Horace Purdy Journal May 1868 Entry
8pgs
MAY 01 FRIDAY - Pleasant but cooler than yesterday. I have worked in the shop. The new schoolhouse was dedicated today. From 9 A.M. until noon it was open for inspection to the public. In the P.M., addresses were delivered. Cut down a tree in my yard. After tea, I helped Mr. Pond graft a little. I went to market in the evening. MAY 02 SATURDAY - Stormy; have been to New York. William Carlson went down with me. I brought home some of William's wedding cake. Brought a package for Mr. Dare at Bethel from Marlowe's in Bleeker Street. Took an order for regilding two frames and making connecting corners for them for parties in 23rd Street near 6th Avenue. VanAmburgh showed his menagerie today on Deer Hill near our folk. Gussie went to see it at Fannie's expense. MAY 03 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but not very warm. Gussie went to church in the morning. I went down to Sunday School, returned and took a nap in the P.M. George came home with me. We had an early tea and then took a walk up home with Georgie. The menagerie's tent was still standing. Georgie saw the elephant for the first time in his life. I went to church in the evening; Brother Burch preached. George and I this evening notified Charles Stevens that he (George) would take half of my seat with me. MAY 04 MONDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. Two large Pier Glasses to regild from 23rd Street near 6th Avenue. Paid $50 for rent to Young for store in New York. I am about discouraged with my business prospects; have been very low spirited today. George has helped Gussie clean house today. He is to take his pay in boarding with us for a while. He commences today. MAY 05 TUESDAY - Pleasant until evening when we had a thunder shower. I slept but little last night on account of my business. I had a talk this evening with Father Griswold about business and felt better in consequence of it. I have worked in the shop. George helped clean house again today. They cleaned the parlor. In the evening, we hung paper curtains. MAY 06 WEDNESDAY - George helped Gussie again about house cleaning. I have worked in the shop. John Bussing started yesterday morning at 6 o'clock and walked to New Haven arriving there at 4:20 last evening. It was done to fulfill an agreement between him and Seth Northrup regarding our last election. It fell to John to walk to New Haven to see the governor inaugurated. I wrote to William at the store regarding buying me out and mailed it. MAY 07 THURSDAY - Lowery and a part of the day rain. I have worked in the shop. The work being the last for this week, I got my account cashed - $11.00, by William Carlson. I came early and picked a lot of greens for dinner tomorrow. I made out my annual report for the Sunday School to present next Monday evening at the Annual meeting. I went to market in the evening. I received a statement of my indebtedness from Benedict & Nichols - $34.00. MAY 08 FRIDAY - Stormy; it rained hard all last night and this morning. Early this morning the hills were white with snow. I have been to New York. I had conversation with my man, William Hayes, today about selling to him the business. He thinks he will take it if he can find a friend to loan him the required money. It cleared off pleasant and cool in the middle of the day. MAY 09 SATURDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. Called at E. H. Purdy's in 13th Street to see about having Mr. H. Griffin's frames repaired, which were badly made last August by E. H. Purdy. They would not make it good without charging for it. I left a hand looking glass at Fanton's store at Broadway, corner of Spring Street for B. F. Ryder which I have been setting a plate to for him. Mrs. Pond called in the evening. MAY 10 SUNDAY - Pleasant with the exception of a shower just at night. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home at noon and I went to Sunday School and to the Sacrament Service in the P.M. George and I took a walk over to John Bouton's after tea. George and I went to church in the evening. I gave a written statistical report of the Sunday School to Mary Vintz at the evening meeting to carry to George Starr. MAY 11 MONDAY - George helped me commence making a garden this morning before breakfast. I went to the shop and had a little work. Bought a half ton of coal of Charles Griffing. Prices reduced today on the two coarsest qualities, Nos. 6 and 3. Borrowed $60.00 of Mr. Pond to pay to John Cosier. The Annual Teachers' Meeting was held this evening. The same old officers were reelected. MAY 12 TUESDAY - Pleasant; have been to New York. I called on L. B. Sage at 424 Grand Street. Bought a mess of porgies, the first in town. George spread manure on my garden. Left with Lorenzo Nickerson $76.00 for John Cosier. MAY 13 WEDNESDAY - No work in the shop. I spaded garden until noon when it commenced raining. I went to the factory in the P.M. and ordered a hat for Father Griswold, also one for Mr. Pond. I paid $11.67, the balance for the Sunday School indebtedness to Joseph W. Ives for furnishing the Librarian's room. I carried an umbrella up to George to Montgomery's shop for him to come home with. MAY 14 THURSDAY - It rained very hard last night. I have been to New York today. Cloudy in the morning, but no rain. It came off pleasant and warm in the middle of the day. I took dinner with my salesman, William Hayes this noon. I brought one half dozen looking glasses to Bethel for Mr. Dare tonight. I left them at the depot with Mr. Gillette. George and Gussie met me at the depot this evening. I got some seed potatoes this evening of Mr. Philander Brotherton. MAY 15 FRIDAY - Pleasant; I went to the shop in the morning, but there was no work. I came home and planted corn, potatoes and peas. I weeded out my strawberries. I went to Bethel by the afternoon train to see Mr. Dare about the looking glasses I brought him last night. I came home and found a letter from him with a check enclosed for the amount of the bill - $5.00. He sent it by the baker. I walked from Bethel as far as Orin Benedict's factory and rode up from there with Lucius Wildman. George and I spaded more garden after tea. I went into the street in the evening and Swift cashed my check from Mr. Dare. Mrs. Bradley called in the evening. George and Gussie went home with her. MAY 16 SATURDAY - I went to New York today. I took William Carlson's soldier's testimonial down with me and framed it. I brought home and delivered it in the evening and hung it for him. He paid me for it $2.50. I also brought home a preserved wreath and cross for Mrs. Ferrell. John Cosier went to New Rochelle today for the remains of Saul McNeil, who was found dead in a barn. He saw the account in the New York Sun. He died with the heart disease. The vote of impeachment was taken in Congress today. President Johnson was acquitted by one vote. MAY 17 SUNDAY - Pleasant. I have had a headache all day. I only attended Sunday School at noon. Theodore Lyons, John Green and Daniel Starr and wife called to see the preserved flowers I brought last night from New York. Mrs. Bradley called also after tea and Gussie went with her to the cemetery. A little sprinkle of rain in the evening. MAY 18 MONDAY - Stormy and rain. I rode about 40 miles today to Fishkill Village for J. M. Potter to take a melodeon and meet him there with three new horses from Middletown, New York, 25 miles back of Newburgh. He was to meet me this evening at Jackson's Hotel. I received a dispatch from him to wait for his arrival. MAY 19 TUESDAY - It is still unpleasant. I went this forenoon to Mrs. Knapp's where I left the melodeon yesterday and unpacked the instrument and set it up for them. I stayed about 4 P.M. to ride down to Fishkill's landing and if I should not meet Potter to go over to Newburgh and call on Daniel Manly. I met Potter at Mattawan with his horses and I returned with him to the village. After tea at the hotel, Mr. Potter and I called on Mrs. Knapp. Mr. Potter sang and played for them. MAY 20 WEDNESDAY - I started a little after 8 A.M. for Danbury (with the same team I drove to Fishkill on Monday) and led one of the new span which Potter bought. I stopped at Towner's Station on the Harlem Road to feed horses and eat my own dinner. I arrived in Danbury about 4 P.M., just after it began to rain again. I saw the horses taken care of and then went down to the factory and from there home. MAY 21 THURSDAY - It rained very hard last night and a great part of today. The streams are very high. I worked a little in the shop. I finished a hat for Father Griswold and one for Mr. Pond. I then finished 9 odd hats which kept me nearly all day. I the evening, I delivered some flower work to Nathan Ferrell, a wreath and cross. Henry Day had placed in his hands an order of $30.00 which he wanted me to allow Ferrell on the flower work. It was unexpected to me but I honored the order and then called on Day and told him what I thought of the transaction. My indebtedness to him (Day) was perfectly understood between us and before doing so, he should as a friend as he professed to be given me notice of his intention to turn the account and thereby save me trouble. MAY 22 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Paid Mr. Pond this morning $25.00 toward $60.00 borrowed on the 11th instant. I went to the shop and finished up 5 hats to finish up a lot of odd ones, 14 in number. I brought home 3 new Pearl Cashmere hats for Father Griswold, Mr. Pond and Mr. Pond's nephew. I went to the factory again after dinner and got an old knock down Pearl Cashmere body and finished for myself which made a very good hat. It cost me only for the trimming. I brought home Hiram Hadden's soldier's testimonial to frame for him. George, Gussie and Mrs. Bradley went to the cemetery in the P.M. to set out plants, etc. I sold 8 ## pounds of pie plant in the evening at Benedict & Nichols' I let him have it on account at 5 cents per pound. MAY 23 SATURDAY - Stormy and rain. I have been to New York. I took down some pictures to frame for Fanny, John Bouton and Lucy Bennett. I brought one for Hiram Hadden, Fanny and Lucy Bennett. I helped Fanny hang some pictures in the evening. George has worked today for Mr. Pond, whitewashing, etc. MAY 24 SUNDAY - Cloudy and some mist, but no rain during the day. I attended church in the morning, returning after Sunday School. Father made us a call about 4 P.M. and stayed an hour or more. I stayed at home in the evening to let Gussie attend church. MAY 25 MONDAY - I have been to New York. It has been neither pleasant nor stormy. Rain in the morning, sunshine in the middle of the day, rain again after 3 P.M. I made two sample frames for Tibbel, having in view a large order. Called at 12 Courtland Street to see H. D. Clark. He has not yet got home from his trip selling clocks. I gave Daniel a scolding at the store today for being so lazy about his gilding. I bought tea and coffee at the great American Tea Company. I brought a small package from Saul Northrup at the New York and New Haven Railroad Depot in New York to N. P. Gillette. George and I went over to River Street this evening to see his boss Kellogg Nichols to get his pay but could not get it, he not being at home. MAY 26 TUESDAY - Clouds, sunshine and rain. I started from home this morning to go to New York. I went to the depot but on account of the weather, concluded to stay at home. I went to the shop and worked all day. After work and before going home, I went to see E. S. Davis about endorsing paper for me to get $300.00. George went into the street in the evening while I stayed at home. I got a picture from Mr. Pond to frame. MAY 27 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant day. I have been to New York. I went to see