Horace Purdy Journal, August 1862 Entry
6pgs
8/1 Friday. Cousin Roxanna Hall came from [Sodom] to Aunt Louisa's today because of Anna's sickness and will stay over Sunday. Stopped work early because of a hard pain in my chest. Bought a bushel of flour of Mr. Crofut for $8. The evening papers report the iron clads in Mobile is a monstrous lie or is reported to be. I called to see Mr. Sanford who is to procure a place for George. After I saw him which was about 9 o'clock I went up home but he was not there, being at his lodge meeting. I went down there and waited a long time for him. which made it midnight before I retired. 8/2 Not as troubled with pain in my breast and side and was able to work longer in the shop. After tea George came down and I went with him to Mr. Sanford's to talk more about him going to a trade.I then went into the street to get the news and went to the Times office to order Father Griswold's paper discontinued. 8/3 I went to the 9 oclock prayer meeting and Brother Crawford preached from Mathew. William Warren who has enlisted came home from Bridgeport and was in his usual place as Assistant Librarian in the Sunday School. I came home after School to let Gussie attend in the PM. Cousin Mary wanted me to bring Eddy over in the PM and I did so for a while. After tea Cousin Roxana and Mary made us a call. I had a severe headache and stayed home in the evening. 8/ 4 Worked as usual in the shop. Went into the street in the evening and bought a gallon of ale at Mr. Rowan's. The New Haven train broke down and detained our train and it was 9 o'clock before it reached here. The mail which came on it brought a letter from Cousin David Mills, Banks Division, Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Army of Virginia. 8/5 I see by the papers that the President has called for an additional 300,000 troops by drafting. It is causing considerable excitement in this community. I answere Cousin David Mills letter in the evening and commenced one to Charles. 8/6 Limited in our work at the shop. I came home to my dinner. Leiut. Keeler of the 5th connecticut Volunteers called at the shop this forenoon . He spoke at Concert Hall this evening, his object being to get recruits for the 5th regiment. I wrote a letter to E. A. Stanford at Starr's Arms Co., Yonkers for George to see if persons working there were exempt from the draft. I finished one and mailed it to David Mills 8/7 Great excitement about the drafting. Enlistments are going on rapidly. Many are enlisting rather than stand a draft. I went to Dr. Bennett's on my way home from the shop this afternoon and got a certificate of exemption from military duty on account of being ruptured. I mailed a letter to Cousin Charles Mills in the evening. 8/8 A warm day thought by many to be the warmest of the season thus far. Joseph Young walked up with me from the shop and stopped at my home. I gave him some ripe apples (Harriet) and then we went through Father Griswold's new house then he went over to Granville Amblers to see his lady I suppose, Mary Prior. I then started up home for tea where Gussie was but I met her coming home with George drawing the baby for her. I returned home for tea and after, walked down to the Post Office with George. 8/9 I came home to dinner. Went to market in the evening 8/10 Went to prayer meeting a 9 o'clock then came home to take care of Eddy while Gussie went up home with some white flowers with which to lay out John Freeland's little boy who died at 5 o'clock this morning. Gussie returned home at noon and I went to the communion service in the PM. Brother Hare was there and assisted Brother Crawford. After tea we went up home and Gussie attended the funeral with Mother. We brought home a small pail of milk and did not go to meeting in the evening. John Boughton and Frank called in the evening. He is going to war with Capt. Moore's company. 8/11 Worked as usual in the shop. News in the papers today of a hard battle fought near Culpeper Courthouse between Gen. Pope and the rebel Stonewall Jackson. The Colonel of the 5th Connecticut and his major were wounded and taken prisoners. Lieut. Col. Stone was killed or hurt. We will have more particulars tomorrow afternoon. I went to the Teachers meeting in the evening and we voted to have a picnic on the 20th in the Orchard just back of the church. 