Horace Purdy Journal March 1865 Entry
10pgs
03/01 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Very appropriate weather for spring. I am feeling better now. Yesterday and today I have felt as well as usual and have worked hard. On my way home from work at night, I came by the way of the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. Bought a dozen eggs of Jacob Fry at the shop today for 40 cents. He was to leave them at the house but the folks being out, he left them at the back door in a small basket. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at John (illegible). Fanny came down and got Georgie to sleep while Bell washed her dishes. I went to class and mailed a Jeffersonian to George as I went. Louise came down and stayed with Bell while we were gone. Bell went up home today. She went about 10 o'clock A.M. and stayed until 3 o'clock. The Jeffersonian today had George's letter giving an account of the capture of Captain Quien and others at 'Salina's Ball' 11 miles from St. Augustine. Also the capture of a wagon train and its guard of 35 men while out on an expedition for cotton. The Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsen Adjutant Chatfield, Captain French and Captain Fred Betts accompanied the expedition. The Lieutenant Colonel and Adjutant were killed; the others excepting 6 men were captured with the train. Mrs. Stone brought me a hat to finish for (illegible). When I came home from work, she was here with it. 03/02 THURSDAY - A little flutter of snow last night. Cloudy today with a little snow in the P.M. which turned mostly to rain in the evening. I finished (illegible) Stone's hat today and got it as far as the trimming room. Burr Rockwell and William Norman were shopped today at the Pahqioque. My head felt bad again today arising doubtless from a disordered state of the stomach, but it did not drive me from work I came home from work via Raymond's and bought a large flatfish for my breakfast in the morning. I found a letter in the Post Office for me from George; also one for Mother from him and another for her from 'Ansonia', who it is from I do not know. Enclosed in mine was one of mine which I wrote him returned for preservation. It was the one I wrote speaking of the Constitutional Amendment in Congress abolishing slavery. In the evening, I commenced an answer to his. He spoke of having started a box to Widow Wilcox containing Charles' effects in which was a segar box containing something for me. As I returned from the street in the evening, I called at Mrs. Wilcox to see if the box had arrived, but it had not. 03/03 FRIDAY - It rained hard this morning. Cleared off just at night. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed a letter to George. Bell went up home this P.M. and carried the two letters to Mother which I took from the office last evening. One was from George; the other was from Uncle Stephen's wife. I brought home the hat for (illegible) Stone which I finished yesterday. Mrs. Stone came in while we were at tea. She paid me $1.00 for finishing and trimming and took it home with her. I learned that Mr. Valentine has sold his place joining me to Mr. Pond the middle district school teacher. Gussie opened some oysters which lay down cellar and we had stewed oysters for supper. I made some egg cider in the evening, the first I have made this season. Mrs. Wilcox received the box containing Charlie's effects today which George packed and sent to her. In it was a segar box containing some things for me or for me to preserve for him. It was 3 sea beans, a piece of Fort Marion, a piece of the old Spanish Treasury Chest left by them in the fort, a piece of the old Plaza Flag, a piece of lightning rod from the M.E. Church in St. Augustine, marble from Rebel mansion found on John's Island, South Carolina, some other relics with a book called 'The Letter Writer' and some old letters sent home for preservation. 03/04 SATURDAY - The inauguration of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson for President and Vice-president of the United States. It rained hard last night and this morning. It was understood last night that we should work until noon today and then spend the rest of the day in celebration of our late victories and the Presidential Inauguration. The bells were all rung at sunrise and again at noon with the firing of a national salute. It being stormy, I worked until nearly night in the shop. It was designed to have a procession and an illumination in the evening but the storm induced the committee of arrangements to postpone the affair. But when evening came, the people assembled and would have a time anyhow. So the Concert hall was opened and the people rushed in and filled the house. We had the Drum Corp. there and speaking by Jackson, Smith, Barnum, Lieutenant Governor Averill, D. P. Nichols, Shepard and Peter Holmes. We had singing also under the direction of George Stephens, Jackson and Barnum. We had a real jollification and broke up by singing 'Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow'. It cleared off colder and windy just at night. Bell stayed with Georgie and Gussie attended the jollification with me. 03/05 SUNDAY - Pleasant and spring-like. I heard bluebirds for the first time this morning. Brother Hill being sick, there was no preaching this morning, but a prayer meeting instead. Feeling hungry and tired, I came home after Sunday School. James Parmalee, my assistant librarian being absent, I got Edward Barnum to take his place. Sherman Disbrow last night or this morning, took laudanum and through the day, they have little hope of his life. He has the migraine very badly which are growing upon him very fast and he doubtless took it to commit suicide and thereby end his misery I mailed a Harper's weekly to George as I went to evening meeting. Chaplain Ambler preached for us in the P.M. Gussie was there but I was not. Gussie stayed home in the evening and wrote to George in my stead. After evening meeting, Harry Barry told me that Mr. Disbrow was better and the doctor thought he would recover. 03/06 MONDAY - It froze quite hard last night. Pleasant today. On my way to the shop this morning, I mailed a letter to George written by Gussie. I am now on drab work at the shop for the first time in a long while. I had the first dozen on Saturday. The papers today give an account of the inauguration at Washington last Saturday. It states that the new Vice-President Andrew Johnson was badly intoxicated and disgraced himself and the nation by attempting to make a speech. If it is true, it is most certainly a national disgrace. The papers also state that the rebel General Early and his command have been captured by General Sheridan. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a letter for Father Griswold. Bought 1 lb. milk crackers for Mother G., bought a pocket comb for myself and some pickled tripe for our breakfast, the first I ever bought. Before retiring, I made some egg cider. I engaged - bbl. Of Crofut's Best wheat Flour while downtown. 03/07 TUESDAY - It froze quite hard again last night, but the day has been pleasant and has thawed considerably. I worked hard as usual all day in the shop. Gussie went up to my mother's this P.M. While we were at tea, Theodore Brothwell called to inquire about the place on the corner which Father Griswold used to own to see if it could be rented. I think he wants it for his Father who I understand is to move from Mill Plain into town this spring. After tea, I went to market for sugar, eggs, beef steak and to pay Crofut for bring me # barrel of flour- $7.50 I had black hats weighed out again today. 03/08 WEDNESDAY - It did not freeze a particle last night; there is but little snow left. Cloudy in the morning with the appearance of rain but it finally came off pleasant. On my way home from work at night, I got a letter from Cousin Eliza in California. It was in reply to one I wrote on the occasion of the birth of Georgie. Gussie went up home to her Mother's this P.M. and drew Georgie down in his carriage, the first time he ever rode in it. I went to market in the evening and to class but did not get there until after the meeting was over. It was then raining and John Cosier and I sat a while in the classroom until the mail was opened and then came home. Mrs. O.H. Smith was suddenly taken sick this P.M. For a while it was thought she would die. The trouble was a miscarriage. The last of our winter's course of lectures was delivered this evening by G. W. Curtis - subject 'Political Infidelity'. Gussie went with her father and Fanny. It commenced raining hard after the lecture commenced and before it was over, I went down with umbrellas for them and came home with Gussie after listening to the last part of the lecture. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George in the evening. 03/09 THURSDAY - Stormy last night and today. I have not felt very well today. My bowels have troubled me. I have made out to work all day however. I repaired the latch and bolt on our back door before breakfast. Mr. Samuel Hancock and Susan Watson came to Father Griswold's this P.M. on the freight train. Father Griswold married them at 8 o'clock in the evening. Gussie and I were there, having left the baby with Bell. We came home about 10 o'clock after Gussie and the others had seen Susan in bed. Mr. Hancock went to his room as we came home. 03/10 FRIDAY - Stormy last night and today. It cleared off in the P.M. On my way to work this morning, I bought a piece of beef for Father Griswold's folks and sent it up. 6 lbs. and 6 ounces at 22 cents - $1.40. I commenced on drab work again today. I worked rather late at the shop. When I came home, Gussie and Bell were drinking their tea. Bell went to the Sunday School Singing School at the Baptist Church in the evening. The singing is under the leadership of Nathaniel Barnum. I, having a severe headache did not go out in the evening. Mother Griswold, Harriet and Mr. and Mrs. Hancock came down and spent the evening. I made some egg cider. Fanny who went to the Sewing Society at Mrs. John Rowan's called when she returned. 03/11 SATURDAY - It froze last night quite hard. Sick headache, not able to go to work. Mended Gussie's work box and Eddie's picture frame. The bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hancock left for Brooklyn this afternoon. Gussie and Fanny went to the depot with them. Gussie did the marketing and got my two Harper's Weeklies while she was down. I soaked my feet and shampooed my head in the P.M. I ate nothing at noon; after tea, I felt better. Bell went up home after tea and from there went to the Post Office and returned about nine o'clock. Before retiring, I was entirely free from headache. 03/12 SUNDAY - Pleasant but very blustering in the A.M., a little more quiet in the afternoon. I attended church all day. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach, so Brother Crawford preached in the morning and administered the Sacrament in the P.M. It was so cold in church this morning that I left the preaching and went downstairs and sat by the fire. I have felt chilly all day at church. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon at which a collection was taken of $3.03 with which $15.65 taken in the morning at the preaching service for the same purpose amounts to $18.72 towards paying a bill of over $30.00 for Library books. Gussie attended in the P.M. Bell did not attend at all. Before tea, Mother Griswold came down a short time, but we soon left her (Gussie and I) and took a walk up to my Father's. He is sick with a head cold. There we found Aunt Louisa and Cousin Frank. Mr. (illegible) and Jennie Tweedy and another lady were there making a call on Harriet. We walked down with Aunt Louisa and Frank. They stopped long enough to let Gussie nurse Georgie and then they all and Bell with them went to the Disciples' Church to hear a man give descriptions of the battlefields, etc. Fanny Griswold took Harper's Weekly to the Post Office for me and mailed it to George. I paid John Cosier at noon $5.00 towards my seat rent for another year. I also gave Eliza Hill $1.00 towards making up a purse for our preacher (Brother Hill). 03/13 MONDAY - Cloudy in the morning with appearance of a storm. A cold night last and this morning, but the weather moderated during the day so that this evening the thermometer stands at 50 degrees on the north side of Father Griswold's house and out of doors at that. The sun has shone pleasantly this afternoon and the moon rose in the evening looking red and warm. Mrs. Stone washed for us. Bell came down to the shop this forenoon to get my dirty overshirt to be washed. I worked hard all day in the shop. Teacher's meeting in the church in the evening, but I did not attend. I went up to Robinson's to get one hand of my watch straightened. I waited for the mail and came home. I brought home a letter for Harriet Wheeler, but it proved to be for another Harriet Wheeler and not for her. Mr. Cocking brought some things here today for Mr. Lyne's preparatory to coming back this spring. 