Horace Purdy Journal, October 1860 Entry
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OCTOBER 01 – MONDAY – A heavy frost last night. It commenced raining about 9 o’clock and continued stormy all day. I have worked in the shop all day as usual. My trade is good just now; we are very much hurried. Father Griswold returned this evening from a nine day tour of his district (the New Haven of which he is the presiding elder). Our society meeting was held at the church this evening, but few being present, the meeting was adjourned. I did not attend. OCTOBER 02 – TUESDAY – Cloudy most of the time during the day. A hard shower just at night about dark, and for about a half an hour, I never saw it train so hard. It poured down in torrents. After tea, I put on some old clothes with my rubber boots and attended Hatters’ Meeting under Concert Hall. OCTOBER 03 – WEDNESDAY – Pleasant. Our company of Wide-Awakes went to New York today for a Grand National Torch Light Procession this evening. In the evening, I took Brother McDonald’s horse and carried Brother Pegg over to Great Plain School House to preach. His text was Hebrews, the 11th chapter, the last part of the 27th verse. I received a letter from D. F. Taylor in Bethel with a dollar enclosed to replace the one he gave me for blacking which was not good. OCTOBER 04 - THURSDAY - Cloudy and foggy in the morning, sunshine in the forenoon, and rain in the afternoon. I have worked very hard today. I rose home with Jacob Fry and then I lent him an umbrella to walk home with. Gussie attended a lecture with Abel and Harriet in the evening on “Physiology and Anatomy” by John Collet, MD. I was too tired to go myself and enjoy it so I went to market and returned home, after which I helped Father Griswold put up his kitchen stove. OCTOBER 05 – FRIDAY – Cloudy and some rain during the day. It cleared off in the evening. Father and Mother Griswold, Abel and Harriet all started for Hartford this afternoon. I attended drill in the evening. Susan Watson came in the evening after Gussie had gone to the Physiological Lecture by Dr. Collett at Concert Hall. When we returned, she had taken possession of the house. OCTOBER 06 – SATURDAY – Clear and cool. We prepared our breakfast over home and ate it with Miss Watson and Fanny. They both came over and took tea with us. Gussie attended the lecture in the evening and I went to market. I called a short time in Singing School and then went over to the lecture to walk home with Gussie. We carried our house plants in the parlor this morning. Before I went to bed, I went over and helped fanny take in her plants. OCTOBER 07 – SUNDAY – Cool in the morning. The day has been pleasant. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Isaiah, the 63rd chapter, the last three words of the 1st verse, viz., “Mighty to save”. Our presiding elder, William Hoyt, preached in the evening from Matthew 25:23. A good sermon. Noah Hoyt called while we were at super. We attended prayer meeting in the evening. The wife of Seely hull was found dead this morning. The cause was drunkenness. OCTOBER 08 – MONDAY - Rain in the morning. Clouds and some sunshine during the day. Pleasant in the evening. I went to market and attended Dr. Collett’s lecture with Gussie in the evening. Before we went I mailed to papers (The Jeffersonian) to Edwin in Ohio. OCTOBER 09 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I have worked as usual in the shop. Augusta and myself attended Collett’s lecture again in the evening. Subject, “The Brain”. It was very interesting. OCTOBER 10 – WEDNESDAY – We had to wait considerable for work in the shop today. Gussie attended Dr. Collett’s private lecture to the ladies this afternoon. I attended the one to gentle =men in the evening. OCTOBER 11 – THURSDAY – I went to the shop and finished off a dozen hats which I had out. There not being any more ready, I came home and stayed until noon when I returned and worked all the PM. In the meantime, William Keeler brought my keg of cider for vinegar which I put in the cellar when I came home. Gussie spent the day up home. I bought a barrel of Mainsworth Pippins of Noah Hoyt in the evening. I paid one dollar for them. OCTOBER 12 – FRIDAY – I worked as usual in the shop. David Lonagan brought a barrel of cider to the shop today. We paid him for it, giving him 6 cents apiece. Noah Hoyt sent my apples to me today – one barrel. I attended military meeting in the evening. When I came home, I found Father and Mother and Aunt Mary there. They had spent the evening with Gussie. OCTOBER 13 – SATURDAY – I have worked all day in the shop. Fanny and Susan Watson took tea with us. I went to a special Hatters’ Meeting in the evening, called to consider the case of Edward Corvain, who for misconduct was discharged some time ago from Tweedy’s Shop and who now wishes to go back again when there is a full complement of apprentices. There being but one signer for the call of the meeting present, the meeting, by a vote, was adjourned. I went to market and on my way home, stopped at Dr. Riders’ and engaged two barrels of winter apples. Four varieties, one half barrel of each- Fall Pippins, Greenings, Sweet Yancey and Vanderbeers at one dollar a barrel. After I came home, I drew some cider for the benefit of Miss Watson and myself. Gussie drank a little, but Fanny, as usual, refused. I paid my tax while I was in the street to Dr. Brown, $1.09, Dog Tax, 50 cents. I paid Fanny $5.00 for Gussie, the ones that Mother Griswold had and sold to Gussie before she went away. OCTOBER 14 - SUNDAY – Cloudy all day. Brother Pegg preached in the morning from Luke 5:18-26. Sunday School Prayer Meeting at noon. Caroline Francis’ uncle from Newark, New Jersey, was there and opened the meeting and talked some. Sacrament at noon. Aunt Harriet and Cyrus came up last night to Father’s. She came to meeting with Mother and came home with us to tea. Cyrus and George went to Bethel to church. It was so stormy in the evening that we did not attend church. I wrote a letter to Uncle Chauncey and Aunt Ruth and sent her the double variegated poppy seed which I promised her when I visited there. Gussie wrote one to Eliza in California. OCTOBER 15 – MONDAY - A little snow last night. It was seen on the mountains, but it soon disappeared. It cleared away this morning and was pleasant. Fanny being away from home, Gussie went over and got tea for Miss Watson and I went over and took tea with them. I went to market in the evening. I called at Mr. Woodford’s store and got Fanny’s premium of W. Olmstead for her painting which she had in the Fair. It was only 50 cents. I went to the Society’s meeting at the church also. I mailed a letter to Uncle Chauncey Griswold. OCTOBER 16 – TUESDAY – Dr. Rider sent my apples to me this morning before I went to the shop. Theodore Fowler, our foreman was married today and started on the afternoon train for Pennsylvania. OCTOBER 17 – WEDNESDAY - The Wide-Awakes went to bethel last night and were addressed by Cyrus Northup, Crofut of the Jeffersonian, and William Judd of that place. I paid Dr. Rider for my barrels of apples, delivered yesterday and bought last Saturday. Gussie wrote a letter to her Father and Mother in Bloomfield. We attended class in the evening. OCTOBER 18 – THURSDAY – I have worked in the shop as usual today. We have had quite a Republican demonstration this evening. The Ridgefield and Bethel Wide-Awakes have been with us. They made an appearance in the street. After the parade they and the citizens were addressed by C. Ferry in Concert Hall. Gussie and myself witnessed the parade and then came home. Gussie received a letter from Anne and enclosed was one from Edwin. OCTOBER 19 FRIDAY – George called this morning while we were at breakfast. I have worked hard all day in the shop. Susan Watson went away this afternoon on the train. I mailed a Jeffersonian to Eliza in California. I went to drill in the evening. George went with me. He is going to drill with us so as to turn out for our target practice on the 31st. We are going over to Father Griswold’s to sleep tonight as Fanny is alone in the house. OCTOBER 20 – SATURDAY – It commenced raining about 5 o’clock this morning. I have had work all day with the other Drab finishers finishing off a lot of Pecunia Colored Brush Hats for California. The Black finishers have had no work. After tea, I went downtown to engage Mrs. Beach to help us clean next week. OCTOBER 21 – SUNDAY – Rain in the morning and cloudy all day. .Brother preached in the morning from Amos 6:12. In the PM, from Isaiah 64:6. Subject “Fading Leaves”. Mother told me today that Henry Brayman drove up from Norwalk with two passengers which were left by the cars. They arrived at Father’s about 12 o’clock. He called them up and talked about a half an hour and then started back for Norwalk. George Washington, “The Colored Preacher”, preached at 4 ½ o’clock at our church, his object being to solicit aid to build a church for the colored people in ____. We did not attend. We stayed at home in the evening. We paid a short call on Horace Crofut, our old tenant after tea. OCTOBER 22 – MONDAY – No work in the shop today. I carried a coat up to Louis Moegling this morning to be dyed; also two umbrellas to Comstock to be mended. At the same time, I mailed two letters for Gussie and two papers to Edwin – the Jeffersonian and the Hartford Daily Courant. I came home and drew the tacks from the sitting room and bedroom carpets preparatory to cleaning tomorrow. In the evening, I hired a horse and carriage and took Gussie up to Mr. Wise’s to get her Calceolaria, but Mr. Wise was not home. From there we rode up to the Water Works reservoir. On our return, I carried my apples into the cellar after getting a half barrel of Greenings from Thomas Barnum. Just before tea, I went down to B. Bradley’s to get my money which he drew for me at the shop - $15.00. Fanny came in and took tea with