Upagenstit gardens and hot houses
3.5 x 5.5" B&W postcard
Image of the gardens and greenhouses on a turn of the century estate in Ridgefield, owned by the Lewis family
1915-10-30
Horace Purdy Journal August 1866 Entry
14pgs
AUGUST 01 WEDNESDAY - The day has been made up of sunshine, cloudy, windy and a very little rain. I worked hard all day until 7 o’clock again. The new hands shopped yesterday commenced work today in the other shop. Hattie Mills was with us to tea. I stayed at home with Georgie in the evening and let Gussie go into the street with Hattie. Before they went, however, I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen for gratuitous use in the Sunday School and enclosed $6.00 for the same. Gussie mailed it for me. It rained again in the evening, it having rained a little in the middle of the day. Our neighbor John Greene lost his son Samuel about sundown; difficulty was tubercles on the brain. He was sick a little over two weeks. AUGUST 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant. It was nearly 7 o’clock when we rose this morning. The funeral of Sammy Greene was attended this this P.M. at 3 o’clock. Tomorrow morning, he will be taken to New Rochelle for burial. Received a letter from George by the evening mail in which he acknowledged the receipt of my last two letters and proposed having Mrs. Jones come to Danbury for a week. Her health being poor, the doctor has recommended coming to the country. Robert came home from church in the evening with his wife. I made some lemonade and they drank with me before he and Charlie (who came with them) went back to Mr. Lynes’. I bought a dozen lemons in the evening for 50 cents. AUGUST 03 FRIDAY - Before going to the shop this morning, I began to construct a leader from the rain water hogshead. Gussie went up home today to see about having Mrs. Jones come to Danbury for a week. She is George’s boarding mistress and he wants us to try and accommodate her. When I returned from work at night and before I went over to Mr. Leason’s to get him to come tomorrow morning to lay up a little brick work at the corner of my house. I received a notification from H. T. Hoyt, Internal Revenue Collector, to pay for my income tax -$18.63. I came home from work with a headache and on that account, I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. AUGUST 04 SATURDAY - I rose this morning at 4 ½ o’clock. Mr. Leason came over and before breakfast laid over anew the brick foundation under the Southwest corner of my house which was washed loose by the waste water from the rain water hogshead. As it was threatening rain, I left my work at the shop when I got my pay and came home to complete the work of a leader for the waste water from the rain water hogshead, but I was compelled to leave it unfinished on account of a hard thundershower. I went to market in the evening. As I came from the shop, I paid my income tax - $18.63. AUGUST 06 SUNDAY - Pleasant this morning after the shower last evening. Gussie went to church in the A.M. and I commenced a letter to George while staying with Georgie. It was in reply to one received on the 2nd inst. about Mrs. Jones coming to Danbury to stay with us for a week. I went to Sunday School at noon and brought Mr. Lockwood home with me to supper. After supper, he and I went over to Mr. McDonald’s and borrowed his horse which I harnessed before my wagon and took Susan and Gussie with their babies up to the cemetery. I supposed Mr. Lockwood would go with us but he preferred to go up to Ed Allen’s to stay until church time which he did. When we returned, I finished the letter which I began this morning to George and mailed it as I went to church. Mr. Hare preached. Robert Cocking was immersed at the Baptist Church after the morning service. Gussie attended that church this morning to witness the baptism. AUGUST 06 MONDAY - Pleasant and cool. I went down before breakfast and mailed another letter to George telling him that Mr. Fanton would carry the yeast cakes to his store in New York where he could call and get them. As I went for milk this morning, I tried to pay Mr. McDonald for his horse yesterday, but he would take nothing. He not having any whip for his wagon, I gave him mine as I now have no use for it. I ordered another small piece of tin leader as I went to work this morning and called for it as I came from work to tea. I also stopped on my way home from work at Charles T. Stevens’ store and paid him $4.40 towards my church pew. The foreman over the trimming department at the factory ( E.E. Wildman) to tell Widow Mrs. Burr Bradley to come to the shop as he had a vacant place and would now give her work. She being away from home for a week, he promised to reserve the situation for her. I worked hard and late at the shop today. John Brayman called while I was getting my tea and gave me $5.00 towards what he owes me. I went to market in the evening and called at Mr. Henry Fanton’s office with a small package of yeast cakes which he will carry to his store in new York to be called for by George who wants the for his boarding mistress Mrs. Jones. Timothy Foster saw me in the street and enquired about my wagon. He thinks he will buy it. AUGUST 07 TUESDAY - Pleasant still and cool for August. I have worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went in the P.M. up to Eben Barnum’s and drew Georgie in his carriage. Bell was here while I was getting my tea and told us that Harriet had been writing to Mrs. Jones where George was boarding and pleading poverty trying to prevent Mrs. Jones coming to Danbury for a visit to our house for her health as she has been contemplating. She and George having arranged the matter, George having made arrangements for our folks to trade on his account for whatever should be wanting to set a grand table and make it comfortable and pleasant for Mrs. Jones. He having a high regard for her, had invited her to come and Father and Mother had both consented to it and seemed pleased that Mrs. Jones was coming, but Harriet had seemed determined to prevent it if possible and spoil the pleasure anticipated by our folks. It seems as if Satan himself at times had complete possession of her. After tea, I wrote to George telling him all about it, how Harriet had written to Mrs. Jones not to come and told him to tell her how Harriet had acted and that Father and Mother and all of us wanted her to come and to urge her by all means to come regardless of what Harriet had written. I mailed it as I went to the Annual School Meeting for the election of a new committee. The meeting was held in Military hall. I walked home from the meeting with Mr. Pond, the principal of our school and my nearest neighbor. He is agent with two or three insurance companies and he had some conversation on the way with me about insuring my life. Our newly elected district officers were as follows: for committee – J. Amsbury, Ammon T. Peck and David P. Nichols, for clerk – David B. Booth, for Treasurer – Harvey Williams, for Collector – Ephraim Gregory. AUGUST 08 WEDNESDAY - Another beautiful day, but a little warmer towards night. As I went to work in the morning, I took a piece of tin pipe which I had made for a leader for waste water from my rainwater hogshead back to Charles Hull’s to be made as I wanted it, they not having made it rightly the first time. My butter maker not having brought my butter as I expected, I bought a little as I came home from work. After tea, I attached the leader to my hogshead and completed the drain from waste water and then went to market. Smith Pulling, who furnished us with butter this summer, told me today that his wife was offended because I found fault with her butter the last time she came with it. The butter not keeping good, I only asked her if any of her other customers found fault. She said not, and I told her that it was without doubt our fault then that made it spoil by not keeping it in a good place. It seemed that she took offense at it and determined not to bring us anymore. I tried to have him promise to furnish us still, but he said he would leave it all to his wife as she had the managing of the butter business. He is to let me know in a few days what he is to do. Another quarrel across the street tonight – old Mr. Baxter having used violence on Elisha Serine’s little boy George. AUGUST 09 THURSDAY - Stormy, We woke up at three o’clock this morning by Georgie who was vomiting. He was very sick. Yesterday he was troubled by diarrhea and when he woke us had a high fever also. I gave him an injection of tepid water which gave relief. He slept well the remainder of the night and today was comparatively well. Booth Trowbridge this afternoon threw himself head long into the stream by the shop and then tried to butt his brains out against a stone work and by striking himself in the head with a stone. It created quite an excitement at the factory. I went to market in the evening and took a letter at the Office from George in which was enclosed what he received from Harriet. AUGUST 10 FRIDAY - Pleasant; I worked as usual in the shop. When I came home from work, I found John Brayman’s and Thomas Purdy’s wives at the house. They stayed to tea. John came over and took tea with us. After tea, I pulled up pea vines and prepared to set out strawberry plants. Just at dusk, Tim Foster came to look at my wagon, bringing another man with him. I went to the Post Office in the evening and walked up home with Mr. Pond who stopped at my gate and talked about life insurance. The trial of ___ Darling for rape on the person of Lucy Bennett commenced today and adjourned over to the next session of court. AUGUST 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant. On my way to work in the morning, I called at Foster’s Carpenter Shop to get a reply from Timothy Foster about my wagon. He was not willing to give over $60.00 for it. I went to work and when I came home, I went to see him again and sold it to him for $65.00. He is to take it away the first opportunity he has and agrees to pay me in two weeks. I left the shop earlier than usual and came home to set out strawberry plants. John Brayman helped me after tea. Henry, having come from Norwalk today to stay over Sunday with John, he came with him. They came over in the evening while Gussie was downtown to market and stayed until she returned. I gave John a piece of pork to take home with him. Gussie went to see Dr. Bulkely today concerning Georgie. He has a bad diarrhea and we fear the dysentery. AUGUST 12 SUNDAY - We rose late. Gussie went to church in the morning as usual. I went to Sunday School at noon and to the Sacrament Service in the P.M. Mr. Hare administered it as assisted by Brother Webb. After tea, I took a nap. After the nap Father came in to see how Georgie was. He stayed about an hour in which we talked about the expected visit of Mrs. Jones this week. I wrote to George by request of Father requesting him not to tell Harriet when Mrs. Jones is coming. We did not go to church in the evening. I went to the Office and mailed the letter I wrote and returned. We retired about 9 o’clock. Before putting Georgie to bed, we gave him an injection of warm water to soothe and cleanse his bowels, they being in a very bad state. AUGUST 13 MONDAY - I worked in the shop as usual. Gussie went to see the doctor again about Georgie. He changed his medicine. After tea, I set out another run of Russell strawberry plants. I attended Sunday school teachers’ meeting in the evening. As I came from the meeting, I took a letter from the Office from George with $12.25 enclosed: ten dollars for Mr. Harris towards clothes, two dollars for me towards the ten dollars he owes me and 25 cents for Mother for yeast cakes for Mrs. Jones. I went to market and came home. Father Griswold came on the evening train from an appointment on his district and Mother Griswold from a visit to Bloomfield. When I returned from the street, I copied the minutes of the Sunday School meeting and then went up to the other house to see the folks and was introduced to Miss Ferry from Middletown who is visiting at Father Griswold’s. Before retiring, I wrote to George acknowledging the receipt of the money by letter. AUGUST 14 TUESDAY - Cloudy, but no rain. Sunshine a part of the time, but the wind not being right, it has not entirely cleared off. As I went for milk this morning, I saw Mr. McDonald going downtown and I sent the letter to the Office which I wrote last night to George. I set out another row of strawberry plants before breakfast. We can earn but little in the shop now, for since Monday morning things have been in an uproar. The work all at once did not suit Mr. Crofut and he has tried to exact more than is possible to be given in the way of work on hats. I went to the Post Office in the evening and called at Harris’ Clothing Store and paid him another $10.00 which makes $20.00 for George towards his suit of clothes costing $45.00. Gussie washed today. Bell came down this afternoon and Gussie gave her the 25 cents which George sent to Mother for yeast cakes. She also gave her the letter I received yesterday from George speaking of the contemplated visit of Mrs. Jones to Danbury to take home for Mother to read. Before retiring, I wrote to Alfred Humphrey, notifying him that if he wanted strawberry plants, I would send him some in a week or a little more. I enclosed $5.00, the balance of my indebtedness to him for salve bought nearly a year ago – one gross $20.00. AUGUST 15 WEDNESDAY - It was raining very hard this morning and continued nearly all the forenoon. On my way to work, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and took out the advertisement of wagon and paid for two weeks insertion – 75 cents. After work, William Carlson came up with 27 Wilson strawberry plants and exchanged with me for some Russells. I went to the Post Office this evening and mailed the letter to Alfred Humphrey which I wrote last evening and enclosed the 5.00. I brought home a pair of shears to sharpen for John McNamee, a shopmate. Harriet Mills came home from the shop to Mrs. Cocking’s to tea and to stay all night. AUGUST 16 THURSDAY - Pleasant and cool. I went to the shop and worked until nearly noon to finish off a dozen hats I commenced yesterday and then came home nearly sick. I have taken cold and feel used up. I came home by way of Alden G. Crosby’s Coal yard and arrange to have my coal got in this P.M. He sent three tons of it and left the other ton to be delivered tomorrow. I transplanted the Wilson Strawberry plants which William Carlson gave me last evening (or rather exchanged for Russells). I took a nap on the lounge for about an hour. Philo Wildman came to Father Griswold’s this P.M. and was married to Mrs. Merriam. Gussie went up and witnessed the ceremony. After it was over, they got into his carriage and rode back home as happy as a bride and groom of 20 years. She was a widow and he a widower. He is a man of about 70 years. I went to market in the evening. AUGUST 17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. The fourth and last ton of my coal came this morning while we were eating breakfast which was about 8 o’clock. I was not feeling well and concluded not to go to the shop and on that account, we took our time over breakfast. I finished preparing the ground and putting out strawberry plants. The last was enough of the Wilsons for another row which I got from Mr. Carlson about 6 o’clock this evening. I am to let him have some Russells in exchange. In the P.M., Gussie went with me into the street, drawing Georgie in his carriage. I took from the Office a circular from Washington for George relating to collection of soldiers’ bounties; also a letter from D. H. Johnson from Newtown inquiring why the sifters which he ordered did not come. I went to market in the evening. The fireman on the locomotive attached to the up freight train today while oiling the engine just before coming up to the Ridgefield Station fell in front of the engine and had one leg cut off and one hand badly hurt, cutting off one or two of the fingers and badly hurting the others. I learn this evening that he died this afternoon about 4 o’clock. Before retiring, I answered D. H. Johnson’s letter to George and offered to sell the rights to him. AUGUST 18 SATURDAY - As I went to work this morning, I mailed a letter to D. H. Johnson in Newtown in reply to one received yesterday. I carried a pair of shoes to Benedict’s Shoe Store to be mended and went to the shop via the depot. I worked until about 3 o’clock and then came home. I weeded out my strawberry bed and the helped Mr. Pond set out a bed of strawberry plants. Dark came on before we finished the job, so we took a lamp and my lantern and completed the work by lamplight. While I was helping Mr. Pond, Gussie went to market and bought supplies for over Sunday. Timothy Foster sent George Wood for the wagon he bought of me. AUGUST 19 SUNDAY - Lowery; a little sunshine and a little rain during the day. On account of rain at morning church time, Gussie concluded not to go, so I went myself for a wonder in the forenoon. I generally go in the P.M. and to Sunday School and she goes in the morning. I came home after Sunday School . Just before I left to come home, I had a talk with Mrs. Sylvester Harris about Bell leaving Sunday School and church to go to the Baptists. Mrs. Harris was Bell’s Sunday School teacher. She feels badly about Bell’s conduct and has talked with her and wept over it. A letter which I wrote to bell on the subject 12 days ago, but hesitated to send, I have about concluded to send and made additions to it this evening for the purpose. I also this evening wrote to George on the subject. Georgie has been very cross today and has tried our patience severely. Mother Griswold came in a while in the evening. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Hare preached. It rained hard when meeting was out. Before retiring, Gussie wrote to her friend, Mrs. Nelson G. Post in Essex. AUGUST 20 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I went to William Carlson’s and got 41 Wilson strawberry plants and brought home for Mr. Pond. He is to exchange them for other varieties. After tea, I spaded up a place to transplant some agriculturist plants which Mr. Pond has given me. It was dark when I finished spading, so I left the plants to be set out tomorrow morning. As I came from work, I took a letter from the office with $1.25 enclosed for a sifter for Mrs. Platt of Ridgefield. George sold it to her a long time ago and trusted her for the pay, telling her to send it when it was convenient for her to pay it. Before retiring, I wrote a note in reply, acknowledging the receipt of the money. AUGUST 21 TUESDAY - I rose at three o’clock this morning and Mr. Pond helped me transplant some agriculturist strawberry plants before breakfast. I worked as usual in the shop came home about 5 o’clock and went down to Town Mountain for some moss in which to pack strawberry plant s tomorrow evening to send to Alfred Humphrey. I took my gun with me, but I found nothing to shoot. I wrote a note in the evening to Alfred telling him when to look for the plants. As I went to the Office to mail it, I got a letter from George W. Oakley saying that George came home from the shop yesterday very sick and requested him to write me asking for $2.00 until next Sunday when he would write and repay. I went into Randall & Bradley’s store and enclosed the $2.00 to George. I also got a letter from D.H. Johnson of Newtown saying he did not wish to purchase the rights for “Tilden’s Universal Flour Sifters”, but wished one dozen of them as soon as possible. As I came from the street, I was caught in a thunder shower and got so wet that I changed my clothes when I get home. I wrote to Johnson before retiring saying that he might expect the sifters or hear from me in a few days. Also to Everett C. Andrews, sifter manufacturer in New Haven to know whether he or the man to whom he sold could fill the order immediately or not. AUGUST 22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, except in the P.M. when we had two small showers. Before breakfast, I went down to the Post Office and mailed two letters: to D. H. Johnson in Newtown and E. C. Andrews in new Haven. I worked as usual in the shop. I quit a little earlier and came home to put up strawberry plants to send to Alfred Humphrey. I got them put up and carried them to the express office before I ate my supper. I sent about 350 plants. AUGUST 23 THURSDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. A considerable excitement today about a rape case perpetrated by ___ West on a daughter of Peter Rowan about __ years of age. It happened this last Tuesday. After tea, I wrote to George and enclosed a circular sent by parties in Washington who collect claims for soldiers, soliciting the collection of bounty which is due George from government. I also ordered of Carlton & Porter for Fanny to use in the infant class eight packages of illustrated books for children – 25 cents per package. I enclosed $2.00 for the same. I went to the Office and mailed them. After I returned home I went up to Father Griswold’s to help him take a fish hook from Fido’s ear which he got in some way tonight. He would not hold still to let us take it out, so we concluded to wait until morning. AUGUST 24 FRIDAY - Pleasant but very cool for August. We had two showers with a rainbow about 6 P.M. I came home from work about 5 o’clock with a headache. Bell, having taken Georgie up home to stay all night and Gussie being away when I came home, I started for the Baseball Grounds on Deer Hill to watch the Waverly Club play, but just as I arrived near our folks, they stopped playing and I went into the house to see Georgie. While there, the shower spoken of came up so I stayed until it was over as I thought and started fir home but it began to rain again and wet me considerably ere I got home. After tea, I went to the Great American Tea Company (ordering 30 lbs. Of coffee and 13 lbs. of tea; 10 lbs. of coffee and 5 lbs. of tea for Nathan Pond; 5 lbs. coffee and 5 lbs. of tea for John McNamee; 5 lbs. of coffee for Charles Hoyt; and 10 lbs. of coffee and 5 lbs. of tea for myself. The coffee to be burned and ground for 30 cents per pound. The tea to be $1.00 per pound. I went into the street in the evening to mail the order and to buy our breakfast. AUGUST 25 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cool. