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 September 1864 Entry
10pgs
9/1 Wednesday - I rose and wrote a letter to George before breakfast. I mailed it with a New York Times and went to the Depot to see Charles and Henry Hinman. Louise Jones and Harriet went off on the train, Louise to New York City and Harriet to Stamford. When the train left, I came home to breakfast. I made over the walk from Father Griswold's back door to the barn and the went downtown to the Post Office and got a letter from Charles Parsons with his pictures and a dollar enclosed for the pictures of his brother Phil which I sent to him. We took dinner up to Father Griswold's. After dinner, I went downtown and waited for the freight train in order that I could get some peaches which Parmelee and Bradley effected. They came and I bought one half a crate containing 18 to 20 quarts. The Catholics are having a picnic at Redding today. I wrote an answer to Charles Parsons' letter before tea and while Gussie was away on a walk to the cemetery. Just before retiring, I mailed my letter to Charles Parsons, went to Couch's Picture Gallery to engage him to take Mrs. Davis' boys picture tomorrow. I was at the cars when they came in and Charles and Henry Hinman returned home having been rejected by the surgeon at Bridgeport. Mike Ryan, George Blissard, and John Pollett were rejected also. Mrs. McDonald raised from 5 to 7 cents a quart for milk this morning. Frank Boughton returned the $6.00 I borrowed for her of Alden G. Crosby. 9/2 FRIDAY - No work. Pleasant and warm. After breakfast, I wrote to George about the rejection of the Hinman boys. About 10 o'clock, I borrowed Dr. Buckley's horse and went up for Mother and brought her down to spend the day with us. After dinner, I helped pare and halve peaches for canning. I mailed the letter to George and went to the shop and drew George Davis' money for his wife as he has enlisted in the navy. After tea, I got Parmalee and Bradley's team and carried Mother up home. Gussie and I went with Mrs. Davis to Couch's in the evening to get her pictures to send by James S. Taylor to George on board the North Carolina at the navy yard in Brooklyn. We waited until the cars came to see Mr. Taylor about sending a small parcel to George Davis. James Leuning (sp), William Hickok and others who were accepted yesterday at Bridgeport as volunteers and sent to camp in New Haven came home this evening in uniform on furlough until next Tuesday. As we came home in the evening we found Gussie's cousin, Miss Williams from Kansas up to Mother Griswold's. She came by the evening train. 9/3 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until after 3 o'clock. Gussie finished putting her peaches in cans today. Atlanta has fallen and is now in the hands of General Sherman and his noble army. After the papers came and the news was read, the bells were rung and the cannon fired. Flags were hoisted and there was a rejoicing time generally. After I came home from work, I gathered my beets and put them in the cellar in order to make room for a strawberry bed. Before tea, I killed a chicken over to Mrs. Davis'. She gave it to me. I offered to pay her but she would not take anything. After tea, Gussie and I went to market. The cars being late, she went home and I stayed to wait for the mail. The train came a little after 9 o'clock. The news of the capture of Atlanta was fully confirmed. Just before retiring, Mr. Cocking brought a glass of beer down to me. 9/4 SUNDAY - Cloudy and rain in the P.M. Gussie did not attend church. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Acts 12:12. In the P.M. from John 2:24. I walked home from church with John Cosier under his umbrella. Talked to the Sunday School at noon. I took a nap after tea. No service in our church in the evening on account of a sermon by Starr Hoyt Nichols to the Young Men's Christian Association in the 1st Congregational Church. I went down about 7 o'clock and mailed letters for Mrs. George Davis. 9/5 MONDAY - Stormy. No work in the shop. I had calculated to work in my garden and set out a strawberry bed, but on account of the storm could not. I went down to Charles Hull's Tin Shop and make some pistol bullets. I came near putting out my eyes by wetting the molds to cool them and then before they were dry pouring in the melted lead which splattered and flew into my face blistering my eyelid a little. The first number of the War Record was sent to me for another year which I had not subscribed for on account of not feeling able to do so and not because I did not like the paper. On the contrary, I like it very much. I ordered it sent back to the publishers again. In the afternoon, I went to the shop for my pay for the last two weeks' work. Went to Sanford's Wood Sawing establishment and got a piece of hickory for a ramrod for Mr. McDonald's gun which I am keeping for him. I shaved it down in Robert Sayer's Undertaking Shop and then came home and finished it off which took me all the afternoon. I retired with the sick headache after which Mr. Cocking returned from the Post Office with two letters for me from George. He acknowledged the receipt of the hat and watch which I sent him on the 16th of August. The Letters were written the 16th and 23rd and postmarked August 27th. News by the evening paper of the capture of the rebel [Raider] Georgia, a pirate. 