Horace Purdy Journal, October 1862 Entry
7pgs
10/1 I worked in the shop and did not feel very well in the PM. In the evening I carried Mother's things and ours over to Burr Bradley's to be packed up with others to be sent to Baltimore to George, David Bradley, George [c] Lewis, George Dickens, Phineas Lounsbury and a brother of George Mead's in Company H, Orin and Augustus Bronson, Smith Delavan, L. B. Griffin, William Otis, Norman Kellogg. We had to make up 2 boxes to hold them. William Lounsbury gave us the boxes. It was about 11 o'clock when we finished nailing up and marking the boxes. I received a letter from George in the evening. He wants more money sent to him. 10/2 I went over to Burr Bradley's before breakfast to help get our boxes of provisions to the depot to go Express to our boys in Capt. Moore's company, 17th Regiment, Baltimore. After breakfast not feeling too well. I helped put down the bedroom carpet upstairs. After dinner I went down and drew $10 for George from the Savings Bank. Six of it to replace the money I sent him and $4.00 to send him by letter. James Fowler brought me 12 bushels of potatoes (Prince Alberts) in the PM. A dispatch at night that Charles Small of Capt. Moore's company is dead. I mailed a letter to George in the evening and one for Gussie to Elyza in Cal. 10/3 Very warm in the shop. I spent the forenoon at home rebuilding my potato bin. I went to the street in the evening to get some articles at the store. When I came home I took my account book up to Father Griswold's and we looked over our account. We found a balance of $6.70 in my favor. I engaged 1 barrel of greening apples of Mr. Hearn 10/4 My barrel of cider came today. Joe Young came home with me at noon and helped me roll it into the cellar. Capt. Jenkins Company home on a special train at noon. They left the cars at Bates Crossing and marched up the street. Capt. Jenkins, 1st Lieut Starr, 2nd Lieut Betts and Adjutant Gregory were presented with a sword each in the evening at the Concert Hall. The swords were a present to them from the company. Charles Small's body was expected on the evening train but it didn't come. Gussie went up home in the PM and I went up to tea. Father and Bell came home with us and stayed to take care of Eddy while we went to the presentation. I received a letter from George at noon giving an account of Charles Small's death. He was with him when he died. 10/5 [Love] Feast in the morning at 9 o'clock. Elder William C. Hoyt preached in th AM. I collected a little money from some members to assist in sending some singing books to George, Company C. I came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in PM. We went over to Abel's a little while before evening meeting. I attended the prayer meeting. Brother Crawford became unusually animated, walked up and down the aisle exhorting sinners to repentance, especially members of Capt. Jenkins Co., 23rd Regiment, who were home and many of them at church. I wrote a letter to George and mailed it on the way to prayer meeting. Bell came down and went to meeting with me. 10/6 Worked in the shop until 11 o'clock and came home for early dinner prepatory to attending the funeral at 1 o'clock for Charles S. Small. I went back to the shop and the men all assembled at a quarter to 1 and went in a body to the church. The church was not open to we walked up to Jas Osborne's to meet the procession. Capt. Jenkins Company borrowed the cadet muskets at Jackson's School to attend the funeral with. The house was well filled and the funeral a large one. His remains came on the train this morning. Gussie walked up to the grave and was very sick with a sick headache when she returned. Mother and Bell were with us for tea and Bell stayed and washed up the dishes. I went to Societies meeting in the evening at the church. I ordred 1 doz. gold chains and 1 Lute of Zion for George, Company C, 17th Regiment, Baltimore Md. 10/7 Worked as usual in the shop. Paid 3 months dues to the Hatters Association, 30 cents. Received letter from George acknowledging reciept of things sent to him by express. Also received one from Uncle Stephen who is in camp in Bridgeport in the artillery, drilling and preparing for the field, acknowledging receipt of George's picture. After tea Joseph Young called and took a glass of cider with me after which we went to the Hatters meeting in the Basement of Concert Hall. 10/8 Heat in the shop as much as any day last summer. I came home to dinner. Cousin Frank Boughton spent the day with us. I recieved a letter from Charles Mills. He is sick in the hospital in Frederick MD. The golden chains and Lute of Zion came in today, I paid Sherman Disbrow what I owed him for coal, $11.75 in front of Epsicopal Church on my way home to dinner. Gussie and Frank Boughton went into the street in the evening. I took care of Eddy and wrote to George. After they came home I went down and mailed my letter and Danbury Times to George and brought home the 2 pictures from Curtis Bennett's who has framed them. Cost was $2.00. Gussie wrote to Ellen Dare and enclosed her veil which she left here at Louis Meogling's to be dyed. 10/9 We had work only until noon today. After dinner we took Eddy in the carriage and went into the street. Gussie bought a pair of Morroco Balmoral shoes at Lounsbury's for $1.37. We called at Couch's Picture Gallery to see about having a picture of Gussie and Eddy. I called on Major Meogling ath the Wooster House. He is home on account of a battle wound. His colonel died of his wounds and he has been promoted to Lieut. Col. of the 11th Regiment. Before going down town I wrote a letter to Cousin Charles Mills, now Steward of the Gail St. Hospital in Frederick MD. I left the letter with Mr. Swift who was a prisoner with him in Richmond, to let him put in a letter to him also, which he did and mailed it for me. After tea Father came down with a straw bed just as I was going up for it. I drew a pail of cider and carried it up for him while he wheeled the wheel barrow. I went into the street in the evening and paid Fairchild and Gillett 25 cents for 1 yard of tarltan which Gussie bought today. 