Horace Purdy Journal February 1866 Entry
12pgs
FEB 01 THURSDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a short snow squall in the middle of the day after which it was a little colder. Before breakfast, Theo Bradley came over, having been sent by his mother to tell me to ask Mr. Crofut if he would give her work at hat trimming. I did not see Mr. Crofut, but spoke with Rollo Nichols (his son-in-law and partner) about it. He thought it doubtful as they did not have work enough for their own trimmers at the present time. I shall wait and hear further from Mr. Crofut about it. George took the horse away before I came from work and intends to use him tonight and return him tomorrow morning. He told Gussie that he was going to Beaver Brook. I went to market in the evening. When I returned Gussie went over to John Brayman’s. I sent 80 cents by her to give to John for getting the horse shod last Tuesday. FEB 02 FRIDAY - Pleasant but colder than yesterday. George, who had the horse last night to go to Beaver Brook to an oyster supplier at a friend’s house, drove it down as he went to the shop. We walked down together as we went to work. He stopped at Crofut’s and ordered a cart of feed for the horse which came before night. As I came from work, I took a letter from the Office from Aaron Mallett of West Redding. He wants to change the investment of his money and wants me to take up the note on the 1st of April. When I got home, I found Ellen and Josephine Dare at the house. The came on the freight train, stayed to tea, and spent the evening. We had a pleasant time. They came intending to go to meeting in the evening, but as there was to be no preaching but a speaking or general class meeting, they did not go. I harnessed Jim and took them home about 9 o’clock. I returned about 10 ½ o’clock. FEB 03 SATURDAY - Pleasant. As I went to work in the morning, I called at the Savings Bank and made an application for a loan. I finished off my yesterday’s work at noon, gave my checks to James Sparks to draw my pay and then came home, ate some dinner, borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode Old Jim down to Redding to see Mr. Aaron Mallett about the $1,100 for which he holds my note and wants the money April 1st. Gussie went to market in the evening while I stayed home. John Brayman came over and helped me alter Mother Griswold’s cat. FEB 04 SUNDAY - Pleasant (or rather clear) but cold. George came for the horse as usual on Sunday morning to go to Bethel for the chorister, Mr. Lockwood. Gussie attended church in the morning and I in the P.M. Brother Hill preached in the afternoon to the Sunday School children. After supper, I wrote to Carlton & Porter for another copy of the Sunday School Advocate for nine months from January to October. Also for two dozen Lesson Books, Nos. 1 and 2, a dozen of each. Before evening meeting, John Brayman came in and stayed a while. Gussie went to evening meeting. I stayed home with the baby. George had George Starr’s carriage to go to Bethel with the chorister after evening preaching. FEB 05 MONDAY - Very cold last night and today. As I went to work this morning, I called at the Savings Bank to see Mr. Jabine a moment in regard to the money I want to borrow from the bank. I, at the same time, ordered a 1/2 barrel of flour of Charles H. Crofut. It was sent to the house before night. I borrowed a hat at the shop for Mr. Pond to wear while I make his old one over new. After supper, I took the trimmings out and washed it after which I went downtown for a lamp wick. FEB 06 TUESDAY - Pleasant and cold but a little warmer than yesterday. As I went to work this morning, I went to the Pahquioque Bank and made arrangements for renewing the note of Mr. Crofut’s upon I got money for George when he went into the sifter business. I took Mr. Pond’s hat (which I washed last evening) to the shop with me to make over into a Spring Brim. In blacking it over, it tore, so I brought another hat and got it up in the place of it. I took it over to him in the evening. He was highly pleased with it and gave me a half dollar more than I asked for it. When George came from work, He took Jim and rode over to see Theo Morris who is very sick with lung fever. I went to market in the evening and brought home 2 lbs. of smelt. I then went over to see John Brayman about going to Newtown tomorrow with sifters for George, but he expects to have work in the factory and cannot go. FEB 07 WEDNESDAY - Very cold this morning. After dinner, it became cloudy and in the evening began to snow. John Brayman went over to Newtown with some sifters for George today, but Mr. Johnson, the merchant, did not want any thought he had previously ordered them. John then went on to Sandy Hook and left a ½ dozen at George Beers’ on commission. He came home by way of Bethel and sold two to Mr. Dare. I went to market in the evening and talked to O. H. Swift about buying my horse. The Sunday School papers and three dozen Lesson Books which I ordered came today. Harriet Wheeler had a note from Mr. Wanzer today saying that he would take her place at $2,800 . John Brush had his wedding last night. Mrs. Bradley came in about 9 ½ o’clock this evening to see further about getting work at Mr. Crofut’s. FEB 08 THURSDAY - The snow last night turned to rain and this morning everything was covered in ice. Feeling about tired out from the hard work of the last two days (Heavy Jack wps. full stiffed, badly blocked), I did not go to work but harnessed the horse and drove down and tried to sell him to Swift & Day but did not succeed. I rode up home and took Harriet in and carried her up to Samuel Purdy’s, waited for the mail and came home. I went to the shop before night to see Mr. Crofut about giving Widow Burr Bradley work, but he was in New York. I came around home by her house to tell her. Mr. Cocking paid me $3 for the last month’s rent. I wrote for George to Mr. Beers in Sandy Hook in the evening about sifters. Bought a valentine to send to a shop mate (William Hutchings). George came in before evening meeting time and I gave him the $2.00 John Brayman took in yesterday for sifters. FEB 09 FRIDAY - I woke this morning and found about 4 inches of snow on the ground and still snowing. It stopped snowing, however, about 10 o’clock, but remained cloudy and warm all day. As I went to work, I called at Brother Hill’s to inquire about a Newtown man who had money to let. He said he was going to Newtown before night and would see if the money could be procured for me. He did so and sent word by George from evening meeting that I could get $300 between now and April 1st. I have had much anxious feeling today about my financial affairs, but the way seems to be opening for me and a good prospect of clearing up matters for the present. FEB 10 SATURDAY - Warm, cloudy and misty all day. I worked until noon, then went to the Pahquioque Bank and paid $100 on a note of $350 given by Henry Crofut for me to raise money on for George. Mr. Crofut gave me a new note of $250 which I got renewed. I then called on Brother Hill about money matters with Walter Northrup of Newtown. He offered to let me have the money if Mr. Northrup could not. I borrowed Seth Down’s sleigh and rode over to Newtown and saw Mr. Northrup. He thought he could let me have the whole $1,100, would let me know in a week or two. I started about 2 o’clock and arrive home again about 7. I went and returned by way of Bethel. While down to market in the evening, I saw Nathan Benedict and engaged some hay of him providing he could get someone to draw it to me. The new locomotive came up this morning. FEB 11 SUNDAY - It cleared off warm this morning. George had Seth Down’s sleigh (which I kept over last night) to go to Bethel with for Mr. Lockwood this morning. Before night the roads were all mud and he was obliged to take him home on wheels. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went to Sunday School at which Fanny was presented with a splendid album with pictures of Sunday School scholars. Communion in the P.M. which I attended. Quite a number were baptized, including Charles Fowler and daughter. I had a hard headache in the P.M. and did not go out. Gussie also stayed home in the evening on account of the mud. I wrote to Carlton and Porter ordering a copy of the Sunday School Advocate for 9 months ending October 1st for Fanny Parson of the infant class. I sent it to the office by George. Gussie wrote to Edwin in the evening in reply to one to me. FEB 12 MONDAY - Warm and hard rain all day. The snow is nearly all gone. The stream continued to rise near the shop until night with which the floating ice swept away one of the foot bridges crossing the stream where it crosses to go over to Seeley’s Fur Factory. As I went to work in the morning I mailed the letter I wrote before breakfast to Walter Northrup. In Newtown informing him that if necessary to make out the $1,100. Mr. Hill will pay him the $300 he owes him. I mailed also one for Gussie to Edwin. Gussie received one today from Cousin Eliza in California. On account of the mud and rain, I did not go out in the evening; besides, I did not feel able to go. I was taken with a faint falling before I left the shop and could hardly get home. It was after 8 o’clock before I felt better. Before retiring, I wrote to Mr. Mallett in West Redding concerning taking up my note and mortgage. Feb 13 Tuesday - I woke and found it clear and pleasant this morning. As I went to work I mailed the letter which I wrote last night to Mr. Mallett. As I came home from work, I bought some fresh herring. Brother Woodruff is in town and will preach for us tonight. Gussie went to hear him and I stayed with the baby. As she went, she mailed for me a valentine to William Hutching. The new locomotive which the Danbury & Norwalk Railroad Company has been buying was steamed up and run out this P.M. for a trial trip down the track a distance and return. After evening meeting, Mrs. Bradley called to see if anything had been done towards getting her a situation at Mr. Crofut’s at trimming hats. FEB 14 WEDNESDAY - St. Valentine’s Day. Before breakfast, I rode up home to George about getting hay from Nathan Benedict. We finally arranged to have Father and John Brayman take the horse in the P.M. and with Mr. Benedict’s wagon, get a load, which they did, notwithstanding the rain. The morning was pleasant but before noon it commenced snowing, which before long turned to rain and continued raining more or less during the P.M. and in the evening steady and quite hard. George ordered 3 bushels of oats as he went to working the morning which were delivered. As he came home at night, he rode Old Jim up home and back again as he came into the street in the evening. There was less than a ¼ ton of the hay brought today. FEB 15 THURSDAY - Pleasant and cool in the morning and grew colder all day. Severely cold this evening. John Brayman’s mother-in-law, Mrs. Weed came over this morning while we were at breakfast and brought home two of my new shirts which Gussie gave them to finish off and took home with her a pair of sheets to make. I worked as long as I could see in the shop before coming home to tea. I came home by way of Raymond’s and bought some smelt. Stopped at Swift’s and got a package of Sunday School papers. John came over and after tea, I went to market with him. I made arrangements with Benedict & Nichols for credit for about 2 months in order to save my cash income for the present to pay my interest money on or before April 1st. I took out a pass book and bought a ham and had it entered for the first item. Called at Charles Hull’s to see about the weight of hay yesterday ( which was weighed on his scales); then went over to the church to hear Father Griswold preach, but he had just finished his sermon and a prayer meeting had commenced. FEB 16 FRIDAY - Pleasant but very cold. Before breakfast, I mounted Old Jim and rode over to Nathan Benedict’s to speak for another small load of hay to make out the ½ ton I had arranged and also to try and borrow a hay cutter. I worked as long as I could see in the shop tonight. As I came home, I took a letter from the Office from Mr. Mallett of Redding in answer to one I wrote him about taking up my note and mortgage perhaps before April 1st. He is willing to give up the papers at any time I am ready to take them up, provided I will allow him the interest up to April 1st. After tea, I went up and talked with Father Griswold about changing the mortgage on my place, etc. I then went down to meeting just as it was closing and saw Brother Hill about my trip to Newtown for money, etc.; also gave him a package of Missionary Advocates which came to his address in with a pack of Sunday School papers to me. I wrote a reply to Mr. Mallett before retiring, saying that I would allow him interest up to April 1st. FEB 17 SATURDAY - Very cold last night and this morning. The day, however, has been beautiful and the cold diminished during the day so that it is now much warmer than last night at the same time. