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LETTERS AND DIARIES OF ABIEL T. LaFORGE
JULY - DECEMBER, 1865
DIARY
Saturday July 1" The regt was paid off and their discharge papers given to them. I had my papers examined they were found correct and I received all pay due me as captain. I have pay still due me for Jany as 1" Lt. The Col gave a Supper to the officers of the regiment this evening at the Seymour House. some 20 of us were present over 40 bottles of wine were drank and the gayest kind of a time instituted Roast Turkey composed the vians. when they be-gan to get prety tight songs were sung speeches made and finally a motion was made and carried that we should on the 1" day of June each year to commemorate the battle of Cold Harbor where so manny of our men were killed a commttee was also appointed to draft resolutions expressive of our deep regret at the loss of Col. Town-send and the other brave officers of the regiment, and send copies of the same to the families of each. we left the table about 12. when we came out most of the officers were pretty drunk and ad-journed to the Bar Room to get still more so I went in with them and took a drink of water they all suppose I drank liquor. I then left them and came home. Lt. Merry was soon after brought in so drunk that he had to be carried.
Sunday July 2". Very pleasant day, attended service at the Epis-copal church. then walked home with Miss Armstrong did not stay but for a fiew minutes as Miss Armstrong has a class at Sabbath School. she is the lady with whom I play Euchre. card playing is carried on in all society here went to bed prety early.
Monday 3" Very comfortable. I was up at the Seymour House and young Mr. Sheppard came up there to ask me if I would favor a pick-nick with the pleasure of my company. of course I could not re-fuse. I went down to the wharf found 10 or twelve ladies and the same number of gentlemen there on a small steamer waiting for me. I got aboard and we run up Little Church Bay on the Canada side went ashore but could not find a good place for our picknick so we steamed acrost to the U.S. side again and came ashore. we had three small boats with us so that we could fish and sail. we went arround through the bushes and enjoyed ourselves until dinner was announced. we then squatted and eat. it seemed so funny to make a pleasure of what I have been so long accustomed. the others seemed to think it was so nice to sit on the ground and eat. if they had practiced for four years as I have I presume they would not have thought it so fine. after dinner we played and fished and had lots of fun. The steamer came for us just at dark and we came back to town. I went up home with Miss Sheppard stayed a short time then came down to the hotel. The day's pleasure has been complete.
Tuesday July 4" Fine day for the celebration. I never spent a one in which I took so little interest as I have in this. In the morn-ing I went over to Prescott. C.W. and staid until nearly noon. Af-ter dinner I was sitting at the window of the Seymour House when hapening to look at the upper windows of the Judson Bank opposite I espyed several beautiful ladies and two or three gentlemen mo-tioning for me to come over there. I felt an interest in the 4th at once, went over and joined them the rest of the P.M. I enjoyed listing to their witty remarks about the country people in town of course I took upon myself to defend said country folks- and we had a very interesting discussion. The Forntier Terribles came arround at 4 P.M. and terrible enough they looked in their disguises I am sure. the most beautiful sight of the day was the Car of State loaded with 36 beautifull young ladies each representing a State. what lovely states they were. I told some of those who represented the Rebel states, that if they had been the defenders of those states I should never have had the heart to force their subjection. In the evening I went to the house of Col. James from the observa-tory of which we had a splendid view of the fireworks, then while we were waiting for the pieces to go off I had the advantage of the pleasant conversation of beautiful ladies. after the show was over went home with Miss Sheppard we first however had a dance to break up with.
Wednesday 5" Warm. This morning I learned the - to me - startling intelligence that the lessee of the Hotel where I was stopping had absconded taking with him all the money in his safe. I had $700ΕΕ in the same. I hardly knew what to do. I only had eighty odd dol-lars besides it. I took measures to find if he had left any pro-perty. he had not. I moved my traps up to the Seymnour House and got Maj. Day & detective Glenn and crossed over to Canada to pursue him. hired a team got on his track and started after him a little before dark. we stoped at Brockville 12 miles for a bath & lunch found in what direction he had went from there, and started back into the country. at every cross road we would stop and knocking up the good people we would enquire what direction the team and wagon we were following had gone. the night was beautiful and I should have enjoyed it exceedingly if I had been on any other busi-ness than what I was. I could not help feeling pretty well however for it was so much fun to see how frightened some of the people were at the noise we made arround their houses.
Thursday 6" I never saw such a beautiful sun rise as there was this morning I wish I had time to describe it. we drove up to Smiths Falls 2 hours after sun rise. having driven over sixty miles since sundown yesterday. we were rewarded for our haste by finding the team here in charge of Barr, a bro-in-law of the man we sought. we had no authority over the team but succeeded in getting it from him. I at once sent it back to the U.S. by Lt Cox who also had lost $550ΕΕ by Wheeliken (the absconding villain) and had came on to this place the night before on the cars. I found that W. had left the stallion & sulky (with which he had started) somewhere on the road, and had bought a horse & buggy at this place the night before and went on. Day telegraphed ahead to have him stoped if he followed the line of R.R. then jumped on the cars & followed on. I found that the magistrates here would not give a warrant for the arrest of W. unless I had one from the U.S. so I left my team & de-tective there. then took the cars & came back to the States and procured a warrent, did not get it until after dark & as no train went out I could not return until to-morrow. I telegraphed for Glenn to go on & join Day at Arnprior, and then to avoid thinking too much on my loss attended an opera given by the young ladies of the town, it was very fine. I had the honor of seeing Miss Phi-lips home. great pleasure of course. came back to the Hotel. I shall be in bed by 11½ & have given directions to be awakened at 5 A.M. to-morrow. Recd dispatch that Glenn had gon on.
Friday 7" I was up at 5. crossed over to Prescott at 7 and went to see the U.S. consul and get his signature to a paper - the warrant - he is authorized to charge $2 for this but he told me if I recovered my money I could pay him otherwise need not. I re-crossed the river as no train was going and had to wait in Town un-til the 1 P.M. boat went up to Brockville. when I got up there I saw Miss Luby (Lt Coxs par..... or friend) she said that Cox had not told her that he had lost anything. she supposed that he was only wrking for me I took the 4 OC. train for Smiths Falls. when I arrived here I found that Morton (the owner of the Morton Home) had been out and had given Glynn a warrant so that he could go on. He, Morton, drove my Prescott team back for me. I dreadfully hate to stay here all night but shall have to as no train goes any far-ther. must go to Arnprior - the R.R terminus - in the morning. I expect to find some of the men there in the morning awaiting my arrival.
Saturday 8" Started on the first train for Arnprior. at every station on the route I would jump off and make enquiries about my absconding land-lord. at every station I could hear something of him Arnprior found one of my constables waiting for me he in-formed me that Day had gone up the Ottawa river to Portage du Fort - head of steamboat navigation - I also found the W. had been pressed so close by my pursuers that had left the horse & buggy at Sand Point - up the river - & crossed over into Lower Canada (now Quebec province). I at once took a bailif and procuring the neces-sary papers started on the boat for the Portage. Mrs. Wheelighen was on board going to join her husband I suppose she had two trunks one of them with her husbands name upon it. seised this and leaving one constable of at Sand Point had him take Horse, buggy & trunk back to Arnprior. Mrs. W. left the boat at Bristol Landing. we got to the Portage 2 hours before sundown. I found Day at the Ottawa House he had been all through the country. he found that W. was in Clarendon one of the back towns, and every avenue of es-cape had been shut up unless he took back into the west towards Hudsons Bay. several constables were out on the allert. This is the very worst kind of a settlement. they are nearly all bad, and will try to obstruct the law and protect the lawless as much as possible. it is a lumber country and there is nothing but one great forrest extending away back the Lord knows how far. in this the lumber men and their families (those that have them) live. they would cut a persons throat for a dollar and commit any other wikedness at the same rate. So I think if I get W. here I shall be doing well. the only way however is to put on a boald face and them know that we are not afraid at any rate. The village of Por-tage du Fort is quite a deacent place of 100 houses, not bad for this God-forsaken land. I shall stay here to-night and receive the report of my constables in the A.M. & know what to do.
Sunday 9" Very dull. My men report W. pretty well cornered about 10 miles in back of here near Clarendon Centre. I have every ave-nue of escape closed excepting he goes back into the old primeval forrest towards Hudsons Bay. His brother-in-law Barr came down here to see me to day. I took him into a room where we would be alone & commenced talking about the weather, crops, country & river as if I felt no uneasyness what ever about my money. he was tremb-ling all over when he spoke his ..ice trembeled. he wanted to make a settlement by returning my money. I told him that Lt Cox and the others must also have their money returned or I would not take mine. finally I agreed to visit the wife of W. at Mr. Brownleys to-morrow. My men have been out there offering ................. ........... W. was, that if she would tell him where he was concealed he would ......... her $500ΕΕ in gold and count it down to her at once. she would not do it but the people heard of it & concluded that men who had such an unlimitted supply of money could not fail this is the secret of Ws anxiety to settle. we know where he is in a 2 mile square but to find what part of said square he is, is the rub. There is an immence quantity of lumber going down the river in rafts. I find it very interesting watching the men run ther "cribs" through the rapids, numbers of men are drowned here every year, by the "cribs" running on a rock and going to pieces.
Monday 10" Day & Glenn were out all night. I got a horse & wagon and drove out to cut-throat Clarendon alone. I first looked to see that my revolver was all right. oh what a rough country it was. when I got to Brownleys I found Day there. he had made arrainge-ments for the payment of the money this evening Barr is to come to the Portage & bring the money & we are to draw in all warrants and release the hores & carriages on Barrs paying the expenses of their retention I drove back feeling considerably better. We had to wait at the Portage until I began to think Barr was not coming but he did come. and after we had signed the paper, produced the Green Backs. my constables are all in and having a general drunk down stairs I think I shall sleep prety easy to-night.
Tuesday 11" Fine day. Took the returning boat this A.M. at 7 OC. I enjoued the trip very well. running over the falls was very ex-citing. when we came up we run up these same falls "The Snauxs" and I saw no particular beauty in them. it is strange but I think the scenery going down is quite grand. I take much interest in looking acrost the grand old woods as they stretch away on each side, and wonder how long it will be - if the world stands - before they will be cleared off and settled like the same latitudes in Europe. Our trip with the crrent was very rapid. arrived at Arn-prior before 10" A.M. went up town with Barr & signed the papers releasing the horse, buggy & trunk captured at Sand Point. to do this I went into a hotel in it was several ruffans who finding I had the money determined to keep me all night & get it back. when I attempted to get away they would stop and finally a big burly fellow got his back against the door. I drank with them and ap-peared to feel perfectly easy. one of the windows was open I went up to it and looked out, the ground was only a short distance be-low me. my foot was on the sill, so out I went, I breathed much easier for I knew that they would not molest me on the street. I hastened to the County Clerks office expecting to find Day. he had gone to the Depot. I looked at my watch. it was past car time the only train down to-night. I had just made up my mind that I was fast when Day drove up with a team he had hailed. he said the train was waiting for me. I jumped in and we were soon on the cars and Arnprior far in the rear arrived at Ogdensburg before sundown. congratulated by every body and after the adventure think that I shall sleep soundly From the time I arose on the 5" inst I did not sleep but five hours out of the next seventy six.
Wednesday July 12" I arose early this morning and breakfasted. then went & ordered a suit of clothes made. I find that I shall have to remain in town until the sale of W. horses of which we have three, one of them a splendid black Stallion which Lt. Cox succeed-ed in tracing to Ottawa C.W. and bringing back. these ought to pay our expenses I think. I have called on Dr. Austins people and was very pleasantly entertained by the Misses Austin with musick and conversation and before I came away I had to engage my self for a card party this evening at Mr. Verrys. when I returned to the Ho-tel I found that Mr. Mills had engaged me for a card party at an-other place. I made the matter square by going to Mr Verreys until 9. P.M. - and we had a very pleasant time - and then coming back to the Hotel to go with Mills to the other place. but when I arrived here I concluded not to go as it was raining badly, so Mills & I had a game of billiards, then I wrote to sister & R.H. Macy. While at Arnprior I wrote J. Clemence wrote to M
LETTER Seymour House, Ogdensburg N.Y. July 12" 1865
My dear Sister.
You will learn the reason of my not being home by my memoran-dum. I shall have to stay here until about the 20" inst to sell the horses of John Wheeliken to pay my expenses for the trip in pursuit of him.
Meanwhile I think I shall make a short trip to Quebeck to seen an uncle of fathers or cousin I dont know which who lives near there. If any letters arrive at your place for me please please keep them, if any should come post marked Pittsburgh Pa. open it and if I am requested - in it - to go to Pittsburgh send me the following "telegram" "To. A.T. LaForge. Seymour House. Ogdensburg. N.Y. Come Home at once"
I wish that you would kiss all the family for me. I will do as much for you some time "if ever". you may kiss the boy twice. I wish that you lived here. this place seems so much like home to me. I am getting acquainted with every body.
Love to mother Josey, Janey, Perrys family and your self.
Bijou
Ex Capt.
DIARY
Thursday 13" Very cold, I have been thinking some of hiring a cutter for to morrow as it will probably snow to-night. Day Bar was here to-day but had no money just as I expected. Criswell had got nearly the whole of it from him He had to go back & get some more therefore he will not be here again until Saturday night. I have not had much to do, rather dull. a cold blue fine mist has been falling all day and I was near getting the blues myself. Went up to Mr Verrys and took breakfast according to an invitation of last evening. wrote to Miss 4.'4.
Friday 14" Still cold. Recd a letter from sister. family well. also letters from Dr. Carpenter and Taylor & my Washington D.C. they still remember me kindly and Taylor assures me that Mr. Ross does not hold Miss India Jay by as strong ties as he told me of. I have found that it is not necessary for me to stay here to attend to the horses. Cox can do that, so I have every thing ready and shall start for Montreal to-morrow. spent a very pleasant evening at Mrs. Lees. Miss Lee and Miss Chamberlain entertained Mills & myself very kindly. Mills stays with me to night.
