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 December 1864 Entry
9pgs
12/01 THURSDAY - Pleasant and mild. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. Henry Ryder's wife was buried today. I brought home a paper box from the shop and after tea I cut it into gun wads with John Cosier's wad cutter. I went to market, but after my return I went up to John Cosier's with his wad cutter and a part of the wads I cut. John Brush not so drunk today. 12/02 FRIDAY - But little sunshine during the day. It began to mist in the evening and at 9 o'clock, it began to rain. John Brush was around the shop all the P.M. again today, drunk as usual. Tried to borrow money of his shop mates to continue his spree but no one would lend him any. After tea, I went up to Mother Griswold's and caught a chicken and put it under a coop that I might find it to kill in the morning. I went to the Union league in the evening. 12/03 SATURDAY - I killed the chicken this morning which I caught up to Father Griswold's last night and shut up in a coop. Cloudy in the morning. Rain in the P.M. I came from work by way of Avery Raymond's and bought a pint of scallops. After supper, I went over to Mr. McDonald's to borrow his well hook to fish up the bucket in my well. Mr. Smith's hired girl broke the rope this morning and in consequence the bucket went to the bottom of the well. Mr. McDonald could not find hid hook, so I went over to Clark Hickok's and borrowed one. I went to market in the evening to buy some meat for Fanny to feed her dog with. It cleared off very pleasant in the evening. The cars did not come in until about 11 o'clock. Christian Quien, 2nd Lieutenant of the 11th Regiment came home on the train, being discharged from the service. 12/04 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm in the morning but grew cold in the P.M. I attended church all day. Brother Hill preached a sermon to the Sunday School children in the morning. Harriet Purdy came to our house after church and stayed to tea. After tea, Father came down to see us and the baby. Miss English (our nurse) went out after tea was over. Christian Quien was to church with his wife I the P.M. I mailed a Harper's Weekly (pictorial) to George in the evening. I came directly home from the Post Office without attending prayer meeting. 12/05 MONDAY - Sunshine and clouds interspersed during the day; appearance of snow. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I received a letter dated November 17th and a St. Augustine's paper, 'The Florida Union' today. In the letter, he acknowledged the receipt of the shirts I sent him on the 4th of November. I answered it by adding to the letter I commenced last evening and mailed it as I went to market this evening. 12/06 - TUESDAY - Cloudy and a little rain at noon, a little broken about sunset. The moon shone a little in the fore part of the evening. John Cosier sent me word last evening to call at his office this morning which I did. He wanted to see me about pork which he expected today. He said also that he received a letter from George last evening. Seeley Kellogg brought me a hind quarter of beef weighing 119 lbs. this noon at 9 one half cents, the bill being $11.30 which I paid. Borrowed Burr Bradley's meat saw and cut it up partly this evening. I expected some money or rather supposed that I could get some from him to pay for my pork. But he will not be able to let me have any. I went to market in the evening and engaged one half bushel of salt at Benedict & Nichols' to put down my pork with. Our neighbor Mr. Miller had a daughter born this morning about 7 o'clock. 12/07 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and foggy all day with some rain. I have had a severe headache this afternoon which obliged me to come home from work sooner than I should otherwise have done. Miss English has been nearly down too with a sick headache. My pork has not yet come as I expected. David Bradley called to see me in the evening. He agreed to mend my gunstock. He also wanted to borrow $10.00 of me. 12/08 THURSDAY - Pleasant and cold. It froze hard just before night. Brought home a hat for Father Griswold which I took from to the shop to make larger. A brush hat which I damaged for a drab (sp) and colored for him. It did not fit, it not being large enough so I shall have to take it back to the shop and stretch it still larger. A little boy __ years old living with his grandmother near the shop and by name Canfield, his father living in Newtown, his mother dead, was run over or against the cars this afternoon and injured his ankle badly. At first it was supposed that his foot would have to be amputated, but finally I believe that it was ascertained that no bones were broken, but the ankle joint considerably injured, though not enough so but what Dr. Bennett thought that it would soon get well and no permanent injury ensue. Before retiring, I cut the sprouts and roots from my large turnips down cellar and put them in a barrel. 12/09 FRIDAY - Pleasant and cold, but not so windy as it was yesterday. I took the hat from Father Griswold with me again today to enlarge it. I borrowed a stretching block of Ira Morse to do it with. When I came home from work, I found Bell at our house. She stayed to tea and I sent a beefsteak to Harriet and one to Father towards paying what I borrowed from them. After tea, I went to Charles White's store to see about buying pork. I stayed downtown until the mail came in and then I came home. Mailed Herald with President's message and a Jeffersonian to George. 12/10 SATURDAY - A hard snow storm last night and this forenoon. The weather moderated towards night and the eaves were dripping at bedtime. The sleighs cut about considerably. It being the first sleighing of the season. After tea and before going to market, John Cosier called to see me about pork. The hog I expected to have of him, he was disappointed in. But he now engages me another to be butchered a week from Monday. On my way home from work tonight, I took with me a letter for Father Griswold from Rochester. 12/11 SUNDAY - Stormy and misty and fine rain. I attended church. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Zachariah 4:6. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon. Sacrament in the P.M. Brother Crawford assisted. Bell's name was read off with others to be taken into full connection at the Sacrament Service but she has not been to church today and consequently was not taken. Father came down to see us after supper just as I had put on my rubber boots to go up there. I did not go but stayed and visited with him. He took home with him a piece of fresh beef to pay for what I had borrowed of him. After he went home, Miss English wrote a letter to her brother Fred N. English and I put up a Harper's Weekly for George and went to the office and mailed both. I did not go to meeting but returned. Gussie wrote to her Essex friend Cornelia Post in the evening. 12/12 MONDAY - It cleared off very cold and windy towards morning. After breakfast, I brought water from Father Griswold's for Miss English to wash with. I stayed at home in the evening and cut up my beef and salted it down. I had one hoop put on my beef ___ which burst off just as I was about to pack the beef in it. I took it over to Baxter's immediately and had one put on. Gave Fanny a steak to take home for her breakfast. While I was at work down cellar, Edith Newman and Harriet Mills came in and spent the evening, Miss English having gone down to the store to trade and also to get a pair of corsets for Gussie. A subscription paper came around the shop today for Widow William Crofut, he having been killed on James Island, South Carolina towards two years ago. He was a member of Company D, 7th Regiment, B.F. Skinner, Captain. I gave 20 cents. I paid Mr. Crofut $5.00 for the hat I sent to Mr. Cole at St. Augustine, Florida. As he paid me $27.00 for my two weeks work, I handed him back $5.00. 12/13 TUESDAY - Pleasant in the morning and in fact, all the forenoon. The weather moderated very fast during the day. Cloudy in the P.M. and a little snow in the evening. John Cosier came to see Harriet Wheeler this morning about some wood just as I was ready to go to the shop and I walked down with him and went to John Rowan's bakery with him and selected a lard barrel to use for pork. I paid John $2.00 for it and he is to deliver it to me when he does his own. Miss English, Gussie and the baby went up to Mother Griswold's about 10 A.M. and spent the day. I went up there to tea. I paid Miss English $8.00 the balance due her up to tomorrow when I intend to discharge her. I went to the Post Office in the evening. Horace Greeley gives a lecture this evening at Concert Hall, subject 'Self Made Men'. 12/14 WEDNESDAY - I awoke and found it snowing hard; it continued all the forenoon. It cleared off after dinner and was pleasant and warm. I left the shop about 2 o'clock and hired Mr. A. Judd's horse and sleigh and got Bell to come and stay with Gussie and then carried Miss English up to home in Pembroke to her sister, Mrs. David Mansfield. Bell wanted to go to class in the evening, so I stayed with Gussie and let her go. I got Father Griswold's hat again and stretched it in the evening. It cost me $1.00 for Mr. Judd's team. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George. Bell carried it to the Post Office in the evening. 12/15 THURSDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy in the P.M. and the evening with the appearance of snow. Before going to the shop this morning, I took down the small bedstead in the bedroom and put up in the room upstairs and move our larger bed from the parlor into the bedroom again Bell assisted me. It is her first day with us. I worked as long as I could. Bought a dollar's worth of sugar and took a letter from the Post Office from George in which he gave an account of how they kept Thanksgiving in St. Augustine. I got the letter as I came home from work at night. I found Cousin Frank Boughton at our house; she stayed to tea. After tea, I answered George's letter and mailed it when I went into the street. News this P.M. by telegraph that General Sherman has taken Savannah. I did not wait for the mail in the evening as a dispatch had come in that the N. Y. train had run off the track at 85th Street and thereby our train might be detained until midnight or even later. 12/16 FRIDAY - The papers today give no definite news regarding the taking of Savannah, though it is thought that this time it is dome. It was towards midnight that last night's train came in. The day has been lowry with occasionally a little snow, particularly this evening. Monty Bailey from the 17th Regiment was in the ship this morning to see his half-brother, Edward Smith, who is an apprentice. John Cosier called at the shop in the P.M. to see if I had sold the half of a hog which I had told him I would try to do for him. I had not done so and he was glad of it for he had found a customer for it. On my way home from work, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to see if the editor B. Frank Ashley wanted a communication from George for the next week's paper. I was pretty tired after tea, and did not go into the street but split some wood fine (for kindling) in the woodhouse and brought it in the house. Fanny saw Dr. Buckley today about the baby who has a cold and Gussie who has been troubled with a stiff neck and pain running from it into her shoulder. Rather rheumatic in its symptoms. 12/17 SATURDAY - Cloudy, warm, and foggy. The sun shone a little just at night and the stars early in the evening, but they were soon concealed by the fog. Bell went up home this afternoon for a little while. Miss English called to see Gussie and the baby while Bell was up home. Before going to the shop this morning, I killed 3 chickens for Mother Griswold. She picked and dressed them and just before night brought two of them down and gave them to us. After tea, I went to the Post Office. The news of General Thomas' victory over the rebel General Hood near Nashville was confirmed in the evening papers. The morning papers gave rebel accounts of the capture of Savannah by our troops under Sherman. Stephen Holmes who wronged so many out of money and then ran off came home on the train this evening. 