Horace Purdy Journal April 1867 Entry
13pgs
APRIL 01 MONDAY - Showery during the day. State election. I did not go into the shop. I went into the street about 8:30 o'clock and got $4.00 towards the $5.00 I sent George to come home and vote. I then went down to the courthouse and voted as soon as the polls were opened. I returned home and soon George went down. I went with him to Mr. Harris' to pay him $10.00 which he did. I then went into Burritt & Stone's with him where he bought muslin and bosoms for two shirts. He then went down and voted. I went with him. After dinner, he came down and I went over to Mr. Warren's to help William put up stoves and curtain fixtures. He commences housekeeping today. After this we went into the street where I bought a dozen tumblers and 10 cents worth of nuts for our rag bee tonight. He went home to dress for the evening and I went home and cracked the nuts. I paid Father Griswold my interest money at noon - $14.22. George went over and took tea with William Warren and came from there with Lottie Keeler, Warren and wife to our house. Carrie Hoyt (formerly Francis) and Sister Sarah, John Bouton and Frank, Fanny, Harriet and Louise were present. Just before 9 o'clock, we went down to Military Hall where the Republicans were gathered to hear the returns from the election by telegraph. We could learn nothing definite and we soon came home. It was about 11 o'clock when our party broke up. We had two kinds of cake, six kinds of nuts for refreshments after sewing the rags. APRIL 02 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked in the shop all day. The democrats claim the election. As I came from work, I went to Brush & Griffith's and got a calves' liver. After tea, I went to Hatters' Meeting and paid fines and dues up to April 10th amounting to $1.45. The Copperheads have been firing their cannon and are having a glorification this evening at Concert Hall over their success at the polls ' the first Democratic victory here for 14 years. APRIL 03 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I saw two robins this morning for the first time. George returned to Brooklyn this morning. He came this way and called as he went to the depot. I gave him some apples to put in his bag. Mrs. Cocking came here today and paid their rent. She also brought a present to Georgie from her sister, Mrs. Courtney from Fort Hamilton, Long Island ' material for a dress and sack, very pretty. Anniversary of General Grant's entry into Richmond, the advance column commanded by General Weitzel. I bought a half dozen oranges from a wagon in the street for 18 cents. John Freeland sent his boy for 2 lbs. more of coffee today. Gussie let them have only one pound as we could spare no more. I stayed at home in the evening. APRIL 04 THURSDAY - A lovely day. I worked as usual in the shop. When I came from work at night, I found Uncle Jesse and Harriet Mills here to tea. Bell was with us too. Uncle went up home with Bell to stay all night. The passenger trains of cars which should have arrived last evening at 8 o'clock did not get in until nearly 3 o'clock this morning. They ran off the track at Ridgefield Station. Received a bill of Sunday School Journals for 6 months of Carlton & Porter. I sent the money for one year from last October, but they could not supply the back numbers so they returned half the money, 17 cents of which was enclosed. APRIL 05 FRIDAY - Showery in the morning. The sun shone but little until just at night. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went to market in the evening. I helped Mr. Pond in his barn repair a clock. APRIL 06 SATURDAY - Pleasant, but a little cooler. I worked as usual in the shop. I bought a dozen oranges of a peddler at the shop. I borrowed some blocking cord at the shop and brought home to put through the pulley in Father Griswold's flag staff and with it to pull through the pulley a larger rope as a fixture to the staff with which to run up the flag when occasion may require. I have in view (as a reason for putting it in order) the running up of the flag next Tuesday the 9th inst., it being the second anniversary of the surrender of General Lee to Grant which closed the fighting of the Great Rebellion. Mr. Pond assisted me in doing it. I dug some horseradish this morning. Gussie grated a part of it; the remainder I carried over to Mr. Pond this evening. Gussie went into the street this evening while I stayed at home. Mrs. Powell from Brooklyn came by this evening to Father Griswold's. APRIL 07 SUNDAY - Pleasant but rather windy. After breakfast, I went down to the church and brought home one of the Sunday School Librarian's books which I had to write up anew before it could be used this noon. I did it while Gussie was at church this forenoon. Brother Crawford preached, we having no preacher today, it being Conference Sunday. Gussie came home at noon. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to prayer meeting in the P.M. Bell came here to tea and went to the 'Band of Hope' at 8 o'clock. After tea, Gussie took Georgie and went up to Mother Griswold's to visit with Mrs. Powell. Susan Brayman called, but finding her gone, went away again. Father called also and stayed a little time with me. Gussie stayed home in the evening and I went to church. Brother Crawford preached. APRIL 08 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. I worked as usual in the shop. About 6 o'clock this evening, we had a little shower. I bought 38 feet of small rope and brought home to rig as halyards on Father Griswold's flag staff, preparatory to running up the flag tomorrow. I did it before tea. I attended Teacher's Meeting in the evening at the church. After the meeting, I recorded the minutes of the meeting and went up to Mother Griswold's to visit with Mrs. Powell before retiring. As I came home from work this evening, I paid David Chichester $3.00 for eight months' expressage for the Sunday School during the year, the other four months being payable to O. H. Swift who had the news business a part of the time. I intend to pay him $1.50 tomorrow. APRIL 09 THURSDAY - A beautiful day. The second anniversary of the surrender of the rebel General Lee and his army to General U. S. Grant. I ran up Father Griswold's flag this morning in honor of the day and kept it flying all day. I had a hard headache last night and this morning. I went to the shop, but my head ached so hard that I came home again without doing any work. I paid O.H. Swift for four months' expressage on Sunday School papers, etc. I felt better in the P.M. and raked the covering off my strawberry plants. Georgie has had a good time out of doors today and it has done him good, I believe. I went into the street in the evening and did some marketing, but was too late to go to class. Mrs. Powell and Harriet came in late in the evening, Mrs. Powell wishing to give us a call before she returns home. She starts tomorrow morning. I moved my vinegar barrel from the cellar to the wood house. Got the last of my 30 lbs. of butter from Mr. Pond's this today. Paid my taxes to collector A. G. Crosby by giving him the town order which William Peck gave me when I paid him the money on March 2nd. I wrote to the Book Room ordering for the Sunday School another copy of the Sunday School Journal for Harriet E. Mills. APRIL 10 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day with fine rain in the P.M. and evening. I worked in the shop as usual. I did not go out in the evening but stayed at home and wrote to Edwin to see what butter will cost in Elyria this summer. Gussie bought some salve of a no-armed man today to assist him. His arms were torn off in a woolen factory. APRIL 11 THURSDAY - Pleasant. As I went to my work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote to Edwin last evening. There was a small allowance of work today; I finished mine about 3 P.M. and I came home and trimmed some of my apple trees and got the grapevine Father Griswold gave me last season (Concord) and divided it making two vines and set them out. After tea, I dug the few parsnips I had in the ground and gave Mr. Pond a part of them. Gussie went out in the street in the evening and I stayed home with Georgie. APRIL 12 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop feeling badly from a headache and a disordered state of the stomach. I had to wait until about 10 o'clock for my work and then felt so badly that I stopped about 3 P.M. and went over to Sheather & Lacy's to get a new hatters' check from William Witherspoon, the trade secretary. As I left this place, I met Brother Webb on the walk going over to Bartram & Fanton's Sewing Machine Manufactory and I went over with him and was showed with him around the factory. It was quite interesting and I felt repaid for my visit there. Nellie Freeland sent down for a pound of tea today. After tea I helped Mr. Pond hoop a tub in his barn. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening. Before retiring, I marked off the Sunday School papers which I today brought from the Express Office. Lent my map of New York City to Mr. Pond. Mother Griswold had a crazy turn last night. She was a raving maniac for a short time. APRIL 13 - As I went to work this morning, I went to Foster's Carpenter Shop to see if John Brayman could let me have some money on what he owes me. He promised to get some for me by Monday evening if he could. In case I could do no better, Mr. Crofut promised today to the $100 which I am to pay Mr. Pond for George next week. I came from work early and went over to see Mr. Cocking about letting me have the money I am in want of next week; he will do so if I can do no better. I went with him to look at his hot beds. He gave me three heads of lettuce which I divided with Father Griswold and Mr. Pond. Mrs. Cocking sent a nice bouquet to Gussie. Mother Purdy was with us to tea. Mother Griswold came in also. Bell came down after tea to go home with Mother. I went into the street in the evening to see D. B. Booth about George's bounty money. He offered to loan George $50 towards the bounty. Father Griswold came home in the evening. APRIL 14 SUNDAY - On account of Gussie wanting to take Georgie to church this P.M. to be baptized, I went to church in the morning and heard Brother Birch preach for the first time as our new preacher. I stayed to Sunday School which was a Sunday School prayer meeting after which Gussie made her appearance with Georgie. We tried to get him into the church in the afternoon, but he insisted upon going out in the open air to walk. As we could not get him in quietly, we gave it up and I came home with him while Gussie stayed to communion. Bell came in to tea and stayed with Georgie afterward to let Gussie and me walk over to Mr. Cocking's on Mr. Lynes' farm. When we returned from the walk, I wrote a short letter to George stating that I was obliged to pay Mr. Pond $100 on next Tuesday towards the Two Hundred he owes him. I mailed it as I went to evening meeting. Brother Birch preached again. Clark Beers and wife sat with me in my seat. APRIL 15 MONDAY - Warm, smoky and dusty. As I went to work this morning, I called on D. B. Booth about the $50 he promised to advance on the bounty due George. He cannot let me have it as he has not received certain money which he expected. We were limited in our work at the shop today, though mine lasted me nearly all day. I went to Father Griswold before tea about getting the hundred dollars and he promised to endorse for me to get it at the Danbury Bank. In the evening, I went to Fanton's Shirt Factory and got a blank note and filled it out and Father Griswold endorsed it and tomorrow either he or I is to get the money. This morning, I carried a half bushel of apples over to Mr. Pond for Mother Griswold and this evening, he paid me $1.00 for them. Bell came down today and took Georgie up home with her until night when she returned with him. Father came down this evening and borrowed our syringe to give Deacon Ambler an injection. He is not expected to live. George F. Bailey's Circus showed here today previous to starting on their tour for the season. APRIL 16 TUESDAY - It has rained all day and very hard a part of the time. I called to see John Brayman as I went to work this morning to see if he had secured any money for me. He said that he had $10 partly promised to him to let me have but it was very uncertain about it. He was to bring it to me this evening if he got it but he did not come. I came home for dinner and took a note with Father Griswold to the bank as I returned (Danbury Bank) and got $100 for three months I paid it to Mr. Pond this evening on my note of $200 for George and paid interest on the same up to April 5th. From this date, the note stands against me for $100. The rate of 8% on the $200 for three months was $4.00 which I paid and charged the same to George's account. I went into the street in the evening and got a letter from George in which he stated that this evening he would take his washing over to the Express Office and tomorrow I would receive it. Enclosed was 75 cents, 50 cents for Bell and 25 cents for me to pay for expressage home. The expressage, I intend to pay myself so I gave George credit for the 25 cents on his book account. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. APRIL 17 WEDNESDAY - It rained this morning but before night it cleared off and this evening has been lovely. I worked late in the shop. As I came from work, I went to the Express Office for George's bag of washing, but it had not come. I went again this evening upon arrival of the train and got it. It had in it a large bundle from Harriet for our folks and his shawl. A letter also was enclosed to me speaking of work, money matters, etc. Lottie Keeler has been here all day dressmaking for Gussie. I finished the letter I had commenced to George and enclosed the 25 cents which he had sent me to pay expressage, he requesting me to do so that he may use the same to pay for the return of the bag. As I had given him credit for it, I charged it to him as I enclosed it. Bell came down today and took Georgie home with her to get him out of the way of Gussie while she had so much work to do with Lottie. Deacon Benjamin Ambler died last night about 12 o'clock. I mailed the letter to George before retiring. APRIL 18 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cool. I worked as usual in the shop. Mr. Ambler was buried this P.M. at 2 o'clock. Gussie has been up home today and stayed until 7 P.M. She left Georgie up there for another night. I helped Mr. Pond build a mound in his yard this evening. I went to bed feeling about sick. APRIL 19 FRIDAY - Fast day. No work in the shop. I have had the headache badly today. I forked over my asparagus bed this morning. After dinner, I grafted some cherry trees for Mr. Smith across the way. This was all I felt able to do. I gave Mr. Alban Hurd some Russell Strawberry plants. Georgie has been up home for two nights. Bell brought him home this P.M. while Gussie was away at the cemetery. I have not been away from home today except across to Mr. Hurd's garden. Horace Crofut's daughter ran away from home yesterday (it is said on account of abuse from her stepmother). Her father and neighbors were looking for her nearly all of last night and this forenoon and finally found her at her aunt's in Bethel. APRIL 20 SATURDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. As I went in the morning, I left a pair of old shoes at Charles Reed's to be half-soled. As usual on Saturday, we were paid off. I received from the Great American tea Company several of their adverts printed by themselves. A shower in the evening accompanied by thunder and lightning. I stayed at home and Gussie went to market in the evening accompanied by Louise. APRIL 21 SUNDAY - I went to church and carried the Sunday School papers and returned to let Gussie attend the morning service. She came home about noon and as usual I went down to Sunday School and stayed to prayer meeting in the P.M. After supper we dressed Georgie and let him take a walk with us around into Spring Street, up on Mechanic's Avenue (Dr. Bennett's Hill) and then home. When we arrived, we found our wash woman's two children waiting to get the clothes to wash tomorrow. As I went to church in the evening, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. Brother Birch preached a good sermon. After meeting, I took the lantern and went with Louise to the barn and killed their old hen turkey, as Father Griswold's folks are to make a dinner on the occasion of Harriet's wedding. APRIL 22 MONDAY - Cloudy and rain about 9 A.M. The sun, however, came out and after dinner it was pleasant and warm until about 4 o'clock when a tremendous thunder shower came up. I came home at noon (bringing as I came my old garden shoes from the shoe makers), there being no shop work in the P.M.I did some apple grafting for Father Griswold until the shower drove me off. Then I wrote to George saying that his clothes would be sent tomorrow. Bell came down with them this P.M. I took them to the Merchants Union Express Office in the evening; as I went, I mailed the letter. I put a few apples in the bag for him. Elias Stevens came today from New Haven. He and Harriet have been busy packing her things for moving to New Haven. They expect to be married on Wednesday morning and then off on the train. I walked from the post office this evening up Main Street with William and Louise Blair. APRIL 23 TUESDAY - Pleasant but cool. I worked late in the shop. When I came home, I found that, unknown to me, Harriet had been married. The affair was all over and I was invited to partake of the leavings for tea. They made a party and I was not only not invited but was not told that the wedding was to come off today. May Joy Go With Them. I went to market in the evening. Gussie went to bed sick. Georgie went up home today to stay overnight. APRIL 24 WEDNESDAY - Cold with rain and snow during the day. Elias Stevens and wife left for new haven this morning to spend their honeymoon and go to housekeeping on May 1st. I had work all day in the shop. I set out some lettuce plants before breakfast which Mr. Pond brought from Robert Cocking's last evening. Deacon Benjamin Ambler's widow died last night, surviving her late husband only a week and three hours. Edgar Wildman's remains (son of Saul Wildman) arrive today from near Savannah, Georgia where he was accidentally drowned. The funeral was attended this P.M. at 2 o'clock. In the evening, I took the picture of General U. S. Grant down to Mr. Swift's and got it framed. It was presented to Georgie by his new uncle Elias Stevens. The price of frame was $2.50. Gussie went over to John Bouton's in the evening and John came home with her. APRIL 25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. Gussie went up home with Aunt Louise this forenoon and brought Georgie home after tea. I was very tired and did not go out in the evening. I wrote the marriage of Elias Stevens' and Harriet for publication in the Jeffersonian and sent this evening by Gussie to the office. When she returned, she brought a letter for me from George saying he could not find anything of bag of clothing at the Express Office in New York. I immediately went into the street to see Crosby, the express agent about it. He sent it all right on Tuesday morning. I wrote (in D. M. Benedict's Shoe store) to George about it telling when it was sent, how directed, etc. and enclosed 25 cents which I thought I did in my last letter, but he says not. APRIL 26 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. I bought an extra Jeffersonian in which was the marriage of Elias B. Stevens and Hattie W. Wheeler to send to Eliza in California. Bought ## ton of coal of Thomas Sproule. I brought home the Sunday School papers from the news office. After tea, I finished grafting an apple tree for Father Griswold. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Henry B. Fanton's in the evening. Louise stayed with Georgie to let me go to the post Office. John Bouton came in about 10 o'clock to wait for his wife to return with Gussie from the Sewing Society. Before retiring, I took three of Soule's pills for headache. APRIL 27 SATURDAY - I have felt rather bad today from taking the pills last night. I have, however, worked nearly all day in the shop. The 'Great European ____ Circus 'came into town this forenoon. They made the greatest demonstration of any circus troop that I ever saw in this place. A large lion rode on top of one of the wagons or cars in the procession. This was something that was never before seen in Danbury. The troop was a large one. All the actors rode on splendid horses and richly caparisoned. All hands left the shop and went up to Main Street for a few minutes to see them. I finished my work in the shop about 3 o'clock ad then came home by way of Tom Sproule's and paid for the 1/2 ton of coal he brought me yesterday - $5.50. I also called at O.H. Swift's and paid for framing picture of General Grant - $2.70, including cord to hang it. I then went over to Benedict & Nichols' and bought a half box of J. M. Littel's bar soap ' 40 lbs. at 13 cents - $5.30 which was delivered before night. When I got home, Gussie was away up home with Georgie where she took him in the morning that she might go and see the circus troop parade the street. It rained nearly all the P.M. and cleared off just at night at which time she came home with Georgie. After tea, I commenced smoothing over the ground under the trees in my garden preparatory to seeding down the same. While we were at breakfast this morning, Mrs. Smith came in to beg some canned fruit for Betsy Roseborne who is nearly gone with consumption. We gave her a jar of quinces. APRIL 28 SUNDAY - Pleasant but cold. It froze the ground quite hard last night. Gussie went to church as usual this morning. I went to Sunday School at noon and stayed to prayer meeting.in the P.M. After tea, we put Georgie in his carriage and went over to Robert Cocking's to give Georgie a little outdoor exercise. As we came back, we called a few minutes at John Bouton's. I wrote a short letter to George and as I went to meeting in the evening, I mailed it and a Jeffersonian to him. Also a letter to Cousin Eliza in California. Harriet's marriage was in the paper. Brother Woodruff has been with us today. He preached in the morning and this evening. APRIL 29 MONDAY - Pleasant this morning but cold. It became cloudy before noon and in the P.M., it rained a little. I felt about sick this morning with my cold. I however worked until about 3 o'clock then came home and finished preparing the ground for grass seed under the apple trees on the north side of my garden and sowed the seed. I feel better this evening than I did this morning. Bell was here to tea, and Gussie went with her to the depot to meet Harriet Purdy who came up for a visit from Brooklyn. I went to the Post Office, but did not go to the depot. Today commences the Teachers' Convention to be held for one week in this place. APRIL 30 TUESDAY - Cloudy again this morning and rain in the afternoon and evening. I worked all day in the shop. Susan Brayman was here today and Gussie made arrangements with her to get some soda ash at Norwalk, as she intends to go down in a few days. After tea, Moses Baxter gave me a species of pie plant called the 'Wine Plant' which I divided and made six plants of and set them out. He also gave me some for Mr. Pond which I took over to him. Gussie went to market in the evening and bought some dye stuff for coloring carpet rags. When she returned, I went to the 1st church to hear a lecture on the interior of Africa by Professor Gilman. The lecture was one connected with the Teachers' Convention being held here. Joseph Furbush died this evening.