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I called on Tim Foster for the pay for the wagon I sold him. I did not get the money, but next Tuesday or Wednesday, he will give me a note on which I can get the money at the bank provided he does not have the money himself. Gussie went up to my folks on Deer Hill this P.M. and stayed to tea. Bell came home with her to stay all night. We somewhat expected George by the evening train and Gussie and I went to market, also to the depot, but he did not come. AUGUST 26 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but still very cool for August. Bell stayed with us last night and went home after breakfast. Gussie attended church this forenoon. In the meantime, I marked off the Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals for the school. She came home after the sermon and I went to Sunday School after which I came home. After supper, Gussie took Georgie up to Mother Griswold’s and went with Susan Brayman and Mrs. Aikin up to the cemetery and I walked over to Mr. Lynes with Robert Cocking. As I returned, I stopped at John Bouton’s a few moments and then came home. I went to the Baptist Church I the evening with Robert and Maria. AUGUST 27 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went over to Cousin Frank Bouton’s and stayed to tea. I pulled weeds in the garden from the time I came from work until Gussie came and got tea for me. I went into the street in the evening to see if the tea and coffee which I ordered last Friday came; it did not. By the evening mail, I got a letter from George with $15.00 enclosed and he spoke of $3.00 more for me in a letter to Harriet. Ten dollars of it was for Mr. Harris, the tailor towards a suit of clothes which he bought when he was home on the 4th of July. Before coming from the street, I paid Harris the $10.00 and wrote an acknowledgement to George of the money and enclosed a letter which I took from the Office for him today from St. Augustine, Florida. The small picture books which I ordered last week for Fanny to use in the Sunday School Infant Class came via Swift’s today and I brought them to her this evening. I overtook her coming home from the street and she came in with me to have me write a card with her name to tack on her trunk to take with her to Camp Meeting at Milford tomorrow morning. AUGUST 28 TUESDAY - Warmer today than it has been for some time past. As I went to work this morning, I left a bottle at Widow Clark Hoyt’s for a pint of wine to put spices into to give to Georgie for medicinal purposes. As I came from work, I called at Foster brothers and got a note for $65.00 payable at the Danbury Bank, the same being for the wagon they bought of me. As I came home, I stopped at Mrs. Hoyt’s for the wine. After tea, I went to the depot to see if the tea and coffee I ordered in New York should come by the evening express. I received a letter from Everett C. Andrews (George’s sifter manufacturer in New Haven) saying that he would send the sifters to Mr. Johnson in Newtown this week. AUGUST 29 WEDNESDAY - Muggy and warm – real dog days weather, I have not felt well today. I have a sore throat, the result of a cold. I carried in Foster Brothers note to the Danbury Bank and drew the amount - $65.00, less the discount which was 52 cents – the note I took in pay for the wagon I sold him. The Bank not being open until 10 o’clock, I gave it to the cashier (J. Amsbury) in the morning who presented it to the Board of Officers and after dinner as I returned to the shop, stopped and drew the money. Bell came down this forenoon and took Georgie up home with her. She returned with him before tea, and as Gussie wanted to go over to Harriet Ely’s in the evening, she arranged with her to stay all night s as to be with Georgie in the evening. We not hearing anything of the order I sent to New York to the Great American Tea Company for tea and coffee, I wrote again this evening and repeated the order. After the arrival of the train, I waited for the mail to open and then rode into West Street with Robert Cocking. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. AUGUST 30 THURSDAY - I went to the shop as usual. On my way in the morning, I met Robert Dunning, who told me that his little boy Fred was taken last night with cholera; was taken at tea time about 6 o’clock and at 9 o’clock, his feet and legs were cold as death and no pulse was perceptible. They all expected that surely he would die, but it finally turned favorable. The doctor (Bennett) was with him all night. He is now considered out of danger of the cholera, but is very feeble after such a severe illness. I called over to see them this evening after tea. I went to the depot this evening to see if the tea and coffee came from the Great American Tea Company, but it did not. I waited for the mail and then walked up home with John Brayman. I spoke with him about the debt he owes Mr. Harris, the tailor for an overcoat bought last winter. Before retiring, I wrote more in a letter I commenced last night to George. AUGUST 31 FRIDAY - A little splatter of rain this morning about 6 o’clock. I worked as usual in the shop. I carried two large tomatoes to the shop with me to exhibit. George Benjamin and I ate one of them with our dinners at noon and he took the other home with him. Georgie went up home with bell yesterday morning and stayed until about 7 o’clock this evening when bell came down with him, drawing him in his carriage. Gussie called on Mrs. Jesse Stevens, Mrs. McNeil, Nelson Nickerson and Harriet Ely today. After tea, Hanson Smith came over to borrow my gun to use tomorrow, but I refused him on the grounds that I never lent it and did not want to now begin. I went to the depot upon arrival of the train to see if my tea and coffee from the Great American Tea Company. And Lo! And Behold! It came after a delay of a week. The bill was $24.00 for 30 pounds of coffee at 30 cents per pound and 15 pounds of tea at $1.00; collections by express man - 60 cents, expressage - 75 cents making a bill complete of $25.35, which I paid at the express office to E. M. Barnum with the understanding that it should be delivered tomorrow morning early.
1866-08
Horace Purdy Journal March 1866 Entry
16pgs
MARCH 01 THURSDAY - Cloudy all day, a slight flutter of snow for a few moments in the forenoon. I worked until about two o’clock and came home sick with a severe headache. Gussie received a letter from Josie Dare from Bethel. I retired about 7 o’clock, not feeling able to sit up. MARCH 02 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but the sun shone in the P.M. I worked hard all day in the shop, having a part of yesterday’s work to do today with what I had today. I talked with Frank Butler in the P.M. about John Brayman. Martha Case has spent the day with Gussie and cut a dress for her. Gussie went to meeting in the evening and I stayed at home. Louise came down and stayed with Georgie while I fed the horse and did my writing, etc. Henry Hurd went to the altar for prayers this evening. MARCH 03 SATURDAY - Cloudy and misty all day. We had just about ½ a day’s work, one dozen. I finished mine before eating my dinner which I carried with me. I saw Gussie in the street as I was coming home. She had been to the dyers for Josie Dare. She called at Mrs. Swift’s and I came home. I saw David Mills in the street. He was on business with William T. Barnum regarding his pension which he has finally got. I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle before tea and rode up home to see Mother. The roads are very muddy. It was hard work for Old Jim to get through the mud with me. Mr. Olmstead, who lives on the old Huntington place came down to get the horse to draw Maurice to the cemetery, but upon taking him out from the stable was afraid to use him on account of his lameness which always disappears after using a short time, it being the effect of a sprain. I went to market in the evening and got some oysters. MARCH 04 SUNDAY - A beautiful spring morning. The sun shone warm and pleasant until about 3 P.M. when March exhibited itself with a snow squall which however came very quietly. George went to Bethel as usual for the Chorister this morning. He carried a small package to Josephine Dare for Gussie. It contained a dress from the dyers, a piece of sheet music and a Golden Censor, which Josie requested Gussie to get for her. Gussie went to church as usual in the morning and I to Sunday School and to the prayer meeting in the P.M. There were several forward for prayers and all but two found peace in believing in the Savior. Hattie Mills was one of the number forward, but I believe was not blessed. I made arrangements with my assistant librarians to have our pictures taken tomorrow in a group to give to the Supt. George Starr and Fanny Griswold the Infant Class teacher and also one for each of us, viz.,Ed Barnum, James Parmalee, David Bradley and myself. George came down before meeting for the horse to carry Mr. Lockwood home after the evening meeting. The weather having changed and being pretty cold, he concluded to get George Starr’s carriage. I went over there with him and the horse and hitched onto the carriage and rode to the church where the team was left under the shed until after church. The choir had a rehearsal before meeting. Brother Hill preached a good sermon after which was a prayer meeting. Seven persons were forward for prayers and one of them converted a young man. Fanny stayed with the baby to let Gussie go in the evening. MARCH 05 MONDAY - Cold and blustering. I started for milk this morning with one dollar in currency and pennies (45 pennies) in the pail with which to buy milk tickets and fell against the steps going up the stone work from my garden to Father Griswold’s premises and hurt one of my toes so that I was lame with it all day and scattered the money around. I succeeded in finding all but one cent. I had a half day’s work in the shop. At 2 o’clock, I met with David Bradley, Edward Barnum and James Parmalee at Mr. Couch’s gallery to have our pictures taken in a group on one card, we being the secretary and treasurer and librarians of the Sunday School. The principal object being to give it to Brother Starr, the Supt. and Fanny Griswold, the Infant Class Teacher. James Parmalee leaves us tomorrow to go to Bridgeport in a dry goods store; for that reason, we had it done today. Before going home, I paid a visit with Edward P. Stevens to Montgomery and Mallory’s shops. From there, I called at Flint’s Machine Shop to see Russell Smith about the $12.00 he has owed me since the winter of 1860-1861 for rent. He promises to pay me before the 1st of April. Gussie left the baby up to Mother Griswold’s and went shopping in the P.M. with Harriet and Martha Case. George rode the horse up home at noon and took the blanket with him and mended it. After returning the horse at night, he tore his pants badly while getting over a fence and came here to sew them up, after which, he and Gussie went to meeting together. Father Griswold came home on the freight train after an absence of three Sundays. MARCH 06 TUESDAY - The day has been clear but very blustery and cold. I harnessed the horse before breakfast and carried Martha Case and her bundles to the depot. She is staring for New York. I came back and put the horse in the stable and ate my breakfast and went to the shop. I had work all day. George came down and mended the harness and the wagon cushions. I went to market and to meeting in the evening, though it was late when I went in. MARCH 07 WEDNESDAY - Not so cold as yesterday, but windy all the same. We were limited in our work at the shop – only 1 dozen. I finished mine by 2 o’clock. I came home by way of Couch’s and got the pictures of self and assistant Sunday School librarians in a group on one card which we sat for on Monday. David Bradley called in the evening for his. Before tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode Jim up home. I found Mother very comfortable, though very sick yet. George, Bell and Mother had a contrived plan to let the provisions run out and make Father go to work by starving him to it. He has done scarcely nothing all winter and made no effort to find anything to do and yet he has been able to work. They became discouraged. George stopped providing anything until this morning there was nothing for breakfast and Father for a wonder took his ax and started into the woods. George brought home some meat and said that considering that he had gone to work, he could have something to eat for supper, but fully determined that if he would not work he should not eat anything provided by others. I carried some tea and sugar to Mother, also a bowl of crabapple jelly. Louise stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go to meeting. I gave George Starr our pictures (my assistant librarians and self) in the evening at church. Mother Griswold made me a present of a mat woven by herself of wool hat roundings. MARCH 08 THURSDAY - Not quite so much wind as yesterday but pretty cold. Only a ½ day’s work in the shop. Started on 1 dozen. I harnessed the horse in the P.M. and Oscar Levine and I rode over to Daniel Manley’s to see them work on the new railroad, but found neither anyone at work nor Manley at home. It was tedious riding in the cold wind. When I returned, I took a nap on the lounge. I went to market in the evening and returned immediately. I felt too tired to go to meeting. MARCH 09 FRIDAY - Cool and cloudy most of the day. Several times during the day, there was for a few moments a little flutter of snow, but not enough to whiten the ground. I had work nearly all day in the shop. There was a special town meeting at 2 P.M. to divide the two consolidated school districts, viz. the North Center and Center. It however adjourned for two weeks to give the named districts time to act upon the measures before the town takes action upon it. Harriet came home from New York on the train. George harnessed the horse and went to the depot for her luggage. He and Father had high words today. The attempt to drive him to work by starving proves successful. John Bouton and David Bradley came in just at night to speak for the horse to draw some lumber tomorrow morning to make lattice work for Father Griswold. I burned and ground some chestnut meats in the evening. We are going to try it for coffee tomorrow morning. Gussie went to market in the evening while I stayed with baby. MARCH 10 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cold. Not so cold just at night as yesterday at the same time. I let David Bradley and John Bouton take the horse to draw some stock for Father Griswold of which they have been today making lattice work for his front piazza. I finished my work at the shop at 1 ½ o’clock. We were then paid off and I came home. I went to the barn and saw the boys work at the lattice work until I was too cold to stay any longer. I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and took a ride around by Uncle Jacob Fry’s and at B. Lynes’ place to see Robert Cocking. I went in and Mrs. Cocking made some egg cider of which I drank two glasses and then galloped home. Gussie went up home this P.M. and carried $5.00 to Mother from the poor fund of the church handed to her by Fanny from George Starr. In the evening, I went into the street and bought a spring weighing balance for 50 cents at Benedict & Nichols’. Their head salesman, Charles Mason, gave me a tin can holding 10 lbs. of coffee. I want it for that purpose. Before retiring, I marked off the Sunday School Advocates and Journals. MARCH 11 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but before noon it clouded over and in the P.M., it commenced storming fine hail (about 3 o’clock). I went to church in the forenoon for the first in a long time. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon, after which I came home to let Gussie go in the P.M. which was the communion service. A large number were taken in on probation and some were baptized. Among the numbers were John Bouton, Hart Purdy and Hattie Mills. Before evening church time, I wrote to James Parmalee in Bridgeport on the subject of religion. Before dark, the hail turned to rain, which after a short time, nearly stopped. The night up to bedtime was cloudy and being dark, George borrowed George Starr’s carriage to carry Mr. Lockwood to Bethel after evening service. He harnessed at meeting time and carried Gussie to church. I stayed at home with Georgie. When Gussie came home from meeting, she told of an unfortunate, although laughable mistake which happened about the singing of the first hymn. Brother Scofield forgot about the choir and started the tune in the congregation just as the melodeon commenced to play the piece through before singing. As there have been meetings every evening for a long time (13 weeks, I believe) and there being no choir on weekday evenings, he not thinking that the choir was in its place struck up the singing the same as on weekday evenings. It made considerable confusion and laughter all over the house. Brother Hill in the pulpit laughed heartily. MARCH 12 MONDAY - Cloudy most of the day with occasional showers, warm. A little sunshine in the P.M. I had work all day in the shop. There is quite an excitement around the town today about the arrest of Dr. William Lacy. John Grey, and one or two others on Saturday night for gambling at Mr. Raymond’s drinking saloon. Deputy Sherriff Heath and Constables Harris Crofut and Chester Brush did the job. One went in while the others guarded the outlets to the building. I went to market in the evening and carried my 5 gallon can up to William E. Wright’s for some oil (kerosene). Other merchants are charging $1.00 per gallon. I got of Wright 5 gallons at a time for 87 cents per gallon. Mrs. H. Nina Smith lectures this evening in Concert Hall, subject “The Reconstructed or Southern Society”. I was too tired to go and in fact, but little desire to do so. MARCH 13 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I had work nearly all day in the shop. George called there before dinner to see if I could help him get a load of hay from Nathan Benedict’s. I intended to go, but did not finish my work in time. We rode over to Mr. Benedict’s, however, to see about it. I went to market and to church in the evening. After the sermon, there was a prayer meeting. Ira Wheeler was forward; he not having been forward, he did so in order to make a public confession in that manner, though he was converted yesterday. Platt Osborne was forward also. MARCH 14 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and misty a part on the day. George came over in the morning and we got a load of hay from Nathan Benedict. Our horse broke a trace in starting from his barn with it, so we harnessed Benedict’s horse and got home with it. There was 880 lbs. of it which with 440 lbs. drawn by Father and John Brayman made 1,240 lbs. at $15.00 per ton made a bill of $9.30 . He deducted $1.00 for carting. After we had unloaded it, George and I drove up to Lacy & Downs’ Hat Factory and paid him. George stayed with us to dinner. In the P.M., I harnessed and Gussie and I rode up to John Knapp’s house where Eben Barnum lives. She stopped while I went up to Chase’s Carriage Shop to see if I could get the baby carriage mended. We then went up to the cemetery, taking John Cosier with us. Received a note from Brother Hill asking whether Mr. Mallett would take 7.3 % (?) treasury Notes at market value on April 1st for the $1,100 I am to pay him, as he (Brother Hill) is to let me have the money in Treasury Notes. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle and rode over to Nathan Benedict’s for my knife, which I left sticking in a board fence when I mended the harness. From there, I went to market and to Peters’ Barber Shop for my razor which I left there to be honed. I lent $10.00 to John Brayman in the evening with which to pay his mother-in-law for nursing, as she wants to go home in the morning. MARCH 15 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm, a lovely spring day. There being no drab hats ready, I consequently had nothing to do as I am on that kind of work. Bell came over in the morning for the horse and wagon to carry Mrs. McNabb to Bethel. Bell drove down and back. She came home with the horse about noon and stayed with us to dinner. In the P.M., I trimmed my trees in the yard and rode with Alden G. Crosby up town for a ride. I then went to the Carriage Shop near the bridge for the brace to the Baby’s carriage which I left there this A.M. for repairs. On my way home, I found Jacob J. Fry. I bought 1 dozen eggs of him and he brought me home. Gussie went to meeting in the evening, while I stayed at home with Georgie. The meeting was appointed with the other churches to pray for rum sellers and drinkers. Also gamblers. MARCH 16 FRIDAY - Stormy all day until about sundown when it cleared off. I had work all day in the shop . We were stinted, but it was all that I could do. Received a letter from Aaron Mallett of Redding in reply to one I wrote him about taking 7.3 % (?) U. S. Treasury Notes for the $1,100 I am to pay him on April 1st. He cannot make the Treasury Notes answer his purpose. I went to meeting in the evening. Brother Breckinridge from Bethel preached. After the sermon, there was a prayer meeting. A number were forward for prayer; among them was William Peck. After meeting, I gave Brother Hill the address of James Parmalee at Bridgeport and requested him to write to Brother Simmons, the M. E. Preacher at that place and have him find him out and get him into the Sunday School and church if he can. I also told Brother Hill the reply I got from Mallett regarding the 7.3 % (?) Treasury Notes. First robins and blackbirds that I have heard. MARCH 17 SATURDAY - St. Patrick’s Day. Pleasant this morning. In the after part of the day, the wind increased and we had several snow squalls. It grew cold very fast during the day until the ground was frozen hard. The Catholic Library Association was out on parade today celebrating “St. Patrick’s Day in The Morning”. I was the last man in the shop tonight. I was determined to finish off a dozen which completed my stint. John Crane came to the shop to see me about buying my horse. He concluded to come next Monday night and look at him. George rode Old Jim to Bethel this P.M. to see Peter Starr about work. Father has been sawing wood today for David Bradley and came here for dinner. A one-legged soldier left card pictures here today for sale. He will call on Monday for them and take pay for any we desire to buy. Received a letter from James H. Parmalee in answer to one I wrote last Sunday. I went to market in the evening and called at church with Brother Chittenden to attend Singing Society, but there being no leader present, there was nothing done. Gussie got shawls from the dyers today. George came home from Singing School and stayed a while until he got warm as the wind is very searching and the cold pretty sharp. MARCH 18 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but rather cold and blustering. George went to Bethel as usual in the morning for Mr. Lockwood, the chorister. Gussie attended church in the forenoon and I to Sunday School and to Prayer Meeting in the P.M. After tea, Gussie went over to John Brayman’s for a call. George came down before evening meeting and harnessed the horse and went over to George Starr’s for his carriage to carry Mr. Lockwood home after evening meeting. I went over with him and rode to church from Brother Starr’s. Brother Hill preached in the evening, after which there was a prayer meeting. Several more forward for prayers. Charles Stevens, Jr. acted as assistant librarian this noon in Sunday School for the first time. I borrowed tool sand a few horse shoe nails this morning from Mr. McDonald and drove two in a show which was nearly off the horse as he could not be drove to Bethel in that condition and go he must to get the chorister. My truss broke down and before retiring, I mended it. MARCH 19 MONDAY - Cloudy most of the day. Cold and chilly. Genuine March weather. The harness broke with George on Coal Pit Hill last night as he was returning home from Bethel after carrying Mr. Lockwood home. It was nearly midnight before he was able to get home on account of the break in the harness. As I went to work this morning, I called at the Savings Bank to see if the money I refused to take on account of getting the same of Brother Hill’s mother could not be obtained, as Mrs. Hill is disappointed in getting her money as expected. I could not secure it. We were limited in our work in the shop today. I finished mine about 1 o’clock. I then came home and tore down the old high board fence between Mr. Pond and myself. I divide the old fence rubbish with him and then we build a new fence or se pout a hedge dividing the expense between us. George mended the harness and this afternoon, started for Ridgefield business; thinks he may stay all night. As the road through Sugar Hollow is a very lonesome and dreary one, he borrowed my revolver. He somehow felt impressed that there might be an occasion to use it. I carried our large washtub over to Mr. McDonald’s this morning to have two new hoops put on it. When it was done, he brought it over himself. In the evening, I went down to tell Brother Hill of my business at the Savings Bank this morning. As I entered the door, I met Dr. Bennett’s son coming out. He had been to see Brother Hill’s child, Nelly, who is dangerously sick with the brain disease. George Starr was also there. Brother Hill asked him to lend me $1,100 on my place; he said he could not. I bought some postage stamps and mailed a letter for Gussie to Mrs. Dr. _______ ordering an “anatomical chart”. Gussie bought a card picture of General Grant today from a one-legged soldier who lost the same in battle at New Berne, North Carolina. He was a member of the 10th Regiment, C.V. MARCH 20 FRIDAY - Cloudy, chilly and cold all day; about 6 P.M., it began to snow. We had but a ½ day’s work in the shop. Mr. Crofut called all the men together from both departments to try and make some arrangements with them to work for the same wages as in June, 1864, which with the finishers would be about 50 cents less on a dozen hats than our present bill. He thought if he could get his work done cheaper, he would make up some hats ahead, but if he could get no discount in the manufacturing, he should make none, unless they were ordered. The men concluded not to work for any less at present, but wait and see if the prices of provisions would come down first. In the P.M., I went over to Mr. Hurd’s garden where Henry was digging horse radish and he gave me some to bring home. Gussie went into the street with Mrs. George Davis. When she returned, we grated the horse radish and we had some for supper. I went to meeting in the evening. Brother Hill preached. After the sermon, a prayer meeting was held as usual. William Peck, Anne A. Fanton and another lady were forward; they have been seeking and at the altar for several days past. Before retiring, I went up to see Father Griswold about engaging of Seymour in Norwalk some Arbor vitae for the hedge between Mr. Pond’s yard and mine. George came from Ridgefield this evening. He came home with the horse about 10 o’clock. MARCH 21 WEDNESDAY - Very icy this morning; cloudy all day with some rain. I had ½ day’s work in the shop. I came home and had the headache in the P.M. and the evening. I let John Bouton and David Bradley take the horse just at night to move their tool chest from Larson’s new house which they built down to Sunderland’s Carpenter Shop. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the evening, while I stayed with the baby. George called in the evening. MARCH 22 THURSDAY - A beautiful day. I had ½ day’s work in the shop. As I came home from work at noon, I took from the office a note from Brother Hill referring me to James Selleck for money. I called at John Meeker’s shop to see him. He wants 8% for his money and taxes paid. I called on Brother Hill as I returned and reported on the transaction to him. He advised me not to pay more than 7 per cent as he will let me have it at that rather than do it. Mr. Selleck called as he went home from work to see if I had concluded to take the money at the per cent he named. I told him no. As I could get it at 7.3 percent I should pay him no more than that. He not being willing to take that, I of course did not make a bargain with him and he drove on. John Brayman took the horse over to McDonald’s for me and had him shod over in good shape. He also trimmed his fetlocks and tail which improved the look of the horse very much. When I came home from work, I went over and paid Mr. McDonald $1.23 for the job. I let John take the horse in the evening to take his wife from the depot, she having been to Norwalk to attend the funeral of a niece. I went to a School meeting at Military Hall in the evening and found John. He drove down for me after taking his wife home. I drove home with him and got some letters from Father Griswold and mailed them, he having forgotten them as he went to School meeting. I then drove up to the Hall and gave him a ride home, he being obliged to stay until that time on account of officiating as Chairman. The meeting was called to get the minds of the district whether to divide as heretofore or to continue the consolidation. There is to be a town meeting tomorrow P.M. to decide on continuing the consolidation of the two districts, viz. the North Center and the Center. The two as consolidated voted this evening to continue the consolidation by a majority of 100. MARCH 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but it soon became cloudy and in the P.M., it commenced snowing. I expected but about ½ days’ work in the shop but we had enough to keep me until nearly 6 o’clock. An adjourned town meeting was held at 2 ½ o’clock P.M. to take decisive action in regard to dividing the Center and North Center districts which are now consolidated. Also to arrange for building a large and commodious school house for a higher graded school. The action of the district meeting last evening in regard to a division was ratified by the meeting; also a vote was passed for the town to build the proposed school house. Accordingly, a committee to secure a location was appointed and also to draw plans for the building. I did not attend the meeting myself on account of being too busy at the shop, though I intended in the morning to do so. The result of the meeting as named, I was told. The 10 lbs. of coffee which I sent for by Clark Beers came today. I went in the evening to hear O.S. Ferry and Joseph R. Hawley speak on the issues of the day at Concert Hall and notwithstanding it rained all the evening, the Hall was crowded. I shook General Hawley’s hand after the meeting was over. He seemed the same as when I was with him in the 3 month’s service, and he a captain commanding a Hartford company of volunteers. When I came home, I found George at the house, he having been to hear the speaking and got home first. He came for a sifter to take to Martin Clark. He went to the barn for it as I went to give the horse his feed. MARCH 24 SATURDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it soon came off pleasant and remained so during the day. I had work until noon in the shop. After dinner, I rode down to Bethel with George who went to see Peter Starr about work in the new forming factory. I left a dozen salves with Mr. Dare to be sold. When we returned, I went to the shop and drew my pay. Then I finished the afternoon in finding and talking with E. Fairchild, Sturgis Selleck and Brother Hill about “money” matters. In the evening, Gussie went into the street with me and bought a pair of shoes. MARCH 25 SUNDAY - I woke and found about 3 inches of snow on the ground and still snowing. It soon cleared off, however. The sun shone bright, but the wind commenced blowing furiously, making it tedious to be out. Gussie went to church in the morning and I went down to Sunday School at noon and to prayer meeting in the P.M. After the prayer meeting, Brother Hill read off the new arrangements of classes which had three new classes added under the leadership of Nelson Nickerson, Joseph W. Allen and Brother Everett, many changes having been made. I was changed to Charles Stevens’ class; my old leader, Peter Starr, is going to move to Bethel. George came home with me to supper, after which he harnessed the horse and went over to George Starr’s for his carriage to go to Bethel for Mr. Lockwood, the chorister, it being too stormy to go for him this morning and they want him this evening at the preaching service, also for a rehearsal before meeting. Gussie went in the evening while I stayed with the baby. It continued windy and cold in the evening. MARCH 26 MONDAY - Clear but windy. We had about a ½ days’ work in the shop with which we were told that there would be no more work until further notice. I then went up to George Starr’s to see if he would lend me $50 on the 1st of April to enable me to pay interest in advance to Edward Fairchild for money which I have made arrangements to have from him. From there, I went up to Mr. Nutt’s Machine Shop to get $12 promised me by Russell Smith which he has owed me since 1860, but I did not get it. I then saw Edward Fairchild on the street and told him I would take the $1,100. He wanted a third person to take the note and mortgage and then he wants to buy the note. I called to see Brother Hill to see if he would act the third person. He had rather not do it. He suggested that I ask Father Griswold to do it and saddled his horse to let me ride up with him to see him (E.E.G.) about it. He consented to act. Brother Hill’s horse broke my front picket fence while hitched at my post. I rode Old Jim up home just before sundown to see our folks. George was made a freeman this forenoon. MARCH 27 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but rather windy. No work in the shop. Father Griswold has concluded not to act the third party regarding the money from Fairchild. So in the P.M., I dropped a line to Mr. Fairchild declining to take the money. I helped Father Griswold nearly all day build lattice work at his back door. Gussie and I were up there to dinner. Mrs. Pond called to see Gussie in the P.M. Gussie took her up to Father Griswold where she made a long call. Seth Downs intended this morning to take my horse to go nearly to Newtown to his wife’s home, but for some reason, he did not come for it at noon as I expected. Bell came down this afternoon to have me cut her hair, but I was too busy, and besides, we persuaded her not to have it done just now. After tea, I wrote an answer to a letter to a letter received this morning from Aaron Mallet of West Redding. Gussie went to market in the evening and mailed it. MARCH 28 WEDNESDAY - A beautiful spring day – no wind, bright sunshine, warm. In the morning, I helped Father Griswold finish off his lattice work at his back door. I then harnessed the horse and he and myself took a ride over to Beaver Brook to see the hands building the Brookfield, Danbury and White Plains Railroad. This was Father Griswold’s first visit to see them. After dinner, I rode down to the courthouse to engage some straw of Theodore Lyon, who was there as one of the Board to make Freemen as Monday and Wednesday of this week were the days designated for that purpose. From there, I went out to his house for the straw (6 sheaves), carrying Uncle Jacob Fry out home from the street as I went. When I returned, I had a severe headache which increased until I retired, which was about 7 o’clock. MARCH 29 THURSDAY - It snowed a little early last night but turned to rain before morning and took it all away. I went downtown in the forenoon and called at D B. Booth’s Office and consulted about the transfer of note and mortgage instead of making out new papers. I went to the shop and got what money was due me - $2.25. I then called at Gillette & Hawley’s and told Hanford Fairchild the reasons for my not taking the $1,100 from his father as I intended. I then went to the Post Office and came home with Father Griswold’s mail. Father was with us to dinner, he having finished a job of sawing wood for John Bouton and came this way to leave my saw which he had been using. It stopped raining about the middle of the P.M. and showed signs of clearing off just at night. I went into the street again before tea and did some shopping; bought some meat, a thimble for myself and shoes for my wife which had been repaired. Received a note from Brother Hill in the evening requesting a written Sunday School report to present to Conference next week. I stopped in at an auction under Concert Hall before I came home in the evening and bid off a silver plated castor for $4.50. MARCH 30 FRIDAY - Fast day. Pleasant. Louise stayed with the baby and let Gussie and I go to church. Mr. Power of the West Street Presbyterian Church preached. The service was held in our church about 10 ½ o’clock. In the P.M., I dug around the posts remaining from the division fence between Mr. Pond and me and too them up. We had dinner and supper together about 4 o’clock, after which I harnessed Old Jim and Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. I drove just beyond to John Crane’s to see if I could sell my horse, but he had just bought one today. There have been Democratic speakers at Concert hall this evening. A Union Prayer Meeting at our church this evening. We stayed at home and did not attend either. Eclipse of the moon tonight – total at 5 minutes before 11 o’clock. MARCH 31 SATURDAY - Cloudy all day; commenced raining a little about noon. It soon stopped; however commenced again in earnest about 5 P.M. After breakfast, I went over to Mr. Nutt’s Machine Shop to see Russell Smith about the $12 he owes me. I did not get it, but he promised it the first of next week. I borrowed $25 of George Starr to make out the amount I need on Monday. I went down to the shop and got $5.00 I lent Mr. Crofut for the Female Guardians’ Society yesterday at church. I saw George in the street; he came home with me to dinner, after which, we drove over to Theo. Smith’s to try and sell our horse to him; we did not succeed. George intended to drive to Bethel just at night to get Mr. Lockwood and have a rehearsal this evening, but the rain prevented. George ordered another cart of feed for the horse which came as I was feeding him tonight. I went to market and brought home my things and then returned into the street to hear William Stewart of Nevada speak on the issues of the day at Concert Hall. Previous to the speaking, I paid Swift & Day $4.50 for the Sunday School, the same being for expressage from April 1st, 1865 to April 1st, 1866 on papers, etc.
