and treasurer's books which have been temporarily been given into my hands since the death of W. B. Bradley, out old Secretary and treasurer. The Sunday School Advocates have come and I tried to find among the books and papers the list of subscribers in order that I might mark off the papers ready to distribute on Sunday but I could not make the list which I found agree in numbers with the number of papers received from New York. 05/13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warmer today. We moved the bed back again into the bedroom from the parlor where we put it in order to clean and paper the bedroom. I helped move the bureau and such things as required my help and then went to the shop. On my way home to dinner, I took three letters out of the Post Office from George. There were two more there, one for Mother and one for Harriet. The two last are written April 21 and 24 and speak of the surrender of General Lee and army to General Grant and the assassination of Lincoln. I worked until nearly 7 o'clock in the evening to finish up the work I had out. Gussie made calls at Mrs. Daniel Starr's and Widow Burr Bradley this P.M. and went up to the cemetery. I met Andrew Knox and paid him $1.40 for papering our bedroom last Thursday. Gussie went to the milliner's in the evening while I went to market and around to Widow Burr Bradley's to see about the list of subscribers for the Sunday School Advocates. 05/14 SUNDAY - A lovely day but it clouded over again in the evening threatening a storm. I stayed with Georgie in the forenoon to let Gussie attend church. Brother Hill having a boil on his foot sat down and preached. Sunday School Prayer meeting at noon. I commenced taking names for the Sunday School Advocate at noon. Brother Bradley began it before he was taken sick but did not complete it before he died. I have taken charge of the books until another Secretary and Treasurer can be elected. On account of Brother Hill's sore foot the sacrament was not administered in the P.M., but Mr. Van Meter who is here with 11 girls and 1 boy from the Howard Mission preached or talked to the church and his girls sang some sweet music. They were arranged inside the altar. Mr. Van Meter talked and his children sang at the Baptist Church this forenoon. Mother came home to our house to tea. At 4 o'clock the three Sunday Schools, 1st and 2nd Congregational and Baptist, assembled at our church to hear Mr. Van Meter and his girls. I went to hear them again. When it was over I got George Cosier to take Mother home from my house. Bell came home from the 4 o'clock meeting and stayed until evening meeting time and went to hear them again at the 1st church with Gussie. I sent a letter and Harper's Weekly to the Post Office by Gussie as she went and mailed them to George at St. Augustine, Florida. As I was coming from the regular afternoon service this P.M. and got just at the head of our street in West Street, I saw Curtis Hoyt get run away with. He had his Grandfather Hoyt's double team and was coming for Mary Richards to take her up to Pembroke where she teaches school. There was a little girl in with him, his cousin a daughter of Frank Hoyt's. They were thrown out and the wagon turned bottom upwards and dragged as far as the corner of George Street by Mr. Pond's where the horses were stopped; neither of them were badly hurt. Rumors that Jeff Davis and cabinet are captured. 05/15 MONDAY - It has been a beautiful day, though early this morning, I feared a storm. I drew $2.50 for Burr Bradley and $.67 in checks making $3.17 his due at the shop. As I came home from work, I carried it to his widow. The papers today officially confirm the capture of Jeff Davis. The first dozen wire brim hats were weighted out today. After tea, I went to the Jeffersonian office to see about the publishing of George's last letter. From there, I went to market and to the Post Office and came home. Mr. Basset's wife died very suddenly today. Dr. Bennett says it was similar to what Clark Hoyt and Burr Bradley died with. I sat up until 12 o'clock preparing a letter for publication in the Jeffersonian for George. 05/16 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked hard all day in the shop. Edwin Whaley and William Carlson were shopped after dinner. I sent at noon by Joseph Kyle to have Nathan Farrell send me a # barrel of ale beer which he did in the P.M. I gave Mr. Cocking a glass in the evening and then rode down to market with him. Sarah Purdy called just as I went downtown with Robert. Before retiring, I worked awhile at Cosmopolite's letter for publication. 05/17 WEDNESDAY - Very warm, the warmest of the season. It has been almost intolerable in the shop. Edwin Whaley and William Carlson worked for the first time in the shop today; the first since they were shopped which was yesterday. William Patch was buried this P.M. After tea, I went into the street and got my Jeffersonian and mailed one to George. I returned immediately for fear of being caught in a shower which threatened. As I came home, I overtook Miss English who was coming to call on us and walked home with her. She talked awhile and played with Georgie and then returned to Dr. Ryder's where she is stopping. I did not go to class on account of the threatening shower. Before retiring, I completed arranging George's letter to the Jeffersonian for publication. After tea and before going downtown, I planted some cucumbers. 05/18 THURSDAY - Cloudy with a cool East wind during the day. It began to rain a little in the evening. On my way to work this morning, I left George's letter at the Jeffersonian for publication. I also dropped a line in the Post Office to Andrew Knox for Mother Griswold this morning. 05/19 FRIDAY - Still cloudy; no hard rain but misty. I planted some evergreen corn in the garden before breakfast. After dinner the shop was called and a vote passed that we Have $2.50 extra for a scoped faced block finished on a scope band. Mr. Crofut was sent for to talk up the matter. He finally agreed to give the $2.50 extra for a scope faced block which was designed to cover the Spring Brim. I worked until nearly 7 o'clock. Received a letter this noon from Aaron Mallett acknowledging the receipt of the insurance policy. 05/20 SATURDAY - I pulled weeds from my strawberry bed before breakfast until the rain drove me off. It rained very hard for a time in the morning. I worked as usual in the shop. This is the third day I have been on the Spring Brim hats. We have just announced that style of a hat. There is a prospect of a large run on them. I came home for dinner and found Mrs. Stone cleaning house for Gussie. The bedroom upstairs and the bedroom has been her work for today. Mother Griswold was with us to dinner. I helped Mrs. Stone shake carpet before returning to work. I worked until 6 o'clock to finish off a dozen. I went to market in the evening. I waited for the mail before coming home and received a letter from George. Miss English came for some pepper plants which Robert left for her. Mr. Cocking lost his pocketbook today with about $8.00 and some papers of more or less value. He purchased an article at George Hurd & Sons and that is the last he remembers of the pocketbook. 05/21 SUNDAY - South wind and warm. A little rain in the morning. Flying clouds so that we had but little sunshine. I stayed home in the forenoon and let Gussie go to church. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and to the afternoon service. I wrote to George; sent a Harper's Weekly to him also. Wrote a note to the editor of the Connecticut War record in New Haven and enclosed a copy of George's letter in the Jeffersonian for publication in the War record. It is to be printed in the Jeffersonian this week. _____ from the Five Points Mission reached for us this morning and took a collection for the mission. A collection was also taken for the Lincoln Monument. After tea, Father called to see us. I gave him a glass of ale. From here he went over to Aunt Louisa's. I stayed with Georgie in the evening and let Gussie go to Prayer Meeting. As she went, she mailed my letters and papers. Mr. T. Scofield's adopted child Charlie died this P.M. at 5 o'clock. 05/22 MONDAY - Lowery all day. A very little rain in the P.M. I worked hard until 7 o'clock in the evening and earned the largest wages ever in my life - $7.00. Dwight Rogers became father to a little daughter this forenoon. Our old nurse Miss English is nursing Mrs. Rogers. I went to market in the evening and down to Mr. Thompson's to get my truss repaired, cleaned, covered and a new pad. He charged me $2.00. Charlie Scofield was buried this P.M. at 3 o'clock. Gussie went to the funeral. While I was down to Mr. Thompson's in the evening, Sarah Purdy called. 05/23 TUESDAY - Lowery in the morning. The Masonic Order of this town went to Norwalk this morning by a special train to attend a celebration. It cleared off about noon; a little cooler. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the parlor today. After dinner and before returning to the shop, I helped her shake the carpet. After tea, I nailed down the carpet and Gussie put the room in order. Mr. Cocking came to bring his wife home from Mr. Lynes' and I rode downtown and back again with him. By evening mail I received a note from John W. Norris, editor of the War record acknowledging the receipt of George's letter for publication. Bell came down about 4 P.M. in a great fright about Mother who had a poor turn. After I returned from market about 49 o'clock, I went up home to see her and found her rather poorly but to all appearances at least not more so than she has been for some considerable time past. I feel rather old today on account of working hard yesterday and setting up until midnight to repair my truss. 05/24 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful day. Mrs. Stone cleaned the sitting room and sink room today. I have felt nearly sick today from a hard cold. I worked all day nevertheless. After tea, I helped Mrs. Stone put down the sitting room carpet. I went down to the Post Office and to the news Office for the Sunday School Advocate. I being very tired retired early. Father Griswold up to Mother today. He thinks her to be in a worse situation than ever before. 05/25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked until 7 o'clock in the evening to finish off a dozen hats. After tea, I sharpened some Pea Bush. I broke the crystal to my watch last night while putting down the sitting room carpet and carried it in my hand as I went to the shop this morning until I got to Robinson's store where I got it repaired. Susan Hancock came on the evening train to make a visit to Father Griswold. Report from Miss Barber had a letter from ___ of the 7th regiment that they were soon coming home. 05/26 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop but came home earlier than usual to bush my peas. After doing it, I pulled weeds from my strawberry bed until nearly dark and then, to let Gussie go to the Sewing Society at Dr. Brown's, I came in to take care of the baby. Louisa came in however, and sat by him to let me go see if Mr. Barnum on the corner wanted by yard grass for the mowing. I did not see him but while returning, met Nathaniel Gable and he came in with me to have me refer to my journal and see when it was that George Davis enlisted. We found it was about September 1st, 1864. Gussie drew Georgie up home this P.M. to see Mother. She found her quite cheerful though poorly. 05/27 SATURDAY - Cloudy during the day; rain just at night. I left the shop about 4 o'clock and came home and borrowed Mr. Pond's scythe and mowed my dooryard. Jacob Fry (one of my shop mates) came and raked it up, I having promised it to him for raking up. After tea, I went downtown and brought home a pair of patent leather boots to try them tomorrow if I concluded to keep them. A fellow from New York State named Nichols was run away with this evening in Delay Street this evening. Upon turning the corner at Liberty St., the wagon struck a tree at which time the horse broke one hid leg. The last seen of him, a fellow was leading him up West Street and was reported that he was going toward the Bogg's to kill him. The leg was so badly broken that it dangled about and he was obliged to go on three legs. 05/28 SUNDAY - Rain last night, lowery all day and some fine rain. Gussie went to church in the morning and I to Sunday School in the P.M. I acted as Secretary and Treasurer of the School and arranged with David Bradley to take my place at the library. The Superintendent (George Starr) wishes me to take Brother W. B. Bradley's place as Secretary-Treasurer. I am acting in that capacity though no appointment has yet been made since Brother Bradley's death by the Board of Officers and Teachers. I distributed the Sunday School Advocates for the first time since Brother Bradley's death. After tea, Father came down and brought a bottle to get some ale for Mother. I went up home with him to see Mother. I found Mr. and Mrs. Squires there. I went into the parlor and sang with Bell a little while she played and came home again about 7 o'clock. I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George in the evening. I sent it to the Post Office by Fanny as I did not go to meeting. I took care of baby and let Gussie go to the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street to hear Dr. Hanley deliver a discourse on the Protestant Episcopal Church. 05/30 MONDAY - Rainy this morning. The wind got around into the west after dinner and the sun shone for a while, but just at night and in the evening it was cloudy again. I drew for my last two weeks work $62.00, the largest wages I ever earned before. I worked until 7 o'clock before coming home to tea. After tea, I returned the grindstone up to Father Griswold's barn for Mr. Carlson to grind our scythes that he might mow his door yard. While we were grinding, David Bradley was putting casters on Mother Griswold's kitchen table legs. We were until dark grinding the scythes and sickles. I then went to market, at the same time taking my new patent leather boots Mr. Benedict's (where I bought them) and paid for them $6.50 and left them to have some steel nails put into the heels on the outer edges. Mr. Cocking brought me some pepper plants this morning and I set them out at noon. He brought some for Father Griswold at the same time with some eggplants. I got another package of Sunday School Advocates for Sunday School. 05/31 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I worked hard all day until 7 o'clock in the evening. When I came home to tea, I found Miss English, our old nurse, talking with wife and baby. She just called for a few minutes; she is now nursing Dwight Roger's wife. Mr. Pond has been trimming up his sidewalk today. I went to market in the evening and walked up the street with John Cosier. 05/31 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. On my way to work in the morning I left my 5 gallon can at B&N's for 5 gallons of oil. I paid him for it and he sent it up before noon. From there I went up to S.G. Bailey's Jewelry Store to get a hand on my watch which got off last night. He put it on and charged me nothing. Mr. Fowler sent up 3 lbs. of butter today. While we were drinking tea, Father came down with a bittersweet vine for Mother Griswold and wanted to borrow Father Griswold's scythe. I helped him grind it. Also Mr. Pond's which I intend to use tomorrow. I drew some ale and Father and I took a glass. I went to market in the evening. When I returned, I drew some more ale for Mr. Cocking.
1865-05
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal February 1865 Entry
8pgs
02/01 WEDNESDAY - The weather quite moderate and cloudy in the A.M. The sun shone in the afternoon and just at night the wind began to blow with the appearance of being colder. Father Griswold's folks had company to tea. Gussie, Baby, Bell and I went up there. Brother Hill (preacher) and wife, Bartram and wife, Scofield and wife, C. T. Stevens and wife, R. Wildman and wife, and George Starr and wife made up the party. They borrowed our table to put with theirs and had them filled twice at that. The second table however was only about half filled. Harriet had Josie baptized before tea by Father Griswold. It was done before I got home. I mailed the Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Wendell Phillips lectured this evening at Concert Hall. I cannot attend. The papers say today that the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery throughout the length and breadth of the land was passed by Congress. 02/02 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but cooler that yesterday. I was put from black hats onto Full Stiff Vicuna Col. (called Brush), but in reality only 'Jack Ups' today. After tea, I went to market and Mother Griswold came down and prepared some doughnuts for Gussie which she intends to fry tomorrow. I bought a new top for one of our high fluid lamps for burning kerosene oils without a chimney. Received another letter from George today in which he acknowledged the receipt of the $10.00 I sent him. 02/02 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning; cloudy in the P.M. and in the evening. I was late getting to the shop this morning, but worked very hard and was tired at night. As I came from work at night, I took from the Office a package of old letters from George which he sent home for preservation. Bell went to the Children's Singing School at the Baptist Church in the evening. I went to market and brought home a brass bound Cedar Water Jack, price 88 cents. A war meeting in the basement of Concert Hall in the evening for the purpose of filling our quota for the coming call for troops and thereby save a draft. I did not stay but came home. The evening post says that the rebel peace commissioners and our authorities have met and are on board of one of our gunboats on the James River in conference with each other. The baby is poorly with a severe cold and Gussie called in Dr. Buckley today as he was riding by. Mother Griswold came down this morning after breakfast and helped Gussie make a bunch of doughnuts. Father Griswold started for the train this morning and got left. He took the stage and went to the city by way of Brewster Station. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. 02/04 SATURDAY - The ground was just whitened over with snow this morning and some of the old ice besides before night. I have felt miserable today; it is without doubt from the effects of the poison from the hats which is inhaled while finishing them. David Mills came up on the freight train to call on Mr. T. Barnum, the War Claim Agent, to see about his back pay and pension which is being procure by him (Barnum). He called on me at the shop. The afternoon was warm and pleasant. I went to market in the evening. A caucus was held in the basement of Concert Hall in the evening to nominate delegates to the _____. 02/05 SUNDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a snow squall at 10 o'clock in the A. M. bot colder than yesterday; Windy, much like March. Cousin Eugene Douglas from New York City came to Father Griswold's by the train last evening. I spent the forenoon at the Sunday School Library alphabetically arranging the books. Gussie came home at noon to take care of baby and let Gussie go to church in the P.M. I stayed down and attended too. After tea, Father came down as usual. When Gussie's cousin Eugene finished his tea, Mother Griswold and fanny came down with him and I went him up to Whitlock's Boarding School to see one of his scholars, the son of a friend of his in the city, after which I walked with him the length of Main Street and to the cemetery arriving home again just before evening meeting time. Gussie and I attended in the evening as did he. On my way, I mailed a letter to George and a Harper's Weekly. After evening meeting we spent about an hour visiting with Cousin Eugene up to Father Griswold's. 02/06 MONDAY - Gussie's cousin Eugene Douglas took the train this morning for New York. I worked as usual all day. We were paid off in the P.M. I turned in $20.00 of my last two weeks' work to balance my account with Mr. Crofut for the $60.00 he advanced me when I bought my pork. I drew Jesse D. Steven's money for him - $11.75 - and sent it to him by Tom Mansfield. Just as our tea was ready, David Bradley came in with some picture frames he had been making for Gussie. He got one of them too large. Before he got away, Emily Anderson came in and gave me some library books from her scholars who had them out a long time. We are trying to get them all in preparatory to buying some. Burr Bradley went with me in the evening to the church to help me catalogue the library. The peace movement of government officials a failure. 02/07 TUESDAY - Cloudy all the forenoon until after dinner when it began to snow and continued until bedtime, accumulating fast. On my way home from work, I took from the Post Office a package of old letters sent home by George for preservation. They were marked $1.60 due by the scales in this Post Office. It felt a little short so that I paid only $1.54. In the evening, I went to Gillette and Baird's store for a baby's sack that Gussie had left there to be stamped. I paid 20 cents for the stamping and came away and left it on the counter. After class meeting, I went there for it. On account of a temperance lecture to be given at our church tomorrow evening, our class joined with Brother C T. Steven's class. Very few were present on account of the storm. 02/08 WEDNESDAY - Fine mist and rain this morning with 3 or 4 inches of snow, the bottom of which was all water. It cleared off and the sun shone brightly after dinner. Colder just at night; it began to freeze in the evening. Cousins Susan, Addie and Albert came up from Ridgefield and took Bell home with them. She met them at Barnum's Hotel about 5 o'clock where they all took supper and started for Ridgefield about 7 o'clock. We heard that they were to remain at the hotel quite late before leaving and I went there to take Bell from the party and bring her home on that account but I was just too late as they had gone about 5 minutes previous. There was a young fellow with them, probably a beau of Susan's. Burr Bradley and myself intended to finish making up the catalogue of our Sunday School this evening, but the temperance lecture that was to be delivered there was held downstairs on account of the bad walking and therefore, we could do nothing at the library. I borrowed a pair of tinner's shears at Charles Hull's to cut a piece of zinc to take to the shop to round hats on and came home and cut it out. Gussie attended the lecture. 02/09 THURSDAY - Bell is still at Ridgefield. The day has been pleasant but cold. I have worked hard all day in the shop. A boy living with Dr. Lacey gave Harriet a sleigh ride passing here. She stopped in front of the house and talked with Gussie but did not come in. As Father came from the shop tonight, he came this way to see if Bell had gone to Ridgefield. I did not see him as it was before I came from work. I did not go downtown in the evening but stayed home and split wood in the woodhouse. As I went to work this morning, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. I also carried home the shears I borrowed last evening to cut zinc with. 02/10 FRIDAY - Cold; sunshine and snow squalls during the day. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie took tea up to her mother's before I came home. After tea, David Bradley came with the picture frames he took back to alter the size of. He made in all 5 of them and charged only 50 cents. He walked down into the street with me. I there met Burr Bradley according to agreement and we together completed making a catalogue of our Sunday School library. We worked at it until after 9 o'clock. Bell came home from Ridgefield on the evening train. 02/11 SATURDAY - Pleasant; it thawed a little in the middle of the day. John Bussing cut my hair in the shop this afternoon. Gussie went out and made some calls this P.M. Bell stayed with the baby. Dr. Buckley came about nine o'clock today and vaccinated our baby. After supper, I went into the street; came home after the mail arrived. 02/12 SUNDAY - Severe cold. I have felt it more than any other time this winter. Bell did not go to church today; she is nearly sick with a cold she caught going to Ridgefield last Wednesday. I attended all day. Gussie went in the P.M. which was the Sacrament Service. After supper, I finished a letter to George. Father came down to see us as usual after tea. Rev. Mr. Whittaker addressed the people at the 1st Church in the evening on the workings of the sanitary Commission in the Army. Gussie and I both attended. On my way there, I mailed a letter and Harper's Weekly to George. 02/13 MONDAY - Severe cold last night and this morning; the weather is not quite so severe tonight though it is very cold still. On my way to my work this morning, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to see what it would cost to have some catalogs of our Sunday School Library printed. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went over to Lockwood Olmstead's for my hams and shoulders which he has been smoking for me. Four of them cost 1 dollar each. After I brought them home I hastened to the church to attend a Sunday School teacher's meeting. The subject of having the school select their books by catalogs was brought up. They finally concluded not to get the catalogs but distribute the books for the present on the old plan. Brother Hill ordered the new Sunday School Library books this morning through Swift and Sage. Wrote off numbers for library books just before retiring. Retired at midnight. 02/14 TUESDAY - St. Valentine's Day. Very cold last night, but more mild now. It has thawed a little during the day. Mrs. Stone washed for us. Bell is still nearly sick with her cold - she coughs and is hoarse - Gussie went over to Mrs. Miller this afternoon and stayed to tea. She took Georgie and the two babies together was rather a pleasing affair for Mrs. Miller and Gussie. I went to the church in the evening to carry 3 books to the library which I have got in since Sunday. I went to the Post Office and got Father Griswold's mail in which was a letter for Fanny from cousin Lydia in Canton. When I came from work, I brought home some Gum Arabic and made some mucilage. 02/15 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant this morning. It clouded up in the middle of the day and commenced snowing before night and continued during the evening. I worked as usual in the shop and came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got my paper. After tea, I went down to the church and stuck numbers on some of the library books making a commencement toward numbering them new with the new books expected this week. When I left the church, I went to market, to the Post Office and then home without going to class. Gussie intended to go to the Sewing Society in the evening, but on account of the storm did not. She walked over as far as Chaplain Ambler's in Montgomery Street and took an outside view as the people of the Baptist Church on Mill Plain (where he preaches) are giving him a donation party. 02/16 THURSDAY - It rained last night and this morning. There was plenty of snow and water standing on the ground. Cloudy all day, except for a short time in the P.M. when the sun shone. On my way to the shop this morning, I took Father Griswold's gallon oil can to Benedict & Nichols and ordered some oil for him. On my way home from work at night I bought a blank book at Robinson's for 35 cents in which I intend to write up the catalog of the Sunday School Library. Bell went up home today and found that Aunt Mary and Uncle Cyrus Hoyt and children were up there from Ridgefield. They came on Monday afternoon and went away Wednesday morning. Mailed a Jeffersonian this morning to George on my way to work. 02/17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I worked as usual all day in the shop. Brother Hill sent word before dinner that the new Sunday School books had come. After tea, Gussie went down with me. She arranged the new books alphabetically and stuck labels in them in the parsonage while Burr Bradley and myself arranged the old books in the library according to the new catalog and made ready to admit the new ones. This job took us until after 10 o'clock when we left it to another time. We hope to finish tomorrow night and have the books ready to give out on Sunday. Mrs. Cocking came this afternoon and took Gussie sleigh riding up to the cemetery. She brought home the wreath from Eddie's grave stone. 02/18 SATURDAY - The severe cold weather seems to be broken up for the present at least. It thawed considerably today. I was taken with a sick headache before dinner and was compelled to leave the shop about the middle of the P.M. After tea, I went down to the church to take the new library books from the parsonage to the library in the Sunday School room, but before I accomplished it, I was compelled to stop, my sickness growing so much worse. I had to lie down in the parsonage and had a severe turn of vomiting before I could get home. Gussie has taken a head cold and is quite sick. 02/19 SUNDAY - Gussie had a high fever at midnight last night. She continued to take Aconite and broke the fever before morning. I feel very weak today myself from the severe attack of sick headache last night. I went early to church this morning and worked at the library until meeting time when George Cosier drove with me up for Mother and brought her down to church. Brother Hill preached a good sermon from Mark 10:49 in the morning. We could give out no books in Sunday School today, the new ones not yet being numbered. After the noon class, David Cosier let George (his son) go up home with Mother again. I rode up with him and he came around to my house and left me and carried Mother Griswold down to church. I did a little towards writing up my Sunday School Library Catalog in the P.M. After tea, I went up to George Cosier's with some pennies from the Sunday School collection. From there, I went over to Dr. Buckley's and consulted him about Gussie. He said she was doing well and to continue giving Aconite and Belladonna. Neither Gussie, Bell nor myself feeling very well did not go out in the evening. I sent Harper's Weekly to the Post Office by Fanny to mail to George at St. Augustine. 