This first edition of the
diary and letters of Daisy
Williams is limited to one
thousand copies, of which
this is No. 3 <D. 3
DAISY WILLIAMS
September, 1867 — January, 1884
A Memorial Published by
SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE
in commemoration of the
fiftieth anniversary of the
death of Daisy Williams,
the child in whose memory
the college was founded
DAISY WILLIAMS
Daughter of James Henry and Indiana
Fletcher Williams, of Sweet Briar
FOREWORD
On September 10, 1867, a child was born in the plantation
house at Sweet Briar, Virginia, the daughter of James Henry
and Indiana Fletcher Williams and the granddaughter of
Elijah Fletcher, who created the Sweet Briar plantation,
and founded the fortune upon which it was maintained. The
child was christened Maria, after her grandmother, Elijah
Fletcher's wife, who was Maria Antoinette Crawford, of the
nearby plantation of Tusculum. Through some now un-
known association, however, she was called Daisy so com-
pletely that the name Maria has been forgotten, and Daisy
is even engraved on the little Italian marble angel which
marks her grave on Monument Hill, the Williams family
burying ground.
Daisy grew up at Sweet Briar, surrounded by the activities
of the big plantation and vitally interested in them. She and
her parents usually spent a part of each winter in New York,
where Mr. Williams had business interests and where Daisy
attended private schools, the only formal schooling she re-
ceived, as at Sweet Briar she studied chiefly under Mrs.
Williams' direction. Daisy appears not to have been of very
robust health, so that great care was taken of her, and while
in New York early in the winter of 1884 she contracted
pneumonia and died, at the age of sixteen years.
The idea of founding a college in her memory appears to
have been the hope of both Mr. and Mrs. Williams, and was
probably much in their minds during the years following
her death. When Mr. Williams died in 1889, his will, in
which he left all his property to Mrs. Williams, contained
an expression of this hope, and when in 1900 Mrs. Williams
died, having outlived all the members of her family, she
bequeathed her entire estate to establish an institution "as
a perpetual memorial" to Daisy.
These facts are well known to every one of the several
thousand students who have come to Sweet Briar since
September of 1906, when the new college first opened its
doors. They have been told of Daisy and her parents each
year on Founders' Day, and have taken part in the traditional
ceremony on Monument Hill on that day. They are familiar
with "Daisy's Garden," and most of them know her portrait
that hangs in the parlors of Sweet Briar House, her harp and
music box, her dresses and playthings that have been pre-
served as part of the heritage of the college. To most of
them, however, Daisy Williams is only a name, at most the
shadowy figure of a child who died before the first Sweet
Briar student was born.
Among Daisy's small possessions in Sweet Briar House,
however, are a shabby little diary of the year 1882 and a
collection of letters written by Daisy to her mother practically
every day during May of 1883, the last spring of her life.
To anyone reading those intimate day-by-day records Daisy
becomes vividly alive. She ceases to be merely a sweet-faced
picture hanging on a parlor wall and becomes a personality,
an affectionate, practical, home-loving, rather precocious and
observant young person, not entirely without malice nor de-
void of the critical faculty, altogether human and charming.
It has, therefore, seemed an appropriate way of com-
memorating the fiftieth anniversary of Daisy's death to pub-
lish this little memorial volume, printing the diary and the
letters so that they may be read by the alumnae and present
students of the college, very few of whom have ever seen
them and not all of whom have known that they existed. In
their publication no attempt has been made to edit or polish
them. They are printed as they were written, with the childish
phrases, the intimate comments, the occasional misspelled
words and the very casual use of punctuation left untouched,
so that no glimpse of the real Daisy might be lost.
The circumstances surrounding the writing of the diary
speak for themselves. In connection with the letters, in the
Spring of 1883, because of Mr. Williams' illness, he and
Daisy returned to Sweet Briar leaving Mrs. Williams, for
business reasons, in New York, and it is during this month
of their separation that the letters were written. Mrs. Williams
came to Sweet Briar during the first few days of June, but
went back to New York for a short visit the last of July, when
the last group of letters was written.
From both the diary and the letters it is apparent that
Daisy's world was largely made up of her mother and father.
Of the other people she mentions, Aunt Lilybell was of course
Mrs. Williams' sister, Elizabeth Fletcher Mosby, who owned
the plantation of Mount St. Angelo, just across the fields
from Sweet Briar; and Uncle Sing was Sidney Fletcher, who
lived at Tusculum, his mother's home. Aunt Emma and Aunt
Hattie were Mr. Williams' sisters, who lived in New York, and
Charlie, Fred and Harry were their children. Logan was the
colored manager of the plantation at Sweet Briar, in whose
charge the place was left when the family went to New York.
Logan lived for a number of years after the college was
opened and occupied the cabin that is now the Alumnae Cab-
in. Martha and Nelson were the house servants, and Ida, Ed-
monia and Meally were negro tenants on the plantation who
did odd jobs about the house. The Lavenders and the Carrs
were nearby farmers. In New York, the Misses Varick.
Madame Otto, Mrs. Duclos and Mrs. Gillett were friends of
her mother's; and Lola Gillett, Nellie Anthon, and May and
Helena Mallory were her own friends. Helena Mallory, who
is now Mrs. Mellersh and lives in London, was a particular
friend of Daisy's. She has recently written to the college
telling of some of her reminiscences and the fact that, after
Daisy's death, Mrs. Williams sent her several pieces of her
jewelry, which she has kept all these years.
It was a brief and uneventful life that Daisy lived, and
the diary and letters record no outstanding events or import-
ant happenings, but they give an intimate and appealing in-
sight into the life and personality of a child who, because of
her death, has assumed a legendary importance in the lives
of numbers of girls in all sections of the country. It is to a
closer acquaintanceship between these girls and Daisy that
this volume is dedicated.
O O O 0 <? P O u BOOOOt
- J % i
—r- n 1 — ^-'
/*T
The Fly-Leaf of Daisy's Diary
Daisy's Diary
January SUNDAY 1 1882
Today is New Years day. It is cold and snowy. Mamma
and I were going to see Aunt Lilybell but it snowed. We
staid in most of the day. Four of my hens are laying now.
Began feeding the cattle to day.
January MONDAY 2 1882
Clear and cold, the pond is frozen a little. I said some of
my lessons and practised. I have finished Square Root in
Arithmetic. I feed my chickens at five o'clock. I made
some new nests yesterday.
January TUESDAY 3 1882
Quite cold, Martha is here to day we made buckwheat
cakes last night. I rode to Aunt Lilybells in the afternoon
and took Mrs. Carr's little children some candy. I told
Aunt Lilybell we expected to go to New York the day after
tomorrow. Logan got six loads of ice from the pond which
is all we have yet got.
January WEDNESDAY 4 1882
I rode to Aunt Lilybells in the morning and took her my
little fish geranium to keep this winter. Mamma sent Mrs.
Carr some things. I told them they could have the house at
Ben shop. Martha stayed last night. We made muffins and
buckwheat cakes. Aunt Lilybell was coming this afternoon
to say Good bye but it snowed very hard and it is quite deep.
January THURSDAY 5 1882
It snowed all night it is a foot deep. We can not leave
home to day. Logan went to the Court house and told the
man to come tomorrow with the spring wagon for the harp
if it did not rain or snow. It is very cold. Aunt Lilybell
sent a note saying she could not come to say Good bye the
snow is so deep. Edward came to see about renting the
house at Ben shop an owl killed a chicken and a guinea
last night.
January FRIDAY 6 1882
Cloudy and cold, the snow is very deep. The harp was
packed this morning and was wrapped around with cotton,
the spring wagon came from the Court House for the harp
it would just hold it. Logan moved up in the laundry in the
afternoon. Meally came and staid awhile after supper. I
left my largest geranium with her. I gave Henry the canary
birds to take to Martha.
January SATURDAY 7 1882
We got up at three o'clock and put on the kettle in our own
room to make the coffee we ate some chicken, and bread
and butter, in the tearoom, we left the dishes on the table
without washing them, We put out the fire with snow and
started at half past four, the carriage came right up to the
steps. Mamma slipped getting in the carriage. Meally
warmed some bricks which kept our feet warm in the car-
riage. It was a long disagreable ride which I never will
forget the snow was very deep the moon shone part of the
time the wagon went in front we took five trunks We reached
the depot for the 6.25 train. The Harp went yesterday the
express was 10.60. We traveled all day I did not eat any-
thing. We reached New York quarter to ten took a private
carriage to the Fifth Avenue Hotel and had supper.
8
January SUNDAY 8 1882
We took supper last night and went to bed at twelve o'clock.
It is raining this morning we had breakfast at half past nine.
We could not walk out it was so wet. Papa bought an Illus-
trated London News it has a colored picture. We sat in
the parlors in the afternoon they are very elegant the fur-
niture is pink satin and there are beautiful large mirrors.
We had dinner at two o'clock and supper at six we are on
the fourth floor room 650.
January MONDAY 9 1882
Mamma and Papa took me to school, we saw Mademoiselle
I entered school at once. I am in the highest class but one
in English and the highest in French. I took lunch with
Mademoiselle, went home to the Fifth Avenue Hotel at two
o'clock. It rained in the afternoon so we could not walk out.
Mamma went to Mr. Buckwells to see if the harp had come
it had.
January TUESDAY 10 1882
I went to school at ten minutes to nine the teacher Miss
Thomas gave me a desk in the front room. I took a roll and
an apple for my lunch. Mamma and I walked out in the
afternoon to Stewarts they have given up the dress depart-
ment. I wrote to Aunt Lilybell, Mamma wrote to Uncle Sing.
January WEDNESDAY 11 1882
It is pouring down rain, I rode to school in the street car
which takes me within a few steps of school. Miss Thomas
is going to buy what books I need they come to seven dollars
twenty five cents. It cleared off so I walked home.
January THURSDAY 12 1882
Went to school and knew all my lessons. Mamma and Papa
have been looking for rooms all the week and have not found
a nice place yet. Mamma bought a nice maroon dress
trimmed with plush from the Co-opperative Dress Associa-
tion and some under clothes from Altmans. We all walked
out in the afternoon and bought a broad brim maroon hat
to match my dress from Rothschilds.
January FRIDAY 13 1882
It snowed in the night and is raining this morning. I rode
to school in the car we had a drawing lesson and a sewing
lesson. My school books have come. Labbertons Outlines
of History and questions, Algebra and some others. It rained
all day so we could not walk out. Papa bought me a nice
pair of shoes and india rubbers at Lord and Taylors.
January SATURDAY 14 1882
A beautiful day. We walked out in the morning, we looked
for a nice house and went to five or six but did not decide
on any. I wore my new hat that Mamma trimmed with satin
ribons and ponpons. We went to the Hotel for lunch and
went to a matinee at Booths Theatre to see Mary Anderson
in a play called "Pygmalion and Galatea" we all enjoyed
it very much.
January SUNDAY 15 1882
Mild and pleasant like Spring. We went to church at Trinity
Chapel in the morning and stayed in, in the afternoon. Took
dinner at half past three.
January MONDAY 16 1882
Raining. I rode to school in the street car. We have history
to day. It cleared off so Mamma and I walked out.
10
January,
SATUBDAT 14.
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11
January TUESDAY 17 1882
Clear and cool. I began my Algebra to day at school,
Mamma and Papa went out while I was at school and decided
to go to a nice place No. 21 West 24 street it is a nice second
floor. We took dinner at the Fifth Avenue Hotel at six
o'clock and then went to our rooms on 24 street the trunks
were brought that night. We were at the Hotel one week
and three days.
January WEDNESDAY 18 1882
Clear. We like our rooms very much they are on a second
floor front rooms. I slept on a little cot bed last night the
folding bed will come next week. Mamma and I walked
out and went to Macy's and bought a pair of corsets for me
the first I ever had they were too large so we changed them
for twenty two inch ones. We had our breakfast of rolls
and coffee at Pursells and our dinner at Dorlons.
January THURSDAY 19 1882
Snow in the morning but it cleared off. The Harp came
at three in the afternoon it is not in good tune I played some
on it. It seems to me it does not sound as well as at home.
We had our breakfast at Pursells and I went right on to school.
January FRIDAY 20 1882
Cold and wet. We took breakfast at Pursells and then I
went to school. I was nearly late. I have a very bad cold.
My teeth are sore Mamma and I looked at a great many
places for to rent a piano but could not find any in any of
the stores.
January SATURDAY 21 1882
Raining. We were going to Number Nine but Mamma and
I have bad colds and we can not go we took our breakfast in
12
the next house it was very nice Mamma rented a piano yes-
terday it is coming Monday at ten o'clock. I bought a belt
at Macy's yesterday. I began to wear my corsets. Papa
brought us a pretty bunch of carnations and geraniums.
January SUNDAY 22 1882
A beautiful day though the wind blows. I walked with Papa
to Brentano we got a Century Magazine. We took dinner
here last night and breakfast this morning. I wrote a letter
to Aunt Lilybell for to let Mademoiselle see. Papa got a
lovely jar of pineapple and a box of wafers yesterday.
January MONDAY 23 1882
Bitter cold. Mamma has a bad cold and sore throat. I rode
to school in the car it was so cold. We had breakfast in the
next house it was very nice I took my blue cloud to school
and wore it around my neck. Madame Otto came to see
Mamma in the afternoon she stayed two hours. The upright
Piano came this morning it is a Smithsonian and very sweet.
January TUESDAY 24 1882
It is very cold, the thermometer is two degrees below zero.
I rode to school in the car and wrapped my worsted scarf
around my neck. I wore it all the time in school. I practised
on the harp and piano for the first time since leaving home.
The piano teacher Mademoiselle recommended came to see
Mamma. Papa brought home some nice bananas.
January WEDNESDAY 25 1882
Not so cold as yesterday. I walked to school and was late.
The water pipes are all frozen. We have to day at school,
philosophy, literature, geography and spelling. It snowed
in the afternoon Mamma and I did not walk out. The fire
engines passed by school going to the Gramercy Park Hotel
13
it was a false alarm. Mamma and Papa went to the New
York Conservatory and arranged for me to take a quarter
of lessons it is going to be on 23 street my first lesson begins
Wednesday at four o'clock.
January THURSDAY 26 1882
Very mild. Mamma's cold and mine is not much better.
Mademoiselle gave me some licorice candy for my cough.
It rained in the afternoon so we did not walk out. Guitteau
the President's assasin was sentenced to be hung. I was late
for school today. Practised a half hour before breakfast
which we have at quarter to eight. Madame Otto sent us
yesterday evening to Mamma a pretty basket lined with silk
and to me a card case and a pair of little candlesticks. Dr.
Belden vacinated Papa this morning.
January FRIDAY 27 1882
Very mild. I walked to school and left the little pitcher that
I painted and a note from Mamma for her (M. Otto). We
had an hour of sewing at school. Mamma and I took a long
walk we went to Macy's and bought a pretty little vase and
box of china. I practised an hour before breakfast and the
rest when we came in from walking.
January SATURDAY 28 1882
We had our breakfast at eight o'clock and went to Dr. Bel-
den's to be vaccinated. It began to snow very hard as we
started I was vaccinated first and then Mamma it did not
hurt at all. It snowed all day and is quite deep. In the
afternoon we went across the street to the Madison Square
Theatre to see "Esmeralda" it was very pleasant.