1866-03
Horace Purdy Journal November 1864 Entry
10 pgs
11/01 TUESDAY - Pleasant and cool. I have had work in the shop all day again. The horse trainer gave another exhibition in the street this afternoon and got what names he could to learn the art at $8.00 apiece. I did not witness it either yesterday or today preferring not to leave my work. I attended a Hatters' Special Meeting in the evening over Benedict Nichol's store to take into consideration the cases of J. M. Roff and ___ Foote who are apprentices out of a shop and want the trade to allow them to finish their time in this association contrary to our rules as there are already the specified number in each shop. The case of young Roff was referred to the National Executive Court and Foote, not being under the jurisdiction of this society, we could not do anything for him. I received a letter by the evening mail from George containing $15.00 11/02 WEDNESDAY - It froze quite hard last night. The day has been pleasant. I had 1 dozen hats to finish today. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and paid $7.00 for George from the money received by letter last evening for 500 pamphlets printed on the 29th of August. I engaged 10 lbs. of butter of Smith Pulling for Mother Griswold. I put up the bedstead in the parlor before tea. I went to class in the evening. Mailed a Jeffersonian and a New York Daily Times to George in the evening. We commenced marking our clothing with indelible ink before retiring and marked off a large quantity. 11/03 THURSDAY - It froze quite hard again last night but has been very pleasant and warm today. I had work enough to last me until about 2 o'clock in the shop. On the way home, I paid a bill at Swift's for George - $5.00 for one half dozen pocket Army and Navy Dictionaries and $1.10 for Jeffersonians taken by our folks. I borrowed Jo. Ives team and came up home for a stove and pipe to put up in the parlor preparatory to sickness of Gussie expected soon. I bought a new piece of pipe to lengthen out the old for my room as the ceilings are higher. Harriet left a letter here which she had received from George that I might take extracts from it for publication in the Jeffersonian. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00 for one month's rent from October 1st to November 1st. I went to market in the evening, waited for the mail and came home. Commenced a letter to George before retiring. 11/04 FRIDAY - It rained very hard towards morning and until noon when it cleared off fine. I had work until about 2 o'clock in the shop. I finished writing a letter to George after tea and enclosed some samples of material to make shirts for him, but before mailing it, I bought 2 ready made for him and mailed them to him. I withdrew or rather did not mail the letter but wrote another in its place and mailed it. The postage on the shirts was 2 cents an ounce Weight 17 ounces - 34 cents. I did some marketing and went to Concert Hall to hear General O. S. Derry talk on the issues of the day, but could not get far enough into the Hall to get a sight of him, so I came home. Smith Pulling came to Father Griswold's for their small butter pot to put down 10 lbs. of butter for them. 11/05 SATURDAY - Cool but pleasant in the forenoon. Windy with a little snow squall in the P.M., just enough to say snow, only a few flakes. I had my next Monday's work with my allowance today in order not to work on Monday that I could go to Ridgefield to the Republican Mass Meeting, if I felt so disposed. It kept me hard a t work all day. On my way home, I saw John Cosier and partially agreed to go hunting with him next Monday. In the evening, I went to the Clubroom and to the league to make arrangements for going to the mass meeting and for the election next Tuesday. It was nearly midnight when we broke up and I came home. Frank Butters' father died this afternoon with consumption. 11/06 SUNDAY - It froze hard last night. The evening train last night did not get in until 1 0'clock this morning. It was detained in New York on account of soldiers coming home to vote who were given the preference to the regular trains. They finally arrived at Norwalk at midnight and the D and N train was there detained 2 hours waiting for the dawn freight train which was waiting for it. Each was waiting for the other, not daring to run, supposing the other claimed the right of the road. Harriet Wheeler came on the train from a visit to New York and Brooklyn. The widow Thomas Sherman lost her little boy this forenoon with Diphtheria having croupy affection with it. I did not go to church this forenoon. I attended Sunday School and the afternoon meeting. Brother Hill preached from 1st Timothy 1:16. After tea, I went to Dr. Buckley's for some medicine for Gussie's sore throat. I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George in the evening. I went to hear Brother Hill at the first church on the evening. He preached a sermon on the crisis before us and the duty of Christians to their country at this time. After I returned from church and before retiring, I completed copying from George's letter for publication in the Jeffersonian. 11/07 MONDAY - Stormy. On that account John Cosier and I did not go hunting as we intended. The delegation from here that intended to go to the Mass Meeting in Ridgefield (Republican) was also disappointed and did not go. I did my work for today on Saturday in order that I could go hunting today and in consequence of it, I have no shop work today. I went up to John Cosier's at noon and borrowed his bottle of Persian Cement and mended my rubber boots in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and to Concert Hall to hear George W. Woodruff speak for Lincoln and Johnson until half past eight when I went to the Post Office and home. It stopped raining in the evening and the moon shone dimly through the clouds. 11/08 TUESDAY - Presidential Election - lowery and foggy all day with some rain. Levi W. Bertram came a little before 11 0'clock to borrow my revolver as he had been appointed a special police to guard the pools against assault should one be made as had been threatened. I went down and voted about 10 o'clock. Before I left the Courthouse the soldiers' votes were presented and deposited. This was the most interesting feature of the election, that our brave soldiers who are fighting in the field for the country could be allowed to have a voice as to who should administer the government for 4 years to come for which they have left the comforts of home to fight for and even die if necessary. I took a nap in the P.M. after which I went to market and got something for my breakfast tomorrow and returned home a little after 4 o'clock. The day has been given up to the election. The shop has been closed. In the evening, carried additional for Cosmopolites letter to the Jeffersonian Office. 11/09 WEDNESDAY - 7 o'clock A.M. Still stormy. I stayed downtown last night until after 1 o'clock to get the election returns. A large and enthusiastic audience assembled at Concert Hall about 8 o'clock. We bought the use of the wires and had runners to bring dispatches to the Hall. We had speakers at the Hall while we were waiting for the dispatches from the following persons in order as named - Reverend Mr. Jackson, Stowe and Griswold, Peter Holmes, D. B. Boothe, Alva Pearce of New Fairfield, Reverend Mr. Shepard and Robertson. About 11 o'clock, we adjourned from the Hall to the Clubrooms. About midnight the wires refused to work. They were soon in working order again and the news began to come. Judging in the earlier part of the evening from the towns close around us, we feared for the State. But later, we had news from the eastern part of the State that Lincoln had carried that portion by increased majorities. The best of news from Mass., New York, Penn., Maryland, Delaware, and Indiana. The crowd hurrahed and sang Rally Round the Flag, Boys with the wildest enthusiasm. James Harvey rolled in to clubroom 5 gallons of cider which was emptied before we left. Our onion plant commenced blossoming today. Harriet came down in the rain this P.M. and stayed to tea. In the meantime, I went to market for her and myself. After tea, I went up home with her and carried her things. One of the locks to her bureau broke and I took it home with me to mend. I went to the Union Clubroom in the evening and stayed until the mail came. 11/10 THURSDAY - Very stormy until noon when it cleared off and before night it was very pleasant and fair. Full work at the shop. Mrs. Stowe worked and cleaned for us today. Received a letter from George. I answered it after tea. Mailed it in the evening, also a Jeffersonian and Jeffersonian extra printed last Saturday. I went to market in the evening and got 25 cents from Russel Hoyt for a roll of Griswold's Salve he bought of us a few days ago. I went to the Republican Clubroom where they were making arrangements for an illumination and gathering at Concert Hall and perhaps a parade with music in honor of the re-election of Abraham Lincoln for President of the U.S. I came home before they finished the business. I agreed last evening to get Mother a pint of milk every other day at Mr. McDonald's for two weeks to come and got the first this morning. Bell came down and got it at our house. Election returns are coming in finely. We carry the state of New York for Lincoln and defeat Seymour for Governor. 11/11 FRIDAY - I am 30 years old today. It has been pleasant. Worked all day in the shop. At 6 o'clock in the evening, 100 guns were fired and Concert Hall was illuminated. A large procession was formed headed by the Drum Corps and marched up Main Street as far as Copperthwaight's and back down as far as Jackson's School and up to Concert Hall. We cheered all prominent places that were illuminated such as Lieutenant Governor Averill's, E.S and E. A. Tweedy, also Mr. H. Tweedy, Copperthwaight, Mr. R. White, Eli Hoyt, the Jeffersonian Office, J. W. Bacon, Union League room, Lymon Keeler, Smith Barnum's, Jackson's, D. P. Nichol, Charles Andrews, and Ashley and F. S. Wildman. The Hall was thronged to its utmost. Speeches were made by Reverend Mr. Jackson, Crawford, Buckley, Stowe and Robertson. Also Governor Averill. At this juncture, I left and came home. Patriotic songs were sung by the Glee Club. It was a grand time, a real glorification over the election of Lincoln and Johnson. While the meeting was going on, a cry of fire was raised out of doors. We thought it was a plan to break up the meeting by the Copperheads. But the meeting went on with but very little disturbance. It finally proved to be a reality. It was Benedict Stone's Hat Shop at the upper end of Main Street. 11/12 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning; cloudy in the P.M. with a little rain in the evening. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I went to market. I brought home two pair of pants to see by daylight how I like them. I got them at Harris'; am to return one pair of theirs. 11/13 SUNDAY - Cold and squalls of snow during the day. I melted as fast as it fell; none remaining to be seen. I attended church. Brother Hill preached in the morning. Sacrament in the afternoon. It being Sunday School meeting at noon and no books to give out, I came home to dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking called a few minutes on their way home from church. Harriet Purdy also to leave a letter and a Jeffersonian for me to mail to New York. I gave her the Jeffersonian. She wanted to send it to Mr. Boyle; it having one of George's letter in it. She would not stay to tea. After tea, I took two wreath sand a bouquet (all made of ground pine and life everlasting) up to Eddie's grave. The large wreath encircled the name and verse on the stone and the small one was placed on the grave with the bouquet in the center. I did not go to church in the evening, but copied a few items from George's last letter for the Jeffersonian. 11/14 MONDAY - Pleasant and cool. I got my cabbages in the cellar before breakfast this morning. On my way to the shop this morning I returned the pants which I concluded not to take to Mr. Harris' clothing store. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. After tea, I got my large winter turnips into the cellar by moonlight. I then went downtown. I carried to the Jeffersonian Office some extracts from George's last letter for publication. Called at Mr. Harris' and paid $8.00 for my pants. Took a letter from the office for Father Griswold and walked up West Street with David Bradley. Mrs. Stone and her little girl Jane called to see Gussie early in the evening. The Lincoln and Johnson banner was taken down today. 11/15 TUESDAY - Pleasant in the morning, but very cold. The ground froze very ha last night. The weather began to moderate and to be cloudy so that by 10 o'clock it was all over cloudy and soon began to snow. It continued snowing all day and at night the snow lay from 2 to 3 inches deep. It cleared off early in the evening. I went to market and to Dr. Buckley's office to warn him of a job expected soon, perhaps before morning. I went into C.H. Reed's for my shoes that had been mended and two strips of leather to line the inside the bottom of my pants which I had worn off. I came home and Gussie did it before she retired. I nailed down some pieces of oil cloths over more places in the sink room. This is the third snow we have had but the first of any consequence. 11/16 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I was up a part of last night with Gussie. She got breakfast and did her work. Dr. Buckley came between 7 and 8 o' clock. The child was born at 1 /12 o'clock -a fine boy weighing 9 lbs., 1 ounce. Mother Griswold and Mrs. Curtis and Mrs. Cyrus White were with her. Fanny came down and got dinner. In the afternoon, I went over to Mill Plain to Curtis Bennett's for our nurse Miss English. I had Mr. Austin's team to go after her. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George. 11/17 THURSDAY - Gussie as well as could be expected. I went to the shop but had only what was left over from Tuesday to do, there being no work given out today. It began to rain after dinner and continued to rain more or less during the P.M. Stormed quite hard in the evening. Harriet was with us to dinner. I got Joseph Ives' horse and Alden G. Crosby's buggy and went over to Miry Brook at Benjamin Norris' to see about a cord of wood for Harriet which I had previously engaged for her. After tea, I went up home to tell Harriet about the wood. From there, I went down to Mrs. Stowe's to have her come tomorrow and do some washing for us. 11/18 FRIDAY - Cloudy; a little broken in the morning and again in the evening and a very little rain in the middle of the day. I took up Fennel roots and Dahlias in the morning. Made a fire up in Father Griswold's cellar for Mrs. Stowe to wash by. The doctor came before I went to the shop, which was nearly 11 o' clock. I took Miss English's watch with me to get a key for her. I worked as long as I could see at the shop. After tea, I wrote to George, informing him of the birth of our baby. Also to cousins Samson and Eliza Humphrey in California. As I went down to mail them, I carried two chickens to Harry Stone's store for Mother Griswold to send to the soldiers for a Thanksgiving dinner. 11/19 SATURDAY - Cloudy in the morning; cleared off in the P.M. I finished a hat I am designing for Dr. Buckley the last thing before leaving work. The bell tolled this morning for Elias Stevens' wife. Bell got Alfred Gregory's team and brought Mother down to see our baby this afternoon. I went to market in the evening and home as soon as the cars came. 11/20 SUNDAY - It froze hard last night; a heavy white frost this morning. Cloudy all day; it commenced raining just at night. I attended church during the day but not in the evening. Brother Hill preached in the morning and Brother Henry Monroe from Kentucky in the P.M. Father came down for milk and to see the baby this afternoon. After supper, our nurse Miss English went out to make a call to Hoyt Dibbles. Mrs. Cosier and Wildman called to see Gussie and the baby early in the evening. 