8/12 Went to the shop but did not feel like work because of a bad diarrhea. Was up several times during the night. I bought a new flower pot and carried it up to John Pollitt's to have a Fuschia transplanted into it. From there I went to the street and the picture rooms (Rittons) where George was having a picture taken for the [Nereka] Lodge of which he is a member. He went home with me to dinner. I went to the depot to see him off on the freight train. Mother, Bell and Gussie with Eddy went as far as Bethel with him where he also stopped to see friends and took the other train to join his squad. He went off in good spirits. I took tea with Father Griswold. I went to the depot in the evening to meet Gussie, Eddy, Mother and Bell. I received a letter in the morning mail from Mr. Sanford at Yonkers in answer to the one I wrote in reference to drafting workmen at Starr Arms Co. It was too late for George and even if it came sooner it would have made no difference. George had made up his mind to enlist. 8/13 I went to the shop but before I took off my coat, Theodore Fowler, Joseph Young and Daniel Manley wished me to got with them to Dr. Bennett's to get military exemption papers. Theodore and Joseph got theirs but Daniel could not. I came home to dinner. I stopped work just before the train left the depot to go to see John Boughton, David Bradley and his brother George and others off to join their regiment in Bridgeport. Gussie was there with Eddie in his carriage. We went from there up to John Pollitt's to get a Fuscia Mrs. Pollitt had promised Gussie. I went to class and to market. It is George's birthday and his first full day in camp. 8/14 Worked all day in the shop. Came home to dinner. Charles Small enlisted this morning in Capt. Moore's company and went off on the passenger train this afternoon.Eddy acted very strange about tea time. We thought he was sick but I guess he was intoxicated from being up to Father Griswold's house where the painter was dissolving shellac with alcohol. I mailed a letter to E.A. Sanford this morning to inform him that George had volunteered for the war and could not go to a trade. 8/15 I my way to the shop I stopped at [Morner's] and bought material for a pair of cheap shop pants and had them cut. I carried them up home in the evening to let Mother make them. George Weed brought a letter in the evening from George who is in camp in Bridgeport with the 17th Regiment. He wanted me to send him money to come home with tomorrow. I sat down and answered it and enclosed $5.00. 8/16 I was late in getting my letter to the post office this morning and had to take it to the cars. I persuaded the post master's clerk, Oliver Bedient to receive it there. George started for home on the morning train and intercepted the letter at Norwalk. He called at the shop when he arrived. Gussie went up home in the PM. I went up to tea. George and I went down to the meadow and helped Father get up his hay. We left Eddy up home in the evening and went into the street and to Singing School. We then went up home for Eddy and got home and retired around 11 o'clock. 8/17 I went to 9 o'clock prayer meeting. I opened with selection of a hymn and George led the prayer. Mr. Coc, Presbyterian, preached for us in the morning. George and William Warren are both home from camp. They assisted Aaron Moorehouse and Francis Clark who have taken their places as Librarian and Assistant in the Sunday School. I gave a notice of our picnic to Brother Crawford to be read in the PM. After Sabbath School I came home and Gussie attended church in the PM. Harriet Mills and George came home with Gussie to tea. After which George got Mr. McDonald's horse and carriage and took Harriet down home to Bethel. After Gussie got her dishes washed we went over to Aunt Louisa's to see John Boughton and Frank. John left his regiment as did George to spend the Sabbath at home. They are to return to Bridgeport on Thursday. Gussie went to meeting in the eveninig while I took care of Eddy. 8/18 Felt more like work today than some time past. Came home to dinner and on the way stopped at the Post Office and got a letter from Edwin. Gussie went up home in the PM to visit Marie Mills and Harriet. George came home with her and drew Eddie. I answered Edwins letter in the evening. 8/19 George left on the train this morning to go back to camp in Bridgeport. On my way home from work I felt sick (bowel complaint). After tea I went to the the grocers and the post office. I called at the military hall to see some recruits drill under Jenkins C. Barry. 8/20 Sunday School picnic in the orchard at the back of the church. I did not go because of work at the shop. Letter from George stating that their regiment, 17th is to leave for Washington on Monday. I wrote in reply and mailed it in the evening. 8/21 We had the shop called this forenoon to raise our prices for the work. Mr. Crofut finally consented to give us what we asked. I was made Chairman of the meeting. Worked later than usual, to 7 o'clock. Went to market in the evening. I know not why, but I felt impressed that George would come home. He did and he is to stay until Saturday. He has been having some photographs (carte de visite) taken and gave me one. A town meeting was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock to vote a bounty for the 9 month volunteers. I was told they voted $200 each. I did not attend. 