14
January SUNDAY 29 1882
Colder and clear. We had our breakfast sent in to us as
the cook and the waiter left last night. Papa went to church
but Mamma and I did not feel well enough. We had our
dinner sent to our rooms from a restaurant, it was very nice.
Mamma and I have not gone out to day, our colds are still
pretty bad.
January MONDAY 30 1882
It is cool to day. I went to school and started at quarter
to nine which just gives me time to get there by nine. Mamma
and I walked out in the afternoon it was windy and dis-
agreable there was a great crowd in all the stores. Mamma
bought some nice cocoanut gingerbread on fourteenth street.
Last night Papa had our dinner brought by a caterer from
across the street No. 20, and breakfast this morning we are
going to try it for a week.
January TUESDAY 31 1882
It snowed a little when I started to school I wore my rub-
bers and took an umbrella. We have history with Prof.
Labberton. It snowed very hard all day I could hardly walk
home all the street cars were stopped the snow is very deep,
my feet were wet through. Mamma made me a nice little
apron to wear in the house of some calico we bought yester-
day at Arnolds. There was a terrible fire down town where
they publish "The World"' newspaper. Mamma and I do
not feel our vacillations at all.
February WEDNESDAY 1 1882
The snow is deep but it has cleared off. I walked to school,
it is not cold much. I missed once in geography at school.
Mamma and I did not walk out her cold is not much better.
15
Papa came up at quarter to four to go with me to the Con-
servatory. I went at four to have my first lesson, I played
La Fontaine and one of my exercises. Aunt Hattie came
to see us late in the afternoon.
February THURSDAY 2 1882
Clear and milder, the streets are very muddy. I walked to
school. Dr. Bellows funeral was this morning Mamma went
to it. I finished my writing book to day at school. Mamma
and I walked out on six Avenue and bought some nice cake.
Mamma bought some plates and things at Macy's. I have
been practising my new piece of music Beethoven G. Dur.
to day.
February FRIDAY 3 1882
The ground is covered with snow. I walked to school and
wore my rubbers. We had sewing and drawing to day.
Mamma and I walked up Broadway. A nice long letter
came from Martha it has been snowing at home. The bundle
came from Mr. Parmers that we left when we came to New
York before. Miss Varicks came in the morning. Mamma
wrote to Logan.
February SATURDAY 4 1882
Cloudy and cold, I went for a Music lesson at the Conserva-
tory at nine o'clock. Papa went with me, my exercises had
not yet come. It began to snow in the morning and snowed
hard all day. Mamma and I did not go out at all. Papa
bought a pound of tea from Duncans and a nice little jar
of Apricot Marmalade.
16
February SUNDAY 5 1882
The sun is shining very bright we had our breakfast at nine
o'clock from the Caterer's. Papa got a Harpers Bazar last
night. I wrote a letter to Uncle Sing in the afternoon. Aunt
Hattie and Harry came at about five o'clock and staid a while.
February MONDAY 6 1882
I went to school. It is clear I knew my lessons. We had
history with Professor Labberton to day. I walked out with
Mamma in the afternoon. The week is over with the caterer.
We had dinner at the Hoffman House.
February TUESDAY 7 1882
Snowed last night. I went to school, the clock is ten minutes
slow. I got home at half past two. Mamma and I went to
the Co-operative and subscribed a month to the library she
took one book "Empress Josephine." I have a new book of
English Literature. We had our dinner at Dorlons.
February WEDNESDAY 8 1882
Very mild. I wore my rubbers to school. I took a music
lesson in the afternoon at four o'clock. Proffessor Schreyer
gave me a new book of exercises. We took our dinner at
Dorlons it was very good there was a fire at the corner.
Mamma got a letter from home Logan has got a thin load
of ice only, he has sold my turkeys. His little boy is three
days old. We had a nice dinner at Dorlons.
February THURSDAY 9 1882
Raining. I took an umbrella to school. The reports were
read. I am No. 8 but had no imperfect lessons and ninety
seven perfect was at school only fifteen days. Mamma and
17
I did not walk out. Papa brought home a lovely little bunch
of flowers, roses, hyacinth lily-of-the-valley and heliatrope.
The folding bed came this evening.
February FRIDAY 10 1882
Clear and mild I took a note to Mademoiselle for me to come
home at one Fridays I do not care to stay the sewing hour.
Brought home my report I had 97 perfect lessons and no
imperfect, was late four days. Mamma and I walked it
snowed and blew very hard at one time we went to the library
in the Co-operative.
February SATURDAY 11 1882
A beautiful day. I took a music lesson at nine o'clock.
Mamma and Papa and I took the stage and rode up to No. 9
every one was out but Aunt Emma and she was not well we
did not see her. We then to Madame Otto's and she was
in and to the Miss Varicks they were out. Mamma went
to see Mrs. Duclos at No. 125 East 17 street. We walked
out later. We took our dinner at Dorlons and afterwards
we walked to Huylers and got a nice box of candy.
February SUNDAY 12 1882
Clear and cool. We rode up to St. Thomas's church in the
car. The music and singing was beautiful the Harp was
played with the Organ. Took our dinner at the Hoffman
House, as we came back I wrote to Martha and Florence
Caperton in the afternoon. We walked home from church
and saw the Vanderbilt houses, they are very handsome.
February MONDAY 13 1882
Raining. I took my umbrella and wore my rubbers, to school.
18
We had a lesson, with Professor Labberton. I rained all day,
so we did not go out to dinner, but we had a very nice one
at the house.
February TUESDAY 14 1882
Clear and very mild. I went to school. Mamma and I
walked out, in the afternoon, we went to Stewarts she bought
the Satin for her cloak. We bought ten cents of Taffy as we
came back a letter came from Uncle Sing, he wrote that Mr.
Kerr wanted to move in the house at the church. We had a
nice dinner, at Dorlons. It has been mild and pleasant to day.
February WEDNESDAY 15 1882
Clear and mild. I went to school. Mamma and I walked
out in the afternoon, there were a great many people out, we
passed Mr. Mason on Broadway. We bought some nice taffy
at Huylers. I bought "La Fontaine" at the Pond's Music Store.
February THURSDAY 16 1882
Cooler. Mamma walked out Tuesday afternoon and saw
Mrs. Gillett at CTNeils at Sixth avenue, they are living at
""The Newport" on 52 street and Broadway.
February FRIDAY 17 1882
Clear and mild. I went to school, but came home at one
o'clock because they have an hour of sewing. Mamma and
I walked out on six avenue a letter came from Miss Gillett
saying Lola was going to a party this afternoon and she
would bring her down tomorrow morning. A long interest-
ing letter came from Martha the birds are well.
lb
February SATURDAY 18 1882
Cooler. I took a music lesson at nine o'clock. Lola and
her sister came at ten o'clock Mamma and I played on the
19
harp. She stayed till five o'clock. Papa sent home some nice
eclairs and fruits. Mrs Gillett came for her. We went to a
concert at Chickering hall to hear Mme Chatterton-Bohrer
play on the Harp, we were very disapointed with her playing,
she played "Le danse des fees" and "The Greek Pirate
Chorus" we got home at quarter to eleven —
February SUNDAY 19 1882
Rainy and cold. We did not go to church. Papa brought
a Queen paper, the english one We went out at five o'clock
to dinner at Hoffman house, we could not walk out. It is
freezing out doors.
February MONDAY 20 1882
I went to school, it is mild and pleasant. I knew my history
lesson, Mamma and I walked out in the afternoon. She and
Papa looked at a good many rooms in the morning, they went
to 15 West 20 where we were three years ago and partly
engaged the rooms.
Februaxy TUESDAY 21 1882
It rained hard all day, I wore my rubbers and took my um-
brella we have holiday to morrow. We would have moved
to 15 West 20 this evening but it rained very hard, we had
a nice dinner from Dorlons sent in.
February WEDNESDAY 22 1882
Clear. I have no school to day Washingtons Birthday and
Ash Wednesday, We moved this morning Mammie and I
brought some things over first, the rooms are very nice and
large at 15 West 20th, we were at 24 street five weeks yester-
day. I took a music lesson in the afternoon at the Con-
servatory. The Harp and Piano were moved in the morning —
20
February THURSDAY 23 1882
We like our new rooms very much. I went to school it did
not take long to get there, it is only three blocks I wrote a
french letter and gave it to the french teacher Mine Morey
to correct. Mamma and I walked out in the afternoon, it
snowed a little. We took our dinner at Dorlons at quarter
to seven.
February FRIDAY 24 1882
Cool and clear. I went to school at ten minutes to nine.
Mme Morey gave me my french letter corrected it was very
well written. Mamma and I walked out in the afternoon I
came home at one o'clock, we went to Macys and I bought
a little pitcher with a kitten on it. Papa brought two nice
french books from the Library. Mamma's cloak came from
Mme Dellars this afternoon it is very elegant, black satin
lined with red plush.
February SATURDAY 25 1882
A beautiful day, clear and mild. I took a music lesson at
nine o'clock. We went to No nine at half past ten, Mamma
wore her new hat and cloak Mamma and I went afterwards
to see Miss Varicks they were at home. In the afternoon
we walked out when we came back Miss Schuyler came to
see Mamma. The man came to tune the piano in the morn-
ing. Mamma and I had a nice lunch at "The condensed
coffee restaurant on 14 street. Charlie was six years old yes-
terday. Fred is nine.
February SUNDAY 26 1882
Clear and mild. We were going to church at the Holy Com-
munion, but it was so crowded we could not get in so we got
in the car and rode to St Thomas's 52 street Papa had to
come home for his overcoat. We had very good seats in the
21
gallery and could see Mr Torilmin play on the Harp. We
walked home down Fifth Avenue. I wrote a letter to Martha
in the afternoon and did up some picture papers for Uncle
Sing and Aunt Lilybell. It is mild and lovely like spring
we can hear the little birds chirping all day there are a
great many on this street. I have read a great deal to day.
Papa went to the Holy Communion in the afternoon.
February MONDAY 27 1882
Clear and mild. I went to school Professor Labberton lect-
ured on Pope. Mrs Duclos came to see Mamma in the after-
noon they have moved to 60 W. 17 street. Mamma and I
went to a very interesting lecture at Chickering hall by Rev
Dr Maynard on the Holy Land we enjoyed it very the pictures
especially. Mamma wrote a letter home.
February TUESDAY 28 1882
Clear and pleasant. I went to school. Prof. Labberton was
late he was hurt by a wagon. Mamma and I walked out in
the afternoon up Broadway. We had our dinner at Dorlons.
A letter came from Aunt Lilybell.
March WEDNESDAY 1 1882
It rained last night and is raining now. I wore my rubbers
to school and took an umbrella It is mild like spring. I
took a music lesson at four o'clock went by myself for the
first time. Mamma cut the pine apple yesterday. Papa
bought a lovely little bunch of flowers.
March THURSDAY 2 1882
Very mild It has cleared off I went to school. Mamma
and I walked out in the afternoon we went to Chickering
hall to the first of Miss Maud Morgans and Mr Morgans
22
Harp and Organ concerts. We enjoyed ourselves very much
the Hall was full. Miss Morgan played "Home sweet Home"
by Apthomas and a "Fairy Legend. Mr. Morgan played a
duet with her from Beethoven.
March FRIDAY 3 1882
A beautiful day. I went to school, but came home at one
o'clock so not to stay to sewing. Mamma and I did not go
out in the afternoon We went to Aunt Emma's to dinner,
Mamma wore her dress trimmed with satin and amber, and
I my maroon, the dinner was very elegant. We got home
at ten o'clock.
March SATURDAY 4 1882
A lovely day. I took a music lesson at nine o'clock. Papa
got a letter from Uncle Sing yesterday saying he had dug a
well and struck water at 23 feet. A nice letter came from
Martha this morning. Prof Schreyer gave me a new piece
"Gavotte" by Ilsley.
March SUNDAY 5 1882
Mild and pleasant. We walked to Grace Church, it was so
crowded we could not get a seat. Papa went to the Holy
Communion. May Mallory left her card in the afternoon
she will be at 36 East 35 street on Wednesday from four to
six. Papa got a Harpers Bazar. It rained a little in the
afternoon.
March MONDAY 6 1882
Raining. I wore my rubbers to school. The new month
begins at school to day for this monthly report. It cleared
off in the afternoon. Mamma and I went to the second
23
lecture at Chickering Hall on the "Northern Cathedrals of
England" it was very interesting and there were many beau-
tiful views.
March TUESDAY 7 1882
Clear and cooler. I went to school Aunt Hattie came in the
morning while I was at school. Mrs. Duclos came in the
afternoon and staid till half past three as soon as she was
gone Mamma and I walk up to the horticultural exhibition
at No 55 West 33 Street it is every first Tuesday in the
month. We enjoyed it very much, brought home some helio-
trope— Papa's birthday to day
March WEDNESDAY 8 1882
Cool. I went to school. Papa bought a beautiful picture
to give Mamma on the 9 her birthday of the Sistine Chapel.
I took a music lesson at four o'clock Mamma came for me
and we walked up to No 36 E. 35 Street to see May Mallory,
she is at boarding school at the Miss Jarbouniers. Helena
is at Bridgport.
March THURSDAY 9 1882
It is raining this morning. I went to school and was just in
time. Mamma and I went to a Harp Matinee which we en-
joyed very much the house was very nearly full, though
it was raining.
March FRIDAY 10 1882
A beautiful day. I went to school, but came home at one
o'clock. I have not missed any lessons this week. Made-
moiselle gave me some tickets to the Harp Matinees to give
Mamma. We went to dinner at Dorlons.
24
March SATURDAY 11 1882
A lovely day. I took a music lesson at nine o'clock. Mamma
and I went to Aunt Emma's to lunch and then Aunt Hattie
and Harry went with us to see "Patience" at the Standard
Theatre, we enjoyed it very much. Miss Varicks came in
the afternoon.
March SUNDAY 12 1882
In rained last night, but has cleared off. I wrote to Martha,
Logan, and Helena. Papa and I went to the Holy Communion
but could not get a seat Papa got me a St Nicholas.
March MONDAY 13 1882
Cooler. I went to school. In the afternoon Mamma and I
walked out we bought some taffy from Huylers. I put my
hair in papers to curl it last night.
March TUESDAY 14 1882
Much colder, the thermometer is below freezing. I turned
my hat down at the sides. Papa bought me a book of
synonyms. Palmer left —
March WEDNESDAY 15 1882
Cold and windy. I went to school. It was very cold there.
Mamma and I walked out we went to the dress makers to
have my brown silk tried on. I took a music lesson at four
o'clock. We took dinner at Dorlons. A letter came from
Uncle Sing, he says the daffodils and apricots in bloom I
wish I was there.
March THURSDAY 16 1882
A lovely day. I went to school we have finished our "Nat-
ural Philosophy." Mamma and I walked out in the after-
25
noon, we went to the third Harp Matinee, Chickering Hall
was crowded, we enjoyed it very much Miss Morgan and
her father played a duet on the Harp and Organ Beethovens
Moonlight Sonata.
March FRIDAY 17 1882
Last night Mamma and Papa went to the Italian Opera to
hear Patti in La Traviata it was her last night. I came home
from school at one o'clock. Mamma and I went to see Lola
they have a nice flat of ten rooms on Broadway and fifty
second street. I have a new astromomy. Mamma and I
took dinner at Miss Varicks Papa came for us at eight.