12/18 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. The snow has melted very fast today. I had the headache last night and today but I have felt better towards night. Dr. Harris, from New York I believe, preached for us all day in behalf of the missionary cause. His text in the morning was from Mark 16: 11-16. The service, including a collection at the close of the sermon was held until about 12 one half o'clock and consequently the Sunday School service was short. A collection was taken in the school for the deaf and dumb; between 7 and 8 dollars was taken. I went to the Congregational Church in the P.M. Father came down to see us after tea. I gave him 25 cents towards sawing wood for Harriet. I did not go to meeting in the evening. I sent a Harper's Weekly to the Office to be sent to George. Before retiring, I finished extracting for George's last letter for the Jeffersonian. Just before evening meeting time, Burr Bradley and wife called to see us. They wen t church when it was time. 12/19 MONDAY - Stormy a great part of the forenoon (rain), the snow wasting very fast. On my way to the shop in the morning, I left a letter from George at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. Victor W. Benedict, our foreman, who went to New York on Saturday, came home on the morning train. I spoke to John Sheather, the bookkeeper, about having $60.00 advanced to me with which to pay for my pork. I saw Mr. Crofut about it this evening and he said I could have in tomorrow. On my way home from work this evening, I bought a pair of rubbers for Bell towards what I shall pay her for helping Gussie take care of baby and do the work. They cost $1.25. Jesse D. Stevens was shopped at the Pahquioque today and took the bench next to mine on the left. Olsen Smith has bought out the newspaper business from Cowan and Swift and commenced operations in Swift's old stand in the Post Office. Just at night, a light streak appeared in the North and Northwest and in the evening, the stars shone. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. 12 /20 TUESDAY - Pleasant and Cold; it has thawed but little. We were turned out early this morning by the breaking of the bedstead. Mr. Crofut gave me the $60.00 today which he promised to advance to me yesterday. I came home at night by way of John Cosier's office to see if my pork came and if so to pay him for it. But it did not come. I expect it tomorrow without fail. I was very tired when I came home from work and took a nap after tea. I stayed at home and Bell wen to the Post Office in the evening. 12/21 WEDNESDAY - Stormy and snow. On my way home from work, I called at John Cosier's office to see if my pork had come. It had and I paid him for it. 303 lbs., 18 cents per pound, $54.54. I got the Jeffersonian and Father Griswold's mail and came home. I spent the evening in cutting up and packing my pork. Cosier brought the barrel (which he bought for me at Rowan's) at the same time with the pork. I finally concluded to pack the pork in my old barrel as I found it would hold it and use the new large one to pickle my hams in. It was 11 o'clock when I got through and retired. 12/22 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cold. I stayed at home and put my hams in brine, helped by the lard and prepared the sausage meat and took 6 and a half lbs. with 16 ounces for Mother Griswold down to Benedict and Nichols' market and got it ground. I paid one half cent per pound for the use of the machine. As I went down just before night to speak for the use of the machine, I took from the Office two letters from George. One was written Dec. 8th; the other Dec. 11th. There were two Cartes de Visite in each letter. They were friends of George. He sent them home for preservation. One was of his old Wardmaster Baker of ___ Hospital in Washington, D. C., Saul Barnum, a boy by the name of Wood or Wool, and a corporal I did not know. Father Griswold started for Canton this morning to see his brother Chauncey. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking called to see us about noon. They stayed but for a few minutes. 12/23 FRIDAY - The coldest morning thus far of the season. On my way to work this morning, I mailed the Jeffersonian to George. Gussie walked into the street and back this afternoon to do some shopping. Mr.Cocking was intending to take her down with his horse and sleigh, but the weather having moderated considerably and he being a little late, she started on foot. He finally came and was sorry that she walked. She bought some toys for Josie Wheeler and our baby and an apron for a Christmas present to Bell. On my way home from work, I overtook Father and I brought home with me and gave him a spare rib and some pieces to fry from my pork. After tea, I sent Bell over to Aunt Louise with some meat, the same as I gave Father. While she was gone I finished my letter to George and sent to the Office by her as soon as she returned from Aunt's. 12/24 SATURDAY - A little snow last night. Pleasant today. I worked late in the shop as usual. Jesse D. Stevens cut my hair before I left the shop. Gussie and the baby went up home this P.M., while Bell went up to her home a little while. Mary Whalen of Brooklyn came to Father Griswold's by the morning train to spend Christmas. Bell brought down a dozen eggs to bring some to tea for Mother. I bought them of her and she took the money and bought tea with it in the evening. Louise went to the store in the evening. They came home about 10 o'clock in company with Harriet and Fanny and Miss Whalen after having been to the Christmas Auctions at the 2nd Congregational Church in West Street. They brought home a handkerchief for Gussie to give to Bell for a Christmas present with the apron Gussie bought for her. They were given to her before retiring. Mary Anne Newman was married this morning to Mr. Ezra Barlow. 12/25 SUNDAY - Christmas day. Pleasant. I started early for meeting and borrowed David Cosier's horse and sleigh and went up for Mother and brought her to church. We took Harriet also. At 10 o'clock, after she had attended class, I took her home again with the same team. His son George went and drove both times. Gussie went to church in the afternoon for the first time since her confinement. Brother Hill preached from Luke 2:11 in the A.M. and from 1st Timothy 3:16 in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie and Mrs. Curtis went over to see Mrs. Miller's baby. Frank Boughton and Emma called also after tea. Bell and I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Mailed a Harper's Weekly to George. Mrs. Stephen Holmes was to church today for the first time since her husband's rascally transactions. She looked as if she had passed through the grave (if such a thing was possible). 12/26 MONDAY - Foggy; misty and a little rain. The snow has wasted very fast. Today being pay day, drew $7.00 and left to credit (towards the $60.00 I borrowed of Mr. Crofut to pay for my pork $25.00) leaving my indebtedness on the amount $35.00. After tea, Fanny came down and said that they had just received a dispatch from Canton that Uncle Chauncey was dead and would be buried on Wednesday. Gussie and I went up in the evening to talk about going to the funeral. Neither of us can go. Father Griswold is away. He went up to see Uncle last Thursday. He found him very low. He stayed with him until Friday, I believe when he was compelled to be at his appointment on his district. 