us. We went to market and then attended Quaker Meeting at Concert Hall in the evening. OCTOBER 23 – TUESDAY – Mrs. Beach has been cleaning for us today. I have been home all day to help them. There has been no work in the shop. Fanny took dinner and tea with us. I received a letter from Father Griswold requesting me to carry in his list for taxation as he will not be home in time. I went to market in the evening. OCTOBER 24 – WEDNESDAY- We slept over home last night and got our breakfast there this morning. I cleaned my stove pipe and got a new set of bricks to line the stove with. I spent the day at home. We finished nailing down carpets and got things in their place again. I commenced putting another coat of paint on my front fence in the PM. I went to class in the evening. A good meeting. Brother McDonald led. OCTOBER 25 – THURSDAY – I have had work in the shop today. I bought 1o bushels of charcoal at 10 cents a bushel at noon and came home with the man to see about putting it in my cellar. We attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. Harriet and Abel came home by the evening train from their visit in Hartford County. OCTOBER 26 – FRIDAY – Bailey’s Circus is here today. They stop here for the winter. I finished my work in the shop at noon, after which I went to Oliver Stone’s office and handed in Father Griswold’s tax list and my own. I then came home and painted on my fence. In the meantime, Gussie went up home to see and help Mother who is sick. I went to drill in the evening. OCTOBER 27 – SATURDAY – I went to the shop in the morning, but the work not being ready, I came home. John Raymond came home with me. After he went away, I commenced painting my fence again. After dinner, I banked up around my house. Theodore Fowler, our foreman, came home on the morning train from his wedding tour. I had the headache in the evening. OCTOBER 28 – SUNDAY – A heavy frost this morning. Cooler and cloudy. Jacob Shaw from Redding preached for us. Text in the morning – Psalms 50:2. In the PM, Habakkuk 1:13. He is a dull preacher when compared with Brother Pegg. He is very easy in his manner of preaching, although his reasoning is very good. Brother Pegg is in Hartford today, his last appointment before coming here. After the afternoon service, the funeral of Walter Smith, son-in-law of Mr. Nichols, was attended at the home of Mr. Nichols. They being Presbyterian people, Mr. Coe attended the funeral. After tea, we went up home to see Mother who has been sick. We spent nearly the whole evening there. We did not attend the Prayer Meeting. OCTOBER 29 – MONDAY – Cloudy all day. A very little rain. I worked in the shop all day. I lent $15.00 to Nelson Nickerson until we get our pay which we did not get today on account of Mr. Crofut being in New York. Teachers’ Meeting in the evening. Gussie attended, but I went to extra drill at the Military Hall. OCTOBER 30 – TUESDAY – No work in the shop. Fanny sewed a new sweat (band) in a military hat for George to wear on the target Excursion tomorrow. Father Griswold came home on the morning train. In the PM, he went to the 1st Congregational Church to preside at the Sabbath School Convention which is to last two days, commencing today. He went to organize the convention before dinner. In the PM, I went up to Louis Moegling’s with Gussie and carried a shawl to be dyed. I got my coat which had been dyed and carried it to Stevens & Hoyt’s to be made over. While there, I selected a pattern and ordered a vest, after which, I went over to the Convention. At 8 o’clock in the evening, we went to the church to see Brother Pegg marry Susan Holmes to Dwight Baldwin. The knot was splendidly tied with a crowded house. He is a habitual drinker and is often intoxicated. Her friends prophesy trouble for her. OCTOBER 31 – WEDNESDAY – It rained very hard in the forenoon. I went up to Military Hall to see about the
1860-10-01
Horace Purdy Journal, May 1862 Entry
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MAY 01 – THURSDAY – Mr. Baxter came this morning to build my woodhouse. It began to rain at noon so that he could do nothing in the PM. I went to market in the evening and brought home a gallon of ale from John Rowan’s. I intend to take a little of it every day and see if I gain a little strength and flesh. MAY 02 – FRIDAY – Stormy. I have worked all day in the shop although I have suffered with the headache. The men in the shop having concluded to take no more orders and that we have our pay in cash hereafter as other journeymen are getting in other establishments, the shop hands were called together at Mr. Crofut’s request to hear his proposition which he would make to the men. He proposed to pay us 3 or 5 dollars as he could on Monday and every two weeks thereafter to pay us off in full. But what he now owed the men he wanted to pay off as he could for a while to come. He thought he could probably pay in a few weeks. The proposition was unanimously accepted by the men. He further said that he would like to have us take orders if we could make it convenient to do so for the amount now due us. Father Griswold settled up with Mr. Edward Warren today and reserved according to agreement when he went to work $12.00 which he owed me towards home rent. I charged Father Griswold the money to go towards what I owe him. I took care of Eddie in the evening to let Gussie go to market and to the milliners. MAY 03 – SATURDAY – After I finished my work at the shop, I went over to Mr. Lynes’ and bought two evergreen trees. His hired man having to go to the cars for Mr. Lynes, he brought me and the trees home. I set them immediately. I paid 25 cents each. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills who is in the army near Yorktown under general McClellan. Enclosed was his and his brother’s picture taken on a card. MAY 04 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. I went to church in the morning as usual. Brother Wooley, late chaplain of the 8th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers under General Burnside in North Carolina, preached for us from Romans 11:3. After Sunday School was out, I came home and Gussie attended in the PM. Father and Mother came down after tea and went to hear Mr. Wooley give a lecture in the evening on the war and his experiences as chaplain at the battles of Roanoke Island and New Berne. He is lecturing and taking collections to procure chaplains’ tents and books and good reading matter for soldiers The two Presbyterian and Baptist churches closed their churches and assembled in mass at our church to hear the lecture. The house was filled to overflowing. Mother Griswold took care of the baby so that Gussie and I could attend. It was very interesting. Mr. Gilbert, the carpenter, lost a boy about 5 years old last night with Scarlet Fever. MAY 05 – MONDAY – Showers all day with some very heavy thunder. I had some words with John Pollett about a shilling I owed him when making change for an apple tree I sold him on the 19th of last month. I paid him the shilling twice on account of his forgetting that I had paid him the first time. I paid him the second time Saturday evening just before we left the shop. I told him that I had paid him twice and he called me a liar. I believe that he was honest in thinking that he had not paid me previously, he having forgotten it completely and he being naturally very impulsive and quick tempered, I made allowances accordingly, thinking that he would feel ashamed of it after he got cool and was able to think about calmly. It was hard work for me to submit to such abuse, but I did and thereby avoided a quarrel which I am now very thankful for. After work, I went up to his house for some Dahlia roots. We have had news today that the rebels have evacuated Yorktown and the cannon has been fired in the street during the PM and evening. I mailed a letter to Cousin Charles Mills this evening who is in the army at Yorktown. Moses Baxter has been at work today building my woodhouse. MAY 06 – TUESDAY -Showery again today. The atmosphere s cooler after the thunder. Moses Baxter completed my woodhouse today. His bill was $2.75. I paid him $2.00. MAY 07 – WEDNESDAY –Pleasant, but quite windy, very much like March. Before and after tea, I worked around my woodhouse, finishing it off, etc. MAY 08 – THURSDAY - I stayed at home today and worked in my garden leveling off from the new stone work, picking up stones, etc. I also moved my woodhouse about a foot and a half further front. Gussie went downtown in the forenoon and bought her a new black silk dress pattern. I went to market in the evening and bought a shad and sent it up home by George for Father Griswold as a present. MAY 09 – FRIDAY – It has been warmer today. This is the anniversary of the departure for Washington of the 1st Regiment for the state for three months. We broke camp after 4 PM and marched to Long Wharf in New Haven and went on board off the steamer, “Bienville”. We waited for high water until about 10 o’clock when we sailed. I have not felt like work today. I left off early and came home with harry to graft off two little apple trees. Gussie and I went up home in the evening. I carried another hat to Father. MAY 10 – SATURDAY – Pleasant and warm, but very windy. Father finished planting his potato toes today on Father Griswold’s new plowed ground around hid house. After tea, I set out a new bed of strawberries. Gussie went into the street in the evening. MAY 11 – SUNDAY – Pleasant, but cooler. I went to church as usual in the morning. Gussie went in the PM. It was the Sacrament Service. Brother Crawford preached in the morning from Matthew 13:3-8. I went to church in the evening. Mother came down and went with me. Brother Crawford preached from Mark, 10th chapter, first clause of the 21st verse. MAY 12 – MONDAY – Father has been to work for me today making the garden. I stayed at home and helped. We have had glorious war