March SATURDAY 18 1882
Clear and mild. I took a music lesson at nine o'clock but
Mr. Schreyer only gave ten minutes. We were going to
Barnums circus but there was such a crowd we could not
get in. Mamma and I took a walk I bought a french book
at Christerns, "Les Musiciens" by Falet.
March SUNDAY 19 1882
Cloudy. We were going to the Holy Communion but Papa
was not in, in time I wrote to Helena and Logan Mamma
and I walked out in the morning.
March MONDAY 20 1882
I went to school. Mamma and I took lunch and we took
dinner at Fourth avenue Mrs. Palmer went to day.
March TUESDAY 21 1882
Clear and mild, I went to school. Mamma and I went out
in the afternoon. We took our dinner at Fourth Avenue,
it was very nice.
26
March WEDNESDAY 22 1882
Cooler Mamma received a letter from Aunt Lilybell. I
went to school, we have been at the house one month to day.
I went to my music lesson at four o'clock. We took dinner
at Fourth Avenue. I have a new piece of music. "Brindisi
lone" by Dacheur.
March THURSDAY 23 1882
There is ice in the street, quite cool. I went to school, we
take our meals at Fourth Ave. Mamma and I went to the
fourth matinee at Chickering to hear Miss Morgan the house
was crowded we enjoyed it very much.
March FRIDAY 24 1882
Cool. I went to school but came home at one o'clock I
have not missed a lesson this month. Mamma and I walked
out to Macy's. the bill came for the piano. Received a
letter from Logan, only three of the hens have set.
March SATURDAY 25 1882
Windy and cold. We took breakfast and lunch at Fourth
Avenue. I took a music lesson at nine o'clock. Prof. Schre-
yer gave me tickets for a concert tonight. Mamma and I
went to Barnums Circus in the afternoon we had reserved
seats, it was very interesting we saw the chinese dwarf, the
zulus, the wild men of Borneo and many other curiosities,
there was a drove of nineteen elephants and a little baby
elephant. Mrs Duclos came but we were out. We went to
the Concert at the Conservatory. Prof. Lambert played a
great many pieces without his notes. The family on the
first floor left to day.
27
March SUNDAY 26 1882
Cool and clear. Papa and I went to Calvary Church. Dr.
Mallory was there and read part of the service. Papa went
to church in the afternoon. I wrote to Martha.
March MONDAY 27 1882
Rained last night and is raining now, I wore my rubbers to
school. We took our meals at Fourth Avenue. I get up at
half six and practice an hour and a quarter before breakfast.
March TUESDAY 28 1882
Rained in the morning but cleared off at noon. Mamma
and I walked out the stores are full of Spring goods now.
The bed was changed in our room.
March WEDNESDAY 29 1882
Clear and mild, we had our breakfast late and I was late
at school and did not know my geography. I took a music
lesson at half past three Mamma and I walked out.
March THURSDAY 30 1882
It rained in the morning but cleared off mild, I went to
school. In the afternoon Mamma and I Mrs Gillett and
Lola went to the last Harp Matinee at Chickering Hall It
was very pleasant the house was crowded.
March FRIDAY 31 1882
Clear and cool. I went to school, but came home at one
o'clock. Mamma and I walked up town to 32 st and back.
April SATURDAY 1 1882
Windy and cool. I took a music lesson at nine o'clock Mr
Buckwell was to come to fix the Harp but did not. Mamma
and I walked to Stewarts.
28
April SUNDAY 2 1882
Very mild and clear. I have had a very bad cold for three
or four days, so did not go to church Papa went to Calvary.
I wrote to Aunt Lilybell.
April MONDAY 3 1882
Clear and mild. I went to school. In the afternoon Mamma
and I went to a lecture at Chickering hall to hear Dr. May-
nard it was on Venice, some of the illustrations were lovely.
April TUESDAY 4 1882
Very mild and clear. I went to school. I have Algebra
every day. Mamma and I walked out. We all went to Dr
Beldens after dinner he gave me some medecine for my cold.
April WEDNESDAY 5 1882
Raining. Papa bought me a pair of rubbers as I went to
school. Mamma and I went down stairs and made an ap-
pointment with Dr Dodge for Saturday morning at eleven.
My cold is not much better. St Nicholas came.
April THURSDAY 6 1882
Raining and cool. I went to school but went at half past
nine. The reports were read and I was No. two. Before I
went to school I wrote on two Easter Cards to send to
Colorado.
April FRIDAY 7 1882
Clear and mild. I was not well enough to practise before
breakfast. I went to the dentists down stairs at twelve o'clock
Dr. Dodge put some oil of cloves in a tooth and examined
the others. Mamma and I walked out we bought some pretty
Easter cards at Sloanes.
29
April SATURDAY 8 1882
Very mild. We have no fire. I took a music lesson at nine
o'clock it is the last one in the term of twenty. I will keep
on but will pay at each lesson. I went to the dentists at
eleven and had two teeth filled. I sent a easter card to Mary
Page. Aunt Hattie came in the morning and brought some
Easter cards. Aunt Emma sent me two pretty prayer books
in a case. Papa gave me the "Letter of Credit" it is about
Miss Haines school.
April SUNDAY 9 1882
Cloudy and cold. To day is Easter. I wrote to Martha. It
rained in the afternoon. I do not feel very well.
April MONDAY 10 1882
It snowed last night the ground is white. I have holiday to
day Easter Monday. Went to the dentists at three and had
one tooth filled with gold.
April TUESDAY 11 1882
Very cool. It froze all day. I started to school again
to day. A letter came from Uncle Sing, saying he would be
in New York Saturday, Sunday or Monday.
April WEDNESDAY 12 1882
It froze last night, but is not so cold. Mme Morey bought
me a volume of P. Corneille "Le Cid" yesterday I took a
music lesson at half past three, and paid for it at the time.
April THURSDAY 13 1882
Cool. The thermometer is 30°. I went to school and went
to the dentists at three o'clock had three teeth filled. I am
to go Saturday at one o'clock. Mamma bought me a riding
suit at Stewarts and some calico to take home.
30
April FRIDAY 14 1882
Milder. I went to school but came home at one. Papa
took me to the dentists. I took gas and had four teeth pulled
out in two minutes, then took a walk.
April SATURDAY 15 1882
Warm. Mamma and I walked to Stewarts, and bought some
calico and lawn, and a pair of lisle thread gloves. Stewarts
is going to give up. I went to the dentist at one o'clock and
finished for good I have had twelve filled and four pulled out.
April SUNDAY 16 1882
Very mild. I do not feel very well, we did not walk out.
In the afternoon we rode to the Central Park to see the obelisk
it is very wonderful. The trees at the park are perfectly
bare but the grass is a little green.
April MONDAY 17 1882
The warmest day we have had. I did not go to school. A
letter came from Uncle Sing he will be here Wednesday.
It is warm and dusty they are watering the streets. Mamma
and I walked to Stewarts.
April TUESDAY 18 1882
Warm. I did not go to school. Mamma and I walked out
with Mamma. Mademoiselle de Janon sent me two books
"Aunt Serena" and "Paul and Virginia"
April WEDNESDAY 19 1882
Warm. Uncle Sidney arrived in New York at seven o'clock
he came to Fourth Ave. we had dinner in the middle of the
day. In the afternoon Uncle Sidney and I went to Barnums
Circus to see Jumbo the elephant he is not very large.
31
April THURSDAY 20 1882
Uncle Sidney slept at Fourth Ave. We had breakfast at
eight o'clock then took a walk. In the afternoon Mamma
and I took a walk and bought a knife to take Willie and
some things for myself. Papa bought me a nice trunk with
Daisy W. on it and a lovely little canary bird which I have
named Don Roderigo from "The Cid" which I am reading.
April FRIDAY 21 1882
Mild and clear. Last night we started Uncle Sing and I at
quarter past eight from Fourth Avenue and went to 20 st we
left there in the carriage and got on the cars at nine. This
morning we had breakfast at Washington at six o'clock
travelled till two and waited an hour for the spring wagon
to take us to Sweet Briar. We reached home at four and
met Logan driving the wagon, every thing is lovely here,
the poplar trees are green, the yellow jesamine is just in
bloom and the lilacs, the orchard is beautiful the grass is
so green and the trees in full bloom. I got supper we brought
some bread with us. Frisk knew me at once.
April SATURDAY 22 1882
Cooler. Martha came this morning and got breakfast. I
slept very well in my room. Uncle Sidney went home and
came back at five o'clock. Martha cleaned out our rooms
I unpacked my trunk some and gave the children their pres-
ents a dress for each some candy and a knife for Willie.
The canary sings lovely, wrote to Mamma.
April SUNDAY 23 1882
Rained last night, and is raining now. I got breakfast at
half past six slept very well. I went to the hen house in the
afternoon found three turkey eggs. Meally helped get din-
ner, had one of my chickens, some rice and Macaroni —
32
April MONDAY 24 1882
Cool. We have a fire. Martha came. I made a loaf of
bread it was pretty good opened the house to air. received
a letter from Mamma. Made muffins for breakfast, the
men are cleaning the well.
April TUESDAY 25 1882
Cool and clear. I got up at six Martha slept in my room.
Martha is here. We planted tomato seed and lettuce seed
We had asparagus for dinner, the lilacs are in bloom. I
received a letter from Uncle Sing I set a hen with four-
teen eggs.
April WEDNESDAY 26 1882
Cool, we have fire in the morning. Martha staid all night.
Uncle Sing went home I gave him some asparagus. We
found some good apples in the cellar.
April THURSDAY 27 1882
The well was finished. I got a letter from Mamma she did
not say when she would come. I am to go to Aunt Lilybells.
Uncle Sing went to see her. Martha is here. I put my
birds in a large cage.
April FRIDAY 28 1882
Uncle Sing went home for good. Byrds colt was born it is
not very small. I went to Aunt Lilybell's with Martha and
slept in her room. It was pretty cool.
April SATURDAY 29 1882
I took breakfast with Aunt Lilybell it was raining Martha
and I came home. Sammie Adams came in the afternoon.
Fan has a colt.
33
April SUNDAY 30 1882
Clear and delightful. I staid at Aunt Lilybell's. Logan
came for me at six o'clock. I rode to the monument with
Logan, everything seems all right. Went back to Aunt Lils
at twelve and had dinner she slept all the afternoon and I
strung yellow jasmine and walked about.
May MONDAY 1 1882
Clear and cold. I slept cold last night. The dog wood is
in bloom and very beautiful. Martha came for me before
sun up and we walked home. Uncle Sing came up to dinner
we had pudding and asparagus. I went to Aunt Lillybells
early. Mr. Lavenders horse is sick.
May TUESDAY 2 1882
Warmer. I rode from Aunt Lilybells on Bounce. Martha
and I got breakfast at seven o'clock and worked in the flower
garden all day.
May WEDNESDAY 3 1882
Clear and cool, there was frost. Logan brought my horse
at sun up. I received a letter from Mamma yesterday.
May THURSDAY 4 1882
Cloudy. Martha came very soon for me, Aunt Lilybell and
I were not up. Uncle Sing came up to dinner we had a
chicken. Martha made cake The roses came .75c express
Henry Carey is working in the garden.
May FRIDAY 5 1882
Cloudy. Uncle Sing stayed all night so I did not go to
Aunt Lilybells. Henry is in the garden. The Lobelia Car-
dinalis and honey suckle is in bloom Martha and I set out
the roses in the garden.
34
May SATURDAY 6 1882
Cloudy. The flowers came last night. Uncle Sidney staid
last night Martha and I set out the roses after breakfast there
are fifty one in all as soon as they were set out it began to rain.
May SUNDAY 7 1882
Last night I went to Aunt Lilybells on Bounce. Willie rides
him home and I leave the saddle there. It rained all day
and was very cold. Aunt Lil had no fire. I stayed till one
o'clock Logan came for me and I went home and had dinner
and supper. I could not stand another Sunday like this.
May MONDAY 8 1882
Cloudy and rainy. I came over with Martha at six o'clock.
We got breakfast. My canary bird laid yesterday and to day
Uncle Sing came up to dinner and staid all the afternoon.
May TUESDAY 9 1882
Raining. I came from Aunt Lilybell although it was rain-
ing. Martha and I did not go out in the morning a letter
came from Mamma yesterday she will be here tomorrow.
May WEDNESDAY 10 1882
Cloudy and very warm. I started at twelve o'clock to go
to the depot to meet Mamma the train came at forty minutes
past one and Mamma and I rode home together, a terrible
storm came up I never saw it rain so hard. The harp has
come but will not be brought till tomorrow. Martha and I
set out 21 little evergreens this morning.
May THURSDAY 11 1882
I am so glad Mamma has come. We got up at six o'clock.
Martha stayed last night. Mamma is unpacking her trunk
35
she brought fresh tomatoes and potatoes. Mamma sent Aunt
Lil a lovely pair of sconces. Blossom has a calf.
The express on the harp for five dollars ($5.00) when we
went to New York it was 10.60.
May FRIDAY 12 1882
Raining. Martha went home last night. Aunt Lilybell came
over in the afternoon.
May SATURDAY 13 1882
Wet and cold. We have a fire all the time. Martha staid
all night. It rained all day and I could not go out Mamma
sent Aunt Lil some potatoes. I had seven turkeys hatched
today under a hen.
May SUNDAY 14 1882
Rained all night and was showery all day. Uncle Sing came
up to dinner. Logan slept in the tea room. It cleared off
in the afternoon.
May MONDAY 15 1882
Clear and mild. I began my lessons to day, French, Italian,
Literature, Rhetoric, Astronomy and a good many other
things. I rode in the mountain with Logan there are 33
cattle Martha came to day. There is a man at the Court
House sick with the small-pox. To day is Court. I am read-
ing Kenilworth. A letter came from Papa and one from
Byrd Bryan.
May TUESDAY 16 1882
Very warm. My canary has been sitting one week. I started
to Aunt Lilybells but it rained so I turned back. The small-
pox is at the Court House yet.
36
May WEDNESDAY 17 1882
A most lovely day. We started at six o'clock to go to Lynch-
burg in the carriage, and were obliged to turn back when we
got to Brightly the roads were so bad. We rode to the
monument as I came back and gathered a pretty bunch of
daisys the first I have seen, which I took to Aunt Lilybells
in the afternoon when I walked over with Mary I went by
Mrs. Lavenders and learned that the train goes to town at
ten o'clock and comes out at three.
May THURSDAY 18 1882
Warm. Miss Walker came to try on my dresses and Mammas.
I began my Italian yesterday. Uncle Sing came up to dinner.
May FRIDAY 19 1882
Warm and clear. We went to Mclvors at eight o'clock in
the buggy, I rode Bounce, we had to wait till eleven for
the freight train and reached town at twelve. Went to the
houses on Diamond Hill they are not very pretty and came
home on the two o'clock train.
May SATURDAY 20 1882
Warm. I went to see Sammie in the afternoon wore my red
dress. There is a man at Mclvors with small-pox. The
weeping Syringa is in full bloom and very beautiful you
can smell it all over the yard. I have finished "Kenilworth"
the first novel I ever read Nelson came this morning.