Tibbel at 37 Park Row and arranged to do some framing for him. In the P.M., I went with William up to 23rd Street to put up pier glasses. I took a picture down to frame for Mr. Pond. Bought ## barrel of flour in the evening of Charles Crofut at $17.00 per barrel. Went to market in the evening and borrowed $10.00 of Fuller at the market. Before retiring, George and I took down our sitting room stove and carried it up to Father Griswold's barn. MAY 28 THURSDAY - An East wind. Cloudy and a little rain. I have been to New York. I accompanied Mrs. Cyrus White to New York. I have been very busy at the store today. I brought Mr. Pond's picture of 'Christ Blessing Little Children' which I framed for him. After tea, I went into the street again to see Mr. Crofut about borrowing some money. I saw him but my courage failed me and I did not ask him. Mr. Burch returned this evening from Chicago. George and Gussie cleaned the sitting and sink rooms today. Charles Crofut brought me a ## barrel of flour today which I ordered and paid for last evening. MAY 29 FRIDAY - Rain in Danbury, but none of any account in New York where I have been. I spoke with Mr. Fanton on the train this evening about lending me some money for a few days. Frank Butler came home, or rather, came to town from Minnesota this evening. I talked with him on the train. Gussie met me in the street. We went to market and then she went to see Mrs. Bradley and I came home. George went up home to a rehearsal this evening. MAY 30 SATURDAY - Rainy a part of the day. I have been to New York. Helped put up cornices at Mrs. Haight's in 23rd Street and found that they did not fit as they should. Alterations will consequently have to be made. I called at Tibbel's in Park Row with some frames. I bought of him 1 ## dozen No. 1 Catechisms for the Sunday School and ## dozen 'Two Years With Jesus' for George. I went to Schermerhorn's in Browne Street for school records for Mr. Pond. I brought him one for a sample. I borrowed of H. B. Fanton, $150.00 for a few days. Soldiers' graves today were decorated with flowers all over the country. A grand demonstration was made here by the Grand Army of the Republic, Fire Department and Temperance Lodge. Georgie is up home to stay overnight. MAY 31 SUNDAY - A lovely day, the first in a long time. Georgie having been sent up to Father Purdy's yesterday and being still there, we all attended church in the morning. After tea, Gussie and I went up to the cemetery. We called for Mrs. Bradley in Liberty Street and she went with us. We returned rather late for meeting, so we stayed at home in the evening. I wrote to William at the store in the evening.
1868-05
Horace Purdy Journal June 1867 Entry
12pgs
JUNE 01 SATURDAY - Pleasant; no work in the shop. I went down, however, after breakfast and arranged with Charles Purdy to draw my pay and bring it to me at noon with a new 3 D Pearl cassimere hat which I bought and left to be trimmed and curled. He brought me the money at noon and the hat as he came at night. I spent the day working with Mr. Pond. We worked in company. We worked on his premises the first part of the day digging his flower borders and later in my yard making over the flower bed by the piazza and mowing the north and front door yard. The south, I have previously mowed and raked off. After tea, Gussie went into the street. While she was gone, Robert Dunning came into the yard to look at my strawberries. When Gussie returned, I went into the street with Robert. I got my Harper's Weekly at the news office, called at Swift's a few minutes and then walked up with Charles Bennett. George and Bell came here. Bell stayed with Georgie while Gussie and George went over to John Bouton's. They returned about 10 o'clock and George and Bell went home and we soon retired. JUNE 02 SUNDAY - Pleasant in the forepart of the day. Gussie went to church in the morning and came home at noon to let me go to Sunday School. I did not stay to the Prayer Meeting in the P.M., but came home after Sunday School in order to get through with my Sunday School writing and tea early in order to go up to see Father who is sick. Bell came here after Sunday School and stayed to tea and went up with us. Before going, I wrote to Carlton & Porter for the Sunday School ordering 2 dozen Judd's Lessons for each Sunday in the year, Nos. 1 and 2, a dozen of each; also 2 dozen catechisms, Nos. 1 and 2, a dozen of each; also another copy of the Sunday School Journal for the remaining 4 months of our Sunday School paper year (for Charles Barnum). The amount of the bill was $4.08, which I enclosed. It commenced raining as we got to Dr. Hendrick's going up home, so Gussie turned about with Georgie in his carriage and went home while Bell and I went on. Father is not dangerously sick; it is only a stitch (as he calls it) in his back and neck, making him so lame that he can hardly move. I came home about 7 o'clock and went down to the Post Office and mailed the letter to Carlton & Porter ordering the things as before named. I returned without going to church on account of the rain. JUNE 03 MONDAY - No work in the shop. I however went downtown morning and got a new pearl cassimere trimmed and curled for Mr. Pond and brought it home to him at noon. I selected it from a lot of damaged ones and got it for half price - $1.00. A perfect one would cost $3.00. It was so nearly perfect that few would ever know the difference. I commenced weeding my strawberries before dinner. While I was at the shop getting the hat for Mr. Pond, George came and trimmed out my dooryard walks for me. I found them nicely done and he gone when I came home. After dinner, I went into the street and had more talk with Mr. Swift about business. He had pretty much concluded to to sell out, but we took a new tack and talked about going in company and take the New York store with the one here and run both, one of us to be in the city and the other one here and exchange so that each can be home with his family half of the time. After tea, I went up with Dr. Kellogg over to Theodore Lyons' for some oat straw for his horse's bedding. It was dark when we returned. He borrowed Rollo Nichols' box wagon to go with. I went into the street again late in the evening and had a talk again with Swift. I came home and talked with Father Griswold. He approves and we intend going to New York tomorrow morning to see about the business there. Bell came down this evening and sprouted my potatoes for me. I am going to pay her in potatoes. She worked late and will stay all night. JUNE 04 TUESDAY - A beautiful day. I went to New York this morning with Mr. Swift to see about the picture frame business at 68 Carmine Street which we have been talking about buying. We saw the business and before we got home, concluded not to go in company. The expense of doing business would be so large that it would not net profit enough for bother. I pretty much concluded to buy out the New York store myself and start it alone. It is owned by Henry D. Clark. After arriving in town this evening, I saw Mr. Jabine at the Post Office and walked up home with him to talk about the business and money from the Savings bank to buy it with. JUNE 05 WEDNESDAY - Another beautiful day. Before breakfast, I went down to Mr. Swift's house to get some statistics on paper regarding the New York store. It was so late before I got my breakfast that I had a hard headache which lasted me all day. I never the less had business to attend to. I had to make my application to the Savings bank for $1,200 which was granted on a joint note of Father Griswold and myself. I went to the shop and bought a 4 D. pearl cassimere for Mr. Swift. He telegraphed for me to Mr. Clark saying that 'all was right regarding the money' and that I would be down in the morning. I went with Mr. Swift to the Savings Bank and made arrangements for him to draw my $1,200 in my absence in New York. I went into Dr. Kellogg's office and took some medicine for my headache. After tea, I felt better and went into the street and borrowed $50 of Mr. Swift to buy a commutation ticket on the New York and New Haven Railroad provided I make all things right in New York regarding the store. I have made arrangements for George to go with me and be head salesman. I received lesson Books, Catechisms and Sunday School papers for the Book Room today. I did not send money enough and had to remit the balance with the bill to be receipted by mail. George helped me bush my peas this P.M. JUNE 06 THURSDAY - Another pleasant day. George went with me to New York this morning as clerk in my store. We took the steamer, 'Neversink'. We got aground getting out of Norwalk Harbor, and together with having to up to the bridge and down to Gregory's Point to the boat, we were to nearly noon getting to the city. We found Mr. Clark at his new place of business in the Gilbert Clock Manufacturing Company of Winsted, Connecticut at 12 Cortlandt Street. We took dinner and then spent the afternoon completing our bargain of me buying his store at 68 Carmine Street. I paid by check on the Danbury National Bank for $1,000 and gave him four notes of $125 for three, six, nine and twelve months for the remaining $500. I gave him a chattel mortgage on fixtures of the store as security and then brought the notes home with me to have O. H. Swift endorse them. We also went to the office of the Greenwich Insurance Company and had the insurance transferred to me. Then we went to the Manhattan Gas Company and deposited $12.00 for meter as security for payment of gas. As I came home, I bought a commutation ticket at the 27th Street Depot for six months - $80. Our butter came from Ohio today. I paid the expressage for it - $3.45. I also before I came home engaged William Mansfield to bring me a ton of coal tomorrow. JUNE 07 FRIDAY - Before breakfast, I went up to see Oscar Serrine about getting my apron, overshirt, towel and tools at the shop. Also gave him my check with 20 cents with which to pay my dues to the Hatters' Society and draw my traveling card. I started for the cars in good season and went to Mr. Swift's house and gave him the note to take to the Savings Bank and draw $1,200 for me which they have agreed to loan me. I also borrowed $29.00 of him, he to take it from the money he draws for me at the bank. When I arrived at the store in the city, I found Daniel there, George having gone out with William Hayes to get acquainted with parties who patronize and work for the store, also some from whom to buy frames. The day has been hot. We made some sales and took some orders for work. I took dinner with George at his boarding house; also tea and I am to stay all night. JUNE 08 SATURDAY - I stayed with George last night . It commenced raining about 6 o'clock this morning. It rained at times during the day, though not very hard. I went to buy picture frames and glass this forenoon. The account books which I ordered yesterday of Crawford & Nadine were sent to the store this P.M. I commenced to arrange in the front basement under the store for a workroom but had to leave it to go home. Just as the train left 27th Street at 4 o'clock, it commenced raining and rained very hard all the way to Norwalk. When we arrived at Redding, I perceived that it had not rained there. Gussie was waiting for me at the Depot. We did some marketing and then went to Mr. Swift's store before coming home to get the balance of the money which he drew for me yesterday at the Savings Bank. He paid the interest on the note of $1,200, stamped the same, deposited $1,000 in Danbury bank for the check of that amount I gave Henry Clark towards the business I bought from him. He bought me a large pocket book and had left for me in cash $64.50. After tea (which was late), I went to see Mr. Pond about the