11/21 MONDAY - Stormy all day. I have had the headache but continued my work until night. On my way home from work, I called at Harry Stone's grocery store for the two chickens I carried there last Friday evening for Mother Griswold to send to the soldiers but was too late to get them in the box as they went out that afternoon. I left them to see if more things came to make out another box, but there was not enough come for another and accordingly, I went for them tonight. I mailed a Harpers' Weekly to George today. Elias Stevens' wife was buried today at Mill Plain. Harriet came down today in a terrible fidget about her wood that I engaged for her of Benjamin Norris; it had not come yet and she wanted it very much. She brought a letter down to me to read from George to Mother. 11/22 TUESDAY - It cleared off pleasant in the morning. I got a good early start this morning. I prepared the fire all ready to light up in Father Griswold's cellar for Mrs. Stowe to wash but she did not come; she washed for Mother. There was no work at the shop for me this P.M. on account of there being no blocks to finish the hats on which I had out. At noon, just before noon, I sent out 30 cents to buy cider with to treat my shop mates on the birth of my boy. Daniel Manly curled a hat for me which I had been getting up from a knock down which I had. I tried to sell it to Dr. Buckley but could not. I went down for Jackson's dog Milo and went over to Mill Plain Swamp hunting in the P.M. I had no success. Brother Henry Monroe called to see Gussie, was there when I came home from hunting. After tea, I went to market and home with the dog. 11/23 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant but cold. I worked all day in the shop. Mrs. Stowe washed for us. I attended class in the evening. While there, Mrs. Daniel Starr, Edith Newman, and Hattie Mills called to see Gussie. From class, I went home with John Cosier to borrow his shot pouch to go hunting tomorrow. I borrowed Fred Jackson's dog and brought home with me for the night in readiness for tomorrow. 11/24 THURSDAY - A beautiful day. After breakfast, I started for a hunting trip. I found game but did not shoot any. I returned a little after 3 o'clock. Supper was ready as soon thereafter as it could be cooked. Father came down with a tart pie while we were eating, a present from Mother. After supper, I carried John Cosier's shot pouch home and went home with 'Milo' the dog to Mr. Jackson's. I broke my gun. 11/25 FRIDAY - Cloudy in the morning but clear and pleasant in the middle and after part of the day. Bought 1/2 barrel of flour of George Crofut and Son; am to pay for it on Monday. Mailed the Jeffersonian to George. Went hunting in the P.M. with John Cosier and Fred Jackson up to Tamarack. We got but one quail. John shot that and gave it to me for Gussie. Ellen Dare came from Bethel to see Gussie in the P.M. She stayed to tea and is going to stay all night. Miss English went out to call at Dr. Ryder's in the evening and I went up home to borrow a piece of beef of Father. Mr. McDonald's gun being broken from yesterday's trip, I borrowed Alva Parmalee's. 11/26 SATURDAY - I slept upstairs last night on the floor. Pleasant today. The boys were skating on George Starr's pond this morning. After breakfast, I cleaned Parmalee's gun, also my own (McDonald's). Carried Mr. Parmalee's home and mine up to Comstock's to see about getting it fixed. Read a letter from George Cole from St. Augustine, Florida with $6.00 enclosed for a hat I sent him costing $5.78. Also, two letters from George, one written from Jacksonville and the last from St. Augustine, the band being now station there for instruction. This letter was directed to me and headed to Mother, it being designed for both. There was enclosed one of Edith's letters for me to preserve. Ellen Dare went away about 10 A.M. The morning papers give an account of an attempt to burn New York City by firing several hotels at the same time last night. After dinner, I covered my strawberry bed with door yard grass mowed and put away in the summer for that purpose. Before tea, I took up Mother Griswold's clothes dryer post and set it again on the opposite side of the house. After tea, and just before going into the street, I wrote a reply to George Cole at St. Augustine, Florida, acknowledging the receipt of his note with the money enclosed. I went to market in the evening, mailed Mr. Cole's letter and came home. Eliza and Minnie Vents called early in the evening. Ellen Dare and Harriet Wheeler came in on their way to the Old Folk's concert. When I returned from market, Mrs. Cyrus White, Miss Pepper and Fanny came in to see the baby. After prayers and all but me had retired, I copied extracts from George's letter received today for publication in the Jeffersonian next week. I did not retire until nearly 12 o'clock. The Old Folk's Concert in the evening was at Concert Hall. 11/27 SUNDAY - Pleasant; we rose rather late. Ellen Dare stayed up to Father Griswold's last night. She came in to see Gussie before going to church at noon. Mr. Breckinridge of Bethel preached for us all day. He probably exchanged with Brother Hill as he was not home. Text in the morning -Revelation 3:20; in the P.M., Romans 10. They were both excellent sermons and did me great good. After Sunday School, I got Theodore Lyon's team and brought Mother down to church. She came home with me to tea. Harriet called while we were eating. She would not take tea with us. She finally took a cup of tea with her things on and left. After supper was out of the way, Miss English went out to make a call. I wrote to George and mailed also a Harper's Weekly on my way to prayer meeting in the evening. The Old Folk's Concert gave a sacred music exhibition at Concert Hall -admission 15 cents. 11/28 MONDAY - The stars shone brightly before daylight, but as the sun rose, it was cloudy and during the day it appeared as if it might rain at any moment. I mailed a letter and bought one dozen postage stamps for our nurse Miss English as I went to the shop in the morning. I worked all day in the shop. I came home by way of A. G. Crosby's Coal Office and borrowed John Cosier's gun wad cutter for Mr. Parmalee who wanted to cut wads for his gun as John's cutter was a fit for his gun. Miss English washed a little today. When I came home, I found Gussie up and dressed. She came to the tea table with us. After tea, I went to market and to the Jeffersonian office with a letter from George for publication. I bought a coconut with the shuck on for Miss English to keep as a curiosity, went to the Post Office and came home. It is still cloudy and warm. The notorious scapegrace of Bethel, Aunt Gill Smith was found dead on or near the railroad this morning with a bottle of whiskey by her side. She was brought up to the courthouse where an inquest was held over her body. So I hear. 11/29 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, although most of the time a blue sky could be seen. It came off pleasant in the P.M. It has been very warm, real Indian Summer. Gussie had a great many calls this afternoon to see her and baby. Mrs., Barnum, Curtis, Hill, Sivine, Baxters, Mary Purdy and Bell, besides Mother Griswold's folks. After tea, I went to market for Mother Griswold and myself. I expected a quarter of beef today from Granville Ambler but for some reason or other it did not come. 11/30 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm as summer. I worked as long as daylight would let me in the shop. We received our pay today. It was deferred in order to pay off up to the 1st of December and then take the semi-annual inventory. John Brush drunk around the shop nearly all day. On my way home from work at night I called and paid Charles Crofut for a one half barrel of flour - $7.50. I paid Miss English $8.00 for two weeks nursing. I went to class in the evening. Brother Peter Starr being absent, John Cosier led the class.
1864-11
Horace Purdy Journal August 1864 Entry
9pgs
8/1 MONDAY - Charlie Parsons woke me this morning a little after 5 o'clock by coming down and shaking my door I immediately rose and after lighting my fire, took a walk with him down to the Wooster House took get a little spirits, he not yet feeling well. After breakfast, John Sharp came with his coach to carry him to the depot. I rode down with him and saw Charlie on the train and then started for the factory. The train passed the shop just as I got there. He signaled to me as he passed. Sharp carried us on West Street around Rabbit Hill for another passenger before going to the depot. The day has been very warm. I finished my work at the shop about 1 o'clock and then came home to dinner. In the P.M., I mailed a Tribune and a Waverly to George. Carried picture of Phil Parsons to Couch's to copy some card pictures from for Charles Parsons. I went to the Savings Bank and had the $20.00 I paid for the watch for George transferred from his book to mine. Also deposited a dollar for Eddie with his old book in his name, though he is dead. After tea, Gussie went with me down to market. We went into Deklyn's and took some cream. 8/2 TUESDAY - Very warm. We have suffered more with the heat in the shop than any day before. We were limited in our work today, but it was all I wanted for so warm a day, it lasted me until 5 o'clock. John Bush has lost his last and only child with Cholera Infantius. He has had six children; this one was about 20 months old. Cloudy just at night and before I retired, it began to mist a little with good prospects of a storm. I was so tired that I did not go out in the evening. I put some water in a tub and just before I retired I washed me all over. Bought 2 quarts of blackberries of Zarr (sp) Hack who came along peddling them just before dark. 8/3 WEDNESDAY - Stormy. No work in the shop. Between 9 and 11 o'clock, I went over to Mr. Lyne's and Robert and the boy Charles went over to Lake Kenosha fishing. I went with them. We fished until about nearly 7 P.M. Not very good luck. After tea, I went down to the Post Office and directly home again. John Brush's child was buried this P.M at 3 o'clock. 8/4 THURSDAY - Being very tired last night, I overslept this morning. I dressed my fish before breakfast. After breakfast, I pulled the weeds from my Tromp De Gard strawberry bed. National Fast Union Servicers in our church. Brother Hill preached the sermon from Zachariah 14:6-7. It was an excellent discourse for the occasion. The service commenced at 11 o'clock and closed about 1 0'clock. We had dinner about 3 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. Robert went with me and carried some very fine tomatoes to the editor of the Jeffersonian. Perfected and free tomatoes, the nicest I ever saw, I think. I have felt dull with no ambition all day. I think I caught some cold yesterday while fishing. 8/5 FRIDAY - Rain in the afternoon though in the forenoon it had the appearance of clearing off. Limited in our work at the shop. Some of the men finished at noon, I worked until nearly night. I came home by way of Couch's Picture Gallery and got the card pictures of Philemon Parsons which his brother Charles directed me to have copied from a picture fanny had. He being at Hartford and drilling militia officers and expecting to return this way and get them. I went to market and the Post Office in the evening. Martha Whealon came to our folks (Griswolds) by the evening train to make a visit. She is from Brooklyn. 8/6 SATURDAY - Clouds and sunshine, at times appearance of more rain. I finished my work in the shop at noon, we having but a small allowance now. I picked up a damaged hat yesterday and finished it for my head, had it trimmed today and brought it home. Received a letter from George at noon. Commenced an answer in the P.M. Hoed in my garden. Harriet and Louise Jones called before tea, but could not stay. Gussie went with me downtown to market in the evening. We somewhat expected Charles Parsons in the evening, but he did not come. While in the street, Mr. Barnum hailed me about my application for a pension. The officers at the pension office wanting more particulars regarding my case, such as who attended me and how much, also what hospital I was in and the name of our camp. The name of the camp I gave, it was Camp McDowell. As for the hospital, I never went into one, but lay in my tent. The name of the surgeons I gave, but they never treated me for hernia, as I did not tell them the difficulty after I discovered what it was, knowing that medicine would do me no good. There is but little possibility of me getting the pension. Another town meeting this P.M. about filling our quota in order to evade the coming draft. A vote was passed instructing the selectmen to fill the quota of the town as best they can regardless of expense, no particular sum of money being appropriated. 8/7 SUNDAY - Pleasant and very warm. Gussie attended church with me in the morning. Brother Breckinridge, the Bethel preacher, preached for us all day. Text in the morning was Malachi 4:2, in the P.M., Proverbs 4:12. 2 dozen new singing books, Chain and Shower were brought into the school today. John Comes went up for Mother at noon and brought her down for the afternoon service. Theo Lyon carried her home after meeting. Bell came home with us to tea. I got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage after tea and carried Gussie and Bell up to the cemetery. I fund Edith Newman and Harriet Mills up there. After Gussie and Bell had rode around the cemetery, they got out at Eddie's grave and I took Edith and Hattie Mills in and drove around the grounds. I had to go up to Oil Mill Pond for the horse and back with him again after the ride. Before church this morning, I wrote to Charles Parsons in order to send the pictures to him of his brother Phil which I had copied for him while he was up to Hartford as he requested. But concluded to not mail it until tomorrow for fear that he may come here on his return from Hartford. We did not go to church in the evening. 8/8 MONDAY - Very smoky and warm. Half the men in the shop worked today and the other half works tomorrow. I worked today. The reason for this arrangement was that all the work was on one set of blocks, the 5 deeps. Not feeling very well, I was very tired when I finished my work. I came home by way of Dr. Rider's office and had him dig out an old root for me. I broke the tooth off even with the gum one day last week. He broke it, or rather crushed it in his instruments 3 different times. I finished my letter to George after tea and mailed it in the evening with one to Charles Parsons at West Point. I enclosed 2 card pictures of his brother Philemon which he wished me to have copied from one Fanny has. In fact, to send the pictures was the reason for me writing. I mailed also to George a Waverly. On my way home from the shop, I called at Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and balanced my account for coal by paying $10.00. 8/9 TUESDAY - Pleasant. No work in the shop. I worked around home all day. Dug up my old strawberry.. (Ed. Note: breaks off here. Pages 78-79 are missing. Diary resumes at the end of 8/12) 8/12 FRIDAY - in the forenoon. The New York train ran off the track just this side of the city and consequently, it was 9 o'clock before we arrived in Danbury. I came home with the sick headache. 8/13 SATURDAY - Pleasant and very warm. We had 1 dozen each at the shop. After I finished mine, I took six from John W. Bussing at his request as he was to leave to go to Boston. I cut the vines from my strawberry plants leaving the new plants alone preparatory to transplanting. After tea, Robert helped me alter a cat for Mother Griswold. I took the two heaps of grass and piled it west of the woodhouse. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. Mrs. Stokes, sister to George Bevans died this morning. She gave birth to a pair of twins yesterday. One side of her has been for some time paralyzed. She was not expected to live through her confinement. 8/14 SUNDAY - A hard shower last night which has made the air more pure, though the day has been very warm. The sermon in the morning was to the Sabbath school children by our pastor, Brother Hill. Text was the middle clause of the third verse 15th chapter, 1st Corinthians 'Christ died for our sins.' Sunday school prayer meeting at noon at which Brother George Starr brought a fine picture of 'Christ Blessing the Little Children.' He exhibited and explained it to the schools. Sacrament in the P.M. I stayed, Gussie went home. The funeral of Mrs. Stokes was attended at 3 o'clock at the residence of Avery Raymond on Balmforth Avenue. After tea, Gussie and I walked up to the cemetery and put a bouquet on Eddie's grave. It was about dark when we returned. We did not go to church in the evening. 8/15 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. A vote is to be cast today to see if the people will allow the soldiers in the field to vote. I went to the depot with Mother Whealon this morning. I introduced her to Daniel Mauly who was going to Bridgeport and he promised to put her on board of the New Haven train for New York. Carried my shoes to Charles Reed's to be mended. I left George's watch at the jeweler's to be brightened up as I think of sending it to him tomorrow by mail with a hat I am going to send. After I returned from the depot, I trimmed the edges of my door yard walks. I then took extracts from George's letter for publication and carried it to Ashley, editor of the Jeffersonian. Went down and voted and got home at noon. I found Harriet there to take dinner with us. She says Father is pretty sick. Mrs. Stone washed for us. After dinner, I went up home to see Father. He is better. I stayed until nearly 4 o'clock and came home and set out a new bed of the Tromp De Gard strawberries. I went into the street and to the Post Office. The vote allowing soldiers to vote stands. I put up a letter to mail to 200 Mulberry Street, New York for (Father Griswold). 8/16 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. The letter I intended to mail to Father Griswold, I neglected and he came home on the morning train rather unexpectedly, so I gave him the letter h just as I had prepared it to mail. I spent nearly all the forenoon in mowing the grass and repairing the sidewalk I front of Father Griswold's and my premises. In the P.M., I put up a package for George containing a hat and his watch to send my mail. I also wrote him a letter and put up a Harper's Weekly to send. I went up home to see our folks. Father is improving, I think, but Mother is troubled again with her old difficulty in the region of the heart. I brought home some pears from Mrs. Peck's to stew. Bought 1 dozen eggs of Mother to assist them and bought a quart of molasses for them. Pulled up the weeds west of my woodhouse before tea, after which I went downtown to market and mailed the package to George along with a letter and a Harper's Weekly. I had the package registered, which cost me 20 cents. The postage was 45 cents, making full cost of sending 65 cents. 8/17 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy when I rose in the morning and began to rain about 8 o'clock. Previous to the rain, I dug what potatoes I had where I had set out cabbage and turnips, the chopped up some old pea brush in the wood house. I went to the Post Office when the mail came and rode back in the rain with Charles, the boy who lives with Mr. Lynes. After dinner, I cracked some walnuts and then went up to the Jeffersonian office to get the paper which Ashley sends to George and mail it myself to go by the afternoon mail in order to take the southern mail from New York tomorrow. If Ashley sent it with his other papers, he would not send it by this afternoon's mail, which was necessary to do or wait 8 days for another steamer. I sent with it a New York Daily Times. I went up home to see my folks who are sick and was caught in a shower coming home between 4 and 5 o'clock. I went to market and to class in the evening. There being but few there and Brother Hoyt being sick, Brother Hill led his class and we met with them. Widow White came to Father Griswold's in the evening from Newark, New Jersey. 8/18 THURSDAY - Clear and pleasant. I had 2 dozen hats to finish today. It lasted me until nearly night. After (tea?), Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr's to make a call and I went downtown and mailed a letter to E. Wing at West Goshen with $3.30 enclosed for a clothes dryer, the balance of the $5.00 ($1.50), I gave to Father Griswold at his (Wing's) request which he made by letter received today by Father Griswold. I met Gussie at J. M. Ives' store where we selected 18 fruit jars (glass) and ordered them brought up tomorrow. On our way home, we bought a lampshade at Charles Hull's. We took from Father Griswold's box a letter for Mrs. Marie White who is visiting there and brought it home to her. Father Griswold gave me a few Russell Seedling strawberry plants. I set them out before going downtown. 8/19 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, I got Alfred Gregory's team and went up home for a load of manure Father gave to me. I dug some of it in my new strawberry bed between the rows. After dinner, I pulled up my pea vines and carried away the brush and hoed my cabbages and turnips. Mr. Cocking brought me some Poorhouse Seedling strawberry plants. I put them out for the time being where I took away my pea vines. Gussie picked and stuffed her peppers. The glass fruit jars I engaged last night came this morning. I walked downtown with Mr. Cocking in the evening. Received a letter from George by the evening mail. Attended the (Union League?). 8/20 SATURDAY - Appearance of rain in the morning. I had one half day's work in the shop. In the P.M., I got my Wilson's Prolific strawberry plants from Father Griswold's and set them out temporarily until I get my ground ready for them. In the evening, Gussie went down to market with me. Harriet was with us to tea. 8/21 SUNDAY - Cloudy all day. Love feast in the morning at 9 o'clock. Brother Osborne, the presiding elder, was there. Gussie and I attended, but on account of me going to the shop for my umbrella which I left there yesterday, it was late when I got there. Brother Osborne preached in the morning form Exodus 20: last of 24th verse. Brother Lamon from the 27th Street Church, New York City, who is spending a few weeks up here and boarding with J. W. Nichols preached in the P.M. from Hebrew 4:15. Brother Lamon is a deaf man Brother Hill being sick, is not able to preach. It commenced raining a few minute after we returned from the afternoon services a little after 3 o'clock. After tea, Mr. Olmstead (who lives on Deer Hill where Mr. Huntington used to) came down to tell me that Mother was quite low that she had been sick all day. I went up immediately and found her better. From her telling, I think it was an attack of Cholera Morbus or Bilious Cholic. Father has not been so well today either. I stayed all the evening. I spent a little time up in Harriet's room with her and Miss Jones. Miss Jones was sitting in the room with Mother when I went up. She is a good girl. I returned home about 9 0'clock or a little later. 8/2 MONDAY - Cloudy and Sunshine and showers without thunder in the P.M. I had one half days' work in the shop. Burr Bradley came over after dinner and I gave him 100 Tromp De Gard strawberry plants. Harriet and Louise Jones came down in the forenoon and spent the day. We had water and citron melons for dessert at dinner. I picked my crabapples. Went into the street and engaged Parmelee and Bradley's horse and Brother Hill's carriage to carry Harriet, Louise and Gussie up to the cemetery after tea. We went and got in a shower while up there. Before taking the team home, I carried Harriet and Louise up home. Gussie rode up with them and called in a moment to see Mother. A hard shower again about 10 o'clock in the evening. 8/23 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I finished my work in the shop at noon. On my way home, I took a letter from the Post Office from George. When I got home, Bell was down to tell us that Aunt Ann was dead and would be buried tomorrow at 12 o'clock. And that Aunt Harriet Benjamin was sick with the same complaint, Dysentery. I tried to get McDonald's horse to attend the funeral, but could not. Jo. Kyle came for what strawberry plants I could spare. I helped him carry the up as far as the depot and then called at the Jeffersonian Office to give him some items from the 17th Regt. just received from George. I then called at the Post Office to get a Post Office way bill filled out which George had sent from the St. Augustine Post Office for that purpose. The last thing before coming home was to help Brother Hill wash his carriage which I used in the rain and mud last evening. After tea, I went up home to see if any of the family intended to go to Ridgefield to Aunt Ann's funeral tomorrow. Father and Mother are both too sick to go. I went to the store with Gussie in the evening to buy some cotton for a quilt. I looked around for a team with which to go to the funeral tomorrow. 8/24 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I hired Mr. A. Judd's team and took Bell and went to Ridgefield to attend Aunt Ann's funeral at Uncle Joel's house. It was held at 12 o'clock. We brought Phebe Palmer home with us. Before taking the team home, I took Phebe and Bell up to the cemetery. I went to market in the evening and mailed a letter and Harper's Weekly to George. Before starting for Ridgefield, which was about 9 o'clock, I exchanged Judd's carriage for George Hoyt's, the tin peddler who boards across the street to Mr. Smith, his being lighter and nicer. I paid 2 extra for the carriage. Paid Judd $2.25 for his horse and carriage. Mother gave me 60 cents to help pay it if I would take Bell with me. Aunt Joanna (for this was her real name though she would never own the Jo) was 61 years, 4 months and 18 days old. Died Monday night 12 o'clock after two weeks severe sickness with dysentery. Mr. Clark, the Presbyterian minister, conducted the services at the house. Captain Ben Keeler, an old man across the street from Uncle Joel's was buried also a 2 o'clock. We started for home about 2 o'clock, arriving a few minutes before 5 P.M. Before taking home the team, I went up to the cemetery with Phebe and Bell and then carried Bell up home, Phebe riding up with us but returned with me to stay all night. Hattie Mills, Edith Newman and her brother Saul came up in the evening. I had a hard headache all the evening for riding all day in the sun. On my way for the horse in the morning, I carried a gallon of vinegar to the Post Office for Jo. Kyle. 8/25 THURSDAY - Pleasant. On my way to work, I called at Crofut's Feed Store to do an errand for Father Griswold. Bought a card picture of Mother at Couch's Gallery for Phebe. We had more work than usual today. It lasted until 3 o'clock. Gussie and Phebe went up home to spend the afternoon and I went up to tea. Hattie Mills went up with them. Mrs. Orin Bronson and Frank Boughton came up a little while. We had a good time. We came home about 8 o'clock and went down to the saloon for some ice cream. 8/26 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. Work in the shop lasted until about 2 o'clock. Phebe went up home in the forenoon to visit with our folks and returned with Bell about 4 o'clock. About 3 o'clock Robert came along with his horse and wagon to carry some tomatoes to the Wooster House and to get some lumber. I went down with him for the ride. Phebe stayed until after tea, when she went home with Bell to stay all night. I went up to Mr. Hurd's and got one Tromp De Gard strawberry plant to fill out my bed. Went to the store and to the Post Office in the evening. I went down and returned with Mr. Cocking. 8/27 SATURDAY - Rain between 5 and 6 in the morning. When I went for milk, I brought home Mr. McDonald's double barreled gun to take care of and keep in good order having the use of it for my trouble. I went down to the Jeffersonian Office after breakfast to help Ashley bind the historical sketches which he had been printing for George, but they not being pressed, I could not do it. I bought a coconut with the outer hard shell on just as they are picked from the tree. I bought for a curiosity as I had never before seen one like it. I spaded in some manure in between the rows of the upper part of my Tromp De Gard strawberry bed just before dinner. After dinner, I went into the street for some groceries and my paper, Harper's Weekly. I saw Uncle Edwin, who was to come for Phebe before he went home. She being up home on Deer Hill, I hastened back to tell her that Uncle Edwin would call for her at my house soon. She came down with me and found him waiting for her. After she had gone, I read my paper, took a nap and cracked some walnuts. The sun came out pleasant and warm after dinner. Harriet and Louise came and took tea with us after which we all went up to Mother Griswold's a few minutes. In the meantime, Hattie Mills called and after Harriet and Louise went home walked downtown with us as we went to market. The evening paper gives us news of another major battle on the Weldon Railroad near Petersburg, Va. General Hancock of our army was attacked by the rebels who tried to drive him for the railroad but was repulsed with great slaughter. 8/28 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning and in the P.M Brother Hill preached from John 3rd 27th verse. George Andrews' son-in-law, Mr. Hull, preached in the P.M. from John 15:25. Gussie did not attend during the day. Mother was at church all day. She walked part of the way in the morning and Brother Lyon took her in and carried her the remainder. She went to Smith Barnum's at noon and came home with me to tea. After tea, Gussie and I went with her up home. We spent the evening up there and sang with Miss Louise Jones. 8/29 MONDAY - Eddie's birthday, had he lived. He would have been three years old. Pleasant and more like fall. I had Mr. McDonald put a hoop on our large washtub before breakfast. I finished my work at the shop at noon. I ate my dinner and spent the P.M. at the Jeffersonian Office binding the historical sketches that I have been having printed for George at his request. They are sketches and incidents pertaining to the early settlement of St. Augustine, Fla. In the evening, Gussie went over to Mrs. Daniel Starr and I went into the street to the Post Office. 8/30 TUESDAY - Pleasant, but cool night and morning. I had work in the shop nearly all day. Bell came down for my carpet bag for Harriet who thinks of going to Stamford to make a visit. She stayed to tea. I went to the Post Office in the evening and while there, Mr. H. Griffing asked me about Father saying that he owed him about $10.00 for coal since the winter of 1860. I engaged John Sharp to come to Father Griswold's tomorrow morning for Fannie, Hattie and Mrs. Widow White who are going to Camp Meeting at Milford. Anna Purdy was married today to Henry Hinman. They went over to Sodom with her folks to Cousin Roxanna's where the marriage took place. They all returned home in the evening. Gussie spent the evening over there. 8/31 WEDNESDAY - I commenced mowing my dooryard last night and finished it this morning. My work lasted until about the middle of the P.M. I then came home and raked up my grass. By telegraph this afternoon and the evening paper, news of the nomination of George B. McClellan for president by the Democratic Convention at Chicago. I went to market and mailed 525 Pamphlets (?) and Harper's Weekly with a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Gussie spent the evening over to Aunt Louisa's again. I went over to come home with her.