9/6 TUESDAY - Stormy this morning. John Cosier came up for a gallon of vinegar before I got up. I rose with the headache again. My fingers which I cut yesterday with a wire on my umbrella being pretty sore, I concluded not to go to the shop. After breakfast, I copied some extracts from George's two letters for the Jeffersonian and carried them to Ashley. I waited for the mail which was rather late and then came home to dinner. I went over to McDonald's to repair Emaline Williams' trunk lock after dinner. I went into the street and got short iron, nails straps and buckles and just about made over new her trunk by working nearly all afternoon on it. I went to the depot in the evening to meet cousin Lieut. Charles C. Parsons and wife if they should come as we somewhat expect them. But they did not come. Went to the Post Office and while there listened to Rev. Mr. Shepard talk as he has just returned from the front of our army at Petersburg. I walked up home with Mr. Cocking. Brought a letter for Father Griswold from Canton. Stayed up there a short time to visit with Cousin Emaline. The celebrated Guerilla John Morgan who was formerly captured and broke jail has been killed and his staff captured. So says the Evening Post. A letter in the office from Harriet from George which I remailed to her in Stamford where she is visiting. Commenced a letter to George in the evening. 9/7 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work nearly all day in the shop. Before tea, I finished gathering my vegetables on the place where I want to set out strawberry plants. I got my first Jeffersonian from the printing office on my new subscription for one year. In the evening I went to the depot and got a through ticket to Cleveland by the Erie route of Mr. Williams, the ticket agent, for Cousin Emaline Williams who goes tomorrow morning. Fred Vintz cut his foot badly today. 9/8 THURSDAY - Cousin Emaline Williams left on the morning train for Kansas. Had work in the shop until early night. There was a rainbow circle around the sun just after dinner, a thing which I never saw before or heard of either. It was a circle the same as usual, except that it contained all the colors of the rainbow. Brother Woodruff was at Father Griswold's with George Starr when I came home from work. Cloudy in the P.M. I finished my letter to George and mailed it in the evening with a Harper's Weekly and two Jeffersonians. One back number with the piece in it that George wrote of how the 17th Regt. spent the 4th of July at St. Augustine and the last number. I went to the depot to see if Charles Parsons and lady came. From there, I went to the Post Office and then to prayer meeting. Brother Woodruff was there. The evening post gives us news of the French in Mexico being whipped. When I came home, it was clear and cool with prospects of a frost. 9/9 FRIDAY - Rain early this morning. Cloudy during the day a little broken between 3 and 4 o'clock with an occasional ray of sunshine. After I finished my shop work, I came home and spaded garden to put out strawberry plants. I spaded about half the patch and put out two rows of plants. Gussie went up to Mother Purdy's in the P.M. and was late getting home. A balloon was seen (I saw it) between 6 and 7 o'clock this evening in a northeast direction. I went to the Post Office in the evening. and returned as soon as the mail was opened as I was very tired. 9/10 SATURDAY - pleasant and warmer than before since September came in. I had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. On the way home, I bought 4 lbs. of excellent coffee of Parmalee and Bradley, the last he had of the kind, and I was desirous of securing it for fear of not being able to get any more of the kind. As soon as I got home, I went immediately back again to Hull's Tin Shop to have a new bottom put into our tea kettle and a top with a lid on our old fruit can. When I returned, I spaded a little more ground and put out two rows more of the Russel Prolific strawberry plants. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Mary came in. Gussie went with me downtown to market and to the Post Office in the evening. A soldier who lost one hand at Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip at the time General Butler took New Orleans came to the shop today soliciting assistance to go to his home somewhere on the North River. I gave him 25 cents. 9/11 SUNDAY - Stormy. I went with Gussie down to the church and then went to Barnum's Hotel to see what arrangements had been made for the Ridgefield Military Company to get dinner, they being here to bury the remains of Captain White, Company I, 10th Regt. Connecticut Volunteers, as if there were no arrangements made to feed them, I was going to ask our friend Rockwell who is a member of the company home with us to dinner. They were to take dinner at the hotel. Mr. Tweedy not having a load, I went down to Long Ridge with him where the religious part of the service was conducted at the Methodist church by Mr. Clark of Georgetown, a protestant Methodist. He preached an excellent sermon from Job 14:14 'If a man die shall he live again. As soon as the service was over, we drove home as soon as possible not waiting for the procession as it was raining in torrents. The service at the church was at 11 o' clock. We arrive home a little before 2 o'clock. I went to the sacrament in the P.M. Brother Woodruff assisted in administering it. He preached in the morning but I, being at Long Ridge, did not hear him. The procession passed up Main Street just after the services in the church were over. I heard the three volleys fired over the soldier's grave at 3 one half o'clock as I was writing at home. Though his house was on Long Ridge, he was buried in our cemetery. After tea, I took a nap until evening meeting time. The meeting was one of thanksgiving in accordance with President Lincoln's proclamation. The three congregations united in our church. The meeting was one of great interest. Remarks were made by the several clergy with occasional prayers and singing by the choir. Brother Woodruff made the last speech which was a good one after his peculiar style. It brought down the house by way of intense interest and laughter. The exercises were closed by the congregation joining the choir in singing 'The Star Spangled Banner'. 