butter which came from Edwin and paid him my half of the amount $14.01 which with his half he will remit in a few days to Edwin. JUNE 09 SUNDAY - Stormy until after dinner. On account of the storm, we did not go to meeting. After tea, I went over to see Dr. Kellogg a few minutes and then went up home to get George's shawl and hairbrush to take to him in New York tomorrow morning. Bell stayed with us last night and today and will stay with us tonight. Gussie and I went to meeting in the evening. Brother George Hughes of New Jersey, agent of the Freedmen's Bureau, preached. Brother Hill, our old pastor, now from Redding, was with us and read the closing hymn. I took a card and went the length of the aisle to solicit for the freedmen. I got nothing. JUNE 11 MONDAY - A beautiful day. I packed up some of my carpenter's tools before breakfast and took them with me to New York to put up a bench to join frames. I was too busy to make my bench, so I came home without making it. Gussie went to the depot to meet me. We went together and paid for a half ton of coal bought last Friday of Sproule & Mansfield. JUNE 11 TUESDAY - Pleasant. I went to the city again as usual. I had a great deal of running about to do and was very tired when I returned to the store. I took it easy the rest of the day. I brought home George's washing and my new shoes which I put on in D. M. Benedict's Store, leaving my boots to be mended. JUNE 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant. I went to the city as usual. I bought a vise for my workbench in the basement of the store. As I came home, I went to the Bible House and got three bibles for Emily Anderson, Harriet Wheeler and Aunt Louise. As I came from the Depot this evening, I stopped at D. M. Benedict's and got my boots which I left there last evening to be mended. In the evening, I went over to Mr. Pond's and he reported that the butter which came for us from Ohio did not hold out. It was billed for 111 pounds but it would weigh only 101 pounds and six ounces. JUNE 13 THURSDAY - pleasant and very warm. I took a fine bouquet with me to the city this morning and put in my show window. I built my work bench for joining frames in the basement of my store today. Gussie went to Ridgefield with Mrs. Short and carried her rags to be woven today. They had Alfred Gregory's horse. After tea, I got out a piece of cherry from Mr. Pond's barn to attach to my new frame making plane I mailed a letter to Edwin this morning intending to enclose a money order of $26.78 for butter but was too late for the morning mail and left the amount with Dr. Brown to be sent by the afternoon mail which he sent this P.M. JUNE 14 FRIDAY - Pleasant. I went to New York as usual. I finished putting up my apparatus for joining frames at my store today. I bought a crate of strawberries at Washington Market for Christian Quien. The locomotive gave out on the New York & New Haven tonight so that we were obliged to get another one at Stamford. JUNE 15 SATURDAY - I took some clean clothes down to George this morning to the city. I have felt about sick today. I repaired Mrs. McCormick's looking glass today. She lives at 19 McDougal Street. Eliakim Wildman called at the store to see me today but I was out. I saw him on the train coming home. Gussie and Louise met me at the depot this evening and I went with them to market. Daniel Minnerly, my boy gilder gave me his picture today. I promised him one of myself. JUNE 16 SUNDAY - Cloudy and hazy in the morning, but it finally came off hot and oppressive. Bell stayed with us last night as she has been doing for a week past. Gussie went to church in the morning. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. I came home after school to do my Sunday School writing and to rest, as I am pretty nearly tired out from last week's work in the city. Bell came here to tea and to stay all night. A thunder shower about 6 P.M. We did not go out in the evening on account of the rain. We picked some flowers before the shower and made a bouquet in the evening which I expect to take with me to the city tomorrow morning. Mr. Pond called in the evening while we were making the bouquet. JUNE 17 MONDAY - I rose early and helped Mr. Pond grind his scythe before breakfast. I took a large bouquet to the city with me for one of the conductors on the 6th Avenue cars which I promised last Friday, I believe. I gave a bill which Russell Smith owes me to David B. Booth as I went to the cars this morning for him to give to Constable Crosby to collect for me. It commenced raining as the cars left and rained hard until I got to New York. It came off pleasant and hot in the middle of the day in the city, though they tell me it has rained nearly all day here at home. As we were coming out from the city, it clouded over again and here at home it looks as if it would rain at any moment. Later - 10 o'clock. Clear and pleasant; the stars are shining brightly. JUNE 19 WEDNESDAY - A pleasant day. I went to the city as usual. I took dinner at Mr. Thompson's where George boards. I bought a pound of coffee for William Warren at the Great American Tea Company and let Mr. Fanton have it on the train before I got home. I bought 4 feet of green worsted fringe for Mr. Smith and brought it home with me. Before tea, I put grass around my strawberries around a part of them. I worked until dark and then drank my tea. JUNE 20 THURSDAY - Pleasant. I rode as far as Norwalk in the mail car with Mr. Swift. I got out at 42nd Street when the engine left the train and walked from there over to 6th Avenue with J. M. Potter and his brother. I bargained with George Baker (a son of the woman who lives on the upper floor over my store) to paint the front of the store. He commenced it immediately. I worked again as long as I could see putting grass around my strawberry to keep berries from lying in the dirt. JUNE 21 FRIDAY - Pleasant again today. Edward S. Davis and wife went to New York this morning. Trade has been a little better with me today. I bought a sample of tea today at the United States Tea Warehouse opposite the Great American, I having heard that they gave a better article for the money than the Great American. I brought home a frame from New York to show Mr. Swift. JUNE 22 SATURDAY - Pleasant. I had Father Griswold's company to Norwalk this morning, he going east to his work as elder and I to New York. I went with George to dinner at his boarding place at Mr. Ferguson's. After dinner, I went downtown and bought a chrome lithograph (The Chickens) for a customer. I brought home my ripsaw this evening from the city. Gussie met me at Raymond's Fish Market when the train arrived. I did some marketing with her and then came home. She having some more errands to do, I left her in the street. I had strawberries and milk for supper. Wells Webster and wife came to Father Griswold's today. JUNE 23 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. While Gussie was getting ready for church this morning, I took Georgie to walk over in Mr. Pond's garden to see his strawberries. Gussie came home at noon. I went to Sunday School and came home at its close to do the writing for the school. I then picked what strawberries were ripe. We had some for tea. Gave a quart to the Griswold's (Wells Webster and wife being there to tea), saving the remainder to take with me to New York in the morning. Father came down about 7 P.M. with pants and coat for George which I am to take to him in the morning. I went to church in the evening; Brother Birch preached. After church, Sherman Smith and lady (Lucy Bennett) called, he to see me about work at Yonkers, George having sent word to him that they were to commence work again on Monday. JUNE 24 MONDAY - Pleasant in the morning. I took a bag of clothes with me to the city this morning for George and a bucket (4 quarts) of strawberries to my boy in the store, Daniel Minnerly. When I got to the city in the middle of the forenoon, George took his clothes and started for Yonkers to go to work at hatting. It commenced raining about 8 o'clock this evening. After closing the store, I walked over to my boarding place in Grove Street to Mr. Ferguson's. I take the same room and bed that George left. JUNE 25 TUESDAY - I slept until 6 o'clock this morning. It rained all last night and still continues. After breakfast, I went to the store and opened it. Daniel came in a little after 7 o'clock. I completed my fixtures for joining frames today. I took the 6th Avenue cars about 4 P.M. and rode to 27th Street, from there to the depot and home where I am now writing these words. It has rained all day and we have sold nothing in the store. Theodore Bradley came up today and picked 7 quarts of strawberries for Gussie. She gave him 3 quarts to take home with him to pay for picking. JUNE 26 WEDNESDAY - The sun shone a little about 7 o'clock. It soon became thick cloudy again and more rain. I joined my first picture frames today. I took down with me this morning to the city 4 quarts of strawberries to Mrs. Baker (the lady who lives over my store). She made strawberry shortcake for tea, and my boy Daniel and I dined with her. JUNE 27 THURSDAY - Daniel spoiled a looking glass plate today by accidentally marking the back side. George Baker broke a light of glass in my showcase which stands out the door. He was painting the inside of the case when he did it. Sherman Smith came down from Yonkers this P.M. and brought me news that my house had been entered by a burglar and over $17.00 taken. A few minutes later, I received a letter from Gussie bearing the same intelligence, but both were too late for me to take the train to go home. Ill luck seems to be my portion today. JUNE 28 FRIDAY - Pleasant. Sherman Smith tried to sell sewing machine (Wheeler & Wilson) casters today for me but did not succeed very well. I took the train this P.M. and went home to see about the robbery. I found things about as represented. Constable Crosby searched the thief and found my money in his boot. Crosby now has the money in his possession. JUNE 29 SATURDAY - I returned to the city this morning. I had the company of Louise Jones going down, she having been on a visit to Mr. Jabine's. When we arrived in the city, she went with me to my store. From there, I accompanied her to Broadway and saw her in a stage for Fulton Ferry. I then went down in Beekman Street to Hallerbach's to get some porcelain headed nails for rustic frames for Mr. Swift. Sherman Smith being at the store at noon, I took him with me to dinner. George came down from Yonkers about 2 P.M. He is to stay over Sunday at my boarding place and the store until I return on Monday from home. I took the 4 o'clock train for home. Arrived about 7 1/2 P.M. Robert Cocking came back from Mr. Lynes' today to occupy our rooms again. The day has been warm. JUNE 30 SUNDAY - Pleasant and warm. Bell took Georgie home with her yesterday to stay overnight. Father went to church this morning for the first time in a long time. He let Georgie walk down home with him as he came down to church this morning. I wore my white pants today to church for the first time this summer. Gussie went to church this morning as usual. She came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. Misses Camp and Hutchinson visited our school this noon. I took them up to see the Infant Class . As we came down, Miss Hutchinson fell down the gallery stairs. It hurt her but little, she said. She had a narrow escape. I was behind her coming down when she fell. I walked up home with them after school. Thomas Bradley came up in the P.M. and helped me pick some strawberries. I gave him 2 quarts to take home with him. After tea, I finished picking what was ripe. I had the headache after tea and on that account did not go to meeting in the evening.