02/20 MONDAY - Pleasant; did not feel able to go to work. I brought the remainder of the new Sunday School books from the parsonage and put them in the library. Went down to the shop and left my checks with Burr Bradley to draw my money for me in the P.M. I looked up some of the old books which were out. In the evening, Burr and Jim Parmalee helped me label and number some of the books. We did it in the middle class room where we had a fire for the purpose. We worked at them until after 11 o'clock. I came home completely tired out; I was not able to do it. Gussie feels better today with the exception of a sore throat. Good news from General Sherman's army - he has captured Columbia, the capital of South Carolina 02/21 TUESDAY - Pleasant. A dreadful weakness across my stomach and bowels. A little exertion tires me and gives a pain across me. Have not been at work, but spent a part of the day at church (with Harriet Purdy to assist me) numbering the library books. My mouth and nose are sore; it is doubtless caused by the poison in the hats I finish. Quicksilver, which is used in the carroting the fur. It is known as the 'Hatter's Sore Mouth'. News that Charleston, South Carolina is in the possession of the Union Army and that General Sherman is marching victoriously north from that place. I brought home a quart of oysters for supper. Bell went down for Dr. Buckley to come and see Gussie and myself but he had gone to Bridgeport. (Gap in the diary; pages 189-190 missing) -this evening but they were not done. Burr Bradley helped me in the evening finish numbering the Sunday School library books. When I came home from the church, it was about 11 o'clock and all the family had retired. But I found on the table a comic picture and the written valentine accompanying it which George had sent to Edith. The picture is of himself and a comrade member of the band and it is certainly the most comical thing I ever saw. Ephraim Gregory called to see me early this morning about the fate of Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsan of the 17th Regiment, C.V. 02/25 SATURDAY - Pleasant this morning. On my way to the shop this morning, I bought a piece of veal, 6 lbs. (the first I have seen this season) and had it sent home to cook for Sunday. I left off work a little after 3 o'clock and went up to Robinson's for Josephine Davis' spectacles and sent them to the ticket agent, Mr. Gillette at the Bethel Depot by Ben Bassett. I called to see John Cosier at the people's Coal Yard office and showed him the comic picture that George sent to Edith for a valentine. From there, I went over to Louis Moegling's Dye Works to get some garment Gussie had left there to be dyed. It clouded over in the P.M. and began to rain before dark. After tea, I went over to Widow Wilcox to see what George had written to her concerning the death of Colonel Noble. From there I went to market and waited until the (??). 02/26 SUNDAY - It rained hard last night and this morning. It cleared off after dinner warm and pleasant. I spent nearly all the forenoon at the S.S. library sticking numbers on the shelves of the library 10-20-30 and so through to be able to tell within ten books at a glance where to put up any particular book. The new books were given for the first time this noon and gave good satisfaction. I stayed to church all day. Bell came in the P.M. Gussie did not go at all. Father called to see us after tea and I finished preparing George's last letter for publication. It gave the particulars of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsan and capture of wagon train and guard of 35 men about70 miles distant from St. Augustine, Florida. Also of the capture of Captain Quien, Charles Wilcox, Theo Morris and Seth Northrop at a dance about 11 miles from St. Augustine. Before meeting time, I wrote to George. Bell went to meeting in the evening and mailed the letter along with a Harper's Weekly to George. Gussie wrote to Cousin Emmaline Williams in the evening. She lives in Leavenworth, Kansas. Fanny is sick with a cold, I think. She did not go to prayer meeting last Thursday evening and stayed home from church today. It is something unusual for her. She won't tell what ails her, only a cold. 02/27 MONDAY - Pleasant. I feel better today. On my way to the shop this morning, I carried George's letter to the Jeffersonian Office for publication. The new journeyman who has for about a month worked at my left hand was off today and went away on the train. His name was Hogan. Mr. Witherspoon also finished his work at the shop and left. He has gone for a foreman to the new firm of Lacey and Sheather in the factory lately occupied by Mr. Montgomery and originally the old carriage factory. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a letter for Fanny Griswold and one for Gussie to Cousin Emmaline Williams at Leavenworth, Kansas. 02/28 TUESDAY - The ground was just whitened over with snow this morning. It remained cloudy all day with indications of a storm but it only occasionally spit a little snow. I have felt more like myself today and have done a pretty good day's work. I worked as late as I could at night. After tea, I went downtown and mailed a letter to Jennie Fairweather for Fanny. I called at the Jeffersonian Office a few minutes and to Harry Stone's store for the husk mat I bought there last evening and forgot to bring home while waiting for the mail, I saw Charles Anderson who was in our company in the three months service in 1861 from April to July. He has since been in for three years. His time is out and is now home on that account. He was at the taking of Fort Fisher in Wilmington, North Carolina. A very little snow this evening.
1865-02
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal January 1865 Entry
9pgs
01/01 SUNDAY - Cold but pleasant. Sleighing good. Brother Hill preached a sermon to the children in the morning from Ecclesiastes 12:1 The children sat in the square body of the church and did the singing in the place of the choir from the Golden Chair and Shower. When Sunday School was over, I came home to take care of the bay to let Gussie go to church in the P.M. After tea, Father Purdy and Mother Griswold came in to see us. I completed a letter to George before church time and with a Harper's Weekly, I mailed it on my way to prayer meeting. 01/02 MONDAY - Before breakfast, I went down and mailed a letter to Cousin Eliza Humphrey in California for Gussie. I went this early in order to have it taken in the morning mail. The day has been cold but pleasant. We had but little more than a half day's work in the shop. On my way home, I called at Charles Hull's Tin Shop and got my shot pouch in which John Cable has been putting a new spring. I took my gun and went down to Blackman's to see if I could get a silver islet put in it in which the pin which holds the barrels to the stock is inserted but could not. I then took it up to Mr. Wrights to have the new part of the stock stained and varnished. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. After supper I went down to the Post Office and carried my powder flask to have John Cable put a new snap spring on it. As I came home from work, I went before the Board of Relief, but having neglected to carry in my tax list they were prevented by law from doing anything for me. I have therefore to pay tax at $1,100.00 which a list would have avoided. 01/03 TUESDAY - A very cold morning; pleasant; the weather moderated so that it snowed in the evening. George Monroe was shopped at the Pahquioque Shop today. Hatters' Meeting in the evening over Benedict & Nichol's store. I got excused early, came out, and after the mail came, walked up West Street with John Cosier. I found Hattie Mills and Edith Newman spending the evening with Gussie. 01/04 WEDNESDAY - Another snow storm last night. It cleared off before noon. The flues in the shop wanting repairs, we adjourned in the P.M. to give them an opportunity to repair them. I went from the shop and took my gun from Mr. Wright's paint shop where it was to be varnished, and carried it over to Comstock's for repairs before having it varnished. While it was at the paint shop, one of the cocks got out of order. From there, I went to John Cosier's office and bought half cord of chestnut wood. It was sent right up and I rode on the load. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00 for one month's rent. Mailed Jeffersonian to George. I went into the street in the evening for my Jeffersonian and saw Ezra Wildman. He insisted upon taking a sleigh ride. Captain E.E. Wildman went with us. He carried me around to my house and I gave them a drink of cider. Then we took a ride to the upper end of Main Street. The cars then came and I went to the Post Office and came home. Preaching at the church; Gussie attended. Copperhead lecture at Concert Hall this evening. Thomas H. Seymour the lecturer. 01/05 THURSDAY - I left the shop at noon and went up to Comstock's to see if my gun was repaired. It was not done. I arranged with him to leave it with John Cosier at A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and went back to the shop to work. When I left the shop at night, I went up to the Coal Office and took the gun to pieces, leaving the barrels and locks there and took the stock over to William Wright's to get it stained and varnished. Cosier paid Comstock his bill and I paid him. It was $1.50. I went to Dr. Buckley's office in the evening and borrowed a syringe to use on the baby. I went to Charles Hull's shop and got my powder flask. John Cable has been putting on a new spring. Bell went up home this P.M. Received a letter from George. 01/06 FRIDAY - It commenced raining before noon. It rained at times during the day and set in to rain steady in the evening. Our foreman V. W. Benedict went home with a sick headache at noon. Edith Newman sent the bounty check to me by Hattie Mills at the shop at noon which George sent to me enclosed in his letter. He wants the money drawn and resent to him immediately. I borrowed $10.00 of John Cosier until I can get returns from the check and in the evening, I wrote to George and enclosed a $10.00 greenback to him. I also in the evening carried my 5 gallon kerosene oil can down to Billy Wright's and ordered it filled and sent up tomorrow. On my way to Wright's, I carried Burr Bradley's meat saw home. Sold half roll of salve to Mrs. Cyrus White. 01/07 SATURDAY - Rain this morning. It began to grow cold at noon; snow in the P.M. Very blustering towards night and in the evening; thought it was pleasant in the evening. William Wright delivered the 5 gallons on oil that I engaged yesterday. I worked as long as I could see in the shop and then came home by way of Cosier's office where (after I had been over to Wright's paint shop for the stock) I put my gun together and brought it home. John shut the office and walked up with me. After tea, I went to market for Mother Griswold. Received bill for the box sent from the Postmaster. Before I retired I mended my coal riddle (sp) with brass hoops from an old hoop skirt. 01/08 SUNDAY - A cold morning, but pleasant and grew more mild through the day. An agent from the Christian Commission from the army named Powers preached for us this morning. He gave us a somewhat detailed account of the workings of the Commission with several interesting incidents, some of them quite thrilling. He being an excellent speaker made it very interesting. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon at which some arrangements were made about the Sunday School Festival to come off on Wednesday. Tickets to admit the scholars were distributed. Communion service in the P.M. Gussie went with me in the morning at came home at noon to let Bell go in the P.M. as she was to be taken into full communion with the church. After supper, Father Purdy and Mother Griswold came in to see us. A Union meeting at the 1st Congregational Church for the Christian Commission in the evening at which Mr. Powers and another man who came in with him is to speak. Gussie and Bell attended it; I stayed home and took care of Baby. Christopher Coinum (sp), a German who was in the 3 months service with me died yesterday. He had but just returned home from the Insane Retreat at Harford. His insanity was caused from working in furs and his system being filled with the quicksilver used in carroting the furs. He was buried today by the Masonic Order. Elias Sanford died this afternoon about 5 o'clock. He died of a fit while sitting in his chair. He had attended church twice today and was intending to go again this evening. 01/09 MONDAY - We rose rather late this morning. The day has been pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I retired last night with the headache, rose with it this morning, and had it all day. I worked with it until nearly 3 o'clock when they paid off and I gave up and came home. My two weeks work was $31.00 dollars. I drew $21.00 leaving to my credit $10.00, which with the $25.00 left last pay day, reduces the $60.00 dollars borrowed from Mr. Crofut to $25.00. John Cosier left the bounty check (which George sent me and which he cashed for me) in the bank to day for collection. On my way home from the shop, I called at William Wright's and paid $5.00 for the 5 gallons of kerosene oil I bought on Saturday. We had soup and milk for supper, a real treat. Teachers' meeting in the evening, but on account of headache, I did not go. 01/10 Thursday - Stormy -rain. Elias Sanford was buried today. On my way home from work at night, I called and paid John Cosier $3.25 for a .5 cord of chestnut wood delivered on last Wednesday. George Loomis's father died very suddenly today. Father bought a pair of thick leather shoes for Bell and brought them to her on his way home from work. They were too small and I changed them in the evening. He bought them at Chapman's. I paid for my Post Office box No. 300 for 6 months ending July 1st, 1865. A tea meeting or church gathering at the church in the evening to establish a sinking fund to pay the debt of over $4,000 on the church. We had a pleasant time thought the weather was stormy and on account of that, the attendance was small. Mr. Levi W. Bartram went up for Mother and Mrs. White came for Mother Griswold and Gussie. I had Bartram's team take Mother, Gussie and Mother Griswold home. We came home about 11 o'clock. Mr. Loomis' given name is Austin. He died at Lyman Keeler's with heart disease. 01/11 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. We were limited to one dozen hats today. I finished just after dinner. I came home and sawed wood in the woodhouse. Sunday School festival at the church in the evening. Burr Bradley and I were doorkeepers. We opened about 6 o'clock. Mary Purdy came over and stayed with the baby to let Gussie go. Bell went also. The festival broke up about 9 o'clock. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. The church caught fire around the stove pipe. A narrow escape. 01/12 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Harriet Wheeler sent by me in the evening for 6 Jeffersonians. They were sold out at the Office, but I found them at A. Smith's, the news dealer at the Post Office. I went rather late to prayer meeting. I walked up West Street with Chittendon and John Cosier. 01/13 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. The ice has softened and the ground has been muddy. As I came home after dinner, I borrowed Parmalee and Bradley's horse and sleigh and took Mother's sheet iron stove and pipe up home. I borrowed it to use during Gussie's sickness. When I returned to the store with the team, I altered a white cat for Fred Bradley. I then rode up home with his clerk to carry some meal to Mother to make yeast cakes of. As we returned, he drove around by my house and left me. Bell went over to Oil Mill Pond skating with Henry and Anna Heinman. Jessie Stevens' wife came over and spent the day with Gussie. She stayed to tea. Charles Hull got away with again (ed. note - by his horse; see 01/18 below) today in West Street near Dr. Ryder's. He hurt his head and shin badly, but not considered dangerous, I believe. Later - have been skating this evening and had a collision with a fellow (Ed Target) and cut a bad gash in my forehead. Henry Blair came home with me and Sarah Day bound up my head with two of her handkerchiefs as soon as I was hurt. We sent for Dr. Buckley; he came and dressed the wound about half past nine o'clock which was as soon as we could send and he come. Took two pieces of beef over to Olmstead's to be smoked in the evening. 01/14 SATURDAY - It commenced snowing between 7 and 8 o'clock this morning. My head is not so sore today as I expected it would be. It is still bandaged in the blood. Could not go to work. Cannot get a hat on my head. Bell went to the Post Office for me at noon. Gussie went into the street to do some trading and pay Jane Hoyt for making over her hat in the P.M. Mrs. Daniel Starr came home with her to see the baby. Martha Stokes and her friend Miss Dyer called here about 4 P.M. and then went up to Mother Griswold's. Bell went to the store and the Post Office in the evening. 01/15 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Father having heard of my injury came over to see me before breakfast. Bell went to church in the morning and sent brother Jennings up for Mother at noon, but she got a ride with Platt (sp) Brush and came down to my house before noon so that Brother Jennings after going up home for her came around this way and got her. Bell did not come home at noon and Gussie went in the P.M. Dr. Buckley came in the forenoon and dressed my wound. I cannot go out as I cannot get a hat on my head. In the P. M., I wrote to George and put up a Harper's Weekly for mailing to him. After tea, John Cosier came to see me. He stayed until meeting time. I sent the letter and paper to the Office by him. The Baptist preacher, Mr. Stone exchanged with Brother Hill in the P.M. , so say our folks. Clark Polley of the Kentucky Conference to preach, I believe. 01/16 MONDAY - Pleasant but cold. Mrs. Stone washed for us. Harriet, who is now staying at Mr. Townsend's came down after dinner to see me, having heard of my injuries received while skating last Friday evening. She could only stay for a few moments, she said, and would not take off her things. But as usual, she stayed between 2 or 3 hours with her things on. Mother Griswold came in while she was there. In the meantime, Mrs. Stone finished her work. I paid her her charge - 60 cents - and she went home. Baby was poorly yesterday, last night and today. Not very sick, but worrisome. He has a cold and besides, his bowels are not regular. Mother Griswold sent us down some molasses sugar, she having quite a quantity of it from a molasses keg in their cellar. I am yet unable to wear a hat and in consequence am confined in the house with my sore head. Gussie and Bell both went into the street in the evening. Gussie bought material for a baby cloak. It cost $4.75. 01/17 TUESDAY - Stormy, snow. I got Father Griswold's brush hat, which I let him have and was too small and went to the shop about 10 A.M. and took out the trimmings preparatory to finishing it over and making it larger. I went to the Jeffersonian Office and gave Ashley the particulars of my accident while skating last Friday evening so that he could mention it in his paper. I went to the shop again in the afternoon, stayed a while, and came home. Did not work on account of my sore head. Before going to the shop in the P.M., I stopped to the Factory in West Street to see Edward Target, the fellow I ran against while skating. His forehead was bruised but slightly when compared with mine. I went to the Post Office in the evening. It cleared off before I went and was colder. It snowed hard in the afternoon. 01/18 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cold. I went to work in the shop for the first time since I was hurt last Friday evening. James Sparks and Eugene Conkling came to work at the shop today. Both were shopped yesterday, I believe. The Baby has the scarlet rash. He has felt poorly for several days and today the rash has made its appearance. After tea, I went into the street and called at Dr. Buckley's office and got some medicine for the baby. The paper today gives an account of the capture of Fort Fisher at Wilmington, North Carolina The troops were under General Weitzel; the storming party under General Terry. What General Butler could not do, our ___(?) generals have accomplished. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Dwight Rogers was run away with today by Charles Hull's horse. He was not hurt, I believe. 01/19 Thursday - Pleasant in the forepart of the day, and thought by some to be the coldest morning we have had yet. Cloudy in the P. M.; the weather moderated and snowed in the evening. We gave the Baby medicine during last night and today and tonight he is better; in fact to all appearances is about as well as usual. Father Griswold came home from New York today and brought a hymn book for Bell (65 cents). Gussie went to the store in the evening and got some flannels at Gillette's in the place of what was stolen few days ago that she took there to be stamped. Bell went to prayer meeting and while both were gone I took care of the baby. 01/20 FRIDAY - It snowed considerably last night, though very quietly; it cleared off before morning and the day has been lovely though somewhat cool. I had father Griswold's old hat blocked over today and intend to finish it tomorrow and see if I can make it large enough this time. I worked as long as I could in the shop as usual. After tea, I went to the Post Office and around to Olmstead's to see if my two pieces of beef were smoked; they were not yet taken out to the smoke house. I ordered them taken out tomorrow morning. 01/21 SATURDAY - Cold this morning, but the weather moderated during the day, so that now there is a prospect of snow before morning. I finished over Father Griswold's hat today to make it larger. I got it trimmed and Daniel Manley curled it for me and I brought it home with me, feeling confident that it will fit his head and give satisfaction this time. After tea, I went over to Lockwood Olmstead's for my pieces of beef which have been there to be smoked, but they were not yet out of the smokehouse. I went from there to Burr Bradley's and left the Sunday School library key as I shall not be there myself tomorrow on account of my sore head. I then went to market and waited for the train in order to get the mail if there was any for us. I walked up with Mr. Reynolds (the one-armed soldier). 01/22 SUNDAY - Pleasant; it has thawed considerable today. I have not been at church on account of having to wear a large plaster over my eye still. Bell went all day and Gussie in the P.M. I took care of Baby. After tea, I wrote to George. Before I finished, Father came in and, as usual since the birth of the baby, stayed awhile. This time he stayed until nearly meeting time. Gussie and Bell both went to meeting in the evening. I sent a letter and a Harper's Weekly by them to the Post Office to mail to George. 01/23 MONDAY - Rain all day. I worked as usual in the shop. Pay day - I had $21.00 coming. I left five to my credit towards the $60.00 borrowed of Mr. Crofut, leaving now $20.00 his due. Being tired and the weather stormy, I did not go out in the evening. The snow has wasted fast today. 01/24 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual until dark in the shop. Father Griswold came home on the morning train from one of his P. Elder's appointments and in the evening, I carried his hat up to him. It was a little too large this time, but I soon remedied that by putting some paper under the leather. I went to the Post Office and to Gillette & Baird's for Gussie. Paid Bell $1.20 for two week's help. 01/25 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. On my way to work this morning, I called at Gillette & Baird's for a bunch of embroidery braid which I left there last evening by mistake. I worked as long as I could see at night in the shop. Came home by way of Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I mailed one to George in the evening; sent it to the Office by Gussie who went into the street. Bell went to Singing School at the Baptist Church, so I stayed home with Baby. George Bailey's oldest daughter was married this P.M. to a Mr. George H. Hoyt, a son of the Supt. of the NY & NH Railroad at Stamford. A splendid car from that road was sent up to convey the wedding party to Stamford. It was attached to the regular afternoon passenger train from here at 4 o'clock and 20 minutes. 01/26 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but still very cold. Harriet and Louise Jones called to see Gussie this forenoon, but I being at the shop did not see Miss Jones thought I would like to have done so very much. After tea, I went over to Mr. Lockwood Olmstead's for my two pieces of beef he had been smoking for me. I brought them home and then went to market to Dr. Buckley's for some tincture of Belladonna and Aconite and to consult him about the baby for sickness to the stomach. I waited for the mail walking up with Jonathan Reynolds. I took 8 yards of tatting (spa) to Gilbert and Baird's Store for Bell and got the pay - $1.48; Gussie went over to Frank Boughton's in the evening to carry a baby cloak home. 01/27 FRIDAY - Pleasant but still very cold. D. L. Chichester was shopped today at our (the Pahquioque) shop and Jesse D. Stevens was off on account of the sore mouth which always trouble him at the shop. It is what is called 'The Hatter's Sore Mouth'. After supper, I took my hams and shoulders over to Lockwood Olmstead's to be smoked. I put it in the corn basket and pushed it on the sled. I received by the evening mail two letters and an Old diary for preservation from George. There was a letter also for Mother and one for Harriet. 01/28 SATURDAY - Pleasant but still very cold. As I came home from the shop at night, I came by way of Mr. Hanford's Boot and Shoe and Grocery Store on White Street and bought some coffee. When I got home, I found Mother there; she had spent the day. After supper, I got Mr. McDonald's horse and sleigh and carried her home. I got some milk for her at Mr. McDonald's and gave her one of the cheeks of my hog. Bell rode up home with us and back home with me. I gave Mr. McDonald 10 cents to help me harness. I then went to market for Sunday. Bell got two more letters for me today from George. 01/29 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cold, but warmer in the evening. Bell and I went to church in the morning; Gussie stayed with the baby. After Sunday school, I came home to let Gussie go in the P.M. to Sunday School Concert at the North Church. I went to church today for the first time since I got hurt while skating which was two weeks ago last Friday evening. I wrote to George in the P.M. and as I went to church in the evening mailed with the letter a Harper's and a copy of the Jeffersonian of January 1864 in which was printed a letter from him in which was a statement about Lieutenant Fred Betts ordering the body of a drowned colored marine to be rolled off the beach into the sea while the 17th Regiment was on Folly Island, South Carolina. He wanted this paper sent to him for evidence in the matter I suppose, though he says there is no difficulty about it. I also mailed an Advocate and Journal for Gussie to Cousin Eliza Humphrey in California in which was printed the death of her Father. Brother Hill preached in the evening, after which there was a short prayer meeting. Bell stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie and I go. Father came down to see us as usual after tea. 01/30 MONDAY - Pleasant and warmer; it thawed considerably in the middle of the day. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. Bell went to the Sewing Society in the evening in the company of Louise Vintz up to Brother Bartram's. David Bradley called in the evening to get a carpenter's tool called a plough that was Abel's. Harriet being away, I went up to Father Griswold's barn and got it for him. While he was here, he helped me fix the lock to my front door. He brought home Harriet's glue pot which he borrowed when he repaired my gun. Took extracts from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. I did this just before retiring. The seats in the church were rented this P.M. at 1 o'clock. Mrs. Bradley and Gussie went and the same seats for Burr and me for another year. The price has been advanced $2.00 making it now $8.00. 01/31 TUESDAY - Still warmer today. Cloudy at times during the day and evening. The bursting of the Kohanza water pipe near Concert Hall completely flooded Main Street near the Wooster House this morning. In consequence, the water was shut off from that section and many of the factories that depend on the water for steam purposes had to shut up. The boiler at the Pahquioque could not be supplied with water and consequently no steam could be had to warm the trimming room and the trimmers came up into the finishing room with us and worked around the two long tables there. Just at night, however, they got the old force pump at work which draws water from the brook and will be independent of Kohanza tomorrow if it affords us no water. On my way to work this morning, I left a letter at the Jeffersonian Office for Publication from Cosmopolite (George). I went late to prayer meeting in the evening and talked with Brother Hill after meeting about gathering some new Sunday school library books.