9/12 MONDAY - Cloudy nearly all day. It cleared off in the evening or just before night. I had one dozen cheap hats to finish which I did before noon. Received three packages of old letters by from George by mail. After dinner, I cut off each end of Fanny's flower stand to make it small enough to go in their bay window. I then went over to George Starr's for a board with which to make a work bench for Gussie. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I went to the depot with Bell in the evening to meet Harriet as we expected her form Stamford, but she did not come. 9/13 TUESDAY - Pleasant but a little cool for the season. After breakfast, I took my gun and started for Starr's Plain where I found David Bradley as I expected. We went on Moses Mountain and there and on the way home we spent nearly all day. The game I brought home was as follows: 1 rabbit, 1partridge, 2 pigeons, 2 robins and 2 chipmunks. I was very tired at night. We dressed the game before tea. After tea, I went to the Post Office. Mr. Cocking had a load of wood come today. Charlie, the boy who works for Mr. Lynes with Robert came in the evening and wheeled the wood to the woodhouse and piled it up. 9/14 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warmer than yesterday. I finished digging my strawberry ground as far as I could on account of the tomatoes and put out three rows of Poor House seedlings. I pulled up my squash vines and all the corn stalks that had no corn on them and gave them to McDonald. I then went down to the Post Office and came home to dinner. We had Father and Mother Griswold with us to eat a wild game pot pie. I cleaned my gun before breakfast. It is just one year ago this morning since Eddie died. No, I made a mistake a year ago tomorrow. I was thinking today was the fifteenth. Before tea, I wrote to George and put up a Harper's Pictorial with a Jeffersonian and last weeks' Danbury Times with the historical sketches of St. Augustine in it sent by Montgomery Bailey. I attended class in the evening. Brother Hill led it. After class, I walked up with John Cosier and called to see David Bradley to see how he stood the hunt yesterday and to see if he could go again tomorrow. I stayed about an hour and talked. When I came home Gussie had retired. It clouded up about 6 o'clock and sprinkled a little as it did during the evening. Moses Baxter, who went away to avoid the draft I see is at home today. He doubtless had word sent to him that our quota was filled and that there would be no draft. If the American people were all like him and his father the country would be destroyed before it would be defended. They will not only not fight themselves but will prevent others from doing so if they can and are continually condemning the administration for putting down an armed rebellion by force of arms. 9/15 THURSDAY - Eddie died one year ago this morning at a quarter past three o'clock. I t has been pleasant today. I took up and put in pots Gussie's house plants. Repaired Father Griswold's wheelbarrow. Nailed a strap in Mother Griswold's trunk. It was then noon. After dinner I took my gun and went over to Fish Ware and Mill Plain swamp to hunt for pigeons. I wounded one and could not find him in the swamp and shot at another but the distance was so great I did not kill him. It was dark when I got home. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. 9/16 FRIDAY - I have had work all day in the shop. I came home about sundown and found the house locked and Gussie away. I had a fire and boiled tea before she came. She was up home. I scolded some for coming home and finding the house fastened and no one to get supper when I had worked so hard all day and was tired. Mr. Swift occupies his new store for the first time this evening with his newspapers. I attended the Union League before I came home. 9/17 SATURDAY - Had work in the shop until noon. After dinner, I took my guns and started to find David Bradley according to last evening's agreement and found him in company with Hart Purdy and Robert Raymond in Hull's Orchard near the old Isaac Levine place down the road leading to Fox Pond Hollow. From there, we went over near the old David Ambler farm and down across the flat meadows to the edge of Mill Plain Swamp on Granville Amblers Fish Ware land. We came home by way of Terry's Woods and Oil Mill Pond. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking, who have been staying out to Mr. Lyne's all the week came home in the evening. Mother Griswold and Fanny started for Bloomfield this morning. A Democratic mass meeting in Norwalk this morning. Harriet came home from New York this morning. 