news. Norfolk was taken by General Wood’s forces. The rebel iron-clad war steamer which has caused us so much anxiety and our navy no little trouble has been blown up by the rebels to prevent it from falling into our hands. The bells have been ruing and the cannon fired as usual on the receipt of good war news. I attended teachers Meeting in the evening. I copied the minutes before retiring. One year ago today, our regiment (the 1st Connecticut for three months) landed at the arsenal yard in the city of Washington. MAY 13 – TUESDAY – Warm, muggy and very smoky. Father has worked for me again today. I went to the shop, but there being a great deal of waiting for work, I came home again and worked in my garden. We went up to John Cosier’s in the evening. Gussie brought home some house plants and I a jug of cider. One year ago today, our regiment marched from the arsenal yard in Washington up through the city to our first camp since we left Connecticut. We named it Camp Buckingham in honor of our Governor. MAY 14 – WEDNESDAY – We were stinted at the shop today on 2 dozen 6/ hats. I came home early and planted potatoes, corn and peas in my garden. Father has worked for me again today spading my garden. Burr Bradley came home with me to get some lettuce to set out. I started pretty late for class. As I was going in the church door, the class members were going out. They said that there was no class because there was no one there to lead it, not a male member being present. MAY 15 – THURSDAY – Father finished spading my garden this noon. On account of being limited on work at the shop, I came home early. I was very much satisfied, since my head ached so much that I was willing to quit. It has been very warm. I planted some more seeds in my garden just before dark. While doing it, Mr. Filly from Ridgefield called with Isaac Smith to see Father Griswold’s folks. Gussie is severely afflicted with a swelling under her arm and besides, she has had a sick headache today. She was not able to get tea, so we took tea upstairs with Mother Griswold. MAY 16 – FRIDAY – We were stinted again in the shop today thought it took me until dark to get it up. I received a letter from Cousin David Mills from the Connecticut 5th Regiment, General Banks’ division, near Harrisburg, Virginia. Old Father Wildman, as we call him, brought me 30 beanpoles which I had previously engaged. MAY 18 – SATURDAY – I have worked as usual in the shop I received 30 No. 2 catechisms from New York through Starr & Smith for the Sunday School. The bill was36 cents. I called and paid it in the evening. I bought a shad from Raymond’s in the evening weighing 4 lbs., 6 ounces and got trusted for it until Monday. After tea, I set may beanpoles but did not plant the beans. MAY 18 – SUNDAY – I went to church as usual in the morning. Brother Crawford gave us a good sermon from the last clause of the 4st verse of the 3rd chapter of Ezra. He particularly exhorted us to the faithful discharge of every duty each day as these duties presented themselves and not to defer them until these duties stand up before us a great mountain of Christian duties neglected. It was applicable to all and I am sure it cannot fail to accomplish some good. I came home after Sunday School and Gussie attended in the PM. At 4 ½ o’clock, I met with the Sunday School at the church and at 5 o’clock, we assembled with the 1st and 2nd Congregational and the Baptist schools at the 1st Congregational church where we had an interesting time. Singing by the children and speeches by the several pastors and superintendents. I stayed at home in the evening and Gussie went to church. MAY 19 – MONDAY – I planted my lima beans and set out my dahlias this morning and I was consequently late in getting to the shop. It rained a little before noon, but the ground being very dry, there was not enough of it to do much good. We are still limited in our work in the shop. After work, I went up to Mr. Witherspoon’s to get some early York cabbage plants and came home and transplanted them. His boy came home with me to get some lettuce plants. I set out some more myself, sowed some more radishes and some red Dutch cabbage seed and some broad leaf cress or some pepper grass. I paid Charles Bell for the hoe I bought of him last week this morning on my way to the shop. I went into the street in the evening and paid Avery Raymond also for a shad which I bought of him last Saturday – 35 cents. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills in the army under McClellan pressing on and near to the rebel capital of Richmond, Virginia. Father Griswold came home in the evening. MAY 20 – TUESDAY – I had work to the amount of $2.50 today. On my way home, I stopped at Charles Hull’s and had a piece of glass cut to put over Charles and David Mills’ picture in a frame. I went over to Mrs. McDonald’s and paid my milk bill - $1.40. I answered Cousin Charles Mills’ letter in the evening. Gussie went into the street in the evening and by Mother’s request ordered a bag of flour ($1.08) on my account to be sent up home and to be taken out of what I owe Father for gardening. MAY 21 – WEDNESDAY – Cloudy and just at night misty with a little rain. George Fenner came up with me when I came home from work. We walked around my premises and Father Griswold’s and went up into the cupola of his new house. I wrote a letter to Cousin David mills of the 5th Connecticut Regiment, General Banks’ division near Harrisburg, Virginia and went down in the evening to mail it with one to Charles which I wrote last night and a Danbury Times to each of them. I then went to market after which it was too late to go to class meeting and I came home. Father came down this morning before I went to work and I settled with him for the gardening, etc. MAY 22 – THURSDAY – A thunder shower last night. Cloudy in the morning, but it soon came off pleasant and warm. Gussie went to the store in the evening and I stayed with Eddie and wrote to the Book Room ordering 47 copies of the Teachers’ Journal and enclosing $7.00 to pay for them for one year. MAY 23 – FRIDAY – Pleasant. I have worked in the shop as usual. I hoed out my strawberries after tea. In the evening, I went downtown and mailed the letter which I wrote last night to the Book Room ordering 47 copies of the Teachers’ Journal for the Sunday School and enclosed $7.00 to pay for the subscriptions for one year. MAY 24 SATURDAY – Cool but pleasant. I took off some old boards on the backside of my wood house and nailed some new ones in place of them. Theodore put me on Black work today. I went to market in the evening. I brought home two glass cones for my lamp and some porgies for breakfast. MAY 25 – SUNDAY – Pleasant but cool. Warmer just at night. Frost this morning. I attended church this morning. Brother Crawford preached from 1st Timothy 2:1-2. After Sunday School, I came home and Gussie went in the PM. Bell came down after tea and she and Louisa took care of Eddie while Gussie took a walk up to the cemetery with Cousin Mary Purdy. I did some writing in the Sunday School’s Secretary & Treasurer’s Book as usual and walked around the premises. Thomas Barnum called and we went around Father Griswold’s new house and then I walked up to his house with him. Previous to this, Phineas Lounsbury, while walking out from his house in their back lot next to Father Griswold’s premises came over in my yard where I was and we went into the new house after which he went to the 5 ½ o’clock prayer meeting. I went to prayer meeting in the evening. Mother came in from meeting to my house for Bell who stayed with Gussie in the evening. MAY 26 – MONDAY – Cool but pleasant. The country is pretty well aroused over the retreat of General Banks for Harrisburg, Virginia back to Maryland crossing the Potomac at Williamsport. The rebel Thomas Jackson who pursues him has been strongly reinforced. On my way home from the shop, I went to Robinson’s and brought home my clock which he has been cleaning. When putting on the pendulum when I got home, I broke the pendulum wire and in the evening, I took it back again. MAY 27 – TUESDAY – Stormy. I set out some tomato plants this morning. I worked in the shop all day. I came home by way of Robinson’s Jewelry Store and brought home my clock which he had been cleaning. MAY 28 – WEDNESDAY- I stayed at home in the forenoon and cut through the wall and floor to lay a foundation for a new chimney in our sink room. It has been cloudy with drizzling rain in the forenoon. Brother Crawford made us a pastoral call in the AM. Pleasant in the PM. I went to the shop. I went to class in the evening. Brother John Cosier led it. MAY 29 – THURSDAY – Pretty cold last night. A heavy frost in some places this morning, although my garden escaped injury. Gussie went up home in the PM and I went up to tea. Mother gave us a nice pail of milk to take home with us. After we got home, I went downtown to get something for breakfast. Eddie is nine months old today. MAY 30 – FRIDAY – I have worked all day in the shop. We have had a new block come today, called the “Bomb Shell Block”. Daniel Manly gave me a new and very early variety of potatoes. I brought them home and planted them to get the seed. I made 13 hills of them. I went into the street with Gussie in the evening. We called to see Mr. John Rowan who has been blind for years and has been to New York to have his eyes operated on. His sight is greatly improved. He is going again. We have news today of the evacuation of Corinth by the rebels under Beauregard. MAY 31 – SATURDAY – I have worked in the shop as usual. On my way home, I bought a sheet iron thimble for the sink room chimney which I am to have built. I brought home a bottle of ale from Randell’s to try before purchasing a dozen bottles which I am thinking of doing. It is a benefit to me to drink a little each day if I can get that which is good. This has been highly recommended to me. I have bought a blank book in which to keep an account of all the money I expend. I shall commence tomorrow