03/14 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. I returned a letter to the Post Office as I went to the shop this morning which was taken out for Harriet Wheeler but belongs to another Harriet Wheeler in town. I finished a dozen hats for Lucius Wildman today. He brought them there to be finished and the foreman weighed them out to me. I was on drab hats and there not being enough faced for a full day's work was compelled to stop about 2 o'clock and wait until tomorrow morning. I came home by way of John Cosier's office and sat there awhile with him. In the meantime he showed me his patent fixtures for a bed. From there, I came home and trimmed my apple trees. In the evening, Gussie went over to Mrs. Burr Bradley's to learn how to make cone picture frames. I went to class which met with Brother Charles Stevens instead of tomorrow evening on account of a temperance lecture which is to come off. We had a good meeting. It was something of a prayer meeting with all. Every Brother there offered a prayer in the course of the meeting. From the meeting, I went over to Burr Bradley's and came home with Gussie. 03/15 WEDNESDAY - Warm and cloudy - threatening rain all day and commenced just at night. I heard a robin and saw a crow blackbird for the first time this morning. I came home before night on account of being up with the facers. Bell went up home and spent the day. She got some milk over to Ira Dibble's and carried it up to Harriet. Father is sick with a head cold and not able to work. I brought a little cut shellac from the shop to put where I trimmed my trees. I also commenced to scrape from the bodies all the moss and loose bark but did not finish. As I came home from the shop, I got our coffee pot from Charles Hull's which I left there last evening to be mended. Before retiring, I fitted glasses to picture frames for Gussie. They are plain and are to be coated with cones and shells. 03/16 THURSDAY - Georgie is four months old today. Cloudy in the forenoon # pleasant in the P.M. # warm and windy. On my way to work this morning, I mailed the Jeffersonian to George. I worked as long as I could see in the shop tonight. Gussie called to see Mrs. Swift this afternoon. I went down town in the evening and got Father's Jeffersonian for Bell to take up to him when she goes home again. He is not able to go for it himself. I also lent the #Chart of Life# to Mrs. Swift. Before retiring, I made some egg cider. Gussie called on Widow Bishop in the evening to see if she could do some sewing for her. 03/17 FRIDAY - #St. Patrick's Day in the morning.# Cloudy this morning. It soon came off pleasant but very windy. In the P.M. a new bench came for me which had been ordered for several days. I took up the old one and put it down and finished four Nutria hats on it before I quit work. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening at Stephen Holmes'. I went to the market and to the Post Office where I got two letters from George written February 27th and March 12th. He gave an account of the capture of Charleston. Enclosed was a card picture of the bombardment of Charleston. I got a letter for Bell and one for Mother from him at the same time. Bell is to take Mother's to her tomorrow. Bell went up home today. Father is still poorly. While she was there, Dr. Skiff came to see him, he having been sent for. Before retiring, I answered George's letters. I enclosed $6.00 for him until he gets paid off. He is out of money and has 6 months' pay due him from the government - $96.00. 03/18 SATURDAY - Pleasant but windy again. The wind rose with the sun and went down with it again. Before breakfast, I sent Bell down to the Post Office to mail a letter to George with $6.00 enclosed. Gussie went to the Savings Bank this afternoon and had the money which was deposited for Eddie transferred to Georgie's name. She deposited $1.00 with which but added makes $5.80 now standing to George's credit. Bell went up home this morning. Dr. Skiff was there and examined Mother's chest and pronounced it a tumor on the main artery of the heart or aneurism as the difficulty is called. Gussie caught Bell in a fit of anger shaking and striking Georgie today. She was very sorry and penitent after it. She confessed her wrong and asked Gussie to forgive her. I think she has learned her lesson and will not do it again. I went to market in the evening and borrowed some stain for the edges of the picture frames which Gussie is going to cover with cones and shells. I received the Jeffersonian from George today which I sent him some time ago to refer to for some purpose. I paid Dr. Brown 6 cents last night due on a letter from George. Before retiring, I stained the edges of the picture frames for Gussie. 03/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant. Not so windy as yesterday. Georgie cried a great deal last night and kept us awake. We rose late on that account. I did not go to church in the morning, but went down in time for Sunday School. Mr. and Mrs. Cocking and Mrs. Courtney called to see Gussie at noon while I was at Sunday School. I met them coming as I went away to church. I was so busy at the Library that I could not get upstairs to the preaching until after 2 o'clock. After tea, I took a nap in the rocking chair. As I went to evening meeting, I mailed a Harper's Weekly to George. It was a union meeting of all denominations except Catholic at our church to take measures to assist the freedmen of the South, sending aid in the shape of clothing, cooking and farming utensils, etc. A Mr. Guilder from New Canaan preached for us today and opened the meeting in the evening. After the opening exercises, David P. Nichols was appointed to preside over the meeting. Dr. Hawley was there and made the first speech after Mr. Guilder. 03/20 MONDAY - It sprinkled a little this morning and there was some prospect of rain, but it came off pleasant and warm. Mrs. McNeil came to do some dressmaking for Gussie and stayed to tea. Mr. McNeil (who is painting for Father Griswold) stayed to tea also. Gussie, Bell and Louise went up on Deer Hill to Fathers in the evening to carry a Spanish Rooster which Mother Griswold gave them to put with their hens. From there they went to the Post Office and home. While they were gone, I commenced a letter to George, informing him of what I have further found out about Edith's getting married. Horace Crofut's wife called this P.M. to bid goodbye to Father Griswold's folks who she heard were going to move away, that they had sold their place, etc. It is all false. She took it from the false publication in the Danbury Times that he had sold for $5,000 to Mr. Pond, when it was the place that he had formerly owned that was sold by Mr. Valentine to Mr. Pond for $2,500. 03/21 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm as June. I got tired out about 2 o'clock and left the shop. I worked around the yard a little, scraping apple tree bodies, etc. I got something from a dwarf pear tree in my eye, which caused severe pain until evening. Gussie and Bell went up home and drew Georgie in his carriage. They stayed to tea and I waited until after lamplight for my supper. I went to market in the evening and mailed a letter and a mortgage deed to Edwin for Father Griswold. William Bennett came home from the army today. He brought his horse with him. I brought a quart of bourbon whiskey in the evening of Parmalee & Bradley for $1.60. A telegraphic dispatch this P.M. from New York that gold was at 134; the evening papers put it at 133. Father came down to see us today. He was tired out when he got here. He is not yet very strong. 03/22 WEDNESDAY - A thunder shower about 7 o'clock this morning, though there was but a sprinkling of rain. The thunder was quite heavy. I have commenced taking a little bourbon whiskey each day. I took a little with me to the shop and found it a decided benefit. I was able to work all day, whereas yesterday I had to stop after dinner. David Mills came up to make us a call today; he came on the morning train. He took dinner up to Father's and spent the afternoon with Gussie. He came from the depot and called me at the shop before going up home. In the evening, I finished my letter to George, giving him what information I could about Lieutenant Colonel Goodyear of the 10th C.V. What I learned about him, I got from the Connecticut War Record of March. I also mailed to him the Jeffersonian. Blustering and cooler in the P.M. and evening. 03/23 THURSDAY - Snow squall this morning and some rain. The remainder of the day was clear, but the wind blew hard. I took a physic last night (Fig Paste) the effect of which I feel today. Fred Lockwood died this morning about 2 o'clock. I worked late though I did but little and was very tired when I came home. After tea, I took a nap on the lounge. Paid Bell $1.00 for 2 weeks wages at the tea table. It was due yesterday. (Gap in the diary Pgs. 208-209 missing). Continuation of 03/26 SUNDAY - a while and then I went up home to see Mother who for two or three days past has been worse. I returned home in time for meeting and found Mrs. Stone (who works for us) there with her little girl making a call. Gussie not wanting to go to prayer meeting, I went myself and mailed as I went a Harper's weekly to George. 03/27 MONDAY - Pleasant. On my way to the shop, I went with Gussie to Dr. St. John's to get a tooth extracted which has kept her awake nights for some time. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. Bell came down to take care of the baby that Gussie might go to Mary Olmstead's funeral in the P.M. George Blissard's child was buried today also. I worked so late in the shop that I got locked in. I unbolted the side door and went out. Fred(erick) Douglass, the colored speaker lectured here this evening. (Subject 'Equality Before The Law'). I thought of going to hear him but did not. Just previous to the lecture, Abram Blissard came along by Benedict & Nichol's store and insulted Mr. Shepard, the Universalist preacher, possibly on account of his Union sentiments. Blissard is one of the meanest of the mean Copperheads. Levi W. Bartram standing by, took Mr. Shepard's part and gave Blissard a push which sent him nearly off the walk, at the same time giving him to understand that he must mind his own business and not insult peaceable citizens. I went to Dr. Buckley's office in the evening to consult about the baby, a difficulty of the bowels. No evening papers. Mrs. Todd died this morning instead of yesterday. 03/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. While scraping moss from my fruit tree before breakfast, the old chair on which I was standing broke and let me down. I carried a piece of fig paste to Daniel Manly this morning to let him try it in place of other physic which he has been in the habit of taking. I also gave him the recipe to make it. D.L Chichester called the shop on Theodore Lyon today for running (?) him out of a heater as he claimed. I worked in the shop as late as I could see. When I came home, I found Miss English at our house waiting for Curtis Bennett to come for her to take her home with him to do some sewing for his family. She stayed to tea. Georgie has a cold and some cough. I called at Dr. Buckley's in the evening to consult about it. I bought some smelt for breakfast and walked up West Street on my way home with Mr. Shepard, the Universalist preacher. 03/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. We had smelt for breakfast. Mrs. Todd was buried this P.M. Dr. Buckley's wife and Mrs. Daniel Starr called to see Gussie this P.M. Mrs. Starr stayed to tea. On my way home from work, I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got the papers for fathers Griswold and Purdy and my own. I brought home a good quality of brown sugar # 5 lbs. for $1.00. I mailed the Jeffersonian to George in the evening. I went to market and the Post Office; was too late for class and came home. The evening Post quotes gold at 152. 03/30 THURSDAY - Stormy. Before breakfast, I picked up and carried off from my yard the trimmings from my apple trees. The uppers to my old boot bottoms which I wear in the shop gave out today and I brought them home and got Mr. Richards to mend them in the evening. I went to the Post Office in the evening. The evening Post quotes gold at 150 1/4. Henry Burroughs came home on the evening train. He was a member of the 15th regiment, Connecticut Volunteers and was taken prisoner in North Carolina short time since. He was for 4 days a prisoner in Richmond at Libby Prison. 03/31 FRIDAY - Stormy all day. Rain and snow together in the evening. After tea, I went to market and to the Post Office. Gold by the evening paper was quoted 151. Perrin speaks for the democracy at Concert Hall this evening. It cleared off between 9 and 10 o'clock in the evening. When we retired the moon and stars shone splendidly.