May SUNDAY 21 1882
A lovely day, mild and clear. I rode with Logan to look at
the little calfs and up in the mountain; everything is as green
and lovely as can be. Mamma and I walked over to Aunt
37
Lilybells in the afternoon and gathered some bluets. We
went around by the front of the house. Mrs. Lavender staid
there a good while I walked around and went to the Spring,
wore my buff and blue dress and my grey hat. It was late
when we came home. Logan went to the Court House and
bought some vacine for his family. Nelson staid at the house
when we were at Aunt Lilybells
May MONDAY 22 1882
Cloudy and warm. I put on my gingham dress for the first
time. Uncle Sing came up to dinner. Mamma telegraphed
to Miss Melton not to come as she thinks we will have to go
to New York there are three new cases of Small-pox at Mc-
Ivors and the man at the Court House is dead I am very
sorry we are going. Picture papers came from Papa.
May TUESDAY 23 1882
The most beautiful day I most ever saw. I did not say my
lessons. The mountains are clear and deep blue and the
air is so sweet with the mock orange. Mamma cut a good
many buds of the roses and some strawberries I found two
ripe ones the first. I rode to Aunt Lilybells for the last time
with Nelson took her a little needle case I went by Mrs
Lavenders
May WEDNESDAY 24 1882
A lovely day. The fringe tree is in bloom and a good many
roses I planted flower seeds yesterday. Aunt Lilybell came
over to say Good bye she brought Mrs Lavenders little girl
Kate with her. Meally came up to churn. Martha came
this morning but Mamma would not let her come in on ac-
38
Daisy, from a photograph taken in New York
when she must have been about six years old
39
count of the Small-pox. A letter came from Papa and one
from Miss Melton she would have been here tomorrow if
Mamma had not telegraphed.
May THURSDAY 25 1882
Clear and Cool. Uncle Sing came up at nine o'clock and
then went to Aunt Lilybells. Last night a mink killed four
setting hens. Logan moved up this morning. I am very
sorry we have to go away. I leave my birds in the back
porch. We started at half past one the carriage came up
the lane we only have one trunk and a small satchel. Arrived
at the depot in time for the train ten minutes to three Uncle
Sidney saw us off. Mama gave him the key to the house.
We had quite a pleasant journey. The Carriage had to go
around about a mile as the road was stopped up on account
of the Small pox. I hope we can soon go home again.
May FRIDAY 26 1882
Slept quite well in a sleeping chair. Reached Washington
at half past nine and got out, bought sleeping chair ticket
and changed cars. We arrived at Jersey City at half past
six. Papa was there to meet us but we missed him some
way. Crossed the ferry at Desbrosses street and rode to
Fourth Avenue in a carriage. Papa came about a half hour
later when we had breakfast. It is quite cool here. Mamma
and I walked out on Sixth Avenue in the afternoon. The
stores are quite pretty now.
May SATURDAY 27 1882
Clear and cool. I got up at half past seven. Mamma and
I sleep in 262 second floor. I did not walk out in the morn-
40
ing but Mamma and I went to the Cooperative in the after-
noon and to Macys. It is a good deal warmer this afternoon.
Papa got some cherries.
May SUNDAY 28 1882
Warmer. I got up at half past seven. Papa went to church
but I did not. I took a bath last night. We had dinner at
one o'clock roast beef and tomatoes, ice cream and macaroons
for dessert. The day seems very long and I wish I was at
home. In the afternoon I wrote to Uncle Sidney and Logan
asking about the small-pox. Mamma and I went up on the
second floor after dinner and went to sleep. We had supper
at seven and took a little walk to Gramercy Park afterwards
it is quite pretty. There are a great many lilacs being sold,
they are just in bloom here. It rained in the evening.
May MONDAY 29 1882
Warm. I got up at seven we have breakfast at half past
seven. I get a lesson in my Botany and French every day
for Mamma. The weather is real warm and disagreable.
I will be very glad to go home. Mamma and I walked to
Stewarts and bought some calico to make a bonnet. We had
Spring lamb and green peas for dinner and Charlotte Russe
and Strawberries. I go to bed at eight we have nice rooms
on the second floor of 262. I read my Botany every day,
and The Cid. To day is a holiday Monday after Whitsunday.
I wear my red dress trimmed with silk the one with velvet
is too warm.
May TUESDAY 30 1882
Hot, so warm. To day is Decoration day and all the stores
are closed. Papa and I went to Union Square to see the pro-
cession pass. We sat in a street car and saw it very well.
41
There are a great many people out. I wrote to Sammie
Adams. We have dinner in the middle of the day and tea
at night now. It has turned much warmer. Mamma and I
took a little walk in the afternoon. She cut out my calico
bonnet and I have begun to make it.
May WEDNESDAY 31 1882
Clear and mild. We all three rode down to Courtland St.
to see a sale of flowers of Peter Henderson there were 50,000
plants. I did not go out in the afternoon, but went up stairs
and sewed on my bonnet. Wrote to Aunt Lily bell.
June THURSDAY 1 1882
Warm and raining. This day a week ago we left home.
Mamma and I walked out in the morning and bought a bundle
of rick rack braid and a spool of No. 20 thread to make
some lace. Maria showed me how in the afternoon. We
had Neapolitan ice cream. It rained nearly all day.
June FRIDAY 2 1882
Cooler. I am making some rick rack lace. Two "Eras"
came from home, the smallpox is nearly gone. I took a bath.
We have not received a letter from home yet. One came
from Miss Mary Melton. A letter came from Logan in the
afternoon, he says the strawberries are ripe and the smallpox
is over. We had strawberry cake for lunch and dinner it
was not near so good as what we make at home.
June SATURDAY 3 1882
Warm. Mamma and I slept in 258 first floor. We walked
to Macys in the morning and bought some rick rack braid
42
eleven cents a bunch and two little china figures. It is get-
ting very warm and disagreeable here and I hope we will
be near home this time next Saturday. I have lost a pound
this week weigh 86.
June SUNDAY 4 1882
Raining and warm. Cleared off at twelve o'clock. We rode
to the Central Park in the afternoon and rode around in the
carriage. The park is very pretty now the snowball, lilacs,
forsythia, wiegelia and spirea are just in bloom there. We
came back at five o'clock.
June MONDAY 5 1882
Warm. I got up at quarter to seven. I say my lessons to
Mamma French reading out of Waterloo and my botany. I
walked out with Papa we got a pair of shoes at Cantrels five
dollars and made an appointment with Dr. Dodge for one
o'clock tomorrow to put in a filling that came out. I wrote
to Logan. We expect to go home a week from today if noth-
ing happens and I am very glad.
June TUESDAY 6 1882
Cool. I finished my bonnet. I have a bad sore throat and
gargle with potash. Papa took me to Dr. Dodge the dentist
at one o'clock he filled one tooth that the filling had come
out and part of one that was filled in town. I came back at
two o'clock and Mamma and I walked out we went to Stewarts
which is going to close the 30th of this month. I got a pair
of gauntlets 40 cts and two little handkerchiefs. We had
strawberry short cake.
June WEDNESDAY 7 1882
Cool and clear. I have made nearly two yards of rick rack
lace, we have breakfast at half past seven, then I go to our
43
rooms in 258 and sew awhile. It has turned quite hot all
at once. Mamma and I walked out in the afternoon we went
to Sterns and O'Neils and bought two hats a red and a yellow
one. I laid down after dinner in our room in 58. My bon-
net is done and in the trunk.
June THURSDAY 8 1882
The warmest day we have had yet. I did not walk out in
the morning, it was so hot. I went in 258 and read and
sewed. I wrote to Logan in the afternoon telling him to
meet us at Amherst Tuesday at half past one. We had straw-
berry cake. Mamma and I walked, went to Macys on sixth
Avenue. I never felt any thing like the heat I had to put on
my lawn dress. A letter came from Mr Chase.
June FRIDAY 9 1882
Very hot. Mamma has put on her linen dress. I will be
so glad to leave New York. A letter came from home from
Logan he has just finished cutting hay in the yard the ox-
heart cherries are ripe and he says the strawberries smell
so sweet you can smell them at the barn. I never felt such
a hot day. Mamma and I walked to Stewarts for the last
time she bought a black dress of chuddah cloth.
June SATURDAY 10 1882
Not quite so hot. We are going home the day after tomor-
row. I finished one bunch of rick rack braid it made nearly
three yards of lace. I have begun some more. Mamma
and I walked out in the afternoon for a little while we went
to Huylers and got some pineapple soda water and ten cents
of taffy. The soda is not as good as that from town. It is
very warm. Mrs. Broadhead came down in our rooms after
supper with Pug. There are a great many daisys sold in
the street five cents a bunch.
44
June SUNDAY 11 1882
It rained last night. We had strawberries for breakfast at
half past eight. Papa got a Times and Herald. We had
ice cream and strawberries for dinner. In the afternoon we
rode to the Central Park in the cars and wanted to ride
around in the park carriages but they were full so we got
a private one and had a pleasant ride; the park is very pretty
now. There are a great many people there. We got back
at five o'clock. Mamma and I went up to tell Madame Otto
good-bye after supper. Mile, dejanon was there. Andrew
had made a lovely fruit cake with pink and white iceing
to take home.
June MONDAY 12 1882
Cool and clear. Mamma is very busy packing the trunk as
we are going to night home. I am very glad we have been
here two weeks and two days, since the 26 of May. We
received a telegram from Logan at twelve o'clock saying
there had been a storm Saturday night and we can not go
to night. I went to Miss dejanon to say good bye.
June TUESDAY 13 1882
Clear and cool. We are all packed to leave. Papa tele-
graphed to Logan we would be at Mclvors Wednesday.
Mamma and I walked to Macys and Sterns for the last time.
We left at eight o'clock. Papa saw us off.
June WEDNESDAY 14 1882
Reached Washington at half past six. Reached home at
1 :40 Mclvors. Logan was there with the carriage and wagon.
The country is very beautiful now. The cherries are ripe
and the strawberries. We sent Miller to Uncle Sidneys for
the key.
45
June THURSDAY 15 1882
Clear and lovely. We got up at five. Nelson came last night.
We sent a barrel of cherries to Papa the oxhearts are lovely.
I took off all my flannels. Went to see Aunt Lilybell her
garden is very pretty poppys and roses in full bloom. I
went by Mrs. Lavenders.
June FRIDAY 16 1882
Warm. The magonolia is in bloom we sent a bloom to
Aunt Lilybell. Martha came to day. Logan went to town
for Sarah she could not come.
June SATURDAY 17 1882
Clear and lovely. Martha staid last night. We had waffles
for breakfast. I walked out in the afternoon. It is very
warm. Received a letter from Papa he received a letter
from us.
June SUNDAY 18 1882
Warm and clear. I took a long ride with Logan and came
back by Aunt Lilybells. It is real warm the cherries and
strawberries are beginning to go.
June MONDAY 19 1882
I began my lessons to day and my music lessons. I have a
piece by Lanst "Galof." I rode out in the morning.
June TUESDAY 20 1882
Very warm. Logan is still cutting hay in the orchard has
only two hands. I went to milking morning and evening
with Martha. Went to Aunt Lilybells in the afternoon by
my self took her some candles. I came home by Mrs.
Lavenders.
46
June WEDNESDAY 21 1882
Very warm. Martha and I went to milking at five o'clock
we milk four cows Blosom, Clover, Daffodil and Mayflower.
I went to Aunt Lilybells to ask her about getting some men
to work in the hay.
June THURSDAY 22 1882
Very warm. Uncle Sing came up but did not stay to dinner.
Logan is cutting in the orchard. I rode out in the afternoon
the dewberries are most ripe. Sammie came in to see me in
the afternoon and stayed all night because it looked like rain.
June FRIDAY 23 1882
Very warm. Mamma is not well. The currants and rasp-
berries are ripe. I rode out. Logan is hauling hay in the
orchard. It rained very hard in the afternoon.
June SATURDAY 24 1882
Very warm. The cake came from New York today. It is
very hot. Martha is not here.
June SUNDAY 25 1882
Very warm. I rode out by myself. The cherries are all
gone except two trees on the road to the monument. Mamma
is not at all well. Amelia came up last night and made some
burnt sugar and whiskey. I rode to Aunt Lilybells with Nel-
son in the afternoon. Came home by Mrs. Lavenders.
June MONDAY 26 1882
Very warm. Mamma is a little better. Martha sent a note
saying she was sick and could not come.
47
June TUESDAY 27 1882
Very warm. I rode over to Aunt Lilybells at half past four,
it was very hot. I took over my french book "Apres la pluie
le beau temps." I began it yesterday.
June WEDNESDAY 28 1882
Warm and clear. I rode out in the afternoon. The dew-
berries are just ripe but are not sweet at all. Martha and
Betsy Jane are washing.
June THURSDAY 29 1882
Very warm and cloudy. I rode out in the morning. Logan
is cutting the Monument field, the timothy. Logan stopped
work at twelve o'clock. There is a rose a pink one in the
garden fourteen inches in circumference.
June FRIDAY 30 1882
Cloudy. Logan is cutting hay on the flats. Martha is here.
I rode out. Someone has taken all the murillo cherries.
The magnolia is in bloom we sent a bloom to Aunt Lilybell
and a bunch of pinks Guitteau was hung between one and
two for the murder of the president.
July SATURDAY 1 1882
Warm. We had waffles for breakfast. I rode out in the
morning. Someone left the gate open and all the cattle got
out. Mr. Hewitt came up to see about painting he is coming
a week from Monday. Logan went to the court house. Cher-
ries all gone.
July SUNDAY 2 1882
A beautiful day. I rode out with Logan, there is one calf
missing in the mill field there should be twenty. I rode back
48
by the Monument and met Uncle Sing went and looked at the
cattle. He stayed to dinner. Mamma paid Nelson half a
dollar. At five o'clock we went over to Aunt Lilybells by
Mrs. Lavenders and came back at eight.
July MONDAY 3 1882
Logan moved 13 cattle in the mountain there are 39 in the
mountain field. It is very warm.
July TUESDAY 4 1882
Cool and clear in the morning but rained in the afternoon.
Mary Taylor brought Mamma some huckle berries she is
sixteen but I am half a head taller. I did not go to Aunt
Lilybells.
July WEDNESDAY 5 1882
Clear. Betsy Jane is weeding the flower garden. Martha
and I helped in the afternoon. It is quite warm. The June
apples are fully ripe and the July apples but there are not
many. Logan has seven hands in the hay.
July THURSDAY 6 1882
Cool. Last night seven of my hens were killed. Martha took
them home to take to town to sell.
July FRIDAY 7 1882
Clear and cool we slept with a blanket. Aunt Lilybell has
company. Beverly Mosby he came last night. Martha is
here. Three of my chickens were killed last night. The
man is walling up the hen house.
49
July SATURDAY 8 1882
We slept with a blanket. Uncle Sing came up. Aunt Lil
wrote a note to say she would be here tomorrow. Logan went
to the Court House. Aunt Ann and Trum Crawford are at
the Court House.
July SUNDAY 9 1882
Very warm. Four of my chickens were killed last night.
Harpers Bazar has begun to come. Aunt Lilybell and Bev-
erly Mosby came over at five o'clock. I wore my lawn and
Mamma her dress Miss Walker made. We asked them in the
parlor and then in the dining room to have cake and wine.
July MONDAY 10 1882
Very warm. I rode out in the morning. Mr. Hewitt and his
nephew did not come till dark they sleep up stairs and wash
in the office. I go to milking night and morning.