8/22 Headache in the PM. George came to the shop as I finished work. I went with him to Rittons to see about some photographs. He then came home with me to tea and then we went to borrow a team to go up home to get his melodeon to take to his Lodge room for the evening. Capt. Jas. A . Betts of Company A, 5th Regiment, lately a prisoner at Salisbury, North Carolina came home on the evening train. I carried the Sunday School Role Book and my checks for my money at the shop over to Burr Bradley's as I anticipate going to Bridgeport in the morning to stay over to Sunday to see the 17th Regiment off. 8/23 I went to Bridgeport in the morning. After we got to camp, Camp Aiken) I went with the squad of men and took a bathe in sea water. I took dinner with the boys on Government army rations and drilled with them in the afternoon. There was a prayer meeting in their chapel tent in th evening. I am living camp life. When we turned in we were all in a story telling mood and consequently it was late before we fell asleep. George tents in the same mess with Phineas Lounsbury, William Warren, William Otis, John Grannis, Montgomery Bailey, Edgar Knapp, Lewis A. Ward, Amos Day and William H. Curtis. All have respect for religion and most of them are professors. They have bible reading and prayers every night in their tent. 8/24 swervices by acting chaplain Thompson. There was a collection taken up for the chapel tent. There was a large attendance from the city and ladies even threw in their gold rings. Wrote letter to wife in PM, by Seth Downs who was down with a team. About 400 of the regiment attended Mr. [Mailey's] church and Mr. Thompson preached. The house was filled to utmost capacity. 8/25 After breakfast I went up to the city and returned before dinner. George was detailed for guard duty last night and is still on duty. George proposed a prayer meeting in the chapel tent in the evening and it was a good meeting with the tent full. 8/26 went to the city again this morning . I carried a watch up to Blackman's on [Easu St] for Rufus Warren , and a letter to mail for Sargt. [Bousson]. John Brush came down on the train and went over to camp with me. The new chapel tent was dedicated in the afternoon and I started for home about 5:15. 8/27 Sick today with a bad diarrhea. Went to the shop in the morning but did not work. I wrote a letter to George after tea and mailed it. 8/28 Worked in the shop today. Gould Disbrow carted some sand for me to fill up the ditch in front of my entrance to make it easier getting in with a load. I went into the street in the evening and exchanged a bottle of Arnolds ink for one of Davids which I like better. I got my hair cut and stopped at the post office. I was going to pick my crab apples but there was a shower. 8/29 Eddie's birthday - a year old. I received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills from Old Point Comfort VA and one from George, Camp Aiken, 17th Regiment, Bridgeport. Just as I finished tea Granville Morris called and handed me a letter from George which he brought from camp. George sent $2 to pay for $1 worth of pictures at Rittons and to order another $1 to be struck off immediately. Gussie mailed my letter in the evening and I stayed home to take care of Eddie. Cousin Charles letter was written in pencil and I inked it over in the evening. 8/30 I picked a few crab apples before breakfast. I came home to dinner and found a telegraphic dispatch from George saying Capt. Moore's company would be home on the freight train. George went to Stamford and brought Eddy (Cousin Edmund) Palmer home with him on the evening train. The company assembled in the Concert Hall when they arrived to present Swords and Sashes to Capt. Moore and Lieut. Daniels and Lieut. [Lorisen]. Lieut. Governor Averill presented them in behalf of the company. The ceremony was quite interesting. Gussie was up home in the PM and evening so I got my supper then went to the depot to meet George. News by telegraph this PM that a heavy battle was fought at the old Bull Run battleground in which the rebels were severely beaten. Our killed and wounded estimated at 8,000 and the rebels double that number. Fanny came home on the evening train from Camp Meeting. 8/31 Afflicted with a severe headache all day. Did not go to the 9 o'clock prayer meeting. George and Eddie (Edmund) Palmer came this way to church. I attended in the forenoon. Brother Crawford's son-in-law, Mr. Hease preached. After Sunday School I came home and Gussie attended in PM. Edmund came and stayed with me til church was out and George called in for him and they went up home. After tea we took the baby and went up home and stayed until evening meeting. Cousin Edmund stayed with me in the evening to take care of Eddie while Gussie went to meeting.