1867-04
Horace Purdy Journal July 1865 Entry
12pgs
07/01 SATURDAY - Cloudy all day. I quit work at noon. Went to Danbury Bank and drew the $10.00 for George's bounty check and then paid Harris the tailor $2.70 which George owed for army shirts and then came home and weeded out my strawberry beds until tea time. After tea, I worked a while at it and then went to market. I called at Griffing's block where they were taking names of soldiers who would turn out on the 4th of July. From there I went to Averill's office where they were talking up the affair of raising up a militia company in this town under the new law passed a few days ago by the legislature. When I came home I brought Oscar Serrine with me to drink a glass of beer. Mr. Cocking had a fresh barrel of ale come today. Aunt Harriet and Benjamin and Uncle Stephen's widow and Cyrus Benjamin's wife came up from Ridgefield to see Mother. Gussie went up to see them in the P.M. The new militia bill just passed compels the state to furnish uniforms and pay and 5 cents per mile when ordered out for state duty. This is in addition to the regular pay per day. Arms and equipment and armory sent as prescribed under the old law. Mr. Rotier who was reported dead yesterday is alive. The report was false so far as he being dead. He however did drop down insensible, I believe. It rained a little before we retired at night. 07/02 SUNDAY - Heavy thunder shower last night. Pleasant today with the exception of a shower between 2 and 3 o'clock in the P.M. and that was very agreeable. I believe there was no thunder with it. The baby was worse this morning. Gussie feared the Diphtheria. I went for Dr. Bulkeley before meeting time. He pronounced it as before to be mumps. He left Aconite and Bryanier (?) to be taken alternate every 2 hours. Rev. Dr. Wise, editor of the Sunday School Advocate, preached for us. Gussie went in the morning and I in the afternoon. Dr. Wise preached to the Sunday School children in the morning and to the older people in the P.M. Brother George Starr (Supt.) read a letter to the Sunday School from Brother Hill. He is away for his health and wrote from Pennsylvania. He is or has been at Carlisle, I believe. The shower last night and the rain this P.M. has made it quite cool this evening. We did not go out in the evening. Robert drew some beer. I drank a glass with him and retired about 10 o'clock. 07/03 MONDAY - A beautiful day. Father came down in the morning before I went to the shop and paid me the dollar which I lent him in addition to the one I gave him to go to Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral in Ridgefield last week. On my way to the shop, I bought a piece of lamb at B. & N's for Mother Griswold and sent it up. I worked until noon and then came home and Father helped me mow my door yard and carry off the grass; also trim my walk edges. He stayed with us to tea. He would take nothing for his work so I gave him about 2 lbs. of butter and a bottle of ale to carry to Mother. After tea, Gussie got Georgie to sleep and I stayed with him to let her go downtown in the evening. Soon after tea, Our foreman V. W. Benedict came over to the house and brought me $23 dollars which he drew for me at the shop this P.M. Mr. Crofut paid the men on account of it being the 4th of July tomorrow though it is only one week since he has paid us. While I was with the baby this evening, Bell came down to Mother Griswold's on an errand and she stayed with him while I went downtown a short time. When I returned, I found Gussie at home and Bell waiting for her torpedoes which I promised her if she would stay with Georgie. Aunt Clarissa Burr and Cousin Hattie came from Bloomfield on the evening train and Gussie and I went up to see them before Bell went home. I returned before Gussie did and Robert brought down a glass of beer for me in the meantime. Before retiring, the baby had a turn of vomiting. He has appeared better all day. 07/04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. The celebration was rather a failure. The soldiers were expected to march in the procession but did not. A dinner was made for them at Concert Hall. I did not take dinner with them though I understood that nearly all the nine months men did. I came home and took dinner with Father and Mother who spent the day with us. I got McDonald's horse and took Mother down about 9 AM. and took her home again about 6 PM. Foster of New Haven delivered the orations. The Fantastics (?) paraded at 3 o'clock. About that time Mr. Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's and fired at a mark with my pistol. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go and see the fireworks. The shower which came about 6 o'clock wet the fireworks so that all the fine pieces were spoiled. A colored ball at Concert Hall after the fireworks which were put off at Concert Hall what was saved of them. 07/05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Did not work in the shop. Went hunting with Bob Dunning in the PM. Went down between Middle and Town Mountain and came home by way of Mountain Pond. He shot 1 woodcock and 1 robin, and I, 1 woodcock. I gave my bird to him. I stopped at his house and drank a glass of root beer and then he came home with me and drank some ale. I went to market in the evening. Received by evening mail a letter from George from Jacksonville, Florida and dated June 27th. Ed Barnum told me that the box that I had been expecting from George had arrived by express. I ordered it sent up tomorrow. Charles H. Hoyt became father of a boy weighing 10 lbs. this P.M. 07/06 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Put up my dinner in a paper and started to go to the shop if I did not conclude otherwise before I got there. I have pretty much made up my mind to play this week and rest from shop work which if I can content myself to do will do me much good for I have worked very hard of late and need rest. I went into Main Street and found Hart Purdy and we arranged to go razzberrying and take the gun and get some woodcock if we could. I went down to Jackson's and got his dog, Milo and we went. We got but few berries. I got 2 woodcock, 1 chipmunk, 1 small rabbit and a guinea hen which I found strayed into the swamp. The dog put it up near the edge of the swamp. It flew toward the swamp. I shot it before it reached it, not knowing when I fired what it was, but upon examination when I picked it up, I found what it was. It was very wild and had doubtless strayed away. After tea, I went home with Milo. Before going hunting, I ordered some pictures of myself at Mr. Couch's and in the evening, Hattie Burr and Gussie went into the street on some errand and brought them home, one of each kind, a Carte de Visite and Vignette for me to take my choice and order which style I would have the four I ordered printed. My object in ordering them now is to give one to Hattie Burr as she is very anxious for one. The box containing George's effects which he sent by express was delivered this morning. I paid $1.05 for expressage for him. Gussie got a letter for her folks from Aunt Ruth. A picture was included of Lauren for Fanny. 07/07 FRIDAY - Very warm though there was considerable air stirring. Did not work in the shop today; am trying to rest from hard work. I went to the shop in the forenoon to get my working shirt in order that Gussie could cut out two new ones for which I have bought the materiel. Mr. Cocking brought 40 celery plants for Father Griswold this morning and I set them out for him as he left home on the morning train for Canton. Gussie received a dress pattern by the morning mail from Cousin Anna Eliza Mills in Canton. The wild game which I shot yesterday, we had for dinner today. Aunt Clarissa and Cousin Hattie Burr, Mother Griswold, Fanny and Harriet all took dinner with us. After dinner I went with Harriet Wheeler and Hattie Burr uptown to the hat factories to show them how hats are manufactured. From there I went to Joseph Ives and bought the chestnut secretary which I looked at this morning. I took it for $9.00 and got trusted for it. After tea, I helped Gussie pick some currants to make jelly. I then hoed the garden for a short time and went downtown to hear the news as the four conspirators connected with the murder of Abraham Lincoln were to be hanged today, viz. Mrs. Surratt, Herold, Payne (ed. note, actually Lewis Powell) and Atzerodt. No news by the evening post but a telegram has been received that all four were hung at ___minutes, ___ o'clock. I called at O H. Swift's and got the Sunday School Advocates and brought them home. 07/08 SATURDAY - I have spent the day in training strawberry plants, pulling weeds, marking off the 74 S.S. Advocates for distribution tomorrow in Sunday School. Went onto tin roof of wing and fitted strips of siding under two windows, etc. Bought # barrel of flour of Crofut & Son. Went to Holley's shop to see Father about directions for washing uniform which George sent home. Carried the Sunday School Advocates to the church. Called at Couch's Picture Gallery for four pictures of self (cards) which I ordered yesterday. Our preacher, Brother Hill came home from a tour which he has been taking for his health. We took dinner up to Mother Griswold's with Aunt Clara and Cousin Hattie Burr. I went to the Post. Office this forenoon and Theodore Fowler brought me home with his horse and carriage and stopped and drank a glass of beer with me. I went to the depot in the evening. Theodore Morris and Seth Northrop came home on the train. They left the 17th Regiment at Hilton Head, Florida (ed. note, actually South Carolina). They being paroled prisoners were sent home first. I did some marketing and came home. The papers today give an account of the hanging of the murderers of President Lincoln. They have all four of them been hung. 07/09 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The bell tolled this morning for Levi Benedict, the father of Starr Benedict, the butcher of the firm of Benedict & Nichols. He died in a fit I learned this noon. Brother Hill had the doctor yesterday after he arrived home. He could not preach today. A local preacher by name of Barnum from New York (an old man) preached for us this morning. Gussie attended and came home as usual directly after the service for me to go to Sunday School. I went in the P.M. It was the Sacrament Service. Brother Crawford administered it. Gussie said that Peter Holmes got up after the sermon in the morning and rebuked the official members for allowing the Camp Meeting tent be in the hands of Smith Barnum over at his hotel. Peter could not stand it to be in the hands of a rum seller. I brought home the Sunday School librarian's books to draw up the names of teachers and scholars anew. Gussie thinks she has a felon (ed. note, an infection of the finger tip) on her finger. She soaked it for an hour in as hot water as she could hold it in and then did it up and kept it wet with spirits of turpentine. After tea, I took a nap and then went to the cemetery with Gussie and Hattie Burr. We carried bouquets for Abel and Eddie's graves. Just as we entered the lot a fellow and his girl came in and took the new seat which has been put up this summer and when we finished at the grave they still occupied the seat and notwithstanding the hints we made them they would not move. The fellow showed plainly the lack of gentlemanly qualities or when the owners of the lot and seat came in they would have vacated the seat for them. It was between sundown and dark when we returned home. I then immediately went up and watered Father Griswold's celery and then filled a quart bottle with ale and started up home with it for Mother who sent word by Bell to Sunday School that she wanted some. There was a prayer meeting held up there at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit as she is unable to attend church. On my way up, I met Father coming down for the beer. He turned back with me as we met. I stayed until about 9 o'clock. 07/10 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool for July weather. I commenced work in the shop today after resting about a week. I took my dinner and stayed all day. After tea, I took Georgie in my arms and walked around the yard and garden and Father Griswold's garden also. I went to Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting in the evening which lasted until after 9 o'clock. I came home, copied the minutes of the meeting, wrote in my journal and retired. Alson Smith became the father to a son this forenoon. 07/11 TUESDAY - When I woke this morning, it was raining hard. I worked as usual in the shop. It cleared off in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and up to S.S. Peck's store to get the price of butter for our butter maker Charles Fowler who we expect tomorrow. I then went to Hatters' Meeting over Benedict & Nichols' store. I being on the Auditing Committee with C. H. Hoyt and Nathaniel Cable, I went early and looked over the Secretary and treasurer's books before business commenced. The meeting held until about 9 o'clock. 07/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day, though the sun shone a little. Gussie's finger is troubling her badly. On that account, we are having our washing done over to Alexander Pines. He came for the clothes this morning for his wife to wash. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I dug up the ground where I had dwarf peas and set out three rows of Russell Strawberry plants. At the same time Mr. Carlson came for the plants I promised him, he having prepared the ground for them today. I could not go to class as I intended as Gussie wanted to go down to see Dr. Bulkeley about her finger on which she has a felon. She showed it and he cut it open for her and put on a plaster of Grey's salve and recommended for her to buy a box of it which she did before she came home. 07/13 THURSDAY - The weather rather heavy this morning, but it came off pleasant with sunshine most of the day. Gussie's finger is bad yet there is no doubt but that it is a felon. While she was getting breakfast this morning, I sawed some wood. William Carlson finished getting his strawberry plants this morning and did it mostly before I got up. Mr. Pond got a few of them also. I worked as usual in the shop. Bought a large butcher or bread knife of the old knife man (Perry) today for Mr. Pond and gave it to him after tea. I let him have it for what it cost me 25 cents. I promised some time ago to get one for him the first time uncle Perry came with them again. I worked in the shop until after 6 o'clock. Gussie went to market in the evening and I stayed with Georgie. In the meantime David Bradley came and borrowed my compass saw to do a job at a bedstead for Mother Griswold. Rob Dunning and brother came and picked some currants which I promised him some time ago just as I came home from work. Gussie put some up in cans today. P.T. Barnum's Museum in New York City was burned today. 07/14 FRIDAY - Pleasant but rather cool for the season. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went down to Dr. Bulkeley's again today and he cut open her felon again. After tea, I sowed some 'King of Swedes Turnip' seeds', the same that was sent to me from the Department of Agriculture at Washington. I also hoed a little in the garden. I then went to market, the Post Office and home. Aunt Louisa went up home to see Mother today and called here and told us how she was. She is very poorly now. She had another bad turn yesterday, but is a little better today. When I returned from the street, I went up to see her. 07/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until the middle of the afternoon and then came home. Gussie and some of her folks went up to see Mother today. They found her a little more comfortable. After tea, Cousin Louisa and Frank came over for some currants. I went into the street in the evening and received two letters from George written July 8th and 11th at Hilton Head. He says the regiment expects to leave there for the North on the 28th. J. Montgomery Bailey arrived from the regiment this evening. He is to report to the regiment at New Haven when the regiment arrives there. Before retiring, I found our cat 'Prince' in the yard with a robin which he had caught. I took it away from him and put it on a tree in Father Griswold's yard as it seemed to be uninjured. 07/16 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day, but not stormy. Edward Barnum, my assistant librarian in Sunday School came down this morning and helped me write up the two librarian account books. W. C. Hoyt preached for us today, Brother Hill being very sick with Typhoid Fever. Gussie went in the morning and I to Sunday School and in the P.M. Mister Dunning preached in the Baptist church this P.M., but I did not go to hear him. 7 o'clock P.M. It commenced raining about 1 # hours ago. I have been sleeping on the lounge the past two hours or more. I wrote to Carleton & Porter in the evening ordering another copy of the S. S. Advocate for a new subscriber from July to October and enclosed 8 cents with which to pay for it. I also wrote to George in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It rained hard all the evening and neither of us went out. 07/17 MONDAY - Stormy last night and this morning. I felt badly nearly all day, produced without doubt from hearty eating yesterday and the lack of my usual exercise to digest my food. I worked all day however. We were paid off this P.M. I drew for my last week's work $26.50. On my way home, I called at the Coal Office of Alden G. Crosby and engaged my winter's coal. Five tons at $11.00 and if the price should be less before the 1st of September, I am to have the benefit of it. I bought # ton for immediate use and had it immediately delivered. After tea, I picked a few currants for Gussie to can up for use next winter and then went downtown. I mailed a letter to Carleton & Porter ordering one copy additional to our number of S.S. Advocates for a new subscriber, paid Mr. Joseph Ives $9.00 for the secretary I bought of him in the 7th instant. I then went to the Depot for Mrs. George Davis to see if there was a package by express for her. Father Griswold came home on the train. He has been spending a week in Canton with Cousin Alfred Humphrey. As I went into the Post Office on my way home, I found Edwin Harris waiting to see me to get some Russell Strawberry Plants which I promised him and though it was dark, we found a dozen which he took home with him. 07/18 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I have been about sick today with the bowel complaint, but have worked hard all day notwithstanding. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed the letter to George which I wrote on Sunday. Gussie is almost down with a bowel difficulty as well as myself. I went to market in the evening. 07/19 WEDNESDAY - I felt worse this morning than yesterday. I had the Diarrhea so badly that I was up during the night and out twice before breakfast. After breakfast I took an injection of blood warm water which worked like a charm on my bowels. Did not feel able to go to work. I went into the street and talked more with O.H. Swift about the news business for George. Went down to the shop and sold 4 rolls of salve to Sam Parks and bought a piece of enameled cloth to cover the writing table of my secretary. I came home and let Milo (Mr. Jackson's dog) follow me. I covered the table to my secretary and the Gussie dressed Georgie and we took him and we went up home to see Mother. I carried a bottle of ale up to her. We came home by way of Wooster Street and Main at the same time going up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I took Father's over to Mr. Holley's shop to him and then we found Jesse D. Stevens on the street. He came home with us and got a few Russell Strawberry plants which I promised him. Mr. Ashley tells me that a letter has been received from Saul Raymond at Port Royal and he says that the 17th Regiment will sail from there on the 20th tomorrow. Mr. Frisbie, the new Congregational preacher at the 1st church was installed today. The sun shone this forenoon, but in the P.M, it clouded over and commenced raining about 7 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. 07/20 THURSDAY - It cleared off last night with a thunder shower and today has been warm and pleasant. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Gussie called at Alson Smith's this P.M. near Harry Stone's, corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue where Miss English is nursing Mrs. Smith. When I came home from work and before tea, I drew a glass of ale. After tea, I dug three hills of potatoes, the first for us of the season. I rode downtown with Robert Cocking in the evening. I carried my patent leather boots to D. Benedict's to be soled and capped. Bought loaf of bread. Went to the Post Office and rode home again with Robert. I sold three more rolls of salve today two rolls to William Mansfield and one to another man in the plant shop. 07/21 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than several days past. We gave the baby another injection this morning to move his bowels. I worked hard all day in the shop. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a letter for Father Griswold. As I came home from work at night, I called at D. Benedict's shoe store for my patent leather boots which he has been repairing for me soling and caps on the toes. When I came home, I found Father there. He had just done pressing some currants for me in Father Griswold's hard cider mill. He stayed with us to tea. After tea, Gussie went to market and to the Depot to engage Beatty to come with his carriage for Aunt Clarissa and Hatty Burr, who are going home tomorrow to Bloomfield, Conn. She also went up to Balmforth Avenue to engage Mrs. McNeil to do some dressmaking for her but found her sick and she cannot do it. While she was gone, I walked around the premises with Georgie in my arms until Mr. Cocking came and he drew some beer and I drank with him. Spent the evening up in his room until Gussie came. Fourth anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. 07/22 SATURDAY - I woke this morning and found it storming hard. Aunt Clara and Hatty Burr started for home this morning with Father Griswold who goes as far as New Haven with them. I worked hard all day until 7 P.M. in the shop. It cleared off about 4 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street walking down with Robert and got the package of S.S. Advocates for Sunday School and my copy of Harper's Weekly and walked up home with Mr. Carlson. I took the lantern and went into the garden about 9 o'clock and dug some potatoes for breakfast. 