1867-06
Horace Purdy Journal September 1866 Entry
13pgs
SEPT 01 SATURDAY - Very warm. The express box containing tea and coffee was delivered this morning before I went to work. I opened it and carried Mr. Pond’s portion – 10 lbs. coffee and 15 lbs. tea over to him and then took 5 lbs. of coffee and 5 lbs. of tea to John McNamee and 5 lbs. of coffee to Charles Hoyt at the shop. I took my time at may work today and finished only one dozen at $2.00 which took me nearly all day. As I came home from work, I stopped at Tim Foster’s Carpenter Shop and he paid me the discount on the note which he gave me for the wagon and $1.00 for the bridle. I came home and put away in cans and jars the tea and coffee which came in the morning. Mr. Clark who is from Hartford and visiting at Father Griswold’s came down this P.M. and took tea with us. A slack rope performance between Concert Hall and Hull’s block across Main Street came off this evening by a performer who shows this evening in the Hall. I did not see it however. Fanny came from Camp Meeting by the evening train. I received a letter from George in the evening. I walked up from the office with Samuel Barnum and had conversation with him about a lamp post on the corner of West and William Street. SEPT 02 SUNDAY - A shower this morning about 9 o’clock. It rained very hard for a few minutes. As I came from getting my milk, Joe ___ came home with me to get some tomatoes. Gussie went to church in the morning and at the same time, I drew up the Sunday School classes anew for one half of the school in Edward Barnum’s Librarians Book. It kept me nearly all the forenoon. Gussie came home at noon and I went down to Sunday School. After school, I went down to see Harmon Ellis who lives at the lower end of the town near the Episcopal Burying Grounds. I went to carry to him a letter from George telling him that he could have work with him at Prentice in Brooklyn. I walked down with David Bradley who went with me to show me where he lived. I waited to have him write a note in reply to enclose in a letter which I mailed to George in the evening. I went from there up home on Deer Hill to get a melodeon instructor which George sent for. I could not find it so Father came down with it after tea. I gave him some tomatoes to take home with him. I finished my letter to George and put up a Singing Book (Nightingale), the Melodeon instructor and a pile of sheet music called “Tis Finished” or “Sing Hallelujah” in a small package and carried it over to Lorenzo B. Sage in Spring Street to have him take it to George when he returns on the morrow. From there I went to the Post Office and mailed my letter to George and came home to let Gussie go to church but found her gone and Louise there staying with Georgie Gussie went to Baptist Church to see Thomas Purdy’s wife and Mary Hickok baptized. SEPT 03 MONDAY - Warm again today. I do not feel well. I had the headache this morning and my throat has been very sore this afternoon. I did but little work. I came home from the shop about 3 o’clock and went over to Spring Street to see L. B. Sage about saving the position in Brooklyn for George’s friend, Harmon Ellis. I did not find him at home, he having gone to the depot to see about the shipment of furniture which he is moving to Brooklyn. I returned to the depot and saw him. He promised to reserve the place for Ellis for one week. I came home feeling about sick. While at tea, Mr. Pond came over and paid me for his tea and coffee - $8.00. Gussie went over to see Mrs. Stone about washing and to Dr. Bulkely for some medicine for me in the evening while I stayed at home with Georgie. Before retiring, I looked up Fred Jennings' old account for rent with the design of taking legal steps to collect it. Gussie brought a letter from the Office for her folks from Canton stating that Aunt Ruth, Alfred and Lydia were intending to come to Danbury for a visit. SEPT 04 TUESDAY - It rained hard during last night. It has been lowery all day with some rain. It rained very hard about 9 o’clock. Not feeling well, I did not go to the shop, but with Mr. Pond’s help, I ground his scythe and mowed my door yard. It was nearly night when I finished carrying off the grass. Mrs. Stone washed for us today. Harriet Wheeler started this morning for Camp Meeting at Plainville at which her father presides. From there, she intends going to Canton. I paid Granville Ambler $.30 for pasturing horse May 25 and 26. I went into the street in the evening and exchanged my broken gold pen for a dollar box of Easterbrook’s containing 144 pens for $.75, $.25 being allowed for the old gold one. SEPT 05 WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it came off pleasant about 9 o’clock. I have felt about sick again today – very lame. I think I took more cold yesterday. I did not intend to go to the shop in the morning, but I became so uneasy, thinking of my liabilities and payments coming due that I started for the shop despite my feelings. I accomplished but little, but that little is better than nothing. After tea, I picked some Citron melons in Father Griswold’s melon patch and after returning from market, we invited Mrs. Cocking downstairs. She came and ate of the items with us. The down passenger train this P.M. ran off the track just this side of the Georgetown Station. The engine lies on its back, so say reports. The particulars we will get tomorrow. Caroline Hull died about 1 o’clock of consumption. SEPT 06 THURSDAY - The cause of the passenger train running off the track last evening was that a hand car was coming up at the same time. A curve in the track prevented one from seeing the other. The locomotive lies on its side instead of its back as reported last night. It ran into a stream of water nearby before it could be stopped where it now lies. Fortunately, no one was hurt. It was 6 o’clock this morning before a train came in here through from Norwalk. We got an advance on our bill of prices at the shop today. It was only the course qualities and they were put back again (with the exception of No. 5, they lack 1 % (??)only) to where they were before the last deduction was made. In the evening, I cleaned my gun and repaired one of the locks. Gussie went to evening prayer meeting. SEPT 07 FRIDAY - Cloudy all day. Orin Benedict’s Hat factories at Grassy Plain were destroyed by fire about 4 o’clock this morning. T. & E. Tweedy’s finishing shop which has for the past year been foul is to commence again fair next Monday morning. Zerah Hoyt is hired as foreman. This report comes well authenticated and is doubtless true. Caroline Hull was buried this P.M. at 1 ½ o’clock. Gussie attended the funeral. Bell took Georgie up home yesterday morning and kept him until about 5 o’clock this afternoon when she brought him home and stayed to tea. Rev. Mr. Stone (the Baptist preacher) was taken last night with spitting blood and is today quite feeble with its effects. Baptist Peach Festival this evening at Concert hall. I went to market this evening and got caught in a shower on my return. Gussie bought some coarse cotton yarn today from which to knit sock for me and sent it up to Mother who is to knit them for me. SEPT 08 SATURDAY - Pleasant and cooler towards night. I worked as usual in the shop except that I worked later, it being nearly 7 o’clock when I left the shop. Rollo Nichols brought some lemonade into the shop today in a wash tub. We all drank of it and then he passed a hat and took a collection for the benefit of the Baptist Bible Class Library, the lemonade being some which was left over from their Peach Festival last night. I went to market in the evening and walked up home with Robert Cocking. The trial of the Adams Express robbers which has been on for about two weeks was ended today and the case submitted to the jury. Whether jurymen have been able to agree yet or not, I have not heard. SEPT 09 SUNDAY - A pleasant September day. Robert Dunning called in the yard this morning a few minutes and ate some pears which had fallen from one of my dwarf trees and pronounced them excellent. Gussie attended church in the morning. Brother Webb preached. I went to Sunday School at noon. I came home after the session with the collection money and then went down home for George’s stencil plate which he wants sent to him. From there, I went down to William H. Taylor’s to see Harmon Ellis (who I expected would go to Brooklyn tomorrow to work with George) to send the stencil plate to George by him but did not find him at home. I reached home again about 3 o’clock just in time for dinner. Before dark, I wrote to George and enclosed a letter for Willie Franklin. Gussie, Georgie and myself took a walk before dark around the square by Mr. McDonald’s I attended church in the evening. Gussie stayed with Georgie. As I went, I mailed my letter to George. Mr. See (?), a Dutch reform preacher from New York, preached from Phil 1-21. It was an excellent sermon, the best I have heard in a long time. While I was at church, Gussie commenced a letter to Cousin Eliza in California. SEPT 10 MONDAY - Pleasant. Before going to the shop, I killed a fowl for Mother Griswold. I worked in the shop until 7 o’clock this evening. After tea, I went up to see Father Griswold about sending in a club (which is being made up by Ben Roff) to New York for coffee. He wants 3 lbs. He gave me the money - $3.00-which pays for the coffee and $.10 for Roff for trouble and expressage. I went into the street to the Post Office, but got no mail. I walked up with John Cable. Father Griswold came from camp meeting today. SEPT 11 TUESDAY - Pleasant in the morning but it soon began to cloud over and in the P.M., it commenced raining. Before breakfast, I saw Mr. Pond and we arranged to send to Ohio for our winter butter. I immediately wrote an order and mailed it to Edwin as I went to work for 100 lbs. I gave the money to Ben Roff this forenoon which Father Griswold gave me last evening for 3 lbs. coffee. I worked until 6 o’clock in the shop this evening and came home in the rain. On my way, I stopped at the Post Office and got a bill for 1 dozen sifters from Everett C. Andrews of New Haven which he has sent to D. H. Johnson of Newtown, an order which George had for the same some time since. Milo Clark from Hartford, who has been visiting Father Griswold the past two weeks left here by the noon train. Before retiring, I wrote to D. H. Johnson concerning the sifter and enclosed a bill of the same. SEPT 12 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant this morning and through the day, but in the evening it was cloudy again. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed the letter to Johnson which I wrote last evening. I worked as usual in the shop. Harriet and Louise Jones and Mrs. Jabine called here today. Louise brought me a letter from George with $13.75 enclosed - $10.00 to pay Mr. Harris towards clothes and $3.75 to me to balance borrowed money. I wrote a reply to George acknowledging receipt of the money and mailed it to him this evening. I sent his stencil plate, ink, etc. by young Jabine to Louise who is at Mr. Jabine’s to take to George on her return. Mrs. Craig, formerly Hattie Gregory, died last evening with consumption at the residence of Walter F. Olmstead. Before I retired, I helped Gussie seal up jelly (crab apple) in cups. SEPT 13 THURSDAY - Pleasant. Before breakfast, we changed the bedstead from our bedroom with the one upstairs in the small room, it being smaller and in consequence would give us more room. I filled a tick for it before making the bed from oat straw which I had from Father Griswold’s barn. I worked until 7 o’clock which was as long as I could see. Merritt ____ who committed rape on Peter Rowan’s daughter was tried this P.M. ad was sentenced to State Prison for life. I came from work with the headache, but after tea felt better and went down to market. SEPT 14 FRIDAY - Bell came down this morning while we were at breakfast to take Georgie up home for the day and to stay overnight. Gussie went down to court at 9 o’clock with Frank Bouton and Lucy Bennett, but Lucy’s case did not come before the court as expected, so they returned. Gussie went up to Mr. Craig’s after dinner to attend the funeral of young Craig’s wife (the former Hattie Gregory). She, while up there, went across the way and called on Anna Hinman. I had a headache all night and woke with it this morning. I went to the shop, but did not feel able to work and returned. On my way home, I stopped at the church and emptied the Infant Class money box and took from it $4.92, all pennies, except a 5 cent stamp. I took them over to Scofield’s Dry Goods store and exchanged them for bills and when I came home deposited it in the Sunday School treasury. I then knowing that I should feel better out of doors took my gun and started for a walk. I finally got as far as Mill Plain Swamp where I shot a pigeon. I returned home about 3 o’clock, not having eaten anything since breakfast, abstaining by choice to drive away any headache which it did effectually before I returned. A fellow by name of Reed, a member of our church, came to me early in the evening to borrow my gun. I went into the street and borrowed Parmalee’s for him rather than lend mine. Before I came from the street John Bouton wanted to borrow it. Not wanting to refuse him, I let him take it. He came home with me and got it. Gussie went in the evening in company with Louise to the tableaux in Concert Hall, the proceeds to be given to the Female Guardian Society. A hard thunder shower about 6 P.M. SEPT 15 SATURDAY - Pleasant and cool. I worked in the shop as usual. The three pounds of coffee that Father Griswold sent for to New York by Ben Roff came today to the shop and I brought it home. After tea, we went up home to get Georgie and to see George. Bell and George came home with us. Just as we got home, John and Frank Bouton came with the gun I let him have yesterday to hunt with today. We all went into the street to do marketing leaving bell with Gussie. I bought my first scallops of the season this evening. When we returned from market, we found Louise Vintz and Clarissa Smith with Bell. George came on the morning train form Brooklyn. SEPT 16 SUNDAY - Cold this morning. They say there was frost, but I did not see any. The day has been pleasant. George came down to breakfast this morning and ate scallops according to promise last night. He went back home and came this way with Bell to church. Gussie went with them. She returned at noon. I went to Sunday School, after which George returned home with me. We took Georgie and went up home to supper and had apple dumplings. After supper, we (George, Gussie, Bell and myself) went up to the cemetery, leaving Georgie up home to stay overnight with Bell. When we came from the cemetery, it was evening meeting time, so we went directly to the church. A Mr. Sanford preached for us. George and Bell came by way of our house from meeting. They stopped and we ate melons and pears. We sent a pail of milk by them up to Georgie. SEPT 17 MONDAY - Pleasant. George came this way as he went to the depot this morning and put some pears and tomatoes in his carpet bag. While making the fire this morning, I broke the grate to the stove. I worked as usual in the shop. I felt nearly sick towards night and stopped work a little earlier than usual. Gussie attended the trial of Nathan Darling for the attempted rape of Lucy Bennett. She stayed until the court adjourned which was about 6 o’clock. Louise came down while we were at tea and helped Gussie clear away the dishes, she being lame with her carbuncle. After the table was cleared away, she went over to John Brayman’s awhile, leaving me with Louise. Louise mended my pocketbook and I gave her $.50 for it to help her get one of the Centenary Medals. The Norwalk Brass band are here this evening giving a concert to be followed by a hop at Concert Hall. SEPT 18 TUESDAY - Warmer today. I went over to Robert Dunning’s before breakfast and engaged his wife to wash for us tomorrow. I worked until dark at the shop. On the Darling rape case, the jury today brought in a verdict of guilty. When I came home from work, I found Aunt Mary Hoyt with her two step children (twin boys) at our house to tea. After tea, Louise came down to let Gussie and I go up to our folks with them, where we found Uncle Cyrus. They, with Bell, went up to the cemetery in the P.M. and stopped at our house to tea. Uncle Cyrus being lame, he could not go with them. Just after we returned home in the evening, there came up a shower. SEPT 19 WEDNESDAY - Gussie being too lame to do her washing, I took the clothes over to Mrs. Dunning, who consented to wash them for us. This I did before breakfast. There has been but little sunshine today, it being lowery most of the time and a little rain in the P.M. Robert Cocking came to the factory with their boy Charlie to get a hat and came up to the finishing room to see me. I was too tired to go into the street in the evening so I stayed home. Gussie canned the remainder of her pears today. Crofut’s second daughter Mary was married today at 9 o’clock to Joe White, a new partner in the firm. SEPT 20 THURSDAY - Stormy. I worked as usual in the shop. Nathan Darling was today sentenced to the State Prison for 6 years for attempted rape on Lucy Bennett. Before tea, I went over to Mrs. Dunning’s for the clothes which I took there yesterday morning to be washed and ironed. Gussie’s arm is worse today. SEPT 21 FRIDAY - Lowery in the morning with an East wind. It finally changed to the South and broke away, giving some sunshine. About 5 o’clock, there came u a shower. A little after 9 o’clock in the evening, it rained. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie’s arm has given her so much pain today that she let Bell take Georgie home with her to stay overnight. I went into the street in the evening and got the Sunday School papers at Swift’ store, consulted Dr. Bulkley about Gussie’s swelling under her arm and came home. Before retiring I marked off the Sunday School papers for distribution next Sunday. SEPT 22 SATURDAY - The morning broke with a cloudless sky. It has been pleasant but cool. I worked all day in the shop. After tea, I took the Sunday School papers down to the church. I waited for the train and then walked up with John Brayman, Bob and Edward Dunning. Bell came down with Georgie just before night. Louise stayed with Gussie in the evening. While in the street, I paid Robert Cocking $1.12 for pears – ½ bushel for myself and a peck and a half for Mother Griswold. SEPT 23 SUNDAY - Cold; a frost this morning. I went to church this morning in order to be present at Sunday School as we begin today to organize the school for collecting funds for the centenary cause or rather to procure funds to advance the cause of Methodism and education through the church in this our centenary year. We took the names of scholars who desired cards with which to take the subscription. After church, I filled out cards for those who applied and will deliver them next Sunday. I also took a list of the names and numbered them to correspond with the cards for the purpose of receiving the money when it shall be paid in to the treasurer who is myself. After tea, father came in and stayed a short time. Before evening meeting, John Brayman came in to ask my advice about building as he has an opportunity to do so; the lot and money to be furnished on bond and mortgage. He came to see me this evening on account of being obliged to give an answer to the parties tomorrow morning. I advised him to do it. Mr. Sanford preached for us again today. He preached a powerful sermon this morning on “The Faith of Moses”. Gussie, not having attended church during the day, she went in the evening and I stayed at home with Georgie. SEPT 24 MONDAY - Pleasant this morning with a heavier frost than yesterday morning. I carried our clothes over to Mrs. Dunning’s before breakfast for her to wash them, Gussie being yet too lame to do it herself. It is reported today that Zopher Keeler’s house was entered yesterday while they were at church and robbed of $240. I worked as usual in the shop’ it began to cloud over in the forenoon and finally became thickly clouded and in the evening about 8 ½ o’clock began to mist. Gussie bought me 20 bushels of charcoal today at $.20 - $4.00. I went to market in the evening and bought a pair of pants of Mr. Harris - $8.00. I got a letter by the evening mail from George with $10.00 enclosed, five of it to balance his account with Harris for clothes and five to pay me what he borrowed a week ago to return to Brooklyn. Before retiring, I answered George’s letter and done up 4 Sunday School Advocates to mail to Mrs. Turner in Jacksonville, Florida. SEPT 25 TUESDAY - Cloudy and misty in the morning, but before night it came off pleasant and warm. As I went to work in the morning, I mailed the letter I wrote last night to George. I came home from work rather late this evening, it being nearly 7 o’clock. Before we sat down to tea, Harriet and Mr. Jabine came in to spend the evening. We passed the evening very pleasantly. Mr. Jabine and I went up to Father Griswold’s a few moments and while there ate grapes with the elder and brought home a bunch for Harriet. Before going up there, we had been eating pears. Mrs. Jabine has gone to Brooklyn and Harriet is staying there in her place. They left for home about 8 ½ o’clock. SEPT 26 WEDNESDAY - Stormy all day; it rained very hard in the P.M. I worked as long as I could see in the shop. Harriet Wheeler and Josie came home from Essex today, arriving about 2 o’clock P.M. on the freight train. It being raining in the evening, I did not go out but spent most of the evening in cleaning