1862-08
Horace Purdy Journal, October 1862 Entry
7pgs
10/1 I worked in the shop and did not feel very well in the PM. In the evening I carried Mother's things and ours over to Burr Bradley's to be packed up with others to be sent to Baltimore to George, David Bradley, George [c] Lewis, George Dickens, Phineas Lounsbury and a brother of George Mead's in Company H, Orin and Augustus Bronson, Smith Delavan, L. B. Griffin, William Otis, Norman Kellogg. We had to make up 2 boxes to hold them. William Lounsbury gave us the boxes. It was about 11 o'clock when we finished nailing up and marking the boxes. I received a letter from George in the evening. He wants more money sent to him. 10/2 I went over to Burr Bradley's before breakfast to help get our boxes of provisions to the depot to go Express to our boys in Capt. Moore's company, 17th Regiment, Baltimore. After breakfast not feeling too well. I helped put down the bedroom carpet upstairs. After dinner I went down and drew $10 for George from the Savings Bank. Six of it to replace the money I sent him and $4.00 to send him by letter. James Fowler brought me 12 bushels of potatoes (Prince Alberts) in the PM. A dispatch at night that Charles Small of Capt. Moore's company is dead. I mailed a letter to George in the evening and one for Gussie to Elyza in Cal. 10/3 Very warm in the shop. I spent the forenoon at home rebuilding my potato bin. I went to the street in the evening to get some articles at the store. When I came home I took my account book up to Father Griswold's and we looked over our account. We found a balance of $6.70 in my favor. I engaged 1 barrel of greening apples of Mr. Hearn 10/4 My barrel of cider came today. Joe Young came home with me at noon and helped me roll it into the cellar. Capt. Jenkins Company home on a special train at noon. They left the cars at Bates Crossing and marched up the street. Capt. Jenkins, 1st Lieut Starr, 2nd Lieut Betts and Adjutant Gregory were presented with a sword each in the evening at the Concert Hall. The swords were a present to them from the company. Charles Small's body was expected on the evening train but it didn't come. Gussie went up home in the PM and I went up to tea. Father and Bell came home with us and stayed to take care of Eddy while we went to the presentation. I received a letter from George at noon giving an account of Charles Small's death. He was with him when he died. 10/5 [Love] Feast in the morning at 9 o'clock. Elder William C. Hoyt preached in th AM. I collected a little money from some members to assist in sending some singing books to George, Company C. I came home after Sunday School and Gussie went in PM. We went over to Abel's a little while before evening meeting. I attended the prayer meeting. Brother Crawford became unusually animated, walked up and down the aisle exhorting sinners to repentance, especially members of Capt. Jenkins Co., 23rd Regiment, who were home and many of them at church. I wrote a letter to George and mailed it on the way to prayer meeting. Bell came down and went to meeting with me. 10/6 Worked in the shop until 11 o'clock and came home for early dinner prepatory to attending the funeral at 1 o'clock for Charles S. Small. I went back to the shop and the men all assembled at a quarter to 1 and went in a body to the church. The church was not open to we walked up to Jas Osborne's to meet the procession. Capt. Jenkins Company borrowed the cadet muskets at Jackson's School to attend the funeral with. The house was well filled and the funeral a large one. His remains came on the train this morning. Gussie walked up to the grave and was very sick with a sick headache when she returned. Mother and Bell were with us for tea and Bell stayed and washed up the dishes. I went to Societies meeting in the evening at the church. I ordred 1 doz. gold chains and 1 Lute of Zion for George, Company C, 17th Regiment, Baltimore Md. 10/7 Worked as usual in the shop. Paid 3 months dues to the Hatters Association, 30 cents. Received letter from George acknowledging reciept of things sent to him by express. Also received one from Uncle Stephen who is in camp in Bridgeport in the artillery, drilling and preparing for the field, acknowledging receipt of George's picture. After tea Joseph Young called and took a glass of cider with me after