1865-01
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal December 1864 Entry
9pgs
12/01 THURSDAY - Pleasant and mild. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. Henry Ryder's wife was buried today. I brought home a paper box from the shop and after tea I cut it into gun wads with John Cosier's wad cutter. I went to market, but after my return I went up to John Cosier's with his wad cutter and a part of the wads I cut. John Brush not so drunk today. 12/02 FRIDAY - But little sunshine during the day. It began to mist in the evening and at 9 o'clock, it began to rain. John Brush was around the shop all the P.M. again today, drunk as usual. Tried to borrow money of his shop mates to continue his spree but no one would lend him any. After tea, I went up to Mother Griswold's and caught a chicken and put it under a coop that I might find it to kill in the morning. I went to the Union league in the evening. 12/03 SATURDAY - I killed the chicken this morning which I caught up to Father Griswold's last night and shut up in a coop. Cloudy in the morning. Rain in the P.M. I came from work by way of Avery Raymond's and bought a pint of scallops. After supper, I went over to Mr. McDonald's to borrow his well hook to fish up the bucket in my well. Mr. Smith's hired girl broke the rope this morning and in consequence the bucket went to the bottom of the well. Mr. McDonald could not find hid hook, so I went over to Clark Hickok's and borrowed one. I went to market in the evening to buy some meat for Fanny to feed her dog with. It cleared off very pleasant in the evening. The cars did not come in until about 11 o'clock. Christian Quien, 2nd Lieutenant of the 11th Regiment came home on the train, being discharged from the service. 12/04 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm in the morning but grew cold in the P.M. I attended church all day. Brother Hill preached a sermon to the Sunday School children in the morning. Harriet Purdy came to our house after church and stayed to tea. After tea, Father came down to see us and the baby. Miss English (our nurse) went out after tea was over. Christian Quien was to church with his wife I the P.M. I mailed a Harper's Weekly (pictorial) to George in the evening. I came directly home from the Post Office without attending prayer meeting. 12/05 MONDAY - Sunshine and clouds interspersed during the day; appearance of snow. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I received a letter dated November 17th and a St. Augustine's paper, 'The Florida Union' today. In the letter, he acknowledged the receipt of the shirts I sent him on the 4th of November. I answered it by adding to the letter I commenced last evening and mailed it as I went to market this evening. 12/06 - TUESDAY - Cloudy and a little rain at noon, a little broken about sunset. The moon shone a little in the fore part of the evening. John Cosier sent me word last evening to call at his office this morning which I did. He wanted to see me about pork which he expected today. He said also that he received a letter from George last evening. Seeley Kellogg brought me a hind quarter of beef weighing 119 lbs. this noon at 9 one half cents, the bill being $11.30 which I paid. Borrowed Burr Bradley's meat saw and cut it up partly this evening. I expected some money or rather supposed that I could get some from him to pay for my pork. But he will not be able to let me have any. I went to market in the evening and engaged one half bushel of salt at Benedict & Nichols' to put down my pork with. Our neighbor Mr. Miller had a daughter born this morning about 7 o'clock. 12/07 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and foggy all day with some rain. I have had a severe headache this afternoon which obliged me to come home from work sooner than I should otherwise have done. Miss English has been nearly down too with a sick headache. My pork has not yet come as I expected. David Bradley called to see me in the evening. He agreed to mend my gunstock. He also wanted to borrow $10.00 of me. 12/08 THURSDAY - Pleasant and cold. It froze hard just before night. Brought home a hat for Father Griswold which I took from to the shop to make larger. A brush hat which I damaged for a drab (sp) and colored for him. It did not fit, it not being large enough so I shall have to take it back to the shop and stretch it still larger. A little boy __ years old living with his grandmother near the shop and by name Canfield, his father living in Newtown, his mother dead, was run over or against the cars this afternoon and injured his ankle badly. At first it was supposed that his foot would have to be amputated, but finally I believe that it was ascertained that no bones were broken, but the ankle joint considerably injured, though not enough so but what Dr. Bennett thought that it would soon get well and no permanent injury ensue. Before retiring, I cut the sprouts and roots from my large turnips down cellar and put them in a barrel. 12/09 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cold, but not so windy as it was yesterday. I took the hat from Father Griswold with me again today to enlarge it. I borrowed a stretching block of Ira Morse to do it with. When I came home from work, I found Bell at our house. She stayed to tea and I sent a beefsteak to Harriet and one to Father towards paying what I borrowed from them. After tea, I went to Charles White's store to see about buying pork. I stayed downtown until the mail came in and then I came home. Mailed Herald with President's message and a Jeffersonian to George. 12/10 SATURDAY - A hard snow storm last night and this forenoon. The weather moderated towards night and the eaves were dripping at bedtime. The sleighs cut about considerably. It being the first sleighing of the season. After tea and before going to market, John Cosier called to see me about pork. The hog I expected to have of him, he was disappointed in. But he now engages me another to be butchered a week from Monday. On my way home from work tonight, I took with me a letter for Father Griswold from Rochester. 12/11 SUNDAY - Stormy and misty and fine rain. I attended church. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Zachariah 4:6. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon. Sacrament in the P.M. Brother Crawford assisted. Bell's name was read off with others to be taken into full connection at the Sacrament Service but she has not been to church today and consequently was not taken. Father came down to see us after supper just as I had put on my rubber boots to go up there. I did not go but stayed and visited with him. He took home with him a piece of fresh beef to pay for what I had borrowed of him. After he went home, Miss English wrote a letter to her brother Fred N. English and I put up a Harper's Weekly for George and went to the office and mailed both. I did not go to meeting but returned. Gussie wrote to her Essex friend Cornelia Post in the evening. 12/12 MONDAY - It cleared off very cold and windy towards morning. After breakfast, I brought water from Father Griswold's for Miss English to wash with. I stayed at home in the evening and cut up my beef and salted it down. I had one hoop put on my beef ___ which burst off just as I was about to pack the beef in it. I took it over to Baxter's immediately and had one put on. Gave Fanny a steak to take home for her breakfast. While I was at work down cellar, Edith Newman and Harriet Mills came in and spent the evening, Miss English having gone down to the store to trade and also to get a pair of corsets for Gussie. A subscription paper came around the shop today for Widow William Crofut, he having been killed on James Island, South Carolina towards two years ago. He was a member of Company D, 7th Regiment, B.F. Skinner, Captain. I gave 20 cents. I paid Mr. Crofut $5.00 for the hat I sent to Mr. Cole at St. Augustine, Florida. As he paid me $27.00 for my two weeks work, I handed him back $5.00. 12/13 TUESDAY - Pleasant in the morning and in fact, all the forenoon. The weather moderated very fast during the day. Cloudy in the P.M. and a little snow in the evening. John Cosier came to see Harriet Wheeler this morning about some wood just as I was ready to go to the shop and I walked down with him and went to John Rowan's bakery with him and selected a lard barrel to use for pork. I paid John $2.00 for it and he is to deliver it to me when he does his own. Miss English, Gussie and the baby went up to Mother Griswold's about 10 A.M. and spent the day. I went up there to tea. I paid Miss English $8.00 the balance due her up to tomorrow when I intend to discharge her. I went to the Post Office in the evening. Horace Greeley gives a lecture this evening at Concert Hall, subject 'Self Made Men'. 12/14 WEDNESDAY - I awoke and found it snowing hard; it continued all the forenoon. It cleared off after dinner and was pleasant and warm. I left the shop about 2 o'clock and hired Mr. A. Judd's horse and sleigh and got Bell to come and stay with Gussie and then carried Miss English up to home in Pembroke to her sister, Mrs. David Mansfield. Bell wanted to go to class in the evening, so I stayed with Gussie and let her go. I got Father Griswold's hat again and stretched it in the evening. It cost me $1.00 for Mr. Judd's team. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George. Bell carried it to the Post Office in the evening. 12/15 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy in the P.M. and the evening with the appearance of snow. Before going to the shop this morning, I took down the small bedstead in the bedroom and put up in the room upstairs and move our larger bed from the parlor into the bedroom again Bell assisted me. It is her first day with us. I worked as long as I could. Bought a dollar's worth of sugar and took a letter from the Post Office from George in which he gave an account of how they kept Thanksgiving in St. Augustine. I got the letter as I came home from work at night. I found Cousin Frank Boughton at our house; she stayed to tea. After tea, I answered George's letter and mailed it when I went into the street. News this P.M. by telegraph that General Sherman has taken Savannah. I did not wait for the mail in the evening as a dispatch had come in that the N. Y. train had run off the track at 85th Street and thereby our train might be detained until midnight or even later. 12/16 FRIDAY - The papers today give no definite news regarding the taking of Savannah, though it is thought that this time it is dome. It was towards midnight that last night's train came in. The day has been lowry with occasionally a little snow, particularly this evening. Monty Bailey from the 17th Regiment was in the ship this morning to see his half-brother, Edward Smith, who is an apprentice. John Cosier called at the shop in the P.M. to see if I had sold the half of a hog which I had told him I would try to do for him. I had not done so and he was glad of it for he had found a customer for it. On my way home from work, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to see if the editor B. Frank Ashley wanted a communication from George for the next week's paper. I was pretty tired after tea, and did not go into the street but split some wood fine (for kindling) in the woodhouse and brought it in the house. Fanny saw Dr. Buckley today about the baby who has a cold and Gussie who has been troubled with a stiff neck and pain running from it into her shoulder. Rather rheumatic in its symptoms. 12/17 SATURDAY - Cloudy, warm, and foggy. The sun shone a little just at night and the stars early in the evening, but they were soon concealed by the fog. Bell went up home this afternoon for a little while. Miss English called to see Gussie and the baby while Bell was up home. Before going to the shop this morning, I killed 3 chickens for Mother Griswold. She picked and dressed them and just before night brought two of them down and gave them to us. After tea, I went to the Post Office. The news of General Thomas' victory over the rebel General Hood near Nashville was confirmed in the evening papers. The morning papers gave rebel accounts of the capture of Savannah by our troops under Sherman. Stephen Holmes who wronged so many out of money and then ran off came home on the train this evening. 12/18 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. The snow has melted very fast today. I had the headache last night and today but I have felt better towards night. Dr. Harris, from New York I believe, preached for us all day in behalf of the missionary cause. His text in the morning was from Mark 16: 11-16. The service, including a collection at the close of the sermon was held until about 12 one half o'clock and consequently the Sunday School service was short. A collection was taken in the school for the deaf and dumb; between 7 and 8 dollars was taken. I went to the Congregational Church in the P.M. Father came down to see us after tea. I gave him 25 cents towards sawing wood for Harriet. I did not go to meeting in the evening. I sent a Harper's Weekly to the Office to be sent to George. Before retiring, I finished extracting for George's last letter for the Jeffersonian. Just before evening meeting time, Burr Bradley and wife called to see us. They wen t church when it was time. 12/19 MONDAY - Stormy a great part of the forenoon (rain), the snow wasting very fast. On my way to the shop in the morning, I left a letter from George at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. Victor W. Benedict, our foreman, who went to New York on Saturday, came home on the morning train. I spoke to John Sheather, the bookkeeper, about having $60.00 advanced to me with which to pay for my pork. I saw Mr. Crofut about it this evening and he said I could have in tomorrow. On my way home from work this evening, I bought a pair of rubbers for Bell towards what I shall pay her for helping Gussie take care of baby and do the work. They cost $1.25. Jesse D. Stevens was shopped at the Pahquioque today and took the bench next to mine on the left. Olsen Smith has bought out the newspaper business from Cowan and Swift and commenced operations in Swift's old stand in the Post Office. Just at night, a light streak appeared in the North and Northwest and in the evening, the stars shone. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. 12 /20 TUESDAY - Pleasant and Cold; it has thawed but little. We were turned out early this morning by the breaking of the bedstead. Mr. Crofut gave me the $60.00 today which he promised to advance to me yesterday. I came home at night by way of John Cosier's office to see if my pork came and if so to pay him for it. But it did not come. I expect it tomorrow without fail. I was very tired when I came home from work and took a nap after tea. I stayed at home and Bell wen to the Post Office in the evening. 12/21 WEDNESDAY - Stormy and snow. On my way home from work, I called at John Cosier's office to see if my pork had come. It had and I paid him for it. 303 lbs., 18 cents per pound, $54.54. I got the Jeffersonian and Father Griswold's mail and came home. I spent the evening in cutting up and packing my pork. Cosier brought the barrel (which he bought for me at Rowan's) at the same time with the pork. I finally concluded to pack the pork in my old barrel as I found it would hold it and use the new large one to pickle my hams in. It was 11 o'clock when I got through and retired. 12/22 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cold. I stayed at home and put my hams in brine, helped by the lard and prepared the sausage meat and took 6 and a half lbs. with 16 ounces for Mother Griswold down to Benedict and Nichols' market and got it ground. I paid one half cent per pound for the use of the machine. As I went down just before night to speak for the use of the machine, I took from the Office two letters from George. One was written Dec. 8th; the other Dec. 11th. There were two Cartes de Visite in each letter. They were friends of George. He sent them home for preservation. One was of his old Wardmaster Baker of ___ Hospital in Washington, D. C., Saul Barnum, a boy by the name of Wood or Wool, and a corporal I did not know. Father Griswold started for Canton this morning to see his brother Chauncey. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking called to see us about noon. They stayed but for a few minutes. 12/23 FRIDAY - The coldest morning thus far of the season. On my way to work this morning, I mailed the Jeffersonian to George. Gussie walked into the street and back this afternoon to do some shopping. Mr.Cocking was intending to take her down with his horse and sleigh, but the weather having moderated considerably and he being a little late, she started on foot. He finally came and was sorry that she walked. She bought some toys for Josie Wheeler and our baby and an apron for a Christmas present to Bell. On my way home from work, I overtook Father and I brought home with me and gave him a spare rib and some pieces to fry from my pork. After tea, I sent Bell over to Aunt Louise with some meat, the same as I gave Father. While she was gone I finished my letter to George and sent to the Office by her as soon as she returned from Aunt's. 12/24 SATURDAY - A little snow last night. Pleasant today. I worked late in the shop as usual. Jesse D. Stevens cut my hair before I left the shop. Gussie and the baby went up home this P.M., while Bell went up to her home a little while. Mary Whalen of Brooklyn came to Father Griswold's by the morning train to spend Christmas. Bell brought down a dozen eggs to bring some to tea for Mother. I bought them of her and she took the money and bought tea with it in the evening. Louise went to the store in the evening. They came home about 10 o'clock in company with Harriet and Fanny and Miss Whalen after having been to the Christmas Auctions at the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street. They brought home a handkerchief for Gussie to give to Bell for a Christmas present with the apron Gussie bought for her. They were given to her before retiring. Mary Anne Newman was married this morning to Mr. Ezra Barlow. 12/25 SUNDAY - Christmas day. Pleasant. I started early for meeting and borrowed David Cosier's horse and sleigh and went up for Mother and brought her to church. We took Harriet also. At 10 o'clock, after she had attended class, I took her home again with the same team. His son George went and drove both times. Gussie went to church in the afternoon for the first time since her confinement. Brother Hill preached from Luke 2:11 in the A.M. and from 1st Timothy 3:16 in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie and Mrs. Curtis went over to see Mrs. Miller's baby. Frank Boughton and Emma called also after tea. Bell and I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Mailed a Harper's Weekly to George. Mrs. Stephen Holmes was to church today for the first time since her husband's rascally transactions. She looked as if she had passed through the grave (if such a thing was possible). 12/26 MONDAY - Foggy; misty and a little rain. The snow has wasted very fast. Today being pay day, drew $7.00 and left to credit (towards the $60.00 I borrowed of Mr. Crofut to pay for my pork $25.00) leaving my indebtedness on the amount $35.00. After tea, Fanny came down and said that they had just received a dispatch from Canton that Uncle Chauncey was dead and would be buried on Wednesday. Gussie and I went up in the evening to talk about going to the funeral. Neither of us can go. Father Griswold is away. He went up to see Uncle last Thursday. He found him very low. He stayed with him until Friday, I believe when he was compelled to be at his appointment on his district. 12/27 TUESDAY - Foggy, misty, warm with little rain. The sleighing is used up. Eliza Mallett died this forenoon at 10 o'clock with diphtheria and typhoid fever. She had long dome millinery business for Mother in this place. The dispatch was received last night of the death of Uncle Chauncey. I sent by Mr. Swift on the morning train to intercept Father Griswold at Norwalk and give to him in order that he could go on to Canton and attend the funeral instead of coming home. Mr. Swift did the errand and Father Griswold went to Canton, we suppose. I have had rheumatism in the left breast this P.M and evening. Mother Griswold is sick. We fear the dysentery. I went for Dr. Buckley in the evening. Before going, I rubbed my spare ribs with salt and pepper to keep them as the weather is bad to keep them. 12/28 WEDNESDAY - Still lowery and warm. I carried my molasses jug to Parmalee & Bradley's as I went to the shop and ordered a gallon sent home. I had rheumatism in my breast again this forenoon after I got to work. We had but one dozen hats today. It being but a half day's work, I ate my dinner at the shop however as I had it with me and then started for home. On the way, I found David Bradley and went with him to Ely's Carpenter's shop for a piece of black walnut and some glue to mend Mr. McDonald's gun stock which I broke. I called also at Holly's hat shop, where father works to tell him of the change I made about the Jeffersonian. We are to get it hereafter of the publisher instead of the news dealer. Before going home, I went to the Office and got Father Griswold's and my own paper. I mailed one to George in the evening. David Bradley helped me mend my gun in the afternoon. At the supper table, I was taken with a strange feeling, being faint. I could eat no supper. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Mary Moutry's in the evening. Bell went to class and I took care of Baby. I subscribed for the Jeffersonian for Father for 6 months, to be paid with money from George. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. Fred Shears, a boy 15 years old, a clerk in the Post Office was today arrested for breaking open letters and taking money out. For a long time suspicions had rested on the operations of this Office. Letters with money enclosed have been safely traced to this Office but were never received. Also, letters with money have been mailed here but never got to their destinations. A detective has been watching this Office for some time and today caught Fred in the act or rather traced a letter to him and he owned it together with 4 or 5 others. 12/29 THURSDAY - It rained hard during the night. Cloudy this morning with a north wind and cooler. The clouds were broken at times and at one time, a snow squall. Just before sundown, it shone a few minutes on the hills. The evening has been perfectly clear and pleasant and growing cold. When I came home from work, I found Mother at our house. Charles Starr brought her down in the morning. I got McDonald's horse and carriage and took her home after tea. Bell went up and back again with me. After I returned and took care of the team, I went into the street with Gussie. She went to the milliners with her hat and to Reed's Shoe Store and bought a pair of shoes. I took my old shot pouch down to Charles Hull's to get John Cable to put a spring in it. 12/30 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Snow squalls during the day and pleasant again in the evening. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get some dressmaking doe in the P.M. I was very tired and did not go out in the evening. Bell went down to the Post Office when the mail arrived. I spent the evening in drawing up anew the Lemarian's book (my own), the Teachers and Scholars. David Bradley came and took away my gun to repair it for me. 12/31 SATURDAY - Stormy, snow. Limited work in the shop, though the stint is about all I can do. I have been about sick for 4 days past with a cold and rheumatism in my breast. Felt better this afternoon and I worked easier. Bell went up home this P.M. She tried to get Alfred Gregory's horse and sleigh but he would not let her have it. She did wrong to ask him without consulting with us about it. After tea, I went to the Post Office and mailed 4 letters for Harriet which Bell brought down from home. I bought me a new diary for 1865 and an album picture of a child at prayer as a New Year's present for Gussie. The cars were late coming in. After the mail was opened, I went home with David Bradley and got my gun which he has been repairing for me. I paid him 50 cents for the job.