10/10 A half day of work in the shop. After dinner I went over to Sturdevants to get the money due George for work when he enlisted. I got $1.00 of it but he didn't have change and agreed to leave the balance at O. H. Swift's news office for me. Bell came down and took care of Eddy in the PM while Gussie went to Mrs. McNeil's to get a dress cut. I received a letter from George and Gussie one from Ellen Dare. I wrote a letter to David Mills, the first since his release from imprisonment in Richmond. I attended a Special Hatters Meeting in the evening to take into consideration the subject of Foul Shops. The whole evening was spent in legislating on the subject but adjourned without accomplishing anything. 10/11 I came home to dinner and Bell came down and spent nearly all day with Gussie. I went to the post office in the evening and got a Baltimore paper from George. I went to Lounsbury's and selected a pair of boots for George. He set then aside until George should order them sent to him. I bought an new wooden faucet for my vinegar keg and put it in in the evening. 10/12 Quite cool, we made a fire in the sitting room for the first time. Went to church in the AM. Brother Crawford preached from John 10.10. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon after which I came and Gussie went in PM to the communion service. I wrote a letter to George. I attended in the evening and Brother Crawford preached. I sat in the choir. 10/13 Worked as usual in th shop and we took tea up to Mother Griswold's. I went to Teachers meeting in the eveninig but on account of the stormy weather there were not enought to do business, so we adjourned and went home. I took a letter for Father from New Haven from the post office. I think it was from Uncle Theodore, who has gone for a soldier and is now at camp in that place. 10/14 Limited work today and I finished before night, $2.25. On my way home I found Lieut. Morris Krazinskie of the 11th Regiment. He was a private in our company in the 1st Regiment for 3 months. He was wounded in the late battle of Antietam Creek and promoted from Sargent to 2nd Lieut. He came home with me to tea. After tea I got my old carpet bag and put the singing books in it for George and prepared to take it to the express office to send to George. Mary Purdy came in to go up to Mrs. Barnum's to see the corpse of her baby. Her husband, Eben Barnun, has gone to war with the 11th Regiment. Just before they started up, Joseph Young and his wife came to spend the evening. As Gussie was all ready to go, they did not stay. I took my bag an put in 2 quarts of chestnuts and 6 quarts of apples and took it to the express office. I wrote to George and put the receipt for the bag in the letter. I also wrote to Goodenough and ordered 60 copies of the School Advocate. 10/15 I was up early to go to the post office to take back a letter I mailed yesterday evening because of directing it wrong. I wrote another and mailed in it $12.00 fro 60 copies of the Sunday School Advocate for one year. I got the letter registered. I recieved a letter from George in the morning. He wants $2.00 more. Mrs. McNeil came this PM to work at dress making. Mr. McNeil being at work painting Father Griswold's home, he came in to tea. I went to the post office in the evening. Not hearing from George I went into Mr. Swift's office and wrote a letter to George with the $2.00 enclosed. 10/16 Worked as long as I could see in the shop. Gussie went up home in the PM. After tea I went to market. I heard that some member of the 17th Regiment telegraphed home that the regiment left Baltimore at 2 o'clock. 10/17 Worked as usual in the shop. It is reported today that the 17th Regiment left Baltimore yesterday at 9 o'clock. Gussie went in the PM with Eddy to Mr. Couch's picture gallery and sat with Eddy for a photograph or carte de visite. She went in the street in the evening with her mother and Hattie while I stayed with Eddy and inked over some old letters from George and Cousin Charlie Mills which had been written in pencil. 10/18 Saturday. Worked as usual in the shop. Edwin Hummingston come on the evening train from the West. Mrs. Stewart came to Father Griswold's on the evening train also. I recieved a letter by evening mail from George. It was written at Washington on their way to Virginia. Goerge ways that the regiment struck their tents at 4 o'clock on Thursday morning, at 8 o'clock started for the depot, arrived around 9 and didn not strat from there until 2 o'clock, arriving at Washington at 9 o'clock. 10/19 Attended church in the morning. Brother Crawford preached from 113 Psalm and I came home after Sunday School and Gussie attended in the PM. I have had the headache a little all day and quite hard since tea. Mother called on her way to evening meeting and Gussie went with her. They took at letter to the post office I had written to George. 10/20 Edwin Hummingston commenced work this morning. We were started on 2 doz. at 6/- Went to the post office in the evening and got a letter from George. They are about 4 miles from Washington at a new site for a fort and they think they are to build it. I brought a letter from the post office for Harriet from Abel in New Haven. I answered George's letter before retiring. 