July TUESDAY 11 1882
Quite warm. Mr. Hewitt began work they are painting the
back porch. Logan is stopping up cracks in the pavilion.
Martha is here. Beverly Mosby came over in the afternoon
and staid a good while, we played on the Harp. It is very
warm.
July WEDNESDAY 12 1882
Very hot. The gooseberries are very ripe. Martha and I
gathered a large basket of them. I rode out in the morning
on the wagon for a load of wood. It rained very hard in
the afternoon. I get up at half past four.
50
July THURSDAY 13 1882
Warm. The painters are painting the pavilion. Martha went
home at twelve o'clock. Five shoes were put on at the shop.
July FRIDAY 14 1882
Very warm. Betsy Jane is here washing. The painters are
at work. Lindsey bought the brindle cow for twenty dollars.
July SATURDAY 15 1882
Warm. Uncle Sing came up to dinner. Old Mr. Hewitt
stopped work at twelve o'clock hut the younger one kept on.
We sent for the mail. Paid Nelson the rest of his money.
July SUNDAY 16 1882
Quite warm. Edward came this morning. Mr. Hewitt has
gone to the Adams. I rode out in the morning. I walked
out in the afternoon the cat head apples are nearly ripe.
July MONDAY 17 1882
Cool and clear. I wrote to Papa. I rode out in the morning
and evening. The painters are painting the lions. Betsy
Jane is here.
July TUESDAY 18 1882
Clear and cool. The painters have finished they have been
here a week. I was going to Aunt Lilybells but it rained.
I have not been there for three weeks.
July WEDNESDAY 19 1882
The painters went this morning in the wagon. I went to Aunt
Lilybells in the evening. Came by Mrs. Lavenders.
51
July THURSDAY 20 1882
Clear and warm. I rode with Logan to Dick Rose to get the
oats but did not. Uncle Sing came to dinner by Aunt Lils.
Mrs. Lavenders little girl Aura came to see me. I took her
up in my dolls room.
July FRIDAY 21 1882
Cool and clear. We have no one but Nelson here. I rode
out late in the evening.
July SATURDAY 22 1882
Raining. Logan went to the Court House. A letter came
from Papa. I rode with Logan to salt the cattle in the
mountain.
July SUNDAY 23 1882
Very warm. I rode out towards Mt. Airy. Nelson has gone
home. In the evening Mr. Bob Crawford rode up from the
Court House. There was no one here.
July MONDAY 24 1882
Warm. Logan has three men shelling corn they shelled 105
bushels. I rode out in the afternoon.
July TUESDAY 25 1882
Uncle Sidney came up to breakfast and dinner. Logan has
hauled the corn to Mclvors two loads.
July WEDNESDAY 26 1882
Very warm. Nelson went for the mail. I rode to Aunt
Lilybells by myself. There was no one at Mrs. Lavenders.
We have a few ripe peaches the first.
52
July THURSDAY 27 1882
Warm. I get up at half past five and say my French and
Italian after breakfast, then ride out.
July FRIDAY 28 1882
The thermometer is 90 in the back porch. A long letter
came from Papa, and my St. Nicholas.
July SATURDAY 29 1882
Mamma is not at all well she did not get up all day. Logan
went for Dr. Voorhees and he came at six o'clock. He gave
Mamma some morphine and some quinine she was very
sick today.
July SUNDAY 30 1882
Very warm. Mamma is a little better. Logan went to the
Court House and got some lemons. Dr. Voorhees came again
in the afternoon. Meally came up to the house.
July MONDAY 31 1882
Cloudy. The men began grubbing today in the field. We
sent for Martha but she did not come. Mamma got up today
she is still weak.
August TUESDAY 1 1882
It is raining very hard but cleared off in the afternoon. I
went to Aunt Lilybells.
August WEDNESDAY 2 1882
Raining. Mamma is not at all well. She is in bed.
August THURSDAY 3 1882
Raining. I did not go out all day and there is nothing to
write about.
53
August FRIDAY 4 1882
The men are grubbing in the Beach field. Mamma is not
much better. I rode out in the evening and got wringing wet.
August SATURDAY 5 1882
Rained in the morning but has cleared off. Logan went to
the Court House.
August SUNDAY 6 1882
Warm and clear. I was going to Aunt Lilybells but it rained.
I heard the first locust.
August MONDAY 7 1882
Mamma and I weighed. I weigh 87 and Mamma 174.
August TUESDAY 8 1882
Clear and warm. There are a few ripe peaches. Uncle Sing
came to dinner.
August WEDNESDAY 9 1882
Clear. I went to Aunt Lilybells. Daniel was there painting.
I rode out in the afternoon.
August THURSDAY 10 1882
Clear and warm. The men are ditching in Beach field. Mr.
Lavender came for a bag of apples. My Brahma chickens
came from New York they are lovely. I have named them
Paul and Virginia.
August FRIDAY 11 1882
Warm and clear. I rode out. Mamma is not very well.
Aunt Lilybell came at four o'clock.
54
August SATURDAY 12 1882
Cool. I worked my roses. Took a bath.
August SUNDAY 13 1882
A lovely day. Mamma is complaining. Nelson has gone
home.
August MONDAY 14 1882
Clear and cool. I rode out.
August TUESDAY 15 1882
Very warm. Martha came today. I cannot ride out as Dick
Rose has ruined his feet shoeing him so often. I rode to
Aunt Lilybells on Byrd and left the colt at home. Mrs.
Lavender sent over a fine watermelon the first we have had.
August WEDNESDAY 16 1882
The box trees are being trimmed. Some of the peaches are
ripe.
August THURSDAY 17 1882
Mamma is not very well. It is very hot. Nelson went to the
Court House. The magnolia is in bloom.
August FRIDAY 18 1882
Very warm. Mamma is not well. Estelle Smith came today
much to our surprise.
August SATURDAY 19 1882
Clear and cool. Estelle Smith slept in the white room.
August SUNDAY 20 1882
Clear and cool. Estelle Smith rode out. Mamma went to
Aunt Lils.
55
August MONDAY 21 1882
Warm. Estelle made Byrds back sore yesterday. I walked
out. Estelle is practising "Siccadel" and "Sweet baby mine."
August TUESDAY 22 1882
I went to Aunt Lils. We had a watermelon. Estelle walked
out to meet me. I did not ride to Aunt Lilybells took Mary.
I am reading Paul and Virginia to her in Italian.
August WEDNESDAY 23 1882
Clear and mild. Logan drove Estelle Smith to the Court
House in the buggy she came Friday evening.
August THURSDAY 24 1882
Very warm. The men have finished grubbing the crape
myrtle is in bloom and the belle flower apples are ripe.
August FRIDAY 25 1882
Rained in the morning. I rode Dump in the afternoon as
Byrds back is sore from Estelle riding her.
August SATURDAY 26 1882
Raining. I could not go out all day.
August SUNDAY 27 1882
Raining. I was going to Aunt Lils but it rained. Logan
is sick.
August MONDAY 28 1882
Clear and cool. I rode out on Dumpling. Wrote to Papa.
56
August TUESDAY 29 1882
Cloudy and cool. Martha came she started at one o'clock
from home and stayed at Mrs. Lavenders. I rode to Aunt
Lilybells on Dump and took her a very large peach and pear.
The magnolia was in bloom last week.
August WEDNESDAY 30 1882
Cloudy and cold. Mrs. Lavender sent for some damsons
and apples. The carpet was put down in our room.
August THURSDAY 31 1882
Very warm. Rained in the morning. Mrs. Lavender sent
over a fine musk melon.
September FRIDAY 1 1882
Very warm. Edmonia is here washing.
September SATURDAY 2 1882
Very hot. I took a bath in the afternoon. I rode out. Thomp-
son came over for some apples.
September SUNDAY 3 1882
The heat is very great. Thermometer 85 in shade. I rode
to Aunt Lilybells in the evening with Nelson on Dump; wore
my white dress and green hat. I stopped at Mrs. Lavenders.
September MONDAY 4 1882
Very hot. There was a terrible storm last night. Ed is
ironing.
September TUESDAY 5 1882
Clear and warm. I rode out on Dump. Papa came on the
two o'clock train. The carriage went to Mclvors. We are
all very glad. Martha came to stay till Saturday.
57
September WEDNESDAY 6 1882
Clear and cool. I rode out with Papa. Logan took Bounce
to be shod at the Court House. I have not ridden him for
two weeks. Uncle Sing came to dinner.
September THURSDAY 7 1882
Clear. Rained in the evening. Papa brought some delicious
candy and apricots. Papa has gone to town on Flora.
September FRIDAY 8 1882
Rained in the evening. Papa sold 22 cattle at $30.00 per
head. Uncle Sing came to dinner. Uncle Sing is going to
town tomorrow.
September SATURDAY 9 1882
Cloudy. Papa has gone up in the mountain to see the ten-
ants. Thomp brought over two watermelons and got some
apples. Mrs. Lavender sent over a dozen and a half of eggs.
I rode out with Logan to salt the cattle.
September SUNDAY 10 1882
Raining and cold. Today is my birthday. I am fifteen
years old. The wind blows and we had a little fire in the
evening. Papa went to Mclvors at half past two to go to
New York. We are very sorry.
September MONDAY 11 1882
It rained and thundered and lightened last night a great deal.
I rode out in the evening.
September TUESDAY 12 1882
Clear and cool. Martha is here today. The leaves are be-
ginning to turn and the cherry trees are bare nearly.
58
I rode to Aunt Lilybells on Bounce with his new bridle and
some marigolds in his ears. Nelson went with me. I took
her a box of candy.
September WEDNESDAY 13 1882
Clear and really like fall. I rode out. A shoe came off of
Bounce. A letter came from Papa saying we must go to
New York as soon as we can. Some circulars came from
different schools.
September THURSDAY 14 1882
Clear and cool. Martha is here. We are making quince
and pear and citron preserves. I walked to Aunt Lilybells
with Nelson. Wore my bird nest dress. I went to tell her
we expected to go Monday. I stopped at Mrs. Lavenders
as I came back. Mr. Lavender gave me a fine watermelon.
They are pulling fodder. Nelson is sick. Logan is digging
potatoes. Ida rented Sam Dawsons house.
September FRIDAY 15 1882
Clear and cool. Martha is here. The men came for the
cattle. Uncle Sing came up.
September SATURDAY 16 1882
Cool and clear. Martha is here for the last time. Logan
went for the sheep he brought eighty for us and eighty for
Uncle Sing. Miller drove Mamma to town in the buggy
the freight was behind time. Thomson brought over a water-
melon and got some quinces. Martha took the birds home.
I gave her a quarter to buy seed. I weighed today 88 pounds
and Martha 128 lbs. Uncle Sing came to stay all night,
Don Rodrigo and Ximine are gone to Martha. I miss them
very much.
59
September SUNDAY 17 1882
A beautiful day. Uncle Sing stayed all night. We are all
packed. Logan packed up the harp. Mamma roled and
camphored the rugs. In the afternoon we went to Aunt Lily-
bells to say Good bye. Mamma went in the buggy and I on
Bounce. Took Mrs. Lavender a sacque for her little girl.
I took Aunt Lil the rick-rack braid and a pampas grass and
cockscomb. I went down to see Mrs. Lavender. Aunt Lil
had four little chickens in a box. Her place looks lovely
now. Salvias are in full bloom. We did not get home till
dark and went by the Lower place.
September MONDAY 18 1882
Cloudy and cool. I rode over to Aunt Lilybells on Bounce
for the last time to say Good Bye. I showed her how to make
the rick-rack braid. Aura gave me a big sweet potato. Logan
is moving up. The harp went soon in the morning. It be-
gan to pour down rain a little while before we left. Mamma
had to go back for her diamond ring. The roads were very
bad. We went to Amherst Uncle Sing was there, the train
was late. It was very hot on the cars and crowded. I
weighed at the depot 891/0 lbs. and Mamma 183.
September TUESDAY 19 1882
We arrived in Jersey City at half past six. Papa met us
there. We rode up in a carriage. It is a very hot day for
this time of the year. Papa sleeps on the third floor and
Mamma and I on the first.
September WEDNESDAY 20 1882
Raining. Cleared off in the afternoon. Mamma and I
walked out in the afternoon to Macys. The fall goods are
beginning to come in now. I have on my lawn dress.
60
September THURSDAY 21 1882
Rained last night and is pouring now. I could not go out
the Harp came safely Tuesday but we have not unpacked
it yet.
September FRIDAY 22 1882
Raining. I put on my worsted dress. Mamma and I are
going to sleep in 262 first floor. The Anthons came on the
second and third floor.
September SATURDAY 23 1882
Raining. I wrote to Uncle Sing. The Harp was unpacked.
I played all the morning the express was $6.00.
September SUNDAY 24 1882
Cleared off cool in the night. I went to church to Calvary
with Papa and wore my buff dress and straw hat. In the
afternoon we rode to the Central Park the leaves are begin-
ning to turn. For four days this week six inches of rain
has fallen every day.
September MONDAY 25 1882
Cloudy. We get up at half past seven and breakfast at eight.
I practised two hours on the Harp. In the afternoon we rode
in the Madison Avenue stage to Mme. Da Silva, 7 West 38th
St. I am going Wednesday. It is raining. I have on my
Red merino dress.
September TUESDAY 26 1882
Cloudy and cool. I went to the Co'operative with Mamma
to look at some dresses, they were none to suit. It is real
cool. I have on my flannel petticoat.
61
September WEDNESDAY 27 1882
Cloudy. After breakfast we all went to Lord and Taylors
looked at some dresses and bought a very pretty cloak "neuf
dollars. Papa then took me to school in the stage to Mme.
DaSilva for the first time. A maid came for me at two.
There were thirty girls at school.
September THURSDAY 28 1882
Cloudy really cool. I rode to school in the stage with Papa.
I am in the second class the next to the highest. Mary came
for me at two. I walk home.
September FRIDAY 29 1882
Cloudy and cool. I rode to school. Began Chemistry and
reading in French. "Histoire d'un pauvre jeune homme."
I take lunch when I come home.
September SATURDAY 30 1882
Clear and cool. I have no school today. I studied my
Ancient History out of "Dr. Labbertone Outlines." Mamma
and I walked out to Macys and bought some china for the
houses.
October SUNDAY 1 1882
Not so cool. I went to church with Papa, Calvary. We had
dinner at one o'clock.
October MONDAY 2 1882
Clear and mild. I rode in the stage to school with Papa.
Mary came for me at two.
62
October TUESDAY 3 1882
Went to school. I am in the second class. I get home at
half past two walk down always. Mamma and I went to
Chickerings to rent a piano they ask ten dollars we went to
Bradleys 95 Fifth Ave. and engaged the one we had last year.
October WEDNESDAY 4 1882
The piano came while I was at school. It is a very good one.
I wrote a composition on My Summer.
October THURSDAY 5 1882
Went to school. Took my first music lesson from 1-2. I
am practising Lucia with Mine. D'Albre.
October FRIDAY 6 1882
Raining. I rode to school with Papa. It rained all day.
October SATURDAY 7
Clear. I have no school today.
1882
October SUNDAY 8
I went to Calvary church with Papa.
1882
October MONDAY 9 1882
Clear and pleasant. Went to school with Papa. Took a
music lesson from Mme. D'Albre. 12-1 The last.
October TUESDAY 10 1882
Clear and cool. I practise every day. Walked to Macys
with Mamma.