1865-03
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal, May 1863 Entry
6pgs
5/1 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have had a slight headache all day. I borrowed $15.00 of George Fenner until next Monday and paid Mr. Harris for my overdraft $14.00 in the evening. I went to the market in the evening and to the Post Office and got a letter from Harriet. 5/2 SATURDAY - destroyed worms' nest . On my way to the shop after dinner, I stopped to Mr. Hanford's for my shop shoes which he has been mending. Stinted in my work for the first and came home about 3 o'clock. I took the leader which carries water from the roof into our hogshead down and had it soldered together as it given way. I went to the choir rehearsal in the evening. The Evening Post states that Fighting Joe Hooker has captured Fredericksburg and taken prisoners. 5/3 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning. Came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in the P.M. I wrote to George and mailed it as I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 5/4 MONDAY - Showery during the day. Mrs. Stone came to the house and washed today. I did not have work enough to last all day. Sherman Disbrow brought me ' ton of better coal, it being softer and burns more fierce than did the last ' ton he brought. I bought a two inch chestnut plank at G. W. Ives to make a platform for my pump. It cost 68 cents. Just after tea, Eddie had a fall from a chair and made two very bad bruises on his head. I went to the Post Office in the evening, but got no letters. Before retiring, I wrote to Harriet. 5/5 TUESDAY - Showery all day. Good news from General Hooker's army. He has occupied Fredericksburg and turned the left of the rebels and is still driving them. I sowed some grass seed I the bare places in my yard. Received a letter from George in the evening (No. 7). He is gaining his health quite fast and will soon be able to come home on a furlough as he expects in ten or fifteen days. I wrote an answer to him before I retired. When I went to the Office, I mailed one to Harriet. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00, one month rent. 5/6 WEDNESDAY - Stormy all day. Only 1 dozen hats at 2/ (?) to finish today. I finished about 11 o'clock and came home. I received a letter from George in the evening with his picture enclosed. I wrote a reply to it in Swift's office and mailed it immediately. The news from Hooker's army continues good. Gussie went up home this afternoon while Eddy and I went to bed and took a nap. 5/7 THURSDAY - Cold and stormy. The work not being ready, the men adjourned until tomorrow. By the request of the foreman, I finished 10 hats for trial to see how they looked, so that the facers could go on and have work ready for us tomorrow. In the P.M., I took a nap and spent the remainder of the afternoon in reading while Gussie went to the store and up home to Mother Purdy's. In the evening, I went to market and to the Post Office and got a paper from George, the National Republican from Washington D.C. The news from General Hooker's army was rather unfavorable in the morning papers, but the Evening Post gives us good news again. Hooker was not driven back across the Rappahannock, but withdrew of choice on account of the storm and the rising of the river. General Stoneman's cavalry expedition to the rear of the rebels is a complete success. He has cut the line of rebel communication by telegraph and railroad between Fredericksburg and Richmond. Hooker has been strongly reinforced also. 5/8 FRIDAY - Cloudy until near night when it cleared off or rather the sun came out, but the wind still continues easterly. I had enough work to last all day. My truss being out of order, I went down to Dr. Thompson's after I finished my work to get it repaired. The news by the evening papers are good considering all things. The complete success of Stoneman's Cavalry said cutting off the rebels' line of communication is confirmed. Hooker has been reinforced and is ready to resume the offensive again and take advantage of the rebels before they can repair damages done by Stoneman. News by telegraph this evening that the first calls for troops under the Conscription Act has been made. Number not named. I went down to the Post Office before breakfast this morning and mailed a letter to George. I wrote another to him in the evening. I expect to mail it tomorrow morning early in time for the mail. John B. Gough lectured here this evening, but I did not attend. Subject ' Lights and Shadows of London Life. 5/9 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Bell came down and spent the day and is staying all night with us. News by telegraph this P.M. that Richmond is captured. Joy beams forth from the countenance of every loyal man, a good feeling is pervading the people. Gussie went into the street with me in the evening. 5/10 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I attended church in the morning. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon after which I came home and Gussie went in the afternoon. I wrote two letters in the P.M., one to George and to David Mills who is in hospital in Washington. Was wounded in the late battle between Hooker and Lee on the Rappahannock. The last night's news of the capture of Richmond is confirmed by telegraph. After tea, we put Eddy in his carriage and went up home. Preaching in the evening. I attended. On to the church, I mailed my letters to George and David. 5/11 MONDAY - Very warm, like midsummer. The evening papers do not credit the rumor that Richmond is captured. Fighting Joe Hooker is across the river again and after the flying rebels. I went to Teachers' meeting in the evening. Frank Boughton received a letter from John( Boughton?) this evening. He was in the late battle and escaped without a scratch. David Bradley joined the Reg't. in time to be in the battle also. He is uninjured also. 5/12 TUESDAY - Very warm again today. I cleaned out my cesspool before breakfast and carried the contents to my garden. Father commenced making my garden this P.M. I spaded between the hills of strawberries after tea. Went with Gussie to the depot to see if George came. On our way home, called at the Post Office and got two letters from George. He expects to be home by the 20th. I hung the sage (?) down cellar before retiring. 5/13 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and smoky in the morning. Sunshine in the middle of the day. Cloudy again in the P.M. and terminated with a shower. Limited in our work at the shop. Father has been to work in my garden for me today. Before going to the shop in the morning, I finished setting out my strawberry plants. As I came home from the shop in the P.M., I came by the way of J. W. Ives' lumber yard. And bought 24 feet of studding for a framework to nail the planks to in building my platform for the pump. The shower came up before I finished it but by Father's help and making some in the rain we finished it before we stopped by working a little late. I wrote to George after tea in answer to his letter received last evening. 5/14 THURSDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there being but little work, I chose to come home and work with Father in my garden and yard and have two days allowance to do tomorrow and make out a day's work. It rained a little in the P.M., but we worked until night. I have finished the platform to my pump and repaired my walks in the yard. I went up to Mother Griswold's to tea as they have company. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt, and daughter from Norwalk, Ohio. Miss Hack. Mr. and Mrs. [ Seafield ?] and Mrs. Blissard. The rain increased in the evening. And got a letter from George, No.11. 5/15 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool. Father finished spading garden for me today. 3 ' days' work. Per day $4.37. I got him a bbl. of flour from Mr. Crofut (my boss) and his work went toward it. He paid me the difference to make $11.00. I left the shop early on account of the headache. I tried to plant in my garden when I came home. I put in my best seed and was too sick to do more. 5/16 SATURDAY - Pleasant, but cool for the season. A slight frost last night. Father came this way going over to Cousin Frank Boughton's to make garden. He borrowed my spading fork and garden line. Uncle Edwin Mills came down for Mother, Eddy and Gussie this afternoon and carried them down to his house to stay over Sunday. I came home and planted potatoes, corn and carrots in my garden. I worked until dark and then came in and got my own supper, after which I went to the Post Office and to singing school a short time. I got a letter from David Mills at noon and one from George in the evening. 5/17 SUNDAY - The sun shone early in the morning but it soon clouded over and began to rain with the prospects of a wet day. It cleared off again about noon and was warmer. I got up and got my own breakfast as Gussie is down to Starr's Plain at Uncle Edwin's. I melted the solder around the coffee pot spout so that it will require mending. Trying to warm the coffee by putting it on a hot coal fire. I then gave it up and made tea. I went to church in the morning. Bro. Crawford preached as usual. The congregation was small on account of the weather. The Sunday School was small also. A Union Sunday School meeting in the P.M. at the Congregational church. A lecture to the school and illustrated with paintings by Mrs. Long. After tea (which I took up to Mother Griswold's), I wrote a letter to Georg and one to David Mills. Mrs. Long gave another lecture in the evening to both children and adults. I attended. It was at the1st Congregational. The other churches were not opened. I mailed my letters as I went. A shower during the service. 5/18 MONDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool this morning. I went up to Mother Griswold's to breakfast. I took our washing over to Mrs. Stone and then went to the shop. Not having but little work, I finished before dinner. I came home and found Gussie there and dinner ready. I planted in my garden and set out my dahlia's in the P.M. I went to market in the evening and to the Post Office and got a letter from Harriet. It being still clear and cool, OI covered my tomato plants before retiring. 5/19 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I have had work enough in the shop to last all day. I put out the second tuft (?) of myrtle in my grass flat after tea. I then went downtown with Gussie. I received a letter from George stating with other things that he should doubtless be home before next Sunday. I bought 8 more bushels of charcoal today which filled my box where I keep it. 5/20 WEDNESDAY - Warmer today. Henry Ledger, who has been to England for his health and been absent nearly a year, arrived home on the morning train. I received a letter from Cousin Phoebe Palmer from Mount Hol(yoke) Fe(male) Seminary in Mass. with one enclosed for me to direct to Harriet. Gussie walked with me down to the store and Post Office in the evening. I returned without going to class. 5/21 THURSDAY - Very warm. Mrs. Stone helped us clean house ' the parlor, sitting room and bedroom. No work in the shop and I have helped. Gussie and I went to the depot I the evening, but he did not come. Mrs. Richards called in the evening. 5/21 FRIDAY - Very warm. The thermometer standing at 90 degrees in the shade. Gussie and Mary Purdy went up to John Polletts and spent the day. I came home and got my own dinner. On my way home from work at night, I came by way of Mr. Wright's and bought 5 gallons of kerosene oil at 54 cents - $2.70. I am to pay him when I get paid off at the shop. I planted my squash seed at night. I cleaned out the hogshead with Mrs. Cocking's help. Gussie came home in time to put Eddie to bed and go to the depot to meet George. He did not come. David Stillson came on the train from the same hospital. He said that George was waiting for his furlough and would be home in a day or two. 5/23 SATURDAY - Very warm again today. I had work enough in the shop to last me nearly all day. I planted some bush beans and a [???] of peas in addition to what I had previously planted. I also put some dust around my strawberry hills. Gussie and I went to the depot again to meet George. He did not come. It was about 11 o'clock when the cars came in. A thunder storm came up and rained nearly all the time we were waiting at the depot. Gussie went home before the cars came. 5/24 SUNDAY - Cloudy but no rain. I attended church in the morning, came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in the P.M. After tea, we went over to Harriet's a short time. Before evening meeting I wrote to Harriet. As I went to the Office to mail my letter on my way to prayer meeting, I found a letter in my box from George, which I did not see as it was just [edge nice] close against the side. It was written on Friday. As his furlough had been delayed, he concluded not to start for home until Monday (tomorrow). He expects to arrive in New York on Tuesday, spend one day there and see Harriet, arriving home Wednesday probably arriving in the evening. As my letter to Harriet was not sealed, I added this news before mailing it. 5/25 MONDAY - Cloudy all day and some rain. I received a dispatch from George in New York on his way home saying that he would be home on the evening train. We went to the depot and I brought him home with us to stay. We retired about 11 o'clock. 5/26 TUESDAY - I stayed away from work and spent the day at home visiting with George. After tea, George came down home with us and went to the Sleight of Hand performance with Gussie while I stayed at home with Eddie. I have not felt very well today, which was one cause of me not working. When we went up home this morning with George, we took Mother completely by surprise. 5/27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went up home to see George. He was away over to Aunt Louisa's. On my return, I stopped to see Thomas Barnum. I then went over to Aunt Louisa's and went with George downtown. Thos. Kyle carried us down to Blackman's Store so that George could get his watch. George came home with me to stay all night. 5/28 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went with George before breakfast down to the depot to see Kellogg and Charles Wilcox leave to rejoin their Reg't. We then returned home to breakfast. Gussie and Eddie went up home in the P.M. to visit with George. He and Bell came home with them after tea and we all went to prayer meeting together. 5/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. George came to the shop in the forenoon. He came to my house and took dinner with me. He came down after tea, but I worked until after 7 o'clock and he went to his Lodge before I came home. Mrs. Allen (our neighbor) died this evening about 7 ' o'clock. Gussie went into the street with me and went to the Milliner's with Bell's hat. I saw David Knowles at the Post Office. We called at Joseph Ives and looked at his ranges and came home. 5/30 SATURDAY - Appearance of a storm in the morning, but it cleared away and was pleasant and very hot. A thunder shower in the P.M., but little rain fell here. Sold my stove (Peyton Airtight) to Daniel Manly for $8. Bought a range at Joseph Ives' for $13 and put it up and made fire for tea. Louisa stayed with Eddie while we went into the street. We found George and Bell; we all went to Sunday School. 5/31 SUNDAY - Had to punish Eddie this morning to make him mind. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went to Sunday School and preaching in the P.M. A Mr. Breckinridge from Bethel preached for us all day. A young man and smart. Mrs. Allen's funeral was attended at 3 o' clock at the house. Gussie went. George came home with me to tea and on account of a thunder shower which came up after, he stayed and went to prayer meeting with us in the evening.