10/21 The morning was coolest of the season and froze ice quite hard. Gussie had some plants on the piazza badly frozen. I did not got to work on account of taking physics last night which left me incapacited for work today. I went to the Gas Works and brought home a little basket of coal to try in our cook stove. I went to Couch's and had a negative taken for some cart de visites. I also made shelves for plants in the sitting room windows. I brought our bedding down from Father Griswold's garret. We went up to Father G's. Mrs. Leobdell and Mary G. Hoyt were there. Mr. Harris came for 2 barrels to put my winter apples in. He brought one barrel just at night (greenings). Gussie went into the street shopping in the evening and I stayed with Eddie. Aunt Louise moved from Gregory's house just north of us today and has gone in with Frank Boughton. When Gussie returned about 8 o'clock I went over to Burr Bradley's where David Bradley and George Dicken's wife were making up a box for them of boots and put in a knife and fork for George. 10/22 Worked all day in the shop . Received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills acting as Steward in the hospital at Frederick MD. Mr Hearn brought my other barrel of apples today (Spitzenburg's ). Mother stopped on her way to class and I read George's last letter and also Charles' to her. I went to market and to class and mailed the Times to George. 10/23 Worked as usual in the shop and after tea took the wheel barrow and went up home for George's cider barrel to use for vinegar. And brought it home with my corn basket full of straw to bind up rose bushes with. I went to the post office and mailed a letter to Abel for Harriet. 10/24 I filled my vinegar barrel with water before breakfast. Put my dinner in a paper and filled my pail with cider and carried it with me to the shop. I took Father Griswold's silk hat to the shop and sleaked it off for him. We were limited in our work at the shop. On my way home I left the list of subscribers to the Sunday School Advocate with Edward Barnum, the distributor, at Clark and Ford's store. I received a letter from George acknowledging receipt of the money letter and bag with singing books, chestnuts and apples. He is on the sick list from a head cold contracted while on picket guard. In the evening I went to Couch's and got 4 carte de visite of wife and baby and of myself. I wrote to George before retiring and enclosed our pictures (carte de visite). 10/25 I went to the post office before breakfast and mailed my letter to George. I had the headache in the PM and stopped work early on that account. On the way home I stppped at Couch's and got the rest of the pictures, 25 in all including the ones I brought home yesterday. Mother received a letter from George. She was with us for tea and I gave her pictures of each of us to carry home. I went to the teachers meeting but there being few teachers there we adjourned without doing anything. 10/26 I stayed home in the morning and Gussie went to church. Mr Pease of Bethel preached. I went to Sunday School. The session was short, We went over to the Congregational Church for the reqular quarterly Sunday School concert which took the place of the afternoon service. There was good attendance of all the schools, Baptist, Congregational and ours. The exercises were very interesting. After tea and in the evening I wrote to Charles Mills, to Sister Harriet, and Gussie wrote to Edwin. We enclosed our pictures in all 3 letters. I wrote to George also. I did not go to meeting on account of the rain in the evening. Frank went and I sent the letters by him to be mailed. Gussie wrote to Ellen Dare in the evening and sent pictures also. 10/27 I went to the post office before breakfast and mailed the letter to Ellen Dare. Jo Young stopped at the office on the way to dinner and got a letter for Gussie from Ellen Dare and one for me from George from Washington, He broght them to the shop to me. 10/28 Gussie went with me as I went to the shop to go to the dentist to have a tooth extracted. But Dr. St. John was not there so she returned without getting it done. She went again in the PM and had it done. I brought home a letter for Mother from Bridgeport. Father came down after it while we were at tea. I went to the post officee in the evening and mailed a letter to George enclosing 8 letter stamps he requested of me by note in Anna Taylor's letter which she handed me while we were at tea. I got a letter for mother from Harriet with a cart de visite of herself. 10/29 Edwin Augustus is 14 months old today. I was late to the shop this morning. Abel returned to his regiment this PM on the 4:20 train. Harriet went with him and is going to visit in New Haven with her friends. I left work and went to the depot to see him off as it may be the last time he will be home. I went to Dea O. Stone's office to hand in my tax list but he was not in. I went home and got in my carrots and beets. After tea I went to market. I mailed the Danbury Times to George in the evening. 10/30 Worked as usual in the shop. Came home late and went to market after tea. 10/31 Clark Beers came over as I was getting up, to get Josie Wheeler's cradle as Harriet has gone to New Haven with Abel to visit him in camp and other friends in the city. Mrs. Beers is taking care of Josie. I helped him take it home. I engaged a barrel of late made cider this morning at of Mr. Lounsbury. I was rather late at the shop this morning but stayed late to make it up. I received a letter from George in the morning mail and one from Harriet in the evening. I answered George and mailed it in the evening. I also mailed one to Carlton and Porter for 15 more copies of the Sunday School Advocate to make our number of subscriptions equal to last year, 75. I went to market and to Lounsbury's shoe store to see about sending George's boots to him.