07/23 SUNDAY - A lovely day, neither too hot nor too cold. I marked off 73 copies of the S.S. Advocate after breakfast. Gussie went as usual to church in the morning while I stayed with the baby. Starr Hoyt Nichols preached for us in the morning and Brother Crawford in the P.M. I went in the afternoon. Brother Hill is very sick yet. A prayer meeting was held up home this afternoon at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit. We did not go but took Georgie in his carriage and went up to the cemetery. On the way, I stopped at George Starr's and handed him the list of subscribers in our Sunday School to the Lincoln Monument and the money with it - $20.32. He told me that the old lady, Mrs. Wildman, his wife's mother had just died since the afternoon meeting. We did not go to meeting in the evening, but retired early. 07/24 MONDAY - A little cloudy and some indications of a storm this morning but it finally proved a fair day. Alden G. Crosby, agent for the People's Coal Company, delivered 3 tons of coal this morning of the 5 I ordered a few days ago. I worked hard all day in the shop. The last I did before stopping work was to finish a damaged black hat on the 5deep spring prime block to either wear myself or to give to George when he comes hone. I went into the street in the evening for groceries and went to the depot to see if some of the boys of the 17th Regiment came as we are daily expecting them to arrive in New York for Port Royal, South Carolina. Mrs. George Starr's mother was buried this P.M. Father Griswold attended the funeral at the residence of George Starr where she died. Mr. Stokes came to Father Griswold's today from New York. A School meeting this evening in the basement of Concert Hall. Father Griswold was chairman. It was I believe to take measures for building a new school house. 07/25 TUESDAY - Indications of a storm during the day. A thunder shower between 6 and 7 o'clock P.M. By the New York Herald, I see the 17th Regiment arrived in New York by steamer from Port Royal. They took refreshmnet on the battery and then took steamer for New Haven at 11 o'clock at night. It has been very close and warm in the shop today. I worked until between 3 and 4 o'clock and stopped. I brought home a black spring brim hat, 5# deep, which I have been getting up from a damaged hat. It cost me nothing except the trimming. When I got to Main Street, I borrowed Alden Crosby's horse and buggy and carried Mother's straw bed home. Amos Purdy, Jr. died about 5 o'clock P.M. I helped a little about laying him out and went to the telegraph office and telegraphed them for his wife in Norwalk and paid the fee 40 cents. I went to the depot in the evening and met George who came from New Haven with the others of his company. I brought him around to my house before going up home with him. Mr. Cocking drew a pitcher of ale and we drank a glass together after calling to see Father Griswold. We started up home but found that they had all retired, so George hung his knapsack, haversack, and canteen in the old cart house and returned with me rather than disturb Mother, fearing it would disturb her badly to wake her. It was nearly midnight when we retired. 07/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast and while Gussie was cleaning up Georgie, George and I went into the street to carry the item of Amos Purdy's death to the Jeffersonian Office for publication and to buy some meat for dining up home. When we returned, Gussie was ready and we too the baby and went up home with George. We spent the forenoon and took dinner after which Father, George and myself started for the cemetery. We stopped to talk with Swift about buying him out when Gussie came along and went to the cemetery with us. When we returned, I bought a loaf of bread and George went around home with me and we got our last jar of peaches and too up home for tea. We had a good time together during the day. After tea, Gussie and I came home. I went to market in the evening and saw Mr. Crofut about money to assist George to buy out O.H. Swift. I then went to class just before it was out where George and Bell were to John Cosier's class. I told George what I had done about the money. I walked up Deer Hill with him as far as Widow Barnum's and then came down home. 07/27 THURSDAY - Did not work in the shop. Spent a part of the forenoon in talking with O.H. Swift and figuring on the store and the news business with it. Mrs. Stone did our ironing in the forenoon, just before dinner. I went up home and carried a hat to George. Before breakfast, I went over to see John Bouton. At 1 o'clock, I attended the funeral of Amos Purdy. Father Griswold officiated; it was at the church. I drove Mr. ____'s white horse with the officiating clergyman (Father Griswold). George and William Warren assisted as pallbearers in uniform, Amos having been a soldier. George left with others of his company to report at New Haven. They took the 4 o'clock train. Bucket lost in the well. I borrowed a well hook of Clark Hickok and fished it out. I paid for soldering a strip of tin on the eves of my new tin roof - $1.75. It was done yesterday. I lent George $2.00 to get back to New Haven with and my pocketbook to put his money in when he gets paid off as he has none, not having any use for it for nearly a year as they have not been paid off in that time. I do not play often enough to know how to do it easily and am very tired. I took a nap after tea and then carried the well hook over to Clark Hickok's and went to market. Bought three quarts of whortleberries and a loaf of bread. 07/28 FRIDAY - Very warm. I worked all day in the shop. Ordered a # barrel of ale at Ferrell's for Robert and myself. Bell was with us to tea and stayed with Georgie while Gussie and I went to the store and to the depot to see if George would come on the train. John Bouton and William Warren came and said that they would not be paid off until next week and George being desirous of economizing much as possible stayed in New Haven and will not be home until the regiment is paid off. Brother Hull left a paper with Gussie today with blanks for me to fill out of the numbers of officer and teachers, number of infant scholars and books in the library. I filled them out after tea and left them at his house as we went into the street in the evening. I saw Mr. Henry Crofut at the depot and he told me that he thought he could let me (or George) have the money needed to buy out O.H. Swift and the paper business of P. Starr. I wrote to George about the paper business before retiring. 07/29 SATURDAY - Pleasant, indications in the morning of a warmer day than yesterday but a breeze finally sprang up and made it quite airy. The letter that I wrote to George last night informing him that I could have the money, I mailed this morning before breakfast. I worked all day in the shop. Saw Mr. Crofut as I left the factory about the money for George. He told me how he proposed to let me have it. I saw O. H. Swift on the street before I got home and he told me that he feared George had lost the paper business as Josiah Day's brother claimed that P. Starr had given him the refusal of it before he left home. Mr. Starr has not yet arrived home. I was at the depot in the evening to see Peter if he should arrive on the train. While there, I saw Day and his three brothers ready to mount Peter when he came. They are evidently determined to have the paper business for the town. By the evening mail, I received a letter from George stating that he has seen Peter in New Haven and he has an opportunity to buy the right for Fairfield County for the patent for a flour sifter. It would take less capital than the paper business and could do far better. After tea, John Bouton and Frank called on us. Just at night Crosby sent another ton of coal making now 4 tons delivered. The # barrel of ale from Ferrell's which I engaged for Robert and myself yesterday came also just at night. 07/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant; either too warm or too cool for comfort. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach though during the last week he has walked considerably. Brother Crawford preached for him today. Gussie went in the morning and I in the P.M. John Bouton and Frank attended church in the afternoon and sat with me. We had tomatoes for breakfast and green corn for supper. After tea, we took Georgie and went up home. They were holding a prayer meeting there. So we stopped at Henry Heinman's to see John Bouton until meeting was over. Gussie wrote to her cousin Eliza Humphrey I California in the evening. I went to prayer meeting and on the way I mailed a letter to George in New Haven in reference to the County right for the flour sifter which he wrote me about Saturday. 07/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I got breakfast early and mailed a letter for this morning's mail to George. I went from the Post Office to the depot to see the boys who were to return to New Haven. I sent word by them to George that I should be there to see him in the evening. I worked until noon and then came home. After dinner I went back to the factory to get my pay and the money to take to New Haven to assist George in buying the County right for the flour sifter. I could not get the money from Mr. Crofut on account of George not being here to sign the note. So I concluded to go to New Haven and arrange for the right and leave the money matter until George should come home. I accordingly started for New haven on the 4 o'clock train arriving there about 7 o'clock, but was disappointed in not finding George waiting for me at the depot. I inquired and hunted for him but could not find him. I went up to Elisha Dickerman's where I was welcomed as an old friend. John Bouton went with me. The2nd Connecticut Light Battery arrived by steamer in the evening and were escorted by the mayor, the New Haven Brass Band and Light Guard up Chapel Street to the State House where a fine supper was waiting for them. After this John and I went to Mr. Dickerman's to put up for the night after going to an eating house near the Post Office for supper.
1865-07
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal April 1865 Entry
13 pgs
04/01 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but cloudy again in the evening. We had but one dozen to finish at the shop; I got through before dinner. I brought home a little paint for the edge of some picture frames and painted them after which I went to caucus at 3 P.M. in the basement of Concert Hall. David P. Nichols and Mr. H. Tweedy were nominated for our two representatives. L. C. Hoyt was chairman of the meeting. Edwin Harris and John Tweedy were appointed Tellers. I expected Aaron Mallett of Redding here to get his interest money, but for some reason he did not come. After I returned from Caucus, I helped Father Griswold trim some trees in his yard and move a bird house from under the cornice of his house to the sweet apple tree near the barn. When I came from Caucus however, I went to B. Cable's and got a large sized clothes dryer to use in place of the one we have been using which was a small size. The small one I am going to store until Mr. Wing or his agent calls for it. In the evening, I went to Dr. Buckley's and got a change of medicine as Georgie has some indications of croup. I went to market (after talking with Dr. and his son about politics, the war, etc.) and bought some oysters for our breakfast. By the evening Post, gold is 151. Gussie went to the dressmakers (Mrs. McNeil) in the P.M. Louise took care of the baby. Bell called this P.M.; Mother is no worse. Our new neighbor, Mr. Pond moved in today. 04/02 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Father Griswold preached for us today. I attended in the morning. His text was 1st Corinthians 3:21.22.23rd. George Cosier went up for Mother in the morning and brought her to church. After class meeting, he carried her to our house where she stayed in the P.M and to tea. I came home to let Gussie go in the afternoon. At evening meeting time, I went to the church and borrowed Mr. Levi W. Bartram's team to take Mother home with. Mr. S.W. Platt, the Newtown Methodist preacher gave a scientific temperance lecture at our church. He illustrated it by charts. The other churches were closed and all attended the lecture. A collection was taken up to help pay for the Newtown parsonage as this is the object for which he now lectures. I mailed the Harper's weekly to George as I went to the church. At the close of the lecture, the telegraphic news just received from General Grant was read to the audience. After three days hard fighting, our troops have been completely successful. Sheridan is sweeping everything before him capturing large numbers of prisoners. Grant has ordered an advance of his whole line and has captured the enemy's whole line of defenses. As the news was read the audience could with difficulty restrain their joy. President Lincoln is at City Point and directed the above dispatches to be sent. Julia Pine died this morning. She has been nearly or about a year been sick with consumption. 04/03 MONDAY - Election day ' Republican majority ' 208. The papers today confirmed the reports received by telegraph last evening. About noon we received by telegraph the intelligence that that Richmond and Petersburg had fallen with 40,000 prisoners. About 4 P.M. the cannon was fired 36 times in honor of the event. At the firing on Ira's Hill, I saw Andrew Knox for the first time to speak with him since his return from the army. He was 1st Lieutenant in the 1st regiment Heavy Artillery, C.V. His time of service had expired. He left his regiment near Petersburg. I have had no work in the shop. I worked around the house a great part of the day. Mr. Mallett of Redding came about noon for his latest interest on $1,100. I paid him $59.40 having paid his tax for him on the amount last summer, which was $6.60 the same being deducted from the 66 dollars. Later 10 o'clock at night I have just returned from Concert Hall where we have had a gathering to rejoice over victory in the field and to receive returns from the election. We have heard from nearly all the state and we have increased Union majorities and falling off of Copperhead majorities in strong Copperhead towns. The indications are that Buckingham is elected by a larger majority than ever before. By the evening post, gold is 145. During the day, it varied from 141 to 149 closing as above named. 04/04 Tuesday - I had work all day in the shop. On my way to work in the morning I took Gussie's shoes to C.H. Reed's to be mended. Buckingham is elected by about a 12,000 majority. The war news is good. The evening paper quotes gold at 146. 13,000 rebel prisoners have arrived at City Point. General Lee with what is left of his army is skedaddling and strewing the roads with the implements of war. Grant is in hot pursuit. Our prisoners are released. Libby is empty. Hatters' meeting in the evening. I got excused and left before it was over. Julia Pine was buried at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Gussie attended. We made up a purse at the shop for William Pine of about $4.20 with which to pay funeral expenses for his wife. 04/05 WEDNESDAY - Hager's barn was burned about 3 o'clock this morning with a wagon and sleigh and hay cutter belonging to Dr. Brewer and some books belonging to Mr. Robertson. We were limited in our work in the shop today. I came home about 3 o'clock and washed down my fruit trees with a solution of Salsoda. A fight today between two Dutch merchant tailors named Zarkowski and Harris. Two of their men took up the cause of their employers and had a clinch in Parmalee & Bradley's store. They were immediately parted by Bradley and Charles Hadden taking each of them one and taking them away. Thomas Stone was yesterday arrested by A.B. Hull (the freight agent at the depot) for adultery. His case was examined today and his trial put over to the next court and he was bound over under $500 bonds. John Bussing cut my hair at the shop after I finished my work. While we were at tea, Bell came in and said that Mother wished to see me up there as soon as I could come after tea as her business was important. I accordingly went up. It was about a gravestone for John and having his, Abagail's and William's remains moved from Mill Plain here to the cemetery. We concluded to let the matter rest for the present until a more convenient time. By the evening post, gold is quoted at 152. There is a rumor that Jeff Davis has been captured and that Abraham Lincoln has been taken by rebels at Richmond, but these need yet to be authenticated. I mailed the Jeffersonian to George in the evening. On account of going up home, I did not get to class. 04/06 THURSDAY - Rain a little at times, sunshine and wind. No work in the shop. I bought a little more Salsoda and finished washing my trees. Set out some horse radish roots under the drain. I filled out where plant had died in my Trompe de Grand strawberry bed. Raked leaves off the door yard. Sawed my 4 foot wood in the woodhouse once in two and piled it away in a smaller compass to make room for Mr. Cocking's wood. Gussie received a letter from Cousin Eliza in California. I sorted over the apples in the cellar. I went to market in the evening and walked up West Street as I came home with Rev. Mr. Shepard (Universalist clergyman). Good news in the evening post. Grant has cut off Lee's retreat. Gold at 150. 04/07 FRIDAY - No sunshine during the day, a little rain. There were enough rays from the setting sun to produce a rainbow. The grass has taken a fresh start today. It looks fresh and green. I have been at work on Full Stiff Drab Brush hates today. The papers tell us today the Sheridan has occupied the R. Road junction at Burkesville ahead of General Lee and Grant being close in Lee's rear there is all about a certainty of the destruction of the rebel army under Lee. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Mrs. Alberta Hoyt's in the evening. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. News by the Evening Post that Sheridan has handsomely whipped Lee again near Burkesville and captured six rebel generals, a large number of prisoners, cannon, etc. Gold 147 by the Post. 04/08 SATURDAY - pleasant and a little cooler. About a half days work for the men, but I being on Brush hats had all that I could do. The news by the Evening Post last night was fully confirmed by the morning papers. Gussie made mince pies today. After tea, Louise came down and stayed with the baby and let Gussie go with me to market as she wanted to do some shopping. I bought meat, oyster crackers and two collars for myself. Nothing new by the evening papers. Gold quoted at about 149. After we came home, Fanny came in to make some arrangements about presenting books to the Sunday School Superintendents tomorrow. Brother Pegg and wife came to George Starr's this P.M. by freight train. He is to preach for us tomorrow. 04/09 SUNDAY - pleasant but cool; a heavy frost last night. Fanny and I went to church early and took the books for presentation to the Sunday School Superintendents from the parsonage into the Sunday School room. At noon, they were presented by Brother Pegg. 'The History of Methodism' in two volumes was presented to Brother William White and George Starr, Supt. and Asst. Supt. 'Biographical Sketches of Methodist Ministers', imitation of Moroccan Gilt price $3.00 was presented to Sisters Holmes and Bartrams, female Supt. and Asst. Supt. It being Conference Sunday and Brother Hill being too sick to go to conference or to preach, Brother Pegg came and preached for us. Text in the morning, Hebrews 12th, first 3 words of the second verse, viz. Looking Unto Jesus. Sacrament in the P.M. After the morning service Mary Purdy came up and stayed with the baby to let Gussie go to the presentation at noon and the Sacrament in the P.M. I went over in the morning and engaged her to come. She stayed and went with Gussie in the evening to hear Brother Pegg preach. I stayed at home with Georgie. I finished a letter to George and sent it with a Harper's weekly and yesterday's tribune to the Post Office by Gussie as she went to meeting. A prayer meeting was appointed to Mother's at 2 o'clock. 04/10 MONDAY - A day of rejoicing, General Robert E. Lee yesterday surrendered to General Grant. This morning's papers brought us the news. Stores and factories were immediately closed and notwithstanding the rain, the streets were filled with people all carrying happy faces. The bells were rung and cannon fired; the Brass Band and Drum Corps was out. In the evening, Concert Hall was illuminated and a large enthusiastic crowd assembled. Music by the Glee Club and Drum Corps. and Brass Band. Speeches were made, etc. I bought some sperm candles and illuminated father Griswold's cupola. The girls helped and also illuminated the whole house. We lighted up the lower part of our house also. I went up home and got Bell to come down and stay with baby to let Gussie go with me to Concert Hall. The evening mail brought us a letter from George. Bell stayed all night. Teachers' meeting in the evening. Mary Purdy came over before tea, and I cut her hair for her. 04/11 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, a little sunshine in the middle of the day, cloudy again in the evening with a chilling atmosphere. On my way to the shop this morning, I called and paid Fred Bradley $1.00 for the sperm candles I bought there yesterday to illuminate Father Griswold's cupola. I also went to the Jeffersonian office and gave Ashley the item of Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsen's death for publication. I worked late on some brush hats in the shop. It was about 7 o'clock when I came home to tea. After tea, I went to market and bought some table salt. There was an adjourned Hatter's meeting, but I was too tired to attend and came home as soon as the mail was opened. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. At the Sunday School Teacher's Annual Meeting last evening, the same officers were elected except the male Supt. and Asst. which was only changed. George Starr was made Supt. and William S. White, the former Supt. made Asst. 04/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day. The sun shone a little after dinner though faintly. I am completely tire out finishing badly cleaned Brush hats. I burned one a little on the brim this P.M. and may have it to pay for. I stopped and would not take any more of them. I came home with the headache. An article in the Jeffersonian from George speaking of the death of Lieut. Col. Wilcoxsen of his regiment who died in Tallahassee, Florida in the rebels' hands, a prisoner of war. Inflammation set in his wounds and caused his death. After tea, I finished my letter to George and mailed with it in the evening a New York tribune of Monday and the Jeffersonian rolled up together. It is reported that William Seward, the Secretary of State in Washington is dead. He died from injuries received from being thrown out of a carriage. It is also reported that Lynchburg, Va. is taken by General Thomas. Gold by Evening Post is quoted at 145. Father Griswold returned from conference (which was held in the 17th Street Church in New York City) by the evening train. 04/13 THURSDAY - Pleasant. D.L. Chichester called the shop this forenoon to get an advance on some hats that were heavy, called B&W Hats. It is certainly harder and heavier work than we ordinarily have and we ought to have more for doing it. But as we had said nothing about it when trade was good, we thought it an unfavorable time now to ask an advance just as trade was over and a prospect of dull times coming on. It being late before I got to the shop this morning, I did but little during the day, only 1 dozen and then came home. Robert Lewis was off today, has gone to Lacey & Sheathars. I bought glass for two picture frames at O.H. Swift's. Gussie drew the baby over to Mrs. Lynes this P.M. to see Mrs. Cocking. She stayed to tea. Hattie Mills came to see us before she returned. She stayed until evening when Gussie went into the street with her. I understand that Theodore Flagler and Fred Wildman arrived home last evening, their term of service of one year having expired. 04/14 FRIDAY - A beautiful day. Fast day, no work in the shop on that account. I did some grafting for Father Griswold and myself. Before breakfast, I carried home the bottle of cut rubber and other ingredients called cement which a long time ago I borrowed of John Cosier to mend my rubber boots. I got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage and carried Mother to church and home again. After dinner Father and Mother Griswold took the same team and rose over to Mill Plain to engage butter for the summer for themselves and us of Chris Fowler. They also spoke for Mrs. Cocking. Mr. Fowler agreed to furnish us ___ . At the same time that they went over there, Harriet, Gussie and myself went up to the cemetery to repair the flower beds and set out some plants. On my return I brought home a 3 # pound shad at 20 cents/lb. from Avery Raymond's, our first this season. It came from the North River. I finished grafting for myself before tea. In the evening, I intended to attend the Union League, but the room was not lighted, so I waited for the mail and came home. Gold 146. 04/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning; began to rain about 4 P.M. I finished grafting for Father Griswold in the morning, and while at it about 9 o'clock, a dispatch was received saying that president Lincoln was shot last night while at Ford's theatre in Washington. He died this morning about the same time the President was shot, an assassin, perhaps the same one, went to Secretary Seward's room where he lay sick in bed and cut his throat at the same time lunging his knife into his side. As he left, he stabbed ___. Upon the receipt of the news, all the bells commenced tolling. Flags are at half-mast and many houses are dressed in mourning. A general sorrow pervades the people and indignation is aroused anew against the rebels. A later dispatch this evening states that the murderer has been caught. I raked off my garden and burned the rubbish. I dug around my trees and destroyed worms. Mr. and Mrs. Lynes having come home for the season today, Robert and wife returned to their rooms and furniture. Her sister, Mrs. Courtney is visiting with them. She is to occupy our bedroom upstairs while she stays. Mrs. Lynes gave Mrs. Cocking a basket of eggs as she came away. When she got here with them she gave Gussie a dozen of them. Later, 10 o'clock in the evening I have been downtown. Received 2 letters from George, Gussie one and Harriet one. There was no evening papers come. There are rumors that Secretary Seward is not dead but that his son is and then right the reverse that the secretary is dead and not the son. Taking all the reports together we are yet in the dark as to the safety of Seward. While we were eating dinner this afternoon, Harriet Purdy called. Aunt Louisa called also a short time afterwards. 04/16 SUNDAY - Pleasant, a shower about 6 P.M. Mr. Stone, the Baptist preacher, preached for us in the morning. Gussie attended; I stayed with the baby. Father Griswold being home, he exchanged with Mr. Stone. Gussie came home at noon and I went to Sunday School and to preaching in the P.M. Brother Hill preached for the first in quite a time. He has been prostrate with inflammatory rheumatism. He looked like a ghost as he stood at the desk and preached. The church was draped in mourning at the death of President Lincoln. The galleries were hung in black. The pulpit was covered in a large American flag, draped in mourning. A solemn mournful feeling pervades the people. Father Purdy was at church and came to our house to tea. Mr. Cocking and myself bought a Sunday Times to get further news about the murder at Washington. The paper cost 20 cents. Henry E. Comes and Allison Smith went to Brewster Station for them. They sold like hotcakes even at that price. I completed my letter to George and Gussie mailed it as she went to meeting in the evening. A Harper's weekly and yesterday's Tribune also at the same time. I had dreadful sick headache and could not go out in the evening. There was a Union meeting at the 1st Church in the evening; I was too sick to go. I went to bed. Fanny came down and took care of Georgie. 04/17 Monday - Pleasant but a little cool. I am over my sick headache and have worked all day. I bought a New York Tribune to send to George and mailed it this evening. The papers today give an account of the taking of Mobile with a large number of cannon and 3,000 prisoners. Ezra Wildman was off from the shop today. Theodore Flagler called at the shop today. He has been in the Navy for one year. He came home one day last week. Harriet Mills called in the evening. The shop today was dressed in mourning by hanging black and white festooned together out the trimming room windows and the factory flag trimmed in black hung over the front entrance. Secretary Seward is better and his son Fred out of danger. The assassins not yet caught. 04/18 Tuesday - A little colored boy about 10 years old came to the door just as we were retiring about 11 o'clock and wanted to stay overnight. I refused and soon after heard him crying near Mr. Pond's east gate. I went to him and he said his feet were cold. My sympathies were aroused and after considerable questioning as to where he was from and how old he was, I took him in, gave him some supper and let him sleep in the lounge. His name is James Martin. He has no parents living. He is from Peekskill and is the same boy who about a year and a half ago stayed all night with us. I called him up this morning and set him at work sawing some wood for me to pay for his lodging, supper and breakfast which I thought he could do as well as me anyway. When breakfast was ready, I called him in to eat. After which I gave him as good a written recommendation as I could to help him get employment with some farmer. He promised to go into the farming districts and with his paper to get employment. I went to the factory and soon saw him with two other Negroes on the railroad tracks after having been kicked out of the boiler room by Hiram Haddam the engineer. I send Orlando Morris, the errand boy, after him. He brought him up into the finishing room where I talked to him and took away the papers which I gave him in the morning, not wishing the little vagabond as he proves to be to carry around a recommendation with my signature. It was cloudy in the morning, rainy in the middle of the day and cleared off before night. It is reported in the evening post that the man who attempted to murder Secretary Seward has been caught. An extra meeting of the Union League was held to make arrangements for the observance of tomorrow which is the burial of President Lincoln. All business is to be suspended and stores to be closed from 11 o'clock. What further was done at the meeting, I know not as I left before business was over on account of the lateness of the hour. They concluded, however, I believe to call a meeting of the citizens tomorrow forenoon and have it a citizen's affair rather than confine it to the League itself. I bought a shad for Mother Griswold and when Fanny came home she bought another, so I took one of them off their hands. 04/19 WEDNESDAY - The anniversary of the Wooster Guards tendering their services to Governor Buckingham under president Lincoln's call for 75,000 troops for 3 months in April, 1861. NO! It was 4 years ago yesterday and 4 years ago today that the Guards left home on the afternoon train for the rendezvous at New Haven. It is also the anniversary of the first blood shed in the revolutionary war at Lexington as well as the first of this war by the killing of a Mss. Soldier in Baltimore. President Lincoln was buried today or rather the funeral obsequies were held in Washington. All over the land services were held in churches and a sermon preached. Our churches as usual on all such public occasions united. The service was held in the First Congregational Church. Father Griswold preached the sermon or delivered the discourse as he had no text. At 11 o'clock, a meeting of citizens was held at Concert Hall to make arrangements about badges, a procession, etc. They voted to wear a badge of mourning during the day. (The Union League or its members are to wear one for 30 days.) and after the service in the church which commenced at 12 o'clock (the same hour as the services at the Presidential Mansion) a procession was decided upon which according to arrangements was formed at the church at the close of the service about 2 o'clock in the following order Band (Drum Corps), soldiers who had served in the war, ladies, next gentlemen and ladies and brought up with gentlemen. The procession was a long one. We marched down to the Courthouse and then up to Franklin Street and back again to the place of starting where we broke up in the churchyard with a benediction from Bishop Williams of the Episcopal Church. In the morning, I put coal ashes around my trees and decorated the front door and piazza with emblems of mourning. I mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Gussie put Georgie in his carriage and drew him down to Brother Hill's where she witnessed the procession. I went into the street in the evening, but there being no evening papers, we got no news. Bell came down at noon for some vinegar. Smith Terrell was this morning married to Margaret Dibble. Mr. Townsend officiated. They went off on the train. Saul Mallory was marshal of the procession at A. Lincoln's funeral, or rather at the demonstration made here at Danbury at the time of the funeral. The day has been lovely. In the evening in the post office I paid my taxes, $13.79 to Charles H. Crosby. 04/20 THURSDAY - A little sunshine during the forenoon, but after dinner, it clouded over and commenced raining about 5 o'clock. I have had no work in the shop today and have worked around the house. I trimmed the edges of my walks in the yard, made the flower bed by the piazza, set out a few Poor House Seedling Strawberry Plants which Mr. Cocking brought me to fill out my bed where a few had died out. Mr. Cocking took two dozen perpetual bearing raspberry plants from Father Griswold to set out over to Mr. Lynes. They are 50 cents per dozen. He is to let Father Griswold have tomatoes and eggplants in exchange. After dinner, I took a nap and then put out some myrtle in the tubs for that purpose in the yard. I went to the Post Office in the evening and got a letter from George from St. Augustine, Florida. I also received by ail the insurance policy for renewal from Aaron Mallett, West Redding. He holds the policy as additional security with a mortgage on my place for $1,100. Before retiring, I helped Gussie commence a shell frame for John's picture. It rained hard when we retired. 04/21 FRIDAY - Cloudy and misty but only a little rain. I have not felt well today and did not go to the shop. I went into the street in the forenoon and talked with O. H. Swift about buying out his business picture framing, stationary, books, etc. After dinner I lay on the lounge and took a nap. About 3 o'clock, I went downtown again and helped Mr. Swift carry a large picture of the deathbed of Daniel Webster (which he had been framing) up to Mr. R. White's. I then went to the shirt factory to see Edith Newman about making a general exchange for George of pictures. Letters, etc. for which purpose I came downtown. She and George had held an intimate correspondence since he has been in the army and now she has engaged herself to be married to one Samuel Main of Georgetown. George wishes me to make the exchange of letters, pictures, etc. She promised to come to our house next Monday evening and bring the letters, etc. to make the exchange. I stayed with baby in the evening and let Gussie go to the sewing society up to Mrs. Fanton's on Balmforth Avenue. While she was away, I commenced a letter to George. 04/22 SATURDAY - It rained hard last night. Cloudy but a very little rain before dinner. It cleared off about 10 o'clock. There is but a few men left in the shop, they having left and gone to Tweedy Brothers, Mallory's, and Sheather's & Lacey's to get more work and better prices. What men there are left have all the work they can do. At 4 P.M. a meeting was held in Concert Hall to nominate a man for Postmaster in the coming term. Dr. Brown was selected by a majority of over 50 above all others. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie got to the stores with me. Elias Fay's remains came in the evening train and were taken over to his father's. He died last Monday April 17that Chatfield Minnesota. News came today that Fred Vintz was dead and buried. He was wounded and taken to Harewood Hospital, Washington, D. C. where he died with a fever. We sat up until 12 o'clock working on a shell picture frame. 04/23 SUNDAY - Pleasant this morning. Our new presiding Elder, Nathaniel Mead preached for us this morning. A love feast was held a t 9 o'clock this morning. We rose too late to attend. Gussie went to church in the forenoon while I stayed with the baby. She came home after the morning service and I went down to Sunday School. It took so long to put on anew the numbers which were off from some of the books that I did not go to church in the afternoon. When I got there at noon, I found Saul Main in the seat by the library with Edward Barnum. He is to be married to Edith Newman before long. Next month, I believe. After supper, I finished my letter to George. There were three sheets full. A Mr. Dorman who preached for the 1st Congregational Church 4 weeks ago and also again today preached this evening at their church and the 3 other congregations, viz. 2nd Congregational, Baptist and ours united and I went to hear him. It was a eulogy on Abraham Lincoln. His text was Revelations 18:8. It was a good thing. It was fitting the occasion of the nation's grief and he did justice to Lincoln. As I went to church, I mailed a letter and a Tribune to George. The Harper's weekly did not come yesterday as usual. I expect them tomorrow or the next day. 04/24 MONDAY - I was informed wrong about Elias Fay's remains coming home Saturday evening. It did not arrive, but is expected every day. The day has been pleasant but cool; a heavy mist last night. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I had all I could do in the shop and worked until sundown. Georgie is cutting his teeth and is very worrisome. Gussie went in the evening to the Baptist Church to hear Mrs. Bingham, the southern refugee speak. While she was gone I sorted Edith's letters from other letters of George's in order to return them to her in exchange for his in her possession as he requested me. I somewhat expected her here this evening to make the exchange. She partially promised me that she would come. 04/25 TUESDAY - Pleasant. Elias Fay's remains came on the train last evening and were buried this afternoon at 2 o'clock. On my way home from work tonight, I borrowed a pair of trimming shears of Charles Hull to make a knuckle fender for my irons. I returned them in the evening. The Harper's Weeklies came today. I sent one to George and mailed it with a letter I finished after tea. Edith Newman sent the old letters she received from George with pictures, relics, etc. including a white handkerchief with blood stains on it from his wound received in the trenches before Fort Wagner on James Island. Her Mr. Saul brought them and took hers written to George in exchange. Mrs. Burr Bradley called on Gussie this afternoon. I bought some halibut for my breakfast for the first time this season. 04/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. Nothing unusual in the day. When I came home from work at night, I found the house locked up and wife and baby gone with Mother Griswold's folks up to Mrs. Bartram's. I got my own supper and was about starting for class when Mrs. Bartram drove up with them all. Just at that time Sarah Purdy came along and took Georgie and came in to the house with him. Mrs. Bartram also came in. The consequence was that I did not go to class, though I rode down with Mrs. Bartram to get my Jeffersonian and to mail one to George which I did, putting it up and directing it in the Jeffersonian Office. 04/27 THURSDAY - Warmer than yesterday. It has been like midsummer. News by telegraph this noon that J. Wilkes Booth the murderer of President Lincoln was shot dead in a swamp in Maryland. They were doubtless obliged to shoot him in order to get him at all. He was shot through the head. The cherry blossoms are coming out fine. Some trees were blossomed out full yesterday. Others have blossomed today. When I left the shop I came by way of George Hull's and got some pieces of tin for upright partitions in our Sunday School library and went to the church and put a part of them in before I came home. After tea, I took the lantern, went up to Father Griswold's barn and made a pair of cleats for a drawer which I brought home from the Sunday School room which was not of any use there and intend to put it up under my bench at the shop. After I did this, I went up home to see if I could get Father to come and make my garden for me. He is too busy in the shop and cannot. Mrs. Cocking's sister, Mrs. Courtney went home to Fort Hamilton, Long Island this morning. In the evening, Father Griswold wanted to borrow $10.00 until next week. I let him have it and $4.90 of it to balance my account with him. He gave me back 10 cents leaving my due borrowed money $5.00. 04/28 Friday - Very warm again for the season. I put up my dinner at the breakfast table but finally concluded to stay at home and commence making my gardens as I wanted to dig up a certain spot and plant dwarf peas as well as make the flower borders which I preferred to do myself rather than hire it done as I could suit myself much better though I could have earned in the shop more than enough to pay a man for doing it. I accomplished the task I laid out to do though working in the sun gave me a severe headache which I was obliged to endure until the heat of the day was over. After tea, I carried a drawer down to the shop which I intend to put up under my bench and then came home by way of Avery Raymond's and bought a shad for 12 cents per lb. I bought a New York Daily Times with the account in it of the capture of J. Wilkes Booth and one of his accomplices named Herold. They were found secreted in a barn near Port Royal on the Rappahannock in Virginia. Herold gave himself up but Booth would not surrender. He said they would never take him alive. They set fire to the barn to drive him out. As he was coming out and in the act of shooting, one of the men shot him through the neck. He lived only two or three hours after being wounded. He murdered President Lincoln with a bullet and came to his end in the same manner. Gussie mailed the New York Times to George as she went to the Sewing Society in the evening up to Mrs. FantonÓ³ on Balmforth Avenue. I stayed with Georgie while she was away and in meantime, David BradleyÓ³ wife, Frank Bouton, and Mary Purdy called to see her. I heard a Bob oÒ White this morning for the first time this season. I planted dwarf peas and some radishes. I commenced a letter to George while staying with Georgie in the evening. 04/29 SATURDAY - Showery through the day, though there was a little sunshine in the P.M. I put up my drawer under my bench at the shop at noon time. While we were drinking tea, it thundered hard. It rained hard in the evening. I went to the church and finished putting up the tin partitions between every ten books in the library. I worked at it until 4 oÓ£lock; when I came home the stars were shining. The wind has blown hard all day. 04/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant but colder. Gussie went to church this morning. I stayed with Georgie. She came home at noon and I went to Sabbath School and to the quarterly Sunday School Concert at the 1st Church. Sunday School books were taken in but none were given out. After tea, Father came and gave me the particulars of Uncle StephenÓ³ death of the 2nd Connecticut Light Battery at the Battle of Mobile when the city was captured. He went safely through the battle and while helping to carry the wounded from the field stepped on a secreted torpedo which blew up taking clean from his body one leg and badly shattering the other. He lived about an hour. Fanny came down and stayed with Georgie and we went up to the cemetery leaving Father with her. I mailed a HarperÓ³ Weekly to George Ö wrote a little in a letter I had begun to George speaking of Uncle Stephen's death. We being tired when we returned from the cemetery neither went to church in the evening.