1864-12
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 September 1864 Entry
10pgs
9/1 Wednesday - I rose and wrote a letter to George before breakfast. I mailed it with a New York Times and went to the Depot to see Charles and Henry Hinman. Louise Jones and Harriet went off on the train, Louise to New York City and Harriet to Stamford. When the train left, I came home to breakfast. I made over the walk from Father Griswold's back door to the barn and the went downtown to the Post Office and got a letter from Charles Parsons with his pictures and a dollar enclosed for the pictures of his brother Phil which I sent to him. We took dinner up to Father Griswold's. After dinner, I went downtown and waited for the freight train in order that I could get some peaches which Parmelee and Bradley effected. They came and I bought one half a crate containing 18 to 20 quarts. The Catholics are having a picnic at Redding today. I wrote an answer to Charles Parsons' letter before tea and while Gussie was away on a walk to the cemetery. Just before retiring, I mailed my letter to Charles Parsons, went to Couch's Picture Gallery to engage him to take Mrs. Davis' boys picture tomorrow. I was at the cars when they came in and Charles and Henry Hinman returned home having been rejected by the surgeon at Bridgeport. Mike Ryan, George Blissard, and John Pollett were rejected also. Mrs. McDonald raised from 5 to 7 cents a quart for milk this morning. Frank Boughton returned the $6.00 I borrowed for her of Alden G. Crosby. 9/2 FRIDAY - No work. Pleasant and warm. After breakfast, I wrote to George about the rejection of the Hinman boys. About 10 o'clock, I borrowed Dr. Buckley's horse and went up for Mother and brought her down to spend the day with us. After dinner, I helped pare and halve peaches for canning. I mailed the letter to George and went to the shop and drew George Davis' money for his wife as he has enlisted in the navy. After tea, I got Parmalee and Bradley's team and carried Mother up home. Gussie and I went with Mrs. Davis to Couch's in the evening to get her pictures to send by James S. Taylor to George on board the North Carolina at the navy yard in Brooklyn. We waited until the cars came to see Mr. Taylor about sending a small parcel to George Davis. James Leuning (sp), William Hickok and others who were accepted yesterday at Bridgeport as volunteers and sent to camp in New Haven came home this evening in uniform on furlough until next Tuesday. As we came home in the evening we found Gussie's cousin, Miss Williams from Kansas up to Mother Griswold's. She came by the evening train. 9/3 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until after 3 o'clock. Gussie finished putting her peaches in cans today. Atlanta has fallen and is now in the hands of General Sherman and his noble army. After the papers came and the news was read, the bells were rung and the cannon fired. Flags were hoisted and there was a rejoicing time generally. After I came home from work, I gathered my beets and put them in the cellar in order to make room for a strawberry bed. Before tea, I killed a chicken over to Mrs. Davis'. She gave it to me. I offered to pay her but she would not take anything. After tea, Gussie and I went to market. The cars being late, she went home and I stayed to wait for the mail. The train came a little after 9 o'clock. The news of the capture of Atlanta was fully confirmed. Just before retiring, Mr. Cocking brought a glass of beer down to me. 9/4 SUNDAY - Cloudy and rain in the P.M. Gussie did not attend church. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Acts 12:12. In the P.M. from John 2:24. I walked home from church with John Cosier under his umbrella. Talked to the Sunday School at noon. I took a nap after tea. No service in our church in the evening on account of a sermon by Starr Hoyt Nichols to the Young Men's Christian Association in the 1st Congregational Church. I went down about 7 o'clock and mailed letters for Mrs. George Davis. 9/5 MONDAY - Stormy. No work in the shop. I had calculated to work in my garden and set out a strawberry bed, but on account of the storm could not. I went down to Charles Hull's Tin Shop and make some pistol bullets. I came near putting out my eyes by wetting the molds to cool them and then before they were dry pouring in the melted lead which splattered and flew into my face blistering my eyelid a little. The first number of the War Record was sent to me for another year which I had not subscribed for on account of not feeling able to do so and not because I did not like the paper. On the contrary, I like it very much. I ordered it sent back to the publishers again. In the afternoon, I went to the shop for my pay for the last two weeks' work. Went to Sanford's Wood Sawing establishment and got a piece of hickory for a ramrod for Mr. McDonald's gun which I am keeping for him. I shaved it down in Robert Sayer's Undertaking Shop and then came home and finished it off which took me all the afternoon. I retired with the sick headache after which Mr. Cocking returned from the Post Office with two letters for me from George. He acknowledged the receipt of the hat and watch which I sent him on the 16th of August. The Letters were written the 16th and 23rd and postmarked August 27th. News by the evening paper of the capture of the rebel [Raider] Georgia, a pirate. 9/6 TUESDAY - Stormy this morning. John Cosier came up for a gallon of vinegar before I got up. I rose with the headache again. My fingers which I cut yesterday with a wire on my umbrella being pretty sore, I concluded not to go to the shop. After breakfast, I copied some extracts from George's two letters for the Jeffersonian and carried them to Ashley. I waited for the mail which was rather late and then came home to dinner. I went over to McDonald's to repair Emaline Williams' trunk lock after dinner. I went into the street and got short iron, nails straps and buckles and just about made over new her trunk by working nearly all afternoon on it. I went to the depot in the evening to meet cousin Lieut. Charles C. Parsons and wife if they should come as we somewhat expect them. But they did not come. Went to the Post Office and while there listened to Rev. Mr. Shepard talk as he has just returned from the front of our army at Petersburg. I walked up home with Mr. Cocking. Brought a letter for Father Griswold from Canton. Stayed up there a short time to visit with Cousin Emaline. The celebrated Guerilla John Morgan who was formerly captured and broke jail has been killed and his staff captured. So says the Evening Post. A letter in the office from Harriet from George which I remailed to her in Stamford where she is visiting. Commenced a letter to George in the evening. 9/7 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Before tea, I finished gathering my vegetables on the place where I want to set out strawberry plants. I got my first Jeffersonian from the printing office on my new subscription for one year. In the evening I went to the depot and got a through ticket to Cleveland by the Erie route of Mr. Williams, the ticket agent, for Cousin Emaline Williams who goes tomorrow morning. Fred Vintz cut his foot badly today. 9/8 THURSDAY - Cousin Emaline Williams left on the morning train for Kansas. Had work in the shop until early night. There was a rainbow circle around the sun just after dinner, a thing which I never saw before or heard of either. It was a circle the same as usual, except that it contained all the colors of the rainbow. Brother Woodruff was at Father Griswold's with George Starr when I came home from work. Cloudy in the P.M. I finished my letter to George and mailed it in the evening with a Harper's Weekly and two Jeffersonians. One back number with the piece in it that George wrote of how the 17th Regt. spent the 4th of July at St. Augustine and the last number. I went to the depot to see if Charles Parsons and lady came. From there, I went to the Post Office and then to prayer meeting. Brother Woodruff was there. The evening post gives us news of the French in Mexico being whipped. When I came home, it was clear and cool with prospects of a frost. 9/9 FRIDAY - Rain early this morning. Cloudy during the day a little broken between 3 and 4 o'clock with an occasional ray of sunshine. After I finished my shop work, I came home and spaded garden to put out strawberry plants. I spaded about half the patch and put out two rows of plants. Gussie went up to Mother Purdy's in the P.M. and was late getting home. A balloon was seen (I saw it) between 6 and 7 o'clock this evening in a northeast direction. I went to the Post Office in the evening. and returned as soon as the mail was opened as I was very tired. 9/10 SATURDAY - pleasant and warmer than before since September came in. I had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. On the way home, I bought 4 lbs. of excellent coffee of Parmalee and Bradley, the last he had of the kind, and I was desirous of securing it for fear of not being able to get any more of the kind. As soon as I got home, I went immediately back again to Hull's Tin Shop to have a new bottom put into our tea kettle and a top with a lid on our old fruit can. When I returned, I spaded a little more ground and put out two rows more of the Russel Prolific strawberry plants. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Mary came in. Gussie went with me downtown to market and to the Post Office in the evening. A soldier who lost one hand at Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip at the time General Butler took New Orleans came to the shop today soliciting assistance to go to his home somewhere on the North River. I gave him 25 cents. 9/11 SUNDAY - Stormy. I went with Gussie down to the church and then went to Barnum's Hotel to see what arrangements had been made for the Ridgefield Military Company to get dinner, they being here to bury the remains of Captain White, Company I, 10th Regt. Connecticut Volunteers, as if there were no arrangements made to feed them, I was going to ask our friend Rockwell who is a member of the company home with us to dinner. They were to take dinner at the hotel. Mr. Tweedy not having a load, I went down to Long Ridge with him where the religious part of the service was conducted at the Methodist church by Mr. Clark of Georgetown, a protestant Methodist. He preached an excellent sermon from Job 14:14 'If a man die shall he live again. As soon as the service was over, we drove home as soon as possible not waiting for the procession as it was raining in torrents. The service at the church was at 11 o' clock. We arrive home a little before 2 o'clock. I went to the sacrament in the P.M. Brother Woodruff assisted in administering it. He preached in the morning but I, being at Long Ridge, did not hear him. The procession passed up Main Street just after the services in the church were over. I heard the three volleys fired over the soldier's grave at 3 one half o'clock as I was writing at home. Though his house was on Long Ridge, he was buried in our cemetery. After tea, I took a nap until evening meeting time. The meeting was one of thanksgiving in accordance with President Lincoln's proclamation. The three congregations united in our church. The meeting was one of great interest. Remarks were made by the several clergy with occasional prayers and singing by the choir. Brother Woodruff made the last speech which was a good one after his peculiar style. It brought down the house by way of intense interest and laughter. The exercises were closed by the congregation joining the choir in singing 'The Star Spangled Banner'. 9/12 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day. It cleared off in the evening or just before night. I had one dozen cheap hats to finish which I did before noon. Received three packages of old letters by from George by mail. After dinner, I cut off each end of Fanny's flower stand to make it small enough to go in their bay window. I then went over to George Starr's for a board with which to make a work bench for Gussie. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I went to the depot with Bell in the evening to meet Harriet as we expected her form Stamford, but she did not come. 9/13 TUESDAY - Pleasant but a little cool for the season. After breakfast, I took my gun and started for Starr's Plain where I found David Bradley as I expected. We went on Moses Mountain and there and on the way home we spent nearly all day. The game I brought home was as follows: 1 rabbit, 1partridge, 2 pigeons, 2 robins and 2 chipmunks. I was very tired at night. We dressed the game before tea. After tea, I went to the Post Office. Mr. Cocking had a load of wood come today. Charlie, the boy who works for Mr. Lynes with Robert came in the evening and wheeled the wood to the woodhouse and piled it up. 9/14 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I finished digging my strawberry ground as far as I could on account of the tomatoes and put out three rows of Poor House seedlings. I pulled up my squash vines and all the corn stalks that had no corn on them and gave them to McDonald. I then went down to the Post Office and came home to dinner. We had Father and Mother Griswold with us to eat a wild game pot pie. I cleaned my gun before breakfast. It is just one year ago this morning since Eddie died. No, I made a mistake a year ago tomorrow. I was thinking today was the fifteenth. Before tea, I wrote to George and put up a Harper's Pictorial with a Jeffersonian and last weeks' Danbury Times with the historical sketches of St. Augustine in it sent by Montgomery Bailey. I attended class in the evening. Brother Hill led it. After class, I walked up with John Cosier and called to see David Bradley to see how he stood the hunt yesterday and to see if he could go again tomorrow. I stayed about an hour and talked. When I came home Gussie had retired. It clouded up about 6 o'clock and sprinkled a little as it did during the evening. Moses Baxter, who went away to avoid the draft I see is at home today. He doubtless had word sent to him that our quota was filled and that there would be no draft. If the American people were all like him and his father the country would be destroyed before it would be defended. They will not only not fight themselves but will prevent others from doing so if they can and are continually condemning the administration for putting down an armed rebellion by force of arms. 9/15 THURSDAY - Eddie died one year ago this morning at a quarter past three o'clock. I t has been pleasant today. I took up and put in pots Gussie's house plants. Repaired Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. Nailed a strap in Mother Griswold's trunk. It was then noon. After dinner I took my gun and went over to Fish Ware and Mill Plain swamp to hunt for pigeons. I wounded one and could not find him in the swamp and shot at another but the distance was so great I did not kill him. It was dark when I got home. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. 9/16 FRIDAY - I have had work all day in the shop. I came home about sundown and found the house locked and Gussie away. I had a fire and boiled tea before she came. She was up home. I scolded some for coming home and finding the house fastened and no one to get supper when I had worked so hard all day and was tired. Mr. Swift occupies his new store for the first time this evening with his newspapers. I attended the Union League before I came home. 9/17 SATURDAY - Had work in the shop until noon. After dinner, I took my guns and started to find David Bradley according to last evening's agreement and found him in company with Hart Purdy and Robert Raymond in Hull's Orchard near the old Isaac Levine place down the road leading to Fox Pond Hollow. From there, we went over near the old David Ambler farm and down across the flat meadows to the edge of Mill Plain Swamp on Granville Amblers Fish Ware land. We came home by way of Terry's Woods and Oil Mill Pond. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking, who have been staying out to Mr. Lyne's all the week came home in the evening. Mother Griswold and Fanny started for Bloomfield this morning. A Democratic mass meeting in Norwalk this morning. Harriet came home from New York this morning. 9/18 SUNDAY - Gussie's birthday - 28 years old. The sun shone brightly in the forenoon. Fling clouds and wind in the P.M. I attended church all day. Gussie did not. Brother Hill preached. Text in the morning _______. In the P.M. Colossians 1:17, Isaiah 11:2. After Sunday School, I took Thomas Lyons' team and went up for Mother and brought her to church. She walked home. Just as Brother Hill commenced his sermon in the P.M., Aaron Morehouse's wife was taken faint. He was obliged to leave church with her. After tea, I took a nap until nearly evening Meeting time. We both attended. Just before going, Bell and a little Squires' girl who lives just this side came bringing two letters from Harriet to mail. Gussie had news this evening that Marianne Underhill, an old schoolmate and chum of hers at Amenia School was dead with two of her children also with dysentery. She lived near Gaylordsville on the Housatonic River road. 9/19 MONDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until about 3 one half o'clock. David Mills appeared to me in the shop this forenoon. He came from Bethel on the train. He arrived home on Saturday evening. When I finished work, I went to the Depot to see him off. Carrie came up with him and Harriet returned with them. I went to Austin's store and drew $2.50 the same being my traveling expenses to and from Bridgeport to have my name stricken from the rolls. James S. Taylor, the first selectman left the papers and money there to be paid to all such as myself who went down to Bridgeport for that purpose and had their names taken off. Paid to John Cosier the balance of my seat rent for this year. - $3.00 Reverend Mr. Shepherd, the Universalist minister gave a lecture or rather his experience of what he saw on a visit to our army under General Grant in front of Petersburg and Richmond., Va. Gussie attended with me. After his lecture a collection was taken up for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission. Also he presented a book to take one dollar subscription which is to be circulated throughout the country to buy a house for General Grant as a token of the country's appreciation of his service to the country. It was 10 one half o'clock when we arrived home. 9/20 TUESDAY - Had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. I then came home by way of Burr Bradley's with him and drank some new cider which he had just got. The shop was called in the forenoon to raise the price on the Round Crown or Smith Block. We got 2 cents extra on soft hats and 3 cents on stiff rims. Mr. John Cosier called before tea to engage a gallon of vinegar for Lucius Wildman. I agreed to let him have it. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. I received a letter from George, the first since he was ordered to join his regiment. He is now with them at Picolata. The evening papers state that a heavy but successful battle had been fought by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. Also that rebels in Canada have seized small steamers on Lake Erie. I put down my name to give $1.00 toward buying a house for General Grant. 9/21 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work until noon in the shop. I came home to dinner and ate with Mrs. Jesse D. Stevens and her mother. Jesse's wife was spending the day with Gussie. While we were eating dinner, the commenced firing 34 guns in honor of the late victory by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. The bells were rung also. I went on to Ives Hill after dinner where they were having the salute and went with them to help put up the gun. (Mrs. Lanford who was with us to dinner came in just before dinner having been over to the Sand Hill for some scouring sand). I called at Tweedy Brothers and then came home and got out a piece of hickory for a ramrod in McDonald's gun, the other one which I made being rather small. Between 4 and 5 o'clock, I went out into the street to get my Jeffersonian and met John Cosier who wanted me to go hunting with him a short time over west a short distance which I did. We went over as far as Granville Ambler's land on the edge of Mill Pond Swamp and returned without seeing anything to shoot at. We arrive home after dark. I drank my tea and started for class meeting but so much of the evening was taken up with finding a daily paper to send to George and mailing it together with the Harper's Weekly and Jeffersonian that I did not go but attended the Union League which kept me out until 10 one half o'clock. I sent the daily paper in order that George might read the news of Sheridan's victory at Winchester. Mr. James Fowler brought us but 1 one half lbs. of butter this week instead of two as usual and notified us that he could bring us butter but once more. 9/22 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. I had work in the shop until noon. I ate my dinner which I had with me and came home by way of Alden G. Crosby's coal office and paid him the $6.00 I had borrowed of him some time ago for Frank Boughton to pay her interest with. When I got home I finished the ramrod to McDonald's gun, it being the second one I made, the first being too small. Wallace Hyatt, one of the boys at the shop, climbed the flagstaff on the shop this morning to put in some new halyards. The flag was then run up and kept flying during the day. After tea, I wrote a letter to George and intended to mail it in the evening, but before mailing it, I concluded to wait for the evening mail to see if another letter came from him and sure enough there was one. While reading it in the post office, there was an alarm of fire. It was a linty (sp) on the rear of Heurie's (sp) Tobacco Store. For a few minutes prior to the arrival of the hose, there was every prospect of a large fire. But the hose soon extinguished the flames. I having just previous to the fire bought some scallops for breakfast, I took them and came home. Before retiring, I answered the letter from George just received and enclosed the letter I wrote before going to market. 9/23 FRIDAY - Cloudy with some mist in the P.M. Had work all day in the shop. I collected money in the shop for powder to fire on the first occasion we have such as a victory or the capture of Richmond. Before breakfast went down and mailed the letter to George which I wrote last night. I attended the Union League in the evening. Came home about 10 one half o'clock. 9/24 SATURDAY - Cloudy and rain between 3 and 4 o'clock P.M. A thunder shower about an hour after. I had work in the shop until after dinner. On my way home I called at Louis Moegling's (sp) dying establishment to see what it would cost to get the field of our flag at the factory dyed as it has become so faded that it is not respectable. I came home and commenced making out a letter for George for publication in the Jeffersonian from his last two letters. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. We did our marketing and she came home while I stayed for the mail. I did a little collecting of money with which to buy powder for salutes in our Union Gun. The new Union Club room was to be opened in the evening, but for some reason was not. Further good news from General Sheridan. He continues to whip the rebel General Early very severely. Upon receipt of the news, bells were rung and the cannon fired. 9/25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cooler. I attended church all day. Gussie came down to Sunday School and afternoon meeting. Brother Hill exchanged with Mr. Stone the Baptist I the P.M. Mr. Stone preached from Luke 23:42-43. Before and after supper, I finished copying from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. I then finished also the letter I commenced writing to him this morning. I mailed also in the evening with the letter, The Harper's weekly and Friday's Tribune. Also a comic picture of Lincoln, Little Mac, General Grant, Richmond, and Weldon R. Road. There being prospects of frost, we gathered what few dwarf pears there were remaining in the trees, a dozen perhaps. In the letter to George, I requested that he send me a list of the names of those in his Company who are 21 years old but who have not been made freemen, on account of coming of age since entering the army. There are measures being made to get them home to vote for president in November. Just before meeting time, Gussie and I went over to Burr Bradley's and went from there to prayer meeting with him and his wife. We got their card pictures. 9/26 MONDAY - Pleasant. My work in the shop lasted until about 2 one half o'clock. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian and left a letter from George for publication. He thinks it cannot be printed this week as the paper is full of matter for this issue. I bought one pound of shot on my way home to go hunting tomorrow with Burr Bradley. I picked beans before tea to save them from the frost. I got the one half dozen Army and Navy Dictionaries at Swift's News Office in the evening and mailed them to George. At the same time, I wrote a letter with pencil and mailed to him, stating the price of the dictionaries. After which I went to the Union meeting in Concert Hall to organize a Union Campaign Club. I was organized in due form making John Tinely (sp) president. We had speaking from Rev. Mr. Shepard and Chaplain Ambler. Also the song 'Rally Round the Flag, Boys' led by Mr. Jackson. The meeting was well attended and enthusiastic. I carried cartes de visite of Gussie and myself to the shop and gave them to Burr Bradley in exchange for theirs received last night. 9/27 TUESDAY - I rose about 5 o'clock and found it raining hard and with that gave up the idea of hunting with Burr Bradley and went back to bed as I was in no hurry having no work in the shop. I lay half an hour and then got up again, but found it pleasant, the rain being but a little shower passing over. I then hurried as fast as possible about breakfast, but Burr came before it was ready. I ate such as was ready and started with Burr. We went over to Jacob Fry's. He had promised to carry us over to Pine Mountain with his team. He not being ready, we went on and followed the stream from E. Hull's up to Fish Ware looking for ducks. While I was hunting partridge, Burr saw three ducks, but did not get a shot. Mr. Fry overtook us on the Miry Brook road just beyond Fish Ware. We rode up the old Spruce Mountain Road by Thomas Smith's and then hunted around crossing over to Pine Mountain, paying a visit to the U.S. Coast Surveyors. From there we hunted the woods down coming out in the vicinity of Starr's Plain Pond. We then went on the mountain the other side of the road up to Hawley Branson's farm over Moses Mountain across by Charles Starr's wood and home. My game was one partridge, one pigeon, one chipmunk, and a Brown Thrasher. We arrive home at 2 o'clock. At 5 P.M., went down to see the Lincoln and Johnson banner flying to the breeze. Speeches were made by John Tweedy, Silas Ferrel and Mr. H. Francis. Having a severe headache and feeling lame after my tramp, I came home and retired early, feeling quite used up. Harriet Purdy left a letter here for Gussie from Eliza Humphrey in California. Gussie being out with me to the banner raising, she put the letter in at the window beside the casing some way, how we could not imagine. This morning, while Burr Bradley was waiting for me to eat breakfast, Sarah Purdy came in to tell me that George wished her to tell me that the Regiment had received their instrument for a Regimental Brass Band. He wanted me to have it inserted in his letter for the Jeffersonian. 9/28 WEDNESDAY - Had work until noon at the shop. A subscription came to the Copperheads at the shop this morning for a McClellan banner to match and without doubt will excel ours for Lincoln and Johnson. We had the game I shot yesterday for dinner today. A little rain about 2 P.M. It soon stopped and then Burr Bradley as he promised at the shop came along with his gun and we took a little stroll to Oil Mill Pond, Terry's Woods, Fish Ware and Mill Plain Swamp, across to Thomas Lyons, from there across in the rear of the old Captain Fairchild Ambler's estate, up toward Edward Mack's, the old Benjamin Ambler orchard opposite the Levine(sp) place, the across to Charles Starr's woods and home arriving about 6 o'clock with 2 High holes and a chipmunk, which I gave to Burr. I then dressed, took tea, went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and one to send to George, which I immediately mailed with a New York Times of today. I then went to class, had a good meeting, after which I went to the grocery store for some things, to the Post Office, and for the first time visited our Union Club rooms over Harvey's new store, 3rd floor. I put my name down as one of the club. Sat a few minutes and walked up home with John Green and Rev. Mr. Shepard. 9/29 THURSDAY - Stormy in the forenoon, but pleasant in the P.M. I worked all day I the shop. Frank Cornwall's (colored) house on Turner Street fell down over his head this morning about 6 o'clock. It stood on a side hill and fell for want of proper underpinning. I went to hear Henry C. Demming of Hartford speak in Concert hall in the evening upon the issues of the day. He arrived by the cars in the evening and in consequence was late in commencing his speech. I got home at 10 o'clock. Demming was the late colonel of the 12th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. 9/30 FRIDAY - Stormy again in the morning, but some sunshine in the P.M. and pleasant in the evening. I had work all day in the shop. Gussie spent the afternoon up to my fathers. T. H. Bond of New Haven spoke to the Copperheads in Concert Hall in the evening. They made considerable display by escorting their speaker from the cars to the Hall with a band of music. I went to the Union League in the evening. Father Griswold was initiated with a large number of others. Fido was close to his heels all the time.