Saturday 15" Need overcoats. Crossed over to Prescott and em-barked on the Canada boat at 11' A.M. The trip down the river is very fine. the water continues the same beautiful green all the way to Montreal. but the scenery on the shores cannot be compared with that of the Hudson. I dont see how any body who has seen both can say that this rivals our own beautiful river. Running down the rapids was exciting work. We had to go over the ....ons Sault, Coteau du Lac, Cedars, Split Rock and the Cascades. they are the most formidable rapids navigated in the world, the four last have a fall of ninety feet altogather, and it seemed as if no human power could save us from the rocks we were at times so close upon them. formerly only one man - an indian - could take boats through the Lachine rapids (just above the city and the last fall - this rapid has descent of forty five feet) now almost any of our river pilots are equal to the task. arrived at Montreal just before sun-down passing under the celebrated Victoria Bridge The city shows finely from the water and has the finest stone piers I ever saw. in fact nearly the whole city is built of grey granate which is quarried in immense quantities 3 miles from here. I went to the Donegana Hotel & put up. have been to the Theatre Royal this even-ing to see "The French Spy" and "Jack Sheppard" played. everything is so English in style that I do not admire the people.
Sunday 16" Rained very nearly all day. I and another gentleman hired a hack and drove out arround Montreal Mountain and to the Catholic and Protestant cemeteries. The drive arround the mountain is very fine and fashionable, the road is lined with the beautiful residences and grounds of the gentry of the city. the view coming down the mountain towards the city is truly magnificent, it in-cludes the whole expanse of country surrounding the town, and also the river and shipping; the cemeteries too are perfectly magnifi-cent, especially the Protestant which I think can fairly compete with Greenwood Cemetery of N.Y. How strange the narrow streets of this cathedral town appear after being accustomed to the broad comodious thorofares of Washington D.C. I felt very much inter-ested in a very beautiful Southron Looking lady whom I saw at the supper table this evening. I would like to know who she is. pro-bably one of the many touristes who now fill the Hotels. I do not like the uniform nor the general appearance of the British sol-diers. I believe that our Yankee boys could whip them. I do like to try it.
Monday 17" Clear but cold. I took a carriage and visited the French and English Cathedrals, and Victoria Bridge. The view from the top of the first is perfectly grand, in fact the finest in Canada. Arround you and apparently at your feet streached the Stone City. you can look for miles and miles up and down the river and acrost the lovely country which is spread out for inspection like a beautiful panorama It seemed as if I could never drink my fill of this gratifying fountain in one of the towers of this church is the largest bell in America, what a monster it is, re-quires sixteen heavy men to ring it,- Inside of the church are also some of the oldest and most celebrated religeous paintings in America, I however could never see so much beauty in these old paintings as artists say exists in them. At the Hotel in an Omni-bus for the Quebec steamer, I found that the "Southron Looking lady of which I spoke yesterday was also a passenger, After we had got on board I was setting on a chair in the stearn of the boat when a couple of ladies came and stood behind my. one vacan chair was by my side for one of the ladies and I arrose and tendered the one I had occupied to the other. what was my surprise to find that it was my Dark Eyed damsel. this was a good excuse and I entered into conversation at once, soon found by her style of speech that she was a Southron Quakeress. she is very lovely and exceedingly well educated. I spent most of the evening by her side. How I should like to know what her name is. she is travelling with a party of eight gentlemen & ladies they are also going to Quebec, perhaps I shall learn her name there, at least I hope so. how this will make food for laughter for my sister again, all right! I could not get a birth or State Room so shall have to occupy beds on the cabin table. the steward has rigged me one. I have slept on much worse.
Tuesday 18" Still quite cold. Arrived at Quebec a little after sun rise I got up so as to view the approach to the city by water. the glistening tin roofs, the red brick houses and the gray frown-ing walls of the Citadel lit up by the slanting rays of the just rising sun formed a tout ensemble such as one is allowed to see but once in a life time. All this was soon ended by the bustle of dis-embarking of our live cargo at the wharf. I Chartered a calasche and drove up to the St. Lewis Hotel, in upper town. I had my bag-gage taken up to my room and then dressed and went in to breakfast, I here met a very agreeable surprise by finding my Quakeress and her party at the table. I divided my time as nearly equally as possible between stealing glances at her, and eating my breakfast After this was finished I went down stairs and bought a cigar (by the way I must stop smoaking) and while enjoying it in the reading room one of the young gentlemen of The party came and told me that he had been looking all over for me to give me an invitation from the ladies of his party to join them and drive out to visit the celebrities of this celebrated town; my cigar went out of the win-dow, and I up stairs in a very short time. I found the party ready to start, and one of them blushing perceptably, The head of the party then gave me the card of himself and lady - Samuel MacPherson of Baltimore Md. also the young lady in whom I felt so much inter-est, Miss Eliza N. Beulty of the same city. I was introduced to the rest of the party, Reeses and Gambrill's all of Baltimore all wealthy and lovely and very entertaining. We filled two carriages and drove out through St Johns Gate and the Suburb St Roche and visited the falls of Mt. Morensi. on the drive passed the resi-dence of Genl. Mt Calm now occupied by his desendents. The Falls were exceedingly imposing and I fully enjoyed the visit. and scart the ladies nearly out of their wits by climing down the prescipice and gathering momentoes for them. the fall and rapids above are over a hundred feet high. on our return to the city we visited the Catholic Cathedral and English and ..... churches.- there are some very celebrated church paintings in the latter- and also the cita-del. This position may well be call impregnable for Nature has rendered it very nearly as the view from those walls is very fine as they are much higher than the city and surrounding country. we then returned to the Hotel and lunched at 12. M. after this we ad-journed to the ladies parlor and Miss Beulty expressing a wish to ride in one of the Calasches- a French institution on two wheels- I asked the honor of her company for a ride of an hour or two. this was readily granted and her aunt consenting. we drove out to the monument marking the place where Genl. Wolf fell on the Plains of Abraham, also the Monument marking the spot of Mt Calms death after which we concluded to drive out eight miles and visit the Indian village of Lorette and the falls of the same name. the drive enlivened by her pleasant chatter was an exceedingly happy one for me. I was surprised to find none of the inhabitants of the place were pure indian, the French blood is predominant. I had considerable difficulty in finding the path leading down to the Falls, in fact could not find it and so led Miss Beulty down a path that I venture to say no woman however daring ever trod before. She is the bravest girl I ever saw. and it was so pleasant to have her little hand clinging to mine for the support which I was so anxious to give. as I led her along the rugged path, I took occa-sion to remark to her as we were ascending an uncommonly rough place that "this was climbing the hill of life togather in ear-nest". the reply was a scarcely perceptable squeezde of the hand which held hers. we found the Falls of Lorette very fine as they were so much more wild than those we had visited in the morning. we staid admiring them as long as we dared to, then entered our vehicle and drove home. where we arrived by 6 P.M. dinner was just ready and the rest of the party already at the table. they were wondering at our long absence. The party left the Hotel at 7 P.M. they take the cars back to Montreal and then go down through the Champlain District and so by the way of the Hudson River home. I bade them good bye with regret and came up to my room feeling that my stay in this city would very uninteresting now that my fair lit-tle friend was gone- I think I see a broad smile on Sisters face.
I forgot- what wonder- to mention one fact which was new to me in regard to the Victoria Bridge. that is, that there is a space of several inches left between every two tubes of the bridge to allow for the expansion which heat is always sure to produce on iron. the tubes are ?42 ft long and one of 330 ft. centre tube 60 ft above the water. no of tubes 25. Total length of bridge ?184 ft. some bridge that. (numbers at edge of page did not copy well)
Wednesday 19" I remained in town all day but did injoy myself near as well as I did yesterday. I drove up to Glen Seliry- also went over to Point Levi and down to visit the camps of the British sol-diers below the Point where the Canada authorities are now building fortifications to defend that side of the river. Took the cars this evening at 8.30 for Montreal. as I got on the train I saw a young Boston lady in company with her aunt taking leave of her pa and coming on the same car. there was somthing about her which in-terested me at once. I had no chance to make her acquaintance un-til about 10 P.M. when I did so by presenting her with a glass of water, in exchange for which I recd. a white flower from a boquet in her hand. When we arrived at Richmond, She had to change cars for Boston and I for Montreal and both had to wait for over an hour. I managed to be on hand to assist the maiden and aunt alight from the cars, then conducted them to the ladies waiting room. I sat with them and also had some cake and wine with them I kept them from being sleepy until their train arrived, and on parting with the young lady she contrived to give me the boquet. and the aunt was none the wiser.
Thursday 20" Took cars at Richmond last evening about 1 A.M. and came on to Montreal. stoped 2½ hours, and got breakfast at the American hotel. got on the cars again and came up to Prescott where I arrived without accident on the 1 P.M. train crossed over to Ogdensburg where I found everything all quiet. I was expecting to see Day and get my business settled and go home to-morrow but I had not been at the Hotel ten minutes before I was subpeoned as a witness and will have to remain until the 27" this is funny. I did not expect to stay only until the 4" and here I have to stay until the 27". I am quite vexed at this result upon my word. I did not go out this evening.
Friday 21" I concluded that it was best to go down and get Day he is at Massena Springs, a great watering place. 36 miles from here. I took the cars and went down. arrived at the Springs at 6. had to stage it 15 miles. I saw Day he said that he would be over to the U.S. Hotel this evening. he is stopping at Whiles. After tea I took a horse and drove over to Massena Village. then came back to the Hotel. Day does not want to go home until Tuesday so I shall have to wait until that time. They had some splendid music here this evening and danced until 10½. this they do every evening. I have been introduced to several very facinating young ladies. Miss Johnson of New York city. Miss Kenyon. Oswego N.Y. Miss Beals. Buffalo. N.Y.
Saturday 22" Miss Johnsons father this morning gave me a very kind invitation to join a party to go to the Indian Village of St Regis, they are to go on Monday. I had to decline on account of the fact that I expected to come back to Ogdensburg on that day he regret-ted the circumstance. This morning I hired a carriage and drove over to the Village. there I saw Private Hosmer who belonged to Co "F" and lost his leg while I was in command of that company. I took him out on quite a drive. I had this P.M. a very pleasant game of Muggins with Misses Beals, Kenyon and Mr Scott. since the game "muggins" has been a great bye-word with us. This evening I took Miss Johnson out riding. she is remarkably well educated. but is evidently seeking a husband. I guess I dont care for her much. Dancing and music the same as last evening.
Sunday 23" Quite a dull day at the Springs. when meeting time came around I off expecting to go to church with Miss Kenyon. but I found her society so pleasant that I was loth to stop at the church so drove on by. I tried to make myself as agreeable as possible and I believe succeeded in rendering the ride pleasant for her, she expressed her appreciation of my efforts by her looks and smile This P.M. there was religious services at the Hotel. After tea this evening I drove out with Miss Beals. she is perfectly magnificent and the gayest disposition and kindest heart of any lady I have seen. "I think". when we came back dancing had al-ready commenced. Day was over here and says I had better stay and ride up with him in the buggy Tuesday. I dont know but I had . am sorry that I did not accept Mr. Johnsons party to Saint Regis to-morrow. after the dancing I joined Miss Kenyon and we promenaded up the side walk by the grove. she was going with the party to-morrow and wished me to go along. I told her I could not as I had refused Mr Johnsons invitation. She that was obstinate and finally she stoped and said she would not go herself nor if I did not, nor would she stir a step from where she stood until I made a promise that I would go. I had to promise then, she looked so sweet and interesting
Monday 24" Very pleasant day. I was down to the Sulpher Spring this morning before breakfast and feeling somewhat embarrased about keeping my promise to go to Saint Regis to-day when Dr. Johnson came to me and said that he had learned I was not to return to Og-densburg as soon as I had anticipated. and he therefore would renew the invitation for me to join his party, and would assure me that it would give them all great pleasure if I would accept, under those circumstances I could not refuse and of course had no desire to do so. We started of. fourteen of us in one of those great line Stages. oh what fun we had. the drive was fifteen miles we stoped at a country hotel and ordered dinner to be ready at 1½ P.M. then went on to the St Lawrence and Indian Village. some of the children were running about half naked and down at the river five or six were standing ready to dive for the pennies which we would toss into the deep water for them. we visited the catholic church. which for indians was truly very fine, then returned to the tavern and rested until dinner was ready. I and Mrs. Johnson played draughts for our rest. After dinner we walked through a grove near the tavern and frollicked and enjoyed ourselves until 4 P.M. when we started for home. our ride back was fully as pleasant as that down. we drove through Massena Village on our return. and arrived at the U.S. Hotel about sundown. the ladies dressed for the dance and the gentlemen did the same. I had offended Miss Beals on the ride and would have apoligised before my return to the hotel, but I had so much fun seeing her forget herself when she wanted to be angry all the time, that I delayed until the dance this evening to make the amends due the lady. I did so and was forgiven. About 11 P.M. after the dance was over Mr. Pratt of Buffalo Misses Beals & Kenyon & myslf went down to the spring to get a drink & enjoy the evening on Bidding the ladies good bye they gave me their ad-dresses and and a very kind invitation to call at their homes.
Tuesday 25" I was up at 5 A.M. and at once started to walk to the Village where I was to join Day and Bridges and ride with them to Ogdensburg - when I came out of the hotel I saw a lady down by the spring. I did not stop to look the second tinme, but had not gone but a short distance towards the village before I wished I had, for I knew it was MIss Beals by the dress, and the night before when parting I heard her say that she was going to get up real early this morning. I did not go back however. I breakfasted with Day and started with them about 7½ oclock. The journey was tolorably endureable, but when I compared it with the journy of yesterday I felt quite lonesome. Stoped for dinner and horese feed at Wadding-ton a little town on the St Lawrence river 20. miles below Ogdens-burg In the P.M. I got in with Mr. Waterbury and rode the rest of the way to town leaving Day & Bridges to come on up at thier lea-sure. arrived at the Burgh before sundown and felt quite homesick as I wanted to have been home long before this. but here I must stay for three days more. Major Robinson was here slept with me to-night.