12/27 TUESDAY - Foggy, misty, warm with little rain. The sleighing is used up. Eliza Mallett died this forenoon at 10 o'clock with diphtheria and typhoid fever. She had long dome millinery business for Mother in this place. The dispatch was received last night of the death of Uncle Chauncey. I sent by Mr. Swift on the morning train to intercept Father Griswold at Norwalk and give to him in order that he could go on to Canton and attend the funeral instead of coming home. Mr. Swift did the errand and Father Griswold went to Canton, we suppose. I have had rheumatism in the left breast this P.M and evening. Mother Griswold is sick. We fear the dysentery. I went for Dr. Buckley in the evening. Before going, I rubbed my spare ribs with salt and pepper to keep them as the weather is bad to keep them. 12/28 WEDNESDAY - Still lowery and warm. I carried my molasses jug to Parmalee & Bradley's as I went to the shop and ordered a gallon sent home. I had rheumatism in my breast again this forenoon after I got to work. We had but one dozen hats today. It being but a half day's work, I ate my dinner at the shop however as I had it with me and then started for home. On the way, I found David Bradley and went with him to Ely's Carpenter's shop for a piece of black walnut and some glue to mend Mr. McDonald's gun stock which I broke. I called also at Holly's hat shop, where father works to tell him of the change I made about the Jeffersonian. We are to get it hereafter of the publisher instead of the news dealer. Before going home, I went to the Office and got Father Griswold's and my own paper. I mailed one to George in the evening. David Bradley helped me mend my gun in the afternoon. At the supper table, I was taken with a strange feeling, being faint. I could eat no supper. Gussie went to the Sewing Society at Mary Moutry's in the evening. Bell went to class and I took care of Baby. I subscribed for the Jeffersonian for Father for 6 months, to be paid with money from George. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. Fred Shears, a boy 15 years old, a clerk in the Post Office was today arrested for breaking open letters and taking money out. For a long time suspicions had rested on the operations of this Office. Letters with money enclosed have been safely traced to this Office but were never received. Also, letters with money have been mailed here but never got to their destinations. A detective has been watching this Office for some time and today caught Fred in the act or rather traced a letter to him and he owned it together with 4 or 5 others. 12/29 THURSDAY - It rained hard during the night. Cloudy this morning with a north wind and cooler. The clouds were broken at times and at one time, a snow squall. Just before sundown, it shone a few minutes on the hills. The evening has been perfectly clear and pleasant and growing cold. When I came home from work, I found Mother at our house. Charles Starr brought her down in the morning. I got McDonald's horse and carriage and took her home after tea. Bell went up and back again with me. After I returned and took care of the team, I went into the street with Gussie. She went to the milliners with her hat and to Reed's Shoe Store and bought a pair of shoes. I took my old shot pouch down to Charles Hull's to get John Cable to put a spring in it. 12/30 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Snow squalls during the day and pleasant again in the evening. Gussie went up to Mrs. McNeil's to get some dressmaking doe in the P.M. I was very tired and did not go out in the evening. Bell went down to the Post Office when the mail arrived. I spent the evening in drawing up anew the Lemarian's book (my own), the Teachers and Scholars. David Bradley came and took away my gun to repair it for me. 12/31 SATURDAY - Stormy, snow. Limited work in the shop, though the stint is about all I can do. I have been about sick for 4 days past with a cold and rheumatism in my breast. Felt better this afternoon and I worked easier. Bell went up home this P.M. She tried to get Alfred Gregory's horse and sleigh but he would not let her have it. She did wrong to ask him without consulting with us about it. After tea, I went to the Post Office and mailed 4 letters for Harriet which Bell brought down from home. I bought me a new diary for 1865 and an album picture of a child at prayer as a New Year's present for Gussie. The cars were late coming in. After the mail was opened, I went home with David Bradley and got my gun which he has been repairing for me. I paid him 50 cents for the job.
1864-12
Horace Purdy Journal March 1867 Entry
16gs
MAR 01 FRIDAY - Lowery with fine rain. As I came home from work, I left the 'Sentence of Christ' at the Jeffersonian Office for publication. I then called at D. B. Booth's office to look at the state register for the residence of Dr. Henry Stearns, formerly surgeon of the 1st Connecticut Volunteers. Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr's this P.M., from there to Emily Anderson's, where she stayed to tea. Frank Bouton came this way to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society. John came in soon after and we went into the street together. He returned with me and stayed until the women came from the Sewing Society. Wrote to Dr. Stearns to find when and where I could have an interview with him relative to a pension for hernia received in the army. MAR 02 SATURDAY - A little sunshine during the day. Warm and muddy. We had work in the shop until noon. Received a letter from George. Before coming home, I went to D. B. Booth's office to see if George's name was still on the list so that he can vote; I found that it was. I went to D. W. Benedict's and brought home 3 pairs of rubbers from which to have Gussie select a pair. One pair was not mates, though nearly alike. These she concluded to take as they would cost only 75 cents where the others were $1.25. I returned them before night and tried to get another pair of odd ones for the same price for Mrs. Stone, but could not. I called at the Selectman's Office and paid Mr. S. Peck my taxes which were $18.05. By paying now I had 3 % deducted, making the amount which I paid, $17.52. I went to the Post Office in the evening, came home and commenced a reply to George's letter. It cleared off in the evening and grew colder. MAR 03 SUNDAY - The ground was frozen hard this morning. The