which we went to the Hatters meeting in the Basement of Concert Hall. 10/8 Heat in the shop as much as any day last summer. I came home to dinner. Cousin Frank Boughton spent the day with us. I recieved a letter from Charles Mills. He is sick in the hospital in Frederick MD. The golden chains and Lute of Zion came in today, I paid Sherman Disbrow what I owed him for coal, $11.75 in front of Epsicopal Church on my way home to dinner. Gussie and Frank Boughton went into the street in the evening. I took care of Eddy and wrote to George. After they came home I went down and mailed my letter and Danbury Times to George and brought home the 2 pictures from Curtis Bennett's who has framed them. Cost was $2.00. Gussie wrote to Ellen Dare and enclosed her veil which she left here at Louis Meogling's to be dyed. 10/9 We had work only until noon today. After dinner we took Eddy in the carriage and went into the street. Gussie bought a pair of Morroco Balmoral shoes at Lounsbury's for $1.37. We called at Couch's Picture Gallery to see about having a picture of Gussie and Eddy. I called on Major Meogling ath the Wooster House. He is home on account of a battle wound. His colonel died of his wounds and he has been promoted to Lieut. Col. of the 11th Regiment. Before going down town I wrote a letter to Cousin Charles Mills, now Steward of the Gail St. Hospital in Frederick MD. I left the letter with Mr. Swift who was a prisoner with him in Richmond, to let him put in a letter to him also, which he did and mailed it for me. After tea Father came down with a straw bed just as I was going up for it. I drew a pail of cider and carried it up for him while he wheeled the wheel barrow. I went into the street in the evening and paid Fairchild and Gillett 25 cents for 1 yard of tarltan which Gussie bought today. 10/10 A half day of work in the shop. After dinner I went over to Sturdevants to get the money due George for work when he enlisted. I got $1.00 of it but he didn't have change and agreed to leave the balance at O. H. Swift's news office for me. Bell came down and took care of Eddy in the PM while Gussie went to Mrs. McNeil's to get a dress cut. I received a letter from George and Gussie one from Ellen Dare. I wrote a letter to David Mills, the first since his release from imprisonment in Richmond. I attended a Special Hatters Meeting in the evening to take into consideration the subject of Foul Shops. The whole evening was spent in legislating on the subject but adjourned without accomplishing anything. 10/11 I came home to dinner and Bell came down and spent nearly all day with Gussie. I went to the post office in the evening and got a Baltimore paper from George. I went to Lounsbury's and selected a pair of boots for George. He set then aside until George should order them sent to him. I bought an new wooden faucet for my vinegar keg and put it in in the evening. 10/12 Quite cool, we made a fire in the sitting room for the first time. Went to church in the AM. Brother Crawford preached from John 10.10. Sunday School prayer meeting at noon after which I came and Gussie went in PM to the communion service. I wrote a letter to George. I attended in the evening and Brother Crawford preached. I sat in the choir. 10/13 Worked as usual in th shop and we took tea up to Mother Griswold's. I went to Teachers meeting in the eveninig but on account of the stormy weather there were not enought to do business, so we adjourned and went home. I took a letter for Father from New Haven from the post office. I think it was from Uncle Theodore, who has gone for a soldier and is now at camp in that place. 10/14 Limited work today and I finished before night, $2.25. On my way home I found Lieut. Morris Krazinskie of the 11th Regiment. He was a private in our company in the 1st Regiment for 3 months. He was wounded in the late battle of Antietam Creek and promoted from Sargent to 2nd Lieut. He came home with me to tea. After tea I got my old carpet bag and put the singing books in it for George and prepared to take it to the express office to send to George. Mary Purdy came in to go up to Mrs. Barnum's to see the corpse of her baby. Her husband, Eben Barnun, has gone to war with the 11th Regiment. Just before they started up, Joseph Young and his wife came to spend the evening. As Gussie was all ready to go, they did not stay. I took my bag an put in 2 quarts of chestnuts and 6 quarts of apples and took it to the express office. I wrote to George and put the receipt for the bag in the letter. I also wrote to Goodenough and ordered 60 copies of the School Advocate. 