1865-04
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal March 1865 Entry
10pgs
03/01 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Very appropriate weather for spring. I am feeling better now. Yesterday and today I have felt as well as usual and have worked hard. On my way home from work at night, I came by the way of the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Bought a dozen eggs of Jacob Fry at the shop today for 40 cents. He was to leave them at the house but the folks being out, he left them at the back door in a small basket. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at John (illegible). Fanny came down and got Georgie to sleep while Bell washed her dishes. I went to class and mailed a Jeffersonian to George as I went. Louise came down and stayed with Bell while we were gone. Bell went up home today. She went about 10 o'clock A.M. and stayed until 3 o'clock. The Jeffersonian today had George's letter giving an account of the capture of Captain Quien and others at 'Salina's Ball' 11 miles from St. Augustine. Also the capture of a wagon train and its guard of 35 men while out on an expedition for cotton. The Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsen Adjutant Chatfield, Captain French and Captain Fred Betts accompanied the expedition. The Lieutenant Colonel and Adjutant were killed; the others excepting 6 men were captured with the train. Mrs. Stone brought me a hat to finish for (illegible). When I came home from work, she was here with it. 03/02 THURSDAY - A little flutter of snow last night. Cloudy today with a little snow in the P.M. which turned mostly to rain in the evening. I finished (illegible) Stone's hat today and got it as far as the trimming room. Burr Rockwell and William Norman were shopped today at the Pahqioque. My head felt bad again today arising doubtless from a disordered state of the stomach, but it did not drive me from work I came home from work via Raymond's and bought a large flatfish for my breakfast in the morning. I found a letter in the Post Office for me from George; also one for Mother from him and another for her from 'Ansonia', who it is from I do not know. Enclosed in mine was one of mine which I wrote him returned for preservation. It was the one I wrote speaking of the Constitutional Amendment in Congress abolishing slavery. In the evening, I commenced an answer to his. He spoke of having started a box to Widow Wilcox containing Charles' effects in which was a segar box containing something for me. As I returned from the street in the evening, I called at Mrs. Wilcox to see if the box had arrived, but it had not. 03/03 FRIDAY - It rained hard this morning. Cleared off just at night. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed a letter to George. Bell went up home this P.M. and carried the two letters to Mother which I took from the office last evening. One was from George; the other was from Uncle Stephen's wife. I brought home the hat for (illegible) Stone which I finished yesterday. Mrs. Stone came in while we were at tea. She paid me $1.00 for finishing and trimming and took it home with her. I learned that Mr. Valentine has sold his place joining me to Mr. Pond the middle district school teacher. Gussie opened some oysters which lay down cellar and we had stewed oysters for supper. I made some egg cider in the evening, the first I have made this season. Mrs. Wilcox received the box containing Charlie's effects today which George packed and sent to her. In it was a segar box containing some things for me or for me to preserve for him. It was 3 sea beans, a piece of Fort Marion, a piece of the old Spanish Treasury Chest left by them in the fort, a piece of the old Plaza Flag, a piece of lightning rod from the M.E. Church in St. Augustine, marble from Rebel mansion found on John's Island, South Carolina, some other relics with a book called 'The Letter Writer' and some old letters sent home for preservation. 03/04 SATURDAY - The inauguration of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson for President and Vice-president of the United States. It rained hard last night and this morning. It was understood last night that we should work until noon today and then spend the rest of the day in celebration of our late victories and the Presidential Inauguration. The bells were all rung at sunrise and again at noon with the firing of a national salute. It being stormy, I worked until nearly night in the shop. It was designed to have a procession and an illumination in the evening but the storm induced the committee of arrangements to postpone the affair. But when evening came, the people assembled and would have a time anyhow. So the Concert hall was opened and the people rushed in and filled the house. We had the Drum Corp. there and speaking by Jackson, Smith, Barnum, Lieutenant Governor Averill, D. P. Nichols, Shepard and Peter Holmes. We had singing also under the direction of George Stephens, Jackson and Barnum. We had a real jollification and broke up by singing 'Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow'. It cleared off colder and windy just at night. Bell stayed with Georgie and Gussie attended the jollification with me. 03/05 SUNDAY - Pleasant and spring-like. I heard bluebirds for the first time this morning. Brother Hill being sick, there was no preaching this morning, but a prayer meeting instead. Feeling hungry and tired, I came home after Sunday School. James Parmalee, my assistant librarian being absent, I got Edward Barnum to take his place. Sherman Disbrow last night or this morning, took laudanum and through the day, they have little hope of his life. He has the migraine very badly which are growing upon him very fast and he doubtless took it to commit suicide and thereby end his misery I mailed a Harper's weekly to George as I went to evening meeting. Chaplain Ambler preached for us in the P.M. Gussie was there but I was not. Gussie stayed home in the evening and wrote to George in my stead. After evening meeting, Harry Barry told me that Mr. Disbrow was better and the doctor thought he would recover. 03/06 MONDAY - It froze quite hard last night. Pleasant today. On my way to the shop this morning, I mailed a letter to George written by Gussie. I am now on drab work at the shop for the first time in a long while. I had the first dozen on Saturday. The papers today give an account of the inauguration at Washington last Saturday. It states that the new Vice-President Andrew Johnson was badly intoxicated and disgraced himself and the nation by attempting to make a speech. If it is true, it is most certainly a national disgrace. The papers also state that the rebel General Early and his command have been captured by General Sheridan. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a letter for Father Griswold. Bought 1 lb. milk crackers for Mother G., bought a pocket comb for myself and some pickled tripe for our breakfast, the first I ever bought. Before retiring, I made some egg cider. I engaged - bbl. Of Crofut's Best wheat Flour while downtown. 03/07 TUESDAY - It froze quite hard again last night, but the day has been pleasant and has thawed considerably. I worked hard as usual all day in the shop. Gussie went up to my mother's this P.M. While we were at tea, Theodore Brothwell called to inquire about the place on the corner which Father Griswold used to own to see if it could be rented. I think he wants it for his Father who I understand is to move from Mill Plain into town this spring. After tea, I went to market for sugar, eggs, beef steak and to pay Crofut for bring me # barrel of flour- $7.50 I had black hats weighed out again today. 03/08 WEDNESDAY - It did not freeze a particle last night; there is but little snow left. Cloudy in the morning with the appearance of rain but it finally came off pleasant. On my way home from work at night, I got a letter from Cousin Eliza in California. It was in reply to one I wrote on the occasion of the birth of Georgie. Gussie went up home to her Mother's this P.M. and drew Georgie down in his carriage, the first time he ever rode in it. I went to market in the evening and to class but did not get there until after the meeting was over. It was then raining and John Cosier and I sat a while in the classroom until the mail was opened and then came home. Mrs. O.H. Smith was suddenly taken sick this P.M. For a while it was thought she would die. The trouble was a miscarriage. The last of our winter's course of lectures was delivered this evening by G. W. Curtis - subject 'Political Infidelity'. Gussie went with her father and Fanny. It commenced raining hard after the lecture commenced and before it was over, I went down with umbrellas for them and came home with Gussie after listening to the last part of the lecture. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. 03/09 THURSDAY - Stormy last night and today. I have not felt very well today. My bowels have troubled me. I have made out to work all day however. I repaired the latch and bolt on our back door before breakfast. Mr. Samuel Hancock and Susan Watson came to Father Griswold's this P.M. on the freight train. Father Griswold married them at 8 o'clock in the evening. Gussie and I were there, having left the baby with Bell. We came home about 10 o'clock after Gussie and the others had seen Susan in bed. Mr. Hancock went to his room as we came home. 03/10 FRIDAY - Stormy last night and today. It cleared off in the P.M. On my way to work this morning, I bought a piece of beef for Father Griswold's folks and sent it up. 6 lbs. and 6 ounces at 22 cents - $1.40. I commenced on drab work again today. I worked rather late at the shop. When I came home, Gussie and Bell were drinking their tea. Bell went to the Sunday School Singing School at the Baptist Church in the evening. The singing is under the leadership of Nathaniel Barnum. I, having a severe headache did not go out in the evening. Mother Griswold, Harriet and Mr. and Mrs. Hancock came down and spent the evening. I made some egg cider. Fanny who went to the Sewing Society at Mrs. John Rowan's called when she returned. 03/11 SATURDAY - It froze last night quite hard. Sick headache, not able to go to work. Mended Gussie's work box and Eddie's picture frame. The bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hancock left for Brooklyn this afternoon. Gussie and Fanny went to the depot with them. Gussie did the marketing and got my two Harper's Weeklies while she was down. I soaked my feet and shampooed my head in the P.M. I ate nothing at noon; after tea, I felt better. Bell went up home after tea and from there went to the Post Office and returned about nine o'clock. Before retiring, I was entirely free from headache. 03/12 SUNDAY - Pleasant but very blustering in the A.M., a little more quiet in the afternoon. I attended church all day. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach, so Brother Crawford preached in the morning and administered the Sacrament in the P.M. It was so cold in church this morning that I left the preaching and went downstairs and sat by the fire. I have felt chilly all day at church. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon at which a collection was taken of $3.03 with which $15.65 taken in the morning at the preaching service for the same purpose amounts to $18.72 towards paying a bill of over $30.00 for Library books. Gussie attended in the P.M. Bell did not attend at all. Before tea, Mother Griswold came down a short time, but we soon left her (Gussie and I) and took a walk up to my Father's. He is sick with a head cold. There we found Aunt Louisa and Cousin Frank. Mr. (illegible) and Jennie Tweedy and another lady were there making a call on Harriet. We walked down with Aunt Louisa and Frank. They stopped long enough to let Gussie nurse Georgie and then they all and Bell with them went to the Disciples' Church to hear a man give descriptions of the battlefields, etc. Fanny Griswold took Harper's Weekly to the Post Office for me and mailed it to George. I paid John Cosier at noon $5.00 towards my seat rent for another year. I also gave Eliza Hill $1.00 towards making up a purse for our preacher (Brother Hill). 03/13 MONDAY - Cloudy in the morning with appearance of a storm. A cold night last and this morning, but the weather moderated during the day so that this evening the thermometer stands at 50 degrees on the north side of Father Griswold's house and out of doors at that. The sun has shone pleasantly this afternoon and the moon rose in the evening looking red and warm. Mrs. Stone washed for us. Bell came down to the shop this forenoon to get my dirty overshirt to be washed. I worked hard all day in the shop. Teacher's meeting in the church in the evening, but I did not attend. I went up to Robinson's to get one hand of my watch straightened. I waited for the mail and came home. I brought home a letter for Harriet Wheeler, but it proved to be for another Harriet Wheeler and not for her. Mr. Cocking brought some things here today for Mr. Lyne's preparatory to coming back this spring. 03/14 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I returned a letter to the Post Office as I went to the shop this morning which was taken out for Harriet Wheeler but belongs to another Harriet Wheeler in town. I finished a dozen hats for Lucius Wildman today. He brought them there to be finished and the foreman weighed them out to me. I was on drab hats and there not being enough faced for a full day's work was compelled to stop about 2 o'clock and wait until tomorrow morning. I came home by way of John Cosier's office and sat there awhile with him. In the meantime he showed me his patent fixtures for a bed. From there, I came home and trimmed my apple trees. In the evening, Gussie went over to Mrs. Burr Bradley's to learn how to make cone picture frames. I went to class which met with Brother Charles Stevens instead of tomorrow evening on account of a temperance lecture which is to come off. We had a good meeting. It was something of a prayer meeting with all. Every Brother there offered a prayer in the course of the meeting. From the meeting, I went over to Burr Bradley's and came home with Gussie. 03/15 WEDNESDAY - Warm and cloudy - threatening rain all day and commenced just at night. I heard a robin and saw a crow blackbird for the first time this morning. I came home before night on account of being up with the facers. Bell went up home and spent the day. She got some milk over to Ira Dibble's and carried it up to Harriet. Father is sick with a head cold and not able to work. I brought a little cut shellac from the shop to put where I trimmed my trees. I also commenced to scrape from the bodies all the moss and loose bark but did not finish. As I came home from the shop, I got our coffee pot from Charles Hull's which I left there last evening to be mended. Before retiring, I fitted glasses to picture frames for Gussie. They are plain and are to be coated with cones and shells. 03/16 THURSDAY - Georgie is four months old today. Cloudy in the forenoon # pleasant in the P.M. # warm and windy. On my way to work this morning, I mailed the Jeffersonian to George. I worked as long as I could see in the shop tonight. Gussie called to see Mrs. Swift this afternoon. I went down town in the evening and got Father's Jeffersonian for Bell to take up to him when she goes home again. He is not able to go for it himself. I also lent the #Chart of Life# to Mrs. Swift. Before retiring, I made some egg cider. Gussie called on Widow Bishop in the evening to see if she could do some sewing for her. 03/17 FRIDAY - #St. Patrick's Day in the morning.# Cloudy this morning. It soon came off pleasant but very windy. In the P.M. a new bench came for me which had been ordered for several days. I took up the old one and put it down and finished four Nutria hats on it before I quit work. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at Stephen Holmes'. I went to the market and to the Post Office where I got two letters from George written February 27th and March 12th. He gave an account of the capture of Charleston. Enclosed was a card picture of the bombardment of Charleston. I got a letter for Bell and one for Mother from him at the same time. Bell is to take Mother's to her tomorrow. Bell went up home today. Father is still poorly. While she was there, Dr. Skiff came to see him, he having been sent for. Before retiring, I answered George's letters. I enclosed $6.00 for him until he gets paid off. He is out of money and has 6 months' pay due him from the government - $96.00. 03/18 SATURDAY - Pleasant but windy again. The wind rose with the sun and went down with it again. Before breakfast, I sent Bell down to the Post Office to mail a letter to George with $6.00 enclosed. Gussie went to the Savings Bank this afternoon and had the money which was deposited for Eddie transferred to Georgie's name. She deposited $1.00 with which but added makes $5.80 now standing to George's credit. Bell went up home this morning. Dr. Skiff was there and examined Mother's chest and pronounced it a tumor on the main artery of the heart or aneurism as the difficulty is called. Gussie caught Bell in a fit of anger shaking and striking Georgie today. She was very sorry and penitent after it. She confessed her wrong and asked Gussie to forgive her. I think she has learned her lesson and will not do it again. I went to market in the evening and borrowed some stain for the edges of the picture frames which Gussie is going to cover with cones and shells. I received the Jeffersonian from George today which I sent him some time ago to refer to for some purpose. I paid Dr. Brown 6 cents last night due on a letter from George. Before retiring, I stained the edges of the picture frames for Gussie. 03/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Not so windy as yesterday. Georgie cried a great deal last night and kept us awake. We rose late on that account. I did not go to church in the morning, but went down in time for Sunday School. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking and Mrs. Courtney called to see Gussie at noon while I was at Sunday School. I met them coming as I went away to church. I was so busy at the Library that I could not get upstairs to the preaching until after 2 o'clock. After tea, I took a nap in the rocking chair. As I went to evening meeting, I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George. It was a union meeting of all denominations except Catholic at our church to take measures to assist the freedmen of the South, sending aid in the shape of clothing, cooking and farming utensils, etc. A Mr. Guilder from New Canaan preached for us today and opened the meeting in the evening. After the opening exercises, David P. Nichols was appointed to preside over the meeting. Dr. Hawley was there and made the first speech after Mr. Guilder. 03/20 MONDAY - It sprinkled a little this morning and there was some prospect of rain, but it came off pleasant and warm. Mrs. McNeil came to do some dressmaking for Gussie and stayed to tea. Mr. McNeil (who is painting for Father Griswold) stayed to tea also. Gussie, Bell and Louise went up on Deer Hill to Fathers in the evening to carry a Spanish Rooster which Mother Griswold gave them to put with their hens. From there they went to the Post Office and home. While they were gone, I commenced a letter to George, informing him of what I have further found out about Edith's getting married. Horace Crofut's wife called this P.M. to bid goodbye to Father Griswold's folks who she heard were going to move away, that they had sold their place, etc. It is all false. She took it from the false publication in the Danbury Times that he had sold for $5,000 to Mr. Pond, when it was the place that he had formerly owned that was sold by Mr. Valentine to Mr. Pond for $2,500. 03/21 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm as June. I got tired out about 2 o'clock and left the shop. I worked around the yard a little, scraping apple tree bodies, etc. I got something from a dwarf pear tree in my eye, which caused severe pain until evening. Gussie and Bell went up home and drew Georgie in his carriage. They stayed to tea and I waited until after lamplight for my supper. I went to market in the evening and mailed a letter and a mortgage deed to Edwin for Father Griswold. William Bennett came home from the army today. He brought his horse with him. I brought a quart of bourbon whiskey in the evening of Parmalee & Bradley for $1.60. A telegraphic dispatch this P.M. from New York that gold was at 134; the evening papers put it at 133. Father came down to see us today. He was tired out when he got here. He is not yet very strong. 