1864-09
Horace Purdy Journal August 1864 Entry
9pgs
8/1 MONDAY - Charlie Parsons woke me this morning a little after 5 o'clock by coming down and shaking my door I immediately rose and after lighting my fire, took a walk with him down to the Wooster House took get a little spirits, he not yet feeling well. After breakfast, John Sharp came with his coach to carry him to the depot. I rode down with him and saw Charlie on the train and then started for the factory. The train passed the shop just as I got there. He signaled to me as he passed. Sharp carried us on West Street around Rabbit Hill for another passenger before going to the depot. The day has been very warm. I finished my work at the shop about 1 o'clock and then came home to dinner. In the P.M., I mailed a Tribune and a Waverly to George. Carried picture of Phil Parsons to Couch's to copy some card pictures from for Charles Parsons. I went to the Savings Bank and had the $20.00 I paid for the watch for George transferred from his book to mine. Also deposited a dollar for Eddie with his old book in his name, though he is dead. After tea, Gussie went with me down to market. We went into Deklyn's and took some cream. 8/2 TUESDAY - Very warm. We have suffered more with the heat in the shop than any day before. We were limited in our work today, but it was all I wanted for so warm a day, it lasted me until 5 o'clock. John Bush has lost his last and only child with Cholera Infantius. He has had six children; this one was about 20 months old. Cloudy just at night and before I retired, it began to mist a little with good prospects of a storm. I was so tired that I did not go out in the evening. I put some water in a tub and just before I retired I washed me all over. Bought 2 quarts of blackberries of Zarr (sp) Hack who came along peddling them just before dark. 8/3 WEDNESDAY - Stormy. No work in the shop. Between 9 and 11 o'clock, I went over to Mr. Lyne's and Robert and the boy Charles went over to Lake Kenosha fishing. I went with them. We fished until about nearly 7 P.M. Not very good luck. After tea, I went down to the Post Office and directly home again. John Brush's child was buried this P.M at 3 o'clock. 8/4 THURSDAY - Being very tired last night, I overslept this morning. I dressed my fish before breakfast. After breakfast, I pulled the weeds from my Tromp De Gard strawberry bed. National Fast Union Servicers in our church. Brother Hill preached the sermon from Zachariah 14:6-7. It was an excellent discourse for the occasion. The service commenced at 11 o'clock and closed about 1 0'clock. We had dinner about 3 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. Robert went with me and carried some very fine tomatoes to the editor of the Jeffersonian. Perfected and free tomatoes, the nicest I ever saw, I think. I have felt dull with no ambition all day. I think I caught some cold yesterday while fishing. 8/5 FRIDAY - Rain in the afternoon though in the forenoon it had the appearance of clearing off. Limited in our work at the shop. Some of the men finished at noon, I worked until nearly night. I came home by way of Couch's Picture Gallery and got the card pictures of Philemon Parsons which his brother Charles directed me to have copied from a picture fanny had. He being at Hartford and drilling militia officers and expecting to return this way and get them. I went to market and the Post Office in the evening. Martha Whealon came to our folks (Griswolds) by the evening train to make a visit. She is from Brooklyn. 8/6 SATURDAY - Clouds and sunshine, at times appearance of more rain. I finished my work in the shop at noon, we having but a small allowance now. I picked up a damaged hat yesterday and finished it for my head, had it trimmed today and brought it home. Received a letter from George at noon. Commenced an answer in the P.M. Hoed in my garden. Harriet and Louise Jones called before tea, but could not stay. Gussie went with me downtown to market in the evening. We somewhat expected Charles Parsons in the evening, but he did not come. While in the street, Mr. Barnum hailed me about my application for a pension. The officers at the pension office wanting more particulars regarding my case, such as who attended me and how much, also what hospital I was in and the name of our camp. The name of the camp I gave, it was Camp McDowell. As for the hospital, I never went into one, but lay in my tent. The name of the surgeons I gave, but they never treated me for hernia, as I did not tell them the difficulty after I discovered what it was, knowing that medicine would do me no good. There is but little possibility of me getting the pension. Another town meeting this P.M. about filling our quota in order to evade the coming draft. A vote was passed instructing the selectmen to fill the quota of the town as best they can regardless of expense, no particular sum of money being appropriated. 8/7 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie attended church with me in the morning. Brother Breckinridge, the Bethel preacher, preached for us all day. Text in the morning was Malachi 4:2, in the P.M., Proverbs 4:12. 2 dozen new singing books, Chain and Shower were brought into the school today. John Comes went up for Mother at noon and brought her down for the afternoon service. Theo Lyon carried her home after meeting. Bell came home with us to tea. I got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage after tea and carried Gussie and Bell up to the cemetery. I fund Edith Newman and Harriet Mills up there. After Gussie and Bell had rode around the cemetery, they got out at Eddie's grave and I took Edith and Hattie Mills in and drove around the grounds. I had to go up to Oil Mill Pond for the horse and back with him again after the ride. Before church this morning, I wrote to Charles Parsons in order to send the pictures to him of his brother Phil which I had copied for him while he was up to Hartford as he requested. But concluded to not mail it until tomorrow for fear that he may come here on his return from Hartford. We did not go to church in the evening. 8/8 MONDAY - Very smoky and warm. Half the men in the shop worked today and the other half works tomorrow. I worked today. The reason for this arrangement was that all the work was on one set of blocks, the 5 deeps. Not feeling very well, I was very tired when I finished my work. I came home by way of Dr. Rider's office and had him dig out an old root for me. I broke the tooth off even with the gum one day last week. He broke it, or rather crushed it in his instruments 3 different times. I finished my letter to George after tea and mailed it in the evening with one to Charles Parsons at West Point. I enclosed 2 card pictures of his brother Philemon which he wished me to have copied from one Fanny has. In fact, to send the pictures was the reason for me writing. I mailed also to George a Waverly. On my way home from the shop, I called at Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and balanced my account for coal by paying $10.00. 8/9 TUESDAY - Pleasant. No work in the shop. I worked around home all day. Dug up my old strawberry.. (Ed. Note: breaks off here. Pages 78-79 are missing. Diary resumes at the end of 8/12) 8/12 FRIDAY - in the forenoon. The New York train ran off the track just this side of the city and consequently, it was 9 o'clock before we arrived in Danbury. I came home with the sick headache. 8/13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. We had 1 dozen each at the shop. After I finished mine, I took six from John W. Bussing at his request as he was to leave to go to Boston. I cut the vines from my strawberry plants leaving the new plants alone preparatory to transplanting. After tea, Robert helped me alter a cat for Mother Griswold. I took the two heaps of grass and piled it west of the woodhouse. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. Mrs. Stokes, sister to George Bevans died this morning. She gave birth to a pair of twins yesterday. One side of her has been for some time paralyzed. She was not expected to live through her confinement. 8/14 SUNDAY - A hard shower last night which has made the air more pure, though the day has been very warm. The sermon in the morning was to the Sabbath school children by our pastor, Brother Hill. Text was the middle clause of the third verse 15th chapter, 1st Corinthians 'Christ died for our sins.' Sunday school prayer meeting at noon at which Brother George Starr brought a fine picture of 'Christ Blessing the Little Children.' He exhibited and explained it to the schools. Sacrament in the P.M. I stayed, Gussie went home. The funeral of Mrs. Stokes was attended at 3 o'clock at the residence of Avery Raymond on Balmforth Avenue. After tea, Gussie and I walked up to the cemetery and put a bouquet on Eddie's grave. It was about dark when we returned. We did not go to church in the evening. 8/15 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. A vote is to be cast today to see if the people will allow the soldiers in the field to vote. I went to the depot with Mother Whealon this morning. I introduced her to Daniel Mauly who was going to Bridgeport and he promised to put her on board of the New Haven train for New York. Carried my shoes to Charles Reed's to be mended. I left George's watch at the jeweler's to be brightened up as I think of sending it to him tomorrow by mail with a hat I am going to send. After I returned from the depot, I trimmed the edges of my door yard walks. I then took extracts from George's letter for publication and carried it to Ashley, editor of the Jeffersonian. Went down and voted and got home at noon. I found Harriet there to take dinner with us. She says Father is pretty sick. Mrs. Stone washed for us. After dinner, I went up home to see Father. He is better. I stayed until nearly 4 o'clock and came home and set out a new bed of the Tromp De Gard strawberries. I went into the street and to the Post Office. The vote allowing soldiers to vote stands. I put up a letter to mail to 200 Mulberry Street, New York for (Father Griswold). 8/16 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. The letter I intended to mail to Father Griswold, I neglected and he came home on the morning train rather unexpectedly, so I gave him the letter h just as I had prepared it to mail. I spent nearly all the forenoon in mowing the grass and repairing the sidewalk I front of Father Griswold's and my premises. In the P.M., I put up a package for George containing a hat and his watch to send my mail. I also wrote him a letter and put up a Harper's Weekly to send. I went up home to see our folks. Father is improving, I think, but Mother is troubled again with her old difficulty in the region of the heart. I brought home some pears from Mrs. Peck's to stew. Bought 1 dozen eggs of Mother to assist them and bought a quart of molasses for them. Pulled up the weeds west of my woodhouse before tea, after which I went downtown to market and mailed the package to George along with a letter and a Harper's Weekly. I had the package registered, which cost me 20 cents. The postage was 45 cents, making full cost of sending 65 cents. 8/17 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy when I rose in the morning and began to rain about 8 o'clock. Previous to the rain, I dug what potatoes I had where I had set out cabbage and turnips, the chopped up some old pea brush in the wood house. I went to the Post Office when the mail came and rode back in the rain with Charles, the boy who lives with Mr. Lynes. After dinner, I cracked some walnuts and then went up to the Jeffersonian office to get the paper which Ashley sends to George and mail it myself to go by the afternoon mail in order to take the southern mail from New York tomorrow. If Ashley sent it with his other papers, he would not send it by this afternoon's mail, which was necessary to do or wait 8 days for another steamer. I sent with it a New York Daily Times. I went up home to see my folks who are sick and was caught in a shower coming home between 4 and 5 o'clock. I went to market and to class in the evening. There being but few there and Brother Hoyt being sick, Brother Hill led his class and we met with them. Widow White came to Father Griswold's in the evening from Newark, New Jersey. 8/18 THURSDAY - Clear and pleasant. I had 2 dozen hats to finish today. It lasted me until nearly night. After (tea?), Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr's to make a call and I went downtown and mailed a letter to E. Wing at West Goshen with $3.30 enclosed for a clothes dryer, the balance of the $5.00 ($1.50), I gave to Father Griswold at his (Wing's) request which he made by letter received today by Father Griswold. I met Gussie at J. M. Ives' store where we selected 18 fruit jars (glass) and ordered them brought up tomorrow. On our way home, we bought a lampshade at Charles Hull's. We took from Father Griswold's box a letter for Mrs. Marie White who is visiting there and brought it home to her. Father Griswold gave me a few Russell Seedling strawberry plants. I set them out before going downtown. 8/19 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I got Alfred Gregory's team and went up home for a load of manure Father gave to me. I dug some of it in my new strawberry bed between the rows. After dinner, I pulled up my pea vines and carried away the brush and hoed my cabbages and turnips. Mr. Cocking brought me some Poorhouse Seedling strawberry plants. I put them out for the time being where I took away my pea vines. Gussie picked and stuffed her peppers. The glass fruit jars I engaged last night came this morning. I walked downtown with Mr. Cocking in the evening. Received a letter from George by the evening mail. Attended the (Union League?). 8/20 SATURDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning. I had one half day's work in the shop. In the P.M., I got my Wilson's Prolific strawberry plants from Father Griswold's and set them out temporarily until I get my ground ready for them. In the evening, Gussie went down to market with me. Harriet was with us to tea. 8/21 SUNDAY - Cloudy all day. Love feast in the morning at 9 o'clock. Brother Osborne, the presiding elder, was there. Gussie and I attended, but on account of me going to the shop for my umbrella which I left there yesterday, it was late when I got there. Brother Osborne preached in the morning form Exodus 20: last of 24th verse. Brother Lamon from the 27th Street Church, New York City, who is spending a few weeks up here and boarding with J. W. Nichols preached in the P.M. from Hebrew 4:15. Brother Lamon is a deaf man Brother Hill being sick, is not able to preach. It commenced raining a few minute after we returned from the afternoon services a little after 3 o'clock. After tea, Mr. Olmstead (who lives on Deer Hill where Mr. Huntington used to) came down to tell me that Mother was quite low that she had been sick all day. I went up immediately and found her better. From her telling, I think it was an attack of Cholera Morbus or Bilious Cholic. Father has not been so well today either. I stayed all the evening. I spent a little time up in Harriet's room with her and Miss Jones. Miss Jones was sitting in the room with Mother when I went up. She is a good girl. I returned home about 9 0'clock or a little later. 8/2 MONDAY - Cloudy and Sunshine and showers without thunder in the P.M. I had one half days' work in the shop. Burr Bradley came over after dinner and I gave him 100 Tromp De Gard strawberry plants. Harriet and Louise Jones came down in the forenoon and spent the day. We had water and citron melons for dessert at dinner. I picked my crabapples. Went into the street and engaged Parmelee and Bradley's horse and Brother Hill's carriage to carry Harriet, Louise and Gussie up to the cemetery after tea. We went and got in a shower while up there. Before taking the team home, I carried Harriet and Louise up home. Gussie rode up with them and called in a moment to see Mother. A hard shower again about 10 o'clock in the evening. 8/23 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I finished my work in the shop at noon. On my way home, I took a letter from the Post Office from George. When I got home, Bell was down to tell us that Aunt Ann was dead and would be buried tomorrow at 12 o'clock. And that Aunt Harriet Benjamin was sick with the same complaint, Dysentery. I tried to get McDonald's horse to attend the funeral, but could not. Jo. Kyle came for what strawberry plants I could spare. I helped him carry the up as far as the depot and then called at the Jeffersonian Office to give him some items from the 17th Regt. just received from George. I then called at the Post Office to get a Post Office way bill filled out which George had sent from the St. Augustine Post Office for that purpose. The last thing before coming home was to help Brother Hill wash his carriage which I used in the rain and mud last evening. After tea, I went up home to see if any of the family intended to go to Ridgefield to Aunt Ann's funeral tomorrow. Father and Mother are both too sick to go. I went to the store with Gussie in the evening to buy some cotton for a quilt. I looked around for a team with which to go to the funeral tomorrow. 8/24 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I hired Mr. A. Judd's team and took Bell and went to Ridgefield to attend Aunt Ann's funeral at Uncle Joel's house. It was held at 12 o'clock. We brought Phebe Palmer home with us. Before taking the team home, I took Phebe and Bell up to the cemetery. I went to market in the evening and mailed a letter and Harper's Weekly to George. Before starting for Ridgefield, which was about 9 o'clock, I exchanged Judd's carriage for George Hoyt's, the tin peddler who boards across the street to Mr. Smith, his being lighter and nicer. I paid 2 extra for the carriage. Paid Judd $2.25 for his horse and carriage. Mother gave me 60 cents to help pay it if I would take Bell with me. Aunt Joanna (for this was her real name though she would never own the Jo) was 61 years, 4 months and 18 days old. Died Monday night 12 o'clock after two weeks severe sickness with dysentery. Mr. Clark, the Presbyterian minister, conducted the services at the house. Captain Ben Keeler, an old man across the street from Uncle Joel's was buried also a 2 o'clock. We started for home about 2 o'clock, arriving a few minutes before 5 P.M. Before taking home the team, I went up to the cemetery with Phebe and Bell and then carried Bell up home, Phebe riding up with us but returned with me to stay all night. Hattie Mills, Edith Newman and her brother Saul came up in the evening. I had a hard headache all the evening for riding all day in the sun. On my way for the horse in the morning, I carried a gallon of vinegar to the Post Office for Jo. Kyle. 8/25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. On my way to work, I called at Crofut's Feed Store to do an errand for Father Griswold. Bought a card picture of Mother at Couch's Gallery for Phebe. We had more work than usual today. It lasted until 3 o'clock. Gussie and Phebe went up home to spend the afternoon and I went up to tea. Hattie Mills went up with them. Mrs. Orin Bronson and Frank Boughton came up a little while. We had a good time. We came home about 8 o'clock and went down to the saloon for some ice cream. 8/26 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. Work in the shop lasted until about 2 o'clock. Phebe went up home in the forenoon to visit with our folks and returned with Bell about 4 o'clock. About 3 o'clock Robert came along with his horse and wagon to carry some tomatoes to the Wooster House and to get some lumber. I went down with him for the ride. Phebe stayed until after tea, when she went home with Bell to stay all night. I went up to Mr. Hurd's and got one Tromp De Gard strawberry plant to fill out my bed. Went to the store and to the Post Office in the evening. I went down and returned with Mr. Cocking. 8/27 SATURDAY - Rain between 5 and 6 in the morning. When I went for milk, I brought home Mr. McDonald's double barreled gun to take care of and keep in good order having the use of it for my trouble. I went down to the Jeffersonian Office after breakfast to help Ashley bind the historical sketches which he had been printing for George, but they not being pressed, I could not do it. I bought a coconut with the outer hard shell on just as they are picked from the tree. I bought for a curiosity as I had never before seen one like it. I spaded in some manure in between the rows of the upper part of my Tromp De Gard strawberry bed just before dinner. After dinner, I went into the street for some groceries and my paper, Harper's Weekly. I saw Uncle Edwin, who was to come for Phebe before he went home. She being up home on Deer Hill, I hastened back to tell her that Uncle Edwin would call for her at my house soon. She came down with me and found him waiting for her. After she had gone, I read my paper, took a nap and cracked some walnuts. The sun came out pleasant and warm after dinner. Harriet and Louise came and took tea with us after which we all went up to Mother Griswold's a few minutes. In the meantime, Hattie Mills called and after Harriet and Louise went home walked downtown with us as we went to market. The evening paper gives us news of another major battle on the Weldon Railroad near Petersburg, Va. General Hancock of our army was attacked by the rebels who tried to drive him for the railroad but was repulsed with great slaughter. 8/28 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning and in the P.M Brother Hill preached from John 3rd 27th verse. George Andrews' son-in-law, Mr. Hull, preached in the P.M. from John 15:25. Gussie did not attend during the day. Mother was at church all day. She walked part of the way in the morning and Brother Lyon took her in and carried her the remainder. She went to Smith Barnum's at noon and came home with me to tea. After tea, Gussie and I went with her up home. We spent the evening up there and sang with Miss Louise Jones. 8/29 MONDAY - Eddie's birthday, had he lived. He would have been three years old. Pleasant and more like fall. I had Mr. McDonald put a hoop on our large washtub before breakfast. I finished my work at the shop at noon. I ate my dinner and spent the P.M. at the Jeffersonian Office binding the historical sketches that I have been having printed for George at his request. They are sketches and incidents pertaining to the early settlement of St. Augustine, Fla. In the evening, Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr and I went into the street to the Post Office. 8/30 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but cool night and morning. I had work in the shop nearly all day. Bell came down for my carpet bag for Harriet who thinks of going to Stamford to make a visit. She stayed to tea. I went to the Post Office in the evening and while there, Mr. H. Griffing asked me about Father saying that he owed him about $10.00 for coal since the winter of 1860. I engaged John Sharp to come to Father Griswold's tomorrow morning for Fannie, Hattie and Mrs. Widow White who are going to Camp Meeting at Milford. Anna Purdy was married today to Henry Hinman. They went over to Sodom with her folks to Cousin Roxanna's where the marriage took place. They all returned home in the evening. Gussie spent the evening over there. 8/31 WEDNESDAY - I commenced mowing my dooryard last night and finished it this morning. My work lasted until about the middle of the P.M. I then came home and raked up my grass. By telegraph this afternoon and the evening paper, news of the nomination of George B. McClellan for president by the Democratic Convention at Chicago. I went to market and mailed 525 Pamphlets (?) and Harper's Weekly with a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Gussie spent the evening over to Aunt Louisa's again. I went over to come home with her.