1863-05
Horace Purdy Journal, April 1863 Entry
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4/1 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop for the first (time) in over a week. Mr. Swift moved this P.M. John Cosier came home from the city today. He called about six o'clock this evening to see the books which are now in my parlor. Mr. Brady from New York speaks for the administration and the Union and for our candidate for Governor, Buckingham. I went to the Post Office and mailed two Danbury Times to George. 4/2 THURSDAY ' worked in the shop. Went to the Jeffersonian office and got 1,200 labels for Sunday School books. John Cosier and wife, Fanny and Harriet came in and helped about pasting them in the books and numbering them. Bell came down and helped take care of Eddie. She stayed all night. Tomorrow being fast day and no work, we were paid off today. 4/3 FRIDAY - Fast day. I finished labeling the Infant Class books this morning. I have been sick with a headache. John Cosier came in the evening and helped pack the books to take to church tomorrow. David Bradley came home this evening on a furlough from the 17th Reg't. 4/4 SATURDAY - Mr. Cosier came with a team this morning and we carried the new library books down to the church and brought the old ones away to be looked over and reserve the best to be put back again into the library. I did not feel well enough to go to the shop and work. Mr. Swift paid me my rent today. I put a new lock on the door at the head of the stairs for Mr. Cocking. Gussie went into the street in the evening while Fanny and I looked over the old library books and discarded such as we thought best. It began to rain about 8 o'clock and I bundled up and went into the street with rubbers and umbrella for Gussie. I found her at Mr. Swift's office waiting for the mail, as the cars had not arrived. [???] Stone fell dead in Raymond's Fish Market this evening. Heart disease was the difficulty. 4/5 SUNDAY - Cloudy with a little snow and rain during the day. Father Griswold having come home last night, the Conference being adjourned in order to let the Connecticut preachers to come home to vote, he preached for us this morning. There being no Librarian present at noon to give out the new books, Edward Barnum acted as librarians and gave out the new books for the first time. They gave good satisfaction to the school. In the P.M., I stayed home and looked up my Sunday School accounts preparatory to my Annual Report as Secretary and Treasurer. I wrote a letter to George and one to Henry Mead in Brooklyn to let them know that we would be at their house tomorrow on a visit. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Isabella took care of Eddie so that we could both go. She is to stay all night with us. (Ed. Note: No diary entries from April 6 through April 12 because of trip to New York). 4/13 MONDAY - Returned home from New York this P.M. on the freight train. We left Henry Mead's house on the corner of Classon and Greene Avenues, Brooklyn at 7 o'clock this morning. It is just a week ago today since we left home to go to New York. My journal is blank for one week back. Gussie was very sick with sick headache a week ago tonight when we arrived in Brooklyn. One Tuesday morning, we went to Williamsburg to Conference. Judge Belto of U. S. Court was there, also Gen Wood [?] by request of the Conference to administer the Oath of Allegiance to the members of the Conference. The time was occupied with patriotic addresses and altogether, it was one of the most interesting occasions that I was ever present at. We came home to Mr. Mead's to dinner and in the afternoon we went down to Clermont Ave. to Mr. Boyles and spent a part of the P.M. From there, we went to Myrtle Ave. between Bridge and Duffield Streets to Mr. Matthew's dry goods store and did some shopping. We came back to Mr. Mead's to tea and stayed all night. Wednesday morning - After breakfast, we called at Mr. Powel's for the first in Carleton Ave. near Fulton No. 368. From there, we called on Mrs. Watson, 319 Gold Street. She went out shopping with us. Gussie bought a shawl, after which we went over to New York and took dinner at Taylor's on Broadway and then went to the museum. After which, we went up to Fourth Street, No. 654, and called on Mr. Davis. They were not in. We then took a walk up as far as Ninth Street by the church and parsonage. Took the 1st and2nd Ave. cars down to Peck Slip, walked to Fulton Street, took tea at a restaurant near Fulton Market, across the way, and then we crossed the ferry and went up to the Mead's for the night. Thursday - we visited the Navy Yard, took Mrs. Johnson with us. Called on the Whalen girls in Nassau Street and went down near the City Hall and got our dinners after which, we went up to Mr. Boyle's in Clermont Ave. near DeKalb and spent P.M. with Harriet, took tea and stayed awhile in the evening and then went to Mr. Powel's 368 Carleton Ave. near Fulton and stayed all night. Friday - After breakfast I went over to New York with Mr. Powel to his place of business. On the way, we stopped in Nassau Street at Mr. Tibbals [?] and I bought an Album for Harriet Wheeler - $3.00. I went to the store with Mr. Powel and then went to Barclay Street, No. 88 and called on Mr. Boyle at his place of business. From there, I went into Maiden Lane to price some carpet bags and then went to 97 Pine Street and called on Mr. Mead at his place of business, and then crossed the ferry and went up to Mr. Powel's residence where I left Gussie, and took dinner there. After dinner, Mrs. Johnson went with us to Greenwood. On our return, we called on Miss[?] Stewart in Clinton Street No. 82, after which, we returned to the Powel's again for the night. Gussie, having a severe sick headache, she retired without eating a bite. Saturday morning we called on Miss [?] Jones, 256 Shermerhorn Street and then went over to New York to 69 Murray Street, Mr. Powel's store and bought some shoes. We then went up to Fourth Street again and called at Mr. Davis' again. We found them at home and stayed to dinner. After dinner, we went to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street and then down to Bro. Pegg's, Fourth Street, and spent the remainder of the P.M. and took tea. We went over to Brooklyn and stayed all night again with Mr. Powel. Sunday - After breakfast, went up to Mr. Mead's and prepared for church and went to Williamsburg, South 5th Street and heard Mr. Foss preach. Came back to Mr. Mead's to dinner and went down to see Harriet in the P.M. Came back to Mr. Mead's to tea. We intended to go to Hanson Place in the evening to hear Mr. Woodruff preach, but a shower interfered with our plans and stayed at home. Monday - Left Mr. Mead's residence and started for home at 7 o'clock A.M. Took the 9 ' o'clock train from 27th Street and connected with the Danbury, ct. train at Norwalk. It was about 3 o'clock P.M. when we arrived in Danbury. 4/14 TUESDAY - Went to the shop today. Came home early and made a fire in my garden to burn up the rubbish. Answered George's letter and procured most of the things to be sent to him in a box. 4/15 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to the shop in the morning. I came home about 3 P.M. to pack a box for George by Express. I brought home the box with some maple sugar and oranges to put in. I carried it to the Express Office and wrote a letter to him, and enclosed the receipt. By his request, I consigned the box to the Surgeon of the Hospital, Col. L. Wilson. Gussie went up to Brother Bartram's and took tea and spent the evening. Bell was here to take care of Eddie and get my tea. 4/16 THURSDAY - Stormy. I took George's bank book and drew $8 before I went to the shop to defray the expense of sending his box of good things and pay his paper bill at Swift's and the dollar I sent to him by mail a few weeks before. I worked in the shop until after 4 o'clock. I then felt tired and went home. I balanced the Treasurer's Account with the Sunday School and carried the books and papers pertaining to it and the Secretary over to Mr. B. Bradley in the evening who is the Secretary and Treasure elect. I then went down to Hanford's Shoe Store and exchanged a pair of shoes for Bell which I got for her in New York and was too small. I went to market and came home. 4/17 FRIDAY - Cloudy and misty all day. I worked in the shop as usual, but not feeling very strong, I stopped work about 4 o'clock and came home. I received a letter by the morning mail from Surgeon William C. Bennett stating that he could do nothing for George in the way of a transfer or furlough as he was out from under his jurisdiction. As I came home from work, I brought the Librarian's Book from the Library and drew it up anew. I received a letter from George (No. 3) asking for $5.00. I answered it in a few words added to a letter already written and enclosed the $2.00 as he requested. I borrowed it from Mr. Swift and am to draw it from the bank tomorrow and pay him. Gussie went over to Mrs. Cyrus White's and spent the P.M. and evening. She left Eddie with Fanny and I went up there and took tea. 4/18 SATURDAY - The sun shone bright and warm in the middle of the day. I dug my parsnips this morning. I came home to dinner; on the way I went to the Savings Bank and drew $5 of George's money to make up the $5.00 I sent to him last evening. After tea, I dug around and cut up a plum tree in the garden which was about dead and very much in the way. I set out our cabbage stumps. Clark Hoyt came up to borrow a small piece of grafting wax. I gave it to him and then rode down to the Post Office with him and brought home a letter for Father Griswold from Uncle Chauncy. Mr. Cocking butchered a pig today and spent the evening cutting it up in the cellar. 4/19 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm ' I attended church in the morning ' I being elected Librarian again acted for the first this noon. Mr. B. Bradley taking my place for Secy and Treas. ' After Sunday School, I came home and Gussie went in the P.M. The funeral of old Col. Moss White was attended at 3 o'clock immediately after the afternoon service at the 1st Congregational Church. I went to meeting in the evening and mailed two letters as I went which I had written, one to Harriet and one to George. Our presiding elder, Mr. C. Hoyt preached for us in the evening. I sat with choir. 2nd anniversary of the Wooster Guards leaving Danbury for three months service. 4/20 MONDAY - Pleasant and beautiful in the morning. It clouded over before noon and the wind changed to Northeast. I have felt better today than in a long time before. I came home to my dinner. Before tea I braided a Flowering Almond into a Plum tree for Mother Griswold. I went to the Post Office in the evening. A person who had received a letter from David Knowles told me while I was in the Post Office that George was in Washington and doing well. 4/21 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After dinner, the fires being low and the men not being able to get hot irons, we adjourned until tomorrow. Burr Bradley came along with me as far as Fred S. Wildman's to see if he had yet received the money from Capt. Moore's Company to be given by him to whomsoever it was consigned. It had not yet arrived. I came home and worked around the yard the remainder of the P.M. I finished labeling the Sunday School Library books in the evening. 4/22 WEDNESDAY - I buried my Dahlia roots for sprouting this morning. After work at night, I set out some asparagus roots for a bed. I went to the Post Office in the evening. I bought a picture of the Patriotism of New Fairfield to send to Henry Mead, Brooklyn. Bought a shad, ordered some sugar, and came home. 4/23 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I worked hard all day and was very tired. Mr. Cocking commenced to make his flower borders after tea. John Cosier and wife called in the evening and took away some old library books rejected by our school to be given away to some poor school. I received a letter from George in the evening, the first since his transfer to Washington from Brooks Station Hospital. I finished labeling the old library books before we retired. 4/24 FRIDAY - Raining. On my way home from the shop, I found Theodore Lyon in the street and borrowed his horse to take the library books from my house down to the church. After tea, I set out some young lilac bushes Father brought down today. I then wrote a letter to George and put up and directed to Henry Mead a picture of the Patriotism of New Fairfield. I then went down and mailed the above with a Jeffersonian to George also. 4/25 SATURDAY - Cool and windy. On my way home from work at night, I stopped at the Town Clerk's Office George W. Hamilton's and got my quit claim deed from Alfred Gregory which I left then to be recorded. Gussie went up home this P.M. with Aunt Louise and Aunt Pasia Hall. She went into the street in the evening and I stayed at home. 4/26 SUNDAY - Pleasant but windy as yesterday. I attended church in the morning. After Sunday School, I came home and Gussie went in the P.M. Aunt Pasia Hall, Aunt Louisa and Mother came home with her to tea. Bell came down after tea. I wrote to George and mailed it as I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Gussie stayed at home and we all went to meeting in the evening. 4/27 MONDAY - Pleasant and warm. James Sherwood, who for a long time has worked in the Times Office for Osborne was buried in the P.M. on my way home from work at night, I engaged ' ton of coal of Mr. Disbrow to be delivered tomorrow. Bell was down just at night and stayed to tea. While she was playing with Eddie after tea, he fell and hurt his lip badly. I went to the Post Office and to [??] for a lamp chimney in the evening. Mailed a letter for Gussie to Libby Mead in Brooklyn. 4/28 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. After tea, I went up home to see Father about making my garden. I brought home a pail of milk and then went to market. The coal I engaged yesterday to come today did not come. 4/29 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, though in the morning, it appeared like a storm. Sherman Disbrow brought my coal this afternoon. I worked rather late at night. I went to class. Mailed a Jeffersonian to George and received by the evening mail a letter from him. 4/30 THURSDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a little sprinkling after dinner. National Fast Day ' the shop closed. Services at our Church. Father Griswold preached. I made a flower bed by the piazza for Gussie and built a pair of steps up the stonework going to Father Griswold's. I answered George's letter and mailed in the evening