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to Aaron Mallett in Redding. Gussie bought a new dress and apron for one of John Brayman’s children to pay for sewing done by his wife. John came over and went into the street with me in the evening. I lent him 50 cents. FEB 18 SUNDAY - Warmer and pleasant in the morning, but it was cloudy in the P.M. with a little rain. George went to Bethel as usual this morning for Mr. Lockwood. Gussie attended church in the morning. Mr. Breckinridge of Bethel preached. Brother Hill exchanged with him. I went down to Sunday School and to prayer meeting in the P.M. which was held in the audience room in place of preaching. Several young ladies were forward for prayers. After sup, I wrote to Carlton & Porter to know why 2 copies of Sunday School Advocates which I ordered did not come. George borrowed George Starr’s carriage in the P.M. to take Mr. Lockwood home with him to tea and to go to Bethel with after preaching this evening. About 3 o’clock, George came for the doctor (Bennett), Mother being very sick with inflammation of the bowels. She was taken last Friday. George rode down and I rode up home with him and stayed until meeting time when I rode down with him again as he and Mr. Lockwood went to church. Having a severe headache, I stayed at home and retire early. Gussie wrote to Cousin Eliza in the evening. FEB 19 MONDAY - It rained hard all last night and more or less during the day. The streams were swollen nearly as high as on last Monday. As I went to work this morning, I mailed Gussie’s letter to Eliza in California. I also called at the Savings Bank and told Mr. Jabine that I should probably not want the money I spoke to him about -$800. I also left word on Dr. Bulkeley’s slate to call and see mother Griswold. Evelyn Morton, a boy about 14 years old who worked at our shop as an errand boy, etc. died this morning after a short illness; it terminated, I believe in brain fever. Georgie is sick with a severe cold. We fear inflammation of the lungs. After tea, I went to market and the borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode Old Jim up home to see Mother who is very sick. FEB 20 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gussie sat up last night until after midnight to give medicine to the baby who is sick with a heavy cold. He is hoarse and coughs badly. We fear lung fever. He also has symptoms of croup. He appears quite lively, however, this morning. Mother is no better today. The last of the drab hats at the shop was finished up today and I went on Black Hats, the first in a long time. George carried a sifter to E.E. Wildman's in the evening. I went into the street in a hurry this evening in order that Gussie could go over to John Brayman’s for a baby party. FEB 21 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Gussie came home after midnight last night, the baby which was an 11 lb. boy, being born about 11 o’clock. After supper, I borrowed Charles Stevens’ saddle and rode downtown with a pair of Gussie’s shoes to be mended, to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper, then to Charles Hull’s to see if he would trade a hay cutter for some flour sifters, and up home to see Mother. I think she appears better today though she is very sick yet. FEB 22 THURSDAY - Washington’s Birthday. I ran up the Stars and Stripes on Father Griswold’s house this morning. We also had one flying from the flagstaff at the factory until the staff broke (it had been exposed to the weather since April, 1861). The day has been lovely and warm, the wind blowing from the south. As I came from work, I stopped at Charles Reed’s and got Gussie’s shoes which I left there last evening for repairs. I also called at the news office and got a package of Sunday School Advocates from Carlton & Porter. Mother remains about the same, very sick. The day has been pretty generally observed as a holiday by the merchants in particular as many of them have closed their stores. I was intending to go into the street in the evening, but just before starting, the baby was taken with a severe turn of coughing and vomiting and while holding him Eleanor and Josephine Dare with Joseph Dunning and Mr. Lawrence came in and spent the evening. I cracked walnuts, had apples and cider, and enjoyed the visit much. I went up to Mother Griswold’s for the cider and there no one drank it but myself. It was about 11 ½ o’clock when we retired. FEB 23 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. John Brayman came over this morning while I was feeding the horse and wanted to take him sometime during the day to go to Bethel, but did not go, finally. I worked a usual in the shop. I went down to the Post Office in the evening but it closed just before I reached there. Fanny brought a note from Brother Hill in the evening. He had heard from Mr. Northrup in Newtown, stating that he had concluded not to lend me the money I spoke with him about. Gussie went down to see Dr. Bulkeley today about the baby’s cough and got some medicine for the same. Fanny brought me a note in the evening from Brother Hill stating that Mr. Northrup could not let me have the $1,100 I expected from him. Before retiring, I wrote a note in answer to Brother Hill, also one to Mr. Jabine stating that I would take the $800 offered by the Savings Bank. When I came home from work, I found the horse gone and was not returned dup to time of retiring. FEB 24 SATURDAY - Stormy, a warm rain. As I went to work this morning, I mailed the note to Mr. William Jabine. I met Brother Hill as I was entering the Post Office and on that account did not mail the one I wrote to him. I left the shop earlier than usual. I went over to the foul shop to see George, but he was not there. Called at the Savings Bank and arranged with Mr. Jabine about the $800. I am to have it on the 1st of March. I borrowed Charles Hull’s hay cutter when I got home and George with myself cut up pile of hay and then retuned it. George stayed to tea, and in the evening, He ruled the Sunday School Librarian’s book and drew up the classes anew while I went to market. When I returned, we marked of the Sunday School Advocates to be distributed in the School tomorrow. Rained very hard all evening. FEB 25 SUNDAY - Pleasant this morning; the surface of the ground a little frozen. It thawed during the day. Grew colder towards night. George went to Bethel as usual for the chorister this morning. Gussie attended church in the forenoon. I went down to Sunday School at noon and stayed to prayer meeting in the P.M. which was in the audience room. Mr. W. T. Gilbert preached for Brother Hill this morning. Had a talk at noon with Mrs. Holmes, Female Supt. about Charles Stevens, Jr. taking my place as Secretary/Treasurer of the school another year. We concluded, judging from his past life, that he would not be a reliable person for the position. After supper, I went over to John Brayman’s a few moments to see their new baby, it being my first visit since its birth. When I returned, Gussie went over. George brought down a picture of Mollie Clark, his army correspondent from West Chazy, New York with whom he is corresponding under the assumed name of Willie Franklin. With it he brought her letters for me to read. Neither of them has ever seen each other. She wrote to him while in the army in answer to an advertisement for a lady correspondent. I went to church in the evening. W. T. Gilbert preached. Quite a number went forward for prayers; among them were Saul Bailey and Caroline Hull. FEB 26 MONDAY - A very cold morning. As I went to work, I mailed a letter for Gussie to Josephine Dare. We were stinted in our shop work today, had only one dozen. I came home before night and harnessed Old Jim before Seth Down’s sleigh (which has been in the barn since I went to Newtown on the 10th to see about money from Walter Northrup) and drew it home on bare ground. I saw Seth at his barn and arranged with him to use his saddle occasionally when I have need of it. From there I went to McDonald’s shop and had two of Jim’s shoes tightened. Martha Case from Essex came on the morning train to Father Griswold’s. After tea, I borrowed Seth’s saddle and rode down to the Post Office and then up home to see Mother. I mended a hold back strap to the harness. Bought a second hand hay cutter of Charles Hull for $10. I got trusted for it to pay when I could. FEB 27 TUESDAY - I woke and found it snowing, which it continued to do until just at night. I borrowed last night Seth Downs’ wrench with which to turn the axle nuts on the wagon to grease it which George did today and brought the hay cutter I bought last evening from Charles Hull’s barn. The cart of feed which he engaged yesterday came today. We had a full day’s work in the shop today, but tomorrow the shop will be closed ion account of a Baptist Church fast which they intend to observe on account of the great revival of religion and the great work being wrought in their church. Mr. Crofut, being one of the deacons, he will close his factory. After tea, I borrowed Seth Down’s saddle again and rode down to the Post Office and up home to see Mother. She is no better. She now has an idea that she is going to die with this sickness. She is fearful that when she is gone, Father will sell of the furniture, bed and bedding, while she wants us children to have it. George Parmalee told me today that I would have to fill his place as assistant librarian in Sunday School as he is going next week to Bridgeport as salesman in a dry goods store. Gussie received a picture of Martha Lord this evening in a letter from Corydon to Harriet. FEB 28 WEDNESDAY - The Baptists have a day of fasting and prayer on account of the religious interest felt in the community; many are being converted in both the Baptist and our own church. Mr. Crofut closed his factory on that account and in consequence thereof we have had no work. Brother Hill rode up to see me early this morning to say that his mother had money from the sale of her homestead which she would like to invest and wants me to take the whole amount- $1,100 of her. I went down to see the Savings bank men to give up the claim I had on the money applied for. It made no difference to them so I agreed with Brother Hill to take the whole amount from his mother. I got some waxed ends, some pieces of leather and then came home and mended it and washed the harness with George’s assistance. After dinner, I harnessed Jim and took Martha Case, Harriet Wheeler and Gussie to the cemetery. Wrote to Mallett saying that I should probably not want to take up the mortgage until April 1st. I went to meeting in the evening. After meeting, I went over to Clark Beers to send by him to New York for 10 lbs. of coffee. Mr. Bray preached a prayer meeting after the sermon at which John Bouton, James Kyle and others went forward to the altar. Harriet Mills rose for prayers.