9/18 SUNDAY - Gussie's birthday - 28 years old. The sun shone brightly in the forenoon. Fling clouds and wind in the P.M. I attended church all day. Gussie did not. Brother Hill preached. Text in the morning _______. In the P.M. Colossians 1:17, Isaiah 11:2. After Sunday School, I took Thomas Lyons' team and went up for Mother and brought her to church. She walked home. Just as Brother Hill commenced his sermon in the P.M., Aaron Morehouse's wife was taken faint. He was obliged to leave church with her. After tea, I took a nap until nearly evening Meeting time. We both attended. Just before going, Bell and a little Squires' girl who lives just this side came bringing two letters from Harriet to mail. Gussie had news this evening that Marianne Underhill, an old schoolmate and chum of hers at Amenia School was dead with two of her children also with dysentery. She lived near Gaylordsville on the Housatonic River road. 9/19 MONDAY - Pleasant. I had work in the shop until about 3 one half o'clock. David Mills appeared to me in the shop this forenoon. He came from Bethel on the train. He arrived home on Saturday evening. When I finished work, I went to the Depot to see him off. Carrie came up with him and Harriet returned with them. I went to Austin's store and drew $2.50 the same being my traveling expenses to and from Bridgeport to have my name stricken from the rolls. James S. Taylor, the first selectman left the papers and money there to be paid to all such as myself who went down to Bridgeport for that purpose and had their names taken off. Paid to John Cosier the balance of my seat rent for this year. - $3.00 Reverend Mr. Shepherd, the Universalist minister gave a lecture or rather his experience of what he saw on a visit to our army under General Grant in front of Petersburg and Richmond., Va. Gussie attended with me. After his lecture a collection was taken up for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission. Also he presented a book to take one dollar subscription which is to be circulated throughout the country to buy a house for General Grant as a token of the country's appreciation of his service to the country. It was 10 one half o'clock when we arrived home. 9/20 TUESDAY - Had work in the shop until the middle of the P.M. I then came home by way of Burr Bradley's with him and drank some new cider which he had just got. The shop was called in the forenoon to raise the price on the Round Crown or Smith Block. We got 2 cents extra on soft hats and 3 cents on stiff rims. Mr. John Cosier called before tea to engage a gallon of vinegar for Lucius Wildman. I agreed to let him have it. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. I received a letter from George, the first since he was ordered to join his regiment. He is now with them at Picolata. The evening papers state that a heavy but successful battle had been fought by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. Also that rebels in Canada have seized small steamers on Lake Erie. I put down my name to give $1.00 toward buying a house for General Grant. 9/21 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I had work until noon in the shop. I came home to dinner and ate with Mrs. Jesse D. Stevens and her mother. Jesse's wife was spending the day with Gussie. While we were eating dinner, the commenced firing 34 guns in honor of the late victory by General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. The bells were rung also. I went on to Ives Hill after dinner where they were having the salute and went with them to help put up the gun. (Mrs. Lanford who was with us to dinner came in just before dinner having been over to the Sand Hill for some scouring sand). I called at Tweedy Brothers and then came home and got out a piece of hickory for a ramrod in McDonald's gun, the other one which I made being rather small. Between 4 and 5 o'clock, I went out into the street to get my Jeffersonian and met John Cosier who wanted me to go hunting with him a short time over west a short distance which I did. We went over as far as Granville Ambler's land on the edge of Mill Pond Swamp and returned without seeing anything to shoot at. We arrive home after dark. I drank my tea and started for class meeting but so much of the evening was taken up with finding a daily paper to send to George and mailing it together with the Harper's Weekly and Jeffersonian that I did not go but attended the Union League which kept me out until 10 one half o'clock. I sent the daily paper in order that George might read the news of Sheridan's victory at Winchester. Mr. James Fowler brought us but 1 one half lbs. of butter this week instead of two as usual and notified us that he could bring us butter but once more. 9/22 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day. I had work in the shop until noon. I ate my dinner which I had with me and came home by way of Alden G. Crosby's coal office and paid him the $6.00 I had borrowed of him some time ago for Frank Boughton to pay her interest with. When I got home I finished the ramrod to McDonald's gun, it being the second one I made, the first being too small. Wallace Hyatt, one of the boys at the shop, climbed the flagstaff on the shop this morning to put in some new halyards. The flag was then run up and kept flying during the day. After tea, I wrote a letter to George and intended to mail it in the evening, but before mailing it, I concluded to wait for the evening mail to see if another letter came from him and sure enough there was one. While reading it in the post office, there was an alarm of fire. It was a linty (sp) on the rear of Heurie's (sp) Tobacco Store. For a few minutes prior to the arrival of the hose, there was every prospect of a large fire. But the hose soon extinguished the flames. I having just previous to the fire bought some scallops for breakfast, I took them and came home. Before retiring, I answered the letter from George just received and enclosed the letter I wrote before going to market. 