1863-04
Horace Purdy Journal, December 1862 Entry
6pgs
12/1 I was rather late at the shop. Payday, I drew $22 for the last 2 weeks of work. I mailed a letter to David and Charles Mills with our cart de visite to David enclosed. I received two letters from George this evening with a sheet for Mother enclosed in one of them. This one was written on Thanksgiving Day. It was quite pleasant and star light in the early evening. I sat up until past 11 o'clock and wrote to George. 12/2 Worked in the shop all day. Bell came down and took care of Eddy in the PM so Gussie could go into the street. I mailed the letter I wrote to George in the evening. 12/3 I mailed the Danbury Times to George in the evening. Walked home with Mr. Swift when he closed his office and found Gussie upstairs with his wife. I stayed a while too. Before going downtown in the evening I took out the tacks in the bedroom carpet in preparation for cleaning tomorrow. An alarm of 5 abount 10:30. While cutting bread for tea I cut quite a gash in my thumb. 12/4 Before going to the shop I helped empty the bedroom for cleaning. My thumb troubled me considerably at work. Eddie is quite poorly with a difficulty of the bowels. We sent for Dr. Bulkely. He is afraid of an inflamation of the bowels. Mrs. Lounsbury has the mittens done for George (soldiers mittens having a thumb and finger). I mailed them to him in the evening, cost of 18 cents letter postage. I walked up home with Mr. Swift. 12/5 Very cold last night and I found ice frozen in our sink room in the morning. Mr. and Mrs Chapman and Mrs Smith were at Father Griswolds and I found Gussie up there when I came from work. I went up there to tea and came home after and soon Mr. Witherspoon came as expected with a spare rib which I engaged from him today at the shop. It weighed 10 lbs 2 oz. I then went to the post office and to Lounsbury's shoe store where I bought a pair of rubbers for $1.20. When I returned I went up to Father Griswolds and we stayed until the Company left, coming home about 1/4 to 9 o'clock. I also brought home some medicine from the Doctor's for Eddie. Gussie has had a severe head ache this PM. 12/6 An eclipse of the moon about 1 o'clock last night. I went to see Dr. Bulkely about Eddy in the evening. I went to the post office and walked up home with Mr. Swift. We found Mrs. Swift down stairs with Gussie so he came with me and stayed a little while. I brought up some apples and we enjoyed their visit very much. 12/7 If froze hard in our sink room last night. I didn't go to church in the AM but went down in time for Sunday School and stayed in the PM. When I came home found Eddy so miserable that I must go for Dr. Bulkely. He gave him and injection and left medicine for his difficulty which is a weakness in the lower bowelss tending to piles. After supper I wrote to George and went down in the evening and mailed it and returned without going to meeting. Gussie wrote to Edwin's wife Anne in the evening. 12/8 We rose rather late and I worked as usual in the shop. Bell came down after dinner and stayed until night to help Gussie. Mother called on her way to the Prayer Meeting for the Country. I attended the Teachers Meeting in the evening. I ordered 1 dozen [Longlings ] Questions, vol. 1st for John Corsier. Received a letter from David Mills this noon. 12/9 I worked in the shop as usual. Eddy is better, having had a movement of the bowels this forenoon. I got some more medicine from Dr. Bulkely for him in the evening. I answered David Mills letter before retiring. I lent Father Griswold $9.00 this evening to pay a bill for manure from Crossmans Stables. 12/10 I worked at the shop as usual. Father and Mother were here to dinner but I was at the shop, having taken my dinner. Daniel Manly cmae home with me to get 5 gallons of cider which I had sold to him. After tea went down to market and the post office. I took the School Societies Minutes Book with me to let Aaron Moorehouse take it to copy the bylaws. I mailed the letter to David Mills and the Danbury Times to George 12/11 The snow is melting very fast and the sleighing is leaving fast also. The dozen questions books which I ordered at Mr. Swifts came today. George [w.] Ives died today. I took a letter from the post office for Mother from George and also one for Father from Horace [Meaglie] from Norwalk about the flourwhich he promised to Father. 12/12 Worked as usual in the shop. After tea I went up home with the 2 letters for Father and Mother. I got a drink of cider then went to the post office and walked up home with Mr. Swift. 12/13 Still warm and snow is melting fast. Sleighing is already used up and wheels are used again. Aaron Moorehouse paid me a dollar today for George for use of his melodeon. After tea I went to market. 12/14 Pleasant and warm but very muddy. A sermon to the Sabbath School today, after which at collection was taken for the benefit of the lame. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon with passages from scriptures beginning with the letter M were recited by the scholars and for the first time by the teachers also. I stayed home and let Gussie attend in the PM. Mother and Bell stopped by on their way to evening meeting. I wrote to George and mother enclosed a sheet with mine, and I mailed it as I went to church in the evening. I also wrote to Harriet and left it for Gussie to add more to in the evening. She wrote to her old school mate Louise Howe also. Brother Crawford preached in the evening. 12/15 Joseph Young having gone to New York, his wife came over before breakfast to give me his checks on order that I might draw his money for him at the shop, $16.00. Edward Stevens wife's funeral was at 2 o'clock. I attended with others of his shop mates at the Disciples Church. He was married at the same place a year ago next New Year's Day. Mrs. Young with Mrs. Wilcox to accompany her came for Joseph's money as we were drinking tea. I mailed a letter to Harriet and one for Gussie to Louise Howe in the evening. I attended an adjourned Sunday School Teachers meeting in the evening. Came home and copied the minutes before retiring. Harriet Wheeler and Josie came from Brooklyn this evening, she having been there to see Abel off in the 23rd Regiment 12/16 Medad Bradley died about 10 o'clock today. Sheridan Disbrow brought me the last 2 tuns of coal on my order just at night. I gave him $15.00 for this delivery which settled our accoutn . I went to the post office and market in the evening. 12/17 Worked as usual in the shop. I maile the Times to George in the evening and took our tea drawer to the Joiner to be mended and went to class. I walked up from the street with Brothers Chittenden and Crosier, and Lounsbury and Mr. Swift. 12/18 Medad Bradley was buried today. I have had the sick headache which compelled me to stop work before night. I took care of Eddy in the evening to let Gussie go to Prayer Meeting. 12/19 I worked in the shop all day and felt quite well. Joseph Ives' wife was buried this afternoon. I went to the post office in the evening expecting to hear from George but did not. 12/20 Saturday. Pleasant but very very cold. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie took a letter from the post office for me from George this PM. It was written last Sunday at Dumfrey's within sound of the guns at Fredericksburg. They were on the way to the latter place and had a tedious march from Fairfax through the mud. It is reported that the Sec. of State at Washington, William H. Seward, has resigned. Mother came downin the evening to hear the letter from George. I went to market, to the post office and returned home as soon as the mail was opened. A severe cold night. I commenced a letter to George before retiring. 12/21 I went to church in the morning and to Sunday School at noon. Neither Gussie nor myself attended in the PM. Isabella came from church to our house and stayed until evening meeting time. Mother Griswold, Harriet and Josie came in for a while after tea. I finished my letter to George and mailed a Harpers Weekly with a picture of the late great battle of Fredericksburg Va in it at the same time. 12/22 A little snow on the ground. Worked as usual in the shop. Emptied the old brine from my pork barrel in the evening, preparatory to putting down my new pork which I am expecting tomorrow or the next day. I mailed 3 of the last [Lewis] Weekly Tribunes to George this evening and received 2 letters from him and one from Harriet. In one that George sent was enclosed one received by him from Isabella Conrad of Bridgeport which he sent home for safekeeping. As I came home from the street this evening I went with Mr. Swift to Brittens, the Druggist, for strichnine to poison mice with. Eddy having a bad cold, we borrowed some goose grease from Mrs. Swift to grease his stomach before retiring. 12/23 Warmer, what little snow as on the ground disappeared. George Loomis, discharged from the army on account of wounds, came home yesterday. He came to the shop in the AM to see his old shop mates. He went on turn and was shopped. I answered George's letter and also mailed him a box of Brown's Bronchial Troaches in the evening. Bell came down after tea and stayed with Eddie while Gussie went into the street with me to do a little trading. I stopped at [Ansael] Hoyt's to see about my pork which he is cutting up for me to be delivered tomorrow. I borrowed a meat saw from him to cut up some beef I expect tomorrow. Bell took my lantern and went home as soon as I returned. When Mr. Swift came home he went down the cellar and brought up some sweet cider which he got today and gave me a glass. Before I went downtown, Miss Edith Newman called and gave me $15.00 which George sent in a letter to her for me to deposit in the Savings Bank for him. 12/24 On account of not sleeping much last night (Eddy being sick) I felt poorly today and quit work before night on that account. Noah Hoyt brought my pork this morning and just at night Granvil Ambler brought my beef that I had ordered of Jacob Fry, 112 lbs. I went downtown in the evening and bought more pork to fill up my barrel. Gussie spent all the evening shopping and keeping up Christmas Eve. I spent the evening packing my pork. Bell has spent the day with us taking care of Eddy to let Gussie take care of her pork and is to stary the night with us. Mr. Swift helped me cut up my beef before we retired.12/25 Christmas Day. I spent my time at home taking care of pork and beef. Bell stayed last night and today. At about 1 o'clock we went up to Father Griswold's to dinner. Mother received a letter from George with $5.00. $3.00 for her and $2 for me to deposit for him. In the evening Mr. Swift gave me $1 which Alfred Heath left there for George to be handed to me. I mailed a pair of stockings to Ohio for Fanny, directed to Mrs. E. E. Griswold intended for her little WIllie. 12/26 I worked all day in the shop. Mother came to tea and went to prayer meeting in the evening. I gave her a sparerib of fresh pork to take over to Mrs. Curtis whose husband has gone to war. I carried up fresh pork and beef into the observatory of Father Griswold's house and hung it up then went down to the post office. I mailed a Harpers Weekly to Georgeon account of the Christmas pictures it contained. Before retiring I started a letter to George. 12/27 I made a brine and salted my beef in the evening and rubbed my hams also. I went to the barbers and to the post office in the evening. Mr. Swifts father came on the train in the evening to stay with him until Sunday. We let hime occupy our bed in the parlor. Gussie's old nurse Mrs. Jackson, who died in Stamford was brought home on the train and buried this afternoon. 12/28 The last Sabbath of the year. I went to church in the morning and came home after Sunday School to let Gussie attend in the PM. I finished my letter to George. Mother came down on her way to evening meeting and enclose a letter to George with mine. I sent 85 cents in postage stamps to him, bought with his money. John Crosier came in to have me direct for him the soldiers mittens which he is sending to Amos C. Day, one of his old Sunday School scholars. I gave him the money to get the stamps for George and to enclose them in the letter and seal it and mail it. Gussie went to meeting in the evening while I stayed with Eddie. 12/29 Eddy is 16 months today. I worked as usual in the shop. Received 2 letters from George in the evening in which he ordered a box of good things sent to him immediately. I bought a pound of almonds and some walnuts to send to him. I wrote a hasty reply at Mr. Swift's office and mailed it before coming home. 12/30 I took the letters that I had from George last evening down for Mr. Ashley, the editor of the Jeffersonian, to take some abstracts from for his paper. I went out in the street in the evening and bought a box to fill with good things to send to George. I went up home before breakfast this morning to have Mother bake a cake for George and to have Bell come down and take care of Eddy while Gussie ironed and prepared things to send to George. John W. Bussing's wife died in the PM. Commenced snowing in the evening. 12/31 Stormy all day, a considerable snow fell. I mailed the Danbury Times to George. I took a letter from the post office directed to Mother from Harriet. I paid a bill at Russel Hoyt's of $12.96 for the pork.