1866-02
Horace Purdy Journal July 1865 Entry
12pgs
07/01 SATURDAY - Cloudy all day. I quit work at noon. Went to Danbury Bank and drew the $10.00 for George's bounty check and then paid Harris the tailor $2.70 which George owed for army shirts and then came home and weeded out my strawberry beds until tea time. After tea, I worked a while at it and then went to market. I called at Griffing's block where they were taking names of soldiers who would turn out on the 4th of July. From there I went to Averill's office where they were talking up the affair of raising up a militia company in this town under the new law passed a few days ago by the legislature. When I came home I brought Oscar Serrine with me to drink a glass of beer. Mr. Cocking had a fresh barrel of ale come today. Aunt Harriet and Benjamin and Uncle Stephen's widow and Cyrus Benjamin's wife came up from Ridgefield to see Mother. Gussie went up to see them in the P.M. The new militia bill just passed compels the state to furnish uniforms and pay and 5 cents per mile when ordered out for state duty. This is in addition to the regular pay per day. Arms and equipment and armory sent as prescribed under the old law. Mr. Rotier who was reported dead yesterday is alive. The report was false so far as he being dead. He however did drop down insensible, I believe. It rained a little before we retired at night. 07/02 SUNDAY - Heavy thunder shower last night. Pleasant today with the exception of a shower between 2 and 3 o'clock in the P.M. and that was very agreeable. I believe there was no thunder with it. The baby was worse this morning. Gussie feared the Diphtheria. I went for Dr. Bulkeley before meeting time. He pronounced it as before to be mumps. He left Aconite and Bryanier (?) to be taken alternate every 2 hours. Rev. Dr. Wise, editor of the Sunday School Advocate, preached for us. Gussie went in the morning and I in the afternoon. Dr. Wise preached to the Sunday School children in the morning and to the older people in the P.M. Brother George Starr (Supt.) read a letter to the Sunday School from Brother Hill. He is away for his health and wrote from Pennsylvania. He is or has been at Carlisle, I believe. The shower last night and the rain this P.M. has made it quite cool this evening. We did not go out in the evening. Robert drew some beer. I drank a glass with him and retired about 10 o'clock. 07/03 MONDAY - A beautiful day. Father came down in the morning before I went to the shop and paid me the dollar which I lent him in addition to the one I gave him to go to Cousin Joel Benjamin's funeral in Ridgefield last week. On my way to the shop, I bought a piece of lamb at B. & N's for Mother Griswold and sent it up. I worked until noon and then came home and Father helped me mow my door yard and carry off the grass; also trim my walk edges. He stayed with us to tea. He would take nothing for his work so I gave him about 2 lbs. of butter and a bottle of ale to carry to Mother. After tea, Gussie got Georgie to sleep and I stayed with him to let her go downtown in the evening. Soon after tea, Our foreman V. W. Benedict came over to the house and brought me $23 dollars which he drew for me at the shop this P.M. Mr. Crofut paid the men on account of it being the 4th of July tomorrow though it is only one week since he has paid us. While I was with the baby this evening, Bell came down to Mother Griswold's on an errand and she stayed with him while I went downtown a short time. When I returned, I found Gussie at home and Bell waiting for her torpedoes which I promised her if she would stay with Georgie. Aunt Clarissa Burr and Cousin Hattie came from Bloomfield on the evening train and Gussie and I went up to see them before Bell went home. I returned before Gussie did and Robert brought down a glass of beer for me in the meantime. Before retiring, the baby had a turn of vomiting. He has appeared better all day. 07/04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. The celebration was rather a failure. The soldiers were expected to march in the procession but did not. A dinner was made for them at Concert Hall. I did not take dinner with them though I understood that nearly all the nine months men did. I came home and took dinner with Father and Mother who spent the day with us. I got McDonald's horse and took Mother down about 9 AM. and took her home again about 6 PM. Foster of New Haven delivered the orations. The Fantastics (?) paraded at 3 o'clock. About that time Mr. Cocking and I went up by Father Griswold's and fired at a mark with my pistol. Fanny stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go and see the fireworks. The shower which came about 6 o'clock wet the fireworks so that all the fine pieces were spoiled. A colored ball at Concert Hall after the fireworks which were put off at Concert Hall what was saved of them. 07/05 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. Did not work in the shop. Went hunting with Bob Dunning in the PM. Went down between Middle and Town Mountain and came home by way of Mountain Pond. He shot 1 woodcock and 1 robin, and I, 1 woodcock. I gave my bird to him. I stopped at his house and drank a glass of root beer and then he came home with me and drank some ale. I went to market in the evening. Received by evening mail a letter from George from Jacksonville, Florida and dated June 27th. Ed Barnum told me that the box that I had been expecting from George had arrived by express. I ordered it sent up tomorrow. Charles H. Hoyt became father of a boy weighing 10 lbs. this P.M. 07/06 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Put up my dinner in a paper and started to go to the shop if I did not conclude otherwise before I got there. I have pretty much made up my mind to play this week and rest from shop work which if I can content myself to do will do me much good for I have worked very hard of late and need rest. I went into Main Street and found Hart Purdy and we arranged to go razzberrying and take the gun and get some woodcock if we could. I went down to Jackson's and got his dog, Milo and we went. We got but few berries. I got 2 woodcock, 1 chipmunk, 1 small rabbit and a guinea hen which I found strayed into the swamp. The dog put it up near the edge of the swamp. It flew toward the swamp. I shot it before it reached it, not knowing when I fired what it was, but upon examination when I picked it up, I found what it was. It was very wild and had doubtless strayed away. After tea, I went home with Milo. Before going hunting, I ordered some pictures of myself at Mr. Couch's and in the evening, Hattie Burr and Gussie went into the street on some errand and brought them home, one of each kind, a Carte de Visite and Vignette for me to take my choice and order which style I would have the four I ordered printed. My object in ordering them now is to give one to Hattie Burr as she is very anxious for one. The box containing George's effects which he sent by express was delivered this morning. I paid $1.05 for expressage for him. Gussie got a letter for her folks from Aunt Ruth. A picture was included of Lauren for Fanny. 07/07 FRIDAY - Very warm though there was considerable air stirring. Did not work in the shop today; am trying to rest from hard work. I went to the shop in the forenoon to get my working shirt in order that Gussie could cut out two new ones for which I have bought the materiel. Mr. Cocking brought 40 celery plants for Father Griswold this morning and I set them out for him as he left home on the morning train for Canton. Gussie received a dress pattern by the morning mail from Cousin Anna Eliza Mills in Canton. The wild game which I shot yesterday, we had for dinner today. Aunt Clarissa and Cousin Hattie Burr, Mother Griswold, Fanny and Harriet all took dinner with us. After dinner I went with Harriet Wheeler and Hattie Burr uptown to the hat factories to show them how hats are manufactured. From there I went to Joseph Ives and bought the chestnut secretary which I looked at this morning. I took it for $9.00 and got trusted for it. After tea, I helped Gussie pick some currants to make jelly. I then hoed the garden for a short time and went downtown to hear the news as the four conspirators connected with the murder of Abraham Lincoln were to be hanged today, viz. Mrs. Surratt, Herold, Payne (ed. note, actually Lewis Powell) and Atzerodt. No news by the evening post but a telegram has been received that all four were hung at ___minutes, ___ o'clock. I called at O H. Swift's and got the Sunday School Advocates and brought them home. 07/08 SATURDAY - I have spent the day in training strawberry plants, pulling weeds, marking off the 74 S.S. Advocates for distribution tomorrow in Sunday School. Went onto tin roof of wing and fitted strips of siding under two windows, etc. Bought # barrel of flour of Crofut & Son. Went to Holley's shop to see Father about directions for washing uniform which George sent home. Carried the Sunday School Advocates to the church. Called at Couch's Picture Gallery for four pictures of self (cards) which I ordered yesterday. Our preacher, Brother Hill came home from a tour which he has been taking for his health. We took dinner up to Mother Griswold's with Aunt Clara and Cousin Hattie Burr. I went to the Post. Office this forenoon and Theodore Fowler brought me home with his horse and carriage and stopped and drank a glass of beer with me. I went to the depot in the evening. Theodore Morris and Seth Northrop came home on the train. They left the 17th Regiment at Hilton Head, Florida (ed. note, actually South Carolina). They being paroled prisoners were sent home first. I did some marketing and came home. The papers today give an account of the hanging of the murderers of President Lincoln. They have all four of them been hung. 07/09 SUNDAY - Pleasant. The bell tolled this morning for Levi Benedict, the father of Starr Benedict, the butcher of the firm of Benedict & Nichols. He died in a fit I learned this noon. Brother Hill had the doctor yesterday after he arrived home. He could not preach today. A local preacher by name of Barnum from New York (an old man) preached for us this morning. Gussie attended and came home as usual directly after the service for me to go to Sunday School. I went in the P.M. It was the Sacrament Service. Brother Crawford administered it. Gussie said that Peter Holmes got up after the sermon in the morning and rebuked the official members for allowing the Camp Meeting tent be in the hands of Smith Barnum over at his hotel. Peter could not stand it to be in the hands of a rum seller. I brought home the Sunday School librarian's books to draw up the names of teachers and scholars anew. Gussie thinks she has a felon (ed. note, an infection of the finger tip) on her finger. She soaked it for an hour in as hot water as she could hold it in and then did it up and kept it wet with spirits of turpentine. After tea, I took a nap and then went to the cemetery with Gussie and Hattie Burr. We carried bouquets for Abel and Eddie's graves. Just as we entered the lot a fellow and his girl came in and took the new seat which has been put up this summer and when we finished at the grave they still occupied the seat and notwithstanding the hints we made them they would not move. The fellow showed plainly the lack of gentlemanly qualities or when the owners of the lot and seat came in they would have vacated the seat for them. It was between sundown and dark when we returned home. I then immediately went up and watered Father Griswold's celery and then filled a quart bottle with ale and started up home with it for Mother who sent word by Bell to Sunday School that she wanted some. There was a prayer meeting held up there at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit as she is unable to attend church. On my way up, I met Father coming down for the beer. He turned back with me as we met. I stayed until about 9 o'clock. 07/10 MONDAY - Pleasant but cool for July weather. I commenced work in the shop today after resting about a week. I took my dinner and stayed all day. After tea, I took Georgie in my arms and walked around the yard and garden and Father Griswold's garden also. I went to Sunday School Teachers' Business meeting in the evening which lasted until after 9 o'clock. I came home, copied the minutes of the meeting, wrote in my journal and retired. Alson Smith became the father to a son this forenoon. 07/11 TUESDAY - When I woke this morning, it was raining hard. I worked as usual in the shop. It cleared off in the afternoon. After tea, I went to market and up to S.S. Peck's store to get the price of butter for our butter maker Charles Fowler who we expect tomorrow. I then went to Hatters' Meeting over Benedict & Nichols' store. I being on the Auditing Committee with C. H. Hoyt and Nathaniel Cable, I went early and looked over the Secretary and treasurer's books before business commenced. The meeting held until about 9 o'clock. 07/12 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy most of the day, though the sun shone a little. Gussie's finger is troubling her badly. On that account, we are having our washing done over to Alexander Pines. He came for the clothes this morning for his wife to wash. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I dug up the ground where I had dwarf peas and set out three rows of Russell Strawberry plants. At the same time Mr. Carlson came for the plants I promised him, he having prepared the ground for them today. I could not go to class as I intended as Gussie wanted to go down to see Dr. Bulkeley about her finger on which she has a felon. She showed it and he cut it open for her and put on a plaster of Grey's salve and recommended for her to buy a box of it which she did before she came home. 07/13 THURSDAY - The weather rather heavy this morning, but it came off pleasant with sunshine most of the day. Gussie's finger is bad yet there is no doubt but that it is a felon. While she was getting breakfast this morning, I sawed some wood. William Carlson finished getting his strawberry plants this morning and did it mostly before I got up. Mr. Pond got a few of them also. I worked as usual in the shop. Bought a large butcher or bread knife of the old knife man (Perry) today for Mr. Pond and gave it to him after tea. I let him have it for what it cost me 25 cents. I promised some time ago to get one for him the first time uncle Perry came with them again. I worked in the shop until after 6 o'clock. Gussie went to market in the evening and I stayed with Georgie. In the meantime David Bradley came and borrowed my compass saw to do a job at a bedstead for Mother Griswold. Rob Dunning and brother came and picked some currants which I promised him some time ago just as I came home from work. Gussie put some up in cans today. P.T. Barnum's Museum in New York City was burned today. 07/14 FRIDAY - Pleasant but rather cool for the season. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went down to Dr. Bulkeley's again today and he cut open her felon again. After tea, I sowed some 'King of Swedes Turnip' seeds', the same that was sent to me from the Department of Agriculture at Washington. I also hoed a little in the garden. I then went to market, the Post Office and home. Aunt Louisa went up home to see Mother today and called here and told us how she was. She is very poorly now. She had another bad turn yesterday, but is a little better today. When I returned from the street, I went up to see her. 07/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I worked in the shop until the middle of the afternoon and then came home. Gussie and some of her folks went up to see Mother today. They found her a little more comfortable. After tea, Cousin Louisa and Frank came over for some currants. I went into the street in the evening and received two letters from George written July 8th and 11th at Hilton Head. He says the regiment expects to leave there for the North on the 28th. J. Montgomery Bailey arrived from the regiment this evening. He is to report to the regiment at New Haven when the regiment arrives there. Before retiring, I found our cat 'Prince' in the yard with a robin which he had caught. I took it away from him and put it on a tree in Father Griswold's yard as it seemed to be uninjured. 07/16 SUNDAY - Cloudy most of the day, but not stormy. Edward Barnum, my assistant librarian in Sunday School came down this morning and helped me write up the two librarian account books. W. C. Hoyt preached for us today, Brother Hill being very sick with Typhoid Fever. Gussie went in the morning and I to Sunday School and in the P.M. Mister Dunning preached in the Baptist church this P.M., but I did not go to hear him. 7 o'clock P.M. It commenced raining about 1 # hours ago. I have been sleeping on the lounge the past two hours or more. I wrote to Carleton & Porter in the evening ordering another copy of the S. S. Advocate for a new subscriber from July to October and enclosed 8 cents with which to pay for it. I also wrote to George in Hilton Head, South Carolina. It rained hard all the evening and neither of us went out. 07/17 MONDAY - Stormy last night and this morning. I felt badly nearly all day, produced without doubt from hearty eating yesterday and the lack of my usual exercise to digest my food. I worked all day however. We were paid off this P.M. I drew for my last week's work $26.50. On my way home, I called at the Coal Office of Alden G. Crosby and engaged my winter's coal. Five tons at $11.00 and if the price should be less before the 1st of September, I am to have the benefit of it. I bought # ton for immediate use and had it immediately delivered. After tea, I picked a few currants for Gussie to can up for use next winter and then went downtown. I mailed a letter to Carleton & Porter ordering one copy additional to our number of S.S. Advocates for a new subscriber, paid Mr. Joseph Ives $9.00 for the secretary I bought of him in the 7th instant. I then went to the Depot for Mrs. George Davis to see if there was a package by express for her. Father Griswold came home on the train. He has been spending a week in Canton with Cousin Alfred Humphrey. As I went into the Post Office on my way home, I found Edwin Harris waiting to see me to get some Russell Strawberry Plants which I promised him and though it was dark, we found a dozen which he took home with him. 07/18 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I have been about sick today with the bowel complaint, but have worked hard all day notwithstanding. On my way to work in the morning, I mailed the letter to George which I wrote on Sunday. Gussie is almost down with a bowel difficulty as well as myself. I went to market in the evening. 07/19 WEDNESDAY - I felt worse this morning than yesterday. I had the Diarrhea so badly that I was up during the night and out twice before breakfast. After breakfast I took an injection of blood warm water which worked like a charm on my bowels. Did not feel able to go to work. I went into the street and talked more with O.H. Swift about the news business for George. Went down to the shop and sold 4 rolls of salve to Sam Parks and bought a piece of enameled cloth to cover the writing table of my secretary. I came home and let Milo (Mr. Jackson's dog) follow me. I covered the table to my secretary and the Gussie dressed Georgie and we took him and we went up home to see Mother. I carried a bottle of ale up to her. We came home by way of Wooster Street and Main at the same time going up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper. I took Father's over to Mr. Holley's shop to him and then we found Jesse D. Stevens on the street. He came home with us and got a few Russell Strawberry plants which I promised him. Mr. Ashley tells me that a letter has been received from Saul Raymond at Port Royal and he says that the 17th Regiment will sail from there on the 20th tomorrow. Mr. Frisbie, the new Congregational preacher at the 1st church was installed today. The sun shone this forenoon, but in the P.M, it clouded over and commenced raining about 7 o'clock. I went to market and to the Post Office in the evening. 07/20 THURSDAY - It cleared off last night with a thunder shower and today has been warm and pleasant. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Gussie called at Alson Smith's this P.M. near Harry Stone's, corner of Liberty Street and Railroad Avenue where Miss English is nursing Mrs. Smith. When I came home from work and before tea, I drew a glass of ale. After tea, I dug three hills of potatoes, the first for us of the season. I rode downtown with Robert Cocking in the evening. I carried my patent leather boots to D. Benedict's to be soled and capped. Bought loaf of bread. Went to the Post Office and rode home again with Robert. I sold three more rolls of salve today two rolls to William Mansfield and one to another man in the plant shop. 07/21 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer than several days past. We gave the baby another injection this morning to move his bowels. I worked hard all day in the shop. On my way to work this morning, I mailed a letter for Father Griswold. As I came home from work at night, I called at D. Benedict's shoe store for my patent leather boots which he has been repairing for me soling and caps on the toes. When I came home, I found Father there. He had just done pressing some currants for me in Father Griswold's hard cider mill. He stayed with us to tea. After tea, Gussie went to market and to the Depot to engage Beatty to come with his carriage for Aunt Clarissa and Hatty Burr, who are going home tomorrow to Bloomfield, Conn. She also went up to Balmforth Avenue to engage Mrs. McNeil to do some dressmaking for her but found her sick and she cannot do it. While she was gone, I walked around the premises with Georgie in my arms until Mr. Cocking came and he drew some beer and I drank with him. Spent the evening up in his room until Gussie came. Fourth anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run. 07/22 SATURDAY - I woke this morning and found it storming hard. Aunt Clara and Hatty Burr started for home this morning with Father Griswold who goes as far as New Haven with them. I worked hard all day until 7 P.M. in the shop. It cleared off about 4 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street walking down with Robert and got the package of S.S. Advocates for Sunday School and my copy of Harper's Weekly and walked up home with Mr. Carlson. I took the lantern and went into the garden about 9 o'clock and dug some potatoes for breakfast. 07/23 SUNDAY - A lovely day, neither too hot nor too cold. I marked off 73 copies of the S.S. Advocate after breakfast. Gussie went as usual to church in the morning while I stayed with the baby. Starr Hoyt Nichols preached for us in the morning and Brother Crawford in the P.M. I went in the afternoon. Brother Hill is very sick yet. A prayer meeting was held up home this afternoon at 5 o'clock for Mother's special benefit. We did not go but took Georgie in his carriage and went up to the cemetery. On the way, I stopped at George Starr's and handed him the list of subscribers in our Sunday School to the Lincoln Monument and the money with it - $20.32. He told me that the old lady, Mrs. Wildman, his wife's mother had just died since the afternoon meeting. We did not go to meeting in the evening, but retired early. 07/24 MONDAY - A little cloudy and some indications of a storm this morning but it finally proved a fair day. Alden G. Crosby, agent for the People's Coal Company, delivered 3 tons of coal this morning of the 5 I ordered a few days ago. I worked hard all day in the shop. The last I did before stopping work was to finish a damaged black hat on the 5deep spring prime block to either wear myself or to give to George when he comes hone. I went into the street in the evening for groceries and went to the depot to see if some of the boys of the 17th Regiment came as we are daily expecting them to arrive in New York for Port Royal, South Carolina. Mrs. George Starr's mother was buried this P.M. Father Griswold attended the funeral at the residence of George Starr where she died. Mr. Stokes came to Father Griswold's today from New York. A School meeting this evening in the basement of Concert Hall. Father Griswold was chairman. It was I believe to take measures for building a new school house. 07/25 TUESDAY - Indications of a storm during the day. A thunder shower between 6 and 7 o'clock P.M. By the New York Herald, I see the 17th Regiment arrived in New York by steamer from Port Royal. They took refreshmnet on the battery and then took steamer for New Haven at 11 o'clock at night. It has been very close and warm in the shop today. I worked until between 3 and 4 o'clock and stopped. I brought home a black spring brim hat, 5# deep, which I have been getting up from a damaged hat. It cost me nothing except the trimming. When I got to Main Street, I borrowed Alden Crosby's horse and buggy and carried Mother's straw bed home. Amos Purdy, Jr. died about 5 o'clock P.M. I helped a little about laying him out and went to the telegraph office and telegraphed them for his wife in Norwalk and paid the fee 40 cents. I went to the depot in the evening and met George who came from New Haven with the others of his company. I brought him around to my house before going up home with him. Mr. Cocking drew a pitcher of ale and we drank a glass together after calling to see Father Griswold. We started up home but found that they had all retired, so George hung his knapsack, haversack, and canteen in the old cart house and returned with me rather than disturb Mother, fearing it would disturb her badly to wake her. It was nearly midnight when we retired. 