9/23 FRIDAY - Cloudy with some mist in the P.M. Had work all day in the shop. I collected money in the shop for powder to fire on the first occasion we have such as a victory or the capture of Richmond. Before breakfast went down and mailed the letter to George which I wrote last night. I attended the Union League in the evening. Came home about 10 one half o'clock. 9/24 SATURDAY - Cloudy and rain between 3 and 4 o'clock P.M. A thunder shower about an hour after. I had work in the shop until after dinner. On my way home I called at Louis Moegling's (sp) dying establishment to see what it would cost to get the field of our flag at the factory dyed as it has become so faded that it is not respectable. I came home and commenced making out a letter for George for publication in the Jeffersonian from his last two letters. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. We did our marketing and she came home while I stayed for the mail. I did a little collecting of money with which to buy powder for salutes in our Union Gun. The new Union Club room was to be opened in the evening, but for some reason was not. Further good news from General Sheridan. He continues to whip the rebel General Early very severely. Upon receipt of the news, bells were rung and the cannon fired. 9/25 SUNDAY - Pleasant and cooler. I attended church all day. Gussie came down to Sunday School and afternoon meeting. Brother Hill exchanged with Mr. Stone the Baptist I the P.M. Mr. Stone preached from Luke 23:42-43. Before and after supper, I finished copying from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. I then finished also the letter I commenced writing to him this morning. I mailed also in the evening with the letter, The Harper's weekly and Friday's Tribune. Also a comic picture of Lincoln, Little Mac, General Grant, Richmond, and Weldon R. Road. There being prospects of frost, we gathered what few dwarf pears there were remaining in the trees, a dozen perhaps. In the letter to George, I requested that he send me a list of the names of those in his Company who are 21 years old but who have not been made freemen, on account of coming of age since entering the army. There are measures being made to get them home to vote for president in November. Just before meeting time, Gussie and I went over to Burr Bradley's and went from there to prayer meeting with him and his wife. We got their card pictures. 9/26 MONDAY - Pleasant. My work in the shop lasted until about 2 one half o'clock. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian and left a letter from George for publication. He thinks it cannot be printed this week as the paper is full of matter for this issue. I bought one pound of shot on my way home to go hunting tomorrow with Burr Bradley. I picked beans before tea to save them from the frost. I got the one half dozen Army and Navy Dictionaries at Swift's News Office in the evening and mailed them to George. At the same time, I wrote a letter with pencil and mailed to him, stating the price of the dictionaries. After which I went to the Union meeting in Concert Hall to organize a Union Campaign Club. I was organized in due form making John Tinely (sp) president. We had speaking from Rev. Mr. Shepard and Chaplain Ambler. Also the song 'Rally Round the Flag, Boys' led by Mr. Jackson. The meeting was well attended and enthusiastic. I carried cartes de visite of Gussie and myself to the shop and gave them to Burr Bradley in exchange for theirs received last night. 9/27 TUESDAY - I rose about 5 o'clock and found it raining hard and with that gave up the idea of hunting with Burr Bradley and went back to bed as I was in no hurry having no work in the shop. I lay half an hour and then got up again, but found it pleasant, the rain being but a little shower passing over. I then hurried as fast as possible about breakfast, but Burr came before it was ready. I ate such as was ready and started with Burr. We went over to Jacob Fry's. He had promised to carry us over to Pine Mountain with his team. He not being ready, we went on and followed the stream from E. Hull's up to Fish Ware looking for ducks. While I was hunting partridge, Burr saw three ducks, but did not get a shot. Mr. Fry overtook us on the Miry Brook road just beyond Fish Ware. We rode up the old Spruce Mountain Road by Thomas Smith's and then hunted around crossing over to Pine Mountain, paying a visit to the U.S. Coast Surveyors. From there we hunted the woods down coming out in the vicinity of Starr's Plain Pond. We then went on the mountain the other side of the road up to Hawley Branson's farm over Moses Mountain across by Charles Starr's wood and home. My game was one partridge, one pigeon, one chipmunk, and a Brown Thrasher. We arrive home at 2 o'clock. At 5 P.M., went down to see the Lincoln and Johnson banner flying to the breeze. Speeches were made by John Tweedy, Silas Ferrel and Mr. H. Francis. Having a severe headache and feeling lame after my tramp, I came home and retired early, feeling quite used up. Harriet Purdy left a letter here for Gussie from Eliza Humphrey in California. Gussie being out with me to the banner raising, she put the letter in at the window beside the casing some way, how we could not imagine. This morning, while Burr Bradley was waiting for me to eat breakfast, Sarah Purdy came in to tell me that George wished her to tell me that the Regiment had received their instrument for a Regimental Brass Band. He wanted me to have it inserted in his letter for the Jeffersonian. 