1864-08
Horace Purdy Journal, June 1863 Entry
3pgs
6/1 MONDAY - Pleasant. But little work in the shop though it took nearly all day to do it on account of waiting for the Facers. Gussie did her washing today for the first time since last fall. George came to the shop in the P.M. just before I finished work. We were paid off today. We had not received any pay before in 4 weeks. I came home by way of Joseph Ives store and paid him for my range and I brought home a spider (Ed note: a kitchen utensil ' a basket with a long handle). After tea, I hoed garden for Harriet. Went into the street in the evening and exchanged the spider for a longer one and brought back a fish line to use on tomorrow. Henry Rider, the enrolling officer, took my mark preparatory to a draft. 6/2 TUESDAY - An eclipse of the moon last evening. Pleasant today. I hoed in my garden before breakfast. George and myself got Mr. McDonald's horse and went on Thomas Mountain and dug some sarsaparilla roots to send to Harewood Hospital, Washington D.C. (where George came from) to a friend. We fired at a mark with my revolver and then went over to Mill Plain Pond fishing in the P.M. We fished off the bridge and had very good luck. We each had a good mess besides giving Mr. McDonald a mess. After tea, I dressed nicer and went to the Post Office. I then went to Joseph Ives and arranged for a new bottom to our new Prizer range which has broken. 6/3 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, but cool. We had our fish for breakfast. I had the headache in the P.M. George went to Bridgeport this morning. I went to the depot in the evening to meet him, but he did not come. I stopped at the Office and got a letter from Harriet. Mr. and Mrs. Ford and child (preacher in Ridgefield) spent the day at Father Griswold's. 6/4 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool for summer. I worked as usual in the shop. George came home on the morning train. He got left in Norwalk last night and stayed with John Brayman. I worked late in the shop. I hoed in my garden after tea. Did not go into the street in the evening. Was very tired. 6/5 FRIDAY - Cloudy and cool in the morning. Pleasant in the middle of the day and cloudy again in the evening with the appearance of rain. When I came home from the shop, I borrowed Mr. Cocking's scythe and mowed my door yard. Gussie went into the street in the evening and George came home with her. 6/6 SATURDAY - A little rain in the morning. Sunshine and cloudy at times during the day. Gussie went up home in the P.M. When I came home from work, I raked up my door yard grass which I mowed yesterday and got my own supper. Gussie, George and Bell came down after 7 o'clock. Bell stayed with Eddie while we all went to Concert Hall to hear Mr. Montgomery from Vicksburg, Miss. speak. It was free lecture and a collection taken. It was very interesting. 6/7 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but cool. Gussie, not having her new hat stayed at home and I attended church all day. Brother Crawford preached as usual. Text in the morning - Psalm 18-35, in the P.M. Philippians 3-8. George sat in the gallery in the morning and with me in my seat in the P.M. I have had a headache all day. I wrote to Cousin David Mills in Turner's Lane Hospital, Philadelphia, Pa. and sent it to the Office by Gussie in the evening. I stayed at home in the evening and Gussie went to prayer meeting. She scalded her arm at the tea table by turning over the tea pot. 6/8 MONDAY - Prospects of rain a part of the day and sunshine the remainder. I got my grass in with the wheelbarrow and piled it up to rot for manure. I then took the grass hook and trimmed up after the scythe. Consequently, I was late to the shop. I did not feel very well and left my work before the night. I got my stove, the Paige Range changed for the Opal. I gave a dollar in exchange. George went into the woods in the P.M. with the girls. When he returned, he brought down the 3 dozen yeast cakes to be sent to Mrs. Boyle in Brooklyn and the Sarsaparilla roots to be sent to Harewood Hospital in Washington tomorrow morning by John Grannis who returns to his Reg't ( the 17t)h ). I hoed in the garden after tea and went to the market in the evening and brought home a loaf of bread and a 4 lb. shad. George came from his Lodge here to pack the Sarsaparilla. He is to stay all night. Before he retired, he wrote a letter to his friend, Baker in Harewood Hospital, the one he sends the sarsaparilla to. 6/9 TUESDAY - a little rain this morning, but it was so very little that it did no good. Pleasant during the day and another little spatter just a t night. I went to the depot in the morning with George to give his sarsaparilla to John Grannis who started for the Reg't. George went to the shop with me and stayed a short time. After tea, I commenced bushing my peas. 6/10 WEDNESDAY - Warmer again. We are still limited in our work at the shop. Albert Benedict was married today at 1 o'clock to Miss Sturdevant at the 1st Congregational Church. It was a grand affair. They left on their bridal trip by the 4 ' train. Gussie went to see them married. I took a nap after dinner to refresh myself and then went to the shop. After tea, I finished bushing my peas. And clearing off the ground next of the woodhouse where the brush lay to make room for Mr. Cocking to pile up wood. I went rather late to class. I did some marketing before going in. I got a letter from David Mills form Turner's Lane Hospital, Philadelphia. 6/11 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I finished my work at noon. After dinner, I took a nap and finished digging up Plantains in my yard. I the cut up the coarsest of my old pea brush and burnt the finest. I hoed over the vacant space in my garden reserved for cabbage. Put a wooden bottom in my coal hod and helped Mr. Cocking get his wood near to the woodhouse and pile it up. It began to rain while we were doing this. When we finished, we took a seat on my front Piazza and talked while he smoked his pipe. Gussie being over to Mrs. Davis' making a blouse with Mrs. Davis' help. Thomas Stone and Hull's wife have eloped. Just heard of it today. 6/12 FRIDAY - A little rain last night. Very warm. George called at the shop and gave me a check to endorse to draw his bounty money. I left it at the Danbury Bank to be collected. The corpse of Charles L. Benedict came on last evening's train from Harewood Hospital, Washington D.C. He was one on George's old comrades in his company (Co. C) 17th Reg't. The funeral was attended at 1 o'clock this P.M. at his home over to Stony Hill. I finished my work about 4 o'clock and went up to Robert Lewe's for some pepper plants. On my way back I stopped a few minutes to see Nelson. Nickerson who has just returned home from Long Island. We had a fine mess of strawberries from my garden for tea. I then fired off my pistol at a mark and drove some stakes to my Dahlias. George then came along on his way downtown and I went with him. I left him at the Post Office waiting for meeting to be out to come home with Mother. I went to market; bought two small lobsters, two fresh mackerel and a bunch of radishes and walked up home with Mr. Francis. 6/13 SATURDAY - Gussie went up home in the forenoon and stayed all day. I came home and got my own dinner. I finished my work about 3 o'clock. On my way home, I borrowed 2 dollars of O.H. Swift and paid my taxes which was $4.95. It began to rain before I got home. George came home with Gussie and Eddy. Fanny came down in the evening and stayed with Eddy Gussie brought home her new summer hat. 6/14 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. George came down before church time and we both went to the 1st Congregational Church to hear Mr. Coe. I left George at our Sunday School and came home to let Gussie go in the P.M. George came home with her to tea after which we put Eddy in his carriage and all went up to the cemetery. George went over to Mrs. White's to see Harriet Mills and we came home. Mother and Bell were there having stopped on their way to evening meeting. We being tired did not go out in the evening. 6/15 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. Unwell with Diarrhea. Did not work in the shop. Went over to Oil Mill Pond with George in the P.M. We fished a little and took a bathe. He took dinner and tea with us. We went downtown in the evening to make some arrangements for a picnic on Thursday. It is reported that Maryland is invaded again by the rebels. Moved my stove up to Father Griswold' house 6/16 TUESDAY - PLEASANT. Considerable air shining and cooler than yesterday. Not feeling well yet; I have not been to the shop. I carried the yeast cakes down to Charles Reed's store to be sent to Harriet for Mrs. Boyle by him. I have worked in my garden, some weeding and hoeing. The rebels are invading Pennsylvania. The evening papers say that they are within 15 miles of Harrisburg, the capital.
1863-06
Horace Purdy Journal, September 1862 Entry
6pgs
9/1 George and Cousin Edmund Palmer stopped on their way to the cars. Cousin Edmund took our old gun to remember George by. George goes to Camp Aiken, of the 17 th volunteers at Bridgeport. The Regiment expects to start for Washington tomorrow. I received a letter from George this evening and he says they go without fail and wants me to come down in the morning train which I expect to do. Father picked a bushel of crab apples for me this afternoon. I carried some over to Aunt Louisa, to Abel, and to Mrs. Baxter as presents. I carried some over also to Burr Bradley and Mrs. Eames, Mrs. George Bradley, Mrs. George Dickens, Mrs. Briggs, Julia Pine and Noah Hoyts store. For these I expect pay but could not make change with some and therefore had to trust them.Gussie and I went into the street in the evening and got caught in a shower. I went up home after 9 o'clock to tell our folks we should go to Bridgeport without fail tomorrow but they had retired. I got a good drenching before I returned home. 9/2 Rose early and took the cars in company with Mother, Father & Isabelle to go to Bridgeport to see the 17th Regiment off to war and George who is in Company C., Capt. Moore. When we arrived we found they would not go today. We found Uncle Stephen in the next field adjoining the 17th with the artillary. He was sent for on account of his wife being sick and mother went with him and in the afternoon he had a fine boy born to him, his first child. Mother stayed with his wife all day. We went from camp in the afternoon to Mrs. Beardsley's, an old friend of mother's, and staid to tea. Before tea we borrowed a baby carriage and took Eddy with us and visited P. T. Barnum's old place and all around the premises and then visited his new place. We did not go around it but looked at it from the walk. We went to camp again and after dress parade George procurred a pass and came to the city with us. He went with us to Mrs. Beardsleys and he and I went to the center of the city to do a little business and then came back to Mrs. Beardsley's. Then he went back to camp. 9/3 We stayed at Mrs. Beardsley's last night. After breakfast went up to camp and found Uncle Stephen and Mother. Phebe Palmer also made her appearance. Regiment had breakfast at 6 and struck their tents at 7 o'clock. Mother and Phebe went with me to Mrs. Beardsley's and around 11 o'clock we went to the railroad crossing on Broad St. to see the regiment get on board the cars. It was noon when the train left. They we all in good spirits. The last thing I did for George was to fill his canteen after he was in the car. After, Mother and Isabelle went to Mrs. Beardsley's to dinner while Gussie and I went to the Atlantic Hotel to dinner. After we called on Brother [Meiley]. We left Bridgeport at 5 o'clock and went to Stamford to visit Aunt Abigail. 9/4 I felt very tired last night and did not rise very early this morning. Phebe came home from Bridgeport between 11 and 12 o'clock. After dinner Phebe borrowed a carriage and we took Eddy up town on a walk and to the new cemetary. Mother went to Portchester and returned around 5 PM. At 6:10 we took the cars for Norwalk to return home. Aunt Abigail gave me a sled to bring home for Eddy. We arrived safely home around 8 o'clock. 9/5 Did not go to the shop today. Stayed home to do some work. Went up to John Pollitts today with 4 quarts of crab apples and came home with some slips from flowers and plants. Spent considerable time looking for Sherman Disbrow to have him put in my coal today. When I found him he could not do it. I went to Rittons and got the rest of George's photographs. I left 3 with Edith Newman for his friends and gave another to George Starr as he directed me to. Eddie had a fall and hurt his head quite bad. After dinner I went digging potatoes in my garden. After tea I carried Burr Bradley's carpet bag back to him, which I borrowed for Mother to go to Bridgeport. I went to the post office and to market and commenced a letter to George before retiring. 9/6 Worked in the shop and on the way home to dinner took a letter and paper out of the post office from George. They were mailed from Baltimore while on the way to Washington. Gussie went up home in the PM to help Mother make crab apple jelly. I went to the post office and market in the evening and Abel came home from New Haven in the evening. 9/7 I went down to the 9 o'clock prayer meeting but the church was locked and there was no meeting. Brother Crawford preached and I attended Sunday School and came home to let Gussie go in the PM. A collection was taken at Sunday School to buy a library for the 17th regiment. We took in $2.84 and Brother Starr made it $3.00. After tea I wrote a letter to Cousin Charles Mills and finished one to George. I gave George's picture to Edward Barnum and one to Father Griswold's family and one to Abel. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 9/8 Warrants are being served today on all military subjects to appear at the Town House on next Wednesday to draft men to fill the quota of the town for the last call for troops to serve for 9 months. I went to the post office in the evening and got a letter from George. They are at Fort Marshall, Baltimore MD. 9/9 Abel went back to camp this morning. I was up late with my writing and did not get up in time to go to the depot and see Abel. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. George Lovelace, the constable, has been to the shop serving notifications to military subjects to muster at the Town Hall tomorrow at 9 o'clock to be drafted. After tea I wrote a little more in my letter to George and went to the post office and mailed it. 9/10 The drafting was to come off at 9 o'clock, but to give them more time to volunteer, they adjourned until 3 PM. They assembled at that time and adjourned til Saturday. When they adjourned we lacked 8 men, and to make the quota this evening we lacked 4. The present prospect is that by Saturday the quota will be full. Ellen Dare came and took tea with us and went down town with us in the evening. She is to stay with us tonight. 9/11 I came home to dinner from the shop and Gussie and Ellen Dare called at the shop in the PM. I went out to the [Store] house with them and we all weighed ourselves Ellen 100, Gussie 106 3/4, Baby 21, Myself 111. They went up to the cemetary. After tea I went to the post office. Ellen is still with us and we are enjoying her visit very much. 9/12 I came home to dinner and brought home a letter from George from Baltimore. He stated he was about sick and they haven't had what they were entitled to from the Commissary in the food line. He wished me to send him a box of provisions. I got a letter for Eleanor Dare when I came home at night. I answered George's letter in the evening and mailed it. I got a can of oysters prepared for long keeping and a paper of pepper to send in a box to George next week. 9/13 I carried my dinner to work, but on account of Sherman Disbrow, came home to prepare the way to put coal in the cellar. On the way I stopped at the post office and got a letter from George acknowledging my second letter. He did not get the first since I sent it to Washington and they stopped in Baltimore. Went to market and the post office in the evening. 9/14 Attended church in the morning and Brother Crawford preached. it being Sunday School prayer meeting at noon, I did not stay. Gussie went to PM and evening. I wrote a letter to George at Fort Marshall, Baltimore MD. Mother called on her way to meeting and went with Gussie. 9/15 Worked as usual in the shop and received the Baltimore Clipper from George. I went to the market in the evening and left extracts of 3 of George's letters at the Times Office for the print. 9/16 I came home to dinner and Harriet Wheeler was with us for dinner. On my way home at night I stopped at Benedict &Nichols and bought ticking for 2 shop aprons. I took care of Eddy in the evening to let Gussie and Cousin Mary Purdy go into the street. I counted over the scholars of the Sunday School also in the evening. 9/17 Worked hard in the shop all day. On the way home I took a letter from the post office from George. Enclosed was a picture of Fort Marshall which headed the sheet of paper on which he wrote. He used 2 other sheets of paper and it was a good long letter. I mailed a Danbury Times to him and a short letter which I wrote at Mr. Swift's office in the evening. I enclosed 25 cents worth of postage stamps to him. 9/18 I have worked as usual in the shop. Good news from Gen. McClellan by telegraph. There was a terrific battle at Sharpsburg at which the Rebels were severely beaten. 15,000 of them were taken prisoner with 9 batteries of artillery. It is reported that they are surrounded and will be annihilated. I had a letter from George this evening. He wants $5 drawn from the bank and to have 75 cents used for 6 more cartes de visites for him. I wanted to send a treasury note and there are none smaller than $5, I sent the $5 and 25 cents worth of stamps and reserved 75 cents from $6. I sent it from my own pocket to avoid drawing any from the bank and give him a chance to send it to me when he gets paid off, provided I am not obliged to use it before and compelled to draw it. 9/19 I came home to my dinner. Moses Baxter built my bridge over the ditch this forenoon. In the evening, Mother Griswold took care of Eddy and Gussie and I bought a basket of peaches, $1.12 and 6 glass jars to put up the fruit air tight. 9/20 Worked as usual in the shop . On the way home stopped at Rittons to see about another $1 worth of George's carte de visits. Mother and Gussie I found up at Mother Griswolds and we took tea up there. By a letter received today by Cousin Frank Boughton from John, I learned that George is sick in the hospital in Baltimore. David Bradley is also sick and with him there. George had a considerable fever when he gave up and went there. I called in to the Singing School a short time this evening. 9/21 I attended church in the morning. Chas. B. Ford, the Ridgefield preacher preached for us all day. I came home at noon and Cousin Mary Purdy took Eddie to her house so Gussie and I attended church in the PM. I was too sleepy to benefit from the sermon. We did not go to meeting in the evening. I finished my letter to George and sent it by Mother Griswold to the post office. Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in Cal in the evening. 9/22 A good day to work, it not being so warm. Gussie put up her peaches in airt tight jars and Bell came down and took care of Eddy. I went to market in the evening and saw Josiah Day from the 17th Regiment, Fort Marshall, Baltimore. He came home upon getting news that his wife was not expeted to live, she having the heart disease. He told me George was able to be about camp again although he had been very sick. Gussie took a colored lithograph of Fort Marshall from the post office today that was sent by George. Major William [Meagling] from the 11th regiment came home on the freight train. He was wounded, the ball passing through the bone and entirely through the leg. He was wounded in the late battle on the upper Potomac while McClellan was driving the invading Rebels under Jackson & Lee across the river from Maryland to Virginia again. 9/23 I was rather late to the shop this morning. In the paper we had a Presidential Proclamation of freedom to all slaves in the rebellious states after Jan. 1, 1863. I went to market in the evening and to Starr Baldwins to see Josiah Day about sending a package to George when he returns tomorrow or the next day. I commeced to make up the package when I returned home. Gussie received a letter from Elizabeth Mead in the evening. 9/24 Wednesday. Joseph Young came the shop to work for the first time since his wedding last Wednesday PM. He gave $1.00 to the shop to spend for beer. I came home to dinner and just got back to the shop when Josiah Day called to tell me he was to start for the Regiment in Baltimore on the passenger train and would take a package for me to George. I left my work in time to go home and put it up and give it to him at the depot. It contained 1 gross of letter paper, a can of oysters, a bowl of crab apple jelly, a paper of pepper, 1 box of Brown's Bronchial Troaches, 2 boxes of Palmer's boot blacking, 1 roll of Griswold's salve, 5 cartes de visites (ordered by him at Rittons) in a letter, the Danbury Times, and 3 Sailors Magazines. Gussie went to the Depot and after the train left we went to look for a bedstead and wash stand which we bought at Joe Ives' and 7 1/4 yds carpet for bed room $4 which we bought at Benedict & Nichols. I took a letter at noon from the post office from George for Mother. Mothe called on her way to class in the evening and Gussie opened and read the letter to her at her request. George was well again. Their rations are miserable, nearly all the meat is stinking and some of the hams are full of maggots. I went to class in the evening. Brother Chittenden led. 9/25 I worked in the shop as long as I could see. Joe Ives delivered the bed and washstand. B&N also sent the carpet. Gussie spent the day up home and I got my supper. Before I finished Gussie came and had taken a letter from George from the post office. I went to market in the evening. Before retiring I pulled out the tacks in the parlor carpet to prepare for cleaning. 9/26 Jane Pine is helping us clean house today. I came home to dinner and helped Jane shake the parlor capet and I finished the whipping. I then planed off the edges of the floor boards that had warped and sprung and then put down the carpet. I went back to the shop and worked as long as I could see. After tea I put the sitting room stove in its intended position but the pipe was too long so I took it to Charles Hull's to be cut. I took another picture from the post office from George of the Missouri volunteers. 9/27 Saturday. On my way to the shop I carried my stove pipe to Charles Hull's to be shortened again. I also bought a 1/2 yd. of carpet, not having bought enough last Friday. Worked hard and late in the shop. I brought the stove pipe when I came home and put it up before tea. Gussie went up home in the PM. I went to market in the evening. 9/28 Sunday. Brother Crawford preached in the morning. I sat up in the choir in George's seat. Gussie went in the PM. After tea I wrote to George and Gussie wrote to Elizabeth Mead and Ellen Dare. I carried them to the post office but did not stay to evening meeting. I returned home and retired early. 9/29 Worked in the shop. Received a letter and picture, The Soldier's Dream, from George in Baltimore. I answered his letter in the evening and mailed it . I carried down to Curtis Bennett's the 3 pictures which George has sent home to be framed. Isabella came down to take care of Eddy while Gussie washed. She stayed nearly all day. 9/30 I came home to dinner and got out my cider barrel and rinsed it. At 4 o'clock it was taken away to Ridgefield to be filled. I engaged 12 bushels of potatoes of James Fowler.