October WEDNESDAY 11 1882
Went to school. Papa went with me to see Mrs. Bradford.
I walked back.
63
October THURSDAY 12 1882
Went to school and saw the Italian teacher will begin Monday.
October FRIDAY 13 1882
Raining. I rode to school in the stage with Celia said six
verses of the Skylark by Shelley. Rained all day.
October SATURDAY 14 1882
Clear and pleasant. Andrew made a box of eclairs. Nellie
Anthon came down to see me to practise some duets. Mamma
and I walked down to Stewarts that was. It looks very for-
lorn, ordered a bronze frame from "Of"" for the picture
Aunt Lil gave me.
October SUNDAY 15 1882
Clear and mild. Papa and I went to church we were going
to St. Thomas's but had not the time.
October MONDAY 16 1882
Clear. I rode to school Celia goes with me now. Papa
wrote to Mr. Mason to know if he could give me lessons.
Nellie Anthon came down and played some duets.
October TUESDAY 17 1882
Went to school. Mr. Mason came at five o'clock to give me
a music lesson, the first one I have only my scales to practise.
It is three years since I took music lessons from him.
October WEDNESDAY 18 1882
Cool. Went to school, walked out with Mamma.
64
October THURSDAY 19 1882
Raining, rode home from school. Could not walk out. I
wrote a composition on Florence Nightingale.
October FRIDAY 20 1882
Rained in the morning hut has cleared off. Mr. Mason came
at five to give me a lesson he brought a book of exercises.
October SATURDAY 21 1882
I went with Madame Otto to see the Panorame 55 St. and
seventh avenue. "The Siege of Paris," it was very natural.
No school today.
October SUNDAY 22 1882
Cloudy and cool. I did not go to church. It is cold. I cut
a sweet potato and filled it with water.
October MONDAY 23 1882
I started to school at half past eight. Mamma bought me
a nice dress from Sternes it is brown.
October TUESDAY 24 1882
Went to school. Took a music lesson from Mr. Mason.
October WEDNESDAY 25 1882
Cool. Went to school. Mamma wrote to the piano tuner to
come and tune the piano.
October THURSDAY 26 1882
The piano is tuned. I walked out with Mamma. I am going
to say the Sensitive Plant to morrow at school.
October FRIDAY 27 1882
Clear. Went to school. Took a music lesson. Mr. Mason
played a piece by Chopin and "Lucia" beautifully before
my lesson.
65
October SATURDAY 28 1882
Rained last night. The sun has come out. I went with
Mamma to Mrs. McCormicks to try on a dress, but it was
not ready. I am going Wednesday. Went to the Institute
Fair with Mme. Otto it was very pleasant.
October SUNDAY 29 1882
Mamma has a bad tooth ache, we have a little wood fire,
the first cloudy and cold. I did not go to church. Wrote
to Martha. We have a little wood fire for the first time.
October MONDAY 30 1882
Clear and cooler. I went to school. I have an Italian lesson
today with Signora LaGrassa from nine to ten Wednesday,
and not today.
October TUESDAY 31 1882
Cloudy. Took a music lesson from Mr. Mason at five had
to light the gas.
November WEDNESDAY 1 1882
Today is the first of November. Went to school. Papa is
not very well.
November THURSDAY 2 1882
Colder. We have a little fire. Went to school.
November FRIDAY 3 1882
Clear, milder. Mr. Mason gave me a music lesson at five,
he gave me a Sonata by Beethoven.
66
November SATURDAY 4 1882
Cold and cloudy. Mamma and I walked out. I wrote a
composition on George Eliott yesterday. Papa went to Dr.
Beldens.
November SUNDAY 5 1882
Cloudy and cool. Wrote a French letter.
November MONDAY 6 1882
Cool. I ride to school in the Fifth Ave. stage. We bought
a lovely china cat. and a Harp stand. Miss LeFebre the
housekeeper came to night.
November TUESDAY 7 1882
No school to day. Election day. Mr. Mason wrote a note
saying he was sick and could not give me a lesson today.
November WEDNESDAY 8 1882
Went to school again. Rained in the morning.
November THURSDAY 9 1882
Went to school. Learned ""The Dying Swan" by Tennyson
to say tomorrow.
November FRIDAY 10 1882
Rained. I wore my rubbers. Mr. Mason wrote to say he
was sick so I have no lesson. Mamma sent him a basket
of fruit and jelly.
November SATURDAY 11 1882
Cloudy and mild. No school today. Walked out with
Mamma in the afternoon. The picture came from OFs
framed.
67
November SUNDAY 12 1882
Cloudy and gloomy. Papa is not well. I did not go to
church.
November MONDAY 13 1882
Went to school. Walked out with Mamma.
November TUESDAY 14 1882
Clear and cool. I wrote to Martha. Mr. Mason is sick and
could not give me a lesson.
November WEDNESDAY 15 1882
Went to school. Walked out with mamma.
November THURSDAY 16 1882
Went to school.
November FRIDAY 17 1882
Cold and clear. I wrote a letter composition. Mr. Mason
gave me a lesson of an half hour and a quarter.
November SATURDAY 18 1882
Cold. Mamma and I walked out. Papa paid for the piano.
November SUNDAY 19 1882
We have been in New York two months today. It is very
cool. We have a fire. I did not go out. I weigh 90. Mamma
182. Papa 137.
November MONDAY 20 1882
Went to school. Papa bought me an English literature.
68
November TUESDAY 21 1882
Went to school. Mr. Mason gave me a music lesson.
November WEDNESDAY 22 1882
Went to school, real cold. We have fire all time now.
November THURSDAY 23 1882
Went to school. Mamma and I walked out.
November FRIDAY 24 1882
Very cold. Went to school, recited "The Hermit" by Gold-
smith. I walked home down Sixth Ave.
November SATURDAY 25 1882
Clear and cool, very windy. Mamma and I walked out to
buy a hat.
November SUNDAY 26 1882
Clear and cold. We had breakfast at half past eight. Papa
went to church. It began to snow at one o'clock, and is
snowing at four, it is the first of the season.
November MONDAY 27 1882
Went to school in a coupe, it was snowing so hard.
November TUESDAY 28 1882
Clear and cold. The ground is covered with snow. I re-
ceived a letter from Martha. Mr. Mason gave me a music
lesson.
November WEDNESDAY 29 1882
Snowed
a coupe.
Snowed all night, and is snowing now. I rode to school in
69
November THURSDAY 30 1882
I have no school until Monday. Today is Thanksgiving.
The snow is quite deep. In the afternoon we all went to
a matinee at Wallacks, to see Mrs. Langtry "An unequal
Match." It was not a very fine play but we enjoyed it.
December FRIDAY 1 1882
Clear and cool. I have no school today. Mr. Mason gave
me a lesson of three quarters of an hour. I have a new
piece "de Jeu follet" by Kupey it is very pretty.
December SATURDAY 2 1882
Very slushy out. Mamma and I walked out in the morning.
In the afternoon Mamma and I went to the Academy of
Music to hear Patti in "La Traviata." There was a great
crowd, the first Italian Opera I ever heard.
December SUNDAY 3 1882
Clear and windy. I wrote to Martha. Mamma weights 176
and I 91.
December MONDAY 4 1882
Clear and cool. I went to school. Mamma and I walked
out in the afternoon and bought a brown veil at Sterns.
December TUESDAY 5 1882
Very cold. Went to school. Mamma and I did not walk
out. Mr. Mason gave me a lesson of three quarters of
an hour.
December WEDNESDAY 6 1882
Cold. I went to school and saw the transit of Venus across
the sun. Mamma and I walked out.
70
December THURSDAY 7 1882
Very cold. I wore my veil. Went to school.
December FRIDAY 8 1882
Very cold. Went to school. Wrote a composition on Oliver
Goldsmith. Mr. Mason gave me a music lesson and played
a good many pieces afterwards.
December SATURDAY 9 1882
Not quite so cold. Mamma and I walked up to Sloanes and
bought some things. I got a dozen pencils for eight cents.
We rode down to Macy's, bought a pair of shoes at Burts
three dollars they are very nice. We walked out in the
afternoon. Mamma bought a picture of Patti and the Gon-
dola song by Mendellson.
December SUNDAY 10 1882
It snowed last night and is raining now.
December MONDAY 11 1882
Raining. I rode to school in a coupe. Mamma went with
me. I had an Italian lesson.
December TUESDAY 12 1882
Clear and cold. Went to school. I took a music lesson.
Mr. Mason gave me half an hour he has made up his time.
I sent a calendar to Ora Lavender. Mamma had the piano
moved yesterday.
December WEDNESDAY 13 1882
Clear and cool. Went to school. Mamma and I walked out.
71
December THURSDAY 14 1882
Clear and cold. I went to school. I did not walk out.
Mamma came for me at school. Mamma bought an India
rubber plant, a wandering jew, and ardesia they are very
pretty.
December FRIDAY 15 1882
Very cold. Papa took me to school and Mamma came for
me. I recited a part of the hermit at school. Took a music
lesson of three quarters of an hour. Mr. Mason played
some nocturnes by Chopin.
December SATURDAY 16 1882
Clear and Cool. I have no school to day. Walked out in
the morning. We went Mamma and I to a matinee at the
Academy to hear Patti in "Lucia de Lammermoor." We
enjoyed it very much and the house was crowded.
December SUNDAY 17 1882
Very cold. Papa is not very well. I did not go to church.
December MONDAY 18 1882
Went to school. Very cold. Had an Italian. Mamma and
I walked out. Willie Draper came by in the evening. Mamma
bought a bust in terra cotta.
December TUESDAY 19 1882
Cool and clear. Went to school. Mr. Mason gave me a
music lesson, and I have a new piece "Tirolienne" by Bendel.
December WEDNESDAY 20 1882
Clear and cool. Went to school but we had a half holiday,
and I came home with Jessie Wetzler at twelve o'clock.
Andrew the baker is very sick. We did not go out. Our
piano was exchanged for a larger one.
72
December THURSDAY 21 1882
No school. Mr. Mallory sent us some cards of his wedding
to Miss Bogardus. It is raining. Uncle Sidney sent me
a present for Christmas of ten dollars.
December FRIDAY 22 1882
Pouring down rain. No school. Mamma bought me a
water proof. Miss LeFevre is making me a muff. Mamma
bought two blue vases. Papa got me two books from the
library "Six Girls" and "An Egyptian Princess." Mr. Ma-
son gave me a music lesson. My last until next Friday.
The clock came to night from Alexander Hays it is very
handsome.
December SATURDAY 23 1882
Rained in the night. It is very mild, quite like spring.
Mamma and I walked out. In the afternoon we went to an
auction. I received some pretty Christmas cards, one from
Miss Melton.
December SUNDAY 24 1882
Mild. We did not go to church. Mrs. Smith sent me an
alligator satchel.
December MONDAY 25 1882
CHRISTMAS
Clear and cool. No school. I walked out in the morning.
Today is Christmas day. We received a great many pretty
cards. Miss Varick sent me a lovely ivory fan and Mrs.
Smith a satchel. Aunt Emma sent Mamma an embroidered
cushion and me a handkerchief case. Aunt Hattie gave
me a gold bracelet fastened with a key. We had turkey
73
and plum pudding for dinner. We went to the Madison
Square Theatre to see "Young Mrs. Winthrop." It was not
as interesting as some plays we have seen there. It is very
mild, just like Spring, it hardly seems like Christmas. The
stores are all closed. I sent Helena a Christmas card.
December TUESDAY 26 1882
No school. I have no music lesson today. Received a
letter from Aunt Lilybell and one from Martha that was
written Christmas day.
December WEDNESDAY 27 1882
Mamma and I walked out and bought a hat at O'Neils. I
wrote a letter to Mrs. Smith.
December THURSDAY 28 1882
Cold and cloudy. Mamma and I walked out in the morning,
and in the afternoon. The stores seem quite bare now that
Christmas is over. Mr. McCall and Harry came for a little
to see how Papa was.
December FRIDAY 29 1882
Cooler. Mamma and I walked out in the morning. Mr.
Mason gave me a music lesson of three quarters of an hour.
I thought the quarter was finished, but he has three lessons
to make up, so the new terms will begin Jan. 9.
December SATURDAY 30 1882
Cool. The mornings are very dark. I come down to prac-
tise at quarter past seven. Mamma and I went to Ehricks
it was very poor. We walked home by Macys and met Mrs.
Gillett. Papa bought two lovely books to send to Aunt Emma
and Hattie for New Years.
74
December SUNDAY 31 1882
Today is the last of the old year, and I will not write in it
any more. I wrote a letter of thanks to Aunt Emma and
Hattie in the afternoon. Papa went to church. We cut the
pine apple. It is clear and cold today. Papa got some
regales day before yesterday. Celia left yesterday. Mamma
and I did not go out today.
"AUNT LILYBELL FROM DAISY-'
This plate, painted by Daisy evidently as a gift to
Aunt Lilybell, is among the Williams possessions
in the little museum room in Sweet Briar House
75
MEMORANDA
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
"Observe a due proportion
in all things, avoid
excessive joy, as well
as complaining grief
and seek to keep thy
soul in tune and harmony like
a well-toned Harp."
—Pythagoras 530 B. C.
Wish I was a turtle dove
Waitin' on de Lord.
Lord I wish I was a turtle dove
waitin' on de Lord.
Chris' chillen tote young lambs
in yar buser.
Drive de ole sheep 'long.
— Nelson.
Sept. 11, 1882.
OUR HORSES, AUGUST, 1882
Age
Tom
Charles
Bob
Bounce
Fan
Dumpling
Flora
Byrd
Button
Grace
Henry Clay
Maud S.
Byrd's colt
Fan's colt
Fan's colt
Fan's colt
Flora's colt
wagon horse 7
44 44 o
carriage horse 6
my horse 5
work horse 15
44 44 n
riding horse 6
riding horse 15
unbroken 3
3
2
2
6
6
1
2
6
mo.
mo.
mo.
76
January 6, 1882. Fowls
Pullets 33
Wild hens 2
Roosters 2
Guineas 6
Turkeys 9
52
Mrs. Moore died 1882
13 East 22
New York
Miss Helena Mallory (moved)
Golden Hill Seminary
Bridgeport, Conn.
Miss Sammie Addams
Mclvors depot
Amherst Co.
Virginia
Mr. Burdett Mason
91 West 11
N. Y.
(Chickering Hall)
Miss Sadie Caperton
Care of Rev. Mr. Wailes Lodebar
P. 0. Nelson Co.
Virginia
Martha Taylor
Cool Well
Amherst Co. Va.
Miss Lola Gillett (moved)
"The Newport"
Broadway and 52 St.