1862-05
Horace Purdy Journal, July 1862 Entry
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7/1 - Tuesday - Stephen Holmes boy Charly died this morning with inflamation in the bowels. I went to the savings bank before going to the shop and paid $21 interest money. After work hoed the garden and helped Father Griswold set out some tomatoes and cabbage plants. Went to market in the evening and to the Hatters Meeting. I didn't get home til 10 o'clock. Father has been plowing out his potatoes. Mother and Bell called in the evening. 7/2 Wednesday -Worked till noon then came home to dinner. Went to the funeral of Charly Holmes. He was a member of our Sabbath School. The School assembled at 1 o'clock and the service was at 2 o'clock. It rained all afternoon. A large portion of the scholars were present and sang the hymns commencing with Our Sweet Flower Has Drooped and Faded. Father Griswold officiated. I went up to the cemetary. Burr Bradley walked under my umbrella and we walked home by his house to keep him dry. He gave me some cabbage plants. 7/3 Thursday. Worked in the shop. I sent a letter by Beatty's Stage to Abel Grey who makes and supplies us with butter. A telegraph this afternoon that there was a heavy battle on Tuesday near Richmond. Our loss was estimated at 15,000. Louisa took care of Eddie in the evening and Gussie and I went into the street. 7/4 Friday - I hoed in my garden and went to practice with my pistol at a target in the afternoon. In the PM Gussie and I took a walk with the baby in his carriage . Went up to Emily Anderson's and then down to the new fountain at the foot of Main Street and up home to Father Purdy's . Stayed a short time and came home. on our way back from Emily Anderson's we stopped at Mr. Rowan's and took some ice cream. The day has been very quiet for Independence Day. 7/5 Saturday - Worked as usual in the shop. Henry Benedict was buried this afternoon. It is reported that Robert Nostrand had his leg amputated this PM. I later learned that this was false . The Doctor only took out some pieces of bone. I went to market in the evening. Bought a paper (the Post) to get news from McClellan's army near Richmond. He has been fighting for eight days and our losses are near 20,000 as far as can be made out. Rebel losses are much heavier. No fighting since Tuesday as far as we are informed. We had a dispatch today that Vicksburg on the Mississippi is taken. I believe this is the last rebel stronghold on the river. I came back at 9 o'clock and went up home for my clothes that mother washed. I brought home a pail of milk. When I returned I got some water from the brook and put it in a large tub and gave myself a good washing over my whole body. 7/6 Sunday - Had our first young men's prayer meeting at 9 o'clock. Brother Crawford preached. George was in Stamford today so I was Librarian and Secretary. I stayed for afternoon service. Brother Crawford preached from the same text as I heard from Dr. Ryan in Washington DC on May 19th of 1861 previouse to our crossing the Potomac. Congregation and school was small today on account of the excesive heat. Gussie went to prayer meeting in the evening. 7/7 Monday - I worked hard in the shop. After tea I wnet to the post office where I met Uncle Edwin. I had a long talk about his family, the loss of Mary and her two children. Cousin Edwin and the boy living with him now have the same complaint, the diptheria. 7/8 Tuesday -Picked cherries from Father Griswold's tree before breakfast so Gussie could make some pies. Geroge came home on the train today. He came from Stamford to Ridgefield last night, stopped there and came today walking as far as Bethel. Stopped at Aunt Harriet's in Bethel then took the train home. Worked late at the shop to finish a dozen hats. Took care of Eddie in the evening so Gussie could go to the milliner. 7/9 Wednesday - Have all the work I can do in the shop today. Gussie went over to Mrs. Cyrus White's in the PM to the Sewing Society and took Eddy with her. I got my own supper and put up a shelf in the sink room. I went into the street about 9 o'clock for a loaf of bread.7/10 Thursday - It has been very smoky today. The sun looked like a ball of fire and the moon looked the same. Worked hard in the shop. After supper I helped Father Griswold set out some celery plants. I then went to market and brought home a loaf of bread and a peck of round clams. Lieutenant Andrew Knox of the 1st Connecticut Artillery came home on the train this evening. He was in the battle near Richmond. Eddie has broken out with measles and has the whooping cough. 7/11 Friday - Mother was with us to tea. George came down and returned my carpet bag that he used to go to Bridgeport on the 4th, and to Stamford and Ridgefield. We are in doubt whether Eddy has whooping cough or the measles although he coughs considerably. Mother Griswold and Louisa took care of him in the evening to let us go into the street. 7/12 Saturday - I worked until a short time after dinner and came home as I was very tired, having worked hard all week. Mr. Ball, one of Father Griswold's masons put the finishing coat over the plastering on my chimney in the sink room just before 6 o'clock. Gussie went up home so I got my tea upstairs with Mother Griswold. Gussie went to the milliners in the evening and I took care of Eddie 7/13 Sunday - Went to men's prayer meeting at 9 o'clock and Brother Crawford preached. Came home after Sunday School prayer meeting and Gussie went in the PM. I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to hear our Presiding Elder Mr. C. Hoyt preach. Sacrament in the PM. John Carpenter Jr. and Henry Heinman were baptized. 7/14 Monday - I worked in the shop. It was our usual payday and I drew $21.00 for 2 weeks work. I attended Sunday School Teachers business meeting and copied the minutes before I retired to rest. Father Griswold and Fanny came home from New York on the evening train. 7/15 Tuesday - Spent the day at home white washing, moving the stove into the sink room, [bolting] down oil cloth, buying zinc and making 2 frames upon which to nail it to protect the wood work behind the stove from the heat, filing my saw and mowing my door yard and it was dark when I finished. 7/16 Wednesday - I came home to dinner. Mother went to the funeral of the child of Robert Sayres. Isabella came down in the PM and stayed to tea. I sent a bottle of cider by her to Father. A thunder shower came in the PM so I did not go to class in the evening. Father Griswold's sofa, parlor table, oil cloth and carpet came from New York today. They were taken into our house to await the finishing of their new one. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills in McClellan's army near Richmond. 7/17 Thursday - Worked all day in the shop. Robert Fry came for my door yard grass after tea. A special Hatters Meeting in the evening to give a card to [Saul] Sniffens. He was [rejected]. After the meeting I saw Lieut. Knox at Bennett's store. He is home on furlough. 7/18 Friday - Gov. Buckingham came on a special train at 12 o'clock to hold a meeting in the evening to get volunteers for the war. We had a cannon at the ship and all hands turned ourt to salute the Gov. The train stopped and he presented himself at the door, head uncovered to acknowledge the compliment. A large enthusiastic meeting was held at concert hall in the evening. Lieut Gov. Averill presided and spoke, the Gov. , Mr. Gilbert, a Mr. Hoyt who is preaching at the Baptist Church during Mr. Stone's absence in Europe, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Clark, the Presbyterian minister from New Fairfield, and Thomas St. John who was drunk and made a failure. Capt Moore was there and quite a few came forward after the meeting and enlisted in his new company. 7/19 Saturday - I came home to dinner instead of carrying it. I worked late in the shop in order to finish up the work I had. Cousin George Hall from Sodom called as I came from work. He went over to stay with Cousin Harriet. I went into the street in the evening. 7/20 Sunday - I went to 9 o'clock prayer meeting and George handed me a letter from Cousin David Mills, 5th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Gen. Banks division dated 3 miles from Warrington VA. George took it out of the post office last evening, M.r Crawford preached in the AM. We had a short Sunday School shool session and an intermission before going up to the First Congregational Church to a gathering of Sunday Schools for School concert to take the place of regular afternoon services. I came home at intermission to let Gussie go to the concert. I took care of Eddy and wrote to Cousin David Mills. Gussie came home and reported an interesting meeting. After tea Mary Purdy came over with George Hall. It being rainy we did not attend church in the evening. They stayed until after 9 o'clock. 7/21 Monday - Anniversary of the battle of Bull Run. I worked in the shop until 7 o'clock. After tea I went down town and mailed my letter to Cousin David Mills. 7/22 Tuesday - George had some diffuculty with Father about leaving home and came to the shop to see me. He called at the house when I was at tea and I wrote a letter for him to [Binghamton] to E. A. Sanford to see about a situation for him to make firearms. We went into the street and he went to class and I mailed the letter. I then went to Military Hall to see how Capt. Moore was doing in getting volunteers. He is doing well with about 50 men already. I bought some groceries and came home. 7/23 Wednesday - In the forenoon I came very near enlisting with 5 of my shopmates, John Brush, Charles Small, Hiram Crofut, Flagler and John Rooney. We were all ready to go to the Recruiting Office except John Rooney who first took off his apron but put it on again immediately. I went to market in the evening. 