1862-10
Horace Purdy Journal, February 1861 Entry
9pgs
FEBRUARY 01 – FRIDAY – Pleasant during most of the day. It clouded over just at night and began to snow a little about dark. I went to the shop in the morning and ha one dozen hats. I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 02 – SATURDAY – Abel and Harriet were run away with last night on their way to New Fairfield with David Cosier’s horse. Rain and fog today. The snow was wasted away very fast. The roads and walks are very slippery. I have worked in the shop. We took tea over to Mother Griswold’s I went to the Express Office when the evening train came in for a package of books for the Sunday School. They did not come as I expected. I came home and helped Mother Griswold bottle up some cider. Then we came home and retired. FEBRARY 03 – SUNDAY – Pleasant but very icy. I attended church all day. Gussie did not attend in the morning but came in the PM. We sat in our new seat (No. 31) for the first time with Brother William B. Bradley and wife. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Job 26:9. A Mr. Griswold from Hartford, a local preacher, preached in the PM from 1st Corinthians 3:16. I wrote a letter after tea to Brother Goodenough ordering some books for the Sunday School. Mother Griswold called for a short time after tea. We both attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. Rev. Griswold prayed, sang and talked during the meeting. FEBRARY 04 – MONDAY – Cloudy in the morning. Clear and pleasant in the PM. I have had work nearly all day in the shop. The Pictorial Catechisms, presents for the Sabbath School scholars, came to us by express today. I went to the store in the evening. FEBRUARY 05 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. Charles Bennett’s store caught fire inside last night about 12 o’clock. It damaged his goods considerably (dry goods), burning many of them and injuring others. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Mother Griswold’s wash woman, Irish Mary, washed for us today. After Gussie had paid her for her work, she filled a basket with vegetables and gave them to her to carry home, for she is very poor. Jonas Giddings lectured here before the Young Men’s Christian Association, subject, John Q. Adams. The rowdies and roughs of the Democratic Party threaten to give him the smell of rotten eggs. I attended drill and on my way home stopped a few minutes outside the hall to see what was going on, but the crowd was made up of such a class and so obscene and disgusting was the conversation that I thought to do justice to myself, I had better leave, and did so forthwith. FEBRARY 06 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant. I went to the shop and waited all day for work and finally came home without getting any. Mr. Crofut paid us some money. I drew $10.00. A package came for me by express from Mr. Goodenough in New York containing catechisms, Sunday School Almanacs and a catalog of Carlton & Porter’s publications which I ordered for our Sabbath School. Mother Griswold, being alone, we took tea over there. I did not attend class in the evening, but went around doing trading a little and paying some debts. FEBRUARY 07 – THURSDAY – Ran in the forenoon. Sunshine and snow with a high wind in the PM and evening. I went to the shop in the morning and worked a little and then gave up and came home. I felt too sick to work. I have had a bad cold which has settled in my bones accompanied with a bad headache. Gussie was over home and took dinner there. I ate a little myself. We did not attend class in the evening, but stayed at home by a warm fire. FEBRUARY 08 – FRIDAY – We rose rather late. It was a severe cold night last. Some of our choicest plants were frozen and all were chilled. Not feeling very well, I did not go to the shop. I made some molasses candy. Mother Griswold found the molasses and I made it, then we divided the candy. I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 09 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop and worked all day on four hats. They are some which Mr. Crofut is trying to make imitate the imported French hats. It is hard, slow and very particular work. I went into the street in the evening to buy something for breakfast and got into a political discussion with Edgar Wildman which detained me longer than I intended. FEBRUARY 10 – SUNDAY – Warmer today. Misty in the morning. Pleasant at noon and in the PM. Brother preached. Text in the morning, Psalms 73:25. Thirty Three Pictorial Catechisms were given out in the Sunday School to those scholars who had committed the catechism to memory. Text in the PM, Deuteronomy 3:25. Prayer Meeting in the evening, but we did not attend. Uriel Cosie was buried this afternoon after meeting. FEBRUARY 11 – MONDAY – Warm and foggy in the morning. A little sunshine in the PM. I worked all day in the shop on those imitations of French hats, 14/ per dozen. I finished only seven hats. George called in the PM and stayed until I finished my work and then came home with me to tea, after which I cut his hair for him. We called over to other Griswold’s before he went home and stayed a short time, when he went home and I came home with Gussie who had been there all evening. Father Griswold came home on the evening train. FEBRUARY 12 – TUESDAY – Warm and some rain in the forenoon. It rained all last night. It came off clear after dinner and was warm and pleasant, but very muddy. I came home from the shop before night with a sick headache. I stayed away from drill in the evening on that account. Fanny came in about 9 o’clock with her list of books which she is going to have me send for to New York for the Infant School Library. My head feeling a good bit better, I wrote the letter ordering them before I retired. FEBRUARY 