sun shone until towards night when it clouded over and now looks like storm. Gussie attended church in the morning. She came home and I went down to Sunday School at noon. I was busy at the Library until after 2 o'clock. It was so late that I came home without going into church. We expected Bell would come here to tea, but she did not. After tea, Father came down to see us. Susan Brayman came in also. Before Father went home, I cut his hair for him a little. It looked so badly that I would not let him go longer looking so. I do not feel so well this evening, so I let Gussie attend church and I stayed home. Before Gussie went, I finished a letter to George and sent it by her to the Post Office. MAR 04 MONDAY - The ground this morning was covered with snow about 3 inches deep and a fine rain was falling. It remained misty with increasingly a little snow through the day. I have worked all day in the shop, though I have felt about sick, my head and stomach feeling badly. I ate only a mouthful of my dinner and felt better for not eating. As I came from work, I took from the Office two letters, one from George with $5.00 enclosed for Mr. Harris towards the $38.00 for his account, and one from Dr. Henry P. Stearns, formerly surgeon of our regiment in reply to one written to him as to where and when I could find him to see him about a certificate for me regarding hernia which I received while in the service. I am obliged to get one and forward the same to Washington in order to get a pension. I am thinking about going to Hartford to see him about it. His residence is at 196 Main Street. After tea, I wrote to George acknowledging receipt of $5.00 for Harris. I went into the street in the evening to see the agent of the Merchants' Union Express for George's washing in a traveling bag from New York. I added to the letter what it would cost and mailed it. I left my watch at S. G. Bailey's for cleaning. I called at O.H. Swift's and bought a pass book for my use at work at the shop and a top for Georgie. I then walked up West Street with Swift. MAR 05 THURSDAY - Pleasant but cooler. I worked as usual in the shop. I had but little appetite at noon and ate but little. I worked hard and was very tired at night. Bell came in while we were at tea and wanted me to go up home and pull a tooth for Mother but I was too tired to go into the street and up there too. I went to the Post Office and got a letter from Father Griswold mailed from West Granby saying that he would be in Hartford at the Trumbull House on Friday next instead of Saturday as he told me before he left home. Before retiring, I wrote a reply to him. John Stone told me this evening that Bird (Henry Blair's dog) had been shot. Before retiring, I wrote to Henry Blair, telling him what I heard. MAR 06 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. While waiting for a block this forenoon, I went up to Mr. Barnum's office to see about me going to Hartford to see Dr. Stearns about my getting a certificate of disability to enable me to get a pension but found his office closed. As I came from work this evening, I took a note from the office from Louise Blair saying that Bird was dead. While at tea, Miss English, our old nurse came in for a call. Bell soon came in also to stay all night. Gussie went with Harriet and her mother to hear Anna D. Dickenson lecture, while I went over to Mrs. Blair's to see Bird and do some marketing in the street. I stopped at Mr. Swift's store and when he shut up, I walked up with him. Mr. Crofut is having the roof of his drying room raised up to make another story. Robert Cocking paid me his February rent today - $3.00. MAR 07 THURDAY - A little snow this morning and through the day. I came home from work with a headache. A letter from George this evening. George Hawley, P T. Barnum and Judge Pitkin from New Orleans speak this evening at Concert Hall, the first meeting of the campaign. I now hear the band sweetly playing to escort the speakers from the Wooster House to Concert Hall. I am too sick to attend. Gussie has gone into the street. Before retiring, I went over to see Mr. Pond about stopping in New Haven (as I go to Hartford tomorrow) to get his watch. Amos Purdy, who I engaged this morning to bury Bird, tried but the ground was frozen too hard and he was obliged to defer it until the frost should get out more. Bell has been down today, but went home again this evening. MAR 08 FRIDAY - My head and stomach feel badly still though better than yesterday. We rose early so that I could take the train to Hartford. I took the accommodation to New Haven where I stopped and got Mr. Pond's gold watch at Benjamin's Jewelry Store near the depot. I waited half an hour and took the express to Hartford where I arrived at 12:30 o'clock. Father Griswold was on the platform waiting for me. We went together to my old Regimental surgeon, Dr. Henry P. Stearns, at 196 Main Street. I, not telling him of my hernia at the time, it occurred on July 2nd, 1861 at Fall's Church, Virginia. He of course had not personal knowledge of the case to warrant him in giving a certificate that would be of any good to me. I therefore failed to accomplish what I went for. I was not, however, surprised at the result. It was exactly what I expected for he lacked the positive knowledge required. I went with Father Griswold to the Trumbull House to dinner. John Parker, proprietor, is an old family friend of Father Griswold's. I took the steamer, 'City of Hartford' at 2 P.M. for New York. We got out of the river at Saybrook between 9 and 10 o'clock at night. MAR 09 SATURDAY - I was awakened at a quarter before four this morning by the steamer arriving at Peck Slip, East River, New York. I turned out from my berth and after making my toilet, I waited nearly an hour for daylight when I went to Fulton Market and got my breakfast after which I went over to Brooklyn to George's boarding place, 115 Myrtle Avenue and found him still in bed. His landlord, Mr. Peter Haver, invited me in and then called George saying that a gentleman wished to see him. He was greatly surprised to see me. After breakfast, we walked to his shop and then to Fort Greene. He concluded not to go to work, so we returned to his boarding place. He changed his clothes and we went over to New York. We went to the Great American Tea Company, where I gave in my club order of $37.00, made arrangements for its shipment today, and then we called on Henry Blair at 327 Broadway. I told him about the death of Bird, had a little pleasant conversation and then