1862-12
Horace Purdy Journal, November 1862 Entry
6pgs
11/1 Worked all day and as long as I could see at night. I stopped at Lounsbury's and brought home George's boots which I intend to send as soon as he writes for them. I also bought myself a new pair of rubber boots, $4.00. He is to trust me until next week for the pay. Mr. Swift called this AM to look at my upper rooms to rent them. Sunday School Teachers meeting and I being Secretary had to attend. I carried about 8 qts. of cider to the shop today to drink with my dinner and treat the boys with. 11/2 Attend church in the morning and came home after Sunday School so Gussie could attend in the PM. Eddie has a severe cold, is very hoarse and has a cough. We are afraid of the whooping cough. Mother Griswold fears it is the croup. Gusse went over to see Frank and I was up to Mother G's after tea. Bell came down and just before meeting time Mother and Father came. Mother brought a letter she had written to George to put in with mine which I wrote this PM and evening. Gussie went to meeting and mailed my letter to George. 11/3 Monday. Took my watch to the jeweler's this morning. Pay day. I called at Lounsbury's on my way home and paid Charles Crosby for the boots I bought on Saturday. Dr. Bulkely came to see Eddy in the PM and instead of croup pronounced it inflamation of the lungs. After tea, Alex Price came over for our clothes for his wife to wash tomorrow. I received a letter from George in the evening and he said they were under marching orders to join Legel's division at Centreville. He said it was reported that fighting has been going on at Harper's Ferry for 3 days and that a battle was in progress at Centreville at the time of his writing on Saturday. 11/4 We were up all night with Eddy who has the inflamation of the lungs. We were stinted a work, I only had 2 dozen, $1.50. I wrote a letter before breakfast to George and mailed it. In the PM I took up a Rhode Island Greening tree for Mr. Witherspoon and then took up my crab apple tree in front of the house and set it in place of the one Mr. Witherspoon took. He gave me 75 cents for it. I took up my Dahlias before tea and in the evening I went to the post office. 11/5 Worked in the shop all day as usual. Had a letter from Cousin Charles Mills, steward of the Jail St. Hospital, Frederick MD. Attended class in the evening 11/6 Gussie read a letter from Edwin's wife Eliza in Ohio. I got a box from Lounsbury's and put up a pair of boots, letter paper, 2 packages of envelopes, a can of butter from Mother, a knife and fork, 3 large Douchess de Angeleau pears and filled up with Spitzenburg apples. Eddie being much worse, I went for Dr. Bulkely a little past 11 o'clock. Father Griswold came down and Fanny also. 11/7 Up a good part of the night with Eddy. Our first snow storm began around 9 o'clock and continued all day. I bought of Jo Young a pair of rubbers for 50 cents. Baby much better this evening. I wrote a letter to George in the morning and sent the box by express. I went to market in the evening and sent a letter to George with the Danbury Times. 11/8 Fanny sat up with Eddie last night and he is much better today. Limited in the work at the shop again today. Mrs. Swift came over to look at our rooms before tea. I went to market, the post office, and Republican Caucus in the evening. Had my watch cleaned and repaired at Robinson's and brought it home in the evening. 11/9 Snow and rain all day and very bad walking. I went to meeting all day and Gussie did not attend on account of the weather. Meeting was in the basement, Sunday School prayer meeting at noon, Sacrament in the afternoon. I wrote a letter to George and one to Cousin Charlie Mills in the evening and mailed them but did not go to meeting. I started for work and met Mr. Swift at the post office and he told me they would take my upper rooms and wanted to clean them today. Since it was our town election and I would break the day to vote I concluded to take the whole day and get some work done at home which was necessary before our tenants moved in. I carried the bundle which I had for Abel up to Bennett's store for Mrs. Barry to take to him this PM to the camp in New Haven. I returned home and hired Mrs. Stone, our neighbor, to clean the rooms for Mr. Swift as I had agreed to pay half the bill for the cleaning. I went down to vote, put some new springs in the windows where the old ones had broken, made a new coal bin in the cellar and shifted some coal into it from a bin designed for Mr. Swift. Received letters from George at noon and at night. I engaged one of the Harvey's to come and paint for me tomorrow. I went to the Teachers Meeting in the evening, came home and copied the minutes and wrote to George. 11/11 My birth day, 28 years old. I have had the headache but worked notwithstanding in the shop. Harvey painted the two rooms upstairs which Mr. Swift has hired. After tea I finished my letter to George and enclosed $1.15 of the new postage currency for him as he requested. Cousin Frank Boughton has a fine baby boy this morning, weight 8 1/4 lbs, In my letter to George I told him to tell John that he had a boy at home. 11/12 Mother went to Cousin Frank's to see the baby, called on us then went to class. We lent her a lantern and umbrella. I went to the post office in the evening and mailed a Danbury Times to George. 11/13 Worked as usual in the shop. Received pamphlet from Charles Mills of the 1st Minnesota Regiment containing the correspondence between Gen. Ramsey of Minnesota and Maj. Gen. H. L. Sanford, U. S. Minister resident at the Court of Brussels on the occassion of the presentation of a battery of steel guns to the 1st Regiment Minnesota Volunteers. I went to the post office this evening and walked with Mr. Swift and called at the boarding place (Mrs. Hurds) to see (at his request) what furniture he had to put in our rooms when he moves in. 11/14 Worked as usual in the shop. A prayer meeting up to Father Griswold's. I went to market and to Mr. Swifts office to tell him we had concluded to let him have our 3 rooms. I cleared out the small room, bedstead, washstand, carpet after 9 o'clock at night. 11/15 Mr. Swift had a load of wood delivered this afternoon, and I borrowed Mr. Baxter's wheel barrow and wheeled it up to the wood house as I was afraid to leave it in the street over Sunday for fear of it being stolen. I went to the post office and got a letter for Mother from Harriet, I believe. I came home and split wood and piled it up in the woodhouse until 11 o'clock. I received by the morning mail a letter from David Mills written for himself and Charles from Frederick MD. 11/16 Coldest we have yet had last night and today. I went to church in the morning and Brother Crawford preached. After Sunday School I came home and Bell came with me and stayed in the PM and Gussie attended in the afternoon.I wrote a letter to David Mills, 5th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers now at Frederick MD. It was a joint letter to him and Charles. I also wrote to George and enclosed paper, envelope and stamp to have him write me. I went to meeting in the evening and mailed them. Gussi wrote to Harriet in answer to one I received and Mother enclosed one also to her with Gussie. 11/17 On my way to the shop I mailed the letter to Harriet but was too late for the morning mail. I worked as long as I could see at the shop. Mr. Swift had an Irish man in my wood house all day to saw up the wood which he sent ahead. He did not move today on account of the weather. I went to market in the evening and to a special Hatters Meeting to take in the case of Willam Banks as he requests a card. It was refused. Mr. Swift walked up by the light of my lantern with me and I came across Mrs Hurd's garden to get home. 11/18 After I came from the shop and before tea I got in my cabbages and kohlrabi. I ordered 8 more cart de visite at Couch's, 6 of wife and baby and 2 of myself. I went to market in the evening and called and paid Mary J. Hoyt for millinery work for wife and baby, $4.31. I bought a kit of Maine Mackeral at Benedict and Nichols and took a letter from the Post Office for Harriet from Abel. His regiment is now in camp near Jamaica, Long Island. 11/19 Worked all day in the shop but accomplished little. Received a letter at noon from George. He was when he wrote on the 12th at Thoroughfare Gap but expected to move again the next day. After tea I answered it and enclosed a watch key for him as he wished and $1.70 in Government Postage Currency. I also sent the Danbury Times, and a Harpers Weekly with a map of Manasses, the Blue Ridge, Thoroughfare Gap and its vicinity as he wished. I did not attend class on account of writing the letter. Gussie received a letter from her friend Elizabeth Mead and I one from Harriet in the evening. Gussie's had Mrs. Mead's cart de visite enclosed. 11/20 I bought 3 gals. of kerosene for 8 cents a gal. at Noah Hoyt's. I came home for dinner and after prepared my coal bin in the cellar for my winter's coal. After dinner I took down our large cord beadstead in our bedroom to have it changed into a slat beadstead. We put up the 3/4 bed in its place. I went to Charles G. Stevens in the evening and got a piece of blue flannel for mending and something for pockets for George as he requested. Postage cost 18 cents. I brought a letter from the post office for Harriet from Abel. 11/21 Worked all day in the shop as usual. Received a letter from George in the morning mail. His regiment, the 17th are or were at Hopeville Gap near Thoroughfare Gap on the Manassas Rail Road, Virginia. His health is good and he is growing fat. I answered his letter in the evening and enclosed $2.00 postage stamp currency. I also put in gratis 4 postage stamps and mailed it and a New York Tribune in the evening. I did this at Swift's News Office, after which he closed up and we walked up together by the light of my lantern. He did not move in today as intended on account of the stormy weather. 11/22 After dinner I left the shop and went to the Savings Bank and drew $15.00 of George's savings to pay his debts as he requested. He requested me to draw out $10.00, but his debts amounted to $14.00 so I drew $15.00. I paid for his boots at Lounsbury's and his paper bill at Mr. O H. Swifts. I returned to the shop and worked until night. Gussie went up to Louisa Barnum's today with Cousin Mary Purdy. Father, Mother and Bell were at our house to tea and Mother Griswold came in the evening too. I went to market and bought a skein of woolen yarn and left it at Lounsbury's Shoe Store for his mother to knit a pair of soldiers mittens for George. 11/23 I went to church in the forenoon and came home after Sunday School so Gussie could attend in the PM. After tea I wrote to George. Mother and Bell came over before evening meeting and Bell stayed with me while Mother and Gussie went to meeting. 11/24 After breakfast, I took our washing over to Mrs. Stone to be washed. Worked as usual in the shop. I took John W. Bassing on [turn] in the PM he was shopped. Our winter's butter came to Father Griswold's today, 33 lbs at 25 cents per pound. After tea I took our old cord bedstead on a wheel barrow up to Reed's Cabinets Rooms to be altered over for a slat bed and to go together with keys. I went to the post office after I returned home with the barrow. 11/25 Mr. Swift moved into my upper rooms today. Sherman Disbrow brought more Lackawanna Coal. I got a letter this evening from David and Charles Mills in Frederick MD. Charlie is Steward in the Jail St. Hospital and David is there doing provost guard duty with his regiment. I helped Mr. Swift bring up some tin ware after he closed up his office in the evening. 11/26 I worked all day in the shop. In the evening I went up to Reed's Cabinet Ware Rooms to see if our beadstead was repaired. I was and varnished but not dry. I received a letter from George by the evening mail. 11/27 Thanksgiving Day. The shop is closed and I worked around home. I got some apples down from Father Griswold's cellar and some turnips from his lot in the forenoon. After noon, Father helped me alter 2 kittens, one for Father Griswold and one for myself. Father, Mother and Bell and Aunt Louisa met with us at Father Griswold's for dinner. We had a good time. After dinner I went over to Mr. McDonald's orchard and there with Theodore and Frank Butler shot a targets with pistols, Frank Butler's and mine. Our bedstead came from the Cabinet Makers and just before night we set it up in the parlor. In the evening I went to the post office and mailed a letter to George and took one from the post office for Gussie from Harriet. Our folks spent the evening with us up to Father Griswold's. 11/28 I worked in the shop until 2 o'clock and then went up home where Gussie had gone to eat another Thanksgiving dinner. We fininshed the day and spent part of the evening there. After returning home with Gussie and Eddy I went to the post office and the market and brought home a 9 1/2 lbs. turkey. 11/29 Snow in the evening. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. Eddie sick, his bowels troubling him because of the change in food. We have commenced to wean him. I called to see Dr. Bulkely about him in the evening. A meeting of the returned volunteers and any home on furlough was intended at Concert Hall to make arrangements about attending the Baptist Church tomorrow moring to hear a discourse on the death of Capt. [Avery] Demming who was killed in the Battle before Richmond during Gen. McClellan's campaign in the Penninsula. But because of the storm few came and nothing was done. I walked up home with Mr. Swift. 11/30 Fanny stayed at our home with Eddy last night as she has for the last 2 nights while we went up to her home to get away from Eddy as we are weaning him and Fanny has undertaken the job at night. I went up to the Baptist Church this morning to hear a discourse, funeral sermon, preached on the death of Capt. Demming who was wounded at the battle of Charles CIty Cross Roads during the days of fighting near Richmond VA last July. He had his leg amputated and died of his wounds in Richmond. The discourse was a good one and highly interesting. After Sunday School in our own Church I came home and Gussie went in the PM. Mother and Bell called on their way to meeting in the evening and Mother mailed my letter to George on the way. I wrote also to David and Charles Mills.