my gun and pistol. Those prisoners sentenced by the court recently held here were started this morning for Wethersfield. Among them were three of them for life for rape and one (Darling) for six years for the attempted rape of Lucy Bennett. SEPT 27 TUESDAY - Pleasant this morning again. I went to the shop as usual, but came home at noon with the headache. A letter from D. H. Johnson from Newtown with a check on Pahquioque bank for $11.50 for sifters. I went to the bank and drew it in the P.M. They charged me $.10 for discount making it $11.40 received. I sent enclosed in a letter $6.85 to E.C. Andrews in New Haven for the sifters sent to Johnson. I also wrote to Johnson acknowledging the receipt of the check. Mother came down in the fore noon and stayed all day. Bell came just at night and took Georgie home with her to stay the night. I took my gun and went over towards Mr. Lynes’ and shot at a mark with coarse shot. I ate no dinner or supper on account of headache. I retired about 7 o’clock. Gussie went into the street in the evening and bought a dress for herself and one for Bell – a present – and other articles – Canton Flannels, Seidlitz powders, dress trimmings, etc. SEPT 28 FRIDAY - I went to the shop this morning, but not feeling very well, did not go to work but returned home and helped Gussie take up some house plants and put them in pots preparatory to housing them when the weather becomes colder. After dinner, I took my guns and went over to Mill Pain Swamp to look for pigeons but found none. I found a flock of quails in Ferry’s Woods and shot two of them. I then fell in with a fellow named Knox. He shot one also. Gussie and I went to market in the evening. I bought the sheet music which George ordered – “Sherman’s March Through Georgia” and mailed it to him this evening. I called to see Hanford Fairchild to see if he would endorse a note for $200 for me at the Danbury Bank. He preferred not to endorse but thought he would let me have the money. Before coming home, we went down to Andrew Williams to borrow a carpet bag of Mrs. Bradley for Gussie to carry to Norwalk with her next week. When we returned I went up to let Father Griswold have $30 toward the debt I am to pay him next Monday, as he wanted some to use before that time. SEPT 29 SATURDAY - Pleasant in the morning; cloudy in the P.M. and evening with the appearance of a storm. I went to the Danbury Bank between 9 and 10 o’clock and withdrew the note of $200 which I had left there yesterday to be presented to the board today. My reason for withdrawing it was that Hanford Fairchild has promised to let me have the amount. I went to the shop about 10 o’clock and finished off a dozen hats and commenced another and about 2 P.M. went up to the baseball Grounds to see a game played between the Columbia and Waverly clubs. The game lasted from 1 ½ and 5 ½ o’clock. Gussie went up home this P.M. and carried Bell’s new dress which she is making her a present of and to bring Georgie home. Bell came down to stay all night as Gussie has been sent for to go up to Henry Hinman’s to be with Anna who is confined with child birth. I received a letter in the evening from George. I carried our clock back to S. G. Bailey this morning; it was worse than before he cleaned it. I saw Sealy Harris at caucus this evening and paid him $4.00 for Father Griswold, the same being for cider bought last year. SEPT 30 SUNDAY - A little rain last night; pleasant and mild today. Bell stayed with us last night and went home after breakfast. Gussie went to church this morning. I went to Sunday School and prayer meeting in the P.M. I distributed t cards to the Sunday School scholars to collect money for the Sunday School Centenary Fund. After tea, Father came down and he took a little walk with Georgie and me. In the meantime, Gussie and Susan Brayman went uptown to see Anna Hinman. When Father left, I went over to John Brayman’s and Robert Dunning’s a few minutes, more to walk with Georgie than anything else. Robert walked back home with me and ate some pears. Gussie returned a little before evening meeting time and I finished a letter to George which I began last evening. I attended church in the evening and as I went mailed the letter to George. A young man from New York preached for us today. He is an Irishman, a graduate from Dublin University in Ireland.
1866-09
Horace Purdy Journal August 1866 Entry
14pgs
AUGUST 01 WEDNESDAY - The day has been made up of sunshine, cloudy, windy and a very little rain. I worked hard all day until 7 o’clock again. The new hands shopped yesterday commenced work today in the other shop. Hattie Mills was with us to tea. I stayed at home with Georgie in the evening and let Gussie go into the street with Hattie. Before they went, however, I wrote to Carlton & Porter ordering one dozen for gratuitous use in the Sunday School and enclosed $6.00 for the same. Gussie mailed it for me. It rained again in the evening, it having rained a little in the middle of the day. Our neighbor John Greene lost his son Samuel about sundown; difficulty was tubercles on the brain. He was sick a little over two weeks. AUGUST 02 THURSDAY - Pleasant. It was nearly 7 o’clock when we rose this morning. The funeral of Sammy Greene was attended this this P.M. at 3 o’clock. Tomorrow morning, he will be taken to New Rochelle for burial. Received a letter from George by the evening mail in which he acknowledged the receipt of my last two letters and proposed having Mrs. Jones come to Danbury for a week. Her health being poor, the doctor has recommended coming to the country. Robert came home from church in the evening with his wife. I made some lemonade and they drank with me before he and Charlie (who came with them) went back to Mr. Lynes’. I bought a dozen lemons in the evening for 50 cents. AUGUST 03 FRIDAY - Before going to the shop this morning, I began to construct a leader from the rain water hogshead. Gussie went up home today to see about having Mrs. Jones come to Danbury for a week. She is George’s boarding mistress and he wants us to try and accommodate her. When I returned from work at night and before I went over to Mr. Leason’s to get him to come tomorrow morning to lay up a little brick work at the corner of my house. I received a notification from H. T. Hoyt, Internal Revenue Collector, to pay for my income tax -$18.63. I came home from work with a headache and on that account, I stayed home in the evening and let Gussie go to market. AUGUST 04 SATURDAY - I rose this morning at 4 ½ o’clock. Mr. Leason came over and before breakfast laid over anew the brick foundation under the Southwest corner of my house which was washed loose by the waste water from the rain water hogshead. As it was threatening rain, I left my work at the shop when I got my pay and came home to complete the work of a leader for the waste water from the rain water hogshead, but I was compelled to leave it unfinished on account of a hard thundershower. I went to market in the evening. As I came from the shop, I paid my income tax - $18.63. AUGUST 06 SUNDAY - Pleasant this morning after the shower last evening. Gussie went to church in the A.M. and I commenced a letter to George while staying with Georgie. It was in reply to one received on the 2nd inst. about Mrs. Jones coming to Danbury to stay with us for a week. I went to Sunday School at noon and brought Mr. Lockwood home with me to supper. After supper, he and I went over to Mr. McDonald’s and borrowed his horse which I harnessed before my wagon and took Susan and Gussie with their babies up to the cemetery. I supposed Mr. Lockwood would go with us but he preferred to go up to Ed Allen’s to stay until church time which he did. When we returned, I finished the letter which I began this morning to George and mailed it as I went to church. Mr. Hare preached. Robert Cocking was immersed at the Baptist Church after the morning service. Gussie attended that church this morning to witness the baptism. AUGUST 06 MONDAY - Pleasant and cool. I went down before breakfast and mailed another letter to George telling him that Mr. Fanton would carry the yeast cakes to his store in New York where he could call and get them. As I went for milk this morning, I tried to pay Mr. McDonald for his horse yesterday, but he would take nothing. He not having any whip for his wagon, I gave him mine as I now have no use for it. I ordered another small piece of tin leader as I went to work this morning and called for it as I came from work to tea. I also stopped on my way home from work at Charles T. Stevens’ store and paid him $4.40 towards my church pew. The foreman over the trimming department at the factory ( E.E. Wildman) to tell Widow Mrs. Burr Bradley to come to the shop as he had a vacant place and would now give her work. She being away from home for a week, he promised to reserve the situation for her. I worked hard and late at the shop today. John Brayman called while I was getting my tea and gave me $5.00 towards what he owes me. I went to market in the evening and called at Mr. Henry Fanton’s office with a small package of yeast cakes which he will carry to his store in new York to be called for by George who wants the for his boarding mistress Mrs. Jones. Timothy Foster saw me in the street and enquired about my wagon. He thinks he will buy it. AUGUST 07 TUESDAY - Pleasant still and cool for August. I have worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went in the P.M. up to Eben Barnum’s and drew Georgie in his carriage. Bell was here while I was getting my tea and told us that Harriet had been writing to Mrs. Jones where George was boarding and pleading poverty trying to prevent Mrs. Jones coming to Danbury for a visit to our house for her health as she has been contemplating. She and George having arranged the matter, George having made arrangements for our folks to trade on his account for whatever should be wanting to set a grand table and make it comfortable and pleasant for Mrs. Jones. He having a high regard for her, had invited her to come and Father and Mother had both consented to it and seemed pleased that Mrs. Jones was coming, but Harriet had seemed determined to prevent it if possible and spoil the pleasure anticipated by our folks. It seems as if Satan himself at times had complete possession of her. After tea, I wrote to George telling him all about it, how Harriet had written to Mrs. Jones not to come and told him to tell her how Harriet had acted and that Father and Mother and all of us wanted her to come and to urge her by all means to come regardless of what Harriet had written. I mailed it as I went to the Annual School Meeting for the election of a new committee. The meeting was held in Military hall. I walked home from the meeting with Mr. Pond, the principal of our school and my nearest neighbor. He is agent with two or three insurance