7/24 Thursday - A special town meeting this afternoon to vote a bounty to the volunteers enlisting for the war under the President's call for 300,000 more men. I stopped work to go but heard that the business was done and the meeting adjourned. $125.00 bounty was voted to all who enlisted under this call previous and until August 20th. I went home and worked in my garden. Also went over to Mr. Hurd's and got some strawberrry plants and set them out. They are Hooker and what he called the None Such, and I got some of both. In the evening I called at Thomas Barnum's to see if he wanted a shop at the Pahquioque. I then went down town and walked up with Mr. Swift to the new dealer who bought out Smith. I had conversation with him about renting my upper rooms. George today has procured a stituation at Sturdevant's Factory at hardening [reals] 7/25 Friday - Just a year ago this afternoon the 1st Connecticut Regiment marched from camp to Meridian HIll Washington D.C. to the arsenal to deposit our arms and from there to the depot to return home after 3 months, including the Battle of Bull Run. The cars did not start until midnight, having to wait for a train arriving with troops. I was told they were a portion of Sickle's brigade. I worked all day in the shop and was very tired when I came home. After tea I propped up my pea vines and went to market. 7/26 Saturday - I brought some turnip plants home from the shop which Daniel Manley gave me and planted them before tea. I went into the street in the evening and paid for a lobster whieich Avery Raymond brought up according to order. 7/27 Sunday - I went to the Young Mens prayer meeting in the morning and came home after Sunday School. Mary Purdy offer to take care of Eddy so I went back to church with Gussie. Brother Crawford preached. A horse ran away as people were going to church in the morning. He came on the sidewalk and ran over several women and badly injured Mrs. Richards, Widow Eli Rockwell, Mrs Nathan Bennnett, John Stone's wife and her sister. I have been told others were hurt but have not yet learned their names. George came home with us to tea. After tea Gussie and I took Eddy in his carriage and called at Mrs. Richards' and at Mrs. Rockwell's. From there we went over to Burr Bradley's and then over to Town Hill to John Pollitt's . We did not got to meeting in the evening. 7/28 Monday - Worked hard all day at the shop. Pay day and I drew $18 for the last 2 weeks. After tea we left the baby with Mother Griswold and went into the street to do some trading. Capt. Moore's company of volunteers were out in the street in the eveninig parading with music. They leave for Hartford on the train tomorrow morning. 7/29 Tuesday - I have been toubled with a pain in my breast and side today. Came home earlier on that account. I came by Mr. Wright's paint shop and paid him 12 cents which I owed him. Bell came down and stayed for tea. Anna Purdy is worse. She had a spell of bleeding last night and another today. I brought home a pound of shellac for Father Griswold. 7/30 Wednesday - I have not felt very well today. William Judson from a Pennsylvania regiment under McClellan was at the shop. He was wounded, having lost a finger and a portion of another in the battle for Richmond. I tried to take up a collection for him to enable hime to get to New York, he being a pretty hard case. I did not succeed as the men feared he would spend it on liquor as I also feared. 7/31 Thursday - I felt better today but still not very strong. I worked until 5 o'clock and went down to the railroad bridge with E. Stevens, George Fenner, and Joseph Young to bathe and wash. Mrs. Russell Wildman and Lucy called after tea. Our folks went with them up to the new house. I went into the street in the evening. Stirring news in the papers. It is reported that 10 iron clad gun boats have come over from England and have broken the blockade at Mobile. I went to prayer meeting late. This morning I took 1 dozen rolls of Griswold Family Salve down to Mr. Swift to let him sell for us on commission.
1862-07
Horace Purdy Journal, May 1863 Entry
6pgs
5/1 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. I have had a slight headache all day. I borrowed $15.00 of George Fenner until next Monday and paid Mr. Harris for my overdraft $14.00 in the evening. I went to the market in the evening and to the Post Office and got a letter from Harriet. 5/2 SATURDAY - destroyed worms' nest . On my way to the shop after dinner, I stopped to Mr. Hanford's for my shop shoes which he has been mending. Stinted in my work for the first and came home about 3 o'clock. I took the leader which carries water from the roof into our hogshead down and had it soldered together as it given way. I went to the choir rehearsal in the evening. The Evening Post states that Fighting Joe Hooker has captured Fredericksburg and taken prisoners. 5/3 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I attended church in the morning. Came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in the P.M. I wrote to George and mailed it as I went to prayer meeting in the evening. 5/4 MONDAY - Showery during the day. Mrs. Stone came to the house and washed today. I did not have work enough to last all day. Sherman Disbrow brought me ' ton of better coal, it being softer and burns more fierce than did the last ' ton he brought. I bought a two inch chestnut plank at G. W. Ives to make a platform for my pump. It cost 68 cents. Just after tea, Eddie had a fall from a chair and made two very bad bruises on his head. I went to the Post Office in the evening, but got no letters. Before retiring, I wrote to Harriet. 5/5 TUESDAY - Showery all day. Good news from General Hooker's army. He has occupied Fredericksburg and turned the left of the rebels and is still driving them. I sowed some grass seed I the bare places in my yard. Received a letter from George in the evening (No. 7). He is gaining his health quite fast and will soon be able to come home on a furlough as he expects in ten or fifteen days. I wrote an answer to him before I retired. When I went to the Office, I mailed one to Harriet. Mr. Cocking paid me $3.00, one month rent. 5/6 WEDNESDAY - Stormy all day. Only 1 dozen hats at 2/ (?) to finish today. I finished about 11 o'clock and came home. I received a letter from George in the evening with his picture enclosed. I wrote a reply to it in Swift's office and mailed it immediately. The news from Hooker's army continues good. Gussie went up home this afternoon while Eddy and I went to bed and took a nap. 5/7 THURSDAY - Cold and stormy. The work not being ready, the men adjourned until tomorrow. By the request of the foreman, I finished 10 hats for trial to see how they looked, so that the facers could go on and have work ready for us tomorrow. In the P.M., I took a nap and spent the remainder of the afternoon in reading while Gussie went to the store and up home to Mother Purdy's. In the evening, I went to market and to the Post Office and got a paper from George, the National Republican from Washington D.C. The news from General Hooker's army was rather unfavorable in the morning papers, but the Evening Post gives us good news again. Hooker was not driven back across the Rappahannock, but withdrew of choice on account of the storm and the rising of the river. General Stoneman's cavalry expedition to the rear of the rebels is a complete success. He has cut the line of rebel communication by telegraph and railroad between Fredericksburg and Richmond. Hooker has been strongly reinforced also. 5/8 FRIDAY - Cloudy until near night when it cleared off or rather the sun came out, but the wind still continues easterly. I had enough work to last all day. My truss being out of order, I went down to Dr. Thompson's after I finished my work to get it repaired. The news by the evening papers are good considering all things. The complete success of Stoneman's Cavalry said cutting off the rebels' line of communication is confirmed. Hooker has been reinforced and is ready to resume the offensive again and take advantage of the rebels before they can repair damages done by Stoneman. News by telegraph this evening that the first calls for troops under the Conscription Act has been made. Number not named. I went down to the Post Office before breakfast this morning and mailed a letter to George. I wrote another to him in the evening. I expect to mail it tomorrow morning early in time for the mail. John B. Gough lectured here this evening, but I did not attend. Subject ' Lights and Shadows of London Life. 5/9 SATURDAY - Pleasant. Bell came down and spent the day and is staying all night with us. News by telegraph this P.M. that Richmond is captured. Joy beams forth from the countenance of every loyal man, a good feeling is pervading the people. Gussie went into the street with me in the evening. 5/10 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. I attended church in the morning. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon after which I came home and Gussie went in the afternoon. I wrote two letters in the P.M., one to George and to David Mills who is in hospital in Washington. Was wounded in the late battle between Hooker and Lee on the Rappahannock. The last night's news of the capture of Richmond is confirmed by telegraph. After tea, we put Eddy in his carriage and went up home. Preaching in the evening. I attended. On to the church, I mailed my letters to George and David. 5/11 MONDAY - Very warm, like midsummer. The evening papers do not credit the rumor that Richmond is captured. Fighting Joe Hooker is across the river again and after the flying rebels. I went to Teachers' meeting in the evening. Frank Boughton received a letter from John( Boughton?) this evening. He was in the late battle and escaped without a scratch. David Bradley joined the Reg't. in time to be in the battle also. He is uninjured also. 5/12 TUESDAY - Very warm again today. I cleaned out my cesspool before breakfast and carried the contents to my garden. Father commenced making my garden this P.M. I spaded between the hills of strawberries after tea. Went with Gussie to the depot to see if George came. On our way home, called at the Post Office and got two letters from George. He expects to be home by the 20th. I hung the sage (?) down cellar before retiring. 