1862-09
Horace Purdy Journal, July 1862 Entry
6pgs
7/1 - Tuesday - Stephen Holmes boy Charly died this morning with inflamation in the bowels. I went to the savings bank before going to the shop and paid $21 interest money. After work hoed the garden and helped Father Griswold set out some tomatoes and cabbage plants. Went to market in the evening and to the Hatters Meeting. I didn't get home til 10 o'clock. Father has been plowing out his potatoes. Mother and Bell called in the evening. 7/2 Wednesday -Worked till noon then came home to dinner. Went to the funeral of Charly Holmes. He was a member of our Sabbath School. The School assembled at 1 o'clock and the service was at 2 o'clock. It rained all afternoon. A large portion of the scholars were present and sang the hymns commencing with Our Sweet Flower Has Drooped and Faded. Father Griswold officiated. I went up to the cemetary. Burr Bradley walked under my umbrella and we walked home by his house to keep him dry. He gave me some cabbage plants. 7/3 Thursday. Worked in the shop. I sent a letter by Beatty's Stage to Abel Grey who makes and supplies us with butter. A telegraph this afternoon that there was a heavy battle on Tuesday near Richmond. Our loss was estimated at 15,000. Louisa took care of Eddie in the evening and Gussie and I went into the street. 7/4 Friday - I hoed in my garden and went to practice with my pistol at a target in the afternoon. In the PM Gussie and I took a walk with the baby in his carriage . Went up to Emily Anderson's and then down to the new fountain at the foot of Main Street and up home to Father Purdy's . Stayed a short time and came home. on our way back from Emily Anderson's we stopped at Mr. Rowan's and took some ice cream. The day has been very quiet for Independence Day. 7/5 Saturday - Worked as usual in the shop. Henry Benedict was buried this afternoon. It is reported that Robert Nostrand had his leg amputated this PM. I later learned that this was false . The Doctor only took out some pieces of bone. I went to market in the evening. Bought a paper (the Post) to get news from McClellan's army near Richmond. He has been fighting for eight days and our losses are near 20,000 as far as can be made out. Rebel losses are much heavier. No fighting since Tuesday as far as we are informed. We had a dispatch today that Vicksburg on the Mississippi is taken. I believe this is the last rebel stronghold on the river. I came back at 9 o'clock and went up home for my clothes that mother washed. I brought home a pail of milk. When I returned I got some water from the brook and put it in a large tub and gave myself a good washing over my whole body. 7/6 Sunday - Had our first young men's prayer meeting at 9 o'clock. Brother Crawford preached. George was in Stamford today so I was Librarian and Secretary. I stayed for afternoon service. Brother Crawford preached from the same text as I heard from Dr. Ryan in Washington DC on May 19th of 1861 previouse to our crossing the Potomac. Congregation and school was small today on account of the excesive heat. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the evening. 7/7 Monday - I worked hard in the shop. After tea I wnet to the post office where I met Uncle Edwin. I had a long talk about his family, the loss of Mary and her two children. Cousin Edwin and the boy living with him now have the same complaint, the diptheria. 7/8 Tuesday -Picked cherries from Father Griswold's tree before breakfast so Gussie could make some pies. Geroge came home on the train today. He came from Stamford to Ridgefield last night, stopped there and came today walking as far as Bethel. Stopped at Aunt Harriet's in Bethel then took the train home. Worked late at the shop to finish a dozen hats. Took care of Eddie in the evening so Gussie could go to the milliner. 7/9 Wednesday - Have all the work I can do in the shop today. Gussie went over to Mrs. Cyrus White's in the PM to the Sewing Society and took Eddy with her. I got my own supper and put up a shelf in the sink room. I went into the street about 9 o'clock for a loaf of bread.7/10 Thursday - It has been very smoky today. The sun looked like a ball of fire and the moon looked the same. Worked hard in the shop. After supper I helped Father Griswold set out some celery plants. I then went to market and brought home a loaf of bread and a peck of round clams. Lieutenant Andrew Knox of the 1st Connecticut Artillery came home on the train this evening. He was in the battle near Richmond. Eddie has broken out with measles and has the whooping cough. 7/11 Friday - Mother was with us to tea. George came down and returned my carpet bag that he used to go to Bridgeport on the 4th, and to Stamford and Ridgefield. We are in doubt whether Eddy has whooping cough or the measles although he coughs considerably. Mother Griswold and Louisa took care of him in the evening to let us go into the street. 7/12 Saturday - I worked until a short time after dinner and came home as I was very tired, having worked hard all week. Mr. Ball, one of Father Griswold's masons put the finishing coat over the plastering on my chimney in the sink room just before 6 o'clock. Gussie went up home so I got my tea upstairs with Mother Griswold. Gussie went to the milliners in the evening and I took care of Eddie 7/13 Sunday - Went to men's prayer meeting at 9 o'clock and Brother Crawford preached. Came home after Sunday School prayer meeting and Gussie went in the PM. I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to hear our Presiding Elder Mr. C. Hoyt preach. Sacrament in the PM. John Carpenter Jr. and Henry Heinman were baptized. 7/14 Monday - I worked in the shop. It was our usual payday and I drew $21.00 for 2 weeks work. I attended Sunday School Teachers business meeting and copied the minutes before I retired to rest. Father Griswold and Fanny came home from New York on the evening train. 7/15 Tuesday - Spent the day at home white washing, moving the stove into the sink room, [bolting] down oil cloth, buying zinc and making 2 frames upon which to nail it to protect the wood work behind the stove from the heat, filing my saw and mowing my door yard and it was dark when I finished. 7/16 Wednesday - I came home to dinner. Mother went to the funeral of the child of Robert Sayres. Isabella came down in the PM and stayed to tea. I sent a bottle of cider by her to Father. A thunder shower came in the PM so I did not go to class in the evening. Father Griswold's sofa, parlor table, oil cloth and carpet came from New York today. They were taken into our house to await the finishing of their new one. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills in McClellan's army near Richmond. 7/17 Thursday - Worked all day in the shop. Robert Fry came for my door yard grass after tea. A special Hatters Meeting in the evening to give a card to [Saul] Sniffens. He was [rejected]. After the meeting I saw Lieut. Knox at Bennett's store. He is home on furlough. 7/18 Friday - Gov. Buckingham came on a special train at 12 o'clock to hold a meeting in the evening to get volunteers for the war. We had a cannon at the ship and all hands turned ourt to salute the Gov. The train stopped and he presented himself at the door, head uncovered to acknowledge the compliment. A large enthusiastic meeting was held at concert hall in the evening. Lieut Gov. Averill presided and spoke, the Gov. , Mr. Gilbert, a Mr. Hoyt who is preaching at the Baptist Church during Mr. Stone's absence in Europe, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Clark, the Presbyterian minister from New Fairfield, and Thomas St. John who was drunk and made a failure. Capt Moore was there and quite a few came forward after the meeting and enlisted in his new company. 7/19 Saturday - I came home to dinner instead of carrying it. I worked late in the shop in order to finish up the work I had. Cousin George Hall from Sodom called as I came from work. He went over to stay with Cousin Harriet. I went into the street in the evening. 7/20 Sunday - I went to 9 o'clock prayer meeting and George handed me a letter from Cousin David Mills, 5th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Gen. Banks division dated 3 miles from Warrington VA. George took it out of the post office last evening, M.r Crawford preached in the AM. We had a short Sunday School shool session and an intermission before going up to the First Congregational Church to a gathering of Sunday Schools for School concert to take the place of regular afternoon services. I came home at intermission to let Gussie go to the concert. I took care of Eddy and wrote to Cousin David Mills. Gussie came home and reported an interesting meeting. After tea Mary Purdy came over with George Hall. It being rainy we did not attend church in the evening. They stayed until after 9 o'clock. 7/21 Monday - Anniversary of the battle of Bull Run. I worked in the shop until 7 o'clock. After tea I went down town and mailed my letter to Cousin David Mills. 7/22 Tuesday - George had some diffuculty with Father about leaving home and came to the shop to see me. He called at the house when I was at tea and I wrote a letter for him to [Binghamton] to E. A. Sanford to see about a situation for him to make firearms. We went into the street and he went to class and I mailed the letter. I then went to Military Hall to see how Capt. Moore was doing in getting volunteers. He is doing well with about 50 men already. I bought some groceries and came home. 7/23 Wednesday - In the forenoon I came very near enlisting with 5 of my shopmates, John Brush, Charles Small, Hiram Crofut, Flagler and John Rooney. We were all ready to go to the Recruiting Office except John Rooney who first took off his apron but put it on again immediately. I went to market in the evening. 7/24 Thursday - A special town meeting this afternoon to vote a bounty to the volunteers enlisting for the war under the President's call for 300,000 more men. I stopped work to go but heard that the business was done and the meeting adjourned. $125.00 bounty was voted to all who enlisted under this call previous and until August 20th. I went home and worked in my garden. Also went over to Mr. Hurd's and got some strawberrry plants and set them out. They are Hooker and what he called the None Such, and I got some of both. In the evening I called at Thomas Barnum's to see if he wanted a shop at the Pahquioque. I then went down town and walked up with Mr. Swift to the new dealer who bought out Smith. I had conversation with him about renting my upper rooms. George today has procured a stituation at Sturdevant's Factory at hardening [reals] 7/25 Friday - Just a year ago this afternoon the 1st Connecticut Regiment marched from camp to Meridian HIll Washington D.C. to the arsenal to deposit our arms and from there to the depot to return home after 3 months, including the Battle of Bull Run. The cars did not start until midnight, having to wait for a train arriving with troops. I was told they were a portion of Sickle's brigade. I worked all day in the shop and was very tired when I came home. After tea I propped up my pea vines and went to market. 7/26 Saturday - I brought some turnip plants home from the shop which Daniel Manley gave me and planted them before tea. I went into the street in the evening and paid for a lobster whieich Avery Raymond brought up according to order. 7/27 Sunday - I went to the Young Mens prayer meeting in the morning and came home after Sunday School. Mary Purdy offer to take care of Eddy so I went back to church with Gussie. Brother Crawford preached. A horse ran away as people were going to church in the morning. He came on the sidewalk and ran over several women and badly injured Mrs. Richards, Widow Eli Rockwell, Mrs Nathan Bennnett, John Stone's wife and her sister. I have been told others were hurt but have not yet learned their names. George came home with us to tea. After tea Gussie and I took Eddy in his carriage and called at Mrs. Richards' and at Mrs. Rockwell's. From there we went over to Burr Bradley's and then over to Town Hill to John Pollitt's . We did not got to meeting in the evening. 7/28 Monday - Worked hard all day at the shop. Pay day and I drew $18 for the last 2 weeks. After tea we left the baby with Mother Griswold and went into the street to do some trading. Capt. Moore's company of volunteers were out in the street in the eveninig parading with music. They leave for Hartford on the train tomorrow morning. 7/29 Tuesday - I have been toubled with a pain in my breast and side today. Came home earlier on that account. I came by Mr. Wright's paint shop and paid him 12 cents which I owed him. Bell came down and stayed for tea. Anna Purdy is worse. She had a spell of bleeding last night and another today. I brought home a pound of shellac for Father Griswold. 7/30 Wednesday - I have not felt very well today. William Judson from a Pennsylvania regiment under McClellan was at the shop. He was wounded, having lost a finger and a portion of another in the battle for Richmond. I tried to take up a collection for him to enable hime to get to New York, he being a pretty hard case. I did not succeed as the men feared he would spend it on liquor as I also feared. 7/31 Thursday - I felt better today but still not very strong. I worked until 5 o'clock and went down to the railroad bridge with E. Stevens, George Fenner, and Joseph Young to bathe and wash. Mrs. Russell Wildman and Lucy called after tea. Our folks went with them up to the new house. I went into the street in the evening. Stirring news in the papers. It is reported that 10 iron clad gun boats have come over from England and have broken the blockade at Mobile. I went to prayer meeting late. This morning I took 1 dozen rolls of Griswold Family Salve down to Mr. Swift to let him sell for us on commission.
1862-07