1862-11
Horace Purdy Journal, October 1862 Entry
7pgs
10/1 I worked in the shop and did not feel very well in the PM. In the evening I carried Mother's things and ours over to Burr Bradley's to be packed up with others to be sent to Baltimore to George, David Bradley, George [c] Lewis, George Dickens, Phineas Lounsbury and a brother of George Mead's in Company H, Orin and Augustus Bronson, Smith Delavan, L. B. Griffin, William Otis, Norman Kellogg. We had to make up 2 boxes to hold them. William Lounsbury gave us the boxes. It was about 11 o'clock when we finished nailing up and marking the boxes. I received a letter from George in the evening. He wants more money sent to him. 10/2 I went over to Burr Bradley's before breakfast to help get our boxes of provisions to the depot to go Express to our boys in Capt. Moore's company, 17th Regiment, Baltimore. After breakfast not feeling too well. I helped put down the bedroom carpet upstairs. After dinner I went down and drew $10 for George from the Savings Bank. Six of it to replace the money I sent him and $4.00 to send him by letter. James Fowler brought me 12 bushels of potatoes (Prince Alberts) in the PM. A dispatch at night that Charles Small of Capt. Moore's company is dead. I mailed a letter to George in the evening and one for Gussie to Elyza in Cal. 10/3 Very warm in the shop. I spent the forenoon at home rebuilding my potato bin. I went to the street in the evening to get some articles at the store. When I came home I took my account book up to Father Griswold's and we looked over our account. We found a balance of $6.70 in my favor. I engaged 1 barrel of greening apples of Mr. Hearn 10/4 My barrel of cider came today. Joe Young came home with me at noon and helped me roll it into the cellar. Capt. Jenkins Company home on a special train at noon. They left the cars at Bates Crossing and marched up the street. Capt. Jenkins, 1st Lieut Starr, 2nd Lieut Betts and Adjutant Gregory were presented with a sword each in the evening at the Concert Hall. The swords were a present to them from the company. Charles Small's body was expected on the evening train but it didn't come. Gussie went up home in the PM and I went up to tea. Father and Bell came home with us and stayed to take care of Eddy while we went to the presentation. I received a letter from George at noon giving an account of Charles Small's death. He was with him when he died. 10/5 [Love] Feast in the morning at 9 o'clock. Elder William C. Hoyt preached in th AM. I collected a little money from some members to assist in sending some singing books to George, Company C. I came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in PM. We went over to Abel's a little while before evening meeting. I attended the prayer meeting. Brother Crawford became unusually animated, walked up and down the aisle exhorting sinners to repentance, especially members of Capt. Jenkins Co., 23rd Regiment, who were home and many of them at church. I wrote a letter to George and mailed it on the way to prayer meeting. Bell came down and went to meeting with me. 10/6 Worked in the shop until 11 o'clock and came home for early dinner prepatory to attending the funeral at 1 o'clock for Charles S. Small. I went back to the shop and the men all assembled at a quarter to 1 and went in a body to the church. The church was not open to we walked up to Jas Osborne's to meet the procession. Capt. Jenkins Company borrowed the cadet muskets at Jackson's School to attend the funeral with. The house was well filled and the funeral a large one. His remains came on the train this morning. Gussie walked up to the grave and was very sick with a sick headache when she returned. Mother and Bell were with us for tea and Bell stayed and washed up the dishes. I went to Societies meeting in the evening at the church. I ordred 1 doz. gold chains and 1 Lute of Zion for George, Company C, 17th Regiment, Baltimore Md. 10/7 Worked as usual in the shop. Paid 3 months dues to the Hatters Association, 30 cents. Received letter from George acknowledging reciept of things sent to him by express. Also received one from Uncle Stephen who is in camp in Bridgeport in the artillery, drilling and preparing for the field, acknowledging receipt of George's picture. After tea Joseph Young called and took a glass of cider with me after which we went to the Hatters meeting in the Basement of Concert Hall. 10/8 Heat in the shop as much as any day last summer. I came home to dinner. Cousin Frank Boughton spent the day with us. I recieved a letter from Charles Mills. He is sick in the hospital in Frederick MD. The golden chains and Lute of Zion came in today, I paid Sherman Disbrow what I owed him for coal, $11.75 in front of Epsicopal Church on my way home to dinner. Gussie and Frank Boughton went into the street in the evening. I took care of Eddy and wrote to George. After they came home I went down and mailed my letter and Danbury Times to George and brought home the 2 pictures from Curtis Bennett's who has framed them. Cost was $2.00. Gussie wrote to Ellen Dare and enclosed her veil which she left here at Louis Meogling's to be dyed. 10/9 We had work only until noon today. After dinner we took Eddy in the carriage and went into the street. Gussie bought a pair of Morroco Balmoral shoes at Lounsbury's for $1.37. We called at Couch's Picture Gallery to see about having a picture of Gussie and Eddy. I called on Major Meogling ath the Wooster House. He is home on account of a battle wound. His colonel died of his wounds and he has been promoted to Lieut. Col. of the 11th Regiment. Before going down town I wrote a letter to Cousin Charles Mills, now Steward of the Gail St. Hospital in Frederick MD. I left the letter with Mr. Swift who was a prisoner with him in Richmond, to let him put in a letter to him also, which he did and mailed it for me. After tea Father came down with a straw bed just as I was going up for it. I drew a pail of cider and carried it up for him while he wheeled the wheel barrow. I went into the street in the evening and paid Fairchild and Gillett 25 cents for 1 yard of tarltan which Gussie bought today. 10/10 A half day of work in the shop. After dinner I went over to Sturdevants to get the money due George for work when he enlisted. I got $1.00 of it but he didn't have change and agreed to leave the balance at O. H. Swift's news office for me. Bell came down and took care of Eddy in the PM while Gussie went to Mrs. McNeil's to get a dress cut. I received a letter from George and Gussie one from Ellen Dare. I wrote a letter to David Mills, the first since his release from imprisonment in Richmond. I attended a Special Hatters Meeting in the evening to take into consideration the subject of Foul Shops. The whole evening was spent in legislating on the subject but adjourned without accomplishing anything. 10/11 I came home to dinner and Bell came down and spent nearly all day with Gussie. I went to the post office in the evening and got a Baltimore paper from George. I went to Lounsbury's and selected a pair of boots for George. He set then aside until George should order them sent to him. I bought an new wooden faucet for my vinegar keg and put it in in the evening. 10/12 Quite cool, we made a fire in the sitting room for the first time. Went to church in the AM. Brother Crawford preached from John 10.10. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon after which I came and Gussie went in PM to the communion service. I wrote a letter to George. I attended in the evening and Brother Crawford preached. I sat in the choir. 10/13 Worked as usual in th shop and we took tea up to Mother Griswold's. I went to Teachers meeting in the eveninig but on account of the stormy weather there were not enought to do business, so we adjourned and went home. I took a letter for Father from New Haven from the post office. I think it was from Uncle Theodore, who has gone for a soldier and is now at camp in that place. 10/14 Limited work today and I finished before night, $2.25. On my way home I found Lieut. Morris Krazinskie of the 11th Regiment. He was a private in our company in the 1st Regiment for 3 months. He was wounded in the late battle of Antietam Creek and promoted from Sargent to 2nd Lieut. He came home with me to tea. After tea I got my old carpet bag and put the singing books in it for George and prepared to take it to the express office to send to George. Mary Purdy came in to go up to Mrs. Barnum's to see the corpse of her baby. Her husband, Eben Barnun, has gone to war with the 11th Regiment. Just before they started up, Joseph Young and his wife came to spend the evening. As Gussie was all ready to go, they did not stay. I took my bag an put in 2 quarts of chestnuts and 6 quarts of apples and took it to the express office. I wrote to George and put the receipt for the bag in the letter. I also wrote to Goodenough and ordered 60 copies of the School Advocate. 10/15 I was up early to go to the post office to take back a letter I mailed yesterday evening because of directing it wrong. I wrote another and mailed in it $12.00 fro 60 copies of the Sunday School Advocate for one year. I got the letter registered. I recieved a letter from George in the morning. He wants $2.00 more. Mrs. McNeil came this PM to work at dress making. Mr. McNeil being at work painting Father Griswold's home, he came in to tea. I went to the post office in the evening. Not hearing from George I went into Mr. Swift's office and wrote a letter to George with the $2.00 enclosed. 10/16 Worked as long as I could see in the shop. Gussie went up home in the PM. After tea I went to market. I heard that some member of the 17th Regiment telegraphed home that the regiment left Baltimore at 2 o'clock. 10/17 Worked as usual in the shop. It is reported today that the 17th Regiment left Baltimore yesterday at 9 o'clock. Gussie went in the PM with Eddy to Mr. Couch's picture gallery and sat with Eddy for a photograph or carte de visite. She went in the street in the evening with her mother and Hattie while I stayed with Eddy and inked over some old letters from George and Cousin Charlie Mills which had been written in pencil. 10/18 Saturday. Worked as usual in the shop. Edwin Hummingston come on the evening train from the West. Mrs. Stewart came to Father Griswold's on the evening train also. I recieved a letter by evening mail from George. It was written at Washington on their way to Virginia. Goerge ways that the regiment struck their tents at 4 o'clock on Thursday morning, at 8 o'clock started for the depot, arrived around 9 and didn not strat from there until 2 o'clock, arriving at Washington at 9 o'clock. 10/19 Attended church in the morning. Brother Crawford preached from 113 Psalm and I came home after Sunday School and Gussie attended in the PM. I have had the headache a little all day and quite hard since tea. Mother called on her way to evening meeting and Gussie went with her. They took at letter to the post office I had written to George. 10/20 Edwin Hummingston commenced work this morning. We were started on 2 doz. at 6/- Went to the post office in the evening and got a letter from George. They are about 4 miles from Washington at a new site for a fort and they think they are to build it. I brought a letter from the post office for Harriet from Abel in New Haven. I answered George's letter before retiring. 10/21 The morning was coolest of the season and froze ice quite hard. Gussie had some plants on the piazza badly frozen. I did not got to work on account of taking physics last night which left me incapacited for work today. I went to the Gas Works and brought home a little basket of coal to try in our cook stove. I went to Couch's and had a negative taken for some cart de visites. I also made shelves for plants in the sitting room windows. I brought our bedding down from Father Griswold's garret. We went up to Father G's. Mrs. Leobdell and Mary G. Hoyt were there. Mr. Harris came for 2 barrels to put my winter apples in. He brought one barrel just at night (greenings). Gussie went into the street shopping in the evening and I stayed with Eddie. Aunt Louise moved from Gregory's house just north of us today and has gone in with Frank Boughton. When Gussie returned about 8 o'clock I went over to Burr Bradley's where David Bradley and George Dicken's wife were making up a box for them of boots and put in a knife and fork for George. 10/22 Worked all day in the shop . Received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills acting as Steward in the hospital at Frederick MD. Mr Hearn brought my other barrel of apples today (Spitzenburg's ). Mother stopped on her way to class and I read George's last letter and also Charles' to her. I went to market and to class and mailed the Times to George. 10/23 Worked as usual in the shop and after tea took the wheel barrow and went up home for George's cider barrel to use for vinegar. And brought it home with my corn basket full of straw to bind up rose bushes with. I went to the post office and mailed a letter to Abel for Harriet. 10/24 I filled my vinegar barrel with water before breakfast. Put my dinner in a paper and filled my pail with cider and carried it with me to the shop. I took Father Griswold's silk hat to the shop and sleaked it off for him. We were limited in our work at the shop. On my way home I left the list of subscribers to the Sunday School Advocate with Edward Barnum, the distributor, at Clark and Ford's store. I received a letter from George acknowledging receipt of the money letter and bag with singing books, chestnuts and apples. He is on the sick list from a head cold contracted while on picket guard. In the evening I went to Couch's and got 4 carte de visite of wife and baby and of myself. I wrote to George before retiring and enclosed our pictures (carte de visite). 10/25 I went to the post office before breakfast and mailed my letter to George. I had the headache in the PM and stopped work early on that account. On the way home I stppped at Couch's and got the rest of the pictures, 25 in all including the ones I brought home yesterday. Mother received a letter from George. She was with us for tea and I gave her pictures of each of us to carry home. I went to the teachers meeting but there being few teachers there we adjourned without doing anything. 10/26 I stayed home in the morning and Gussie went to church. Mr Pease of Bethel preached. I went to Sunday School. The session was short, We went over to the Congregational Church for the reqular quarterly Sunday School concert which took the place of the afternoon service. There was good attendance of all the schools, Baptist, Congregational and ours. The exercises were very interesting. After tea and in the evening I wrote to Charles Mills, to Sister Harriet, and Gussie wrote to Edwin. We enclosed our pictures in all 3 letters. I wrote to George also. I did not go to meeting on account of the rain in the evening. Frank went and I sent the letters by him to be mailed. Gussie wrote to Ellen Dare in the evening and sent pictures also. 10/27 I went to the post office before breakfast and mailed the letter to Ellen Dare. Jo Young stopped at the office on the way to dinner and got a letter for Gussie from Ellen Dare and one for me from George from Washington, He broght them to the shop to me. 10/28 Gussie went with me as I went to the shop to go to the dentist to have a tooth extracted. But Dr. St. John was not there so she returned without getting it done. She went again in the PM and had it done. I brought home a letter for Mother from Bridgeport. Father came down after it while we were at tea. I went to the post officee in the evening and mailed a letter to George enclosing 8 letter stamps he requested of me by note in Anna Taylor's letter which she handed me while we were at tea. I got a letter for mother from Harriet with a cart de visite of herself. 10/29 Edwin Augustus is 14 months old today. I was late to the shop this morning. Abel returned to his regiment this PM on the 4:20 train. Harriet went with him and is going to visit in New Haven with her friends. I left work and went to the depot to see him off as it may be the last time he will be home. I went to Dea O. Stone's office to hand in my tax list but he was not in. I went home and got in my carrots and beets. After tea I went to market. I mailed the Danbury Times to George in the evening. 10/30 Worked as usual in the shop. Came home late and went to market after tea. 10/31 Clark Beers came over as I was getting up, to get Josie Wheeler's cradle as Harriet has gone to New Haven with Abel to visit him in camp and other friends in the city. Mrs. Beers is taking care of Josie. I helped him take it home. I engaged a barrel of late made cider this morning at of Mr. Lounsbury. I was rather late at the shop this morning but stayed late to make it up. I received a letter from George in the morning mail and one from Harriet in the evening. I answered George and mailed it in the evening. I also mailed one to Carlton and Porter for 15 more copies of the Sunday School Advocate to make our number of subscriptions equal to last year, 75. I went to market and to Lounsbury's shoe store to see about sending George's boots to him.