5/13 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy and smoky in the morning. Sunshine in the middle of the day. Cloudy again in the P.M. and terminated with a shower. Limited in our work at the shop. Father has been to work in my garden for me today. Before going to the shop in the morning, I finished setting out my strawberry plants. As I came home from the shop in the P.M., I came by the way of J. W. Ives' lumber yard. And bought 24 feet of studding for a framework to nail the planks to in building my platform for the pump. The shower came up before I finished it but by Father's help and making some in the rain we finished it before we stopped by working a little late. I wrote to George after tea in answer to his letter received last evening. 5/14 THURSDAY - I went to the shop in the morning, but there being but little work, I chose to come home and work with Father in my garden and yard and have two days allowance to do tomorrow and make out a day's work. It rained a little in the P.M., but we worked until night. I have finished the platform to my pump and repaired my walks in the yard. I went up to Mother Griswold's to tea as they have company. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt, and daughter from Norwalk, Ohio. Miss Hack. Mr. and Mrs. [ Seafield ?] and Mrs. Blissard. The rain increased in the evening. And got a letter from George, No.11. 5/15 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cool. Father finished spading garden for me today. 3 ' days' work. Per day $4.37. I got him a bbl. of flour from Mr. Crofut (my boss) and his work went toward it. He paid me the difference to make $11.00. I left the shop early on account of the headache. I tried to plant in my garden when I came home. I put in my best seed and was too sick to do more. 5/16 SATURDAY - Pleasant, but cool for the season. A slight frost last night. Father came this way going over to Cousin Frank Boughton's to make garden. He borrowed my spading fork and garden line. Uncle Edwin Mills came down for Mother, Eddy and Gussie this afternoon and carried them down to his house to stay over Sunday. I came home and planted potatoes, corn and carrots in my garden. I worked until dark and then came in and got my own supper, after which I went to the Post Office and to singing school a short time. I got a letter from David Mills at noon and one from George in the evening. 5/17 SUNDAY - The sun shone early in the morning but it soon clouded over and began to rain with the prospects of a wet day. It cleared off again about noon and was warmer. I got up and got my own breakfast as Gussie is down to Starr's Plain at Uncle Edwin's. I melted the solder around the coffee pot spout so that it will require mending. Trying to warm the coffee by putting it on a hot coal fire. I then gave it up and made tea. I went to church in the morning. Bro. Crawford preached as usual. The congregation was small on account of the weather. The Sunday School was small also. A Union Sunday School meeting in the P.M. at the Congregational church. A lecture to the school and illustrated with paintings by Mrs. Long. After tea (which I took up to Mother Griswold's), I wrote a letter to Georg and one to David Mills. Mrs. Long gave another lecture in the evening to both children and adults. I attended. It was at the1st Congregational. The other churches were not opened. I mailed my letters as I went. A shower during the service. 5/18 MONDAY - Pleasant, but rather cool this morning. I went up to Mother Griswold's to breakfast. I took our washing over to Mrs. Stone and then went to the shop. Not having but little work, I finished before dinner. I came home and found Gussie there and dinner ready. I planted in my garden and set out my dahlia's in the P.M. I went to market in the evening and to the Post Office and got a letter from Harriet. It being still clear and cool, OI covered my tomato plants before retiring. 5/19 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I have had work enough in the shop to last all day. I put out the second tuft (?) of myrtle in my grass flat after tea. I then went downtown with Gussie. I received a letter from George stating with other things that he should doubtless be home before next Sunday. I bought 8 more bushels of charcoal today which filled my box where I keep it. 5/20 WEDNESDAY - Warmer today. Henry Ledger, who has been to England for his health and been absent nearly a year, arrived home on the morning train. I received a letter from Cousin Phoebe Palmer from Mount Hol(yoke) Fe(male) Seminary in Mass. with one enclosed for me to direct to Harriet. Gussie walked with me down to the store and Post Office in the evening. I returned without going to class. 5/21 THURSDAY - Very warm. Mrs. Stone helped us clean house ' the parlor, sitting room and bedroom. No work in the shop and I have helped. Gussie and I went to the depot I the evening, but he did not come. Mrs. Richards called in the evening. 5/21 FRIDAY - Very warm. The thermometer standing at 90 degrees in the shade. Gussie and Mary Purdy went up to John Polletts and spent the day. I came home and got my own dinner. On my way home from work at night, I came by way of Mr. Wright's and bought 5 gallons of kerosene oil at 54 cents - $2.70. I am to pay him when I get paid off at the shop. I planted my squash seed at night. I cleaned out the hogshead with Mrs. Cocking's help. Gussie came home in time to put Eddie to bed and go to the depot to meet George. He did not come. David Stillson came on the train from the same hospital. He said that George was waiting for his furlough and would be home in a day or two. 5/23 SATURDAY - Very warm again today. I had work enough in the shop to last me nearly all day. I planted some bush beans and a [???] of peas in addition to what I had previously planted. I also put some dust around my strawberry hills. Gussie and I went to the depot again to meet George. He did not come. It was about 11 o'clock when the cars came in. A thunder storm came up and rained nearly all the time we were waiting at the depot. Gussie went home before the cars came. 5/24 SUNDAY - Cloudy but no rain. I attended church in the morning, came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in the P.M. After tea, we went over to Harriet's a short time. Before evening meeting I wrote to Harriet. As I went to the Office to mail my letter on my way to prayer meeting, I found a letter in my box from George, which I did not see as it was just [edge nice] close against the side. It was written on Friday. As his furlough had been delayed, he concluded not to start for home until Monday (tomorrow). He expects to arrive in New York on Tuesday, spend one day there and see Harriet, arriving home Wednesday probably arriving in the evening. As my letter to Harriet was not sealed, I added this news before mailing it. 5/25 MONDAY - Cloudy all day and some rain. I received a dispatch from George in New York on his way home saying that he would be home on the evening train. We went to the depot and I brought him home with us to stay. We retired about 11 o'clock. 5/26 TUESDAY - I stayed away from work and spent the day at home visiting with George. After tea, George came down home with us and went to the Sleight of Hand performance with Gussie while I stayed at home with Eddie. I have not felt very well today, which was one cause of me not working. When we went up home this morning with George, we took Mother completely by surprise. 5/27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. After tea, I went up home to see George. He was away over to Aunt Louisa's. On my return, I stopped to see Thomas Barnum. I then went over to Aunt Louisa's and went with George downtown. Thos. Kyle carried us down to Blackman's Store so that George could get his watch. George came home with me to stay all night. 5/28 THURSDAY - Pleasant and warm. I went with George before breakfast down to the depot to see Kellogg and Charles Wilcox leave to rejoin their Reg't. We then returned home to breakfast. Gussie and Eddie went up home in the P.M. to visit with George. He and Bell came home with them after tea and we all went to prayer meeting together. 5/29 FRIDAY - Pleasant and warm. George came to the shop in the forenoon. He came to my house and took dinner with me. He came down after tea, but I worked until after 7 o'clock and he went to his Lodge before I came home. Mrs. Allen (our neighbor) died this evening about 7 ' o'clock. Gussie went into the street with me and went to the Milliner's with Bell's hat. I saw David Knowles at the Post Office. We called at Joseph Ives and looked at his ranges and came home. 5/30 SATURDAY - Appearance of a storm in the morning, but it cleared away and was pleasant and very hot. A thunder shower in the P.M., but little rain fell here. Sold my stove (Peyton Airtight) to Daniel Manly for $8. Bought a range at Joseph Ives' for $13 and put it up and made fire for tea. Louisa stayed with Eddie while we went into the street. We found George and Bell; we all went to Sunday School. 5/31 SUNDAY - Had to punish Eddie this morning to make him mind. Gussie attended church in the morning. I went to Sunday School and preaching in the P.M. A Mr. Breckinridge from Bethel preached for us all day. A young man and smart. Mrs. Allen's funeral was attended at 3 o' clock at the house. Gussie went. George came home with me to tea and on account of a thunder shower which came up after, he stayed and went to prayer meeting with us in the evening.