9/28 WEDNESDAY - Had work until noon at the shop. A subscription came to the Copperheads at the shop this morning for a McClellan banner to match and without doubt will excel ours for Lincoln and Johnson. We had the game I shot yesterday for dinner today. A little rain about 2 P.M. It soon stopped and then Burr Bradley as he promised at the shop came along with his gun and we took a little stroll to Oil Mill Pond, Terry's Woods, Fish Ware and Mill Plain Swamp, across to Thomas Lyons, from there across in the rear of the old Captain Fairchild Ambler's estate, up toward Edward Mack's, the old Benjamin Ambler orchard opposite the Levine(sp) place, the across to Charles Starr's woods and home arriving about 6 o'clock with 2 High holes and a chipmunk, which I gave to Burr. I then dressed, took tea, went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and one to send to George, which I immediately mailed with a New York Times of today. I then went to class, had a good meeting, after which I went to the grocery store for some things, to the Post Office, and for the first time visited our Union Club rooms over Harvey's new store, 3rd floor. I put my name down as one of the club. Sat a few minutes and walked up home with John Green and Rev. Mr. Shepard. 9/29 THURSDAY - Stormy in the forenoon, but pleasant in the P.M. I worked all day I the shop. Frank Cornwall's (colored) house on Turner Street fell down over his head this morning about 6 o'clock. It stood on a side hill and fell for want of proper underpinning. I went to hear Henry C. Demming of Hartford speak in Concert hall in the evening upon the issues of the day. He arrived by the cars in the evening and in consequence was late in commencing his speech. I got home at 10 o'clock. Demming was the late colonel of the 12th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. 9/30 FRIDAY - Stormy again in the morning, but some sunshine in the P.M. and pleasant in the evening. I had work all day in the shop. Gussie spent the afternoon up to my fathers. T. H. Bond of New Haven spoke to the Copperheads in Concert Hall in the evening. They made considerable display by escorting their speaker from the cars to the Hall with a band of music. I went to the Union League in the evening. Father Griswold was initiated with a large number of others. Fido was close to his heels all the time.
1864-09
Horace Purdy Journal, August 1862 Entry
6pgs
8/1 Friday. Cousin Roxanna Hall came from [Sodom] to Aunt Louisa's today because of Anna's sickness and will stay over Sunday. Stopped work early because of a hard pain in my chest. Bought a bushel of flour of Mr. Crofut for $8. The evening papers report the iron clads in Mobile is a monstrous lie or is reported to be. I called to see Mr. Sanford who is to procure a place for George. After I saw him which was about 9 o'clock I went up home but he was not there, being at his lodge meeting. I went down there and waited a long time for him. which made it midnight before I retired. 8/2 Not as troubled with pain in my breast and side and was able to work longer in the shop. After tea George came down and I went with him to Mr. Sanford's to talk more about him going to a trade.I then went into the street to get the news and went to the Times office to order Father Griswold's paper discontinued. 8/3 I went to the 9 oclock prayer meeting and Brother Crawford preached from Mathew. William Warren who has enlisted came home from Bridgeport and was in his usual place as Assistant Librarian in the Sunday School. I came home after School to let Gussie attend in the PM. Cousin Mary wanted me to bring Eddy over in the PM and I did so for a while. After tea Cousin Roxana and Mary made us a call. I had a severe headache and stayed home in the evening. 8/ 4 Worked as usual in the shop. Went into the street in the evening and bought a gallon of ale at Mr. Rowan's. The New Haven train broke down and detained our train and it was 9 o'clock before it reached here. The mail which came on it brought a letter from Cousin David Mills, Banks Division, Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Army of Virginia. 8/5 I see by the papers that the President has called for an additional 300,000 troops by drafting. It is causing considerable excitement in this community. I answere Cousin David Mills letter in the evening and commenced one to Charles. 8/6 Limited in our work at the shop. I came home to my dinner. Leiut. Keeler of the 5th connecticut Volunteers called at the shop this forenoon . He spoke at Concert Hall this evening, his object being to get recruits for the 5th regiment. I wrote a letter to E. A. Stanford at Starr's Arms Co., Yonkers for George to see if persons working there were exempt from the draft. I finished one and mailed it to David Mills 8/7 Great excitement about the drafting. Enlistments are going on rapidly. Many are enlisting rather than stand a draft. I went to Dr. Bennett's on my way home from the shop this afternoon and got a certificate of exemption from military duty on account of being ruptured. I mailed a letter to Cousin Charles Mills in the evening. 8/8 A warm day thought by many to be the warmest of the season thus far. Joseph Young walked up with me from the shop and stopped at my home. I gave him some ripe apples (Harriet) and then we went through Father Griswold's new house then he went over to Granville Amblers to see his lady I suppose, Mary Prior. I then started up home for tea where Gussie was but I met her coming home with George drawing the baby for her. I returned home for tea and after, walked down to the Post Office with George. 