New York
77
The entrance wing of the Daisy Williams Gymnasium, built in
1930 as the gift of the students of Sweet Briar from 1922-1931
78
Daisy's Letters
Sweet Briar
May 2, 1883
Wednesday morning 8 o'clock
My own dear Mamma,
Here I am at last at dear old home, sitting at the table
in your room. I have just come from Meally's; and have
given them their presents, Meally seemed much pleased with
her pitcher, and thought the stamp calico lovely. I felt very
lonesome and bad that night we went away; and so did
Papa, but then I knew we would see you soon. There were
very few people on the cars, only four besides us and the
old colored man is gone, I slept some of the time and Papa
slept too, but every time the train stopped we woke. Papa
was not sick; we reached Wash, at 6 o'clock, stopped there
an hour, and took a cup of coffee and some bread like you
and I did. The journey from Wash, was rather tedious,
but the weather was pleasant and the sun did not shine in
the afternoon. Papa stood the trip surprisingly well although
he was very tired when we got home. Uncle Sing was at
Glascow, he got on the cars and rode with us to Mclvors,
but then went home, he would not come to Sweet Briar, and
Aunt Lil was at the bottom of her garden waving her hand-
kerchief with her head wrapped in a white and black worsted
thing and the little shawl on. All the Lavenders were out too,
near the track. Logan met us at the depot of course, he
has not said a word about the dogs. The season is very
backward. The poplar trees are a faint green, and the maple
and willow, that is all, there are no flowers but lilacs and
jessamine and narcissus. It was cold last night and we had
a big fire, I slept in the dressing room and Papa in your
room, and you know how tired I was. Martha and Nelson
79
were at the house, Martha sends you her love, little Nelson
has been laughing ever since we came, so glad I suppose,
he looks as though he had come out of the ashes. Martha
is well. Aunt Lil is quite wonderful, yesterday evening she
sent Albert over with a great big pat of butter and some
bread which she said she had baked fresh for us (Martha
saw Givy bring it from Lynchburg in the morning) and a
note saying she was coming over this evening. It is won-
derful how much better Papa is, he seems to enjoy every-
thing very much; he is now out, but can not ride Flora I
think because she will have a colt. Last night Papa drank
a cup of tea, two pieces of bread and some bacon, and this
morning two eggs. I have so much to do, I do not know how
to begin, The flower garden is so full of weeds that you
can not tell the path from the beds, Ed is now weeding, the
rosemary is dead, and 6 or 7 of the little roses. There is
nothing planted not even a pea, but Uncle Sing says that
very little has come up yet anyway. I suppose I had better
get Henry Carey to work in the vegetable garden. The apple
orchard is in bloom the apricots are killed, there is not a
sign of a rose bud. The big roses near the little ones have
grown so that they hang over them, had they better be
trimmed?
I hope you are getting along all right dear Mammy. I
have so much to write that this is written dreadfully but I
can write better. Papa is out riding. The air is delightful
here. Uncle Sing is coming tomorrow. The strawberries
are in bloom, there is not very much straw under them but I
suppose it is too late now. The grass is very green, there
has been much rain.
We have a fire now. I must say Good bye now Mamma
but will write tomorrow. Logan is waiting for my letter.
Your loving little Singie
Daisy
80
Sweet Briar
Wednesday afternoon, May 2
Dear Mamma,
Aunt Lil has just gone and it is twenty minutes past
five, she came at five, I asked her in the library, she had on
the black alpaca and straw hat, just the same as ever. She
said Papa looked better than she ever saw him. Her visit
was very short. I have not been to her house yet. Uncle
Sing is coming tomorrow.
Thursday morning, half past nine
Dear Mamma,
I have just come in from a ride on Bounce with Papa.
We went to the Monument Hill which looks very pretty. It
is mild and pleasant. Henry Carey came this morning and
is working in the vegetable garden Martha and I will plant
some things this afternoon.
Near the little roses there is a honeysuckle which is
quite large, don't you think it ought to be transplanted and
where?
The roses are very late blooming this year, you can
hardly see the buds yet. Papa's appetite is much better, he
has only been sick once I think. We bought a shad yester-
day at the Court House which we will have today for dinner,
when Uncle Sing comes.
Both the pianos are much out of tune especially the
little one. The house seems to be all right inside, at least
all that Martha and I have yet gone over. We went in the
parlor yesterday, the arm chair by the window in the blue
drawing room has five or six holes in it made by mice, which
81
is a pity. We have not yet heard from the piano tuner, Aunt
Lil is going to have hers tuned too.
We go to bed at seven or half past, and I get up at half
past five. I am going to get a little pig tomorrow.
The box has come all right but not the potatoes. I have
been so busy out doors that I have not had time to study my
lessons yet, but I will soon.
Papa is out most all day and seems to enjoy very much
the change, I think it will do him good. Would you like to
have any cabbages planted or not. We have a fire all day
and sleep under three blankets.
Aunt Lil is as stately and stiff as ever. She has been
telling every one that she expects to go to New York. How
does Mrs. Yates do? I hope Mamma you will soon come
home and we will be together. I must go and help Martha
get things for dinner. Good bye.
Your loving Singie
Daisy
Sweet Briar
May 4, 1883
Friday morning
My dear Mamma,
It is half past eight and I have just come in from a ride;
it is a most beautiful day; I found four or five little white
pines quite small, I think they could be transplanted now,
don't you?
Papa improves a good deal and enjoys the country very
much, he says he thinks he will never want to go away. He
would have written before now, but is out riding so much
and thought I could write as well. There is a fine stand of
82
grass back of the house. Ed has finished weeding the flower
garden and trimmed the dead wood out of the roses, it took
two days.
Martha and I planted peas, tomatoes and lettuce, and
will do more today. I have not planted flower seeds yet.
Uncle Sing came to dinner yesterday, and I need not tell you
how pleasant it is to help get a dinner, you know it too well,
we had a shad and vegetables and a pudding. Martha ate
too much dinner and was sick, but now is all right. The road
from Mclvors is very bad, worse than the one from Amherst.
Papa eats two boiled eggs and coffee and ham.
Aunt Lil sent over a bunch of lilies-of-the-valley and
newspapers yesterday morning.
I am going over this afternoon. I miss the Harp ever
so much, and will be glad when it comes. We have not heard
yet from the piano tuner. Aunt Lil sent for Mr. Gebhardt,
the one that gives lessons at the Court House, but he has not
come. I am up stairs in my little room. Martha is sweep-
ing the floor.
I think there will be a great many strawberries there are
so many blooms. Aunt Lil has not had Albert all winter, but
he came back last week and looks as poor as ever. If Ida
comes to wash next week, I suppose it will go to her rent;
Nelson does not do as well as he used to, he thinks of nothing
but eating, I believe he was nearly starved.
I will be so glad when you come home Mammy, but I
know you must be very busy. How does Mrs. Yates do?
I am going to begin my Italian and French Monday. I
must say Good bye now dear Mamma.
Your little Singie
Daisy
Dear Mammy will you please look in the Italian Diction-
ary if you have not put it up for the word "Ninfea," is a
flower I think but is not in my dictionaire.
83
Sweet Briar
May 5, 1883
Saturday morning
My dear Mamma,
I received your nice long letter last night, and was so
glad to hear from you, it seemed most as if we were talking
together. A letter also came from the Florist saying the
magnolias would be here Saturday, to day, Logan is now
going for them, and Martha and I will set them out in the
garden. I would like to know whether they should have any
manure or rich dirt around them. All the flowers and ger-
aniums that Martha kept for me are dead. I think I will get
a few slips of geraniums if we go to town. The potatoes
came yesterday, I dont know why they were so long. We
milk one cow but I believe there will be two more this month.
I am sorry to say that Papa was very sick last night, but I
think he had cause to be so, as he ate for supper bread and
butter tea and cheese, and after that a glass of buttermilk
which was the cause I think, but it is all over now, and he is
only a little weaker as usual, and will be all right. Martha
does very well, she sends you her "love" and says to come
home soon. I am sorry, but Nelson has not improved, but I
hope you will get him straight when you come. Martha and
I have planted tomatoes and cucumbers by the stream this
morning, also in the garden. There are a good many nectar-
ines but no apricots.
Yesterday was a very warm day but it has not rained
since we left New York. I have very few hens, about half
got killed of course. I have not been to Aunt Lils but I
suppose I should.
I made bread yesterday, it is quite good, that bread you
put in the trunk has not gone yet, it has been very useful al-
though Aunt Lil sent some (which was sour) you know.
Uncle Sing yesterday sent us a dog, a common one but good
84
enough; by "Pop eyes," it is not as large as Watch, Logan
says the Walkers shot Watch, and nobody knows what be-
came of poor Frisk. It has been too cold to fish any yet, There
are no chickens yet, but Papa seems content. The wild flowers
are in bloom a good deal, but the garden ones are scarce. I
can not find a french book to read yet, but I am going to
look good to day and begin Monday. I dont know of any
flower seeds I want except some mignonette, which could
come in a letter. I am very sorry dear Mammy tomorrow
will be Sunday because I wont be able to send you a letter.
Martha is calling me about dinner, so Good by for a little
while.
Your loving little Singie
Sweet Briar
May 6, 1883
Sunday morning.
My dear Mamma,
How I wish we could be together this Sunday, it seems
a year since last Sunday, when we were in New York and it
was snowing; but I suppose we are doing our duty, and will
always feel better for having done so. Papa has recovered
from the sickness I wrote you about, but it made him weak,
he has not been so any more. This morning we took a long
ride, and the hills you know are forever the same so there is
nothing to say about it, there are a great many birds in the
yard, mocking birds, thrushes, and the lovely red birds.
Martha is not here today, but I am going to have some tongue
and tomatoes and potatoes for dinner. Nelson has gone home
for his clean clothes and come back, he dresses very badly,
hardly respectable in some old woolen rags, so Papa gave
him an old pair of pants and an old linen coat to wear while
he works here. I believe Ida gets along pretty poorly. We
have nearly finished planting, all but a few flowers. Uncle
85
Sing has raised the men's wages, they now expect .75 a day,
which seems to me too much, but I believe the "strike" in
town has something to do with it.
Don't you think Edmonia could work around the ever-
greens in the yard, as well as Henry, he has paid his rent, I
think. The piano tuner sent a postal card last night (it is
the one that gives lessons at the C. H.) to say he would come
Tuesday, at ten, he is then going to Lil's and I hope she
will have him that night, instead of us. We take our meals
in the tea-room, Papa says the big dining room is too lone-
some till you come. I am glad to day is Sunday, I have been
quite busy. Yesterday I looked through all the French and
Italian books, but could not find one of the former to read
except "Graziella," by Lamartine. If it is not nice I will not
read it, there are only two volumes of the "Sept peches capi-
taux" and both of them are the same thing, "L'envie" which
is too long, don't you think we have "Gerusalemme liberata"
in two volumes, and also "Le Comedie Scelle," by Goldoni,
that I have been reading all winter with "old Grass." The
magnolias came late last night, I have wet them good, and
will set them out soon tomorrow morning, there was a storm
last night so the ground is too wet today, they seem very nice
but are large. The dog keeps howling to go home where he
came from but I suppose no place is perfect.
I expect you have not the time to read half the trash I
write Mammy, but it is the next thing to talking to write. I
hope the housekeeper does tolerable and will soon learn, so
you can come home, this is a very late spring, I have not seen
a rose bud yet, and the early spring flowers are in bloom.
Tomorrow, Martha and I will fix the house, as there has been
so much to do out that was necessary. Logan's family are
flourishing as ever of course, he seems about the same, per-
haps deceit. Uncle Sing is well, but he becomes somewhat
deaf, and you have to talk quite loud to him.
86
I am up in my little room it looks the same as ever,
maybe I will go to Aunt Lil's this afternoon. We had a storm
yesterday but mostly wind. I am always delighted to hear
from you Mammy but I hope we will soon see each other.
I can not send a letter to you today but will send this to-
morrow. Good bye.
Your little
Singie
May 7, 1883
Monday morning
Dear Mamma,
I have only time to write you a few words before Logan
goes to the Court House. We have to send him, when we
want any little thing, Nelson has become so unreliable. Yes-
terday afternoon I rode to Aunt Lil's, and took her the candy,
she did not say "thank you" of course. The yard and ever-
greens are very beautiful, but the profusion of flowers I
could not find, as all I saw were some red and yellow tulips
and lilies of the valley, the statue glares in the bright sun as
much as ever. Aunt Lil had on a new cotton dress brown
and white little check with a little stripe of blue in it, just
like Logan's shirts, and the little shawl, at which she pulled
as usual. I rode up to the bones, only they are the other
side of the fence, and got off, walked by the wood shed and
caught Lil in the window of her room knitting, although Sun-
day, she exclaimed Oh! Ah! etc. and asked me in the "Qu-
oniam ange lessins," to the sitting room. She talked of
nothing in particular but inquired with much curiosity about
every member of the No. 9 family, said she remembered
them with so much pleasure. She asked where I had been
to school, although I had written to her twice and said she
supposed that my piano teacher was the same one that played
87
the Harp, I explained the difference, that one was Miss
Morgan and the other Mr. Mason. All the Lavenders were
gone to Sunday school but I gave the presents to Mr. L. The
back of the stove has burned out and broken so much that
we will have to use the little one until we can get the piece
caste in town, as it can not be bought there and the firm
where it came from has moved.
Martha is calling me so I must say Good bye too soon
dear Mammy.
Your little Singie
Daisy
P. S. The magnolias are in the ground all right.
Sweet Briar
May 8, 1883
Tuesday morning
My dear Mamma,
I have come upstairs from planting some flower seeds,
for to write you a few lines. Logan is going to Mclvors with
the buggy for the piano tuner, so I send my letter by him.
The magnolias came with good hills of earth, two of them
were very straight and pretty, but the other two were rather
crooked. Last night Uncle Sing came about dark, and staid
all night, he slept in the white room. We had breakfast at
half past four as he was going to the silk farm. Ida is here
washing, she looks very thin and poor. Uncle Sing had no
news in particular, he had found an old copper cent at Tus-
culum of 1776, "great curiosity" he says.
It is quite warm in the middle of the day, but cold at
night, Papa has a fire every evening; he seems to be getting
quite well, his appetite is much better, and seems content
with the simple fare. I now sleep in my own big room, be-
cause in the dressing room I could hear the dog bark and
88
howl, so I could not sleep. A fox came to the house last
night, but did not catch any thing. I have one turkey sitting,
but it is a waste of time now here to trouble much about
fowls, I will not set any hens. Aunt Lil has no flowers in
bloom at all, hardly. I told her about Mine, da Silva's
school, and how plain it was, and she said that "the breeding
of girls was the same when she was young," an elegant ex-
pression. She said I had improved some in Italian, and that
it was as easy to learn as A. B. C, mere nothing, and that
every ordinary educated person knew French and Italian as
well as English, German too for that matter, so I must try
and get a common education, but I must say I do not find it
as easy as A. B. C. The rosemary is entirely dead. Martha
is here all the time, goes home twice a week, don't you think
she has not finished those stockings yet, says she had not
enough cotton, there is something queer about them. I hope
you will soon come home dear Mammy, I want to see you so
much. I have ever so much to say but Logan is waiting.
Your little Singie
i&j
Sweet Briar
May 9, 1883. Wednesday morning
My own dear Mamma,
How glad I was last night, when the mail came, to re-
ceive two long lovely letters from you! I am so glad you
are well, and things go along pretty well, of course though
everywhere there are some troubles. Papa was delighted too,
he said they did him ever so much good, last night he was
sick a little, but is all right now. I suppose he can not get
well at once. I miss you all the time dear Mammy, but what
is the use of speaking of something we can not help? though
I hope it is for only a short time. It seems that people in
New York break their word as much as here, as you say Mrs.
Yates did not come. You know the piano tuner sent us a
89
postal saying that he would be at Mclvors at ten on Tuesday
morning (yesterday) and to meet him with the buggy, the
road was very bad, and Logan started quite early with the
buggy, and what do you think? No man came at all and the
trip was for nothing, dinner was cooked and all, yesterday
evening a card came saying he would go to Lil's this morning,
and then come here; altogether a queer way of doing, I think.