07/26 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast and while Gussie was cleaning up Georgie, George and I went into the street to carry the item of Amos Purdy's death to the Jeffersonian Office for publication and to buy some meat for dining up home. When we returned, Gussie was ready and we too the baby and went up home with George. We spent the forenoon and took dinner after which Father, George and myself started for the cemetery. We stopped to talk with Swift about buying him out when Gussie came along and went to the cemetery with us. When we returned, I bought a loaf of bread and George went around home with me and we got our last jar of peaches and too up home for tea. We had a good time together during the day. After tea, Gussie and I came home. I went to market in the evening and saw Mr. Crofut about money to assist George to buy out O.H. Swift. I then went to class just before it was out where George and Bell were to John Cosier's class. I told George what I had done about the money. I walked up Deer Hill with him as far as Widow Barnum's and then came down home. 07/27 THURSDAY - Did not work in the shop. Spent a part of the forenoon in talking with O.H. Swift and figuring on the store and the news business with it. Mrs. Stone did our ironing in the forenoon, just before dinner. I went up home and carried a hat to George. Before breakfast, I went over to see John Bouton. At 1 o'clock, I attended the funeral of Amos Purdy. Father Griswold officiated; it was at the church. I drove Mr. ____'s white horse with the officiating clergyman (Father Griswold). George and William Warren assisted as pallbearers in uniform, Amos having been a soldier. George left with others of his company to report at New Haven. They took the 4 o'clock train. Bucket lost in the well. I borrowed a well hook of Clark Hickok and fished it out. I paid for soldering a strip of tin on the eves of my new tin roof - $1.75. It was done yesterday. I lent George $2.00 to get back to New Haven with and my pocketbook to put his money in when he gets paid off as he has none, not having any use for it for nearly a year as they have not been paid off in that time. I do not play often enough to know how to do it easily and am very tired. I took a nap after tea and then carried the well hook over to Clark Hickok's and went to market. Bought three quarts of whortleberries and a loaf of bread. 07/28 FRIDAY - Very warm. I worked all day in the shop. Ordered a # barrel of ale at Ferrell's for Robert and myself. Bell was with us to tea and stayed with Georgie while Gussie and I went to the store and to the depot to see if George would come on the train. John Bouton and William Warren came and said that they would not be paid off until next week and George being desirous of economizing much as possible stayed in New Haven and will not be home until the regiment is paid off. Brother Hull left a paper with Gussie today with blanks for me to fill out of the numbers of officer and teachers, number of infant scholars and books in the library. I filled them out after tea and left them at his house as we went into the street in the evening. I saw Mr. Henry Crofut at the depot and he told me that he thought he could let me (or George) have the money needed to buy out O.H. Swift and the paper business of P. Starr. I wrote to George about the paper business before retiring. 07/29 SATURDAY - Pleasant, indications in the morning of a warmer day than yesterday but a breeze finally sprang up and made it quite airy. The letter that I wrote to George last night informing him that I could have the money, I mailed this morning before breakfast. I worked all day in the shop. Saw Mr. Crofut as I left the factory about the money for George. He told me how he proposed to let me have it. I saw O. H. Swift on the street before I got home and he told me that he feared George had lost the paper business as Josiah Day's brother claimed that P. Starr had given him the refusal of it before he left home. Mr. Starr has not yet arrived home. I was at the depot in the evening to see Peter if he should arrive on the train. While there, I saw Day and his three brothers ready to mount Peter when he came. They are evidently determined to have the paper business for the town. By the evening mail, I received a letter from George stating that he has seen Peter in New Haven and he has an opportunity to buy the right for Fairfield County for the patent for a flour sifter. It would take less capital than the paper business and could do far better. After tea, John Bouton and Frank called on us. Just at night Crosby sent another ton of coal making now 4 tons delivered. The # barrel of ale from Ferrell's which I engaged for Robert and myself yesterday came also just at night. 07/30 SUNDAY - Pleasant; either too warm or too cool for comfort. Brother Hill is not yet able to preach though during the last week he has walked considerably. Brother Crawford preached for him today. Gussie went in the morning and I in the P.M. John Bouton and Frank attended church in the afternoon and sat with me. We had tomatoes for breakfast and green corn for supper. After tea, we took Georgie and went up home. They were holding a prayer meeting there. So we stopped at Henry Heinman's to see John Bouton until meeting was over. Gussie wrote to her cousin Eliza Humphrey I California in the evening. I went to prayer meeting and on the way I mailed a letter to George in New Haven in reference to the County right for the flour sifter which he wrote me about Saturday. 07/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I got breakfast early and mailed a letter for this morning's mail to George. I went from the Post Office to the depot to see the boys who were to return to New Haven. I sent word by them to George that I should be there to see him in the evening. I worked until noon and then came home. After dinner I went back to the factory to get my pay and the money to take to New Haven to assist George in buying the County right for the flour sifter. I could not get the money from Mr. Crofut on account of George not being here to sign the note. So I concluded to go to New Haven and arrange for the right and leave the money matter until George should come home. I accordingly started for New haven on the 4 o'clock train arriving there about 7 o'clock, but was disappointed in not finding George waiting for me at the depot. I inquired and hunted for him but could not find him. I went up to Elisha Dickerman's where I was welcomed as an old friend. John Bouton went with me. The2nd Connecticut Light Battery arrived by steamer in the evening and were escorted by the mayor, the New Haven Brass Band and Light Guard up Chapel Street to the State House where a fine supper was waiting for them. After this John and I went to Mr. Dickerman's to put up for the night after going to an eating house near the Post Office for supper.
1865-07
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal February 1865 Entry
8pgs
02/01 WEDNESDAY - The weather quite moderate and cloudy in the A.M. The sun shone in the afternoon and just at night the wind began to blow with the appearance of being colder. Father Griswold's folks had company to tea. Gussie, Baby, Bell and I went up there. Brother Hill (preacher) and wife, Bartram and wife, Scofield and wife, C. T. Stevens and wife, R. Wildman and wife, and George Starr and wife made up the party. They borrowed our table to put with theirs and had them filled twice at that. The second table however was only about half filled. Harriet had Josie baptized before tea by Father Griswold. It was done before I got home. I mailed the Jeffersonian to George in the evening. Wendell Phillips lectured this evening at Concert Hall. I cannot attend. The papers say today that the constitutional amendment abolishing slavery throughout the length and breadth of the land was passed by Congress. 02/02 THURSDAY - Pleasant, but cooler that yesterday. I was put from black hats onto Full Stiff Vicuna Col. (called Brush), but in reality only 'Jack Ups' today. After tea, I went to market and Mother Griswold came down and prepared some doughnuts for Gussie which she intends to fry tomorrow. I bought a new top for one of our high fluid lamps for burning kerosene oils without a chimney. Received another letter from George today in which he acknowledged the receipt of the $10.00 I sent him. 02/02 FRIDAY - Pleasant in the morning; cloudy in the P.M. and in the evening. I was late getting to the shop this morning, but worked very hard and was tired at night. As I came from work at night, I took from the Office a package of old letters from George which he sent home for preservation. Bell went to the Children's Singing School at the Baptist Church in the evening. I went to market and brought home a brass bound Cedar Water Jack, price 88 cents. A war meeting in the basement of Concert Hall in the evening for the purpose of filling our quota for the coming call for troops and thereby save a draft. I did not stay but came home. The evening post says that the rebel peace commissioners and our authorities have met and are on board of one of our gunboats on the James River in conference with each other. The baby is poorly with a severe cold and Gussie called in Dr. Buckley today as he was riding by. Mother Griswold came down this morning after breakfast and helped Gussie make a bunch of doughnuts. Father Griswold started for the train this morning and got left. He took the stage and went to the city by way of Brewster Station. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. 02/04 SATURDAY - The ground was just whitened over with snow this morning and some of the old ice besides before night. I have felt miserable today; it is without doubt from the effects of the poison from the hats which is inhaled while finishing them. David Mills came up on the freight train to call on Mr. T. Barnum, the War Claim Agent, to see about his back pay and pension which is being procure by him (Barnum). He called on me at the shop. The afternoon was warm and pleasant. I went to market in the evening. A caucus was held in the basement of Concert Hall in the evening to nominate delegates to the _____. 02/05 SUNDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a snow squall at 10 o'clock in the A. M. bot colder than yesterday; Windy, much like March. Cousin Eugene Douglas from New York City came to Father Griswold's by the train last evening. I spent the forenoon at the Sunday School Library alphabetically arranging the books. Gussie came home at noon to take care of baby and let Gussie go to church in the P.M. I stayed down and attended too. After tea, Father came down as usual. When Gussie's cousin Eugene finished his tea, Mother Griswold and fanny came down with him and I went him up to Whitlock's Boarding School to see one of his scholars, the son of a friend of his in the city, after which I walked with him the length of Main Street and to the cemetery arriving home again just before evening meeting time. Gussie and I attended in the evening as did he. On my way, I mailed a letter to George and a Harper's Weekly. After evening meeting we spent about an hour visiting with Cousin Eugene up to Father Griswold's. 02/06 MONDAY - Gussie's cousin Eugene Douglas took the train this morning for New York. I worked as usual all day. We were paid off in the P.M. I turned in $20.00 of my last two weeks' work to balance my account with Mr. Crofut for the $60.00 he advanced me when I bought my pork. I drew Jesse D. Steven's money for him - $11.75 - and sent it to him by Tom Mansfield. Just as our tea was ready, David Bradley came in with some picture frames he had been making for Gussie. He got one of them too large. Before he got away, Emily Anderson came in and gave me some library books from her scholars who had them out a long time. We are trying to get them all in preparatory to buying some. Burr Bradley went with me in the evening to the church to help me catalogue the library. The peace movement of government officials a failure. 02/07 TUESDAY - Cloudy all the forenoon until after dinner when it began to snow and continued until bedtime, accumulating fast. On my way home from work, I took from the Post Office a package of old letters sent home by George for preservation. They were marked $1.60 due by the scales in this Post Office. It felt a little short so that I paid only $1.54. In the evening, I went to Gillette and Baird's store for a baby's sack that Gussie had left there to be stamped. I paid 20 cents for the stamping and came away and left it on the counter. After class meeting, I went there for it. On account of a temperance lecture to be given at our church tomorrow evening, our class joined with Brother C T. Steven's class. Very few were present on account of the storm. 02/08 WEDNESDAY - Fine mist and rain this morning with 3 or 4 inches of snow, the bottom of which was all water. It cleared off and the sun shone brightly after dinner. Colder just at night; it began to freeze in the evening. Cousins Susan, Addie and Albert came up from Ridgefield and took Bell home with them. She met them at Barnum's Hotel about 5 o'clock where they all took supper and started for Ridgefield about 7 o'clock. We heard that they were to remain at the hotel quite late before leaving and I went there to take Bell from the party and bring her home on that account but I was just too late as they had gone about 5 minutes previous. There was a young fellow with them, probably a beau of Susan's. Burr Bradley and myself intended to finish making up the catalogue of our Sunday School this evening, but the temperance lecture that was to be delivered there was held downstairs on account of the bad walking and therefore, we could do nothing at the library. I borrowed a pair of tinner's shears at Charles Hull's to cut a piece of zinc to take to the shop to round hats on and came home and cut it out. Gussie attended the lecture. 