Wednesday 26" Nothing much to do, only to anticipate the trial of to-morrow have been wandering about the town generally. I saw Mr. Austin. he was kind enough to tell me if I got tired to call over at his office for a little while. Well this evening I felt very tired and the Dr. Office which is just opposite the Hotel being closed I concluded to go up to his house. this was a happy thought. I went and found Miss Amelia at home, and was not there but a little while before Miss Sarah Clark came in. that was gay. they sang many fine pieces and performed some very difficult music on the Piano. MIss Austin has the best instrument I have seen in Ogdensburg. Time flew rapidly it was eleven before I was aware of it. I took my departure after receiving a very kind invitation to call again.
Thursday 27". Very fine day quite warm. I was reading in the pa-per of the Thermoneter standing 109Ε in the shade in some parts of Virginia how thankful I am that I have no campaigning there this summer. it seems strange that there should be so great a differ-ence in so short a distance. The trial did not come off to-day but is postponed until Aug 5". I shant stay here but shall go home. My lawyer thinks perhaps that we can try the case to-morrow or I would start for home in the morning. This evening I took Maj. Days horse and carriage and drove sister Austin out the Heuvelton road the drive was a very pleasant one and I let the horse take his time. my little black eyed sister is a very fine lady.
Friday 28" The thermometer stood 95Ε in the shade. I did not think it was a very warm day, went arround with my woolens on and had no idea that it was very warm until I saw the natives sitting arround in the shade fanning themselves and saying that it was very hot. I could not settle with Day and so shall start for home Mon-day morning, would start to-morrow but if I did should have to lay over somewhere on the road Sunday which would be very disagreeable in a strange place. This evening Maj. Day & Capt Bridges and my-self with the ladies Misses Mary and Louise Webster and Miss Badlem formed a horse back party and rode out to Heuvelton and took tea (6 miles) and then rode back after dark, we had the most pleasant kind of a time. we rode very slowly coming back so as to enjoy the evening and the ladies conversation. Maj. Day is engaged to be married to Miss Badlem, Miss Lulu and I rode togather she is a gay piece and the most perfectly educated of any lady I have seen here. returned to the hotel and am about to go to bed it is nearly 12 OC. Maj. Day is to sleep with me to night and I shall poke fun at him.
Saturday 29" Very pleasant. Settled with Glynn to-day for $40 he had been saying that he would have $50 or nothing. Went up into the Gymnasium to day and made myslf lame all over practicing. This evening Capt Bridges and myself went up to see the Misses Webster we played euchre for awhile then enjoyed ourselves otherwise. I reclined my head where it had not been before in a long time. on our way back from there Bridges was telling me that I was the first officer not connected with the family which they had consented to entertain. they never received anybody unless introduced to them with every voucher that he was a perfect gentleman and moved in the best of society. so I am and have been living under false colors ever since I have been in town in one respect I suppose. the ladies are very perfect in their manners and I like them both very much.
Sunday 30" Quite cold I went to church with my sister this A.M. and this P.M. accompanied her to the "mission school" of this place. this school was organized by the wealthy ladies of the place for vagrant children and is of great benefit. Sister teaches one of the classes every Sabbath. The children sang several pieces very finely their young voices led by their teachers were almost perfect. I came away after the singing I came away as I did not wish to stay for the rest of the proceedings. This evening I went up to Quartermaster Atchesons for a couple of hours. then came back to the hotel. I bade all the officers good bye but none of the ladies for I could not see them all so did not wish to show any distinction. I shall start on the 3.35 A.M. train to-morrow. Capt Bridges is setting up with me. he says that he will not go to bed when I am so soon to leave. He wants me to write to Miss Webster but I cannot do so. I believe. I told him how much I had enjoyed myself while here. he said yes and that all the gentlemen ought to be glad when I got away, for I was the most popular man in town not excepting those who lived here. he said that never during his time had the ladies shown such marked distinctions to a stranger as I had received at their hands.
Monday 31". Quite cool. Started from the Burgh on the 3.30 A.M. train. I could not but think of the many kindnesses which I had received at this beautiful place. these and the images of the fair daughters of Ogdensburg will long live fresh in my memory. Good bye hospitable City until I again see you which probably will be on the first day of June next when the officers meet to again fight over their old battles. How many changes will take place between now and then, many of the fair creatures who are now joyous with health and beauty will then perhaps be faded with disease or num-bered with the dead. others will be married and already on the great experiment of wedded life. as for me what shall I be at that. a good man or good for nothing. I hope the first.
I changed cars at Rome for Syracuse at which place I had to wait for the Binghamton from 3 to 7 P.M. took cars for Binghamton at the latter hour.
Tuesday Aug. 1" Arrived at Binghamton about 1. A.M. went to bed and slept until 3 A.M. then took the cars for Elmira, here had to wait from 8. A.M. until 11.30 then took cars for Andover where I arrived at 1.20 P.M. Did not get a chance to ride up home until 4. then rode up with uncle Luther Green. found our people all well, the baby as handsome and cunning as ever and everythin all right.
Wednesday 2" Went down to Andover this morning and got my things also the two boxes which I sent Joseph from Ogdensburg the 5" of July. I made the acquaintance of a Miss Delia Mason and got her likeness. she is a gay piece. called up to see uncle Stephen Clarks people this evening. brought Oscar Remington down home to sleep with me.
Thursday 3" Very warm. rained this evening. I went out berrying this A.M. like to have roasted. only got 2 quarts of berries or more. this P.M. wrote to Col. McKelvy, John LaForge, John Cle-mence, Saml. LaForge, and E.B. French 2" Auditor of the Treasury. prety buisy afternoon this made. I went up to Mr. Bossards this evening. How dull life seems. I hardly know what to do with myself.
Friday 4" Have been visiting arround all day trying to make myself feel contented, but in this feel rather as if I had considerable difficulty. The people are very kind to me and all seem delighted to see the soldier back. still the absence of excitement and the absence of all military sights or sounds makes life almost unbear-able.
Saturday 5. Attended church at the Holler to-day after which I ac-companied Sherman Crandall home. I always have a pleasant visit at Mr Crandall's and to-day was no exception to the general rule. Miss Clara entertained us with music. She has improved wonderfully since May when I was at home before. I think that she is a perfect little lady and will make a good wife for some lucky person.
Sunday I staid with Sherman all night. Left Mr Crandall's about 10 A.M. this morning. Sherman and I made arrangements to call on Miss Honora Livermore (cousin) and MIss Fay her sister this P.M. Accordingly about 5 he drove over and we went as agreed. Had a very pleasant call. did not leave until about 9. Sherman and I had a good talk on the way back and came to a perfect understand-ing. More rain.
Monday 7. Was expecting to take mother, Suse and Jane to Wells-ville to-day but the horses had got out of the pasture and by the time I found them it was too late to go. I however went to Andover and had quite a pleasant time considering I was only acquinted with one lady, Miss Madelia Mason- I exchanged likenesses with her and promised to make another call. Wrote to Miss Martha D. received a letter from Mr. Taylor.
Tuesday 8. Went to Wellsville to-day as we had expected to do yes-terday. Had a pleasant visit at Stephen Potters, who was not at home, but Miss Lucinda was there and I enjoyed myself with her, so it did not make a great difference after all. Drove back at 5. P.M. rained just a little, stopped at Andover a little while then drove on up home, when we arrived at dark. left mother at Wellsville with Stephens people.
Wednesday 9" Very pleasant day. I berried some this A.M. and after dinner went down into the hay field and bunched up about 3 tons of hay. found that it made my hands pretty sore. This even-ing went over to Mr. Crandalls. Several young ladies were there and I had been expected all the afternoon. After tea Sherman took the double seated covered carriage he with Miss Honora and I with Miss Clara went down to Whitesville to hear the celebrated harpist Madam Renneback. She played very finely but I thought that the violin playing of her busband was superior to her harping. Our ride back was very pleasant. Miss Clara told me quite an incident about herself and Orcin Renyon, the elder's son who is now dead. beautiful moonlight ride. how suggestive of love.
Thursday 10" Staid at Mr. Crandall's all night from 2 this morning until 10 A.M. rained considerable all day. visited at Perry's quite a while during the day then came home expecting to write some letters but got interested in Alonzo and Melissa and read all the evening until I finished it about 11 P.M. it has been rather a dull day and I feel rather sleepy and slept but little last night.
Friday 11" Rained again to-day. Was up to Perry's to-day. I dont know when the farmers will get done haying at this rate they do not have scarcely one day in a week that they can work at haying. I believe that Joe has not got any hay in yet that was not some-what spoiled by the rain, some of it has been rained upon several times Oats will rust and potatoes rot if we do not soon have some good weather.
Saturday 12" Pleasant day. Went home with Sherman after church. After sun-down we harnessed up and went over to Slocum LIvermore's in accordance with an invitation received to a party there. I, of course, had Miss Clara. We had an exceedingly pleasant time, passed part of the evening with the rest of the party down at the church listening to a concert given by the same parties which gave one at Whitesville. Then we again went back to the house & passed the evening in the manner usually taken by parties of that descrip-tion. I kissed all of the ladies but one and that was Miss Burdick who I did not have a chance to kiss.
Sunday 13" Pleasant enough so that the boys have worked at haying all day. I took a horse and raked. Found it pretty hard work Blistered my hands but got along well enough after all. Jane and I went up to Jerry Clark's this evening.
Monday 14" Very clear and warm. I have raked all day again with the horse. I think I shall soon get used to it if I keep on for a few days more. I received a letter from Aunt Jemima (LaForge) Maddison.
Tuesday 15" Still pleasant. Worked all day the same as yesterday. the farmers are getting along with their haying finely. Our boys will finish to-morrow all but an acre, if the weather continues fine.
Wednesday 16" Very warm and pleasant. Got done raking about four. The boys finished haying. I took a horse and sulky and went over to see Frank Davis, one of the former members of Co "C" 85" N.Y.V. and therefore one of my old messmates.
Thursday 17" Very warm and pleasant. Went down to Wellsville af-ter mother. Miss Lucinda Potter and and Stephen Clark came up with us. Mrs. S.A. Potter went down and came back with me. Went went over to see Mr. Simmons, then I got Uncle Stephen Clark drive back and I came up on the cars, joined them at Andover and drove the rest of the way myself.
Friday 18. A continuation of fine weather. Visited with cousin Lucinda most of the day. This P.M. went over to Mr. Crandall's to ask Miss Clara to honor me with her company over to Dr. Barneys to morrow evening in compliance with an invitation to attend a party there given by Miss Gertrude before her departure for R.I. Then came back and visited with cousin and Misses Clark & Green at Per-rey's. Had a very pleasant afternoon swinging and romping upon the lawn.
Saturday 19" Good weather. farmers are getting ahead finely with their work. Came up to Perrey's after church but went down to Mr. S. Clarks' for dinner. spent the afternoon wisiting there. Even-ing went over to Mr. Crandall's and with friend Sherman and Clara went over to Dr. Barney's to the party. We had an exceedingly pleasant party. did not break up until past midnight.
Sunday 20" Pleasant. Had one or two soldier visitors to enter-tain. They were friends of Perry and from Pa. wrote during the week to Miss Amelia Austin and also to Aunt Maddison. Have passed a very agreeable week. the people have tried to make my stay as pleasant as possible.
Monday 21" Fine forenoon but rained very hard during the after-noon. Took cousin Lucinda and Miss Amelia Clark to Andover the first to take the cars and return home and the last to visit. My first object in going down was to see Mr. and Mrs. Crandall take the cars for New York city. They are going off to visit in N.Y.C. and R.I. for a month. After seeing them start I returned to the village and went with Clara and Sherman to their aunt Clara's for dinner. just before the dinner was ready, however, I had to return to the hotel and take my cousin to the cars to go to Wellsville. I felt very much grieved to disappoint Aunt Clara but was forced by politeness to do so. After seeing my cousin off, however, I re-turned and had a pretty visit entertained by the music and singing of the ladies. I was very much pleased with the song Tenting on the Old camp ground. Brought Miss Amelia up home and then went up and slept with Oscars.
Tuesday 223" Rained until about 4 P.M. Oscar R William and Milton C. and Mr. Bossard were down here to see me. We played cards and enjoyed ourselves Finally Oscar and I went up with Mr Bossard to his house and had some further fun. After it stoped raining Mr. B. and I went to town on some business. I did not have the usual sport with Madelia there for by her actions yesterday I am led to believe that she is the gay and thoughtless, but not the innocent creature I had tho't her to be.
Wednesday 23" Again pleasant. Received an invitation to a tea party at Briggs Livermore's. Attended and had a very pleasant time. I got a carriage and went over to the school house to bring Miss Nellie Burdick to this party I shall never forget the conver-sation I had with her upon the subject of Love, nor do I think that she will soon forget it. After the tea party Sherman C. with Miss Livermore and myself with Miss Crandall went to a party given at Whitesville by Mr. Cottrell's people. The gents were all too bash-ful to suit me so I gave them a lesson in gallantry. The party, after they had got over their diffidence, enjoyed themselves very well indeed. I think that my light spirits were more owing to the effort I made to conseal sorrowful ones than anything else. My efforts to amuse the party and prevent thought seemed to succeed as far as the first was concerned for I was told that I never appeared to better advantage. Many and many were the invitationS which I received to visit their families before leaving the place. Miss Cotterell was very pressing in her invitation but I accepted none. Our ride back should have been of the most delightful kind for lovers. Arrived home at daylight.
Thursday 24" Still pleasant. Visitors and visiting the order of the day. I have been blackberrying and got perhaps 6 quarts. I forgot to mention that I took breakfast with Clara before coming from Mr. Crandalls.
I have also been looking up my French. I find that it is very easily forgotten. I am almost as poor a scholar as if I had not learned much of it.
Friday 26" Clear and pleasant. Engaged in very much the same man-ner as yesterday. Was invited to attend a party at Mr. Olivar Rosebushes to-morrow evening. Went to Dr. Barney's this evening to see the young Dr. Had a very pleasant time and got beaten in play-ing a game of chess with him. We had a long talk and came to a pretty good understanding before I came away. He makes a far bet-ter husband than I expected he would did not stay with him all night.