1864-08
Horace Purdy Journal July 1864 Entry
10pgs
7/1 FRIDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning, but it came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I woke in the morning with a severe pain in my bowels. I went down to see Dr. Bulkley, but he was not in his office. The pain increasing and to all appearances growing worse, I called on Dr. Skiff. He gave me some medicine and after the mail came in, I came home and went to bed. I could eat nothing for dinner. The pain seemed to increase in the P.M. After tea, Gussie and Hattie Mills went down to Dr. Skiff. After they had gone, Bro. Hill, who had been making a call at Father Griswold's, came down to see me. Being in somewhat of a hurry, his call was a short one. He prayed with me and then left to join a friend who was with him at Father Griswold's. He called him Bro. Whitney from New Canaan, one of his old church members. After Gussie returned, Mr. Wing, who had called at Father Griswold's on business pertaining to his clothes dryers, called to see me also. As soon as he left, which was after 9 o'clock, Dr. Skiff came. I was somewhat afraid of inflammation of the bowels. He changed his medicine and promised to call on the following morning. (It is now Saturday morning that I am writing this, I was not able to write yesterday). 7/2 SATURDAY - I suffered considerable pain last night. Could not sleep until after midnight when I fell asleep. I woke in the morning feeling easy, the pain having all subsided, but my bowels feeling sore. Dr. Skiff called about 10 o'clock as he was going to Dr. Hawley's to the next door. He left me some phosphorus for my cough. I paid him $1.00 for last night's attendance. Harriet Purdy came down before dinner and stayed until about 4 P.M. After dinner, or rather, in the middle of the afternoon, I went over to McDonald's Blacksmith Shop and made an iron thing to put top of bullets under the rod to press them home in loading my revolver. We had tea a little earlier than usual to enable Harriet Mills to take the train to go home to Bethel to spend the Fourth. After tea, I weeded out my strawberry bed. Gussie not feeling well, I went to Dr. Buckley's and got some medicine for her. I waited until nearly 10 o'clock for the mail and then came home. After I got home, I heard the locomotive blow. I then went back to the Post Office, but there was no mail matter for any of our folks. As this was only why I went back, I had the walk for nothing. 7/3 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie, not feeling well, did not attend church. Mr. and Mrs. Powel and daughter came last night to Father Griswold's and attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and returned to church with Mr. Powel; the other folks did not attend. Fanny was waiting for him at the church door, but her seat being full, he sat with me. Bro. Hill preached all day. Bro. Crawford opened with prayer and scripture reading in the P.M. Text in the morning - Eph. 2:4-5-6, in the P.M. -John 8:36; it was in part, if not entirely, a Fourth of July sermon. He dwelt considerably on the nation, the war, and the anniversary of our independence. By invitation, we went up home and took dinner with the company. After tea, Mr. Powel and I took a walk around Father Griswold's and my premises. I went to prayer meeting in the evening with the Company, Gussie staying at home with her mother. 7/4 MONDAY - Pleasant. The firing woke me at 4 o'clock. I got up and fired at a target with my revolver a few times. I went down and mailed a letter and Waverly to George before breakfast. After breakfast, I went down again to market for Fanny. As soon as the women got their morning work done, Mr. and Mrs. Powel and daughter, Harriet Wheeler, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. On our return home, I took from the Office 4 letters and 5 bundles of Florida papers. The Ancient City, printed at St. Augustine. They were back numbers which he wants preserved. We took dinner up to Father Griswold's. After dinner, I took a nap and then Robert Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's barn to practice target shooting again with my revolver. But previous to doing so, I went down to the baker's for some bread. After tea, we all took a walk (Father Griswold included) up West Street to Gallows Hill and around by Mallory's shop into River Street and up New street to West and home. I went to the Post Office myself previous to coming home. Harriet Mills came up on the evening train from Bethel. She spent the evening upstairs with Mrs. Cocking. Gussie and I went up into the cupola of Father Griswold's house with the company to see what little fireworks there was. 7/5 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Mrs. Stone could not work for us today, one of her children being sick. Our neighbor, Mrs. Curtis done it for us. I went downtown in the morning to see if I could get my winter's coal put in today, but could not; they were too busy. I waited until the cars came to get the mail. I took out two letters for Frank Boughton and took them over to her house. She being at the shop, I left them with her mother. After dinner, I went to look for a team to take us on Mount Four. Mr. Powel went home this morning. I went to the cars with him. Gussie went up to Mr. Bartram's in the P.M. with Mrs. Powel and daughter, Frank and Harriet. Before tea, I wrote to George in answer to the 4 letters received yesterday. Hattie Mills and I got our supper of bread and milk. I went to the depot when the cars came in to see Beatty about his double team to go to Mount Four tomorrow P.M. I saw John Sharp, his driver and engaged it at $4.00 for the afternoon. I then went up to Thomas Fowler's store and paid him for a gallon of molasses which he sent me this P.M. - $1.20. I then went to the Post Office. News by the evening papers is that the rebel pirate Alabama has been sunk. I attended Hatters' Meeting in Benedict and Nichols' Hall in the evening. It was the semi-annual meeting and the election of officers. It was quite late when I got home. Before retiring, I prepared some items from George's letters for the Jeffersonian. 7/6 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I carried some extracts form George's letters to the Jeffersonian for publication as I went to the shop in the morning. Before breakfast, I set out some cauliflower plants for Father Griswold and myself. In the afternoon, I went with our folks and Brooklyn friends to Mount Four. We had Beatty's double team. While up there, I cut a new pole and replaced the one George put up in 1861. Father Griswold, Fanny, Harriet, Louisa, Hattie Mills, Mrs. Powel and daughter and myself. Bro. Hill, our preacher, saw the flag from mother's and started across the fields in a straight line for the place. He arrived while we had gone down to the spring to take our refreshments. I found him on the peak waiting for us when I returned for the horses. While turning round to come down the pole strap broke. Bro. Hill assisted me to repair damages. He rode home with us. When we arrived home, Father Griswold and Mother Griswold and Gussie drove up to the cemetery. When he returned, I drove the team up to the depot and paid John Sharp $4.00 for the team. I did my marketing. 7/7 THURSDAY - Hot and muggy. It commenced raining about 11 o'clock. I came home to dinner without an umbrella. I felt too much exhausted to return. I lay down on the lounge until 3 o'clock. I then got up and fixed the hinges to the pantry door and did some writing. Hattie Mills did not come home to dinner on account of the rain. I wrote to George before tea, giving an account of our trip to Mt. Four. I went to the store in the evening and bought $6.00 worth of sugar, $3.00 crushed , 9 lbs., $3.00 of a coffee sugar and 10 one half lbs. I mailed a letter to George and went into prayer meeting a few minutes before it closed. 7/8 FRIDAY - Showery in the morning. It came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I have felt better and have done much more work than before in over a week. Had soup and milk for supper, after which Robert and I went to market and to the Post Office together. When we returned, I found Gussie and Hattie Mills gone away. Probably gone to find a boarding place for Hattie as it is not convenient for us to keep her longer. 7/9 SATURDAY - Pleasant and warm. Mike Kelly woke me this morning, shaking the door for Robert Cocking, my tenant. He was after him to help get hay. We were limited in our work today at the shop on account of the facer's getting behind with their work. I finished my work about 4 o'clock. I went to the Jeffersonian Office to get a copy of the Jeffersonian printed in June, 1863 with the memorial of Ireneus P. Woodman of Co. C, 17th Regt., Connecticut Volunteers who died at Brookes Station, Va. My 19, 1863 of a wound in the breast received at the battle of Chancellorsville fought 17 days previous to his death. I found in June 3 a card from his father in reference to his death. Also a memorium in an issue of March 2nd, 1864 taken from the Connecticut War record. These Mr. Ashley gave to me for George as it was for him that I was getting them to send to Bell Conrad in Stratford. I had been home but a short while when Burr Bradley, according to an agreement before he left the shop, came to go to the pond with me to bathe. We went over to Oil Mill. Just as we were dressing, two of our shopmates came also, Mr. Rousseau and James Sparks. After tea, I fixed a fastener to one the upstairs blinds and hoed in my garden a little. After which, I went down to market and b ought a piece of meat for Sunday. Gussie and Hattie Mills spent the evening in trying to find a boarding place for Hattie. They did not succeed. 7/10 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie and I attended church in the morning. Brother Hill preached from Hebrews 2:17. After the Sunday School Prayer Meeting, Gussie went home. I stayed to the communion in the P.M. Clark Hoyt's child was baptized. After tea, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery with a bouquet for Eddie's grave. I borrowed a pitcher of water at Mr. Days to fill the vases with. Mailed a letter to George and two Jeffersonians with card and memorium in them on the death of Ireneus P. Woodman to Isabella Conrad at Stratford by request of George. Being tired after our walk, we did not go to meeting in the evening. Hattie Mills feels badly that she must get another boarding place as we have notified her that it will not be convenient for us to keep her longer. She cried over it this morning. 7/11 MONDAY - A shower last night. Pleasant and warm today. We were limited in our work at the shop, having only 2 dozen to finish. Mrs. Stone worked for us today. Hattie Mill's engaged board this morning at Henry Fosters, but tonight they had changed their minds and concluded not to take any boarders. Hattie felt bad and cried about it. Bro. Hills' mother called at Father Griswold's and to our house in the evening. I walked down home with her on my way to Teachers' Meeting. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at Dr. Bulkley's office and left word with him to come and see Fanny who is sick with the Dysentery. In Sunday School, the propriety of a Sunday School picnic was considered. Definite action on it was deferred for one month. 7/12 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Another small shower last night. Before breakfast, I repaired by coal bin a little preparatory to putting in my coal. A ton of soft coal came before night. Gussie made her currant jelly and ironed. She was taken very sick with bilious colic about 3 o'clock P.M. When I came home, I found the doctor (Bulkley) there prescribing for her. Mother Griswold and Hattie Wheeler got my tea. Mother Griswold and Hattie Mills cleared the table and washed the dishes. I set out some cabbage plants between the hills of my early potatoes and then went to market. The great rebel raid into Maryland threatening Washington and Baltimore which has cut telegraph lines and stopped railroad trains, etc. The news from the tonight is a little more favorable for us. Telegraph communications are again resumed and railroad trains from Washington to Baltimore are again running regular. Excitement throughout the country runs high but things this evening by the papers seem a little more quiet. On my way back to work this noon, I mailed a Waverly to George. On my way to the shop this noon, I left 3 nice ripe tomatoes at the Jeffersonian Office for the Editor (B. Frank Ashley). They are the first ripe ones in this vicinity. He is to give Mr. Cocking a puff on the in the paper tomorrow. 7/13 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Hattie Mills got up and prepared breakfast this morning and let Gussie get up when she got ready. She got up in time to sit at the table with us, however. She is about well with the exception of feeling pretty weak. Received a letter from Henry Mead saying that for some unforeseen circumstances, their visit would be for the present deferred. While we were at tea, Edith Newman came in to tell Hattie Mills that she had got a boarding place with her. I walked down to class with Edith. 7/14 THURSDAY - Wrote to Henry C. Mead before breakfast in reply to his stating that the visit would be deferred for the present. I sent it to the Office by Nathaniel Cable to have it go in the morning mail. The day has been pleasant and warm. I worked very hard in the shop and was pretty much used up at night. After tea, I went to market to get my breakfast and to Dr. Buckley's office for some medicine for Gussie for bilious colic. He not being in, I got the medicine from his son William who happened to be there. 7/15 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. Cool nights and heavy dews. I pulled weeds in my garden a little while before breakfast. Worked hard and late at the shop. On my way to dinner, I took home from the Post Office a roll of paper and 5 sheets both upon which was written sketches of historical facts relating to the early settling of Florida. Frank Boughton was with us to tea, after which, she and Gussie wen to the Post Office which enabled me to stay at home in the evening. I paid Alden G. Crosby $15.00 towards coal as I was coming home to dinner. 7/16 SATURDAY - Pleasant . I pulled weeds in my garden before breakfast. We were limited in our work to 2 dozen today. After I got up my work, I finished a damaged hat and got it trimmed but it was too small for me. I brought it home and will sell it to some boy perhaps. After tea, I went to the Jeffersonian Office with sketches of the settlement of St. Augustine, Florida to see about getting them printed. Harriet Purdy was with us to dinner and stayed nearly all the afternoon with Gussie. 7/17 SUNDAY - Pleasant ' hot ' dry and dusty. Brother Hill being away to Middletown, a man by name Willard from Colorado, a presiding elder in this section, soliciting funds to help build a church at Denver in that state preached for us. He preached two excellent sermons. In the morning, form Hebrews 2:17, the same text Brother Hill preached from last Sabbath. In the P.M., 1st Timothy 6:12, the first clause of the verse. Collections were taken at both services for his benefit or rather the benefit of his people. Brother J. W. Nichols went up for Mother at noon and carried her to and from church in the P.M. After tea, I wrote to George about the historical sketches of St. Augustine, Florida, which he wanted printed in pamphlet form for sale down there. I took a nap until meeting time, then went down and mailed a Waverly to George and attended prayer meeting. 7/18 MONDAY - Dry and warm, no prospect of rain. Nothing unusual that I know today. I worked hard all day until 7 o'clock P.M. After tea, I ate a few currants from the bushes and then went to market and to the Post Office. The evening papers give a rumor that General Sherman has taken Atlanta, Ga. I was the last man out of the shop tonight and locked the door. Took the key over to Harry Stone's for Hiram. When I returned from market in the evening, Mr. Thompson, who lives in Mr. Gregory's little blue just south of us a little distance, came over to see if any of us wanted some French Turnip plants. I went over and got some and set them out and watered them before I retired. 7/20 WEDNESDAY - Still hot and dry. We were limited I our work at the shop, having but 2 dozen. But it lasted me until about 5 o'clock nevertheless. I did not go to class in the (evening) on account of getting and setting out more turnip plants. It was nearly 9 o'clock before I finished transplanting and watering. Gussie and I went out in the street to do some trading and got home at 9 o'clock. 7/21 THURSDAY - The third anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. Warm, but considerable wind. Cooler in the evening. We were limited in our work in the shop today, only 1 dozen. I finished it off before dinner. John Bussing then cut my hair for me. I ate my diner (which I carried for the first (time) in a long time on account of Gussie being up to my folks to spend the day) and on my way home called at A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and talked a while with him and John Cosier. When I got home, I changed my clothes, went back downtown and paid Dr. Bulkley for a visit to (my) wife a short time ago. He had another charge against me which I disputed and he did not insist upon it. I then went up home and spent the remainder of the P.M. and stayed to tea. I brought home my drawing knife which I found in a rusty condition. Went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. I got 3 letters from George. There was three more in the box from him to Mother, Harriet and Bell. The New York Times gives an account of an interview in Canada opposite Niagara between rebel commissioners and Horace Greely relative to an adjustment to our National Struggle, the war. Also of one between Rev. Col. Jacques and another man sent by President Lincoln to Richmond and Jefferson Davis, the rebel president. Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in California. 7/22 FRIDAY - Yesterday's account of the interview between Horace Greely and rebels in Canada concerning a settlement of our national troubles was greatly exaggerated. I shot Mother Griswold's black cat this morning by her request. Her crime was catching chickens. On my way to the shop this morning, I called on Ashley at the Jeffersonian Office to see about a letter he received from George last evening. I carried my dinner to the shop again today. We were limited in our work at the shop, but it was enough to last me all day. I mailed a New York Times and a Tribune to George in the evening. Hattie Wheeler came down a while in the evening. Edith Newman sent me a letter she received from George for me to take some extracts from for the Jeffersonian. There was a picture in it for me. Answered George's letters before retiring. 7/23 SATURDAY - Cold this morning. Dry and dusty still. Before breakfast, I went down and mailed a letter to George and brought home a piece of corned beef for dinner. We had but 1 dozen hats at the shop. I finished before dinner. After dinner, I took a nap and the fixed our clothes wringer which was broken. I finished up the afternoon work by cleaning off and trimming the edges of the walk in front of the house. After tea, Aunt Louise, Frank and Emma called to get a few currants. Mr. Cocking carried 6 quarts of tomatoes to the Wooster House. I walked down with him. While waiting for the mail, a fellow came and spoke to me calling may name, but I could not recognize him until he gave his name. It was Moses Wheeler of Company C, 17th Regt., in the same Company with George. He is home on furlough. He came from Hilton Head. He has been detached for a clerk to some officer at the place. 7/24 SUNDAY - Morning dry and smoky. Homer B. Barnum of the Co A, 11th Regt. Was buried from the Disciples' Church this forenoon. Captain Henry Hall of Company F, 8th Regt. was buried from our church this P.M. He as well as Barnum of the 11th Regt. was killed by a sharpshooter in the rifle pits in front of Petersburg. Brother Mc Kinney brought Mother to church this morning and up to our house at noon. After Sunday School, I borrowed David Cosier's team and went for her again to attend Captain Hall's funeral. Father was there, so I rode down with her. Mr. Mootry died about 11 O'clock last night. A collection was taken this forenoon to raise $350.00. I gave $1.00. I left Harriet at the house this noon when I came for Mother. I expected to find her when we came home in the P.M., but she was gone. Gussie attended church all day. We were too tired to go in the evening and stayed home. 7/25 MONDAY - Rain. When I rose this morning, I found the cat had treed a rat on one of the evergreens in the yard. I got the gun and shot it. I bought a one half bbl. of flour this morning of Crofut for $7.75. We had one dozen hats to finish at the shop. I went back after dinner to finish them off. We were paid off in the P.M. On my way home, I paid my poll tax to the collector, Charles Crosby - $1.80. He had a military tax of $1.00 against me, but I thought it should be abated on account of having served the required time by law in the state militia. We concluded to let it go unpaid for the present until he found out something definite in regard to it. I paid 3 cents to Dr. Brown for a letter overnight that someone had directed and sent to George. I spent the evening in taking extracts from George's letters for publication. 7/26 TUESDAY - The sun shone this morning, but there have been some fling clouds all day and at time the sun was obscured from sight with the appearance of rain. We had but little work in the shop today. I finished mine before dinner. I attended the funeral of Thomas Mootry at 2 o'clock at his late residence. From there, I carried an item up to B. Frank Ashley for publication in the Jeffersonian. It was the resignation of a 1st Lieutenant in Company G, 17th Regt. C.V. sent from one of George's letters. I called at Scofield's Dry Goods Store and paid Aaron Mallet's tax to Charles Crosby, the collector - $6.60. I went to market in the evening. Mrs. Cocking is sick and had Dr. Bulkley today. 7/27 WEDNESDAY - Eddie Vintz, youngest brother to Louisa, who was adopted at his mother's death to a German family named Davis died this morning at nearly 4 years old about 4 o'clock with the croup. I did what there was to do at the shop by 10 o'clock and came home by way of A. G. Crosby's Coal Office, agent for the Danbury Coal Company, and ordered my winter's coal to be brought today. I brought home a small iron from the shop belonging to John Morris to let Gussie try it at ironing her clothes. Bell came down in the P.M. and wanted Gussie to go with her to select some paper curtains for Mother. She could not go on account of staying with Mrs. Cocking who is sick so I went down with her. We bought 4. I gave her 10 cents to help get her some a little nicer. My coal came in the P.M. - 4 tons. I bought 2 Jeffersonians for George and sent them as follows: one to Bell Conrad at Stratford and one to Cornelia Smith at North Pitcher, Chenango County, New York and put his name in pencil under his piece headed 'An Evening in St. Augustine' as he directed me to do. I gave John Cosier $40.00 in the evening on my coal bill to the Danbury Coal Company to be credited to me under date of tomorrow the 28th. I attended class in the evening. Clark Hoyt's and ours went together in the middle classroom and were led by a New York man named Sudlow. We had a good meeting. The room was full. Mother was down. Some of the friends with their team brought her down as she is not able to walk so far. 7/28 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went to the shop in the morning expecting work but the hats were not ready and could have nothing to do today. I came up to A. G. Crosby's coal office and talked awhile with [??] and John Crosier. I waited until the train came in and then got the mail for Father Griswold (I not having any) and came home. I fixed the eave trough to my sink room roof before dinner. I took a nap after dinner. While lying in the lounge, Hart Purdy came in to have me take the gun and take a ramble with him. I did so; we went over toward Mr. Lynes and then over to Oil Mill Pond and we shot at a few birds and at a muskrat and brought nothing home. We got home about 4 o'clock. I then copied a letter of George's for publication in the Jeffersonian. Gussie attended the funeral of Louise Vintz's brother who was adopted by Mr. Davis, a German. Mrs. Feeks called after tea. I went into the street in the evening, bought a beefsteak for breakfast, went to the Post Office and came home. Before tea, I gave my borrowed gun a good cleaning and put it away. The gun belongs to Mr. Montgomery, brother-in-law to Mr. McDonald. 7/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant and pretty warm. On my way to the shop this morning, I left Cosmopolite's letter at the Jeffersonian's office for publication in next week's issue. It was an account of how the Regt spent the 4th of July in St. Augustine. I took the extracts of his letters and arranged them by his request. We had heavy CG hats at the shop and I got tired out before night. Harry Ledger told me how to make a grease for my iron. I bought the tallow and beeswax on my way home to make it. I went to market in the evening. Took a letter from the Post Office for Father Griswold from Rev. Joseph Henson, now at Hilton for the Christian Commission. The letter was in reply to one from Father Griswold about his taking the chaplaincy of the 71th Regt., C.V. John Morris caught a turtle at Mill Pain Pond while eeling last night which weighed 61 pounds. 7/30 SATURDAY - Very warm. The thermometer stood 84 in the shade at 5 P.M. There was a town meeting held at 2 o'clock to raise an injunction previously laid to prevent paying out money previously appropriated for the procuration of volunteers, etc. The meeting being illegal on account of there being but 4 days' notice given when there should have been 30 days, nothing was done. I finished my work about 3 one half o'clock. Went to market in the evening. News by the evening post that the rebels are in Penn. and are advancing in 3 columns. Grant has also been successful near Richmond. Charles Parsons, 1st Lieutenant, Regular Army, came to Father Griswold's in the evening from West Point. He is on his way to Hartford to drill the militia officers of this state at the Officers' drill commencing next Tuesday and ending Friday. He is Professor of Ethics at the Military Academy, having been assigned to that duty instead of the filed on account of lameness caused by varicose veins in his legs. He is sick; he says he was overcome by the great heat. 7/31 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Cousin Charlie Parsons is feeling poorly this morning, being sick to his stomach, did not eat anything at breakfast. Fanny came down for my lantern to let down in their well in their cellar thinking that their new kitten which they brought home last evening and put in the cellar had got into it. I went up and lowered the lantern but no cat was there. I then looked behind some rubbish and found him hid away. I attended church in the morning and sat in the choir. Gussie stayed at home with Charlie Parson and let her folks go, he not feeling able to go himself. Union Sunday School concert in the P.M. at the 1st Congregational Church. I came home after Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. with Gussie and Cousin Charlie. We had dinner up there with them by taking our piece of roast lamb up there. After the meal, Charlie came home with us to see our premises. I added a few lines to the letter I was writing to George and sealed it. I also put up A Saturday's Tribune and Evening Post and mailed with the letter in the evening. Instead of going to prayer meeting, I went down to see John Sharp and engage him to come for Cousin Charlie in the morning and take him to the train. I then came home and spent the remainder of the evening with Charles Parsons. We gave him our card pictures to take home with him.