02/09 THURSDAY - Bell is still at Ridgefield. The day has been pleasant but cold. I have worked hard all day in the shop. A boy living with Dr. Lacey gave Harriet a sleigh ride passing here. She stopped in front of the house and talked with Gussie but did not come in. As Father came from the shop tonight, he came this way to see if Bell had gone to Ridgefield. I did not see him as it was before I came from work. I did not go downtown in the evening but stayed home and split wood in the woodhouse. As I went to work this morning, I mailed a Jeffersonian to George. I also carried home the shears I borrowed last evening to cut zinc with. 02/10 FRIDAY - Cold; sunshine and snow squalls during the day. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie took tea up to her mother's before I came home. After tea, David Bradley came with the picture frames he took back to alter the size of. He made in all 5 of them and charged only 50 cents. He walked down into the street with me. I there met Burr Bradley according to agreement and we together completed making a catalogue of our Sunday School library. We worked at it until after 9 o'clock. Bell came home from Ridgefield on the evening train. 02/11 SATURDAY - Pleasant; it thawed a little in the middle of the day. John Bussing cut my hair in the shop this afternoon. Gussie went out and made some calls this P.M. Bell stayed with the baby. Dr. Buckley came about nine o'clock today and vaccinated our baby. After supper, I went into the street; came home after the mail arrived. 02/12 SUNDAY - Severe cold. I have felt it more than any other time this winter. Bell did not go to church today; she is nearly sick with a cold she caught going to Ridgefield last Wednesday. I attended all day. Gussie went in the P.M. which was the Sacrament Service. After supper, I finished a letter to George. Father came down to see us as usual after tea. Rev. Mr. Whittaker addressed the people at the 1st Church in the evening on the workings of the sanitary Commission in the Army. Gussie and I both attended. On my way there, I mailed a letter and Harper's Weekly to George. 02/13 MONDAY - Severe cold last night and this morning; the weather is not quite so severe tonight though it is very cold still. On my way to my work this morning, I called at the Jeffersonian Office to see what it would cost to have some catalogs of our Sunday School Library printed. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went over to Lockwood Olmstead's for my hams and shoulders which he has been smoking for me. Four of them cost 1 dollar each. After I brought them home I hastened to the church to attend a Sunday School teacher's meeting. The subject of having the school select their books by catalogs was brought up. They finally concluded not to get the catalogs but distribute the books for the present on the old plan. Brother Hill ordered the new Sunday School Library books this morning through Swift and Sage. Wrote off numbers for library books just before retiring. Retired at midnight. 02/14 TUESDAY - St. Valentine's Day. Very cold last night, but more mild now. It has thawed a little during the day. Mrs. Stone washed for us. Bell is still nearly sick with her cold - she coughs and is hoarse - Gussie went over to Mrs. Miller this afternoon and stayed to tea. She took Georgie and the two babies together was rather a pleasing affair for Mrs. Miller and Gussie. I went to the church in the evening to carry 3 books to the library which I have got in since Sunday. I went to the Post Office and got Father Griswold's mail in which was a letter for Fanny from cousin Lydia in Canton. When I came from work, I brought home some Gum Arabic and made some mucilage. 02/15 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant this morning. It clouded up in the middle of the day and commenced snowing before night and continued during the evening. I worked as usual in the shop and came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got my paper. After tea, I went down to the church and stuck numbers on some of the library books making a commencement toward numbering them new with the new books expected this week. When I left the church, I went to market, to the Post Office and then home without going to class. Gussie intended to go to the Sewing Society in the evening, but on account of the storm did not. She walked over as far as Chaplain Ambler's in Montgomery Street and took an outside view as the people of the Baptist Church on Mill Plain (where he preaches) are giving him a donation party. 02/16 THURSDAY - It rained last night and this morning. There was plenty of snow and water standing on the ground. Cloudy all day, except for a short time in the P.M. when the sun shone. On my way to the shop this morning, I took Father Griswold's gallon oil can to Benedict & Nichols and ordered some oil for him. On my way home from work at night I bought a blank book at Robinson's for 35 cents in which I intend to write up the catalog of the Sunday School Library. Bell went up home today and found that Aunt Mary and Uncle Cyrus Hoyt and children were up there from Ridgefield. They came on Monday afternoon and went away Wednesday morning. Mailed a Jeffersonian this morning to George on my way to work. 02/17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warmer. I worked as usual all day in the shop. Brother Hill sent word before dinner that the new Sunday School books had come. After tea, Gussie went down with me. She arranged the new books alphabetically and stuck labels in them in the parsonage while Burr Bradley and myself arranged the old books in the library according to the new catalog and made ready to admit the new ones. This job took us until after 10 o'clock when we left it to another time. We hope to finish tomorrow night and have the books ready to give out on Sunday. Mrs. Cocking came this afternoon and took Gussie sleigh riding up to the cemetery. She brought home the wreath from Eddie's grave stone. 02/18 SATURDAY - The severe cold weather seems to be broken up for the present at least. It thawed considerably today. I was taken with a sick headache before dinner and was compelled to leave the shop about the middle of the P.M. After tea, I went down to the church to take the new library books from the parsonage to the library in the Sunday School room, but before I accomplished it, I was compelled to stop, my sickness growing so much worse. I had to lie down in the parsonage and had a severe turn of vomiting before I could get home. Gussie has taken a head cold and is quite sick. 02/19 SUNDAY - Gussie had a high fever at midnight last night. She continued to take Aconite and broke the fever before morning. I feel very weak today myself from the severe attack of sick headache last night. I went early to church this morning and worked at the library until meeting time when George Cosier drove with me up for Mother and brought her down to church. Brother Hill preached a good sermon from Mark 10:49 in the morning. We could give out no books in Sunday School today, the new ones not yet being numbered. After the noon class, David Cosier let George (his son) go up home with Mother again. I rode up with him and he came around to my house and left me and carried Mother Griswold down to church. I did a little towards writing up my Sunday School Library Catalog in the P.M. After tea, I went up to George Cosier's with some pennies from the Sunday School collection. From there, I went over to Dr. Buckley's and consulted him about Gussie. He said she was doing well and to continue giving Aconite and Belladonna. Neither Gussie, Bell nor myself feeling very well did not go out in the evening. I sent Harper's Weekly to the Post Office by Fanny to mail to George at St. Augustine. 02/20 MONDAY - Pleasant; did not feel able to go to work. I brought the remainder of the new Sunday School books from the parsonage and put them in the library. Went down to the shop and left my checks with Burr Bradley to draw my money for me in the P.M. I looked up some of the old books which were out. In the evening, Burr and Jim Parmalee helped me label and number some of the books. We did it in the middle class room where we had a fire for the purpose. We worked at them until after 11 o'clock. I came home completely tired out; I was not able to do it. Gussie feels better today with the exception of a sore throat. Good news from General Sherman's army - he has captured Columbia, the capital of South Carolina 02/21 TUESDAY - Pleasant. A dreadful weakness across my stomach and bowels. A little exertion tires me and gives a pain across me. Have not been at work, but spent a part of the day at church (with Harriet Purdy to assist me) numbering the library books. My mouth and nose are sore; it is doubtless caused by the poison in the hats I finish. Quicksilver, which is used in the carroting the fur. It is known as the 'Hatter's Sore Mouth'. News that Charleston, South Carolina is in the possession of the Union Army and that General Sherman is marching victoriously north from that place. I brought home a quart of oysters for supper. Bell went down for Dr. Buckley to come and see Gussie and myself but he had gone to Bridgeport. (Gap in the diary; pages 189-190 missing) -this evening but they were not done. Burr Bradley helped me in the evening finish numbering the Sunday School library books. When I came home from the church, it was about 11 o'clock and all the family had retired. But I found on the table a comic picture and the written valentine accompanying it which George had sent to Edith. The picture is of himself and a comrade member of the band and it is certainly the most comical thing I ever saw. Ephraim Gregory called to see me early this morning about the fate of Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsan of the 17th Regiment, C.V. 02/25 SATURDAY - Pleasant this morning. On my way to the shop this morning, I bought a piece of veal, 6 lbs. (the first I have seen this season) and had it sent home to cook for Sunday. I left off work a little after 3 o'clock and went up to Robinson's for Josephine Davis' spectacles and sent them to the ticket agent, Mr. Gillette at the Bethel Depot by Ben Bassett. I called to see John Cosier at the people's Coal Yard office and showed him the comic picture that George sent to Edith for a valentine. From there, I went over to Louis Moegling's Dye Works to get some garment Gussie had left there to be dyed. It clouded over in the P.M. and began to rain before dark. After tea, I went over to Widow Wilcox to see what George had written to her concerning the death of Colonel Noble. From there I went to market and waited until the (??). 02/26 SUNDAY - It rained hard last night and this morning. It cleared off after dinner warm and pleasant. I spent nearly all the forenoon at the S.S. library sticking numbers on the shelves of the library 10-20-30 and so through to be able to tell within ten books at a glance where to put up any particular book. The new books were given for the first time this noon and gave good satisfaction. I stayed to church all day. Bell came in the P.M. Gussie did not go at all. Father called to see us after tea and I finished preparing George's last letter for publication. It gave the particulars of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Wilcoxsan and capture of wagon train and guard of 35 men about70 miles distant from St. Augustine, Florida. Also of the capture of Captain Quien, Charles Wilcox, Theo Morris and Seth Northrop at a dance about 11 miles from St. Augustine. Before meeting time, I wrote to George. Bell went to meeting in the evening and mailed the letter along with a Harper's Weekly to George. Gussie wrote to Cousin Emmaline Williams in the evening. She lives in Leavenworth, Kansas. Fanny is sick with a cold, I think. She did not go to prayer meeting last Thursday evening and stayed home from church today. It is something unusual for her. She won't tell what ails her, only a cold. 02/27 MONDAY - Pleasant. I feel better today. On my way to the shop this morning, I carried George's letter to the Jeffersonian Office for publication. The new journeyman who has for about a month worked at my left hand was off today and went away on the train. His name was Hogan. Mr. Witherspoon also finished his work at the shop and left. He has gone for a foreman to the new firm of Lacey and Sheather in the factory lately occupied by Mr. Montgomery and originally the old carriage factory. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a letter for Fanny Griswold and one for Gussie to Cousin Emmaline Williams at Leavenworth, Kansas. 02/28 TUESDAY - The ground was just whitened over with snow this morning. It remained cloudy all day with indications of a storm but it only occasionally spit a little snow. I have felt more like myself today and have done a pretty good day's work. I worked as late as I could at night. After tea, I went downtown and mailed a letter to Jennie Fairweather for Fanny. I called at the Jeffersonian Office a few minutes and to Harry Stone's store for the husk mat I bought there last evening and forgot to bring home while waiting for the mail, I saw Charles Anderson who was in our company in the three months service in 1861 from April to July. He has since been in for three years. His time is out and is now home on that account. He was at the taking of Fort Fisher in Wilmington, North Carolina. A very little snow this evening.