Saturday 26" Cool and pleasant. Attended church and was very much edified by the sermon for the Elder gave us young people fits for the manner in which we had been going to parties and other doings of the kind. He thinks that it is very wrong. Still it did not alter my determination to attend the party of to-night After sun-down I went over to Clara's and from there we made up the usual party to go to Olivars party. I got accquainted with Miss Dyer. I cannot refrain from mentioning her name for she looked and acted so much like Adgt leut. Smith of our Div. Staff. I told her of it at which she was very much amused. On our return we rode arround the square, I concluded to stay all night at friend Crandalls.
Sunday 27" Very fine day. I was very busy until nearly sundown in packing my trunk and getting my papers in a condition to file and leave. They were all mixed up and in such a condition as to need considerable care in arrainging, endoring (endorsing?) and filing. After all this was attended to I took a horse and rode over to the Corners. Called on uncle Slocum Livermore, then went down to pay a farewell visit to Miss Nellie Burdick. I was kindly entertained with music and conversation. as I rode home that evening in the cold moonlight strange thoughts went coursing through my breast. I felt from the language of her eyes that she loved.
Monday 28" This morning rode over to see Miss Clara and bid her good bye. Poor girl. I longed to tell her that any actions since I had been home had been actuated merely by friendship, nothing deeper but I dare not. Perry took me down to the cars and I star-ted at 12.40 for Salamanca, here the cars did not make a connection and I had to wait until midnight before I could go on West Sala-manca has now at least 3000 inhabitants. Four years ago it had not one hundred.
Tuesday 29" Pleasant day. Arrived at Greenville about 10 A.M. but had to wait until 2.30 P.M. before I could go on to Pittsburg. Ar-rived at Pittsburg and put up at the Monongahela Hotel about 8. P.M. I felt very tired, very dusty, and very sleepy, so as soon as I had got my supper and washed myself thoroughly and taken a little walk I went to bed but it was a long time before I could get to sleep.
Wednesday 30th I went on board the three river monitors. they are now building here. They are most formidable looking craft. I found that Col. McKelvys family were stopping at their country residence at East Liberty, so I went up there at noon, found that the Col. and Robert had gone South. however was very pleasantly entertained by Miss Marion. Returned to Pittsburg; while I was standing on the platform at East Liberty a train passed going to Pittsburg and I saw Prof Beaugureau on it. he had went on through Pittsburg I found when I got there. In the evening I went to the theatre and hapened to sit near a young lady and her brogther to whom I occa-sionally took my opera glass. The result was when I went out the brother was sent after me to know if he could see me next day. I told him of course and so the matter dropped.
Thursday 31 Mr Canill- the name of last nights' theatre acquain-tance called on me quite early. We went through the city and also played billiards He then went to the hotel and took dinner with me. After dinner he insisted so hard on my going over to see his people that I concluded to do so. I found them a very fine family. The young lady who I saw last night blushed very deeply when I was introduced to her. I passed the afternoon very agreeably and was strongly pursuaded to stay all night and go to the theatre, but could not so went over to town, to take the cars but found that they had gone I thought then that I might as well go back to the house with the brother and make myself at home until 9.30 P.M. when the next train went out The young lady refused two young gentlemen in my presence who asked her to go to the theatre, yet she wanted to go, so I asked her if she would refuse me. She did not and we went. I told her while going over that she was in love. She looked at me and pressing my arm softly said she believed she was. I saw her home after theatre and then started for Harrisburg on the 2.30 train.
Friday Sept. 1" 1865. Very warm and dusty. I never saw such a dirty looking lot of genteel passengers as was on our train. Their faces were very nearly black with the coal dust constantly coming in the window. Arrived at Washington about 7 P.M. without any event of note. I had made up my mind not to call upon anybody, so after supper went to bed.
Saturday 2" Spent the day in getting my pay for the months of Jany and Feb as 1" Lt. Did not call upon even my dear friends the Jays. Took the cars at 7.30 for New York City.
Sunday 3. Arrived at N.Y. before six this morning. went up to the Astor House and there met Captain Bogue of the 10" Vt. We had a good visit & he told me he wanted me to go on board a gun-boat commanded by his brother which had just arrived from Mobile. I did so. We took dinner on board and were very kindly entertained by the officers who live in grand style. Started for Fishkill at 6 P.M. When I got there fouhd that my valise had been left below or carried beyond our station. Stopped at Meyers Hotel. Must tele-graph for valise to-morrow.
Monday 4" Have been waiting here all day for my valise. tele-graphing up and down the river for it without any definate result as yet. Went over to New Burgh, and also went up on the hill to call on my cousins Jane & Phebe LaForge. Very disagreeable this having to wait here.
Tuesday 5" Have been laying about all day uneasy enough. I have played several games of billiards and finally this evening went over to New Burgh to see about suing the R.R. company to recover my property and if it does not come to-morrow shall commence the suite. My cousin wanted me to go with her on a picnic to-day but I did not just on this account.
Wednesday 6th Went up to Uncle Joes. then came down the mountain with him this evening, and getting a horse at "Meyers" rode up to visit aunt Rachel Fuller and my cousins. spent the evening very pleasantly. also called on the Barrett girls. they wanted me to stay all night but I could not To-morrow I shall commence a trial for my property.
Thursday 7th Went up to visit uncle Josiahs people again of course had a very pleasant time there for who can go there without having a good time staid all night.
Friday 8th Came down quite early this morning, and over to New Burgh; I had the good fortune to find Mrs Griggs, (formerly Ruth Clemence) in town with old "Fashion" her horse- my services as driver to go back were graciously accepted and went up with her. Mr Clemences people were delighted to see me and I was permitted to do quite an amount of kissing. Mrs. McDonall and daughter and Miss Maggie Cook are here so I have spent a very pleasant day in the family. I find Mr. Houser unable to talk on account of a severe fever.
Saturday 9th John and I went to Salisbury, Miss McDowell wanted a letter very badly and as there was none for her I wrote one dat-ing it Saratoga Springs. This evening John and I went to Canter-bury to see Mr. Barrett who is in the wholesale bussiness in New York. He promised to try to get me a situtation in the city. he has had and kept three places open for me as long as he could and they were only filled one of them yesterday. On our way back we stopped at Mr. Dennistons and saw Miss Martha and the rest of the girls. they sang several pieces very finely for us. We then had to drive over to Mr. Van Clefts to bring our family home as they had all been over there visiting. We had a jolly ride coming home with six ladies and only one seat.
Sunday 10th Very fine day. We all went to Canterbury to meeting. I drove Miss McDowell down in her covered carriage. Mr. Clemences people do not go to hear Mr Battie now, he is such a copper head. After meeting John and I visited Samuels people and then came back and spent the sabbath at home.
Monday 11th. Left uncle Tommys to night. during the day however I was down to see Isaac and Martha D. had an extremely pleasant visit. Came back to Johns about 4½ P.M. had tea and then started for New Burgh. Mary and her sister were with us. We had lots of sport. John came down also to meet a Mr. Baird from New York who was bringing his young bride up for a short visit to the country. I was introduced of course. Took the boat at 9½ for New York, and got into a bunk as soon as possible.
Tuesday 12" On waking this morning I found myself at the city wharf. It did not take me long to transfer myself to Frenches Hotel. during the day I called upon Mr Barrett. He does not at present know of any vacancy but promised to look arround to see if he could find anything for me to do. Went to the theatre this evening to see "Arrah na pouge".
Wednesday 13" Have been running about the city generally. Was up to Mr. Macy's but did not see him as he was down town buying provi-sions or goods for his store.
Thursday 14" Saw Mr Macy to-day He and his wife were just start-ing for Philadelphia. He will be back on Sunday and I was very pleasantly invited to spend that day with them. I find that seek-ing emplopyment in a great city is no very easy matter. One should be very meek and not show the spirit of a man no matter how large his bump of independence may be.
Friday 15" Was up to Jones's Wood, there was a picknick there, and Such a collection of characters is perfectly astounding. Bar-num should have been there to get subjects for his Show. Saw Lt. MacDonald there of our regt. Was made acquainted with a large number of his style of friends. Of their acquaintance I did not feel very proud I must admit. Saw "Macbeth" played to-night.
Saturday 16". Called on John Baird, the young husband John came down after when he brought me to New Burgh. I promised to call upon him the 15" but did not do so. He proved to be a mighty fine fellow. He was going up to New Burgh to night to Spend Sunday with his wife at Mr Dentons (John Clemences wifes people) and then bring the young bride to the city Sunday night. He wanted me to go with him. I concluded to do so. He could not get ready to start until 10.30 P.M. when we took cars for Fishkill on the Hudson. Arrived then about 2 OC in the morning. hired a man to row us acrost the river. Then hired another man to drive us to Mr Dentons. 3 miles. Arrived just before daylight and went to bed.
Sunday 17" Spent the day very agreeably. John Baird and I went to church in the forenoon. in the afternoon took a drive and smoke. then just before sundown the whole family went out to the top of a hill from which we could obtain a lovely view of the surrounding country. coming back Mrs. Baird and I ran a race for a penny. she won the penny. Mr Denton brought us down to New Burgh to take the boat which we did at 9.30 Mrs. Baird and I had a Sherry Cobbler at New Burg. after going on board we sat and talked for some two hours while her husband slept on the seat before us.
Monday 18" Arrived safe and came up to the hotel. this afternoon went up to the store and saw Mr Baird. he wanted me to go over to Brooklyn and board at the place he does. I concluded to do so and came over with him to 580 Pacific St. it appears to be a very fine boarding place.
Tuesday 19th Went up and saw Mr. Macy this P.M. he wanted me to stay to tea. I could not but promised to come to tea to-morrow evening. he said that this matter of my business needed talking over for an hour or so. We would take tea, then go back to the store and have a cigar and canvass the subject.
Wednesday 20" Took tea with Mr. Macy according to agreement. was made acquainted with Mrs. Macy, a very elegant lady. after tea Miss Macy entertained us with some music on the Piano. then Mr. Macy and myself went over to the store and had a smoke and good long talk. he told of his son Roly's running away again. and we then spoke of my business. he will try and get me a position in some wholesale establishment. if he cannot do that would like to have me in his store, but thinks I had better not hurry the matter. Staid with him until 9 P.M.
Thursday 21. Attended a reception at Mr Bairds this evening which was a very nice affair. I was introduced to the sister who Mrs. Baird said she had been keeping for just such a person as myself. She told me this when we were coming down on the boat Sunday even-ing. the said sister is a very fine looking lady.
Friday 22" Met Mr. Macy at Delmonicos and went with him into A.T. Stewarts, Laffertys and Jaffrys and several other of the first class houses of the city. He is trying to obtain a position for me at Jaffrys. how he will succeed is more than I can say, but I fear it is doubtful. We then Lunched at Delmonicos, smoked also and parted for the present.
LETTER TO SUSAN LaFORGE POTTER FROM CYRUS TAYLOR
Adjutant Generals Office, Washington, D.C. Sept. 22, 1865
Madam
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st inst. inquiring concerning the where abouts of your bro-ther Abiel T. LaForge who you state left Andover for Pittsburg or Washington and in reply to inform you that since his last letter written a day or two before he left Andover, I have heard nothing from or of him. He wrote me at that time that he was going to Pittsburg Pa. and that if I answered his letter immediately he would get it at Andover. if not it would be forwarded to him. I have not yet answered him. I trust that ere long you will hear from him. If he came to this city I should have seen him, but I presume that he is at Pittsburg, perhaps so engrossed in business that he can find no time at present to write, or he may have gone farther and I would be pleased to furnish you with better informa-tion if it was in my power.
Hoping that you will hear from him soon and be able to inform me of his whereabouts I remain
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt
Cyrus Taylor
To.
Mrs. Joseph Potter
Andover N.Y.
DIARY
Saturday 23" Have not been doing much to-day. Was up to Central Park a week ago, which circumstance I forgot to mention in its propper place.
Sunday 24" Mr Baird and I went to the Plymouth church to hear Bee-cher this forenoon. it was so warm that we had to come out before the service was over. This afternoon we spent in somnolence and evening in company with wife and sister at Mrs. Pitts where we had a decidedly gay time. we got up an impromptu tea and afterwards had some splendid sherry cobblers to settle it. Miss Hilyer, Mrs. Baird's sister is a very affectionate lady.
Monday 25th Was up to Jaffry's to-day. I shall know by Wednesday evening whether or not I can get in there. This evening, according to a previous agreement took Miss Hilyer and with John and his wife went to attend Hooleys Minstrels in the city. laughed until I was nearly sick. Stopped coming back for oysters, cream and cobblers. Did not leave Miss Hilyer until quite late.
Tuesday 26th Quite cool to-day. I am every day feeling more and more disagreeable at this lazy life, laying about with nothing in the world to do. it makes me feel as if life had lost its aim. to-morrow I must go up and see Mr. Macy.
Wednesday 27th Made an unofficial visit to Central Park this A.M. found many new beauties which I did not see before. it is really a very fine resort, well worthy of the largest city in America. This evening I went to see Mr. Macy according to an agreement. He informed me that Freeman had said that there no kind of a probabi-lity but that I could get in their house by the 1st of Dec. or be-fore; This is hopeful. I shall go up in the country by to-morrow and stay to Uncle Joes until the happy moment arrives. This even-ing I went over to Mr. Hilyers, the ladies were kind as usual, especially Miss Emma. well, well.
Thursday 28" Very pleasant day. I settled my bill with Mrs. Car-ver and brought my baggage over to the city with me, went to see John Baird before I left, then took the 4 P.M. train for Fishkill, where I arrived without accident and crossed over to New Burgh at dark, putting up at the Orange Hotel. during the evening I went with Mr. Remillard to the saloon. played a game or two of bil-liards, then back to the hotel and to bed I must go over to uncle Joes to-morrow.
Friday 29" Very warm. Crossed over to Matteawan and went up to Uncle Joe's. They were glad that I had come to make a longer visit than I did before. I want to have a chance to study book keeping also. This P.M. went with uncle Joe down to town and over to New Burgh to get some garments dyed. had a gay load of small girls part of the way back, the noisy little crowd got out at Mr. Howlands.