8/9 I came home to dinner. Went to market in the evening 8/10 Went to prayer meeting a 9 o'clock then came home to take care of Eddy while Gussie went up home with some white flowers with which to lay out John Freeland's little boy who died at 5 o'clock this morning. Gussie returned home at noon and I went to the communion service in the PM. Brother Hare was there and assisted Brother Crawford. After tea we went up home and Gussie attended the funeral with Mother. We brought home a small pail of milk and did not go to meeting in the evening. John Boughton and Frank called in the evening. He is going to war with Capt. Moore's company. 8/11 Worked as usual in the shop. News in the papers today of a hard battle fought near Culpeper Courthouse between Gen. Pope and the rebel Stonewall Jackson. The Colonel of the 5th Connecticut and his major were wounded and taken prisoners. Lieut. Col. Stone was killed or hurt. We will have more particulars tomorrow afternoon. I went to the Teachers meeting in the evening and we voted to have a picnic on the 20th in the Orchard just back of the church. 8/12 Went to the shop but did not feel like work because of a bad diarrhea. Was up several times during the night. I bought a new flower pot and carried it up to John Pollitt's to have a Fuschia transplanted into it. From there I went to the street and the picture rooms (Rittons) where George was having a picture taken for the [Nereka] Lodge of which he is a member. He went home with me to dinner. I went to the depot to see him off on the freight train. Mother, Bell and Gussie with Eddy went as far as Bethel with him where he also stopped to see friends and took the other train to join his squad. He went off in good spirits. I took tea with Father Griswold. I went to the depot in the evening to meet Gussie, Eddy, Mother and Bell. I received a letter in the morning mail from Mr. Sanford at Yonkers in answer to the one I wrote in reference to drafting workmen at Starr Arms Co. It was too late for George and even if it came sooner it would have made no difference. George had made up his mind to enlist. 8/13 I went to the shop but before I took off my coat, Theodore Fowler, Joseph Young and Daniel Manley wished me to got with them to Dr. Bennett's to get military exemption papers. Theodore and Joseph got theirs but Daniel could not. I came home to dinner. I stopped work just before the train left the depot to go to see John Boughton, David Bradley and his brother George and others off to join their regiment in Bridgeport. Gussie was there with Eddie in his carriage. We went from there up to John Pollitt's to get a Fuscia Mrs. Pollitt had promised Gussie. I went to class and to market. It is George's birthday and his first full day in camp. 8/14 Worked all day in the shop. Came home to dinner. Charles Small enlisted this morning in Capt. Moore's company and went off on the passenger train this afternoon.Eddy acted very strange about tea time. We thought he was sick but I guess he was intoxicated from being up to Father Griswold's house where the painter was dissolving shellac with alcohol. I mailed a letter to E.A. Sanford this morning to inform him that George had volunteered for the war and could not go to a trade. 8/15 I my way to the shop I stopped at [Morner's] and bought material for a pair of cheap shop pants and had them cut. I carried them up home in the evening to let Mother make them. George Weed brought a letter in the evening from George who is in camp in Bridgeport with the 17th Regiment. He wanted me to send him money to come home with tomorrow. I sat down and answered it and enclosed $5.00. 8/16 I was late in getting my letter to the post office this morning and had to take it to the cars. I persuaded the post master's clerk, Oliver Bedient to receive it there. George started for home on the morning train and intercepted the letter at Norwalk. He called at the shop when he arrived. Gussie went up home in the PM. I went up to tea. George and I went down to the meadow and helped Father get up his hay. We left Eddy up home in the evening and went into the street and to Singing School. We then went up home for Eddy and got home and retired around 11 o'clock. 8/17 I went to 9 o'clock prayer meeting. I opened with selection of a hymn and George led the prayer. Mr. Coc, Presbyterian, preached for us in the morning. George and William Warren are both home from camp. They assisted Aaron Moorehouse and Francis Clark who have taken their places as Librarian and Assistant in the Sunday School. I gave a notice of our picnic to Brother Crawford to be read in the PM. After Sabbath School I came home and Gussie attended church in the PM. Harriet Mills and George came home with Gussie to tea. After which George got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage and took Harriet down home to Bethel. After Gussie got her dishes washed we went over to Aunt Louisa's to see John Boughton and Frank. John left his regiment as did George to spend the Sabbath at home. They are to return to Bridgeport on Thursday. Gussie went to meeting in the eveninig while I took care of Eddy. 8/18 Felt more like work today than some time past. Came home to dinner and on the way stopped at the Post Office and got a letter from Edwin. Gussie went up home in the PM to visit Marie Mills and Harriet. George came home with her and drew Eddie. I answered Edwins letter in the evening. 8/19 George left on the train this morning to go back to camp in Bridgeport. On my way home from work I felt sick (bowel complaint). After tea I went to the the grocers and the post office. I called at the military hall to see some recruits drill under Jenkins C. Barry. 