1862-10
Horace Purdy Journal, 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, April 1862 Entry
10pgs
APRIL 01 – TUESDAY – Pleasant and warm in the morning, but cloudy in the PM. I went over to Alfred Gregory’s before breakfast to pay my interest to him, but as Jarvis Hull is holding my note unbeknown to me, I did not pay it. Mr. Warren moved out and Father Griswold moved into my upper rooms today. I stayed home in the forenoon and helped them. The Griswold’s took dinner with us. I went to the shop in the PM. We were paid off, or nearly so. I received all that was due me - $18.00. I earned 6/ and came home. Father Griswold’s folks took tea with us again tonight as they were not settled upstairs. Father Griswold fooled some of us after he had returned from New York and I to pay him off for it and to pay him for making a fool of me four years ago about Mr. Hurd’s pin factory fooled him at the dinner table by giving him a bottle of turpentine to pour out a glass of cider from. I attended our hatters’ Meeting in the evening at the YMCA room. It was a lengthy session. I was home late. APRIL 02 – WEDNESDAY – Cloudy with the appearance of rain, but did not get any. I have worked all day in the shop. I went to market in the evening and to class. I paid $3.00 to Peter from seat rent. Abel’s baby, Josie, is very sick. Eddie fell out of his chair making his nose bleed and frightening his mother very much but not seriously hurting him. APRIL 03 – THURSDAY - Foggy in the morning, but the day has been very pleasant. I have worked all day in the shop. Mother came in while we were at tea and stayed until meeting time when Gussie went with her to prayer meeting, while I stayed at home to take care of Eddie. Abel and Harriet’s baby, Josie, is better today. APRIL 04 – FRIDAY – I have worked hard all day in the shop. Gussie went up home to tea and I went up when I came from work. We stayed in the evening to George’s surprise party. I paid Quartius Chichester 75 cents, which with 25 cents which he owed me paid for my lightening rod point. APRIL 05 -SATURDAY – Cloudy and cool in the morning. It began to rain about noon. I not feeling well, came home after dinner. I went into the street in the evening. It was starlight and the moon shone brightly before we retired. APRIL 06 – SUNDAY – Eddie has a bad cold and we feel somewhat concerned about him. I attended church in the morning and came home as usual after Sunday School to let Gussie attend. Brother Pegg preached from the latter clause of the 13th verse of the 11th chapter of Hebrews. It is his last Sabbath with us as Conference meets this week. Mother came in after tea and stayed until meeting time. I went. It was a prayer meeting and a good one, too. Charles Stevens was in the church in the PM and in the evening with his bride, which is his third wife. She is Reverend John Crawford’s daughter of Redding. APRIL 07 – MONDAY – I went to the shop in the morning and worked until 2 PM and then went down to the Courthouse to vote. I then came home to the raising of Father Griswold’s house. Ephraim Gregory called on me for the interest on the note of $400.00 to Alfred. I paid it, the money having been ready since the 1st of this month when it was due, but on account of it having been turned out to Jarvis Hull for security, it was not presented before. APRIL 08 – TUESDAY – Cloudy with snow in the PM and evening. I have worked as usual in the shop. After tea, we put up a basket of articles for Mrs. Theodore Brothwell, formerly Elizabeth Clark, an old Amenia classmate of Gussie’s. It was to return her joke of 4 years ago when we began keeping house. She was married about a year ago and has commenced housekeeping this spring. I carried the box over in the evening. We have had a telegraphic dispatch today that the rebels on Island No. 10 on the Mississippi River have surrendered to our forces. APRIL 09 – WEDNESDAY – Cooler and windy. I have worked in the shop. Cloudy in the forenoon, but the sun shone a little before night. Another dreadful battle at Pittsburg Landing in Tennessee. It lasted all day Sunday and Monday when the rebels were completely routed and made good their retreat towards Corinth, Mississippi and at last accounts, our cavalry were pursuing them. Their General-in-Chief, Albert Sidney Johnston was killed and General Beauregard has an arm shot off. Our losses in killed and wounded is reported at between 18,000 and 20,000 thousand. That of the enemy is over 8,000. (Note: actual total casualties were approximately 13,000 for the Union and 11,000 for the Confederacy) The report is likely exaggerated. Thirty-four guns were fired this evening in honor of the victory. APRIL 10 – THURSDAY- Cool and windy. I have worked in the shop as usual, although I have had a severe headache. E.S. Huntington was buried at 2 o’clock this PM. The accounts of the late battle at Pittsburgh Landing today gives the number of killed, wounded and missing as much less than last night’s account. It puts it as low as 5,000. Fanny stayed with Eddie in the evening, so that Gussie and I could attend the Prayer Meeting. APRIL 11 – FRIDAY – I have worked hard all day in the shop. I went into the street with George in the evening to get him a vest on an order of mine from Henry Crofut so that he could pay me the money. We selected one at Charles Stevens’. The price was $4.50. APRIL 12 – SATURDAY – On my way to the shop, I left a 5 gallon can at Benedict & Nichols to be filled with kerosene oil. It was filled and sent up. I got an order on Mr. Crofut for Charles Stevens and Hoyt to pay for George’s vest. Fanny took care of Eddie in the evening to let Gussie and I go into the street to call on Elizabeth Brothwell. She was not at home, so we went to Mr. Rowan’s and their we found her. APRIL 13 – SUNDAY – A beautiful day. It being Conference Sunday, Brother Woodruff was sent to preach for us. His text was Acts 20:35. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in the PM. I went for Dr. Bulkley for Mother Griswold before evening meeting. Father and Mother came down and went to church with us in the evening. Brother Woodruff preached from John 21 and the words, “Simon Peter” in the second verse. It was an excellent sermon. He reviewed the traits and proclivities in the character of Peter and represented him as he was, a Christian hero. The church was crowded. He returns to Conference at Waterbury in the morning. Fanny took care of Eddie this evening so that we could both attend church. APRIL 14 – MONDAY – I worked as usual in the shop. The men were paid $5.00 each. In addition to the $5.00 cash. I also got an order on Benedict & Nichols for $5.00 more. Our Annual Sunday School Teachers’ Meeting for the election of officers was held this evening. I had to go to market which took so much time that I did not attend. This morning before breakfast, I grafted two of my cherry trees. APRIL 15 – TUESDAY – I have not felt very much like work today. I came home early. Mother and Mrs. Cyrus White were here in the PM. Mrs. White took tea upstairs with Mother Griswold and Mother went home before tea. I was last evening elected Secretary and treasurer of our Sunday School Society. I am undecided as yet about accepting. APRIL 16 – WEDNESDAY – I have worked as usual in the shop. Mr. B. Bradley brought the Secretary Treasurer’s books to me at the shop today, I having been elected on Monday to those offices in our Sunday School Society. I was pretty tired when I came home from work. Father Griswold came home from the Conference on the evening train. Gussie went over to Cousin Frank Boughton’s in the evening and stayed very late. I rocked the cradle and drew up a new Sunday School Teachers’ roll. APRIL 17 – THURSDAY – Pleasant and very warm for the time of the year. I worked in the shop as usual. I came home from work a little earlier than usual on account of company. Hannah Gregory and Elizabeth Clark, as it used to be, now Mrs. Theodore Brothwell. We had a pleasant visit with them. They stayed a while in the evening and then Gussie went as far as the Post Office with them. I received another good letter from Cousin David Mills. A part of it was dated at Winchester and a part at Edinburgh, Virginia. APRIL 18 – FRIDAY – Fast Day. The shop has been closed and I have worked around home repairing walks, etc. In the PM, Abel came and took up the two cherry trees north of my house which I gave to him. I helped him transplant them in his yard. After tea, Father Griswold and I drew the line for the stone work to be built on the west of my garden joining him. I took care of Eddie in the evening to let Gussie go to the store to do some trading. APRIL 19 – SATURDAY – Mr. and Mrs. Staples were buried this afternoon at 4 o’clock. William Witherspoon and John Pollett came home with me this afternoon. Witherspoon came for some black currants. APRIL 20 – SUNDAY – Cloudy and a little rain. The sun shone a little just at night. This is the first Sunday of the new conference year, being the only one in the year in which Father Griswold will be home on unless something special happens. He preached for us in the morning from Luke, 2nd chapter on the words, “on Earth peace”, from the 14th verse. He preached for Mr. Stone in the Baptist church in the PM. I acted in my new capacity as secretary of the Sunday School for the first time at noon. Our new minister, Brother Crawford, preached for us in the PM. His text was 1st Peter 1:3. Isabell came home with me at noon to take care of Eddie so that Gussie and I could go to church in the afternoon. Father, Mother and Bell were with us to tea. They stayed until evening meeting time when I went with them, Gussie staying at home to take care of Eddie. APRIL 21 – MONDAY – Stormy. I have worked as usual in the shop. George left $4.50 with Gussie this afternoon to pay me for a vest which I bought for him at Charles Stevens on an order from Henry Crofut. APRIL 22 – TUESDAY – rainy in the morning. I having to wait for a block, just before noon, I took my dinner pail and came home to dinner and then went back again in the PM. Two men (Irish) came just before dark and dug up an apple tree in my yard for John Pollett which I sold him last Saturday. I received a letter from Cousin Charley Mils this PM. He is in the army near Yorktown, Virginia, expecting a battle with the rebels soon. I answered it in the evening. Also wrote another to his brother, David, in General Banks’ division. APRIL 23 – WEDNESDAY – Windy and colder. It has been quite March-like. I left the shop about 3 o’clock to have a ton of coal put in my cellar (Lackawanna). I went to class in the evening. Brother McDonald led in the absence of Peter. APRIL 24 – THURSDAY – A little cool, but pleasant. I came home to my dinner for the first time in a long while. I received 6 ½ dozen Sunday School class books from New York for the school. I got Mr. Crofut’s order for $6.50 and gave it to Sherman Disbrow for a ton of coal which he put in my cellar yesterday. I came home from work very tired. Gussie went to market for me in the evening. APRIL 25 – FRIDAY - I have worked as usual in the shop. I went to market in the evening. George persuaded me to visit an association which Aaron Morehouse, he and others are organizing for the temporal and spiritual benefit of the young men of the town. I found that I had been proposed for membership and was to be initiated which I consented to. APRIL 26 – SATURDAY – We had quite a heavy frost last night although it has been pleasant and quite warm in the middle of the day. I was pretty tired when I stopped work tonight. On my way home, I bought a pair of shoes, price, $2.00. I got them at Elias Sanford’s I called at David Hanford’s and paid him one dollar for a pair of rubbers which I bought one year ago when I went away to the war. I burned up the rubbish on my garden before tea. I went into the street in the evening to get something for our breakfast. APRIL 27 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. Gussie went to Love Feast at 9 o’clock this morning and stayed to hear Elder W. Hoyt preach in the forenoon. I did not get to Sunday School in time to call the roll. Brother Crawford preached in the PM from Isaiah 28:16. Bell came down at 6 o’clock and went to evening meeting with Gussie while I stayed home to take care of Eddie. APRIL 28 – MONDAY – Peter Rowan and his man, Andrew Gould, came this morning to lay up the stonework west of my garden between Father Griswold and me. I paid Moses Baxter to help them. I age my order to Abel for the material to build my woodhouse. I worked until nearly 7 o’clock in the shop. When I came home it was cloudy and misty with a prospect of rain. APRIL 29 – TUESDAY – Cloudy with some rain in the middle of the day and in the PM, but it cleared away just at night. I bought a box of herring from a peddler at the shop. They cost me only 30 cents. I went into the street in the evening to get a loaf of bread. APRIL 30 – WEDNESDAY – On my way to the shop, I carried a gallon jug to Mr. Rowan to have some ale brought up to me. I came home at noon. Mother was with us to dinner. Harriet and Gussie went down to Retton’s this afternoon to get their pictures taken with their babies. I worked in the shop until about 7 o’clock and consequently, it was late before I got my supper. I went down to the Post Office after tea to mail a letter for Father Griswold and one to Cousin Phebe Palmer in Stamford written by bell. It is her first letter. Bailey’s Circus showed here this afternoon and evening.
1862-04