03/22 WEDNESDAY - A thunder shower about 7 o'clock this morning, though there was but a sprinkling of rain. The thunder was quite heavy. I have commenced taking a little bourbon whiskey each day. I took a little with me to the shop and found it a decided benefit. I was able to work all day, whereas yesterday I had to stop after dinner. David Mills came up to make us a call today; he came on the morning train. He took dinner up to Father's and spent the afternoon with Gussie. He came from the depot and called me at the shop before going up home. In the evening, I finished my letter to George, giving him what information I could about Lieutenant Colonel Goodyear of the 10th C.V. What I learned about him, I got from the Connecticut War Record of March. I also mailed to him the Jeffersonian. Blustering and cooler in the P.M. and evening. 03/23 THURSDAY - Snow squall this morning and some rain. The remainder of the day was clear, but the wind blew hard. I took a physic last night (Fig Paste) the effect of which I feel today. Fred Lockwood died this morning about 2 o'clock. I worked late though I did but little and was very tired when I came home. After tea, I took a nap on the lounge. Paid Bell $1.00 for 2 weeks wages at the tea table. It was due yesterday. (Gap in the diary Pgs. 208-209 missing). Continuation of 03/26 SUNDAY - a while and then I went up home to see Mother who for two or three days past has been worse. I returned home in time for meeting and found Mrs. Stone (who works for us) there with her little girl making a call. Gussie not wanting to go to prayer meeting, I went myself and mailed as I went a Harper's weekly to George. 03/27 MONDAY - Pleasant. On my way to the shop, I went with Gussie to Dr. St. John's to get a tooth extracted which has kept her awake nights for some time. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. Bell came down to take care of the baby that Gussie might go to Mary Olmstead's funeral in the P.M. George Blissard's child was buried today also. I worked so late in the shop that I got locked in. I unbolted the side door and went out. Fred(erick) Douglass, the colored speaker lectured here this evening. (Subject 'Equality Before The Law'). I thought of going to hear him but did not. Just previous to the lecture, Abram Blissard came along by Benedict & Nichol's store and insulted Mr. Shepard, the Universalist preacher, possibly on account of his Union sentiments. Blissard is one of the meanest of the mean Copperheads. Levi W. Bartram standing by, took Mr. Shepard's part and gave Blissard a push which sent him nearly off the walk, at the same time giving him to understand that he must mind his own business and not insult peaceable citizens. I went to Dr. Buckley's office in the evening to consult about the baby, a difficulty of the bowels. No evening papers. Mrs. Todd died this morning instead of yesterday. 03/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. While scraping moss from my fruit tree before breakfast, the old chair on which I was standing broke and let me down. I carried a piece of fig paste to Daniel Manly this morning to let him try it in place of other physic which he has been in the habit of taking. I also gave him the recipe to make it. D.L Chichester called the shop on Theodore Lyon today for running (?) him out of a heater as he claimed. I worked in the shop as late as I could see. When I came home, I found Miss English at our house waiting for Curtis Bennett to come for her to take her home with him to do some sewing for his family. She stayed to tea. Georgie has a cold and some cough. I called at Dr. Buckley's in the evening to consult about it. I bought some smelt for breakfast and walked up West Street on my way home with Mr. Shepard, the Universalist preacher. 03/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. We had smelt for breakfast. Mrs. Todd was buried this P.M. Dr. Buckley's wife and Mrs. Daniel Starr called to see Gussie this P.M. Mrs. Starr stayed to tea. On my way home from work, I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got the papers for fathers Griswold and Purdy and my own. I brought home a good quality of brown sugar # 5 lbs. for $1.00. I mailed the Jeffersonian to George in the evening. I went to market and the Post Office; was too late for class and came home. The evening Post quotes gold at 152. 03/30 THURSDAY - Stormy. Before breakfast, I picked up and carried off from my yard the trimmings from my apple trees. The uppers to my old boot bottoms which I wear in the shop gave out today and I brought them home and got Mr. Richards to mend them in the evening. I went to the Post Office in the evening. The evening Post quotes gold at 150 1/4. Henry Burroughs came home on the evening train. He was a member of the 15th regiment, Connecticut Volunteers and was taken prisoner in North Carolina short time since. He was for 4 days a prisoner in Richmond at Libby Prison. 03/31 FRIDAY - Stormy all day. Rain and snow together in the evening. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. Gold by the evening paper was quoted 151. Perrin speaks for the democracy at Concert Hall this evening. It cleared off between 9 and 10 o'clock in the evening. When we retired the moon and stars shone splendidly.
1865-03
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal November 1864 Entry
10 pgs
11/01 TUESDAY - Pleasant and cool. I have had work in the shop all day again. The horse trainer gave another exhibition in the street this afternoon and got what names he could to learn the art at $8.00 apiece. I did not witness it either yesterday or today preferring not to leave my work. I attended a Hatters' Special Meeting in the evening over Benedict Nichol's store to take into consideration the cases of J. M. Roff and ___ Foote who are apprentices out of a shop and want the trade to allow them to finish their time in this association contrary to our rules as there are already the specified number in each shop. The case of young Roff was referred to the National Executive Court and Foote, not being under the jurisdiction of this society, we could not do anything for him. I received a letter by the evening mail from George containing $15.00 11/02 WEDNESDAY - It froze quite hard last night. The day has been pleasant. I had 1 dozen hats to finish today. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and paid $7.00 for George from the money received by letter last evening for 500 pamphlets printed on the 29th of August. I engaged 10 lbs. of butter of Smith Pulling for Mother Griswold. I put up the bedstead in the parlor before tea. I went to class in the evening. Mailed a Jeffersonian and a New York Daily Times to George in the evening. We commenced marking our clothing with indelible ink before retiring and marked off a large quantity. 11/03 THURSDAY - It froze quite hard again last night but has been very pleasant and warm today. I had work enough to last me until about 2 o'clock in the shop. On the way home, I paid a bill at Swift's for George - $5.00 for one half dozen pocket Army and Navy Dictionaries and $1.10 for Jeffersonians taken by our folks. I borrowed Jo. Ives team and came up home for a stove and pipe to put up in the parlor preparatory to sickness of Gussie expected soon. I bought a new piece of pipe to lengthen out the old for my room as the ceilings are higher. Harriet left a letter here which she had received from George that I might take extracts from it for publication in the Jeffersonian. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00 for one month's rent from October 1st to November 1st. I went to market in the evening, waited for the mail and came home. Commenced a letter to George before retiring. 11/04 FRIDAY - It rained very hard towards morning and until noon when it cleared off fine. I had work until about 2 o'clock in the shop. I finished writing a letter to George after tea and enclosed some samples of material to make shirts for him, but before mailing it, I bought 2 ready made for him and mailed them to him. I withdrew or rather did not mail the letter but wrote another in its place and mailed it. The postage on the shirts was 2 cents an ounce Weight 17 ounces - 34 cents. I did some marketing and went to Concert Hall to hear General O. S. Derry talk on the issues of the day, but could not get far enough into the Hall to get a sight of him, so I came home. Smith Pulling came to Father Griswold's for their small butter pot to put down 10 lbs. of butter for them. 11/05 SATURDAY - Cool but pleasant in the forenoon. Windy with a little snow squall in the P.M., just enough to say snow, only a few flakes. I had my next Monday's work with my allowance today in order not to work on Monday that I could go to Ridgefield to the Republican Mass Meeting, if I felt so disposed. It kept me hard a t work all day. On my way home, I saw John Cosier and partially agreed to go hunting with him next Monday. In the evening, I went to the Clubroom and to the league to make arrangements for going to the mass meeting and for the election next Tuesday. It was nearly midnight when we broke up and I came home. Frank Butters' father died this afternoon with consumption. 11/06 SUNDAY - It froze hard last night. The evening train last night did not get in until 1 0'clock this morning. It was detained in New York on account of soldiers coming home to vote who were given the preference to the regular trains. They finally arrived at Norwalk at midnight and the D and N train was there detained 2 hours waiting for the dawn freight train which was waiting for it. Each was waiting for the other, not daring to run, supposing the other claimed the right of the road. Harriet Wheeler came on the train from a visit to New York and Brooklyn. The widow Thomas Sherman lost her little boy this forenoon with Diphtheria having croupy affection with it. I did not go to church this forenoon. I attended Sunday School and the afternoon meeting. Brother Hill preached from 1st Timothy 1:16. After tea, I went to Dr. Buckley's for some medicine for Gussie's sore throat. I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George in the evening. I went to hear Brother Hill at the first church on the evening. He preached a sermon on the crisis before us and the duty of Christians to their country at this time. After I returned from church and before retiring, I completed copying from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. 11/07 MONDAY - Stormy. On that account John Cosier and I did not go hunting as we intended. The delegation from here that intended to go to the Mass Meeting in Ridgefield (Republican) was also disappointed and did not go. I did my work for today on Saturday in order that I could go hunting today and in consequence of it, I have no shop work today. I went up to John Cosier's at noon and borrowed his bottle of Persian Cement and mended my rubber boots in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and to Concert Hall to hear George W. Woodruff speak for Lincoln and Johnson until half past eight when I went to the Post Office and home. It stopped raining in the evening and the moon shone dimly through the clouds. 11/08 TUESDAY - Presidential Election - lowery and foggy all day with some rain. Levi W. Bertram came a little before 11 0'clock to borrow my revolver as he had been appointed a special police to guard the pools against assault should one be made as had been threatened. I went down and voted about 10 o'clock. Before I left the Courthouse the soldiers' votes were presented and deposited. This was the most interesting feature of the election, that our brave soldiers who are fighting in the field for the country could be allowed to have a voice as to who should administer the government for 4 years to come for which they have left the comforts of home to fight for and even die if necessary. I took a nap in the P.M. after which I went to market and got something for my breakfast tomorrow and returned home a little after 4 o'clock. The day has been given up to the election. The shop has been closed. In the evening, carried additional for Cosmopolites letter to the Jeffersonian Office. 11/09 WEDNESDAY - 7 o'clock A.M. Still stormy. I stayed downtown last night until after 1 o'clock to get the election returns. A large and enthusiastic audience assembled at Concert Hall about 8 o'clock. We bought the use of the wires and had runners to bring dispatches to the Hall. We had speakers at the Hall while we were waiting for the dispatches from the following persons in order as named - Reverend Mr. Jackson, Stowe and Griswold, Peter Holmes, D. B. Boothe, Alva Pearce of New Fairfield, Reverend Mr. Shepard and Robertson. About 11 o'clock, we adjourned from the Hall to the Clubrooms. About midnight the wires refused to work. They were soon in working order again and the news began to come. Judging in the earlier part of the evening from the towns close around us, we feared for the State. But later, we had news from the eastern part of the State that Lincoln had carried that portion by increased majorities. The best of news from Mass., New York, Penn., Maryland, Delaware, and Indiana. The crowd hurrahed and sang Rally Round the Flag, Boys with the wildest enthusiasm. James Harvey rolled in to clubroom 5 gallons of cider which was emptied before we left. Our onion plant commenced blossoming today. Harriet came down in the rain this P.M. and stayed to tea. In the meantime, I went to market for her and myself. After tea, I went up home with her and carried her things. One of the locks to her bureau broke and I took it home with me to mend. I went to the Union Clubroom in the evening and stayed until the mail came. 11/10 THURSDAY - Very stormy until noon when it cleared off and before night it was very pleasant and fair. Full work at the shop. Mrs. Stowe worked and cleaned for us today. Received a letter from George. I answered it after tea. Mailed it in the evening, also a Jeffersonian and Jeffersonian extra printed last Saturday. I went to market in the evening and got 25 cents from Russel Hoyt for a roll of Griswold's Salve he bought of us a few days ago. I went to the Republican Clubroom where they were making arrangements for an illumination and gathering at Concert Hall and perhaps a parade with music in honor of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln for President of the U.S. I came home before they finished the business. I agreed last evening to get Mother a pint of milk every other day at Mr. McDonald's for two weeks to come and got the first this morning. Bell came down and got it at our house. Election returns are coming in finely. We carry the state of New York for Lincoln and defeat Seymour for Governor. 11/11 FRIDAY - I am 30 years old today. It has been pleasant. Worked all day in the shop. At 6 o'clock in the evening, 100 guns were fired and Concert Hall was illuminated. A large procession was formed headed by the Drum Corps and marched up Main Street as far as Copperthwaight's and back down as far as Jackson's School and up to Concert Hall. We cheered all prominent places that were illuminated such as Lieutenant Governor Averill's, E.S and E. A. Tweedy, also Mr. H. Tweedy, Copperthwaight, Mr. R. White, Eli Hoyt, the Jeffersonian Office, J. W. Bacon, Union League room, Lymon Keeler, Smith Barnum's, Jackson's, D. P. Nichol, Charles Andrews, and Ashley and F. S. Wildman. The Hall was thronged to its utmost. Speeches were made by Reverend Mr. Jackson, Crawford, Buckley, Stowe and Robertson. Also Governor Averill. At this juncture, I left and came home. Patriotic songs were sung by the Glee Club. It was a grand time, a real glorification over the election of Lincoln and Johnson. While the meeting was going on, a cry of fire was raised out of doors. We thought it was a plan to break up the meeting by the Copperheads. But the meeting went on with but very little disturbance. It finally proved to be a reality. It was Benedict Stone's Hat Shop at the upper end of Main Street. 11/12 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning; cloudy in the P.M. with a little rain in the evening. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I went to market. I brought home two pair of pants to see by daylight how I like them. I got them at Harris'; am to return one pair of theirs. 11/13 SUNDAY - Cold and squalls of snow during the day. I melted as fast as it fell; none remaining to be seen. I attended church. Brother Hill preached in the morning. Sacrament in the afternoon. It being Sunday School meeting at noon and no books to give out, I came home to dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking called a few minutes on their way home from church. Harriet Purdy also to leave a letter and a Jeffersonian for me to mail to New York. I gave her the Jeffersonian. She wanted to send it to Mr. Boyle; it having one of George's letter in it. She would not stay to tea. After tea, I took two wreath sand a bouquet (all made of ground pine and life everlasting) up to Eddie's grave. The large wreath encircled the name and verse on the stone and the small one was placed on the grave with the bouquet in the center. I did not go to church in the evening, but copied a few items from George's last letter for the Jeffersonian. 11/14 MONDAY - Pleasant and cool. I got my cabbages in the cellar before breakfast this morning. On my way to the shop this morning I returned the pants which I concluded not to take to Mr. Harris' clothing store. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. After tea, I got my large winter turnips into the cellar by moonlight. I then went downtown. I carried to the Jeffersonian Office some extracts from George's last letter for publication. Called at Mr. Harris' and paid $8.00 for my pants. Took a letter from the office for Father Griswold and walked up West Street with David Bradley. Mrs. Stone and her little girl Jane called to see Gussie early in the evening. The Lincoln and Johnson banner was taken down today. 11/15 TUESDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but very cold. The ground froze very ha last night. The weather began to moderate and to be cloudy so that by 10 o'clock it was all over cloudy and soon began to snow. It continued snowing all day and at night the snow lay from 2 to 3 inches deep. It cleared off early in the evening. I went to market and to Dr. Buckley's office to warn him of a job expected soon, perhaps before morning. I went into C.H. Reed's for my shoes that had been mended and two strips of leather to line the inside the bottom of my pants which I had worn off. I came home and Gussie did it before she retired. I nailed down some pieces of oil cloths over more places in the sink room. This is the third snow we have had but the first of any consequence. 11/16 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I was up a part of last night with Gussie. She got breakfast and did her work. Dr. Buckley came between 7 and 8 o' clock. The child was born at 1 /12 o'clock -a fine boy weighing 9 lbs., 1 ounce. Mother Griswold and Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Cyrus White were with her. Fanny came down and got dinner. In the afternoon, I went over to Mill Plain to Curtis Bennett's for our nurse Miss English. I had Mr. Austin's team to go after her. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George. 11/17 THURSDAY - Gussie as well as could be expected. I went to the shop but had only what was left over from Tuesday to do, there being no work given out today. It began to rain after dinner and continued to rain more or less during the P.M. Stormed quite hard in the evening. Harriet was with us to dinner. I got Joseph Ives' horse and Alden G. Crosby's buggy and went over to Miry Brook at Benjamin Norris' to see about a cord of wood for Harriet which I had previously engaged for her. After tea, I went up home to tell Harriet about the wood. From there, I went down to Mrs. Stowe's to have her come tomorrow and do some washing for us. 11/18 FRIDAY - Cloudy; a little broken in the morning and again in the evening and a very little rain in the middle of the day. I took up Fennel roots and Dahlias in the morning. Made a fire up in Father Griswold's cellar for Mrs. Stowe to wash by. The doctor came before I went to the shop, which was nearly 11 o' clock. I took Miss English's watch with me to get a key for her. I worked as long as I could see at the shop. After tea, I wrote to George, informing him of the birth of our baby. Also to cousins Samson and Eliza Humphrey in California. As I went down to mail them, I carried two chickens to Harry Stone's store for Mother Griswold to send to the soldiers for a Thanksgiving dinner. 