LETTER At Uncle Joes
Mateawan. Dutches Co. N.Y.
Sept 29th 1865
Dear sister and friends,
I suppose that you think it is about time you heard from me, and I know that I as well am very anxious to hear from you; but I made up my mind to not write to you until I had some prospects of a situation before if that event did not take place for a year. but in order to give you a good idea of what I have been doing I must commence at the beginning.
After I left you I at once proceeded to Pittsburg, found Col. McKelvys family at their summer residence in the Past ....... the Col was not with them however he had .... South quite a while be-fore but they did not know what part of the South he was in, but were expecting a letter from him every day, he had went down to speculate in real estate. I visited at Pittsburg for two days, then concluded that I would wait no longer for the col but go on to N.Y. I had to visit Washington one day to get the ballance of my money, then came to N.Y. where I arrived the Sunday following my departure from Andover. ........................................ with him and Mr Clemences people until the next Monday, when I pro-ceeded to the city with Mr. Barrett, a rich merchant friend of John Clemences. this man had kept a vacancy for me in his store nearly the whole of July. then another from the 15" until the 20" of Aug-ust, and still another from the 1" of Sept until the day before I saw him, He told me that the prospects of my getting a situation before the first of January was now very slim, still it would per-haps be as well for me to come to the city and see about it. I therefore went with him, there was no vacancy in his store nor any probability of one occurring in a long time, but he would look arround & see if one existed any where else at the same time ex-plaining that the changes always took place the first of January.
I went up to see Mr. Macy, he received me very kindly asked me to dine with him, and also asked me to take up my residence with him while I remained in the city, of course I declined the latter but did not the former. I dined with him at 6 OC (he closes the store and lets his clerks, twenty in number, go home at that hour) of which we were entertained by his little dughter with music for an hour. then he and I lit a cigar and went back to the store where we could be alone and have a good talk, as Mr. Macy termed it, I told him briefly what I came to town for he then said that my best plan would be to get in some wholesale store if such was possible, he did not comment on the difficulties of getting a sit-uation when you could not bring the recommendation of experience in the business with you, I had already learned that. (I did not go to see Mr. Macy until the 12th of this month because I was afraid he would consider that I had come with a claim on his gratitude), the next day he took me arround to A.T. Stewarts= the most wealthy merchant of N.Y.= to J. Glafflans= the largest dry goods dealer in the U.S.= and to Mr. Jaffreys, a very large wholesale house employ-ing about seventy clerks in the one store. besides having agents in Europe and the East Indies. In this store Mr. Macy stood high with the firm, altho he trades but a small amount with them in com-parison with some of their customers, his yearly bill is about $40,000 or $50,000 per year.
Mr. Freeman, who has charge of the city trade, informed Mr. Macy that in all probability there would be a vacancy for me with them by the 1" of Dec. or before. Mr. Macy had already offered me a situation in his store but at the same time could not refrain from informing me that I would have a much better chance for permanent success in a wholesale house, so I decided to come come up and ac-cording with an invitation from Uncle Joe, stay with him until I
could commence in N.Y.
I arrived here last night, found them all well and delighted to see me. they all send their kindest regards to you and would be re-joiced to see you. Katy Brown was here when I was here before she would rather see you than any person she ever knew, she has gone home now.
Now Susan do write to me the same day you get this, tell me how the baby, Mother, sisters, and brothers are. I am dying to know. Also send any letters which you may have received for me, to Matteawan, Dutches Co. care of I. Fre.... Jr. put them in a new envelope and a put a postage stamp on, so that they will be sure to come safe.
I have a great notion not to write to any body there but you, so tell me all the news. Has the elder recovered his breath yet, he lost it in holy horror? have you heard from father? and every-thing of interest you can think of.
Write at once, in fact as soon as you get this, send me another and believe me your loving father, no brother
Love to all, and the small Bijou.
A.T. LaForge
John Clemence and I had a fine time I assure you, when I was there, there was four N.Y. ladies there. When I went in his wife kissed me and I kissed her. at which John promptly boxed my ears. that caused me an instant fit of repentance, and I replaced the kiss on Mary's lips at once, which of course made it all right.
Bijou
DIARY
Saturday 30th Very warm. Visiting at uncle Joes all day. I made an arraingement with him. He said he would like to have me stay until the 1" of Dec. Mary and Alvira Barrett came up with uncle Joe this evening.
(The next day was mistakenly identified as Sunday, September 31" and the mistaken dates continue through Tuesday, October 16th.)
Sunday 31" Very pleasant. not too warm. The Miss Barretts and I went up to the top of "South Beacon". it is fully two miles from uncle Joes and over a very steep and rough road but the view when once there is perfectly magnificent. the Hudson can be seen for 40 miles below and about 20 above. Cities towns and villages lie scattered about in rich perfussion at our feet. I went down the mountain with the ladies and to church with Mary this evening.
Monday Oct. 1" (2nd) 1865. Quite cool. I have been very buisy at Book-keeping all day. have written up the day book for two months and Journalized the same. I sat steadily at the desk from 1 OC. until 6½ this P.M. feel rather tired this evening. Wrote to Sister and am most anxious to receive a reply.
Tuesday 2ond (3rd) Very agreeable. Nothing of much note trans-pired. I have been at my studies. This evening Mr Philips and I went and made a short call at Josiah's Jr. very pleasant there. Wrote to Mr. Barrett.
Wednesday 3rd (4th) Rained this A.M. I thought that I should be unable to go over to New Burgh this P.M. but it cleared off in time for me to go. I saw John Clemence and wife. Made arraingements to take the latter and sister to N.Y. Saturday when I went down Saw Mrs. and Annie McDowell. was delighted of course. came back to uncles at a late hour this evening.
Thursday 4th (5th) Quite cold after yesterdays rain. I find that it make my hand numb to write where there is not a fire. Uncle Joe is building a dam in one of the gorges here which will back water and make a fine pond.
Friday 5th (6th) Started over to New Burgh about noon. took the 4:25 P.M. train for Salisbury Mills, but I got acquainted with the conductor & Engineer and they stoped and let me off at Bethelhem, a courtesy they very seldom is ever payed anybody else.
Saturday 6th (7th) Up and breakfasted at 5½, started for Cornwall at 6½. John brought us down; after we got to Cornwall we had to wait two hours as the Powell was behind time; got off by 10½ ar-rived in the City at 1½ P.M. Baird was waiting at the dock for us. I turned the ladies over to him to escort to Brooklyn while I re-mained at the boat for the return of somebody to whom the ladies baggage had been given by mistake. The person to whom it was given returned at 3.55 which was 10 minutes before the boat started away again, I then had the baggage taken to 23 Reade St. and John Baird and I took it over to Brooklyn when we went over in the evening. Mrs. Baird and Miss Hilyer with John and I went and spent the even-ing at Miss Bodines where Mrs Clemence and sister were stopping. during the evening we all went out and had oysters and Ice Cream as we choose.
Sunday 7th (8th) Did not get up very early this morning, as I did not get to bed until 2 OC. about 3 P.M. I went over to Brooklyn. found the ladies expecting me, we all went up to Mr. Hilyers where I met a fine old gent named Wilson. He commenced life in very poor circumstances but has built himself up in trade until he is now a very large importing merchant of crockery. Emma says that this gent told her if she married with his consent he would give her husband a good situation &c. She appears to be a great favorite with him and to tell the truth I really very much like Mr. Wilson. we all went to the Baptist Church this evening & listened to a very good discourse from one of the divines of that church. I got home very late. Wrote to Col. McKelvy to-day.
Monday 8th (9th) Went into Jaffrys this morning. Was introduced to Mr. Beals of the Yankee Notion Dept. he was very pleasant and I spent two hours very agreeably with him. Mr. Macy came in while I was there and staid for a fiew moments. This P.M. I brought Mrs. C. and sister to 56 Lexington Ave. to see a friend of theirs. at 8 we left there and came over to 208 W. 16th St to visit Miss Mag-gie Cook and Miss Kate Denniston. my head ached, so that I did not stay but a fiew moments then came over to the Hudson R.R.R. and took the 10.30 for Fishkill and going up to Woods Hotel put up for the night.
Tuesday 9th (10th) Was arroused at 8 this morning, breakfasted but concluded not to go out to uncle's at once, but wait until after the parade was over which the 22nd N.Y.S.M. was going to have near here. the regt. got togather at 10.30 but the parade was a dead failure, for none of the officers nor the Col. knew anything of drill evidently. I had been made one of the invited guests of the hotel on this occasion to dine with the officers, but I was so dis-gusted with the performance that I started home and would not dis-grace my reputation as a soldier by associating with such.-
Wednesday 10th (11th) Started for New Burgh and went up to the horse fare being held near New Mills. here I met John Clemence & Sammy. the race which pleased me most was the last one. this was a man & horse, the man walked a quarter of a mile while the horse which was a 2.45 animal) trotted ½ a mile, the man won the race by a length or two, I never saw such walking as he made; it was for $100ΕΕ. After the races I went home with John & he got ready. then Johnny took us down to Cornwall and we embarked for N.Y.C. he met two old acquaintances on board.
Thursday 11th (12th) On waking found ourselves in the city. we took a room at French's then sallied out for Jersey City to see Sammy Davy. but the dust blew in such fearful clouds that we turned back after we got over there, and went up to the Central Park instead It was really pleasant to take John arround for his remarks and surprise were so fresh and his admiration of the beau-ties natural and artificial, also shrubbery and femininity was so intense; After the fine time spent there we came back to the city and went to the "Museum of Anatomy" where many beautiful things were to be seen, and where Nature was truly unveiled. We then found John Baird and he came over after he got supper and went to the theatre with us and got prety tight Clemence & I went to find his wife, but we had the wrong and could not: the play was "The Streets of New York"
Friday 12th (13th) John & I went over to Hammond St found Mrs. C. took her down to 323 Broadway where she met some othe friends and we left them by previous agreement to meet again at Barnums. I then went to see Davy, this time succeeded in finding him after visiting as long as we wished to, we returned to the city. found the ladies at Barnums and took them from there to the Picture Gal-lery where Bierestats Rocky Mountains was on exhibition. the pic-ture has been sold for $25,000ΕΕ a very nice little sum. I then left them it being almost boat time and came down to Frenches after our Dusters. waiting also for dinner, the result was that I was too late for the boat. and so had to remain in the city all night. however not to make it tedious I went to the St Nicholas and got supper. then to the theatre and saw "Our American Cousin" played and meeting a friend adjourned to the Billiard room and played a game with him and his father returning to the Hotel rather late.
Saturday 13th (14th) Took the 7.42 A.M. boat for New Burgh. Saw a young lady with whom I would have formed an acquaintance had I not by her actions had reason to doubt her character. it was very strange. I found that she got off at New Burgh, I have thought since that if I ever saw her again I would answer those speaking ... by addressing her even if she was not a lady. Remained in town until 4.30 then put Johns Duster up by Mr. Meade and came over to uncles.
Sunday 14th (15th) Raining when I got up. has rained ever since, it is just what the farmers need however. Joe & Sarah were here until nearly 10. P.M. I read for the family nearly all day, from various books so the day passed very agreeably. I wrote Lt. Cox. also to Lawyer Powell of Ogdensburg. I really wish that I was at work. time would not then be lost to nme. Ah! well I cannot hurry the matter, so jog along, Old Time.
Monday 15th (16th) Clear as a bell, but quite cold. I have been studying hard all day. went out just at Sundown to see old Sol lay himself to rest. The scene was beautiful I stood upon a rockey eminence more than a thousand feet above the Hudson River, which ran like a Silver thread through the beautiful plain before me. Away off in the blue distance to the North could be seen the ir-regular outline of the Catskill Mountans. nearer by, and intersec-ting the fertile plains of Orange Co runs a beautiful rainge of brown sided mountains, which are known by some horrid unpronounc-able indian names. these with the woods sweetly variagated with soft pencilling of Jack Frost, and fields no longer green, formed a tout-en-semble which seemed to give old Sol immense satisfaction for he stared at it, also winked with great complacency, then sud-denly seeming to remember that it was time for him to disappear, he made a remarkably quick discent below the horizon. No sooner was he gone than the cold wind, feeling that now there was nothing to oppose its full strength, began to whistle arround the mountain top and roar through the gorges in such a threatening manner that I was glad to retreat before him and take shelter beneath the hos-pitable roof of uncle Joe. This evening took tea with cousin Joe, after which I read to himn and Sarah until 10.
Tuesday 16th (17th) Rather cool. Spent the day over my books as usual. I think that it is strange that I do not get a letter from sister. I wrote her two weeks ago. perhaps she did not get my letter. This evening I was down to Joe's reading from the Pirate Story.
Wednesday 18th A very soft wind has been blowing from the South East all day. I helped Uncle Joe pick some apples and draw in some corn stalks. the remainder of the day was spent over Double Entry Bookeeping. I wrote a very poetical letter to Miss Clara. I have never sent the poetry which I composed while I dreamed I was in love with Miss Burdick to her yet. I find the passion has left me intirely which so wrapt my soul during the last fiew days while I was home. I wish that my nature would alter a little just enough to give me more stamina in this one respect. I sometimes believe that I am surely hopelessly and lastingly in love with some pretty face but no sooner is it out of sight and another takes its place, then all is changed.
Thursday 19th The soft breeze blowing from the South was as balmy as Spring-time until 4 P.M. when it grew cold very fast and this evening it is raining quite hard. I have been at work on my Trial Balance & Balance Sheet, I find that without an instructor it is rather slow getting along some times, but one is more apt to remem-ber when he does accomplish it. I finished our Pirate Story, Capt. Brand, to-night.
Friday 20th Rather cold. nothing of interest transpired to-day.
Saturday 21st Went down to Matteawan about 10 A.M. went into the Felt Shops for a short time, long enough, however, to go all through one of them I found that cousin Phebe was not in the shop to-day as she is sick with a sore throat. I went up to Aunts to see her, and she promised to come up to Uncle Joe's this evening and bring Miss Margaret L. Stephens with her; after some visiting around I came up when the coach did. (Uncle Joe calls his wood wagon the coach) Cousin Phebe and Miss Stephens came up at the same timne. We had a very pleasant evening, for the two ladies were a pretty well matched pair for fun. I enjoyed myself and am sure they did.