1864-07
Horace Purdy Journal June 1864 Entry
8pgs
6/1 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Warm until about 4 P.M. when a hard thundershower came up. John Bussing was married this morning at 6 o'clock and took the train. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get a dress cut and we carried our dinner (Harriet and I). On my way home from work at night, I came by way of Come's Marble Works and engaged a stone for Eddie. I went to market and to class in the evening. Our pay was put off on account of taking an inventory until today. But did not get pay for what work we did today. Gussie received a letter from an old Essex friend Kate Bailey, formerly Kate Doane. 6/2 THURSDAY - Rain last night. Cloudy this morning. Cleared off at noon. Before tea, I set a post for Clothes line. After tea, I helped Father Griswold move their refrigerator from barn to cellar. Went downtown by way of Bund's[?] garden with Mr. Cocking who went that way to carry some eggplants to Mr. House [?] in the evening. While downtown, I consulted carpenters and tinners about roofing my center. Received 3 letters from George. There was one for Mother, Harriet and Anne Purdy also in the Office from him. The letters gave the intelligence of the Capture of Companies B, H and K. Gussie and Hattie Mills spent the evening up to Father Griswold's. Brother Hill called there after meeting. Before retiring, I looked over the letters from George and made out one for the Jeffersonian. 6/3 FRIDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. After breakfast, I commenced taking extracts from George's letters for the Jeffersonian. After the mail came in, I went up home to see Mother's letter from George. It was written later than mine and contradicted what he wrote to me about Companies H and K being captured. They are alright, but Company B had been taken sure. I bought the one half dozen pocket almanacs that George had ordered of R. C. Cowen and mailed them in the evening. I wrote a short letter also and mailed at the same time. I gave up the idea for the present of putting a tin roof on my wing and bought a few shingles to patch it for the present. While we were drinking tea, Burr Bradley, his wife and youngest child called on us. 6/4 SATURDAY - Pleasant. No work in the shop today. I hoed in my garden. Went up to Chas. Chase's about mail time with Robert for a ride. I patched up my wing roof just at night. Gussie went to the cemetery in the evening. 6/5 SUNDAY - Cloudy and some rain. We were rather late this morning. I attended church during the day. Burr Bradley being absent, I took the collections for him. Gussie did not attend on account of the weather and not feeling well. Wrote to George after tea and mailed it with a Waverly in the evening. I copied from his last letter an account of the capture of Company B of his regt. At Welaka, Fla. for publication in the Jeffersonian. Attended prayer meeting in the evening. It was the Monthly Missionary Concert. On account of the weather, it was in the basement. After the meeting, I called at Mr. Ashley's residence and handed him the Cosmopolite's correspondence for the Jeffersonian. Gussie wrote to Kate Bailey, Essex, Conn. in the evening. 6/6 MONDAY - Cloudy in the morning. Cleared off about noon. I worked until about 7 o'clock to wait to wait for the shower to be over. When I came home to tea, I found Mary and Carrie Mills. The came up to go to the N!66er Show. Carrie to stay all night with Emma Wildman and Mary to stay with us. I went to market in the evening for myself and Mother Griswold. 6/7 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. Mary Mills stayed all night with Hattie. She took the cars for Bethel after breakfast. Uncle Edwin bought me two dozen beanpoles this forenoon for 50 cents. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the cellar for us. On my way home from the shop, I conditionally bought or paid difference between and old watch and a new Hunter's Case Detached Lever for George. If the price is agreeable to George, I shall keep it, if not I am to return it get my money. I bought it at Robinson's. I set my bean poles and bushed my string peas when I came home. I set out some purple cabbage for Father Griswold just before dark. I went down intending to attend the Gen. Class meeting. I was late and besides before going in Dr. Ryder stopped me and wanted Mr. Hill to marry a couple. I went in the church and frightened the people terribly by calling out Bro. Hill. Bought a shower and chain for Bell at Swift's with George's money as he directed. 6/8 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cool for the season of the year. Cloudy with appearance of rain in the evening. I wrote to George in the morning before breakfast about the watch I have been getting for him. I sent the letter to the Office in time for the morning mail. I have worked on black hats today for the first time in a long while. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to inform him (Mr. Ashley) of the wedding last evening at Deacon John Fry's, the parties Bro. Hill was called from Gen. Meeting last night to marry. Oscar Serrine called on his way home from the shop and I gave him some pea brush. I planted over some pole and bush beans that did not come up good. We all went up to hear our presiding Elder, Bro. Pillsbury preach in the evening. After meeting, I went to market for my breakfast and to Mr. Swift's News Office and I bought 6 quires of note paper and two packs of envelopes. The Jeffersonian today, has a letter from George (Cosmopolite) in it from the 17th Regt, Connecticut Volunteers in St. Augustine, Florida. Before retiring, I strung and hung up dome ornamental shelves for Mrs. Cocking, my tenant upstairs. It rained a little as meeting was out and hard before retiring between 10 and 11 o'clock. 6/9 THURSDAY - Pleasant through the day. A shower just at night about 6 o'clock. I cut my finger with a jack plane while making a shelf for Mrs. Cocking's new set of hanging shelves. I am not able to work with it, it is so bad. I called at the shop this morning. Received two letters from George, they being designed for publication in the Jeffersonian. I bought a quarter bbl. No. 2 mackerel at Parmelee and Bradley's for $3.50. I took a nap after dinner. Harriet came down and spent the P.M and stayed to tea. In the meantime, I got some mortar and went up home and plastered up some mouse holes in Harriet's room. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 6/10 FRIDAY - pleasant but cold. Sore finger still. Can't finish hats with it yet. Mowed the grass in front of Father Griswold's and my own premises and trimmed the walk, finishing it up in good shape. After dinner, Gussie went up home and Harriet Mills went up there from the shop to tea. I went up to Mother Griswold's in their absence to tea. While there, I dressed my finger for the first time since I cut it. I then did it up in the blood and kept it wet with Witch Hazel Extract. Today, I changed it and put a plaster of Uncle Chauncey's Salve. Mother Griswold had a few strawberries for tea for the first time. After tea, I hoed out my garden with a rake. In the evening, I carried a pail down to the store for Mother Griswold to get molasses with. Bought some beefsteak for breakfast and came home. 6/11 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cool. Frost last night in some places. Very heavy in Brookfield, I learn. I see no effects of it on my premises. I prepared from George's last two letters from the Jeffersonian. I went to the Post Office before dinner. Called at the shop and to the Fish Market and brought home a lobster. Harriet was with us to dinner. Gussie went over to Daniel Starr's and to Mr. Swift's in the P.M., while I made some slats to put over the windows to fasten curtains and make them hang over the green shades. I then went to the Jeffersonian's Office with a letter from George for publication. Found Gussie in the street and then went to Raymond's and bought a peck of peas and some radishes. I came home and painted Dalia' sticks. Had our first mess of strawberries from our own bed. Hattie Mills went to Mrs. Ryan Whites' to tea. She came home in time to eat a few strawberries with us. I went to the Post Office and to Singing School in the evening. 6/12 SUNDAY - Cool, chilly. I attended church in the morning. Bro. Hill preached. A shower of rain, but no thunder, I believe, just before morning sermon closed. Sunday school prayer meeting at noon. There being no distribution of books, I spent nearly all the session in the churchyard talking with Bro. Chittenden. In the meantime, we walked over to Dr. Bulkley's office as I wanted to consult him about a cold I have on my lung. The office was closed. Bro. Hill went to Bethel to preach in the P.M. Bro. Crawford administered the Sacrament. Rebecca Mills was baptized and received into full connection. Gussie had the toothache and went out early in the service. After meeting, I wrote a letter to George with directions in R(h)yme to match the one he sent me. I mailed a Waverly to him also with the letter. After tea, Hattie Mills, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. We stayed rather late and did not go to meeting in the evening as there was none at our church. A union service at the 1st Congregation Church. Sermon by Mr. Robertson to the Young Men's Christian Association. When we came home, we went upstairs to call on Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I drew a pitcher of ale and carried up. She gave some Madden Porter's Syrup for my cough. 6/13 MONDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. I have a hard cold on my lungs. Intended to work I today, but after going down to the shop, I felt so poorly that I concluded not to. I engaged another stone in place of the one I ordered some time ago for Eddie's grave. Mr. Swift brought one half dozen verbenas from Norwalk for Fanny this morning. I brought them home from the Post Office. Mrs. Stone washed for us this morning. I went to bed after dinner. Got up about 4 o'clock and drew up my Librarian's Book anew for the Sunday School. Father called on his way home from work and left $5.00 towards our cemetery lot. Mr. Cocking and myself went downtown in the evening to Robinson's to compare George's new watch with his regulator. To the Post Office where I lost sight of him. I went into the War Meeting in the basement of Concert Hall for a few moments. The meeting was to take measures against the coming draft to fill quotas of volunteers or substitutes. I left soon. Did not stay to see what was done. Gussie and Hattie Mills went shopping too. 6/14 TUESDAY - Pleasant, warmer. Went to pay for cemetery before going to the shop in the morning, but did not see Mr. Tweedy. Called at Cowe's Marble Works to direct about inscription on Eddie's stone. There being several garnishes to spend at the shop, it was sent out for a keg of lager beer, crackers and cheese. Henry Ledger got drunk. A Mr. Kidder and Mother came home with Father Griswold today. Kidder stayed all night. I talked with Father Griswold about a chaplain for the 17th Regt. He thinks he knows a man. I went to market in the evening. Bought some liver for breakfast and 15 one half lbs. Ham 22 cents to be brought up tomorrow. I came home and drank some ale with Robert Cocking. 6/15 WEDNESDAY - I coughed about 2 hours last night, from 12 one half to 2 one half o'clock; felt poorly in the morning. Mrs. McNeil came down to do some dressmaking for Gussie and stayed with us to dinner. Harriet was with us also. After tea, I went down to see Dr. Bulkely. He gave me medicine to take and ordered a cold water bandage around my waist when I go to bed. I saw Mr. Tweedy, the cemetery man and paid him $15.00 for our lot, $5.00 from Father, $5.00 from George, and $5.00 myself. I did not attend class but came home to doctor myself and go to bed. The Evening Post says that Grant has changed his base from the White House on the York River to Charles City on the James River. 6/16 THURSDAY - My cough is a little better this morning. I think that the medicine that the doctor gave me did me good. It has been very warm. I sowed some French turnip seed after I came home from the shop. I went downtown with Mr. Cocking in the evening. When I returned, I drew some beer and we drank together. I received through the Post Office from E.S. Tweedy, the Secretary of the Cemetery Association my certificate of purchase and ownership of a lot in the cemetery. 6/17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm again. Worked hard, was very tired at night. On my way home at night, I came by the way of Come's Marble Works to look at Eddie's stone. After tea, I went to market and waited until after 9 o'clock for the cars to come with mail and news and then go tired and came home. 6/18 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. I worked hard until 4 o'clock and then went up to the cemetery to see about setting Eddie's grave stone. Mr. Comes and Northrop did it. I found Gussie and Fanny up there waiting. On our way home, we met Harriet Wheeler on her way up there at the corner of West and Main Streets. When we got home, it was about 7 o'clock. Hattie Mills had the tea table all set for us. After tea, went to the Post Office and received a letter from George, then went to Singing School. Our preacher, Mr. Hill came in and gave me Fannie's parasol to bring home and stayed and sang with us. It was just one year ago today that George was home and we had our picnic on Thomas Mountain. Before retiring for the night, I copied some extracts from George's letter for the Jeffersonian. 6/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I attended church all day. Gussie went in the P.M. Our afternoon service commences now at 2 o'clock in order to give more time for Sunday School. I sat in the choir all day. Aunt Anne, Susan and Addie Benjamin came up to our folks this morning. We went up to see them after tea, but it was too late. They had gone home. I wrote to George and mailed it as we came from up home. I then called on Lieut. Governor Averill, to inform him that we had a man in view for Chaplain in the 17th Regt. I did not go to prayer meeting, but came home and drew a little ale. Robert and wife came down and he drank with me. When they went up, I wrote in journal and retire a little after 10 o'clock. 6/20 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm. It was nearly 7 o'clock when we rose this morning. A shop call just before noon for an advance on our prices. A committee to draw up a new bill. They reported, the Report was accepted and we voted to stand by the bill. Mr. Crofut refused to give what we demanded. We finished off the work we had taken out and stopped. I came home by the way of the Jeffersonian Office and left a letter from George for publication. I then went over to George Hull's garden to see his Poor House Seedling Strawberries. Andrew gave me 4 samples to bring home. Before tea, I went up home and fixed curtain fixtures for Fanny, as they did not work good. After tea, Mr. Cocking and I cleaned out the cistern. I went downtown in the evening with Gussie. Mrs. Stone worked for us today. 6/21 TUESDAY - Cooler with prospect of a storm. I commenced hoeing in my garden after breakfast, as I was not going to work (the men being still on a turnout for prices). But soon Edward Smith, one of the apprentices, came after me to go to the shop, the men being there to allow Edward Stevens to iron off hats which were to go off on the train this P.M. He was allowed to do so. Then men then assembled at Barnum's Hotel to compare bills of other shops. A committee being sent down to Orin Benedict's shop for his bill. While there, one of the apprentices came in saying that Mr. Crofut had a proposition to offer. We went to the shop and he offered one half of what we demanded. We refused it. He then offered still more, but not what we asked for. We instructed the Foreman, (Victor W. Benedict) to say to him that we wanted what we asked for and nothing less. He did so, and Mr. Crofut wanted time to think about it. We then adjourned. I came home to dinner after which I hoed out my garden, finishing it about 3 o'clock. Then I took a walk up through Mr. Hurd's garden to look at his strawberries. From there, I went over to Burr Bradley's. He had just finished hoeing his garden. We went into the house and had some of his wine. After which, we went up to the cemetery for a walk. We had our third mess of strawberries for tea. After tea, I went downtown with Mr. Cocking. Before retiring, Fanny came down with a little dog left at their house by the Ice peddler. She wanted to shut him my woodhouse, so that Mother could not hear him cry in the night. Our folks had a letter from Edwin today. He has been drafted in Ohio. He paid $300.00 and got clear. 6/22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and very warm. No prospect of a storm. The dog Fanny shut in my woodhouse last night cried continually during the night, keeping us all awake and I doubt not at all, the neighbors until a little before 3 o'clock this morning when I became vexed with his whining and got up, dressed, and let him out, at the same time giving him a kick. He took the path toward Father Griswold's house. That is the last seen or heard of him. I hope he is dead. If he don't die of a sore throat, diphtheria, or a lung disease, I shall wonder for he cried himself hoarse before I let him out of the woodhouse. I mowed my door yard this forenoon and carried the grass home to the compost heap. Father Griswold came home on this morning's train. I put on my thin pants before dinner for the first time this summer. We had chicken pot pie for dinner. Went downtown after dinner. Had another keg of No.2 Mackerel brought up from Parmelee and Bradley's in exchange for the other one which proved not good. Mr. Fowler brought up 2 lbs. of butter just at night. I attended class meeting in the evening. There was a good attendance and the meeting was good. 6/23 THURSDAY - The warmest day of the season. I trimmed the edges of my walks in the morning. After which, I went down for Dr. Bulkely for Mother Griswold, she being suddenly taken with a sore throat and fearing the diphtheria. I found several of my shop mates in the street. Mr. Crofut sent for us to come to the shop. We went down and he talked with us about prices. From present appearances, he did not see as how he could pay the full advance we asked as the market was full of goods and the demand small. He offered the same as on Tuesday, it being but a little less than our demands. He talked very candid and fair saying that we should really have all we asked as it cost as much to him. But he still could not from present appearances manufacture if he paid what we asked for his work. I borrowed his horse and went up for Joseph Kyle and Edward Harris. Harris was getting in hay and could not come. After I returned the men came together and voted to accept for the present Mr. Crofut's offer until he could get up what hats he had in the works which he thought would take about 2 weeks. After which, we would be governed by circumstances. We adjourned to go to work tomorrow morning, it then being noon. After dinner, I took a nap. Slept until almost 4 o'clock. After tea, I spent a little time around the yard. Went down town for the mail and the news. There was no mail, neither news. 6/24 FRIDAY - Very warm, but not quite so much so as yesterday. We went to work in the shop in the morning. In the evening, I went downtown with Mr. Cocking. Went to Raymond's and ordered lobsters for Mother Griswold and myself. Bought a linen coat and thin pants of Charles Stevens. 6/25 SATURDAY - Very warm. The thermometer stood at 90 in the shade. Have been to work on black hats for the first time in a long time. Mr. Wing came to the shop today with Patent Clothes Dryer. I pretty much concluded to have one put up in my yard. After tea, I went over to David Bradley's to go to the Pond to bathe. But we concluded to wait until tomorrow morning. I then went downtown and found Gussie who went down alone as I intended to go to the Pond. We had some ice cream and came home. Harriet Mills has a bad cold and Gussie went to see Dr. Bulkley about it, but he was not in his office. Henry Starr and a son of Mr. Wing's came with the clothes dryer just before tea. I helped dig a hole to set the post. 6/26 SUNDAY - Made a fire. Went for milk and the went with Mr. Cocking as far as Oil Mill Pond where I went into the water and washed after which I went over to Mr. Lyons and waited for him to finish his chairs and then we came home together. He gave me a large head of lettuce when we got home. Gussie had finished breakfast and the table was waiting for me. The mercury has stood at 98 in the shade. After tea, I wrote to George and put up a Waverly for him to mail at the same time. About six o'clock, Gussie, Hattie Mills and myself went up to the cemetery with a bouquet for Eddie's grave. On our return, I mailed the letter and paper to George. We did not go to meeting, but returned home. I drew some beer and Mr. and Mrs. Cocking sat out on the grass plot in the yard and drank beer with us until 10 o'clock. There was a shower passed over a short time before we went to the cemetery. We got only a few drops of it. In an hour's time the dust flew as badly as ever. Mr. Hill preached in the morning from Proverbs 28:27. After Sunday School, I came home and did not go out in the P.M. While we were up on the cemetery, Bell made her appearance to visit Eddie's grave also. I have been giving Hattie Mills homeopathy medicine for a cold all day. 6/27 MONDAY - Smoky, so that the sun shone but dimly in the morning with the prospect of another warm day. But the wind finally went into the North and blew furiously and cool so that thin clothes felt almost uncomfortable. I worked hard all day in the shop. Mrs. Stone worked for us and used the new clothes dryer. Gussie does not like it very much on account of it taking the clothes too long to dry. Harriet was down to dinner. After tea, Robert and I went down to market. When we returned, I drew some beer, and Robert and I drank together. I then wrote this journal, fixed my fire for morning and retired. 6/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and Cool again today. I have worked hard and late in the shop. On my way to the shop this morning, I saw John Cosier and paid him $5.00 toward church seat rent - No.31. After tea, Robert and I went downtown to market and to Post Office. Robert traded his watch for a Hunter's case at Robinson's. 6/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and cool, though warmer than yesterday. The wind went around from North to Southeast. I felt very much like work and have improved it. Harriet Purdy was with us to tea. Father Griswold came home from New York on the evening train. The minister he previously spoke about wanting a position as chaplain has gone to South Carolina for the Christian Commission. I went to class in the evening. There were few present, but a good meeting. I took a letter from the Office for father Griswold from Uncle Chauncey. 6/30 THURSDAY - The sun shone in the morning, but it began to thicken over with clouds until nearly night, when it began to rain. Mr. Wing came to see Gussie and her folks about the clothes dryer in the forenoon. He sold the one he left for us to Father Griswold and brought a smaller size to us in the P.M. After tea, I got some cabbage plants of Father Griswold and transplanted them. I then went downtown with Mr. Cocking to get the mail. Before retiring, I drew off a gallon of vinegar and filled up the keg with old cider.