11/19 SATURDAY - Cloudy in the morning; cleared off in the P.M. I finished a hat I am designing for Dr. Buckley the last thing before leaving work. The bell tolled this morning for Elias Stevens' wife. Bell got Alfred Gregory's team and brought Mother down to see our baby this afternoon. I went to market in the evening and home as soon as the cars came. 11/20 SUNDAY - It froze hard last night; a heavy white frost this morning. Cloudy all day; it commenced raining just at night. I attended church during the day but not in the evening. Brother Hill preached in the morning and Brother Henry Monroe from Kentucky in the P.M. Father came down for milk and to see the baby this afternoon. After supper, our nurse Miss English went out to make a call to Hoyt Dibbles. Mrs. Cosier and Wildman called to see Gussie and the baby early in the evening. 11/21 MONDAY - Stormy all day. I have had the headache but continued my work until night. On my way home from work, I called at Harry Stone's grocery store for the two chickens I carried there last Friday evening for Mother Griswold to send to the soldiers but was too late to get them in the box as they went out that afternoon. I left them to see if more things came to make out another box, but there was not enough come for another and accordingly, I went for them tonight. I mailed a Harpers' Weekly to George today. Elias Stevens' wife was buried today at Mill Plain. Harriet came down today in a terrible fidget about her wood that I engaged for her of Benjamin Norris; it had not come yet and she wanted it very much. She brought a letter down to me to read from George to Mother. 11/22 TUESDAY - It cleared off pleasant in the morning. I got a good early start this morning. I prepared the fire all ready to light up in Father Griswold's cellar for Mrs. Stowe to wash but she did not come; she washed for Mother. There was no work at the shop for me this P.M. on account of there being no blocks to finish the hats on which I had out. At noon, just before noon, I sent out 30 cents to buy cider with to treat my shop mates on the birth of my boy. Daniel Manly curled a hat for me which I had been getting up from a knock down which I had. I tried to sell it to Dr. Buckley but could not. I went down for Jackson's dog Milo and went over to Mill Plain Swamp hunting in the P.M. I had no success. Brother Henry Monroe called to see Gussie, was there when I came home from hunting. After tea, I went to market and home with the dog. 11/23 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. I worked all day in the shop. Mrs. Stowe washed for us. I attended class in the evening. While there, Mrs. Daniel Starr, Edith Newman, and Hattie Mills called to see Gussie. From class, I went home with John Cosier to borrow his shot pouch to go hunting tomorrow. I borrowed Fred Jackson's dog and brought home with me for the night in readiness for tomorrow. 11/24 THURSDAY - A beautiful day. After breakfast, I started for a hunting trip. I found game but did not shoot any. I returned a little after 3 o'clock. Supper was ready as soon thereafter as it could be cooked. Father came down with a tart pie while we were eating, a present from Mother. After supper, I carried John Cosier's shot pouch home and went home with 'Milo' the dog to Mr. Jackson's. I broke my gun. 11/25 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning but clear and pleasant in the middle and after part of the day. Bought 1/2 barrel of flour of George Crofut and Son; am to pay for it on Monday. Mailed the Jeffersonian to George. Went hunting in the P.M. with John Cosier and Fred Jackson up to Tamarack. We got but one quail. John shot that and gave it to me for Gussie. Ellen Dare came from Bethel to see Gussie in the P.M. She stayed to tea and is going to stay all night. Miss English went out to call at Dr. Ryder's in the evening and I went up home to borrow a piece of beef of Father. Mr. McDonald's gun being broken from yesterday's trip, I borrowed Alva Parmalee's. 11/26 SATURDAY - I slept upstairs last night on the floor. Pleasant today. The boys were skating on George Starr's pond this morning. After breakfast, I cleaned Parmalee's gun, also my own (McDonald's). Carried Mr. Parmalee's home and mine up to Comstock's to see about getting it fixed. Read a letter from George Cole from St. Augustine, Florida with $6.00 enclosed for a hat I sent him costing $5.78. Also, two letters from George, one written from Jacksonville and the last from St. Augustine, the band being now station there for instruction. This letter was directed to me and headed to Mother, it being designed for both. There was enclosed one of Edith's letters for me to preserve. Ellen Dare went away about 10 A.M. The morning papers give an account of an attempt to burn New York City by firing several hotels at the same time last night. After dinner, I covered my strawberry bed with door yard grass mowed and put away in the summer for that purpose. Before tea, I took up Mother Griswold's clothes dryer post and set it again on the opposite side of the house. After tea, and just before going into the street, I wrote a reply to George Cole at St. Augustine, Florida, acknowledging the receipt of his note with the money enclosed. I went to market in the evening, mailed Mr. Cole's letter and came home. Eliza and Minnie Vents called early in the evening. Ellen Dare and Harriet Wheeler came in on their way to the Old Folk's concert. When I returned from market, Mrs. Cyrus White, Miss Pepper and Fanny came in to see the baby. After prayers and all but me had retired, I copied extracts from George's letter received today for publication in the Jeffersonian next week. I did not retire until nearly 12 o'clock. The Old Folk's Concert in the evening was at Concert Hall. 11/27 SUNDAY - Pleasant; we rose rather late. Ellen Dare stayed up to Father Griswold's last night. She came in to see Gussie before going to church at noon. Mr. Breckinridge of Bethel preached for us all day. He probably exchanged with Brother Hill as he was not home. Text in the morning -Revelation 3:20; in the P.M., Romans 10. They were both excellent sermons and did me great good. After Sunday School, I got Theodore Lyon's team and brought Mother down to church. She came home with me to tea. Harriet called while we were eating. She would not take tea with us. She finally took a cup of tea with her things on and left. After supper was out of the way, Miss English went out to make a call. I wrote to George and mailed also a Harper's Weekly on my way to prayer meeting in the evening. The Old Folk's Concert gave a sacred music exhibition at Concert Hall -admission 15 cents. 11/28 MONDAY - The stars shone brightly before daylight, but as the sun rose, it was cloudy and during the day it appeared as if it might rain at any moment. I mailed a letter and bought one dozen postage stamps for our nurse Miss English as I went to the shop in the morning. I worked all day in the shop. I came home by way of A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and borrowed John Cosier's gun wad cutter for Mr. Parmalee who wanted to cut wads for his gun as John's cutter was a fit for his gun. Miss English washed a little today. When I came home, I found Gussie up and dressed. She came to the tea table with us. After tea, I went to market and to the Jeffersonian office with a letter from George for publication. I bought a coconut with the shuck on for Miss English to keep as a curiosity, went to the Post Office and came home. It is still cloudy and warm. The notorious scapegrace of Bethel, Aunt Gill Smith was found dead on or near the railroad this morning with a bottle of whiskey by her side. She was brought up to the courthouse where an inquest was held over her body. So I hear. 11/29 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, although most of the time a blue sky could be seen. It came off pleasant in the P.M. It has been very warm, real Indian Summer. Gussie had a great many calls this afternoon to see her and baby. Mrs., Barnum, Curtis, Hill, Sivine, Baxters, Mary Purdy and Bell, besides Mother Griswold's folks. After tea, I went to market for Mother Griswold and myself. I expected a quarter of beef today from Granville Ambler but for some reason or other it did not come. 11/30 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm as summer. I worked as long as daylight would let me in the shop. We received our pay today. It was deferred in order to pay off up to the 1st of December and then take the semi-annual inventory. John Brush drunk around the shop nearly all day. On my way home from work at night I called and paid Charles Crofut for a one half barrel of flour - $7.50. I paid Miss English $8.00 for two weeks nursing. I went to class in the evening. Brother Peter Starr being absent, John Cosier led the class.
1864-11
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 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 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
Horace Purdy Journal March 1864 Entry
7pgs
3/1 TUESDAY - Stormy, snow. Received three packages by mail from George. Old letters and a diary with a line saying that they (the 17th Reg't. had gone to Florida. Widow of John Keeler was buried today. 3/2 WEDNESDAY - On my way to work, went to the Jeffersonian Office to notify Ashley that the 17th Reg't. had gone to Florida. Sgt. David Dickson of Co. D, 10th Reg't. (C)onnecticut (V)olunteers was found dead in his room this morning at the Wooster Hotel. A post mortem examination was made and the decision was that he died of heart disease. 3/3 THURSDAY - Pleasant as it was also yesterday. The snow has melted fast today. Gussie and her mother went over to Mrs. Cocking's today. Hattie Mills came home and got tea ready, but before we sat down, Gussie came. The bound volume of Harper's Weekly for 1863 which I ordered for George some time since came today. It cost $4 which I paid from money in my possession belonging to George. 3/4 FRIDAY - Pleasant . Wm. Mantz was buried today. I came home in the P.M. with a headache. I had the crystal to my watch changed on my way home. Bought this book for a journal - $1.50. Hattie Mills started for Bethel this P.M. to have the remainder of her teeth out. Caroline came up to go down with her and both came home again and stayed all night. Went to market in the evening and to [???]. News by the evening paper that Kilpatrick has returned from his expedition in the rear of Gen'l. Lee's rebel army and to Richmond. Got some medicine of Dr. Buckley in the evening for bilious headache. 3/5 SATURDAY - The sun rose clear but was soon nearly excluded from view. It rained awhile after dinner and again quite hard in the evening. Hattie and Carrie Mills went to Bethel this morning. Hattie intending to have her few remaining teeth out. I met her in the evening with a lantern and umbrella. She brought her teeth back with her in her mouth, having concluded to let them remain until she got her uppers set in. I felt rather poorly this forenoon. Sick or lazy. A little of both, I guess. I felt better in the P.M. Received a letter for Gussie from Cousin Eliza Humphrey from Todd's Valley, Placer County, Cal. 3/6 SUNDAY - Clear and pleasant this morning. Yesterday's and last evening's rain together with a warm day today has nearly finished the snow, there being only a little here and there to be seen. Gussie and I both went to church in the morning. After the service, I went with her over to Dr. St. John's and she had two teeth drawn. She then went home and I went to Sunday School and stayed in the P.M. After tea, I took a nap and did not go to meeting in the evening. Gussie wrote to Frank Boughton in Philadelphia and I commenced a letter to George. Hattie Mills cracked some walnuts just before bedtime. John Rooney died this morning. He had been sick about a year, more or less. He lingered and suffered much, but was very patient, they tell me. He was a strong Catholic, though I believe sincere in his faith. 3/7 MONDAY - Cloudy early this morning. Wind clouds, quite windy in the forenoon. Pleasant in the P.M. I have felt quite well today and have worked hard and late. It being payday, I drew for my last two weeks work $36.00. After tea, I went to market and called at Dr. Buckley's office and paid him $13.88 to balance my account with him, the same being for attendance during Eddie's sickness. He gave me more medicine for my bilious difficulty. He charged me nothing for it as I had just settled my old account. 3/8 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I have worked hard all day and as late as I could see at night. John Rooney was buried today in the P.M. On my way home from work I took two letters from the Post Office from George from Jacksonville, Florida. In one of them, he demands his watch from Mother in order that I may have it put in working order and send it to him the first opportunity I have. He also requested me to find out the truth of the matter Of Capt. Daniels getting the $25.00 company money from Capt. Moore's widow. I did so by calling on her in the evening. He did not demand it, as many of the Company suppose, but she requested him to call for it as he was the proper person to receive it. Before retiring, I wrote more in my letter to George, telling him of my visit to Mrs. Moore's, etc. 3/9 WEDNESDAY - It has been a beautiful day. I came home from work very tired at night. On my way home, I got my Jeffersonian. The poetry on Eddie's death was in it. In the evening, I bought five other copies to send away. I mailed a letter to George with Abel's and Father Griswold's picture enclosed. Also the Waverly and a Daily Tribune. Bought a piece of meat for Harriet and came home without going to class. A surprise party for Bro. Crawford this evening. 3/10 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning. It soon became cloudy and about 6 P.M., it commenced raining. After tea, I went out into the street, mailed a letter for Father Griswold. Went to the Jeffersonian Office and got a paper to send to Mrs. Charters in Brooklyn. Got Hattie Mills' shoes which had been mended. Bought a picture of General Gilmore and came home. Burr Bradley told me at the shop that Mother was very sick or rather that Clark Hoyt had said so in class last evening. I intended to go up and see her this evening, but when I came home, Gussie said that Carrie had been down and told that the circumstances. Mother has a formation of a vein or an accumulation connected with the main artery which is increasing in size and will in a short time kill her by bursting and bleeding to death. I mailed 5 Jeffersonians this morning to Ohio, Cal. Canton, and Essex and to David Mills in Philadelphia. 3/11 FRIDAY - Storm-rain. It was rather late when we rose this morning. I have worked as usual in the shop. After tea I went to see Mother and to bring (home) a pail of milk. The pail was carried up yesterday by Harriet. I came home about 9 o'clock in a thunderstorm, the first of the season. 3/12 SATURDAY - Clear and pleasant. The makers had a strike for higher prices today and I believe got their demands. Gussie and Mother Griswold went up to see Mother this P.M. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Cousin Mary called. Mary came again afterward for Gussie to go downtown with her. I went to market and to Robinson's for my watch where it has been for repairs. Fanny came home from New York on the evening train. She brought some things for Gussie which she sent for - table cloth, album and Mrs. Foss's picture. I copied extracts from George's letters for the Jeffersonian before retiring. 3/13 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but cloudy before night. I went up this morning to see Mother; did not get back in time for church. On my way up, I left 5 of the Rolls Books from the Sunday School library at Edmund Barnum's for him to read. Communion in the P.M.; Gussie and I attended. After tea, I finished George's letter for the Jeffersonian. It rained when it was time for evening meeting, and I, not being in the mood for meeting, being quite tired, did not go. Gussie began a letter to Cousin Eliza in the evening. 3/14 MONDAY - Cloudy in the morning with something of the appearance of snow. It came off clear and pleasant before noon. On my way to the shop, I took a letter to Ashley from George for publication. I came home sick before night. On my way, I took from the office two letters from George, or rather two envelopes and one a letter and the other some old letters for preservation. In the letter, he returned Eddie's carte de visite that I had copied and sent to him. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. I bought one dollar's worth of stamp to enclose to him, he having ordered them. Charles Beach died this afternoon. 3/15 TUESDAY - Pleasant until just at night and then cloudy with a little flitting of snow. While we were at tea, Mr. Cocking called in on his way to the depot. He was expecting some of Mr. Cyrus' folks by the Cars. I rode down with him. I did some marketing and called at the Post Office. While in there, I saw Saul Wildman's son, who had just arrived from Hilton Head. He states that on the 10th, heavy fighting commenced at Jacksonville, Fla. And was going on when he left. I walked up with Dr. Bennett and had a talk with him about Mother. He thinks that she imagines herself worse that she really is and lies right down and gives up to it. 3/16 WEDNESDAY - Cooler today with snow squalls. On my way home from work, I called at the express office and got a box of shells from George. They came last evening. He sends them home for safe keeping for his own use if he ever returns. The expressage was $1. I paid it from his money as he requested. I went to market in the evening. Captain Daniels arrived home on the train. He has resigned. 3/17 THURSDAY - 1st St. Patrick's Day in the Mourning. The Irish turned out to the number of 160with the brass band. Father Monahan (the priest) was in carriage drawn by a pair of greys at the head of the procession. John Waters was marshal. He was mounted on a splendid grey horse. I had a dispute with Ezra Wildman and Dan [Healy ?] about taking out work at the shop. I worked quite late. Received a letter from George for publication in the Jeffersonian. I finished my letter to him and mailed with $1 postage enclosed. I mailed also to him two Waverley's and a New York Times. Before I retired, I made corrections in his letter from Ashley. 3/18 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it soon came off clear. Not very cold, but considerably cloudy. I had a headache in the P.M., but worked until night. We attended Louise's Temperance Lecture in the evening. 3/19 SATURDAY - Pleasant. On my way to the shop this morning, I went to A. Raymond's and ordered one half bushel of oysters. I worked as long a t night as I could see to get up my work. I was the last in the shop and locked the door. A report coming from Saul Brockett that George was wounded in the arm and amputation was unavoidable. I do not credit the report. Mr. Cocking came down today and they now occupy the rooms. Aunt Mary came to our folks today to take care of Mother. Frank Boughton was expected this evening, but she did not come. I went to market in the evening, walked down with Mr. Cocking. I found Lieutenant Knox on the street. He came home last evening, is to stay until next Friday. His health is not very good. I saw Ashley at the Post Office. I took back the letter from George which I gave him for publication, but he could not do it in his next issue as he had one already. I am to make some alterations in it and prepare it for next week. 3/20 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but a little cool. Very good weather for March. We attended church all day. Mr. Baldwin of Bethel (Congregational) preached for us. Text in the A.M. Psalm 62:1, in the P.M. Luke 14-17. In Sunday School, they concluded to do away with the old Hymn Book and adopt the Golden Chain and Shower. After tea, Hattie Mills, Gussie and I went up home to see Mother and Aunt Mary. Fanny came up just after we got there. Aunt Mary and Bell came down with us and went with us to meeting in the evening. Mr. Isaac Kelso, a Southern Methodist preacher from Missouri preached. I found Gussie and Hattie Mills upstairs in Mrs. Cocking's room. I went up also and had some wine and cake which Mrs. Cocking passed around. While I was at church and before she (Gussie?) went upstairs, she wrote to Eliza Humphrey in California and enclosed with the letter, a little book entitled 'Tiny Footsteps Within the Golden Gate'. 