8/20 Sunday School picnic in the orchard at the back of the church. I did not go because of work at the shop. Letter from George stating that their regiment, 17th is to leave for Washington on Monday. I wrote in reply and mailed it in the evening. 8/21 We had the shop called this forenoon to raise our prices for the work. Mr. Crofut finally consented to give us what we asked. I was made Chairman of the meeting. Worked later than usual, to 7 o'clock. Went to market in the evening. I know not why, but I felt impressed that George would come home. He did and he is to stay until Saturday. He has been having some photographs (carte de visite) taken and gave me one. A town meeting was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock to vote a bounty for the 9 month volunteers. I was told they voted $200 each. I did not attend. 8/22 Headache in the PM. George came to the shop as I finished work. I went with him to Rittons to see about some photographs. He then came home with me to tea and then we went to borrow a team to go up home to get his melodeon to take to his Lodge room for the evening. Capt. Jas. A . Betts of Company A, 5th Regiment, lately a prisoner at Salisbury, North Carolina came home on the evening train. I carried the Sunday School Role Book and my checks for my money at the shop over to Burr Bradley's as I anticipate going to Bridgeport in the morning to stay over to Sunday to see the 17th Regiment off. 8/23 I went to Bridgeport in the morning. After we got to camp, Camp Aiken) I went with the squad of men and took a bathe in sea water. I took dinner with the boys on Government army rations and drilled with them in the afternoon. There was a prayer meeting in their chapel tent in th evening. I am living camp life. When we turned in we were all in a story telling mood and consequently it was late before we fell asleep. George tents in the same mess with Phineas Lounsbury, William Warren, William Otis, John Grannis, Montgomery Bailey, Edgar Knapp, Lewis A. Ward, Amos Day and William H. Curtis. All have respect for religion and most of them are professors. They have bible reading and prayers every night in their tent. 8/24 swervices by acting chaplain Thompson. There was a collection taken up for the chapel tent. There was a large attendance from the city and ladies even threw in their gold rings. Wrote letter to wife in PM, by Seth Downs who was down with a team. About 400 of the regiment attended Mr. [Mailey's] church and Mr. Thompson preached. The house was filled to utmost capacity. 8/25 After breakfast I went up to the city and returned before dinner. George was detailed for guard duty last night and is still on duty. George proposed a prayer meeting in the chapel tent in the evening and it was a good meeting with the tent full. 8/26 went to the city again this morning . I carried a watch up to Blackman's on [Easu St] for Rufus Warren , and a letter to mail for Sargt. [Bousson]. John Brush came down on the train and went over to camp with me. The new chapel tent was dedicated in the afternoon and I started for home about 5:15. 8/27 Sick today with a bad diarrhea. Went to the shop in the morning but did not work. I wrote a letter to George after tea and mailed it. 8/28 Worked in the shop today. Gould Disbrow carted some sand for me to fill up the ditch in front of my entrance to make it easier getting in with a load. I went into the street in the evening and exchanged a bottle of Arnolds ink for one of Davids which I like better. I got my hair cut and stopped at the post office. I was going to pick my crab apples but there was a shower. 8/29 Eddie's birthday - a year old. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills from Old Point Comfort VA and one from George, Camp Aiken, 17th Regiment, Bridgeport. Just as I finished tea Granville Morris called and handed me a letter from George which he brought from camp. George sent $2 to pay for $1 worth of pictures at Rittons and to order another $1 to be struck off immediately. Gussie mailed my letter in the evening and I stayed home to take care of Eddie. Cousin Charles letter was written in pencil and I inked it over in the evening. 8/30 I picked a few crab apples before breakfast. I came home to dinner and found a telegraphic dispatch from George saying Capt. Moore's company would be home on the freight train. George went to Stamford and brought Eddy (Cousin Edmund) Palmer home with him on the evening train. The company assembled in the Concert Hall when they arrived to present Swords and Sashes to Capt. Moore and Lieut. Daniels and Lieut. [Lorisen]. Lieut. Governor Averill presented them in behalf of the company. The ceremony was quite interesting. Gussie was up home in the PM and evening so I got my supper then went to the depot to meet George. News by telegraph this PM that a heavy battle was fought at the old Bull Run battleground in which the rebels were severely beaten. Our killed and wounded estimated at 8,000 and the rebels double that number. Fanny came home on the evening train from Camp Meeting. 8/31 Afflicted with a severe headache all day. Did not go to the 9 o'clock prayer meeting. George and Eddie (Edmund) Palmer came this way to church. I attended in the forenoon. Brother Crawford's son-in-law, Mr. Hease preached. After Sunday School I came home and Gussie attended in PM. Edmund came and stayed with me til church was out and George called in for him and they went up home. After tea we took the baby and went up home and stayed until evening meeting. Cousin Edmund stayed with me in the evening to take care of Eddie while Gussie went to meeting.
1862-08