Sunday 22nd Very pleasant but cool. I took my lady friends to show them my pretty lookout on Pleasant Ridge. to get there we had to pass through Lovers Ramble and also enjoyed a rest in Phebe's Sofa. When we arrived at Elysian Observatory the ladies scarcely knew how to express their delight at the beautiful view which lay stretched out before them. Two hours sped rapidly by and it was with regret that I announced the necessity of our returning to the house. This evening I went down the mountain with them and to church with cousin Phebe.
Monday 23rd Took the 7.10 A.M. boat from Fishkill-on-the-Hudson to N.Y. City. Arrived at the city about 11.30. I went up to Jaffry's and saw Mr. Freeman and Mr. Beals. Came back with the same boat in which I arrived at New Burgh at about 7.30 P.M. Put up at the Orange, had supper and then went up to Grand St to Visit Miss Anne McDowell. Found Mrs. M. and Miss Jessie M. with Annie. Spent the evening very pleasantly. Miss Annie was going to accompany her Mo-ther and Jessie on a visit to Uncle Tommy's to-morrow and asked me if I could not be there also. I was rather expecting to go out and so concluded to say yes. Left her after making the promise.
Tuesday 24th Went out to Salisbury Mills on the 9.35 train. When I arrived at Uncle Tommie's found that I was ahead of Miss Annie. Uncle Tommy has had another attack of heart disease, and the fami-ly all thought that he was dying but his strong constitution en-abled him to come through it and he is now feeling much better. I went up in the field where John was at work and had a gay time with him talking over our visit to New York. When we came down to din-ner found Misses Annie & Jessie awaiting our arrival. During the P.M. John got a barrel of cider from the barn, in rolling it the cider commenced to work and one of the hoops burst off. John said the cider made the hoops tight. I asked him if cider always makes hoops tight? I wonder what made Miss Annie laugh so. she was standing by awaiting for a drink of the beverage. I spent a very agreeable afternoon with her and took a ramble on the hill which overlooks the Hudson, bade her adieu about 4 P.M. as she was then ready to gone home again. I went over to Mr. John Dennistons to stay all night with Ike. I supposed his sisters were on a visit to the Western part of the state but was joyfully surprised to find that they were not. I played Euchre with Miss Martha and came out one game ahead. I did not have as good luck with checkers for we came out even. The evening was a very pleasant one. I slept all night with friend Ike.
Wednesday 25th Returned to John's again at his request to ride down to New Burgh with him this P.M. Found Uncle Tommy somewhat better. had quite a long chat with him on various matters, prin-cipally religious subjects. Arived at New Burgh about sun down. had a cigar with John then left the city and came over to Fishkill. rode up to Matteawan. Stoped for a fiew mninutes at Mr. Frosts then came on up to Uncle Joes. found them at supper, of course sat down with them. I forgot to mention that I last Saturday was the happy recipient of a letter from Sister Susan. How glad they were to receive it. Susan thought that I must be dead surely for she did not hear from me for five weeks. she had written to Col. McKelvy. from him received no answer. then she wrote to Mr. Tay-lor at Washington. he answered her at once. indeed my neglecting to answer or rather to write to her has been the cause of much anx-iety & sorrow, for which she gives me a good scholding. I am very sorry that my negligence should have occasioned so much uninten-tional sorrow.
Thursday 26th Studying Book Keeping, writing up my journal and writing a letter to my dear sister have been the order of the day. The woods are getting bare again so that they may present as small a surface as possible to the action of Jack Frost I suppose. By the way, said Jack F. has made us several visits and his presence makes farmers who are a little behind-hand "stir their stumps".
LETTER Matteawan, Dutchess Co. N.Y.
Thursday Oct. 26th 1865
My dear Susan & Friends
I have scarcely recovered my breath yet since that scolding which I received on last saturday. It was a very fortunate circum-stance that I was in remarkably good health at the time, or I should never have survived such a severe attack. My goodness I thought I knew what scholding mens but I find that my calculations were altogather wrong as to the definition of the word; I have learned however and dearly bought is the experience.
Seriously, I am very much grieved that my thoughtlessness should have occasioned you so much trouble and uneasyness. I very naturally supposed yet I did not write that you would consider that I in all probability had not yet got a position and I did not write until I could give you a permanent address. I was much surprised that you should go into an extreme of fright when you knew that I had started on a very uncertain journey and would in the ......... not be located for weeks, still I .................... an evidence of your love but you must have known that if anything was the mat-ter with me or I had been dead I would have written you to inform ... you of the fact.
I will send you Perrys notes in this with the amount .... "D.. .olls" ...... and when he pays you all of the money you may express it to New Burgh, no send it by the Addams Co Express and direct it to the same address as you do the letters for me. tell Perry not to be in a hurry if not convenient for I shall not real-ly need the money until Dec 1st.
Please send my trunk by Addams or any other Express to Mattea-wan also. you may put my over coat (Cavalry) in so I shall have that made into a good over coat, ...... .. see that my skates are in and send them here just as quick as you possibly can ...... ....... send the express receipt to me as soon as possible after you send the trunk so that I will know when it will be here. The reason I am in such a hurry is because it is getting so very cold here. has ice been formed about the 30th ........... twice snow has fell just enough to say that it snowed probably two snow flakes fell.
In regard to the grapes. I am sorry to be unable to send any. Un-cle Joe had but a small crop this year and they were all gone two weeks ago; he did not sell one but allowed his numerous friends to eat them all and I can find but very fiew in the market now which are sold at an enormously high price and are so old that if I sent you some they would be apt with the rough handling they received on the way, to be unfit to eat by the time they reached you; such be-ing the case I thought you would not want them. By the way I wish that you would put a dozen small cakes of maple sugar in my trunck and take their price (as also the price of trunck and money ex-pressage) out of my money beafore you send it. Uncle says just now that the plan should be not to pre-pay expressage so you need not pre-pay. I will settle that when the articles arrive here.
Joe and his wife send kindest regards, and would like to have you bring your baby down and see you. theirs is not almost as fine, I tell them big stories of little Bijou, Uncle Joe often wonders if you will ever come down here again, and speaks of what a fine woman you made. of course I never tell him how you look in short dresses. he and aunt togather with all your numerous othe Uncles aunts and cousins send their kindest regards to you. aunt Rachel included, she is very well.
I got aunt Sophia a whip but she concluded not to whip me un-til further orders. cousin Phebe was up here and made me get the whip Sunday. cousin Ca.. Frost was here also and wanted perticu-larly to be remembered to you.
I asked aunt who it was that Kate Brown married she smiled and said that was what a great many had asked but none knew, I dont know where she is.
I returned last night from a two days visit to Uncle Tommy Clemences and Mr. Dennistons. of course I had a most splendid time. Uncle Tommy had a very bad spell day before yesterday. they all thought that he was going to die; for a long time he was that way, but finally got better and when I left was sitting up.
Tell Sally Ann that I did not suppose she tho't enough of me to allow it to disturb her somnolence. In fact I can only learn my importance by a long silence occasionally, so you see why I did not write do you not? I really hope that Janey is better by this time.
(About ten words are inked out at this point. The rest of the letter is written along the edges of two sheets. One is torn and parts are therefore missing.) ................. how the other Martha is. I will pay Perry ...................... when I come out there next time. My love to all my pati... ............ included, and a good share for dear old mother.
Your loving but undutiful brother,
A. T. LaForge
Have no letters arrived there for me yet? I was expecting at least half a dozen long before this time.
DIARY
Friday 27th Cloudy and foggy when we got up this morning and has continued so all day with occasional slight showers, wind blowing hard from the South to-night. I think that I never saw such a beautiful sunset scene as was to-night exhibited for half an hour. I don't that the pen of a Cowper or the pencil of a Bierstatt could do it justice.
Saturday 28th Very agreeable day. nothing new or interesting. I learned some facts in regard to the life of Daniel Webster, born 1758 in Conn. humble but proudly descended parentage.
Sunday 29th I remained on the mountain this forenoon and was ex-pecting to go down to meeting this P.M. but just as I arose from the dinner table Mr. Terwilliger with Mary Barrett and Ophelia Rob-inson came into the house so I staid until 3 O.C. with them then went down to Matteawan with the team and brought Joe and his wife up. The latter had been visiting down the mountain for a week. With these two and the visitors of the morning, Uncle Joes family and myself we had quite a party to supper: I accompanied Miss Robinson down the Mt. went to her house, as also did Mr. T- and Mary. Staid until after midnight and I rather think had a gay flirtation with my pretty Little neighbor.
Monday 30th Received a letter from Mr. Macy which proved to be an invitation to make one of a party of young people who were to meet at his house to-morrow night to celebrate "All Hollow Eve" I at once replied to the invitation and went down to the bank and got $50. dollars as I wanted to get an overcoat in the city. On my way back received another letter, this time from MIss Clara Crandall. it was all that I could desire. very poetical and loving.
Tuesday 31st Started for the city at seven A.M. went down on the cars as the "John Romer" has been hauled off the line. I got me an over coat, beaver hat white kids &c. I have now about all the clothing I shall want in a long time. Went up to Mr. Macy's at 9. P.M. and spent a most agreeable evening as the company was composed of some very fine young people. We of course had to go through the time honored customs of "Hollow Eve:" I was the lucky person who had the piece of cake containing the ring of fortune when that trick was played and had the extreme satisfaction of kissing all the ladies in the party we broke up at a late hour. I saw a Miss Grace somebody home and then returned to Mr. Macy's and have just been shown to a most elegant apartment for the night, but as I am scarcely recovered from the effects of the excitement yet the God of Sleep is slow to come to my willing arms. 1.30 O.C.
Wednesday Nov 1st Rose at 7. read in my room until 8 O.C. then went down to the parlor. Mrs. Macy came in shortly and then Mr. Macy. we breakfasted, then took a cigar. I remained until nearly ten then came down to the hotel, found Capt. Bouge of the Naval Service there played a game of billiards with, then another & so on. Also went up to see John Baiard talked with him for some time then came down to the wharf and took the Albany boat for New Burgh. Crossed the river and went up to uncle Joes. very bright moonlight night. I found on getting up home an invitation awaiting me from Miss Barrett to attend a party given by her to-night, well this matter had been talked over so long I knew she would be greatly disappointed if she have me there so after taking a slight repast I started down the Mt. again. I found a very gay party assembled there among which I saw Miss Robinson my friend of Sunday night. I had to act pretty gay in order not to go to sleep, so made as much fun as possible and altogather had a pretty gay time. broke up after two I saw Miss Rodgers home then returned to Mr. Barretts and went to bed at 3 O.C. (3 hours sleep last night)
Thursday 2nd Very fine day. I, at uncle Joe's suggestion, took a bush hook and cut out the path up to the Lone Cedar, which is the finest look out on Pleasant Ridge. Spent the rest of the day in studdying as usual. Wrote a letter to Miss Maggie Stephens.
Friday 3rd Uncle Joe left the letter which I wrote to Miss Maggy yesterday at Caroline Frost's to be given to Miss M. so she will get it to-night.
Saturday 4th Rather a threatening day some snow fell in the Sha-wangeuk Mts. so that the air is quite cold and Winter seems to be showing us just the edge of his fact. rained this evening quite hard.
Sunday 5th Very cold and windy. About 11 A.M. Mary Barrett and Mary Rodgers came up here. I was very much pleased to see them as I was getting rather lonely. We had a very pleasant visit indeed; after dinner Mary, R. & I went up to the Lone Cedar for the purpose of enjoying the beautiful view from there. the wind whistled arround us on the bleak precipice, but the beautiful plain was made so enchanting by the light and shadow of the heavy clouds sweeping acrost and obscuring the face of the sun that even the inclement wind could not prevent our staying to admire it. After our return we three went down to Joe's. Mr. Burk & wife, also a Mr. Stephens was there and Mrs. Fuller's sister. We found them enjoying a nut frolic and joined it at once, Miss R. and I staid there to tea. Mary Barrett had a bad toothache and went up to uncle Joe's to wait until the party was ready to go down the Mt. Saw Miss Rogers home and stopped there for a short time, then went home with Miss Bar-rett and without going in turned and came up the hill and here I am ready to go to bed at 1. O.C.
Monday 6th Went over to New Burgh on some slight business. stopped at the bank on my way and got some money at the bank. made my purchases and came back to Matteawan. Went in the Shops and saw the young ladies. gave Miss Hopper a recipe for a sick headache which she said she would have put up at the druggists'. I doubt it. Her it is. 3 oz. of the beer made by "brewing a storm"; 2 oz. of the contents of the "Vial or Wrath"; 1 oz. of "Commissary" (for definition of the word ask any soldier). Boil the whole slowly in the "cup of iniquity for the "space of periods", shake well, bottle tightly and put by for use. Apply as often as the need of the ap-plication is felt (externally). The same prescription with the ad-dition of a pint of Paregoric and boiled in any other dish will an-swer in all cases of toothache, ear-ache, head-ache or in fact any other kind of ache. Leave out the contents of the "Vial of Wrath" and add two table spoonfulls of the "Milk of human Kindness" and this will be found most efficatious in all mild forms of bad tem-per, chicken pox, boils, impatience, corns, measles, &c, &c, &c.
Tuesday 7th Went down to the Five corners and deposited my vote for the Union ticket. While down there went to see my cousins (dress-makers) at that place and agreed to come down a week from next Saturday and spend the night and sabbath with them. they have a splendid trade always and seem to be doing well. I rode up to Matteawan with uncle Joe, left him there took tea with caroline and found that my letter had earned for me a lewd name in Matteawan. Maggies step mother has called it a "blackguard letter and me a black leg. I went up to Aunt Rachel Fullers and and whiel there Mrs. Stephens came in. I expected a terrible blow out, but not a word of the subject was mentioned at which I was muchly surprised. came back up the mountain. found things breezing very fast. Sara was somewhat sick with tooth ache, which I at once commenced doc-toring Wrote to Miss Clara Crandall and
Wednesday 8th Very fine day but rather cold. To-night went down to Mr. Barretts and with Mary went down to Miss Ophelia Robinson and her sister Emma. Mr. Samuel Harris was there also, I had a most splendid time and scarcely knew how the time went until half past 1 O.C. I then took Mary home and came up on the mountain and was safely stowed in bed by 3 A.M.