companies and he had some conversation on the way with me about insuring my life. Our newly elected district officers were as follows: for committee – J. Amsbury, Ammon T. Peck and David P. Nichols, for clerk – David B. Booth, for Treasurer – Harvey Williams, for Collector – Ephraim Gregory. AUGUST 08 WEDNESDAY - Another beautiful day, but a little warmer towards night. As I went to work in the morning, I took a piece of tin pipe which I had made for a leader for waste water from my rainwater hogshead back to Charles Hull’s to be made as I wanted it, they not having made it rightly the first time. My butter maker not having brought my butter as I expected, I bought a little as I came home from work. After tea, I attached the leader to my hogshead and completed the drain from waste water and then went to market. Smith Pulling, who furnished us with butter this summer, told me today that his wife was offended because I found fault with her butter the last time she came with it. The butter not keeping good, I only asked her if any of her other customers found fault. She said not, and I told her that it was without doubt our fault then that made it spoil by not keeping it in a good place. It seemed that she took offense at it and determined not to bring us anymore. I tried to have him promise to furnish us still, but he said he would leave it all to his wife as she had the managing of the butter business. He is to let me know in a few days what he is to do. Another quarrel across the street tonight – old Mr. Baxter having used violence on Elisha Serine’s little boy George. AUGUST 09 THURSDAY - Stormy, We woke up at three o’clock this morning by Georgie who was vomiting. He was very sick. Yesterday he was troubled by diarrhea and when he woke us had a high fever also. I gave him an injection of tepid water which gave relief. He slept well the remainder of the night and today was comparatively well. Booth Trowbridge this afternoon threw himself head long into the stream by the shop and then tried to butt his brains out against a stone work and by striking himself in the head with a stone. It created quite an excitement at the factory. I went to market in the evening and took a letter at the Office from George in which was enclosed what he received from Harriet. AUGUST 10 FRIDAY - Pleasant; I worked as usual in the shop. When I came home from work, I found John Brayman’s and Thomas Purdy’s wives at the house. They stayed to tea. John came over and took tea with us. After tea, I pulled up pea vines and prepared to set out strawberry plants. Just at dusk, Tim Foster came to look at my wagon, bringing another man with him. I went to the Post Office in the evening and walked up home with Mr. Pond who stopped at my gate and talked about life insurance. The trial of ___ Darling for rape on the person of Lucy Bennett commenced today and adjourned over to the next session of court. AUGUST 11 SATURDAY - Pleasant. On my way to work in the morning, I called at Foster’s Carpenter Shop to get a reply from Timothy Foster about my wagon. He was not willing to give over $60.00 for it. I went to work and when I came home, I went to see him again and sold it to him for $65.00. He is to take it away the first opportunity he has and agrees to pay me in two weeks. I left the shop earlier than usual and came home to set out strawberry plants. John Brayman helped me after tea. Henry, having come from Norwalk today to stay over Sunday with John, he came with him. They came over in the evening while Gussie was downtown to market and stayed until she returned. I gave John a piece of pork to take home with him. Gussie went to see Dr. Bulkely today concerning Georgie. He has a bad diarrhea and we fear the dysentery. AUGUST 12 SUNDAY - We rose late. Gussie went to church in the morning as usual. I went to Sunday School at noon and to the Sacrament Service in the P.M. Mr. Hare administered it as assisted by Brother Webb. After tea, I took a nap. After the nap Father came in to see how Georgie was. He stayed about an hour in which we talked about the expected visit of Mrs. Jones this week. I wrote to George by request of Father requesting him not to tell Harriet when Mrs. Jones is coming. We did not go to church in the evening. I went to the Office and mailed the letter I wrote and returned. We retired about 9 o’clock. Before putting Georgie to bed, we gave him an injection of warm water to soothe and cleanse his bowels, they being in a very bad state. AUGUST 13 MONDAY - I worked in the shop as usual. Gussie went to see the doctor again about Georgie. He changed his medicine. After tea, I set out another run of Russell strawberry plants. I attended Sunday school teachers’ meeting in the evening. As I came from the meeting, I took a letter from the Office from George with $12.25 enclosed: ten dollars for Mr. Harris towards clothes, two dollars for me towards the ten dollars he owes me and 25 cents for Mother for yeast cakes for Mrs. Jones. I went to market and came home. Father Griswold came on the evening train from an appointment on his district and Mother Griswold from a visit to Bloomfield. When I returned from the street, I copied the minutes of the Sunday School meeting and then went up to the other house to see the folks and was introduced to Miss Ferry from Middletown who is visiting at Father Griswold’s. Before retiring, I wrote to George acknowledging the receipt of the money by letter. AUGUST 14 TUESDAY - Cloudy, but no rain. Sunshine a part of the time, but the wind not being right, it has not entirely cleared off. As I went for milk this morning, I saw Mr. McDonald going downtown and I sent the letter to the Office which I wrote last night to George. I set out another row of strawberry plants before breakfast. We can earn but little in the shop now, for since Monday morning things have been in an uproar. The work all at once did not suit Mr. Crofut and he has tried to exact more than is possible to be given in the way of work on hats. I went to the Post Office in the evening and called at Harris’ Clothing Store and paid him another $10.00 which makes $20.00 for George towards his suit of clothes costing $45.00. Gussie washed today. Bell came down this afternoon and Gussie gave her the 25 cents which George sent to Mother for yeast cakes. She also gave her the letter I received yesterday from George speaking of the contemplated visit of Mrs. Jones to Danbury to take home for Mother to read. Before retiring, I wrote to Alfred Humphrey, notifying him that if he wanted strawberry plants, I would send him some in a week or a little more. I enclosed $5.00, the balance of my indebtedness to him for salve bought nearly a year ago – one gross $20.00. AUGUST 15 WEDNESDAY - It was raining very hard this morning and continued nearly all the forenoon. On my way to work, I went to the Jeffersonian Office and took out the advertisement of wagon and paid for two weeks insertion – 75 cents. After work, William Carlson came up with 27 Wilson strawberry plants and exchanged with me for some Russells. I went to the Post Office this evening and mailed the letter to Alfred Humphrey which I wrote last evening and enclosed the 5.00. I brought home a pair of shears to sharpen for John McNamee, a shopmate. Harriet Mills came home from the shop to Mrs. Cocking’s to tea and to stay all night. AUGUST 16 THURSDAY - Pleasant and cool. I went to the shop and worked until nearly noon to finish off a dozen hats I commenced yesterday and then came home nearly sick. I have taken cold and feel used up. I came home by way of Alden G. Crosby’s Coal yard and arrange to have my coal got in this P.M. He sent three tons of it and left the other ton to be delivered tomorrow. I transplanted the Wilson Strawberry plants which William Carlson gave me last evening (or rather exchanged for Russells). I took a nap on the lounge for about an hour. Philo Wildman came to Father Griswold’s this P.M. and was married to Mrs. Merriam. Gussie went up and witnessed the ceremony. After it was over, they got into his carriage and rode back home as happy as a bride and groom of 20 years. She was a widow and he a widower. He is a man of about 70 years. I went to market in the evening. AUGUST 17 FRIDAY - Pleasant and a little warmer. The fourth and last ton of my coal came this morning while we were eating breakfast which was about 8 o’clock. I was not feeling well and concluded not to go to the shop and on that account, we took our time over breakfast. I finished preparing the ground and putting out strawberry plants. The last was enough of the Wilsons for another row which I got from Mr. Carlson about 6 o’clock this evening. I am to let him have some Russells in exchange. In the P.M., Gussie went with me into the street, drawing Georgie in his carriage. I took from the Office a circular from Washington for George relating to collection of soldiers’ bounties; also a letter from D. H. Johnson from Newtown inquiring why the sifters which he ordered did not come. I went to market in the evening. The fireman on the locomotive attached to the up freight train today while oiling the engine just before coming up to the Ridgefield Station fell in front of the engine and had one leg cut off and one hand badly hurt, cutting off one or two of the fingers and badly hurting the others. I learn this evening that he died this afternoon about 4 o’clock. Before retiring, I answered D. H. Johnson’s letter to George and offered to sell the rights to him. AUGUST 18 SATURDAY - As I went to work this morning, I mailed a letter to D. H. Johnson in Newtown in reply to one received yesterday. I carried a pair of shoes to Benedict’s Shoe Store to be mended and went to the shop via the depot. I worked until about 3 o’clock and then came home. I weeded out my strawberry bed and the helped Mr. Pond set out a bed of strawberry plants. Dark came on before we finished the job, so we took a lamp and my lantern and completed the work by lamplight. While I was helping Mr. Pond, Gussie went to market and bought supplies for over Sunday. Timothy Foster sent George Wood for the wagon he bought of me. AUGUST 19 SUNDAY - Lowery; a little sunshine and a little rain during the day. On account of rain at morning church time, Gussie concluded not to go, so I went myself for a wonder in the forenoon. I generally go in the P.M. and to Sunday School and she goes in the morning. I came home after Sunday School . Just before I left to come home, I had a talk with Mrs. Sylvester Harris about Bell leaving Sunday School and church to go to the Baptists. Mrs. Harris was Bell’s Sunday School teacher. She feels badly about Bell’s conduct and has talked with her and wept over it. A letter which I wrote to bell on the subject 12 days ago, but hesitated to send, I have about concluded to send and made additions to it this evening for the purpose. I also this evening wrote