10/15 I was up early to go to the post office to take back a letter I mailed yesterday evening because of directing it wrong. I wrote another and mailed in it $12.00 fro 60 copies of the Sunday School Advocate for one year. I got the letter registered. I recieved a letter from George in the morning. He wants $2.00 more. Mrs. McNeil came this PM to work at dress making. Mr. McNeil being at work painting Father Griswold's home, he came in to tea. I went to the post office in the evening. Not hearing from George I went into Mr. Swift's office and wrote a letter to George with the $2.00 enclosed. 10/16 Worked as long as I could see in the shop. Gussie went up home in the PM. After tea I went to market. I heard that some member of the 17th Regiment telegraphed home that the regiment left Baltimore at 2 o'clock. 10/17 Worked as usual in the shop. It is reported today that the 17th Regiment left Baltimore yesterday at 9 o'clock. Gussie went in the PM with Eddy to Mr. Couch's picture gallery and sat with Eddy for a photograph or carte de visite. She went in the street in the evening with her mother and Hattie while I stayed with Eddy and inked over some old letters from George and Cousin Charlie Mills which had been written in pencil. 10/18 Saturday. Worked as usual in the shop. Edwin Hummingston come on the evening train from the West. Mrs. Stewart came to Father Griswold's on the evening train also. I recieved a letter by evening mail from George. It was written at Washington on their way to Virginia. Goerge ways that the regiment struck their tents at 4 o'clock on Thursday morning, at 8 o'clock started for the depot, arrived around 9 and didn not strat from there until 2 o'clock, arriving at Washington at 9 o'clock. 10/19 Attended church in the morning. Brother Crawford preached from 113 Psalm and I came home after Sunday School and Gussie attended in the PM. I have had the headache a little all day and quite hard since tea. Mother called on her way to evening meeting and Gussie went with her. They took at letter to the post office I had written to George. 10/20 Edwin Hummingston commenced work this morning. We were started on 2 doz. at 6/- Went to the post office in the evening and got a letter from George. They are about 4 miles from Washington at a new site for a fort and they think they are to build it. I brought a letter from the post office for Harriet from Abel in New Haven. I answered George's letter before retiring. 10/21 The morning was coolest of the season and froze ice quite hard. Gussie had some plants on the piazza badly frozen. I did not got to work on account of taking physics last night which left me incapacited for work today. I went to the Gas Works and brought home a little basket of coal to try in our cook stove. I went to Couch's and had a negative taken for some cart de visites. I also made shelves for plants in the sitting room windows. I brought our bedding down from Father Griswold's garret. We went up to Father G's. Mrs. Leobdell and Mary G. Hoyt were there. Mr. Harris came for 2 barrels to put my winter apples in. He brought one barrel just at night (greenings). Gussie went into the street shopping in the evening and I stayed with Eddie. Aunt Louise moved from Gregory's house just north of us today and has gone in with Frank Boughton. When Gussie returned about 8 o'clock I went over to Burr Bradley's where David Bradley and George Dicken's wife were making up a box for them of boots and put in a knife and fork for George. 10/22 Worked all day in the shop . Received a letter from Cousin Charles Mills acting as Steward in the hospital at Frederick MD. Mr Hearn brought my other barrel of apples today (Spitzenburg's ). Mother stopped on her way to class and I read George's last letter and also Charles' to her. I went to market and to class and mailed the Times to George. 10/23 Worked as usual in the shop and after tea took the wheel barrow and went up home for George's cider barrel to use for vinegar. And brought it home with my corn basket full of straw to bind up rose bushes with. I went to the post office and mailed a letter to Abel for Harriet. 