Thursday 9th Very pleasant still. Joe and I rather expected to go down the mountain to-night but I felt rather too tired and so did he, so I remained at home and read to the family till retiring time. Mary Z Susan Ketchum and Elmira Barrett were up here. I spent a very pleasant but unprofitable day with them.
Friday 10th Still clear But cold. I went with Joe to Mr. Burks this evening. Mr. Philips and wife were there and several others also. passed the time very pleasantly plaing dominoes, whist and eucher with the ladies. We gentlemen had some more solid enter-tainment in the shape of cigars, Carger and wine. Cold coming home.
Saturday 11th "Dennings Point cove" was frozen acrost this morning I started for N.Y.C. about 9 A.M. went over with cousin Joe to New Burgh so did not start for the city until the 2.35 train came down. Went to the Astor house and got dinner at 6. Met Capt. Bridges there. he took me into Mr. Kings (the custom officer) room and introduced me to that functionary. I spent half an hour with him then went over to Brooklyn to the the Bayards and Hilyers. John Lib. Emma and I went down to the Park theatre to see the drama of played. I came over to New York and have put up at Lovejoy's Hotel for the night The day has passed very pleasantly.
Sunday 12th Did not rise very early. Came down to the Astor to see Captain Bridges and King (Hon.) The former and I took a walk about town for a while In the P.M. I went up to 157 Hammond St to meet Miss Emma at the house of a friend. I found her there. We staid until dark then came back to her home in B- I spent the evening with them until a certain hour then returned to New York.
Monday 13th Met Mr. Macy as we had pre-arrainged at Delmonicos. He had seen Mr. Jaffry and I could see that he was not as sanguine as he had previously been in regard to my getting in there. I went with him up to see Jaffry and was introduced into his august pre-sence. He very quietly informed me that for a long time they had acted upon the principle that to take an inexperienced hand and in-struct them, was, instead of making or gaining an employee, was loseing one, for the man who knows the business must instruct those who do not. He gave me no hopes at all, fairly eating his words given before. Mr. Macy concluded to look arround some farther be-fore he would advise my going into a retail store. I also went to see Mr. Barrett and Mr. Wilson. I was exceedingly pleased with my reception by the latter. he asked me about my chances at Jaffrys. I frankly told him of the situation and he promised to anything (without my desiring it) he could he would look arround among his friends for my benifit he is a splendid man and good christian. Started for and arrived at New Burgh. went to see the Miloman Tableaux. A doub
Tuesday 14th Came over to "Fishkill on the Hudson" found Charly Barrett down and as I was invited to be present at a party to Miss Atwoods this evening did not come up on the mountain until night. The party was a very pleasant affair I had many invitations to call at the houses of the many fine ladies present & of course, accepted them all as it would save me the trouble of refusal, and as I don't say when I shall comply with the promise I am at liberty to stay away as long as I choose. Came up to uncle Joes and went to bed at a late hour.
Wednesday 15th Found two letters awaiting me. one from sister and one from Sherman Crandall. The former has forwarded my trunk and the money due me by Perry Potter. family quite well. The latter is going to school at Alfred Centre and seemingly enjoying himself splendidly. I have no engagement for to-night so remained at home and read for the family.
Thursday 16th Oh what a warm, smoky pleasant day it has been, so different from last week that it makes me feel very listless. I have been scarcely able to move. Daniel Steadly and his father with Charley Barrett Were here to-day and took dinner. Charley staid until dark nearly. wrote to Mrs. Burke and also to Miss Emma Hilyer.
Friday 17th This is surely Indian Summer in dead earnest. I don't remember ever seeing in this latitude more beautiful weather this time of year. I went over to New Burgh with Joe and his wife they were going to visit the dentist and I to get my money and trunk both of which I succeeded in doing. I put $260 dollars in the bank. I stopped at Matteawan on my return to see the New Burgh Base Ball Club play a friendly match with the Matteawan boys. the New Burghs beat by 5. I believe that this is the first time that the Matteawan's have lost a game in playing with a club not older than itself themselves. I received a letter from father, one from Aunt Mattison and one from Clara with a likness of herself and Nora Livermore.
Saturday 18th Very warm still, cloudy and threatening a sundown. I wrote to Aunt Jamima Madison, but forgot to send the letter. This evening I went down to cousin La Forge's at Fishkill on the Hudson. Shall stop all night. Have spent a very pleasant evening reading, talking and other amusements common among visitors.
Sunday 19th Rained nearly all day, however cousin Phoebe & I found not to be scart out, attended meeting. thirty people formed the audience and it was communion day, too. I had dinner at cousins and then after smoking a cigar I took my departure as I had a call to make at Mr. Barretts where I had promised to take supper. Cou-sin Pheobe Fuller beckoned me in as I was passing their house. She had some visitors to whom she wanted to introduce me. I could stay but a short time, but enjoyed myself while I did. Then went up to Mr. Barretts, spent the evening with Mary and Miss Rogers & bro-ther, got back to Uncle Joes before 10 P.M.
Monday 20th Very unpleasant, rained much of the time. I had writ-ten to Miss Crandall's father and sister to-day, also sent the let-ter to Aunt Jamima. Busy day writing.
LETTER Matteawan Dutchess Co. N.Y.
NOv. 20th 1865
My dear Sister
Your welcome letter of the 7th inst was duly received; I thought that I would not answer it until I had received the trunk and money both of which I got at Newburgh last Friday. I have put the money in a bank for the present and am enjoying the contents of the trunk. All of uncle Joe's people think that you are the sweet-est girl in all their circle of acquaintances so also do aunt Ra-chels people Mr. Barretts and many others to whom I have given a taste of your sugar. Aunt thinks that it was a good thing that you remitted my sentence for she was dreading the execution of it. Un-cle Joe says I'll bet she has a good husband or she would not be such a good woman". What do you say to that Joe? I declare I hardly know what to think of Janey and her Indian doctor. I think that my faith in him is daily growing beautifully less. he is a quack, I guess. Poor Janey I wish she felt as well as I do. oh! wouldnt she enjoy life though?
My dear Susan if you can possibly find that letter that had no name signed to it do so and send it to me at once, If you cannot find it, please write and tell me truthfully the contents of the letter and use the post mark on the envelope if you know. I can not account for my curiosity to ascertain who that letter was from, I think I could tell if I had it. was the letter well written and the spelling good?
We have not had any snow that reached the ground yet, and the last five days until yesterday have been almost glorious, warm, smoky, salubrious, Indian summer. Yesterday we had a warm rain which will continue to-day. Saturday I went down to Aunt Rachels and staid all night, spending my time most agreeably with cousins Jane and Phebe La Forge. they are as lively and full of business as ever. they have far more than themselves and the three girls they employ can do. and of course make enough money to live in excellent style. I went to meeting with Phebe, and did not leave their house until after dinner, the girls always reci... with every show of friendship and I believe that it is genuine. They wished to be kindly remembered to you.
Love to Mother, Janey, Josey, Oscar, Perrys people and your-self. Your not scarecrow- brother
A. T. LaForge
You may direct your letters if you please to Capt and not .......
DIARY
Tuesday 21st Rain, rain, rain; dismal, dreary uncomfortable day. I have scarcely felt like doing any thing. I reviewed one lesson in French read some in the Volume by Wilkie Collins called The Woman in White. Read until 11½ P.M.
Wednesday 22nd Rain ceased about midnight last night; after hav-ing rained almost constantly since Saturday night. To-day a cold South West wind is blowing. After dinner I took a cigar and strolled up the glen above the house, then concluded to climb Plea-sant Ridge from the rear. which I found no easy task. Seated my-self behind a cedar on the bleak ridge and allowed the cold wind to howl arround me with its dismal music for a short tinme. I could not see what made it so cold until a lift in the vapor which had been hanging over the Shaungauks showed that in some places they were covered with snow, while far beyond them the lofty summits of the Catskills showed themselves covered by a virgin sheet of pure white. I returned and wrote a Letter to Perry Potter about a dif-ferance of some $6.16 between us. Cleared off after sundown and I thought that we would have a pleasant night, but about the time the moon went down 8½ snow commenced falling a trifle. I called on cousin Phoebe and we both called on Mary Rodgers and brother. There seems to be a great deal of talk about a certain ghost which has made its appearance in Matteawan. Several timid persons have been chased by it. They describe it as appearing about eight feet high, having horns, but upright like a man; My opinion of the beast is that some of the boys have procured a cowhide with the horns on and wear it. I am strengthened in this opinion by the fact that I see the owner of the Tannery here advertises that he has lost a cowhide. Came home at 12. Snowing Received a loving leter from Lt Cox. he is at Louisville, Ky.
Thursday 23rd Another stormy day. Snowed fell to the depth of three inches this morning but melted nearly as fast as it fell. Snow was all gone before noon, a kind of mist the rest of the day. I wrote to Lt. Cox, also to Prof. Beaugureau. Finished reading The Woman in White. I was very much interested in the story, and yet I think that it contains many absurdities. The character of Laura is one of them; a lady who possesses the remarkable faculty of be-ing sane or crazy according to circumstances is a very convenient person for novelists, I should think. Then again Count Fosco has a blending of Knowledge and folly, decision and weakness, amiabi-lity and villiany, and many other qualities that I don't believe it possible that a man with such innate power would ever remain in walks of life so much below his ability; Mr. Farlie again is cer-tainly the most remarkably wretched invalid of which I ever read.
Friday 24th Quite pleasant; the storm clouds have rolled away to the South before the cold North Wind. I received a letter from Miss Emma Hilger of Brooklyn; she writes very pleasantly, rather better educated that I had supposed she was.
Saturday 25th Clear, wind from the North but not cold. I went over to New Burg to make some purchases, then came back to Mattea-wan and joined Mr. & Mrs. Birks and Mr. Philips. We took a car-riage and went up to Huestonville to visit some relatives of my companions. Stopped first at their Uncle's, John Hoyt, took tea and formed the acquaintance of their daughter Sarah Ann who I really consider one of the wittiest girls I ever knew. After tea we drove up to Seth Hoyts, three miles above the village. Here we stayed all night. They seem to be very lively, good natured peo-ple, and being young, too, of course make good company.
Sunday 26th Clear and pleasant. Left Seth's and drove nearly back to the village to visit at an Uncle Townsend's. Two young ladies there who were very timid until (so I learned) until one became ac-quainted with them, which I did not. Upon my word, I was nearly talked out. We had been having so much fun all day that I really felt tired out and unable to carry on a conversation, which, in nearly every case since I have been here, devolved upon myself. Shortly after tea we took our departure for Matteawan. Our Pegas-sus made rather better time coming back than in going up, for with his head toward the South he had, I suppose, pretty reasonable hopes of being in his own warm stable very shortly. The moon shown out with a rich, clear splendor that made our way very agreeable. Arriving at Mr. Birk's I found cousin Joe waiting for me to go up home with him. He had been down to meeting. He and I arrived safe at home about 10.15 P.M.
Monday 27th Quite pleasant. cloudy toward night. remained at home and spent the time studying and writing. I wish I had Prof. Beaugureau now to teach me the pronunciation of French.
Tuesday 28th Cold but pleasant. Spent most of the day in writing up the portion of my memorandums which was written in lead pencil at the time they were first written. I am amused and surprised too, that the excitements of the scenes in which they were written should have made me so careless in regard to spelling and composi-tion I very seldom had the opertunity of reading over and correct-ing my composition, which it not a little required.
Wednesday 29th Very fine day. I thought by the look of the wea-ther that it would snow to-morrow, and so went over to New Burgh to make some purchases. Came back about 8 O.C. to this side of the river. Went up to see cousin Phebe, but seeing no light concluded not to stop but came on up the mountain. Aunt Sophia is quite sick. A strange apparition came to my bed about 3 A.M. Rec'd a communication from Capt Judson inviting me to be present at the first annual meeting of the Discharged Volunteer officers at Og-densburgh, Dec. 22, 65
Thursday 30th Aunt is somewhat better. I went down to Matteawan I stopped and asked cousin Caroline to come up. She is not happy I feel very confident. I went into the Felt Shop and saw the girls; went down to see cousin Phebe principally. Cal came up with me this P.M. She was very talkative & told me among other things that she wished that she had my knack of making everybody her friends as I appear to. She says all the girls are very anxious to find out who I am in love with. They say "it can't be her for he seems to think just as much of somebody else". Cal says she is often consulted about me, not only by sincle but married ladies. Oh! Shaw, how vain that looks, now that I have written it. Stgill, as these pages are for my individual satisfaction, and probably no other eye will ever peruse them, I might just as well make the record complete.
Friday Dec. 1st 1865. Winter certainly assumes its mildest form upon its introduction to us this year. The day has been very agreeable and I can only hope that we may be blessed with much of the same sort before we are treated with its stern frowns. I wrote to Capt. Judson, also to Uncle John La Forge asking the latter why he had not written. Cousin Cal Frost came up to-night. She looks sad.
Saturday 2nd Indian summer again and a most beautiful one at that. Cousin Cal has remained all day and I have had considerable fun with her making her feel young again. This evening Mrs. Treet and Miss Wetsman and Leach were visitors at Uncle Joe's. I could not spend the evening with them, as I had an engagement with cousins Phebe and Mary Fuller. The evening was spent in a call at a family of Post Of course it was pleasantly spent.