3/21 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cold. Before going to the shop, I went up to Edgar Tweedy's and bargained for a cemetery plot, the one in the rear of Father Griswold's. Price $20.00. Not feeling very well, I left work before night. I got my pay and came by the way of Alden Crosby's coal office and paid $10 to balance my account for coal for Harriet. I attended Mr. Kelso's lecture at our church in the evening. Gussie went to the depot with Mary Purdy to meet Frank Boughton as she was expected from Philadelphia. She came and Gussie went home with her. On my way home from the shop, I called at Come's Marble works to see about a grave stone for Eddie, but decided nothing. Before retiring, commenced a letter to George. Before breakfast this morning, I went to the Post Office and mailed letter to for Gussie to Cousin Eliza. 3/22 TUESDAY - Not feeling well, I did not go to the shop. I went down to Crosby's coal office in the forenoon and talked with John Cosier about making up a purse for a donation to Edith Newman to show our appreciation for her services as Melodeon player in the choir. Frank Boughton came over after dinner and went up home with Gussie to see Mother. I took my jackplane and went up to Father Griswold's and made a few shavings to kindle fire with. I sawed a little wood and brought in some, etc. I went to market in the evening. Uncle Jessie came up today to see Mother. He, Father and Bell came over and spent the evening with us. I gave them a few apples to take home to Mother. I sent a volume of Harper's Weekly, bound, up by them. It belongs to George which he requested me to buy for him. We think that Mother is gradually failing. 3/23 WEDNESDAY - Cool and windy. Went to the shop and did about a half day's work in nearly all day. Nearly sick. Bought 8 rubber buttons for overcoat for 15 cents. Went to market and to class in the evening and stopped a few moment s on my way home at the school meeting in the basement of Concert Hall. Mrs. Cocking came down stairs and spent the evening with us. She is alone at night (as Mr. Cocking is staying for a while until Mr. Lyons comes from New York) over there at night. 3/24 THURSDAY - More pleasant today. Not so cold. After tea, I finished a letter to George and mailed it. It was mostly about the transfer of his letters and his affairs left to my care, the trouble Mother is making about it and her accusing Gussie of reading his letters which he sends home. Mr. Wright, ex- governor of Indiana, spoke before the union men of this place this evening. I went and was never more pleased with a public speech than I was with his. 3/25 FRIDAY (fast day) - Pleasant, the shop closed. I copied George's letter for Ashley and carried it to him. Went to the Post Office, came home, and went up on Deer Hill to see Mother. I copied the family record in 'The Life of Christ' for Mother. I offered Father that if he would get a team and let us go up to the cemetery and take Aunt Mary, I would pay for it. But he would not. I then agreed with Aunt Mary that if she would come down to my house after dinner, we would go up to the cemetery with her. I got Beatty's double team and carried her, Harriet, Hattie Mills and Gussie up there. They all strayed away except Sister Hattie and I. I could not find them and drove home without them. They were all home when we arrived. Aunt Mary stayed to tea and I drove up home with Harriet. Took Edith in before we got there as she was on her way to give music lessons to Bell. I went to the Post Office in the evening. As I returned, I found George, Bell and Carrie Mills with a carriage at the door. They spent the evening with us. In the meantime I took the horse and carried Aunt Mary up home. Bell also, who came down to go up home with her. The colored folks across the way had a dance in the evening to make merry, I suppose, before morning as they are about to move out of the neighborhood. 3/26 SATURDAY - Stormy all day, rain and snow. It cleared off in the evening. We having to wait considerably for work in the shop, we concluded to adjourn and let the facers get a few ahead of us. We accordingly stopped when each man finished the dozen he was working on. Lewis Bradley came home on the freight train from Annapolis, Maryland. I bought 4 large oranges and brought home to Gussie. Mother Griswold, Fanny and Harriet spent the evening with us. I went to market for Mother Griswold. I bought a small piece of Canton flannel and made a wick for our large lamp in the evening. Mr. Price (colored) moved out of the house across the way today, Richard E. Smith having bought it. I had a hoop put on an old water pail over to McDonald's Blacksmith Shop this morning - price 10 cents. 3/27 SUNDAY - Warm and pleasant. Gussie and I both attended church. No! I attended all day and she in the P.M. Mr. Kelso, the Missouri refugee, preached in the morning from Luke, 16t chapter commencing with the11th verse -the parable of the prodigal son. Sunday School as usual. Father Griswold preached in the P.M. from Luke 24-25.26 on the death and resurrection of Christ. An Easter sermon. He preached unusually good. The whole congregation seemed much interested. It was really a feast to hear him once more. Hattie Mills stayed at home as usual. Aunt Mary was at church and walked up West Street with us. After tea, we went up home to see Mother. Just before we got there, we met Aunt Harriet coming away on her way home at Ridgefield. We stayed until dark and then came home after which we went upstairs and spent the evening with Mr. and Mrs. Cocking. I cracked some nuts and brought up a pitcher of cider. George Starr was at Sunday School at noon for the first time since his sickness. He is still rather feeble. Old Mr. Segar on Mill Plain died today. 3/28 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. Worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went into the street and ordered one half bbl. of George Crofut's best wheat flour $5.23. I paid him (or his son Charles); he is to deliver it tomorrow. John and Frank Boughton called in the evening. I drew some cider for John and myself. His wife, being a member of the Crystal Wave, of course did not drink. They went home between 9 and 10 o'clock. I wrote in my journal and retired. 2/29 TUESDAY - Cloudy, a little cooler. Before breakfast, I went over to Oscar Levine's to have him bring a steel jack (or card) to the shop with him, as I wanted to borrow it of him to finish Brush hats with. He brought it and I have used it today. Elbert Segar out on Mill Plain was buried this P.M. The Free Masons attended the funeral. I brought home form the shop some shellac for Father Griswold to daub on the places where he has sawed off limbs from his fruit trees. I got that which was already cut and prepared for use. After tea, I went down to the Post Office. Got a letter for Father Griswold and returned. Joseph Kyle lost his little boy this P.M. with scarlet fever. 3/30 WEDNESDAY - Stormy. Rain and snow together. I worked in the shop as usual, but felt about sick in the P.M. Bowel complaint, headache, and cancer sore in the mouth. Mrs. Cocking took tea with us and spent the evening. Read a letter from George with one enclosed for Mother, also one for Edith. He sent some poetry of his own, composing for insertion in the Jeffersonian if Ashley and I thought it worthy of room in his paper. Russel Wildman had a telegraph dispatch this P.M. that his wife was dead. She started for St. Louis, Mo. on a visit with Mrs. Levi Bartram. 3/31 THURSDAY - Stormy still. Joseph Kyle's little boy was buried this P.M. On my way to the shop this morning, I called at Fenton's Shirt Factory and gave Edith Newman a letter from George sent enclosed in mine yesterday. Gussie and Hattie Mills went up home to see Aunt Mary who goes away tomorrow morning, as she is to be married on Sunday at Ridgefield. Gussie carried a letter to Mother from George sent enclosed in mine yesterday. I went to market while they were up home. I left the poetry at the Jeffersonian Office which George sent to me. I also got a letter from George telling me of his position as clerk to Lieutenant Henry Quien. He asked for a pocket dictionary. Before retiring, I commenced an answer to George's letter.
1864-03
Horace Purdy Journal, February 1863 Entry
5pgs
2/1 Sunday Pleasant and warm. I attended church in the morning. Brother Woodruff preached for us. He is from Waterbury. After Sunday School, I came home and Gussie went in the P.M. Mother came home with her to tea and stayed until evening meeting time and then they went to meeting. I stayed with Eddie. I wrote to George. Mother enclosed a line. Gussie mailed it as she went to meeting. 2/2 Monday Pleasant. I have worked in the shop as usual. Worked as late as I could see. After tea, I went to the Post Office and returned home. Mrs. Swift came downstairs and stayed until after I came home. I filed off the toes of my skates for the second time in the evening. 2/3 Tuesday Colder today. Prospect of a storm in the afternoon. I received a small package by mail from George containing shells, pebbles, etc. from the Potomac River. I have worked hard all day and as long as could see at night. After tea, I went to the Post Office and down to the Skating pond to try my skates after cutting off the toes for the second time. I stayed only a short time and returned home. The weather is very cold. 2/4 Wednesday Colder today than yesterday. I have worked very hard again today. On my way home from work, I took two letters from the Office for Harriet from Abel, 23 Reg't Banks' Division, New Orleans, La. After tea, I finished my letter to George and went to market and to the Post Office and mailed it together with the Danbury Times. The New York Herald came out today with a startling piece of news, that the rebel gunboats in Charleston Harbor had destroyed the blockading fleet at the entrance to the harbor. The other daily papers said nothing about it. The Post this evening sets it down as a canard. Gussie finished her letter to Eliza Humphrey. 2/5 Thursday Very cold last night and this morning. The weather moderated a little during the day. A very little snow before noon. It commenced again about 6 o'clock and continued during the evening. I received by the morning mail a letter from Edwin. Anne enclosed one also with a carte de visite of herself and Willie with baby. Ella and Eddie wrote to Gussie and enclosed in the same. The Jeffersonian gives an account of the death of lieut. Col. Henry B. Stone of the 5th Reg't C (onnecticut) V(olunteers) who was wounded at Slaughter Mountain (Ed. Note, also known as Battle of Cedar Mountain in Culpepper County, Va.) and was taken prisoner and has since been confined and died at Delavan Hospital at Charlottesville, Va. 2/6 Friday The storm turned to rain last night and this morning the snow was leaving us in a stream of water. It cleared off just at night leaving but little snow. I bottle over 40 bottles of cider for Mother Griswold in the evening and two dozen for myself to pay for bottling theirs. It was 11 o'clock when I finished. 2/7 Saturday Pleasant. The mud was stiffened up this morning, but water was slightly frozen. The day has been pleasant as May overhead, but muddy under foot. Having worked pretty hard for the two weeks past, I am about worked out and consequently have not accomplished as much as usual for the two days past. By the evening mail, I received a letter from George. He wants another box of good things sent to him. After I returned from the Office, I went up home with Mother and Bell (who had been to market) and pulled two teeth for Father. 2/8 Sunday Pleasant and warm. Gussie attended church in the P.M. I went down to Sunday School and stayed to the Communion in the P.M. A collection for the worn out preachers was taken up. Bell came home with me to tea and stayed until evening meeting time when Mother came down and went with her to meeting. I wrote to George. Mother enclosed a letter in mine also. I sent it to the Post Office by her. I wrote to Edwin also but withheld it so that Gussie could write to Anne and enclose it with mine. 2/9 Monday Warm but cloudy most of the day. Gussie received a letter from her cousin Eliza Humphrey in California. I went to market in the evening and to the Post Office and mailed a letter to Edwin in Elysia, Ohio and one for Gussie to Ellen Dare. I received one from George. 2/10 Tuesday Pleasant but muddy. It began to grow cold in the P.M. I worked in the shop as long as I could see. Bell came down to stay all night with us. She took care of Eddie while we both went into the street to buy things to send to George. I commenced a letter to him in the evening. 2/11 Wednesday Isabella stayed with us last night and today Mother and Gussie with Bell's help to take care of Eddie have been working hard making pies and cake to send to George. Not feeling very well, I came home at noon and packed up the box before night and took it down to the Express Office in the evening. I received a letter from George by the evening mail in which he wanted me to hurry up the box and send him some money by mail. I mailed a letter to him with a receipt for the box and some money $4.38 enclosed. I ordered a bound Harper's Weekly last year's issue of Swift for George by his request. Gussie received a wedding card from Louise Howe, her old school mate, now Mrs. Wright. 2/12 Thursday Snow and rain during the day. I drew an order for $19.00 to let Mr. Swift draw it for me out of the Savings Bank, the same being used to pay expenses of sending boxes to George and for other uses which he directed me to appropriate it the money being his subject to my order. I went to market in the evening. Augustus Wilcox, an old hatter of this town, was seriously injured at Norwalk this P.M. by a train of cars. 2/13 Friday Pleasant. Mr. Wilcox is dead. (Marginal note: Later, Mr. Wilcox is not dead) Wilson Porter, the rum seller uptown is dead also. Hiram Crofut's wife was taken with cramp in the stomach this forenoon and word was sent to the shop to Hiram that she was dying. Gussie went to see a tableau at the Concert Hall in the evening, gotten up by the Episcopal Society to assist in paying the debt on their church. Admission free and a collection taken. Bell came down and stayed with Eddie. I went to the Post Office in the evening and walked up home with Mr. Swift. 2/14 Saturday St. Valentine's Day. Colder last night. Bell came down again to take care of Eddie this evening so that Gussie could go shopping with me. She is to stay all night. Gussie bought a Photographic Album. We came home and then went over to Colonel's Pond to give her (Gussie) a chance for the first time to try her new skates. Mr. Wilcox was brought up on the train today. He is badly hurt. 2/15 Sunday Rain in the morning. It cleared off about dark. I went to church in the morning with Bell who stayed with us last night. She came home with me in the afternoon and Gussie went. After tea, Mother came down and I wrote to George and David Mills and mailed the letters as I went to evening meeting with Mother and Bell. Very muddy all day and in the evening. 2/16 Monday Pleasant. John Brush around the shop drunk this morning. Worked as long as I could see in the shop. Mr. Cocking came to look at my rooms in the evening. I went into the street in the evening to see Jas. S. Taylor, but not seeing him I dropped a line in the Office to him about the 400.00 I had spoken to him about. I went up to Father Griswold's when I returned and visited with Peter Starr and wife. 2/17 Tuesday Cloudy all day until just before sundown when the sun shone brightly. I have worked hard and as late at night as I could see. I went to the Post Office in the evening and there I saw Jas. A Taylor about the money I had previously spoken to him about. Four hundred dollars which he is to let me have to take up a note in Alfred Gregory's hands. I made arrangements with him to have it on the 1st of April. I then went down to the skating pond a short time. While I was away, Mr. Cocking and wife came to look at my rooms. They decided to take them I believe. 2/18 Wednesday Pleasant in the forenoon. But a little spitting of snow in the P.M. I mailed a Danbury Times to George in the evening. I did not attend class on account of Mrs. Cyrus White and Cousin Hattie Mills coming to spend the evening. Mother and Bell were with us also. In course of the evening, Mother Griswold, Fanny, Harriet and Mr. and Mrs. Swift came in also. Left a ' dozen rolls of Griswold's salve at Butler Drug Store to be sold, he having one third for selling. 2/19 Thursday Stormy all day. Rain. On my way home from work, I called at the Jeffersonian office for Harriet to see when Abel's subscription for the Jeffersonian runs out. After tea, I went to the doctor's ( Bulkely) office and got some medicine for Eddie. I wrote a letter to George in Swift's office. Mailed a letter and Jeffersonian to Eliza Humphrey for Gussie. I walked up home with Mr. Swift. His wife being downstairs with Gussie, he came in and they spent the rest of the evening with us. 2/20 Friday Cloudy nearly all day but came off pleasant just at night. Bell came down just at night to stay with us all night. Gussie went to Emily Anderson's in the P.M. She went into the street with me in the evening. She received by the morning mail a letter from her Essex friend Cornelia Post. 2/21 Saturday Pleasant but cold. It grew colder in the P.M. and evening. I had a severe headache in the P.M. Bell came down after school to go skating with me in the evening. I felt a little better after tea, so we went down to the skating pond. It being so very cold, we stayed but for a few minutes and then came home. My head was worse when I came home so I went immediately to bed. Bell stayed all night with us. 2/22 Sunday Washington's Birthday. Bell went home after breakfast to get ready for church. I did not go to meeting in the morning, but got there in time for Sunday school. After school Bell came up to take care of Eddie so that Gussie could go with me to hear Lieut. Rob't Stone's funeral sermon preached at the Baptist church by their pastor Mr. Stone. She met me at our church. The text was Acts13:36. I wrote to George after tea and took it up to Fanny to send to the Office if it did not storm too hard as I was not going to church. It commenced snowing at noon and continued hard in the evening, so very hard that Bell did not go home but stayed with us. 2/23 Monday Snow about a foot deep on a level this morning. It cleared off early and has been pleasant all day. I worked around home, Father Griswold's and Harriet's until nearly 11 o'clock sweeping paths. Isabella stayed all day and is to stay tonight on account of the deep snow. Pay day at the shop. I drew for pay two last week's work ($29.08). Teacher's Prayer Meeting in the evening in the middle classroom at which some arrangements were made about procuring new library books for the Sunday school. 2/24 Tuesday Very cold last night. It has moderated very much during the day and has the appearance of rain. Isabella went home this morning. After tea I went to Dr. Bulkely's for some medicine for Eddie. I mailed a paper to George (Semi Weekly Tribune). I took a letter from the Office for Mother. As Gussie had been expecting a picture from Harriet in a letter to Mother and there being one in it, she opened it with my consent, but found it to be one of George for Mother which [???] Jones had been painting. I commenced a letter to George before I retired to bed. 2/25 Wednesday Contrary to my expectations yesterday, it has been pleasant today. I left my work before night. Before tea, I took some hams over to Mr. Olmstead's to be smoked for Father Griswold. As we somewhat expected our cousin Chas. C. Parsons, a lieut. In the regular army on the evening train, I went to the depot. But he did not come. I went to the Post Office and mailed a Middle Brooks and a Methodist Almanac to Abel by request of Harriet. Mother and Bell came down this P.M. and expected Uncle Edwin to call for them and take them home with him to make short visit, but he disappointed them and did not come. Bell stayed all night with us. 2/26 Thursday Warm and rainy. I received a letter from David Mills this noon. I went to the depot again this evening to see if Lieut. Parsons should come, but he did not. 2/27 Friday Rainy in the morning. It cleared up in the middle of the day. My work detained me at the shop very late. I went down to the Post Office in the evening. 2/28 Saturday Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went to market and them came home for my skates and went down to the skating pond for a while. I got home from skating about nine o'clock
1863-02