1865-02
Western Connecticut State University
Horace Purdy Journal October 1864 Entry
9pgs
10/1 Saturday - Pleasant and cool. I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went home and helped Burr Bradley get a load out from his gun. In the afternoon, John Cosier and myself went hunting. We got 3 woodcock and 1 quail. I gave my share to him. Gussie and I went up to Nelson Nickerson's in the P.M. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. She came home leaving me to attend the caucus preparatory to the town meeting next Monday. I understand that the Copperheads' meeting last evening in Concert Hall was a small affair. The attendance was good. But the speaker (Bond) was a blackguard and produced no sound arguments to substantiate his doctrine. The speech was low slang and abuse of the administration. He uttered some of the foulest lies. For instance, saying in the face of Sherman's, Sheridan's and Grant's great victories that the army has never been successful and have not gained one single victory. 10/2 SUNDAY - Stormy. On account of the rain, I did not start for church until 11 o'clock. Brother Hill exchanged with the New Canaan minister a one armed man, Carroll by name, who preached for us. I stayed to Sunday School, which was slimly attended and then came home and wrote to George in the afternoon. I mailed it in the evening, also a Harper's Weekly. Gussie attended prayer meeting with me in the evening. 10/3 MONDAY - Town Election. No work in the shop. Mr. Cocking paid his rent (or rather his wife paid it for him) this morning. Cleaned my gun before breakfast or commenced and finished it after breakfast. I went to A. G. Crosby's Coal Office to see John Cosier. From there to the shop and then down to the courthouse and voted. Previous to going to the shop, I called at the car building shop at the Depot and got the ages of Manton Bailey and William Warren of their father. From the courthouse, I home by way of the Post Office and Swift's News Office. Father Griswold came home on the morning train and voted before going home. I took a nap after dinner and about 2 o'clock went to the shop for my pay. Walked down to the courthouse again with Burr Bradley and back up to John Cosier's office. From there home and picked some apples for Father Griswold. Just before going to the shop for my pay, Mr. Harris came with my barrel of cider and helped me in the cellar with it. I went in the evening to hear Major Haggerty speak at Concert Hall for Lincoln and Johnson and the Union. It was an excellent speech. He is young but decidedly smart. He was preceded by a _____ who accompanied him. Time after time, he brought down the house with great applause. A few Copperheads in the meeting and quite a number outside seemed disposed to make a disturbance but he was not one of that kind to be bluffed off and told them so. The result of our town election was a majority for us (Republican) of 184. James S. Taylor for First Selectman by majority. O. H. Swift for Town Clerk 178. 10/4 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it finally came off pleasant. There being no work in the shop, I finished weeding my strawberry bed. I went downtown before dinner. Called at Parmalee and Bradley's store and while there, agreed with Haviland to go hunting in the P.M. I ate dinner and went down to Dr. Lacy's and got his dog. Met my comrade at Benedict's factory in West Street and started. We went up by Oil Mill Pond, through Terry's Woods and over to a little swamp near Granville Ambler's entrance to his land. We ran 2 rabbits in a stone wall and got them. I shot a High Hole and a Blue Jay. He shot a chipmunk. I took home rabbit and gave him the remainder. Burr Bradley and wife came in to spend the evening. She stayed with Gussie while Burr and I went to Hatters' Meeting. Burr came back home with me and then went home with his wife. 10/5 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant and warm. Gave Lieutenant Governor Averill the list of men and their ages who have come of age since entering the army in the 17th Regiment, viz. George S. Purdy, 23 years, August 13th, 1864, Mr. H. Warren, 22 years old, March 2, 1864, James S. Bailey, 23 years old, September 25, 1864, William Otis, 22 years, September 7, 1864, Theodore Morris, 21 years, October 13, 1864. Averill is to write by the first mail to Colonel Noble and get furloughs for them in possible to come home, be made freemen and vote in the coming presidential election. I came home about 11 o' clock. Walked up with John Cozier. After dinner, I finished picking beans in the garden. Hattie Gregory, a niece of Walter F. Olmstead, living neighbor to us was married this P.M at 3 o'clock at the Baptist church. She married _____. Gussie went to see them married. After which, I met her near Benedict and Nichols' store and we tried to match some oil cloth which we have but could not. After getting my papers at the Jeffersonian Office, I found some horrid mistakes in George's letter published in it. I returned to the office before they finished striking off the papers and had the errors corrected and exchanged the copies I had for some more which had been corrected. I then came home and after tea put one for George and another for his friend in St. Augustine, Mr. Arnie Allers . I also wrote a letter to George, the writing of which made me too late for class meeting. I went down in the evening and mailed the papers and letter. Called at Jeffersonian Office and showed Ashley more mistakes and laughed at him about them. Milford Ruff (sp?), an apprentice at the Pahquioque Shop who enlisted in a New Jersey regiment for 100 days returned home on a train this evening, his term of service having expired. 10/6 THURSDAY - I went to the shop this morning, expecting work, but there being none, I went up to Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and sat a while with John Cosier. We finally concluded to go hunting. We got ready to go just before dinner, but on account of the appearance of rain, we waited until after dinner. In the meantime, we bought a wad cutter and cut a lot of wads. It continued so lowery with some fine rain that we gave up going. I left my gun at his house rather than bring it home in the rain. I came home and got 12 bushels of potatoes from Father Griswold's cellar into mine. Gussie went up to Mrs. Sanford's and to the cemetery in the forenoon. I went up for her just at night and stayed to tea. I came home with her as far as the Union Club rooms and stopped there until the cars came that I might get the news and the mail should there be any for us. The papers say that General Grant's advanced position near Richmond is strengthened. Gold went up about 3 per cent today. Smith Pulling brought me a pot of butter - 30 lbs. I not being home could not pay him. 10/7 FRIDAY - Clear and pleasant today. Had work all day in the shop. While we were drinking tea, Aunt Louisa and Mary Purdy came in. I went to the Union League in the evening. Walked home with David Bradley. Paid Smith Pulling $3.00 towards my butter bill of $15.00. 10/8 SATURDAY - Pleasant and grew cold all day. Cold as winter in the evening. Worked hard all day in the shop. The Copperheads hoisted a McClellan banner about 6 o'clock this evening. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. The evening post gives us good news of the army of the James. Butler has been attacked by the rebels but has repulsed them splendidly and drove them within their inner line of entrenchments. 10/9 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy in the P.M and evening and cold as winter. I have shook with cold all day except when close to the stove. Brother Hill preached in the morning from Acts 4:4. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon, at which Brother J. W. Nichols read to the school a letter he received from George. Sacrament in the P.M. at which Brother Crawford assisted. Martha Stevens, or rather Martha Downs, as it is now, is home on a visit with her baby and a colored servant. She was at church this morning. Mr. Cocking shot a pigeon hawk while over to Mr. Lynes' doing the chores this evening. We moved our houseplants from the piazza into the parlor just at dusk. We feared to leave them out another night on account of the cold. Mrs. Judson, Harriet Ely's mother, died. 10/10 MONDAY - Cold last night. A severe frost this morning. We finished up our work in the shop today. I got mine done at noon. There is no time set when we will have more to do. Mrs. Stone washed and cleaned our bedroom upstairs for us today. Mr. Cocking moved over to Mr. Lynes' this morning. They are to do as they did last year, hold my rooms to store their goods and live over there this winter during the absence of Mr. Lynes and family. While we were drinking tea, Harriet came in. I walked downtown with her. Called with her at Dr. Buckley's office to get some medicine. She went to Dr. Lacy's where she is now staying and I went to Societies Meeting at the church. The following trustees were elected for another year: George Starr, George Hull, E. S. Davis, Mr. S. White, Henry G. Fanton. A. N. Gilbert spoke for the union at Concert Hall. After leaving the church, I spoke with John Cosier for a few minutes at the hall. The house was filled to overflowing. We the saw Fred Jackson about going hunting tomorrow. 10/11 TUESDAY - I mailed a Harper's Weekly with two republican campaign documents to George this morning before breakfast. I went hunting with John Cosier, Fred Jackson and dog. We were gone all day. We got separated about sundown and did not get together until we met at John Cosier's. I got there first. I brought home some everlasting for Gussie to make a wreath for me. I went downtown in the evening. I came home as soon as the mail came. 10/12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant in the morning. Cloudy after dinner and commenced raining about 4 P.M. and was raining hard when we retired. Mrs. Stone helped us clean house. We cleaned the pantry and bedrooms. I helped them all day, not leaving home until evening, when I went down to get the Jeffersonian, to market, to the Post Office and to hear Ethan Allen of New York speak for the Union in Concert Hall. I stayed but a short time, the house being too damp and cold for me not having an overcoat. I went from the Hall up to see how John Cosier stood the hunting excursion yesterday. I found him feeling first rate. Previous to going to the Hall in the evening, I called a t Dr. Lacy's to see Harriet about getting some wood for her, etc. She gave me $8.00 to get a cord of wood for her. 10/13 THURSDAY - Pleasant but windy and cool. Before breakfast, I went to the Post Office and mailed a Jeffersonian to George and called at Dr. Lacey's to get his bird dog to go hunting. The doctor having come home last night, the boy would not let him go without first seeing the doctor. And he not yet being up and I being in a hurry, did not wait. After breakfast, I took my gun and started without a dog. I went to Fish Ware, Fox Pond Hollow, Mount Tour, Long Ridge Town Mountain and home, making it about 5 o'clock when I came in. My game was 2 red squirrels, a Shide Poke, and chipmunk, the chipmunk I did not bring home. The squirrel, I gave to Mother, as I came home that way. 10/14 FRIDAY - Cooler than yesterday. I went in the forenoon to A. G. Crosby's Coal Office to see if he had any hickory wood (I wanted some for Harriet). From there, I went to the shop to see what was doing and found that they had sent a boy for me to finish a dozen brush hats. I got there ahead of the boy. The hats were not quite ready, so I went again about 3 P.M. and squared them up (they being full stiff) and cut out a dozen tips for them, ready to finish them tomorrow. Before dinner, however, I went up on Clapboard Ridge to Mr. Elwell's (sp) with Mr. Jacob Fry for a calf which he had bought. While there, I bought a bbl. Of Roxbury Russet apples for $2.25 of a man from Stony Hill, Weed by name. He had bought the apples of an orchard of Russell Hoyt I think and was gathering them. I had the pipe fitted to a stove and put it up for Harriet up home. My apples came about 5 o'clock. After tea, I went into the street, waited until the mail came and came home. 10/15 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I have had a dozen black brush hats to finish today. Mrs. Charles Brokerton called just last night to see if we had heard from the boys in the 17th Regiment. Before tea, I filled the low places between my Trope de Grand strawberries with earth. I went to market in the evening. Called a few minutes at the Republican Club Room, took a letter from the post office for Harriet and walked home with my neighbor John Green. While in the street, Henry Ely spoke of hedging their cemetery lot joining mine to give us a chance to do mine at the same time. They want to hedge theirs next week. Wallace Pine lost his child about 6 o'clock this evening. They went down to Starr's Plain to old Captain Pine's. A dog came toward the horse barking and frightened him, throwing them all out. The child struck his head upon a stone and killed him instantly. Wallace Pine is a colored man living near us. 10/16 SUNDAY - I went up home before going to church this morning to carry a letter to Harriet which I took from the post office last night and to get my lead pencil which I left there on Friday when I put up Harriet's stove. Brother Hill preached from Genesis 19:15-20. Sunday School Concert at the 1st Church in the P.M. A Mr. Pardee of New York was there. It looked so much like rain at noon that I came home and did not attend the Sunday School concert. Gussie took care of Josie in the afternoon to let Harriet go. Commenced a letter to George. After tea, went over to Bro. McDonald's to get his horse to take Gussie to the cemetery. Could not get it. He was going to use it. So I walked up alone. I found Henry Ely up there. We talked a little about hedging our lots which join. I mailed Harper's Weekly with some Republican campaign documents enclosed to George. Mr. Pardee delivered an address to their congregation in our church in the evening on Sabbath Schools. Gussie and I attended about 3 P.M. The sun came out pleasant. The evening was clear and delightful although pretty cold. I wore an overcoat in the evening for the first time this season. 