we called at the Merchant's Union Express Office at 180 Broadway, to see about the tea and carpet bag (which George left there last evening.) being forwarded today. We then returned to Brooklyn and called on Louise at 380 State Street. From there, we went to George's boarding place to dinner. In the afternoon, we tried to find some soda ash, but could not. We crossed at the Catherine Street ferry and went to Pier 37 at the foot of Market Street, New York, where we met Henry Blair who was coming to Danbury also. George stayed at the boat with us until it left at 2 P.M. I lent him a dollar before we left which he promises to pay next Saturday. We arrived at Norwalk a little after 5 o'clock. Arrived in Danbury about 8 o'clock where Gussie met me at the depot. My box of tea from the Great American Tea Company and the bag from George was on the train with me by Merchant's Union Express. I took the bag with me leaving the box to be sent up on Monday. We walked around home with Henry Blair to see Bird as he lay dead in his house. When we got home we went over to Mr. Pond's to carry Mr. Pond's watch which I got in New Haven. MAR 10 SUNDAY - Stormy, rain. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon, after which I came home as I felt tired. After tea, Gussie and I went up home to see Georgie, Bell having taken him up home with her yesterday. I took the bag of dirty clothes of George which I brought home with me last night up home to have Mother wash and mend them. We stayed until dark and then came home. It has rained more towards night and this evening than it did earlier in the day. We stayed at home in the evening and retired early. MARCH 11 MONDAY - Pleasant. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. As I went to work this morning, I called at the Merchant's Union Express office to pay for the box of tea from the Great American Tea Company, but the agent was not in and I called again as I came home from work at night and paid for it with the bag of clothes from George sent home for washing. I opened the box of tea and coffee before tea. I attended the Sunday School Business meeting in the evening. L. S. Barnum speaks this evening at Concert hall in opposition to P.T. Barnum a candidate for congressman from this district. After returning from Teachers' Meeting, I carried Amos Purdy's tea over to him and the tea and coffee to O.H. Swift which he ordered. Before retiring, I entered the minutes of the Teachers' meeting in the Sunday School records. Susan Brayman was over this evening and I sold her 1 lb. of bulk tea. MAR 12 TUESDAY - Stormy; a little snow in the morning and fine rain most of the time during the day. As I went to work in the morning, I carried Edward Ambler's tea to him which he sent for by me to the Great American Tea Company. There has been considerable excitement today over L. S. Barnum's speech in opposition to P. T. Barnum last evening. The makers today have struck for their old wages. Mr. Crofut says that he will not give it. As I went to work this morning, I called into Mr. Swift's store and he paid a part of his bill for tea and coffee and the balance this evening. After tea, I went into the street and carried George's bag of clothes to the Express Office to send to him and mailed a letter to him with a note enclosed to the New York express agent from our agent arranging for carrying his bag for 25 cents. I carried Robert Dunning's tea over to him this morning. Before retiring we put John's picture and our marriage certificate each in a shell frame. MAR 13 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy all day. I have worked as usual in the shop. As I came from work, Istook from the Post Office another receipted bill for tea and coffee from the Great American Tea Company, sent doubtless by mistake as they gave me one when I bought the tea and coffee last Saturday. I now have two. 11 o'clock P.M. - Gussie has had this evening a carpet bag bee. The party has just left. They sewed about 23 lbs. of rags. We had loaf cakes with doughnuts and apples for refreshments. We had a good time. The party was as follows: John Bouton and wife, William Warren and wife, Henry Miller and wife, and Daniel Starr and his wife, Carrie Hoyt and Sarah Francis, Mrs. Nickerson and daughter, Libbie, Eliza Hill, Lottie Keeler, Mrs. George Davis, Mother Griswold, Fannie, Harriet and Louise. Father Griswold came down and stayed awhile in the evening, but went home again before refreshments were served. MAR 14 THURSDAY - Colder, cloudy in the forenoon. The sun shone pleasantly this P.M. and melted what it froze this morning. It froze up again by dark. A shop call today to raise our prices. Mr. Crofut being in New York, the matter was postponed until tomorrow when he is expected home. Bell came home with Georgie today and stayed awhile into the evening until I could go into the street and return, Gussie having gone with Susan Brayman up to Mrs. Cole's before I came home from work. When I returned in the evening from the street, Bell went up home. I weighed out a pound of coffee for her to take to Nellie Freeland, she wanting to buy some from me. I took my small spring balance with me into the street and traded with Charles Hull for a pair of steel yards. Upon trial, I found them incorrect. MAR 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant; as I went to work this morning, I took back to Charles Hull's the steel yards I got there last evening. We raised our bill of prices at the shop today 2% on a dozen, only half the reduction made on the 28th of last December. A grand Republican rally at Concert Hall this evening. Judge Culver and ____ spoke. A boy named McDermott was today carried by a belt over the main shaft and both legs broken at Tweedy' Forming Factory. MAR 16 SATURDAY - Bell stayed with us last night. It commenced snowing this P.M. and it still continues (it is now 9 o'clock in the evening). I have worked hard all day in the shop. A democratic political meeting is being held this evening at Concert Hall. MAR 17 SUNDAY - It has snowed all day, clearing off between sundown and dark. Mr. Pond with Frank Fanning (and a boy with Frank), George Davis and myself, drew our snow plow out to West Street, up Father Griswold's lane and in Fanning and Davis' yards before breakfast. I swept out the paths in my yard again when it cleared off this evening. I went down at noon to Sunday School which was very small and returned home again when it was over. Except for me going to Sunday School, we have both stayed home all day and made