1863-05
Horace Purdy Journal February 1867 Entry
11pgs
FEB 01 FRIDAY - It did not freeze any last night and today has been the first thawing time we have had this winter. Instead of the familiar squeaking of the snow, it is tonight soft and sloppy. Water is running in the streets. I went to work this morning feeling nearly sick with my cold and expected to be obliged to return home before night but stayed the day's work pretty well and stayed as usual as long as I could see. I stayed at home in the evening and let Gussie go to the Sewing Society. I sent by her to the Post Office a letter to George, acknowledging the receipt of his letter and the gold bracelet for Harriet. I still hold the bracelet and wait to hear from him and wait to hear from him as I wrote him that I thought that he should sell it and use what it would bring him to help him pay his debts. FEB 02 SATURDAY - A little colder this morning than yesterday. Cloudy in the morning with the appearance of rain, which it began doing about 11 A.M. It was trifling until along towards night when it increased and rained during the evening. We were limited in our work today and I got home from the shop a little earlier. On my way, I bought a pair of rubbers at Benedict's for myself. I saved 25 cents by buying large sized ladies' heeled instead of men's rubbers; they cost me only 10 cents each. Mr. Pond took his hams and mine over to Mr. Olmstead's today to be smoked. Gussie made her first bread today from the new barrel of flour Mr. Pond got for me of Eli Hoyt. We like it very much. After I came from work, I went over to Mr. Pond's and paid him $8.00, the balance of the $18.00 for flour which I owed him. Before retiring, I made out a written statement of Sunday School Centenary Funds forwarded and children's medals ordered. Brother George Starr sent me word to do this and give it to him tomorrow. FEB 03 SUNDAY - Cloudy, foggy and very bad walking. The large body of snow is melting fast. Gussie attended church in the morning and rode home at noon with Mr. and Mrs. Swift. I went to Sunday School at noon and to the prayer meeting in the P.M. There were four forward for prayers George S. Bailey and two other Sunday School boys, W. Ely for one. I carried an account of Sunday School Centenary Funds as forwarded by me to the Book Room, 200 Mulberry Street, New York and gave to Brother Starr to send to William C. Hoyt, the secretary of the Centenary Commission as he had requested Brother Starr to do so. After School, I made out an account of the Children's medal received and sent to Brother Starr in the evening by Fanny also. I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering another copy of both Sunday School Advocate and the Sunday School Journal and enclosed 65 cents for the same. Before tea, I went over to Mr. Blair's on Stevens Street to see if 'Bird' had been there since last Friday as he had been missing since then. They had not seen him. I had a severe headache in the evening and did not go out. There was lightning and some thunder last evening. FEB 04 MONDAY - It froze a very little last night. The snow has melted very fast again today. I have worked all day in the shop. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last evening to Carlton & Porter. The church pews were rented this P.M. at 2 o'clock. Gussie went and secured one for us. We gave up the one we have had for the past six years and took No. 33 directly across the aisle, the old one - No. 31 - having been raised to $20. We now pay the same as last year - $18. It clouded over just before night and in the evening began to rain. Bell was here this P. M. and stayed with Georgie while Gussie was at the church and stayed to tea and then went to meeting and then returned here to stay all night. Before retiring, I finished reading 'Six Months at the White House with Abraham Lincoln' by Carpenter. FEB 05 TUESDAY - It is still thawing - melting snow and mud, clouds and a snow squall just before night. I had work all day in the shop. A small girl going from school this P.M. fell from the timber that spans the stream by the factory as she was attempting to cross. Several of the men rushed to her assistance, but Walter Signor, being in the advance, helped her out of the water. After tea, I went into the street for some salt peter and took with me 200 pennies to exchange for currency. I disposed of 150 of them. While in Mr. Reed's Shoe Store, Arthur showed me where he had charges to me a pair of child's shoes - 75 cents. I disputed the account and after coming home, I referred to my expense book and found that I had paid for them. Before retiring, I poured off the old brine from my beef and made a new one, packed the beef over again and poured on the new. FEB 06 WEDNESDAY - It froze a little last night . The day has been pleasant and the snow has melted fast. I have had work again all day. As I was taking my leave this evening, the same fellow (a stranger to me, Charles Stevens by name) who brought me a letter from George, the bracelet, and a letter and paper for Lottie Keeler on January 29th came again and brought me another note from George in which he states that he has changed his boarding place from 346 Carlton Avenue to Myrtle Avenue, No. 115. I sat down and answered George's letter immediately and sent it to the Office by Gussie who was going to market. Before retiring, I sorted over my apples. Paid Mr. Cypher for spreading lime for Father Griswold. He owed me $1.00, so I let it balance Father Griswold's account and Father Griswold will pay me. FEB 07 THURSDAY - Another beautiful Spring day, although it is still winter. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I went into the street to see Charles Reed and explain to him the error of charging to me a pair of child's shoes on 6th of last July. I saw his son, Arthur and explained it to him. He made it all right by crossing it off from his book. I bought a pocket comb of O. H. Swift and then went over to the church where a protracted meeting is being held. George Carpenter was converted while at the altar. After meeting, I told Mrs. Bradley of the seat in the church Gussie selected for her and us last Monday - No. 32. She was feeling very badly over some words she had in the shop today with Mrs. Bigelow. FEB 08 FRIDAY - Pleasant this morning, but a little before night it commenced raining and continued through the evening. I have worked hard all day in the shop. I came home by way of the Jeffersonian Office and got my paper. I stopped at the news office and got a bundle of papers for the Sunday School. FEB 09 SATURDAY - Cloudy and foggy through the day. I t commenced raining about 7 P.M. and continued through the evening. I have worked all day in the shop thought I have scarcely felt able to do so on account of rheumatism. 'Bird' (Henry Blair's dog) made his appearance again this morning after an absence of 8 days. He looked as if he had hard treatment somewhere. We gave him some breakfast and then I chained him in his house. After tea, I took my lantern and went through the rain and mud to the Post Office. When I returned, I took for the brine a piece of beef for smoking. FEB 10 SUNDAY - I awoke this morning and found it had cleared off, the wind blowing strong and cold. The mud was scarcely frozen in the morning, but before night it was very hard. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. I went down to Sunday School prayer meeting at noon and stayed to the communion service in the P.M. Several of the new converts were baptized and William Purdy and William A. Bouton, also Charles H. Stevens were given the right hand of fellowship in full connection with the church. After tea, I made a minute on the Sunday School records of the Festival held January 23rd. I went to church in the evening. Susan Brayman came over and went with me. Brother Peck preached after which there was a prayer meeting. Six or seven were forward for prayers. FEB 11 MONDAY - Pleasant but pretty cold. I worked all day in the shop. Mrs. Stone washed for us. We hired her to do it mostly because we wanted to assist her as she is very poor. Georgie is very sick today; he has a bad cough and a high fever. Gussie went to see the doctor for him this P.M. and got some medicine. Mrs. Stone stayed with us to tea. After tea, I went over to Mr. Olmstead's to see if Mr. Pond's and my hams were yet out of the smokehouse. They were not. From there, I went to the Post Office and O. H. Swift's and walked up with him and Moses Baxter. Before going downtown, I went over to Mr. Pond's and got 2 lbs. of butter. FEB 12 TUESDAY - Gussie sat up until 2 o'clock this morning to give medicine to Georgie. He has a high fever and symptoms of Whooping Cough. As I went to work this morning, I left an order on Dr. Bulkley's slate to come and see Georgie. I worked all day in the shop. Harriet Mills came to tea and spent a portion of the evening. She wants to borrow some money to pay board with. She has left hat trimming and works in the shirt factory. She gets along so slowly that she is discouraged. Georgie not being any better, I went to see the doctor this evening. and he changed the medicine. The Brass Band Festival is being held this evening at Concert Hall. FEB 13 WEDNESDAY - The ground was a little frozen this morning. As I went for milk this morning before breakfast I went over to Mr. Olmstead's to see if Mr. Pond's and my hams were smoked. I found that they were and that he had taken them out from the smoke house. I left them for Mr. Pond or myself to go for when it may be convenient. I worked all day in the shop. Bell was with us to tea; she went to meeting in the evening. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie go into the street. Before returning, she went into the Brass Band Festival. She brought me a letter from George; he is now having steady work again and is feeling greatly encouraged. FEB 14 THURSDAY - Warm, foggy, and muddy. Rain in the P.M. and in the evening. I worked (as usual of late) until dark. After tea, I wrote to George in answer to one received yesterday and mailed it as I went to market this evening. I went to Dr. Bulkley's office and got some medicine for Georgie, did a little marketing and walked up West Street as I came home with John Stone. I brought a letter from the Office from Edwin to Father Griswold. I took it up to him when I came home and he paid me the dollar I paid for him to Mr. Cypher on Feb. 6th. I paid it by turning an account of that amount which he owed me for dooryard grass since last summer. Mrs. Stone came and ironed for Gussie this forenoon. FEBRUARY 15 FRIDAY - I went to the shop and finished off the work I had out (there being none today) and then agreed to help Oscar Serine get out the material for two grape arbors. He bought the lumber and had it brought to Mr. Pond's barn and Oscar and me worked all the P. M. to get them made ready to put together. Bell came down and stayed with Georgie to let Gussie go to the Sewing Society in the afternoon. Gussie went to temperance Meeting and I to D. B. Booth's in the evening to see about bounty money for George. Booth had not yet heard from the application sent to Washington. He gave me blank documents to send to George requiring his signature which I mailed to him before coming home. John Bouton received his money of Booth while I was in the Office. I went to the Town Clerk, O. H. Swift, to get the register number of Blair's dog to put on his collar, he having lost the old collar. The number is 161. FEB 16 SATURDAY - It commenced raining about 7 o'clock this morning and froze as it came, making it very slippery. No work in the shop. I went down in the morning and the foreman (Victor W. Benedict) paid me my account and I came home (after waiting at O.H. Swift's store until the arrival of the mail) instead of waiting until noon for my pay. As I came out from the Post Office, I saw Fred Jennings. He spoke in a vexing manner about my failure to collect what he owed me by factorizing, but it did not vex me in the least. I cared nothing whatever about it. I replied that I failed in the attempt but that my intentions were good enough notwithstanding. I went up home about noon and got a music book, entitled 'Musical Leaves' to send to George by request from him. I brought home a basket which we let Bell take home some apples in the morning. She stayed with us last night. I took a nap in the P.M. We had dinner about 3 o'clock and then I went into the street and mailed the music book to George and carried the Sunday School Advocates over to the church to distribute tomorrow. I then went down to the shop and sharpened my scissors, carried the gold bracelet George sent home to S. G. Bailey's Jewelry Store and left it there for sale. I then went over to D. B. Booth's office and sat awhile, went to market and got home again about 6 ## o'clock. Louise came down and spent a part of the evening and then Gussie went up home with her. I commenced a letter to George in the P.M., wrote a little more before retiring, leaving it to complete tomorrow or some other time. FEB 17 SUNDAY - A lovely day overhead, though it has been muddy underfoot. Gussie attended church as usual in the morning. I went down to Sunday School at noon and to prayer meeting in the P.M. After tea, I took Georgie out of doors a short time to breathe the fresh air and feel the sunshine. Mother Griswold came down and stayed with Georgie in the evening to let Gussie and I go to church together, which privilege we seldom have on account of the baby. As we went I mailed the letter I wrote yesterday to George and a Jeffersonian also. Brother Peck preached a powerful sermon from John 3: 14-15. After the sermon, there was a prayer meeting. The house was crowded, but no one came forward for prayers. FEB 18 MONDAY - Pleasant. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed for Gussie a letter to Cousin Eliza in California. I worked all day in the shop. FEB 19 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop as long as I could see. Mr. Pond split out a piece of hickory from his woodpile this morning for me to make a ramrod for my gun. After tea, I killed a turkey for Mother Griswold. I then went into the street. I called At D. B. Booth's Office and he wrote a letter (and I signed it) to Washington for my discharge to be returned to me, William T. Barnum having forwarded it with an application for a pension for me. I called at O.H. Swift's store and walked up with him as far as Deer Hill Street. Bell came this way to church this evening. She came back here to stay all night. I weighed out a half lb. of tea for her to take home tomorrow. FEB 20 WEDNESDAY - I woke this morning and found it snowing. It continued all day and cleared off in the evening. I worked as usual in the shop. When I came home from work I found that Mr. Pond had drawn the snow plow to West Street and up Father Griswold's path to the house and made good paths. After tea, I shoveled out my premises where the snow plow could not be drawn. I then went up to Raymond's and ordered a half bushel of turnips to be brought tomorrow. I went to the Post Office and to Swift's store. I gave him 6 apples from Gussie to his wife. We walked up together. The Brass Band are having another entertainment this evening ' concert and to close with a hop. FEB 21 THURSDAY - The clearing off last evening did not last long as it was storming again this morning. At first it was misty; then it began to snow again and continued all day. It seemed to increase and before night there was a large body of snow on the ground - 8 to 10 inches on a level, I should think. I went into the street in the evening to do an errand for Gussie. When I returned, the stars were shining, so Mr. Pond and I determined to draw the snowplow to West Street and clear the sidewalk. We got Mr. Fenning and son and George Davis out to help. After clearing the walk and making a path to Father Griswold's house, I took my snow shovel and dug out around my house where we could not use the snow plow. I worked as usual in the shop. FEB 22 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I shoveled snow this morning where we did not use the plow last night. Father Griswold made a birthday party for Fanny and Harriet today - George Starr and wife, William Scofield and wife, Mrs. Thomas Barnum and Brother Peck (our preacher). They had the turkey which I killed on Tuesday evening. I was too busy in the shop to be with them. Bell came down in the P.M. and took care of Josie and Georgie at our house so that Gussie could be with them. Gussie went to the Sewing Society in the evening. I stayed with Georgie. Louise came down and helped to take care of Georgie early in the evening to let Gussie go. Bell went to meeting in the evening and returned here to stay all night. FEB 23 SATURDAY - Bell stayed with us last night and until about 5 P.M. to take care of Georgie to let Gussie go to Mrs. Swift's and Anna Hinman's. I came home at noon with a headache. I marked off the Sunday School Journals and took them to the church in the P.M. and brought home one of the Librarian's Books and drew up the classes anew and brought it back again in the evening and went to the Post Office and received a letter from George with a copy of the original 'Sentence of Christ' (ed. note: possibly a print by William C. Robertson, published about 1861). When I went to the church with the papers and for the book, I went to the barber's and had my hair cut and shaved. I also called at William Barnum's office to see if he had heard anything from my soldier's discharge which I had told him to send for. Since telling him to do so, I have written myself for it (or rather D. B. Booth wrote and I signed it). I did not tell him this which I intended to do when I went in. The sun shone this forenoon, but it was cloudy in the P.M. with snow just at night. Mailed last week's Jeffersonian to George this evening. FEB 24 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm in the forenoon. The snow has melted very fast. Cloudy towards night. Headache through the day, better this evening. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went to Sunday School at noon and prayer meeting in the P.M. Mr. Pond came into our Sunday School just before we closed. He came to look at the school. I went with him upstairs to see the Infant Class. Brother Bartram, in the prayer meeting this P.M., spoke of a remarkable experience as he thought last Friday evening at his home. He received a great blessing from God. With the blessing to himself, he felt a great desire for the salvation of souls. He felt so deeply this P.M. that he could scarcely speak. I commenced writing to George this morning and completed the letter after tea. Susan Brayman came in about dusk. I went to church in the evening. Brother Peck preached, after which there was a prayer meeting. As I went to church, I mailed my letter to George. FEB 25 MONDAY - Pleasant. It froze a little last night but thawed again today. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. I have been troubled with rheumatism in my left ankle and wrist but have worked all day notwithstanding. After tea, I wrote to the Great American Tea Company for a price list and a blank form for making up a club. I also put up two cakes of iron grease for George and mailed it with the letter in the evening. I walked up from the street with Mr. Swift. FEB 26 TUESDAY - I worked as usual in the shop . As I went to work, I left a sample of our black tea Mr. Swift's Store for him to try. The authorities seized liquors this P.M. on the premises of Albert Anderson and reports this evening say that he has been arrested. I received my Soldier's Discharge from Washington today where it was sent by Mr. Barnum with an application for a pension. After tea, I went into the street to the Jeffersonian Office to see about printing the 'Sentence of Christ 'sent to me by George and to D.B. Booth's office to tell him that I had received my discharge. Louise had her birthday party this P.M. and evening. FEB 27 WEDNESDAY - I worked as usual until dark in the shop. The homestead, furniture, etc. of Widow Polly Benedict, deceased, was sold this P. M. at auction. Gussie bought a lounge worth $25.00 for $16.50. Charles Benedict's wife bought the place for $2,575.00. Bell came in while we were at tea to borrow a nutmeg. I gave her a basket of rotten specked apples to carry home. I went into the street this evening on some errands. I talked with O. H. Swift about teas from the Great American Tea Company. Josephine Stevens, who was seduced by James Scantling and is now at his house is this P. M. being confined to child bed. FEB 28 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I had work only until noon in the shop. I came by way of William T. Barnum's to tell him that I had received my discharge from Washington. I had quite a lengthy talk with him about bounties and pensions. I finally concluded to write to Dr. Stearns in Hartford or rather write and see if he still resides there. If he can be found, I contemplate going to see him to see if he recollects enough of my case of hernia incurred in the army to give me a certificate that such is the case to enable me to procure a pension. When I came home, I wrote to him to see if he can be found. Received a blank for getting up a club, also a price list from the Great American Tea Company. I marked off the Sunday School Advocates and carried them to church, and at the same time, mailed the letter to Dr. Stearns and a Jeffersonian to George. Gussie went up home this P.M. She left Georgie with Mother Griswold while she was gone. After tea, Susan Brayman came in and Gussie went with her into the street. I stayed at home and oiled the black walnut woodwork to our new lounge.
1867-02