1864-06
Horace Purdy Journal May 1864 Entry
8pgs
5/1 SUNDAY - Rain last night. Cloudy but no rain. Cleared off just at night. I went to church all day and to prayer meeting in the evening, which was a missionary meeting with a missionary collection. Brother Hill's talk in the morning was 1st Thes. 5-6; in the PM, Phil. 3:7-8. I sat in the choir in the afternoon. I wrote to George after church. I mailed it with a Waverly in the evening as I went to prayer meeting. Gussie attended with me. After tea, Hattie Mills went up home with us to see Mother. Roxie gave me a pail of milk to bring home. Alexander Hodge died this P.M. about 3 o'clock. 5/2 MONDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool in the morning. Hattie Mills went to Bethel in the morning to have Dr. Schoolmocker take her impressions for a set of teeth. She returned on the first train at 10 one half o'clock. After work at night, I called at Come's Marble Works to see further about a stone for Eddie. Before tea, I went up to Father Griswold's cellar and got some early June seed potatoes. After tea, I went with Gussie and Harriet Wheeler over to her yard and took up plants for them, since they are intending to take up to the cemetery. In the evening, Gussie went to market and I went up house with a shelf for Harriet's closet and put it up for her. 5/3 TUESDAY - Rain last night and this morning. Showery and sunshine during the day. Windy and cool, pleasant in the evening. Alexander Hodge was buried this P.M. I went to market in the evening. I carried George's watch to the jeweler's for repairs. 5/4 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I dug around my three cherry trees and put some coal ashes around them. I came home to dinner and on my way took a letter from the office from George with $10.00 enclosed with which I am to pay what he owes - take $5.00 towards cemetery lot and deposit the remainder. Gussie and her sister Harriet went up to the cemetery in the P.M. with some plants to put around Abel and Eddie's grave. Before tea, I spaded up a place and set out some Triumph de Grand strawberries. I started for class meeting in the evening but there was none. The General Class meeting last evening took the place of it. I answered George's letter before retiring. 5/5 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked hard all day was very tired at night. I deposited $5.00 for George this noon. Harriet was with us to dinner and tea. Mrs. Fuller was buried this P.M. 5/6 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than any day we have had this season. Bought a shad before going to the shop of Raymond's peddler. Gussie read a paper form Cousin Eliza from California with the publication of the birth of another daughter. I attended Council of the [??] in the evening. 5/7 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. A shower about 6 o'clock in the evening. Harriet was down to dinner. I left my work at the shop early and came home to spade garden. I planted a row of Champ England peas. After the shower, I went around to Father Griswold's and my trees and destroyed worms. I went to market in the evening and to singing school. 5/8 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Mr. Coe preached for us in the morning. He exchanged with Brother Hill. His text was 137th Psalm, 1st to 6th verse inclusive. He preached an excellent sermon, at the close of which, he spoke of his leaving town and that this was in all probability, the last time he would preach for us. He spoke very feelingly of the pleasant associations he had enjoyed with our preachers and Church, that he had learned to love us as well as his own church and people. It being Communion Day, we had our usual Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon as heretofore on Sacrament Sabbath. The Sacrament was administered in the P.M. for the first time by Brother Hill in Danbury. After church, I wrote to George. News by telegraph today that the army in Virginia has been fighting for the last three days and that Grant thus far was victorious. After tea, we went over to Burr Bradley's and he and his wife went with us up to the cemetery. A sermon in the evening to the Young Men's Christian Association by Mr. Stone at the 1st Congregational Church. We did not attend. I sent my letter to the Office by Fanny who went to church in the evening. 5/9 MONDAY - Pleasant and very warm again. Mrs. Stone worked for Gussie and cleaned the bedroom. Joseph Furbush helped me spade the garden. I stayed a t home to work at it and help Gussie. Mrs. Courtney, sister to Mrs. Cocking, went home this P.M. Glorious News! from Grant's army. He has whipped the rebel General Lee in three day's fighting. He is driving the rebels back on Richmond. Harriet Mills came back from Bethel this afternoon with her new set of teeth. I went to market in the evening. 5/10 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm again today. I spent the day in the garden with my hired man, Joseph Furbush. We finished the job and did a little planting before 6 o'clock. He went to the well for a drink about 4P.M. and broke the rope, letting the bucket go to the bottom. We went over to McDonald's for a well hook and we fished it out. I paid him $4.00 for two day's work. We spaded up Mr. Cocking's and his border's to make out a day's work. Harriet came down to dinner. She stayed the afternoon and stayed to tea. I went to market in the evening. 5/11 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day and cooler. I sowed beets, parsnips, cabbage and spinach before breakfast. I sent home a bunch of asparagus for dinner, our first for the season. Harriet was with us to dinner again. I came home early at night and planted dwarf peas, cucumbers, lettuce and radishes. I attended class in the evening. Brother Hill, our preacher, led and at its close, consulted the class about a new leader. John Cosier was unanimously voted for and was appointed by the preacher. 5/12 THURSDAY - Cloudy in the morning with somewhat the appearance of storm. The shone a little in the middle of the day. A thunder shower passed over between 6 and 7 o'clock, which gave us a little spatter. When I came home from the shop, I went home with Mr. Witherspoon and got a dozen early cabbage plants and set them out before tea. The news from General Grant in Virginia is still good, though the fighting is desperate and losses great. I went to market in the evening. It was misty and a little rain at intervals. 5/13 FRIDAY - Cloudy and misty with some rain. I went to the shop and finished 4 hats, the remainder of a dozen and stopped work on account of diarrhea. I went up to Tweedy Bros. to see Henry Ely about hedging cemetery lot as his joins mine. Ordered 8 more pictures at Couch's - $1.00 worth. Called at Come's Marble Works to see further about stone for Eddie's grave. After dinner, planted some pole beans and set out some onions for the tops. Went to bed before night. Before tea, got up and went down to the Assessor's Office (E.S. Sanford), and got a blank Income Tax list to send to Philadelphia to Father Griswold (who is at the General Conference now in session in that city.) together with a notification which has been taken from the Post Office to have him send in his list. I mailed a Weekly and Daily Tribune to George In the evening containing the war news since Grant's forward movement. Glorious News! from him by the evening paper. Additional victories. The rebels' right and center crushed and their rout complete, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. 3 generals, 30 pieces of artillery and 4,000 prisoners captured. 5/14 SATURDAY - Stormy in showers. The clouds broke at intervals revealing blue sky. A good deal of rain has fallen. I have felt poorly and in consequence did not go to the shop. I hung our new parlor curtains. Robert brought me some tomato plants, also some peppers. Harriet came down to dinner again. The war news continues good. General Grant is giving General Lee a sound thrashing. I went to market in the evening. I fixed Mother Griswold bolt to her front door in the P.M. 5/15 SUNDAY - Cloudy still. Misty, though with but little rain. Gussie and I both attended church this morning. Brother Hill preached from 115th Psalm, 11th verse. There was no service in our church in the P.M. on account of Mr. Coe's farewell sermon. Our congregation went over there. Gussie and I came home. I wrote to George and mailed two papers to him last evening's Post and the Waverly. After tea, I walked downtown to hear the war news. General Butler has taken the outer works of Fort Darling. I did not go out in the evening, but sent my letter and papers to the Post Office by Fanny as she went to prayer meeting. Gussie wrote to Nellie Post in the evening. 5/16 MONDAY - Cloudy and misty. Just before night, the sun shone out about 5 minutes. Oscar Levine and myself went up on Rabbit Hill to Sidney Thompson's on our way home from work for some lettuce plants. We got them and I came home and transplanted them. I the dug up Mother Griswold's flower bed on the terrace by the piazza. I had a severe headache when I finished it. I also transplanted 5 tomato plants for her which Mr. Cocking brought to them. I went to market in the evening. As I came home, the moon broke through the clouds and shone faintly for a wonder. Mrs. Cocking spent the evening with Gussie and Hattie as usual. 5/17 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm Mrs. Stone worked and cleaned house for us today. She tore off the paper in our sitting room preparatory to papering anew. I went to market in the evening. I saw Sergeant Scott of Co. C, 17th Regt. He told me that the 17th arrived at Fortress Monroe last Thursday on their way to join General Butler at the front near Richmond. On my way home in the evening I found a breast pin with hair enclosed. 5/18 WEDNESDAY - Shower. We had one before dinner and another just after. I received a letter from George with a bounty check at noon. I carried the check to the Danbury Bank for collection on my way back to work at noon. Caroline Mills came up from Bethel and came home with Hattie to dinner. I worked late at night to finish off a dozen hats. I was the last man out and locked the shop. I got 8 more card pictures in the evening at Couch's Gallery. I was too late to get to class. 5/19 THURSDAY - Warm and Pleasant. Just before noon, Dr. Stevens appeared at the shop with a small box by express prepaid from George containing a piece of bomb shell, cotton seed, etc. Mrs. Stone cleaned parlor and sitting room and James Harvey and Brother papered the sitting room. Harriet came down, but went up to Mother Griswold's to dinner on account of our cleaning. I gave her $5.00 in addition to the dollar she borrowed about a week ago to help her. There being so many carpets to shake and put down, I stayed at home in the P.M. I got through about 5 o'clock and went back to the shop to get my shirt and watch. I went into the street in the evening to return a roll of paper which was left after papering the sitting room. Mother and Bell sent down their letters received from George for me to read and to take extracts from for the Jeffersonian. I spent the evening in preparing a piece for the paper. 5/20 FRIDAY - Pleasant. On my way to the shop, I carried a letter to the Jeffersonian Office from George for publication. I sent a shad home for dinner. Harriet was with us to dinner. I brought home a pair of kid shoes for myself when I came home from work. I sawed up some wood before and after tea. Josephine Dare spent the P.M. up to Father Griswold's and with Gussie. Gussie and Hattie Mills went into the street in the evening, while I stayed at home and sprouted my potatoes in the cellar. 5/21 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. We worked at the shop only until noon as the carpenters were to cut a hole over the flues to carry off the heat. I bought a pair of kid shoes last evening and carried them to the shop this morning to have some nails driven in the heels of them. Burglars entered the Depot last night and blew open the safe of the Railroad Company with powder and it is reported they took from it six or seven hundred dollars. I bought one half cord of hardwood of Mr. Sanford for $4.50. It came in the P.M. and I took it from the northwest corner of the house to the wood house with a wheel barrow and piled it up. After dinner, I went downtown and ordered one half barrel of Hamer's Champaign Ale at Ferrell's Hotel (Wooster House). In the evening, I called at Elias Sanford's to sign a paper of Father Griswold's which he overlooked and did not sign when he filled it out. It was his tax list. Gussie went up to Mother Purdy's this P.M. and stayed to tea. Father had a one half barrel of ale come today. Hattie Mills went home this P.M. to stay over Sunday. 5/22 SUNDAY - A little rain last night and considerable mud. Pleasant this morning, but the air a little cooler than yesterday. We both attended church in the morning. Brother Hill gave us a talk about the Christian Commission and took up a collection for that purpose. After school, we both came home. I wrote to George in the P.M. Mr. McKinney with his team went up and brought Mother down to meeting in the morning. After tea, we went up to the cemetery. We carried some flowers to put on Eddie's grave. When we returned, I completed my letter to George and left it to be mailed by some of our folks, either Fanny or Eliza, and then went up home to see Mother. Father gave me a glass of ale. It was too late for meeting when I returned, so I did not go. 5/23 MONDAY - Cool and pleasant. Mrs. Stone worked and cleaned the pantry for us today. On my way home from work, I called again at Come's Marble Works to see further about a stone for Eddie. I brought home a string of porgies for my breakfast tomorrow morning. Went over to Mr. McDonald's and borrowed a gun to shoot pigeon's on my garden. I went downtown in the evening, got a letter for Hattie Wheeler, bought a box of gun caps a match safe and Fred Bradley treated me to a glass of beer. 5/24 TUESDAY - Cloudy with the appearance of rain, but not a drop until about 9 o'clock in the evening when it began to mist a little. There being no work in the shop, I ground up the scythe and mowed my door yard. I shot three pigeons on the premises. They have nearly destroyed our row of peas. After tea, I put out some Dahlia roots. Just as we were finishing up the last one, Edith Newman, Sarah Purdy, and Mrs. Wildman (Mr. W. Stevens' daughter) called. They stayed until about 8 one half o'clock. I then went down to the Post Office and to the store. I bought one half lb. of bulk tea, 1 lb. shot No. 6 and the Waverly for George and came home. 5/25 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning. Had pigeon pot pie for dinner. The sun shone a little in the P.M.I worked hard until about 6 o'clock to finish my second dozen, which most of the men left for tomorrow, as it is doubtful about getting any work then. I went to market and to class meeting in the evening. A Mr. Hollister led the class. He is a furious fellow with stentorian lungs and given to shouting. 5/26 THURSDAY - There being some doubt about having work today upon what our foreman said (Mr. Green), I went to work at my walks in the yard, trimming the edges and raking them off, etc. When I got the job about half done, it began to rain, but I was determined to finish it, so putting on an old coat, I kept at it and between the perspiration and the rain, I was about wet through, or rather my clothes were. At noon, I carried Hattie Mill's dinner to her at the shop as it rained too hard for her to dome home. The foreman weighed out a dozen Full Stiff Drab Half Brush Hats. I squared them up, cut out tips for them and then got Hattie's dinner pail and left. I went to the Danbury Bank and got the $10 for Bounty Check I left there one week ago for collection for George. I called at the Jeffersonian Office to see if Ashley wanted a communication from George this week for insertion in his next week's issue. From there, I went to Cowe's Marble Shop to see further about a grave stone for Eddie. Before going to see Ashley, I had taken three letters from the Office from George from St. Augustine. He gave the news of his appointment to Regimental Postmaster. There was a picture of St. Augustine enclosed in one of them. He wants me to send 4 copies of Carmine Sacra (Note Books) ( Ed. Note: These are hymn books). When I came home from the street, I finished hanging the green curtains (shades) in the parlor. I mailed a Daily Tribune to George in the evening. I went to market in the evening and bought the largest pineapple I ever saw for 30 cents. Before retiring, I prepared a letter for the Jeffersonian from George's letters received today. 5/27 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning. It cleared off the P.M. I have taken cold and do not feel very well today. I bought another pocket dictionary for George and mailed it this evening. The other one, he never received. This one cost 50 cents; the other one only 25 cents. On my way to the shop this morning, I left a letter of George's at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. In the evening, I wrote notice of the breast pin I found to put up in the Post Office tomorrow. Smith Ferrel bought me a one half barrel of ale today. 5/28 SATURDAY - Pleasant through the day, though somewhat the appearance of a storm in the evening. I left a notice at the Post Office this morning with the pin to be called for. I began to brush my peas before breakfast and finished them before tea. Gussie walked down to market with me in the evening. Robert Cocking and I drank some of my beer before retiring. Father Griswold returned from General Conference in Philadelphia Pa. by the evening train. 5/29 SUNDAY - Cool but pleasant through the day. Mr. Atkinson, an Army Christian Commission agent, preached for us in the morning and talked in Sunday School. So much of the time was taken up that books were never changed. Father Griswold preached to the young people on the P.M. text Ecclesiastes 12:1. Mother attended church all day. Mr. McKinney carried her to church in the morning and home as far as our house to tea. After tea, I hired a team and took her and Gussie up to the cemetery after which, I carried her home. Harriet Mills went up to Philo Wildman's yesterday with a friend and returned this evening about 7 o'clock. She went with us to a Union Meeting at the 1st Congregational Church in the evening. Mr. Atkinson (Agent for the Christian Commission), Mr. Kennedy, the Baptist boy preacher (now chaplain of the 79th Regt. New York Volunteers) and another agent from Hartford spoke and a collection for the Commission was taken. When we came from this meeting, it was cloudy and just after we got home, it began to rain. I finished a letter to George and mailed it as I went to evening meeting. After breakfast this morning, I went up home and got my Carmina Sacra to send to George, also his medal which he writes for. 5/30 MONDAY - Pleasant. Cool this morning but warmer at night. The three Note Books ( Carmina Sacra) came this morning to Mr. Swift. I brought them home at noon. After tea, I put them up in two packages (my old one making four) and carried them to the Office and mailed them. The postage on them was 84 cents. Frank Boughton was here when I came from work at night. I lent her $8.00 until Wednesday. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned the sink room today. Read a letter from Cousin David Mills by the evening mail. 5/31 TUESDAY - Pleasant and rather warm. Sent a letter and paper to the Office this morning by Mr. Dunham. They were for George. We had but one dozen hats today; finished them before dinner. Mr.Cocking came in while we were eating and drank a glass of beer with me. I went downtown after dinner and bought a wire basket for myrtle. Went up to Mallory's shop and engaged some bean poles of Uncle Edwin. Came home.
1864-05