Monday 4th Yesterday La Printemps seemed to hold sway instead of Winter. I spent nearly all the day with the ladies at Uncle Joe's. They were very pleasant. Mrs. Treet and I discovered that we could not agree upon but fiew points at a time. In fact, I don't like her at all. When they returned to town in Uncle Joe's carriage I went with them & I was to go with Miss Mary Barrett, take tea at the house of our friends, the Misses Robinson. Our time at their house was full of enjoyment and half past seven came before I was aware of it. I had to tear myself from their company and go over to New Burgh and take boat for New York. Charles Barrett and the ladies accompanied me for a short distance. I got a check cashed at the Orange Hotel, then went on down the river. Soon went to sleep. When I awoke in the morning I found myself in the city. Went to see Mr. Wilson, also Joe Robinson, John Bayard or Baird and Mr. Macy. He (Mr. Macy) says that if I cannot get in any place down town that he thinks I can rely on his having a situation with him by the first of February or before. This evening went over to Brooklyn to see my little dear. John & his wife and Emma & I went to the Park Theatre to see "The Adventures of a poor young man" played. MIss Emma presented me with a handkerchief, on which my name was beautifully worked, as a philipine present. Libe and John had a quarrel since I was there before, but are all the more loving now. Staid at the Astor House.
Tuesday 5th I forgot to mention what a bad fog was on the East ri-ver when I went over last night. The boats had to be guided en-tirely by the "fog bells',as no lights could be seen. To-day is an argument for winter again, as it is rather cold this evening. The morning was beautiful as could be. I did not see Mr. Wilson this A.M. Saw Hull Winters, the old Chief Clerk of Camp Distribution; he gave me Surgeon Hunt's address. The Surgeon is now in town on Broadway. Came north on the noon train which was very slow travel-ling for we did not get to Fishkill until about dark. I came up on the mountain.
Saturday 9th I have been so constantly on the go since the 6th that I have found it quite impossible to write up my memoranda. Wednesday 6th spent the morning in writing and reading, then after dinner I dressed and went down to Meyers to get my horse and car-riage, then drove up to Mr Barrett's and got Mary, that is after she got ready which was not until dusk. By that time the rest of the party had assembled that were going up from Matteawan and vici-nity. There was some 6 single carriages and one double carriage, making eight couples in all, among which was the brides-maid, a ra-ther fine young lady. We all stopped for a fiew minutes at the ho-tel in Fishkill and then proceeded to the house of the groom's fa-ther where the wedding took place at 7 O.C. P.M. Neither of the parties who were thus united were at all handsome, according to my notion, but I trust that they will be none the less happy on that account. The party, with the exception of those from here, was very sedate, but we went for fun and fun we had, which I rather think was of a kind not expected by the old fogies in from the sur-rounding country. The Episcopal clergyman, a very small man, led to the table the tallest old lady I ever saw outside a museum. Many other incidents of a like laughable nature served to keep the one hundred assembled guests in the best of humor. Our party did not get their chance at the table until midnight and then made up for lost time as far as possible. There was one of the funniest fellows in our crowd that I ever saw. He made us all laugh so much that we were nearly sick. About 12½ O.C. Matteawan decided to get out our horses and go to the hotel again and have a good time there for two or three hours and then come on home. The Hotel Keeper was in bed but we soon had him out and we took possession - for the night - of the Parlor where we just enjoyed ourselves in such a manner as suited us best for a while, playing, dancing and, I must say, kissing took up much of our time. The bar furnished us with wine, lemonade, beer and also cake and o.. some of each was dis-cussed. We started for home about 4. A.M. the 7th I won much pro.. from Mary for my description of the comedy of "The adventures of a poor young man". Commenced snowing a little before we got home. I left Miss Barrett at her door, then took my horse home. also, which was accomplished about five A.M. I went down to the Hotel and laid down on a lounge until after day light; slept an hour, probably, then had breakfast, crossed over to New Burgh and took the cars for Bethlehem. Arrived at Mrs. Clemences at 11. O.C. all well. All of Uncle Tommy's family, children and grandchildren assembled excepting Mr. Grigg's people The fatted turkey was made to repay the week's of expectant he had received, as there he sat in all the glory of a magnificent roast, the King of the many pala-table dishes under which Uncle Tommy's hospitable table groaned. These were discussed while at the same time we were regaled with anecdotes and adventures of their early youth, from the elders of the party; scenes in camp and on the battlefield from the soldiers of the party; and the gossip of the community from the ladies of the party. Time fled until evening, and then again was scarcely marked until midnight, at which hour all retired, happy and thankful for their many blessings. I did not hear the breakfast bell the next morning. Dec. 8" but was made aware of the fact that it had been sounded by the appearance of John in my room. Three inches of snow was still on the ground that fell yesterday, so John proposed that we take a ride to Canterbury in the sleigh; however we afterward decided on the wagon. Just as we were about to start Samy Davy came up, and he went with us to town. The ride was a very cold one. After our return Samy and I went over to Sam'l Cle-mences and made a call. At two John took us up to the cars and parting with our old friend there we came on to New Burgh. I went up to see Mrs. Davy and Miss Julia Samuel's sister. I accompanied them all to the cars - they were going to New York then came over the river and up home, stopping at the Post Office and receiving a letter from Miss Clara Crandall, which was very sweet and very pleasant. Found pretty hard walking coming up home, but the warm welcome which awaited me made up for it. Retired at 9 O.C. and slept soundly until morning. To-day has been rather mild; the snow has melted quite rapidly. I tried my skates on the little pond above here; my room was limited but I found that I could stand very well.
Sunday 10th Snowed some this morning. Joe and I had quite a game at smow balling which is the first thing of the kind I have done this winter. Sarah and Joe came up to spend the day with the old people and I stayed at home all day and evening. The day somehow seemed quite lazy after the manner in which I have spent the past week.
Tuesday 12th Snow has been leaving very fast. to-night a regular Southeast storm has set in which bids fair be more lengthy than agreeable. Maggie Ketcham was up to Joe's and I spent the eve there.
Saturday 16th I have been unable to write in my record since Tues-day or Wednesday the storm eased and toward night Miss Susan Ket-cham came up. she and I got ready and went down to attend a party at the Misses Robinsons, there was I should think at least 50 per-sons present which crowded our rooms to a considerable extent. Many were present with whom I was not previously acquainted but with whom I soon bcame intimate. The party seemed to a great mea-sure to depend on me for fun and I'll bet I gave them all they wan-ted if not more. We did not break up until past 1 O.C. Before I went down Uncle Joe gave me a letter which proved to be from Mr. Macy written on the 8" and requesting me to meet him at Delmonicos on the 11th at 10 O.C. A.M. the letter did not reach me until a day after I should have been in the city. I determined however to go to the city on the 10.15 train Thursday morning which I accor-dingly did went up to Mr. Macy's but found that he was down town buying goods so went down town myself stopping on the way to call on Surgeon Hunt formerly in charge of the Musical Department at Camp Distribution. I had a very pleasant visit with him. at ? O.C. I again went up to Macy's this time succeeded in seeing him and managed to come to the store and go down town with him in the morning. I then went to the St. Nicholas, got a seven O'C dinner after which I went up to Mr. John Woods Theatre and saw the "Won-derful Woman" and another play the name of which I forget. Put up at the La .orge Hotel and was soon in the embrace of Morpheus. On Friday 15 I met Mr. Macy as agreed, we rode down town visited seve-ral auction houses and wholesale establishments and then went in to see the firm of Mills and Gibbs. this is a new house just start-ing, after a little preparatory conversation I agreed with them at the rate of $500 a year until my service became more valuable which I hope to render so in about three months. I felt better after the thing was settled as now the long agony is over. I made a short call on Mr. Wilson and received his congratulations and advise af-ter which I jumped on the cars and went up to the 30th St. Depot took the 3.30 Train for Fishkill where I arrived after dark a lit-tle. Came up on the Mt. found all well, took supper and stayed down on the lounge and did not know any thing until 10 when I wa-kened to go to bed. The weather very cold frozen clear across the cove.
Monday 18th Freezing cold. Yesterday Mr. and Mrs. and Miss J. Sthal(?) Mrs. and Miss Barrett, and Mrs. Wood and ......... were here visiting. which made Uncle Joe quite a house full. I went down with them when when they returned to town and Mary and I called on Miss Rodgers then went to meeting on our return we called for a moment on Miss Robinson from whom I had received a letter in the morning. Joe and I came up togather about 10 A.M. This morn-ing I went down on the Wicoper Pond and skated until about 2 P.M. when I ran a foul of a stone and split the wood of one of my skates. I took to New Burgh and left them to be repaired. On my return went into the shop to see the girls. I was speaking with Miss Barret when Misses Brandon, Mapes, Bell and three other ladies collected arround me, I was more or less acquainted with all of them and so we had a rather gay time notwithstanding the frown of the gentleman who officiated as boss. Miss E. Barrett and Miss Phillips came on by the shop when I did, so I had the pleasure of their company for a piece. Received a letter from Uncle John. he is in a terrible stew because .....ing presist in staying down here when he is sure that the West is the place for me. `Here' he says `every man is trying to cheat his neighbor'.
Wednesday 20th Pleasant but rather cool, gusty day .......... and was very bad going nevertheless cousin Joe and I went down the do-nation which was very well attended even if the going was bad. up the donation Joe and I came up to Mr. Ketchams to attend a party given by Miss Maggie. Mrs. M. Stephens was also present having re-turned from her visit in Putnam county. She is the lady over whom her step mother made us much fuss when I wrote her a letter for aunt Sophia did not get home till about 2 O.C. this morning. to-day I have written a letter to Uncle John and one to Miss Clara C. yesterday wrote to Miss Hilyer.
Thursday 21st Rather cool. Attended a party at Geo. Scholfields this evening owing to the fact that some body turned up a bottle of Bon... which received by some of the gentlemen more attention than the ladies did the party was not much of a success. one lady brought there by my host refused to be escorted home by. She made an excuse that she wanted to go home with Mary Barrett so when we started she took my arm and Mary and I went arround by her house and left her.
Tuesday 26th Quite a record to be gone over. On Friday 21st (22nd) I made the discovery that I had caught a severe cold in returning from Scholfields party so staid at home that evening. Tried my new skates which are smooth and are a great deal harder to skate with than guttered skates. Saturday went down with Joe and Sarah in the sleigh to Matteawan. they are going to stay at her fathers for a short time. perhaps a week. Took my skates and made a trip with them on the Matteawan pond. skated until seven O.C. by moonlight then went up to see cousin Phebe & Mary Fuller for a an hour or two. found another cousin there, gent from Patterson. Joined Jo-sey Phillips at Matteawan store again at 4 and he accompanied me home staying with me all night. Next day Sunday 24" it commenced snowing early in the morning at about 10 A.M. turned to rain. this soon disposed of our ... in which we had blessed for two days. A gale was blowing from the S. East before which the cold rain was fiercely driven. not withstanding which Josey thought he must go back to town. so after dinner he and I donned our over coats and with lighted cigars started down the mountain. the slush was very disagreeable but we persevered until we got to Mr. Ketchans then we turned in and waited for the storm to subside. about 5 we went down to Mr. Burks'and staid there to tea, Mr. B- wanted me to stay and take Christmas dinner with him. I had already decided to make a trip with with Josey Phillips on that day however so could not. Attended church saw a wedding ceremony performed after service then went up to the hotel and staid all night with Josie Phillips at the hotel. Yesterday morning (Monday Dec 25 Christmas) Josie and I got a fine horse and carriage and drove up to Heustonville and took turkey with Seth Hoyt. drove over to Wappins Creek in the after-noon saw the men there .......ing to get the body of a boy who had just been drowned by the breaking of the ice. Cme back to Seths and left there for home at 8½ O.C. P.M. arrived at Matteawan at 10 then went to a party given by Miss Cooper had a pleasant time and came home about two this morning. Snow is nearly all gone now and the sleighing entirely so. I will mention just for memorys sake the ... of meeting Mr. Scholfield at Aunt Rachels on Sat eve. he said he had a bone to pick with me for taking his girl home from his party. I explained that it was .. arraingement of mine. He said he was aware of that. the lady merely wanted to become ac-quainted with me. `nobody' he continued `ever came here that has created such a furor among the girls as you have, they are all crazy to know you. you have not been to a party but what your name was on every lip. they would say "what a success the party was at Miss So-and-sos last night. Capt. La Forge was there and was the life of the party. I wonder who this Capt La Forge is" You will be missed when you are gone" I told him that his remarks were very flattering, but at the same time I could not take the honor in-tended for me, admitting all this to be true. would not any stran-ger coming here who had agreeable manners or moderately so with nothing to do at these parties but to endeavour to please; because he wished to make the favorable impression, have met with the same success?
Wrote a letter for Henry Smith to his daughter in New Orleans this evening.
Thursday 28th Here I sit to night in room 120 Frenches Hotel. overlooking City Hall Square, and watching the buisey multitude passing and repassing below me and wondering what can call out on such a rainy evening such a number of the inhabitants of this mo-dern Gotham. How did I get here? it was in this wise. Yesterday I settled up with Uncle Joe for my board and expected to come down on the 2.38 train but was unable to do so owing to this fact that we could not get the carriage out as the hogs which uncle butchered yesterday were laying in front of it & must be cut up first. Joe Jr. brought me down at 4 P.M. and we had to go over to New Burgh first however leaving my baggage at the depot on our return we went to Mr Ketchums for supper. I then went to Aunt Rachels bade my cousins good-bye. went to Mr Barretts. did the same. Mary was coming down to a church meeting I came with her, left her at the meeting and we went to the Hotel found that I was too late for the train so went back to the meeting from there went to a party. staying up until 3 A.M. to-day. The ladies and gents spoke as if they really felt sorry at my departure; came down to the Hotel at the corners ... it until 5.30 went back to Matteawan got my over coat left at Greens last night. came to the depot took breakfast at Meyers and came on to the city putting up here. Have been up to Mr. Gibbs. am to commence there Tuesday next. while at the H.R. R.R. depot had to laugh at the impudence of a boot black, after blacking my boots for which I gave him 10 cts he claimed 5 cts more. I refused to give him and he got a handful of mud to smere them again. I stoped and looked into his brown eyes a moment and he gave up the point. have seen no boarding place which I like yet. to-morrow I will look arround again at some who advertise in the Herald.
Introduction 1861-62 1863 1864A 1864B 1865A 1865B 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870-72 1873 1874-80 Epilogue Legacies