10/17 MONDAY - Pleasant. After breakfast, I went up to the cemetery and dug a trench in which to set a hedge around our lot. Went up to Mr. Down's nursery with Henry and Abijah Ely to look at the evergreens for the hedge. After dinner, I went to the shop. Squared up a dozen drab brush hats for tomorrow. Got my pay and came home. I then got my stove down from Father Griswold's barn and commenced blacking it before tea. After tea, Gussie and I went downtown and bought 2 yards of oil cloth 2 yards wide for $2.25 per yard. We then came home and before retiring I finished blacking the sitting room stove and drew the tacks from the sitting room carpet preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. Father and Harriet both received letters from George today, but none for me. 10/18 TUESDAY - Pleasant and warmer today. I had the 1 one half dozen brush hats to finish today, $3.00 per dozen. I burned one which cost me. Mrs. Stone cleaned house for us today, the sitting room and the sink room. I helped her shake carpet at noon. When I came home from work about 6 o'clock, the whole neighborhood was out looking for Josie Wheeler who was lost. I immediately went searching myself. A general alarm was given by ringing the bells. He was finally found at the lower end of Main Street. Butler G. Noble, ex-governor of Wisconsin spoke for the Union at Concert Hall this evening. I went in to the street and into the Hall for a few minutes but could not stay of account of nailing down carpet and putting up a stove which I have just completed at 10 one half o'clock. Before retiring, I finished a letter to George. 10/19 WEDNESDAY - Before breakfast I went down and mailed my letter to George. After breakfast, I helped Gussie move her plants from the parlor to the sitting room. Before we finished doing it, Harriet Mills called to see us. I then called at the shop, but there being nothing to do, I went down to see if Fred Jackson would go hunting with me. He could not go, but lent me his dog. I went over to Mill Plain Swamp, to Miry Brook and to Benjamin Norris' and engaged a cord of hardwood for Harriet. I came home by way of Mill Plain and Edward Hull's to see if I could buy some apples, but could not. Bell came down while we were drinking tea to have me to go up and fix Harriet's curtains. I went down to Jackson's to take Milo home and then went up. It took me until nearly 10 o'clock to put them up. James Birdsell, being intoxicated, tried to drive his horse and wagon across the railroad bridge just below the old crib (sp) shop and was run over by the freight train going down this evening. His horse was knocked down between the ties and suspended to the timbers by portion of the harness, but was finally extricated without serious injury. I believe the man had his leg badly mangled and was otherwise injured. Dr. Bennett amputated his leg. 10/20 THURSDAY - Worked all day in the shop on 1 one half dozen drab brush hats. About 5 P.M., the bells began to ring. We at the shop supposed it to be a fire, but soon learned that it was for another victory by Phil Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. We captured 43 guns, one major-general and several thousand prisoners. We had one general killed, three others wounded. The 'Evening Post' gave the particulars. The cannon was fired about 9 o'clock in the evening in honor of the victory. I mailed the Jeffersonian and New York Daily Tribune to George. I tried to get a Post, but could not. At the Republican Clubroom, I saw Henry Ely and paid him $2.00 for Arbor Vitae trees for hedging around my cemetery lot which joins his. A load of soil was also included in the $2.00. The man who had a leg amputated last night it is thought cannot live. 10/21 FRIDAY - James Birdsell died last night or this morning from the effects of the amputation of his leg and other injuries received at the time of the accident. I went to the shop this morning, but there being no work, I went hunting. I went down to get Fred Jackson to go with me but he had just gone in company with a schoolmate. I got Dr. Lacey's old dog, Major, and hurried on to find Fred but did not. I was gone all day and got 2 quail and a robin. I went to the depot in the evening and met Mother Griswold. She has been up in Hartford County on a visit. John Cosier, who has been away for a week came home on the train this evening also. Later - John Cosier came home from his visit on the freight train Wednesday P.M. instead of this evening. 10/22 SATURDAY - No work in the shop. In the forenoon, I borrowed Mr. Lyne's horse which Robert Cocking drove into town and rode up to the cemetery to see the new hedge around our lot. After dinner, I walked up, borrowed a wheelbarrow and shovel of Mr. Day and took the dirt off our lot which was left there after setting our hedge. Gussie went over to Daniel Starr's and in the meantime and about the time I came home, Harriet Purdy came down and wanted more Belladonna and Aconite medicine. I was alarmed when she said that Mother had taken all that she took from us the other day as it was the liquid medicine from which we put only 4 or 5 drops into a half tumbler of water. I suppose there was about 30 drops of it which she put in a half glass of water. There was about the same of each Aconite and Belladonna. But instead of hurting Mother, it did her good as she is much better than usual today. Gussie went with me to market in the evening. We made a fire in our sitting room stove for the first time this evening. 10/23 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the morning, cloudy in the P.M. Brother Hill being sick, I understood that Mr. Robertson, Pastor of the 2nd Congregational Church, would preach for us in the morning, so accordingly, I went for the first tome and heard Brother Hawley at the Episcopal Church. I went to our Sunday School as usual, and there learned that Chaplain Ambler preached for us instead of Robertson. Robertson preached for us in the P.M. and I went to the Baptist church and heard Mr. Stone. George Bell and bride were there. Bell came to our house to tea. She went with us to prayer meeting in the evening and went home in company with Mr. Squire's folks. As I went to prayer meeting, I mailed a copy of Harper's Weekly to George. It had very much the appearance of rain when we retired. 10/24 MONDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there being no work, I went up to A.G. Crosby's Coal Office and sat awhile with him and John Cosier. John and I arranged to go hunting in the P.M. I went down to Mr. Jackson's to get his dog, but Fred had just gone hunting himself. I arranged to have the dog whenever I want him if they are not using him. He wishes me to use him as often as I can in order to train the dog. On my way home at noon to prepare to go hunting, I found Dr. Lacey's dog (Major). He followed me and I was glad to have him do so. We went over to Fish Ware and Mill Plain Swamp. We came across Henry Rider with his gun. We all three hunted together. Rider got 2 woodcocks. Cosier got 2 woodcocks and I, one woodcock and a quail. Rider wanted the quail for his wife who is sick, so I exchanged with him my quail for a woodcock. Cosier gave me his two and I gave Mother Purdy 2 and Mother Griswold 2. It rained a little before we got in. After tea, I went home and carried two woodcock for Mother, while Gussie gave the other two to her mother. 10/25 TUESDAY - Cloudy in the morning with every appearance of a storm. But after dinner, it came off beautiful. I went to the shop in the morning, expecting work but had none. I came up to Alden G. Crosby's Coal Office and finally arranged to go hunting in the P.M. with John Cosier. Crosby found me ammunition if I would give him what birds I shot. Before going, however, I arranged with Mr. McDonald and Crawford for a horse and saddle to ride in the procession tomorrow at the mass meeting. I had Old Major, Dr. Lacey's dog. I shot a quail and a woodcock and gave them to Mr. Crosby in the evening. I received 4 letters from George by the morning mail. He has been detailed from his company for a musician in a Regimental Brass Band. In the evening, I went to the Union Club Room, and to an extra session of the Union League. Before retiring, I wrote a hasty letter to George. 10/26 WEDNESDAY - A great Union Mass Meeting. The day has been beautiful. I rode Mr. McDonald's horse in the cavalcade. The speaker's stand was built on the old Fairgrounds near the cemetery. The speakers were Col. M. Depew, General Gault of Arkansas and Colonel Noble of the 11th Regiment. The procession was about two miles long. After the speaking was over I assisted to load chairs and settees and take down the arch over the entrance to the Fairgrounds. I was in consequence late home to my tea. Father came down in the evening and brought us a chicken and then went to hear the speaking at Concert Hall. I went up to the Jeffersonian Office for my paper and returned and spent the evening at home. I mailed a letter to George early this morning, also one for Gussie to Bloomfield. The procession was as follows: in the cavalcade of horsemen 250, of which 26 were ladies wagons, 305, whole number of horses, 633. 10/27 THURSDAY - Copperhead mass meeting. The speakers were ______________________. Their cavalcade numbered 66 of which 10 were ladies. Whole number of wagons 238. The day has been cloudy and a little cool. Avery Raymond brought me a barrel of apples, greenings priced at $2.25. At the same time, he took Father Griswold's cider barrel to fill for him. Fred Dunning wanted me to hunting with him, so about 2 o'clock we started. We saw but little game and shot none but the dog pointed on one quail and caught it in the grass before in could fly up. It was dark when we got home. I went into the street in the evening and mailed a Jeffersonian with some campaign documents enclosed to George. I called at the Club Room and at Swift's News Office to wait for the train which was quite late. There has been a Republican Mass Meeting today at Bridgeport, and I learned this evening since the arrival of the train that it was a success and a grand affair. The Copperheads are holding forth this evening at Concert Hall and are applauding with great earnestness expressions like the following. This is a wicked, unholy and infamous war and never should have existed. 10/28 FRIDAY - Stormy, no work in the shop. Bought a hat for George's friend, the postmaster at St. Augustine, Mr. George Cole, price, $5.00. I sent it by mail; the postage was 78 cents, weighing 13 ounces at 6 cents per ounce. I put it in a band box. I wrote a letter in the evening to Mr. Cole about the hat and enclosed the bill - $5.78. I wrote to George also, stating that I had mailed the hat to Mr. Cole. Fanny came home on the freight train this evening from Hartford County. She brought me 2 dozen of Griswold's Salve. 10/29 SATURDAY - No work on the shop. I went hunting in the afternoon with John Cosier. We went up by Philo Wildman's and nearly to Neversink Pond. We came home down through Tamarack Woods and by the cemetery. I got 4 quail, John got nothing. I gave the birds to Alden Crosby for the powder and shot he bought for me for that purpose. I had Mr. F. G. Jackson's dog, 'Milo'. Gussie went with me to market and to take Milo home in the evening. While we were hunting, it rained for a while and we got pretty wet. 10/30 SUNDAY - Brother Hill preached in the morning. Harriet attended Methodist meeting in the forenoon to tell me to get a team if I could and come for Mother at noon and take her to church. I got Thomas Lyon's horse and did so. A Mr. Buckley, who has been preaching at the 1st Church preached for us in the P.M. Lt. Colonel Moegling of the 11th Connecticut Volunteers was buried from the 1st Congregational at 2 P.M. I did not go out in the evening, retired early. We have had sunshine and clouds during the day, but no rain. A special train from Norwalk bringing Norwalk Military Company and Masons to Mr. Moegling's funeral. 10/31 MONDAY - Pleasant. I have had work all day in the shop. I worked as long as I could see and longer too to finish off my dozen and get out of the way of the other men as these are to be numbers for the blocks tomorrow. Mrs. Stone did three weeks' washing for us today, she not being able to come last week as usual on account of her being sick. They have been making Freemen at the Courthouse today. I brought home an old paper box from the shop and cut into gun wads after tea. I went to market for Mother Griswold in the evening and called at the clubroom to hear the evening news. The news is that the official news of the Pennsylvania soldiers' vote is 12,000 for the Republicans. The horse trainer has been here today. He gave a public exhibition in the street.
1864-10