13 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant and warm, but very muddy. I worked all day in the shop. I sent a check by John Rooney to the Pahquioque Bank at noon. He drew it for me and brought it to the shop when he came from dinner. It was money belonging to our Sunday School which I mailed this evening to Edward Goodenough in New York to pay a bill for books. Today, Abraham Lincoln has undoubtedly been declared President of these United States in the Halls of Congress in Washington, DC. FEBRUARY 14 – THURSDAY – Pleasant, warm and muddy still. St. Valentine’s Day. I waited for work in the shop from noon until 3 o’clock and then worked as long as I could see. We did not attend Prayer Meeting in the evening. FEBRUARY 15 – FRIDAY – Rainy. A little hail just before night. I waited all day in the shop for work and then came home without doing anything. I received a letter from James Maynard from East Haddam. I brought home Father Griswold’s clock from Mr. Woodford’s when I came home from the shop. I went to drill in the evening. While there, an alarm of fire was raised. It soon became quiet and we supposed it was a false alarm, but on my way home from drill, I found out that it was a reality. It was McDonald & Ford’s Dry Goods Store. It was soon extinguished, but not before it sis a great deal of damage. FEBRUARY 16 – SATURDAY – The fire at McDonald & Ford’s store last night was caused by a leakage of gas until it became so dense that it ignited from the stove. Pleasant and warm, but very muddy still I received another express package with the books and papers for the Infant Class that I ordered. I received a letter from Uncle Chauncey Griswold. I went to market in the evening. Father, Mother and Bell came down and spent the evening with us. Mother Griswold came too. Just after they went away and perhaps before they got home, it commenced raining very hard. FEBRARY 17 – SUNDAY – Pleasant during the day, but windy and muddy. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from John 20:13. Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon; Sacrament in the PM. After tea, I wrote a letter to James Maynard in North Lyme, Connecticut. We went to church in the evening. Brother Pegg preached from John 5, last of the 4th verse. Mr. Vintz, a German, died this afternoon. He was a member of our church. His family has been sorely afflicted as of late. He has lost several children within the last four years and last fall, his wife had her foot amputated and is only able now to hobble around the house with the aid of a crutch and now he is taken away and the poor family will suffer unless, as I hope they will be, cared for by kind friends and the church. FEBRUARY 18 – MONDAY – Pleasant. I had only one dozen hats at 12/ today. Mr. Vintz was buried at 2 ½ o’clock today. I went down to the church in the evening for my certificate of life membership in the Missionary Society which was in the library. FEBRUARY 19 – TUESDAY – Warm for the season. Cloudy part of the day. I have had work in the shop. Martha Case, from Essex, came to Father Griswold’s on the evening train. I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 20 – WEDNESDAY – It snowed last night and continued until noon when it cleared off warm. I worked as usual in the shop. I went to class in the evening. Peter, Brother Cosier and myself stayed a little while after class and talked. FEBRUARY 21 – THURSDAY – The wind began to blow towards noon and it grew colder. I have had work in the shop. I went to market in the evening, after which it was rather late, so instead of going to class, I came home. FEBRUARY 22 – FRIDAY – The anniversary of Washington’s Birthday. The Wooster Guards (or a portion of them) assembled voluntarily to fire a national salute. At the second volley, a horse became frightened, threw the driver out and broke the wagon at which we stopped and closed the windows to the Hall (for we were firing from the windows). I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 23 - SATURDAY – Warm and muddy. I have had plenty of work in the shop. Cloudy in the evening with a few drops of rain. I went into the street for a few articles at the grocery. The news tonight by the New York Evening Post was that Abraham Lincoln, the president-elect, was to be assassinated at Baltimore on his way to Washington and that he escaped by disguising himself. He intended to arrive there today and undoubtedly did. FEBRUARY 24 – SUNDAY – Warm and cloudy in the morning, but it came off pleasant about church time. It has been windy and very muddy. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Luke 4:4. In the PM, from Jeremiah 8:22. After tea, I spent the time until evening meeting writing up a list of all the Scholars in our Sabbath School. We went to the Prayer Meeting in the evening. FEBRUARY 25 – MONDAY – Pleasant. Have had work all day in the shop. George and David Mills called at the shop to see me. I spent the evening in writing for the Sabbath School. FEBRUARY 26 – TUESDAY – Cloudy in the forenoon, but the sun shone bright and pleasantly just before night. I have had work in the shop. I worked as long as I could see. I attended drill in the evening. FEBRUARY 27 – WEDNESDAY- Pleasant and warm. I worked as usual in the shop. McDonald & Ford sold off a large amount of goods today damaged by fire and water. Gussie went down and made some purchases. When she came home, she was taken with a severe sick headache. I did not go to class on that account. FEBRUARY 28 – THURSDAY – The last day of winter. Warm and pleasant. I have worked in the shop as usual. We were paid a little more money today. I received $8.00. I wanted $35.00, but it was of no use. I received a letter from Harriet. I went to the store in the evening and went into Prayer Meeting rather late.