a rest day of it. Father came down after tea to tell us that Mother came near dying last night. It was her old trouble in her chest with an accumulation of phlegm, which came near strangling her. Father said that for two or three hours, she struggled so for breath that he thought she would die. She being better now and the snow so deep, I have concluded not to go up this evening. MAR 18 MONDAY - Pleasant, but cool. Mrs. Stone washed for us today and Gussie engaged her for Wednesday for Mother as she is not able to do her washing this week. She is still in bed from the severe attack on Saturday night. I worked as usual in the shop. Susan Brayman came over after tea and paid for the lb. of black tea she bought of me and then went into the street with Gussie. Louise stayed with Georgie in the evening to let me go into the street to carry a lb. of coffee to Oscar Serine. I called at the Republican Club Room a few moments and then went up home to see Mother and take letter to her from George which came this evening. MAR 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. As I went to work this morning, I returned one of the pairs of shoes which Gussie brought home last evening to fit a pair to Georgie. I also took from the Office a letter from George which was not put in my box last evening., Dr. Brown having withheld it for the few minutes I was at the Office to read what was on the envelope and to make out who it was for, George having wrote the face over with some rhyme in which was the address, the rhyme being about our Connecticut Gubernatorial Campaign, naming George Hawley and P.T. Barnum our nominees for Congress. The sentiment evidently not suiting some New York Post Office officials as on the opposite side of the envelope was written in pencil ' 'Oh gas! You are a da-n fool. You lie'. Enclosed was a letter for Harriet, also the dollar he borrowed of me when I was in New York. In the evening, Gussie had another rag bee. Mrs. Amos Purdy and daughters, Sarah and Lucy, Mrs. Coles and daughter Sarah, Mrs. Short, Mrs. Stone and daughter Matilda, Clarissa Smith, Susan Brayman. Mr. Coles and son Paul came in late for Mrs. Coles and Sarah. They came just in time for refreshments. We had loaf cake, crullers, green and black tea and apples. After tea, I finished my letter to George and mailed it. MAR 20 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Mrs. Coles came down again today to help Gussie sew carpet rags. As Gussie was going to the Sewing Society, she took the rags over to Susan Brahman's and spent the P. M. there and sewed rags. Father Griswold having two tickets sent to him to hear George William Curtis (ed. note lecturer, editor of Harper's Weekly, one of the founders of the Republican Party) lecture and none of them being able to attend, Gussie and Louise took them and went. Mother Griswold offered one ticket to me but I was too tired to go, so I let Gussie go in my stead. MAR 21 THURSDAY - Stormy; snow which melted about as fast as it came. My work at the shop only lasted until noon. After dinner, I took Mother Griswold's chopping knife over to Benedict's factory and rounded the edge by taking off the corners. The remainder of the P.M, I spent in Mr. Pond's barn helping Oscar Serine get out material for a grape arbor and make some lattice work. I mended a flour sifter also for Gussie to give to Harriet. After tea, I went over to see Henry Blair who is quite sick. From there, I went into the street and paid for a half lb. of smelt - 33cents - which they brought to us yesterday (Avery Raymond). I saw the band with their new instruments which they played from the depot to Concert Hall for William H. Burleigh of New York who spoke on the issues of the day for the Republican Party. I heard him about five minutes and then came out and went over to Randell & Bradley's and engaged a kit of mackerel to be brought up tomorrow and then came home, after which I went over to Mr. Pond's to set my watch by his in order to regulate it. I then went to the barn and finished repairing the flour sifter. MAR 22 FRIDAY - Cloudy and windy. It was frozen in the morning, but thawed during the day. The moon shone at times through the clouds in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. I came from work by way of the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I also got the Sunday School papers at the news office. After tea, John Bouton came over with his wife to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society at Widow Thomas Barnum's. Mother Griswold stayed with Georgie to let John and I go into the street. I went to Randell & Bradley's and paid $3.25 for the kit of mackerel they brought me today. I also called at D. B. Booth's office to see if the $100 bounty for George had come. After the arrival of the mail John and myself walked up together. He stayed with me until the women came from the Sewing Society. In the meantime, he read off the names for me to write on the Sunday School papers. MAR 23 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. As I went, I carried a pumpkin down to the Post Office for Joseph Kyle. He was to get it from there. I came home leaving Gussie to do some trading and I went up home to see Mother who has been sick. I carried some rotten specked apples up to them and a letter to Harriet which came enclosed in one to me from George. I stayed until 10 o'clock. MAR 24 SUNDAY - Cloudy; warm and very muddy. I went down to church in the morning with the Sunday School papers and arranged them with the lot which came the week before for distribtion this noon. I then went to the barber's and got shaved. Homer Peters and I came home in time to let Gussie go to church. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School and stayed to the prayer meeting in the afternoon. After tea, Gussie went up on Deer Hill to see Mother. I wrote to George and enclosed samples of muslin to aid him in buying some for shirting. I also wrote to the Book Room ordering another copy of the Sunday School Journal. I went over to Mr. Pond's to get 50 cents changed that I might enclose 35 cents for the paper and stayed and talked until nearly meeting time. Gussie returned just in time to let me go to evening meeting which I did mailing as I went the two letters I wrote. Missionary Collection in church today. MAR 25 MONDAY - I woke and found it raining this morning. It soon stopped and rained no more during the day, but remained cloudy. Mrs. Stone washed for us. I worked as usual in the shop. I had pearl cassimeres weighed out for the first time. The Board of Registration met today and a large number were made freedmen. They meet again on Wednesday. While we were at tea, Frank Bouton came in to go with Gussie to the Sewing Society at George Starr's. After they were gone, I went over to see Henry Blair a few minutes. From there, I went down to the Post Office and returned home, not wanting to leave Georgie longer alone in the house. A Democratic meeting at Concert Hall this evening. Babcock from New Haven was expected, but did not come. John Bouton called about 9 o'clock and waited for the women to return from the Sewing Society. MARCH 26 TUESDAY - Pleasant. As I went to the shop this morning, I went by way of George Starr's and carried a rubber Gussie borrowed there last evening. I also went to S.S. Peck's store and bought 50 cents worth of pulverized sugar for frosting cake and ordered it sent home as Gussie is to make cake today for the oyster supper at the church tomorrow evening. I have worked on pearl cassimeres today, it is very hard work. When I came from work, I brought two cassimere hats each a different style for Mr. Pond to select from as he is to have a new hat. Georgie is quite sick today, a sore throat. He has taken cold, I think, from going out bareheaded and getting his feet wet yesterday. Susan Brayman and Mrs. Short came in while we were at tea to go with Gussie over to Frank Bouton's to a carpet rag bee. As soon as tea was over, they all went leaving me with Georgie. Theodore Tilton speaks tonight in Concert hall ' Subject ' 'Reconstruction'. After the arrival of the mail, Bell came here from the street to stay all night and brought me a letter from George. I sat down and wrote a reply, but shall defer mailing it until tomorrow evening to wait the result of the board of registration to see if his name is taken from the list of voters that I may add to the letter regarding it. MARCH 27 MONDAY - As I went to work this morning, I left word on Dr. Buckley's slate to have him come and see Georgie who is no better. He came about 10:30 o'clock A.M. and pronounced it a severe case of sore throat and not Diphtheria as we feared. Bell, who stayed last night with us, stayed until after breakfast and then went home and returned again just before tea to stay with Georgie to let Gussie and I attend the Oyster Supper at the church, the proceeds of which are to help furnish the new parsonage. I, according to appointment, acted as doorkeeper with John Bouton. We had a good time, it being nearly 12 o'clock when we came home. As I went down to the church early in the evening, I mailed a letter to George with a note to the 'Great American Tea Company' requesting a pound of their best oolong tea if they have any better than what I bought March 9th. George is to get it if he has time. I told George that he was alright and could vote and I enclosed $5.00 for him to come home expecting the Republican Committee will refund to me. I sold the Sewing Society one pound of tea for the Oyster Supper. MARCH 28 THURSDAY - Squally, cloudy, cold (not freezing) but muddy. Bell stayed with us last night. We were limited to one dozen hats in the shop today. I finished mine about the middle of the P.M. Mr. Pond's new hat being trimmed, I took it over to the curling shop and had it curled and brought it home with me. Before tea, I went for Dr. Buckley, we fearing that Georgie had the Diphtheria. He came but said our fears were groundless, there being no symptoms of the dread disease. Just before tea, I took Mr. Pond's hat over to him. He was well pleased with it. I went to the Post Office and to market in the evening. MARCH 29 FRIDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. Joe Kyle's brother-in-law came to the shop today with the brooms the men engaged of Joe. I took a dozen at $4.00. I divided them with Mother Griswold, Mother Purdy and Mr. Pond. Gussie got pay today for the 5 lbs. of coffee I got for Father Griswold in New York on March 9th. Also for a half lb. of tea I sold to the Ladies' Aid Society. Bell came down just at night to stay this evening with Georgie to let Gussie go with me to hear Horace Greeley in Concert hall. She is to stay all night. Just before tea, Freddie Dunning came over to buy a pound of coffee which I promised his father. We attended the lecture as we intended and got home after it about 11 o'clock. MARCH 30 SATURDAY - A beautiful spring day. I took Mr. Pond's hat back with me to the shop this morning to have the trimming reversed, his head being such shaped that the back of the hat put in front fits his head best. George Benjamin and John Morris got into a quarrel today about politics. Loud words and hard names passed between them, but no blows were exchanged. After tea, Gussie and I went to Dr. Buckley's for more medicine for Georgie. We went to market and then to the depot to meet George who came on the evening train to vote next Monday. He went home with Gussie and I. I went to the caucus to nominate representatives to the Legislature. Saul Mallory and Grandison Foot were nominated. After the nominations, the meeting was organized into a club meeting. I then left them and came home where I found George taking tea. He brought me a pound of oolong tea from the Great American Tea Company of a better quality than the last lot I bought. He stayed until nearly 10 o'clock and then went home with Bell who came down about dark and stayed with Georgie while we went into the street. MARCH 31 SUNDAY - Brother George came this way to church this morning and went with Gussie. She returned at noon and I went down to Sunday School. I returned immediately after school to let her return to attend Jennie Humphrey's funeral which was held at the church in place of the P.M. service. As I returned, I went to Charles Stevens and engaged his horse and buggy to for Brother Lockwood in Bethel to sing for us this evening. George went home from Sunday School with William Warren and stayed until 3 P.M. and then came here to tea, after which I went with George Stevens with his father's horse and buggy to Bethel for Benjamin Lockwood to lead our choir this evening, it being Brother Peck's farewell sermon. The house was crowded to overflowing. As soon as he finished his sermon, George Stevens and I went out and went to his father's and harnessed and came to the church as soon as the meeting was closed and took Mr. Lockwood home again. I helped him take care of the horse when we returned. Harriet Purdy sent by George for a half pound of tea. I let her have it for 50 cents.
1867-03