10/24 I filled my vinegar barrel with water before breakfast. Put my dinner in a paper and filled my pail with cider and carried it with me to the shop. I took Father Griswold's silk hat to the shop and sleaked it off for him. We were limited in our work at the shop. On my way home I left the list of subscribers to the Sunday School Advocate with Edward Barnum, the distributor, at Clark and Ford's store. I received a letter from George acknowledging receipt of the money letter and bag with singing books, chestnuts and apples. He is on the sick list from a head cold contracted while on picket guard. In the evening I went to Couch's and got 4 carte de visite of wife and baby and of myself. I wrote to George before retiring and enclosed our pictures (carte de visite). 10/25 I went to the post office before breakfast and mailed my letter to George. I had the headache in the PM and stopped work early on that account. On the way home I stppped at Couch's and got the rest of the pictures, 25 in all including the ones I brought home yesterday. Mother received a letter from George. She was with us for tea and I gave her pictures of each of us to carry home. I went to the teachers meeting but there being few teachers there we adjourned without doing anything. 10/26 I stayed home in the morning and Gussie went to church. Mr Pease of Bethel preached. I went to Sunday School. The session was short, We went over to the Congregational Church for the reqular quarterly Sunday School concert which took the place of the afternoon service. There was good attendance of all the schools, Baptist, Congregational and ours. The exercises were very interesting. After tea and in the evening I wrote to Charles Mills, to Sister Harriet, and Gussie wrote to Edwin. We enclosed our pictures in all 3 letters. I wrote to George also. I did not go to meeting on account of the rain in the evening. Frank went and I sent the letters by him to be mailed. Gussie wrote to Ellen Dare in the evening and sent pictures also. 10/27 I went to the post office before breakfast and mailed the letter to Ellen Dare. Jo Young stopped at the office on the way to dinner and got a letter for Gussie from Ellen Dare and one for me from George from Washington, He broght them to the shop to me. 10/28 Gussie went with me as I went to the shop to go to the dentist to have a tooth extracted. But Dr. St. John was not there so she returned without getting it done. She went again in the PM and had it done. I brought home a letter for Mother from Bridgeport. Father came down after it while we were at tea. I went to the post officee in the evening and mailed a letter to George enclosing 8 letter stamps he requested of me by note in Anna Taylor's letter which she handed me while we were at tea. I got a letter for mother from Harriet with a cart de visite of herself. 10/29 Edwin Augustus is 14 months old today. I was late to the shop this morning. Abel returned to his regiment this PM on the 4:20 train. Harriet went with him and is going to visit in New Haven with her friends. I left work and went to the depot to see him off as it may be the last time he will be home. I went to Dea O. Stone's office to hand in my tax list but he was not in. I went home and got in my carrots and beets. After tea I went to market. I mailed the Danbury Times to George in the evening. 10/30 Worked as usual in the shop. Came home late and went to market after tea. 10/31 Clark Beers came over as I was getting up, to get Josie Wheeler's cradle as Harriet has gone to New Haven with Abel to visit him in camp and other friends in the city. Mrs. Beers is taking care of Josie. I helped him take it home. I engaged a barrel of late made cider this morning at of Mr. Lounsbury. I was rather late at the shop this morning but stayed late to make it up. I received a letter from George in the morning mail and one from Harriet in the evening. I answered George and mailed it in the evening. I also mailed one to Carlton and Porter for 15 more copies of the Sunday School Advocate to make our number of subscriptions equal to last year, 75. I went to market and to Lounsbury's shoe store to see about sending George's boots to him.
1862-10
Horace Purdy Journal 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