1861-02-01
Horace Purdy Journal, January 1861 Entry
10pgs
JANUARY 01 – TUESDAY – The report that Buchanan had resigned is false. The papers today state that General Scott was offered the War Secretaryship but declined. Postmaster Holt was then appointed who is now officiating as such. He is a strong Union man, they say. It looks a little more favorable for the Union now. The report also that Major Anderson is to be recalled id contradicted and he is to keep his position at Fort Sumter for the present at least. I paid my interest at the Savings Bank, $21.00. I drew $25.00 for Father Griswold. I have had work in the shop, but having a hard headache, I came home after dinner. I brought home my boots from Mr. Hanford’s which he has been soling for me. Mr. Smith came down in the evening to say that he is moving out tomorrow and that he could not pay his rent until the last of the week. JANUARY 02 – WEDNESDAY – The day has been pleasant. I have had work in the shop, but have had to wait a great deal for it. No papers from New York today. I brought home a bag of shavings from Starr & Barnum’s shop when I came from work. Annual meeting of the Hat Finishers’ Association under Concert Hall in the evening. Officers were elected. For president – Charles Lamb; Vice President – William Bradley; Secretary – Philander Betts; Treasurer – Calvin Dunning. JANUARY 03 – THURSDAY – Rain, snow, fog and mist. I have had work all day in the shop or at least the work has kept me there. I have waited some and then they want a great deal of work laid out on the hats. Taking all the hindrances together, I have accomplished but little. Gussie went up home today. George came down home with her about dark. I wrote a letter to Harriet in reply to one of hers asking her at her request to come up and stay awhile as she has no work. I went into the street and mailed it in the evening. The stars shone brightly when I came home. JANUARY 04 – FRIDAY – I have worked all day in the shop. A little snow in the AM; pleasant in the PM. The news from South Carolina today is that the Carolinians have repaired Fort Moultrie and are planting cannon at the nearest land point to Fort Sumter and are nearly ready to open fire on it in an attempt to take it. Now is the time for the President to act, and quickly too to send reinforcements to Major Anderson at Fort Sumter. Gussie went to Sewing Society at George Starr’s in the evening while I stayed home and read my paper and cut out documents and select pieces for a scrap book. JANUARY 05 – SATURDAY – Pleasant. Good sleighing. I had work in the shop until about 2 o’clock. Yesterday’s news in regard to besieging Fort Sumter is contradicted today. Instead of getting very stirring news today as expected, affairs are more tranquil. Secession has reached its highest pitch. Next week will tell. Something will be done then, if ever. I had the headache in the afternoon. Gussie and I went into the street in the evening. JANUARY – 06 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. A Love Feast in the morning at 9 o’clock; a good one. William Hoyt was with us and preached in the morning from Romans 13:14. A picture of Joshua commanding the sun to stand still was given in Sunday School by Brother Pegg to George Cosier for bringing the greatest number of scholars into the school, he having brought in seven. Peter Starr ids to give another present is to give another present to the scholar bringing in the next highest number. He did not say what it is to be. Brother Pegg told the school that he had a watch that cost $15.00 when new (and it is nearly new now) which he would give to the scholar who would get the largest number of new scholars to attend regularly in the year which we have now commenced, the watch to be given at the expiration of the year. Brother Pegg preached in the PM from Mark 13:36. I took a nap after tea. Mother Griswold and Mrs. Crofut stopped to go to church with us in the evening. Brother Pegg styled his sermon as the funeral sermon of the old year. Text, 1st Chronicles, 20th chapter, the first part of the first verse. It became cloudy before we went to church and snowed a little when we came home. It has more the appearance of rain than snow. Mother Griswold and Fanny made me a present of a diary for 1861. JANUARY 07 – MONDAY – Warm, cloudy, rain and a little sunshine. I waited again until nearly noon for work in the shop. I went to Oliver Stones’ office before the Board of Relief and swore off four hundred dollars on my place. Alfred Gregory holds my note for that amount on which I am paying interest. Father Griswold came home in the evening. I went to the Post Office, expecting a letter from Harriet, but did not get one. JANUARY 08 – TUESDAY – Cloudy and sunshine. Having but 7/ worth of work, I finished it before night. I received a letter from Harriet declining our invitation to spend a few weeks with us while she was out of work. Her reasons are that she had engaged to sew for a lady for the present. I brought one for Father Griswold, also from Edwin in Elyria, Ohio. I went to the store in the evening for some kerosene oil. George came in just before bedtime, he having been over to Aunt Louisa’s. It snowed before we retired. JANUARY 09 – WEDNESDAY – The ground was thinly covered with snow this morning. I had one dozen hats to do at the shop, /7. I finished about 3 o’clock. It began to snow again in the PM