to George on the subject. Georgie has been very cross today and has tried our patience severely. Mother Griswold came in a while in the evening. I went to church in the evening. Mr. Hare preached. It rained hard when meeting was out. Before retiring, Gussie wrote to her friend, Mrs. Nelson G. Post in Essex. AUGUST 20 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I went to William Carlson’s and got 41 Wilson strawberry plants and brought home for Mr. Pond. He is to exchange them for other varieties. After tea, I spaded up a place to transplant some agriculturist plants which Mr. Pond has given me. It was dark when I finished spading, so I left the plants to be set out tomorrow morning. As I came from work, I took a letter from the office with $1.25 enclosed for a sifter for Mrs. Platt of Ridgefield. George sold it to her a long time ago and trusted her for the pay, telling her to send it when it was convenient for her to pay it. Before retiring, I wrote a note in reply, acknowledging the receipt of the money. AUGUST 21 TUESDAY - I rose at three o’clock this morning and Mr. Pond helped me transplant some agriculturist strawberry plants before breakfast. I worked as usual in the shop came home about 5 o’clock and went down to Town Mountain for some moss in which to pack strawberry plant s tomorrow evening to send to Alfred Humphrey. I took my gun with me, but I found nothing to shoot. I wrote a note in the evening to Alfred telling him when to look for the plants. As I went to the Office to mail it, I got a letter from George W. Oakley saying that George came home from the shop yesterday very sick and requested him to write me asking for $2.00 until next Sunday when he would write and repay. I went into Randall & Bradley’s store and enclosed the $2.00 to George. I also got a letter from D.H. Johnson of Newtown saying he did not wish to purchase the rights for “Tilden’s Universal Flour Sifters”, but wished one dozen of them as soon as possible. As I came from the street, I was caught in a thunder shower and got so wet that I changed my clothes when I get home. I wrote to Johnson before retiring saying that he might expect the sifters or hear from me in a few days. Also to Everett C. Andrews, sifter manufacturer in New Haven to know whether he or the man to whom he sold could fill the order immediately or not. AUGUST 22 WEDNESDAY - Pleasant, except in the P.M. when we had two small showers. Before breakfast, I went down to the Post Office and mailed two letters: to D. H. Johnson in Newtown and E. C. Andrews in new Haven. I worked as usual in the shop. I quit a little earlier and came home to put up strawberry plants to send to Alfred Humphrey. I got them put up and carried them to the express office before I ate my supper. I sent about 350 plants. AUGUST 23 THURSDAY - I worked as usual in the shop. A considerable excitement today about a rape case perpetrated by ___ West on a daughter of Peter Rowan about __ years of age. It happened this last Tuesday. After tea, I wrote to George and enclosed a circular sent by parties in Washington who collect claims for soldiers, soliciting the collection of bounty which is due George from government. I also ordered of Carlton & Porter for Fanny to use in the infant class eight packages of illustrated books for children – 25 cents per package. I enclosed $2.00 for the same. I went to the Office and mailed them. After I returned home I went up to Father Griswold’s to help him take a fish hook from Fido’s ear which he got in some way tonight. He would not hold still to let us take it out, so we concluded to wait until morning. AUGUST 24 FRIDAY - Pleasant but very cool for August. We had two showers with a rainbow about 6 P.M. I came home from work about 5 o’clock with a headache. Bell, having taken Georgie up home to stay all night and Gussie being away when I came home, I started for the Baseball Grounds on Deer Hill to watch the Waverly Club play, but just as I arrived near our folks, they stopped playing and I went into the house to see Georgie. While there, the shower spoken of came up so I stayed until it was over as I thought and started fir home but it began to rain again and wet me considerably ere I got home. After tea, I went to the Great American Tea Company (ordering 30 lbs. Of coffee and 13 lbs. of tea; 10 lbs. of coffee and 5 lbs. of tea for Nathan Pond; 5 lbs. coffee and 5 lbs. of tea for John McNamee; 5 lbs. of coffee for Charles Hoyt; and 10 lbs. of coffee and 5 lbs. of tea for myself. The coffee to be burned and ground for 30 cents per pound. The tea to be $1.00 per pound. I went into the street in the evening to mail the order and to buy our breakfast. AUGUST 25 SATURDAY - Pleasant but cool. I worked as usual in the shop. As I came home from work, I called on Tim Foster for the pay for the wagon I sold him. I did not get the money, but next Tuesday or Wednesday, he will give me a note on which I can get the money at the bank provided he does not have the money himself. Gussie went up to my folks on Deer Hill this P.M. and stayed to tea. Bell came home with her to stay all night. We somewhat expected George by the evening train and Gussie and I went to market, also to the depot, but he did not come. AUGUST 26 SUNDAY - Pleasant, but still very cool for August. Bell stayed with us last night and went home after breakfast. Gussie attended church this forenoon. In the meantime, I marked off the Sunday School Advocates and Sunday School Journals for the school. She came home after the sermon and I went to Sunday School after which I came home. After supper, Gussie took Georgie up to Mother Griswold’s and went with Susan Brayman and Mrs. Aikin up to the cemetery and I walked over to Mr. Lynes with Robert Cocking. As I returned, I stopped at John Bouton’s a few moments and then came home. I went to the Baptist Church I the evening with Robert and Maria. AUGUST 27 MONDAY - Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. Gussie went over to Cousin Frank Bouton’s and stayed to tea. I pulled weeds in the garden from the time I came from work until Gussie came and got tea for me. I went into the street in the evening to see if the tea and coffee which I ordered last Friday came; it did not. By the evening mail, I got a letter from George with $15.00 enclosed and he spoke of $3.00 more for me in a letter to Harriet. Ten dollars of it was for Mr. Harris, the tailor towards a suit of clothes which he bought when he was home on the 4th of July. Before coming from the street, I paid Harris the $10.00 and wrote an acknowledgement to George of the money and enclosed a letter which I took from the Office for him today from St. Augustine, Florida. The small picture books which I ordered last week for Fanny to use in the Sunday School Infant Class came via Swift’s today and I brought them to her this evening. I overtook her coming home from the street and she came in with me to have me write a card with her name to tack on her trunk to take with her to Camp Meeting at Milford tomorrow morning. AUGUST 28 TUESDAY - Warmer today than it has been for some time past. As I went to work this morning, I left a bottle at Widow Clark Hoyt’s for a pint of wine to put spices into to give to Georgie for medicinal purposes. As I came from work, I called at Foster brothers and got a note for $65.00 payable at the Danbury Bank, the same being for the wagon they bought of me. As I came home, I stopped at Mrs. Hoyt’s for the wine. After tea, I went to the depot to see if the tea and coffee I ordered in New York should come by the evening express. I received a letter from Everett C. Andrews (George’s sifter manufacturer in New Haven) saying that he would send the sifters to Mr. Johnson in Newtown this week. AUGUST 29 WEDNESDAY - Muggy and warm – real dog days weather, I have not felt well today. I have a sore throat, the result of a cold. I carried in Foster Brothers note to the Danbury Bank and drew the amount - $65.00, less the discount which was 52 cents – the note I took in pay for the wagon I sold him. The Bank not being open until 10 o’clock, I gave it to the cashier (J. Amsbury) in the morning who presented it to the Board of Officers and after dinner as I returned to the shop, stopped and drew the money. Bell came down this forenoon and took Georgie up home with her. She returned with him before tea, and as Gussie wanted to go over to Harriet Ely’s in the evening, she arranged with her to stay all night s as to be with Georgie in the evening. We not hearing anything of the order I sent to New York to the Great American Tea Company for tea and coffee, I wrote again this evening and repeated the order. After the arrival of the train, I waited for the mail to open and then rode into West Street with Robert Cocking. Before retiring, I commenced a letter to George. AUGUST 30 THURSDAY - I went to the shop as usual. On my way in the morning, I met Robert Dunning, who told me that his little boy Fred was taken last night with cholera; was taken at tea time about 6 o’clock and at 9 o’clock, his feet and legs were cold as death and no pulse was perceptible. They all expected that surely he would die, but it finally turned favorable. The doctor (Bennett) was with him all night. He is now considered out of danger of the cholera, but is very feeble after such a severe illness. I called over to see them this evening after tea. I went to the depot this evening to see if the tea and coffee came from the Great American Tea Company, but it did not. I waited for the mail and then walked up home with John Brayman. I spoke with him about the debt he owes Mr. Harris, the tailor for an overcoat bought last winter. Before retiring, I wrote more in a letter I commenced last night to George. AUGUST 31 FRIDAY - A little splatter of rain this morning about 6 o’clock. I worked as usual in the shop. I carried two large tomatoes to the shop with me to exhibit. George Benjamin and I ate one of them with our dinners at noon and he took the other home with him. Georgie went up home with bell yesterday morning and stayed until about 7 o’clock this evening when bell came down with him, drawing him in his carriage. Gussie called on Mrs. Jesse Stevens, Mrs. McNeil, Nelson Nickerson and Harriet Ely today. After tea, Hanson Smith came over to borrow my gun to use tomorrow, but I refused him on the grounds that I never lent it and did not want to now begin. I went to the depot upon arrival of the train to see if my tea and coffee from the Great American Tea Company. And Lo! And Behold! It came after a delay of a week. The bill was $24.00 for 30 pounds of coffee at 30 cents per pound and 15 pounds of tea at $1.00; collections by express man - 60 cents, expressage - 75 cents making a bill complete of $25.35, which I paid at the express office to E. M. Barnum with the understanding that it should be delivered tomorrow morning early.
1866-08