and was still snowing when we retired. JANUARY 10 – THURSDAY – There was about two inches of snow on the ground this morning. The papers report that the Star of the West, carrying reinforcements to Major Anderson at Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, was fired into as she attempted to enter the harbor. She put about and set out to sea. George called in the evening and we went to Prayer Meeting. JANUARY 11 – FRIDAY – Colder. No work in the shop. We did not get the newspapers until the freight train came in at 2 o’clock. South Carolina has actually declared war against the United States. Major Anderson is now waiting orders from the President through one of his lieutenants who he has sent as a messenger to Washington. He will undoubtedly have orders to blockade the port and protect the Stars and Stripes. I painted a little upstairs before dinner. I attended the Quarterly Meeting of the Guards in the evening. There was not a quorum present. JANUARY 12 – SATURDAY – It snowed very quietly last night and this morning, which has made the sleighing very good. I went to the shop and earned 6/. We took tea over home. I went into the street in the evening to get the news. The Star of the West has returned to New York with her troops, she not being able to land them at Fort Sumter. Out of 17 shots fired at her from Morris Island and Fort Moultrie, only two struck her. The President has determined to remain inactive and to send no troops to retake the forts which are on the Gulf Coast of the United States, thinking that the secession difficulty can be managed better without arms than with. This is the news tonight in the New York Evening Express. JANUARY 13 – SUNDAY – Very cold last night and today also. Brother George Woodruff preached in the morning from Exodus 32: 30-32. Subject, “The Unselfishness of Moses”. A good sermon. A rehearsal of the Catechism by the Sunday School at noon. We did not change books on that account. Brother Pegg preached in the PM from Hebrews 13:8. We attended church in the evening. Brother Woodruff preached his sermon entitled, “The Blight of Tobacco.” The church was densely crowded. The sermon or lecture (for it could pass for either) was excellent. He took his text from 2nd Corinthians 6:17, 1st Corinthians 10:6-9, and 1st Kings 2:2. JANUARY 14 – MONDAY – No work in the shop. I waited there until the cars came in and then went up for the papers. I brought them to the shop and there we all read the news. The return of the Star of the West to New York is confirmed. The troops were landed on Sunday morning at their barracks on Governor’s Island. The war steamer, Brooklyn, is laying off Charleston Bar. Its real object is not definitely known. I ate my dinner at the shop and came home. The weather has moderated. It began to snow about noon. JANUARY 15 – TUESDAY- The snow turned to rain before morning and the snow was crusted in the morning. It soon stopped raining, though the day has not been entirely pleasant. I did not get my work in the shop until nearly noon. We gave in our checks to the foreman and I expect we will get some money before the close of the week. I gave in $17.00 of checks. I stayed at home and read my paper in the evening. JANUARY 16 – WEDNESDAY – Rain. The snow water runs freely. The streams are rising rapidly and a prospect of breaking up of the ice. I have had work nearly all day or rather have been kept at the shop all day as I did not get my work until nearly noon. Chauncey Haines died. Mother Griswold was taken with bleeding from the lungs this afternoon. We feel concerned about her. I did not go to class in the evening on account of the walking and storms. JANUARY 17 – THURSDAY – No work in the shop. Mr. ___ Clark sent a side of beef to me in the afternoon. I then had it cut up and the brine to make after which I went to the shop and Mr. Crofut gave the men a little money. I got five dollars. I paid $3.00 of it to David Hanford on my bill of $5.12. JANUARY 18 – FRIDAY – I laid awake all night last with a severe pain in my bowels and sickness to my stomach. A severe headache today and nearly prostrate. I felt better towards night. JANUARY 19 – SATURDAY – I have felt better today but did not go to the shop to work. I went into the street to get my paper and came home and read it, after which I painted my upstairs until night. George came in while we were at tea. We sat awhile and then went into the street. I to get some things at the store and he to accompany me. Francis Harris died yesterday afternoon with smallpox and was buried last night at 12 o’clock to avoid exposure. He was taken sick in New York and was smuggled into the cars to be taken home to die as it happened. Mother Griswold is quite feeble. JANUARY 20 – SUNDAY – Windy and cool. Gussie, not being well, did not attend church. I went alone. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from John 1:36. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon. Sacrament in the PM. Our Sacrament will be on the third Sabbath of the month this year instead of on the second. When I came home from church in the PM, I found Gussie quite sick. She has a bad cold, which, with other causes, has prostrated her for the day. I did not attend church in the evening. Gussie feeling a little better, we went over and stayed with Mother Griswold while the others went to church. We brought home some medicine and Gussie is going to take a sweat tonight. JANUARY 21 – MONDAY – Cool, but pleasant. I have worked in the shop today. Gussie has a severe cold. I went to Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. On account of James Maynard leaving town tomorrow, he resigned as Secretary-Treasurer of the school. I was appointed to fill the vacancy. After the meeting, he surrendered over the books and funds to me. I came home and copied over the minutes of the meeting and ordered a dozen catechisms and three cards of tickets for the infant class of E. Goodenough of New York. JANUARY 22 – TUESDAY – Mr. ___and wife called this morning to look at my rooms upstairs. On my way to the shop, I stopped at the Pahquioque Bank and drew from our Sunday School Fund, $25.00, and in the afternoon, paid Abel $24.50 for making drawers for the seats in the Sunday School room. I finished my work in the shop just after dinner. I went to the Depot when the train went out in the PM to see James Maynard in regards to the Sunday School Secretary’s book. Gussie has not been so well today. I went for Dr. Bulkley in the PM and he came in the evening and prescribed for her. I mailed a letter to E. Goodenough ordering some catechisms and tickets for the Infant Class. JANUARY 23 – WEDNESDAY – I sat up all last night to give medicine to Gussie to get her in a perspiration to drive off a severe cold and a fever. She has kept to her bed all day. I did not go to the shop. I went up home for Mother. She came down in the afternoon and did Gussie’s ironing, dressed and cooked a chicken, got tea, and washed the dishes, stayed until evening time and the went to class. Mrs. Baxter came in while we were at tea and was surprised to find Gussie sick. Mother Griswold and fanny have been in during the day and helped also. Father Griswold came in twice. JANUARY 24 – THURSDAY – It commenced snowing in the morning and snowed hard until nearly night when it turned to rain and was raining until 11 o’clock when I retired. I have not been to the shop today, but have stayed home to take care of Gussie. She is better. George called after dinner. My order of Mr. Goodenough for catechisms and Infant Class tickets came by express on the morning train. JANUARY 25 – FRIDAY – Gussie is better today. She got up and prepared breakfast while I shoveled the paths. I went to the shop and had one dozen hats, 6/. Mother baked two loaves of bread for us (Gussie not being able to make it herself) and sent it down just at night by George. He stayed until evening and went with me to drill. We took tea over to Mother Griswold’s. Our Captain, having had orders from the Government to drill his men and look to our arms and equipment and hold ourselves in readiness to march at short notice to fight for our country, the company was better represented than it has been for a long time before. Three new recruits were proposed for membership. Two of them were accepted. Viz., Fred Starr and George Brockett. When I returned from drill, I drew up the minutes of the meeting and retired. JANUARY 26 – SATURDAY – We rose rather late and consequently I was late to the shop. It was nearly noon before I got any work. I got one dozen. Gussie is about the same today. I found her over home when I came. Mother Griswold requested us to stay to tea. We did so and stayed there during the evening. It began to snow about 4 o’clock and abated about 9 o’clock. I swept paths around the house and up home before we came home to retire. JANUARY 27 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. The snow which fell yesterday afternoon and evening lay about 6 inches deep this morning. Gussie is not able to attend church yet. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Luke 12:34. I officiated this noon in my new position of Secretary of the Sabbath School for the first time. Mr. Core preached in the PM from 1st Samuel 28:7-8. Brother Pegg exchanged with him. I stayed at home on the evening with Gussie. JANUARY 28 – MONDAY – Cold last night, a little snow in the morning. I went to the shop, but there being no work, I went up for the papers. The train did not get in until 2 o’clock on account of snow on the track. In the meantime, I had a political discussion and argument with David Pierce at the paper office at Bennett’s store. When the papers came, I went down to the shop and Burr Bradley and myself went up to the church and rented a seat together, No. 31 for 16 dollars. I went into the street in the evening for a beef steak. JANUARY 29 - TUESDAY – It snowed all the forenoon. The sun shone in the PM. I have worked in the shop all day. I attended drill in the evening. JANUARY 30 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant in the morning, but blustering in the PM and evening. I finished one hat in the shop. I went to Brother George Starr’s shop and got a bag of shavings. I wrote a letter to Brother Goodenough in New York, ordering 38 Pictorial Catechisms for presents to Sunday School Scholars. Father Griswold’s folks had company. Brother Scofield and wife, Emily Anderson, Harriet Phillips, etc. We took tea with them, after which I went to class in company with Emily Anderson. We turned our class into a conversation meeting Subject – Faith. JANUARY 31 – THURSDAY – No work in the shop. I came home and painted upstairs. Gussie having gone up home, I went up to tea. I attended Prayer Meeting in the evening.
1861-01-01