I am glad our fine clock in New York is all right, Lils
is not going; you know she said she had so many beautiful
flowers in the house, all that I saw were two camellias (spelt
wrong) which were nearly dead; her flower stand is not much
bigger than ours in N. Y. but painted brown.
It is real warm to day I think it will rain. I read my
French and Italian every day and study a few lessons. The
little Italian Dictionary is not good much, I can not find a
great many words in it. Ida is here ironing, she says the
money is to go for the rent. Logan planted 20 hills of
watermelons.
Martha says Mrs. Lavender wanted to make a loaf of
salt-rising bread for us when we first came home but Aunt
Lil would not let her, she wanted to send some herself.
I ride out every day with Papa, the wild flowers are in
bloom but not many garden ones. I am glad we did not buy
the gauntlets, as these that are here fit me. I must say Good
bye now Mammy, will write tomorrow.
Your loving little Singie
Sweet Briar
May 10, 1883
Thursday morning
My dear Mamma,
To day is a very warm day, so I can not go to work any
in the garden. I am sitting on the floor in the parlor watch-
ing Martha catch the moths, there are a good many, as soon
90
as I have finished writing you a line I will help her. The
magnolias look badly, I think they will die, as it is very hot
and dry, it seems to be a bad time to set them out, but if the
leaves come off, I will try Lils way with the bagging.
The piano tuner came yesterday, he went to Lils first
and she sent him over here without his dinner about one
o'clock we had finished, but gave him some, he did both of
the pianos $5.00 apiece. He got through and went about
four o'clock, I did not see him. I have begun this morning
to practise my regular way, and will be so glad when the
Harp comes. The mice or something have made a good many
holes in the furniture in the drawing room.
Papa is getting along quite well, although he is not very
strong, I do not think he is often sick.
What a wonderful thing for Aunt Lil to write you a
letter, she told me she had done so. Logan seems rather
ashamed of his doings last winter, he says Uncle Sing told
him not to write, as we were coming home, Papa gave him a
lecture about that letter he wrote, he said he was sorry after
he had sent it, he has not asked for the money to pay for
what he said he spent, and I believe he just wanted it for him-
self. The woods are all green now, things grow very fast
now that they take a start. Harpers Bazar has been coming
all the winter for us and Uncle Sing has been getting it. I
just now heard a moth-worm fall off of the blue lambrequins,
there are a great many on them. Is there any camphor here,
we can put on them? though nothing seems to do any good.
Papa sends with me ever so much love. Come home
Mammy as soon as you can, I must say Good bye now so I
can help Martha.
Your loving little Singie
Daisy
91
Sweet Briar
May 11, 1883
Friday morning
My dear Mamma,
I have just said my English history to Papa and have
come up in my little room to study Italian, but before I do
so I must write Mammy a few lines, I have no paper up here,
but I knew you would not care, if I took a piece of drawing
paper. Your letter came with the mignonette seed last night,
and Papa and I were so glad to hear from you, your letters
do us a great deal of good, as we miss you so much, I planted
some of the seed last night, and it rained afterwards, it
seemed on purpose to make them grow. The magnolias look
very badly, I think the leaves will all come off, it is pretty
hot now to transplant them. I rode to Aunt Lils yesterday
and took Martha, so she could bring back the plants Lil kept
for us, they do not look well, and I think some died, she gave
me a pretty little striped Century plant. I made a very short
visit, and only sat in the porch. The two old cherry trees are
cut down, and you would never know, there had been any
there, I knocked at the door six times, Aunt Lil was in the
back porch with Mrs. Barber. Mrs. Lavender was very much
pleased with the presents, she never saw such beautiful lace
in her life, she felt very sorry about Virginia dying. The
Scotchman is here shearing the sheep, and the lambs make a
great noise. We bought some chickens from Mrs. Lavender
yesterday, they are very scarce. Papa has not been sick, but
seems not so strong the last day or two, I think it was a good
thing he left N. Y. as I believe he could not have stood it much
longer. I hope you will get somebody soon Mamma so we
can be together. It is beginning to sprinkle now and I must go
and get in my birds and shut the windows, so Good bye dear
Mamma.
Daisy
92
Sweet Briar
May 12, 1883
Saturday morning
My dear Mamma,
I have just been practising, and must write you a little
letter. Uncle Sing has just gone to Aunt Lilybells, we wanted
him to stay for dinner, but he had to be at the Court House
at twelve o'clock. The sheep are all sheared, the Scotchman
that did them staid here last night, in the office. It is cooler
this morning and much pleasanter, it rained yesterday.
The roses on the weaving house are just beginning to
bloom. Papa and I rode out this morning around the cedar
row, and saw Lil in the distance looking at the men shear her
sheep. I do not go to see her often, but will write to you
about her when I do. The things in the garden are beginning
to come up. Papa is very fond of raw onions, he eats them
three times a day, they seem to agree very well with him.
Martha says Mary Toulouse is coming here next week to go
fishing with me, and that Ora, Mrs. Lavenders little girl wants
to go also. Do you think I ought to ask her? I do not care
to fish at all, but I suppose I will have to treat Mary politely.
There are a good many words in the Italian book I can not
find, do you think you could bring the big dictionary, it is so
large though. I cut out my riding skirt yesterday. I wear
"Uncle Sings dress" every day but it is getting warm, I am
afraid to change it. Mamma I can not find my other flannel
drawers anywhere I have taken every thing out of the two
trunks and can not find them, I brushed and shook those I
have Saturday before I put them on, but I ought to have two
pairs, were they left? Ida washes very poorly, but will do I
93
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94
suppose to wear about home. I will write you a good long
letter tomorrow when I have plenty of time, but must say
Good bye dear Mammy, for a little while.
Singie
Sweet Briar
May 13, 1883
Sunday morning
My dear Mamma,
I have such a bad pen. and it is so hard to write with,
that I take a pencil this time, knowing you would not mind,
until I can get a better pen. To day is the most beautiful you
ever saw, it is not hot or cold, and there is a delightful breeze.
I hope it is as pleasant where you are. Papa and I have been
up to the Monument this morning, it is lovely there now, the
dagger plants look very well and have grown considerably.
Papa was sick early this morning, but I hope he is gradu-
ally getting better, he is stronger and does not seem so weak
after one of his "turns'" as he calls them, he drinks a bottle of
lager beer every day for dinner. Martha is not here to day,
as it is Sunday, and little Nelson has gone to get his clean
clothes as he used to do.
Yesterday Mrs. Lavender sent over a very nice loaf of
salt rising bread, it was cooked to a T. I think she must have
sat by it all day it was very nice, there was a little note pinned
on it which I will copy for fun spelling and all
"Miss Daisy Williams, I send you a lofe of bread for your
papa to eat please except it, and dont get mad yours, etc.
Sallie A. Lavender."
Was it not funny, but they seem to be grateful for what we
have done for them, very different from the Carrs, I saw
Edward at Aunt Lils last week he was standing by the fence,
while I was untying my horse, and never even bowed or spoke
so I did not either, that is the thanks for all the things we
95
have given them. Uncle Sing was up yesterday I told him
you would like to hear from him now and then, but he said
for you not to waste time writing to him.
The trees are about just out full and in a week or ten
days I think will look their prettiest. I hope Mammy you
will soon be home, it seems such a long time. I think I may
go to Aunt Lils for a few minutes this afternoon. It seems
strange there are so many flowers in N. Y. and so few here.
I wish I could be with you Mamma this Sunday, but I hope
in a very little time to be so. Good bye.
Your loving little Singie
Sweet Briar
Monday morning, May 14, 1883.
My dear Mamma,
We have just finished our little breakfast of bacon and
eggs, and I have five minutes to write you a letter before
Logan takes Bounce to be shod at the C. H. It looks like
rain, yesterday afternoon I rode to Aunt Lils late in the after-
noon took little Nelson and his red hat, I missed you so much.
Aunt Lil was very nice and was very glad I came over, she
said she was so lonesome and I must come over every Sunday
and Tuesday and two or three times a week. She had not
heard about Mary Page or Grump. Aunt Lil had on a new
seersucker skirt exactly like her old one with five tucks in it
each one as broad as your hand, it looked too funny, with a
white waist, she said that magnolia leaves always come off
and that it would be better for the plants to take them off.
Aunt Lil gave me some maple sugar cake and water, was it
not grand for her! I went to Mrs. Lavenders, and every time
I see old Mr. Lavender, he wants to shake hands no matter
where I am, the bread we cut that she sent over, it was very
96
nice, though different from ours. The snow balls are in
bloom, and a few roses. Papa is pretty well. I must say
Good bye now dear Mamma.
Your loving little
Singie
Sweet Briar
May 15, 1883
Tuesday morning
Dear Mamma,
Your two lovely letters came last night, and I enjoyed
them so much, as did Papa also, he was not very well yes-
terday, and did not have much appetite, but he slept good last
night, and is quite well this morning, I can hardly believe
that today is the middle of the month, you ought to come
home soon now Mammy, how horrid it was of that old Mrs.
Yates not to come, I hope Miss Bullock will do.
I get plenty of sleep, go to bed at half past seven and
get up at half past live, but you must not expect to see me fat,
as I have fallen off three pounds, and have not felt as well
since I came home, but I suppose it was the change and I will
get used to it. It rained this morning but has cleared off now,
and everything looks beautiful.
The daisys at the Monument Hill are in bloom they are
the first I have seen. I think there will be a good many straw-
berries, won't Mammy and Singie eat strawberry cake and
cream! I will be very careful about the Harp, and do just
as you say. I will practise all I can. I am going to Aunt
Lilybell's this afternoon, she told me to bring over six or
seven pieces to play for her on the piano to day, but I am not
going to do it, two or three are a plenty at one time I think.
The rhododendrons are beginning to bloom. It was so cool
last night that we had a fire and slept under two blankets. We
left that flannel petticoat hanging in the dressing room. Do
97
you think I ought to ask Mrs. Lavender's little girl to come to
see me, I do not but Aunt Lil told her to come over, but she
did not, as I had not asked her. Martha comes every day,
and goes home twice a week, she said she was going to get me
a pig, but now says she can not, they are quite scarce. Uncle
Sing has not been up lately. I will send for some camphor
today. Papa is out riding now, and Martha is washing the
windows. I must study my Italian now Mammy so I can get
through before dinner.
Your loving little Singie
'&J
Sweet Briar
May 15, 1883
Tuesday evening
My dearest Mamma,
It is half past seven in the evening and Logan is going to
take some cattle to Uncle Sing's by light in the morning, so
I must write Mammy a little letter before I go to bed. Your
nice letter has just come, and I have been reading it to Papa.
I wear Uncle Sing's dress every day. How funny you should
find that flannel petticoat, I thought I found it yesterday. It
has been showery all day. The little stove does very well,
the place where we bought it, has moved I think. I have
taken a seidlitz powder most every day, I have a headache,
but I guess it will go away; Papa is pretty well, though he is
sick sometimes. I did not go to Aunt Lil's to day. it is so
windy. I am going to have Ida weed the asparagus bed next
week. It is so cool that we have a fire. Martha has gone
home for the night, but will come in the morning; she has
been trying to get me a pig, I told her I would give Moses a
quarter to bring one, but she has not succeeded, we only milk
one cow, and get very little milk. There is some ice, in the
ice house but it is not very good, I believe Aunt Lil has more
than we have of it. She has one square in her vegetable
98
garden and the rest is in grass, there are not many flowers. I
have only this sheet of paper to write on so I took this until
we get some.
I am so sleepy I must say Good night now dear Mammy.
How I wish you were here! Good bye.
Your loving little Singie
Sweet Briar
May 17, 1883
Thursday morning
My dear Mamma,
The Harp has come all safe I think, I am waiting for
Logan to come and take it out of the case; It came Tuesday
afternoon and we sent for it yesterday the express was 6.50
and the spring wagon 2.00 for bringing, both dearer than
last year, Logan came with it yesterday and took plenty of
hay and quilts, I am very anxious to have it opened, so I can
fix the strings. It is very cool to day, I wore my sacque out
riding, and we have a fire, seeds come up very slow. Papa
has just got up, ten o'clock, he took two blue pills last night,
a seidlitz powder and two lemons this morning, I hope they
will make him better, though I thought it was too much at
once to take.
He will not tell me hardly ever when he has been sick, to
tell you the truth, I think he gets well pretty slowly, he has
not eaten much this week and takes generally only half a cup
of tea or coffee, this morning he wanted nothing but a cup
of tea, though the stirabout was made, but he wants you and
everybody to think he is a great deal better, so do not say
anything when you write. I suppose he will be well soon.
Yesterday I rode to Aunt Lils, wore my buff and blue
dress, and I had a bunch of real daisys Lil thought they were
artificial, and in my hat the artificial buttercups and she
thought they were real, I guess Aunt Lil can't see very well
99
without her specks; she asked me in the parlor, the furniture
was uncovered, the clock going, and she has painted all the
woodwork grey, black and blue, herself, I suppose. I took
over "Fontaine" and "Gondola," her piano is still shocking
though it has been tuned, but neither of the pedals work
so you can imagine "The Gondellier" Aunt Lil when I got
through did not say a word, but asked if I could play any-
thing without my notes and I played the "Pizzicati Waltz"
the old ballet jig, you know, she admired it more than any,
she said Mr. Gebhardt the piano tuner had played it and
Fontaine and the Gondola too and asked if he played them
for us.
Thursday afternoon
Dear Mammy,
I have just come from the dear old Harp, it is standing
in the old place in the library no strings broken, and I have
put on "Big C." The screws were hard to draw as one of
them was all bent, the things mostly had moved their places,
and I think we used to pack it better than Buckwell did. It
was so kind of you dear Mammy to get so many nice things
for little Singie (who has some Huylers in her mouth now)
the note paper is too pretty and the dress is lovely. What are
those funny things like beans from Kuhns, neither Papa or
I could tell?
Martha was delighted with her fan, it was so appropriate,
something new. I am going to make a nice place for the
flower seeds this evening. The Harp is not very much out of
tune. I am so glad you sent the dictionary, the other is such
fine print. It is ever so lonesome without you Mammy, and
Papa talks about you all the time, I hope you will not be
away much longer I am going to practise now so Good bye
dear Mammy. Your little Singie
100
Sweet Briar
May 18, 1883
Friday morning
My dear Mamma,
Martha and I have been in the garden weeding and work-
ing the roses, I wear gloves but still my hands are getting
rough some. The roses are just beginning to bloom very
prettily, especially the little ones, they have not grown much
most all of their old wood died in the winter. Ida is weeding
the asparagus bed, I think we will have no vegetables worth
mentioning, every thing was planted so late, and Martha says
she thinks the corn and a good many of the seeds were not
good, as they have not come up yet. I have made a nice
little place in the vegetable garden and planted the seeds you
sent me; I only planted half of them. Papa is better this
morning, yesterday he was not well and I most wished you
were here; he said he had given up all hope, and would fold
his hands and die, but I suppose he was not feeling well.
I have gotten over my headache and am very well now.
It is real cool, and we have a fire. I am going to practise
lots on the Harp as soon as I finish writing, though I expect
it will hurt my fingers a good deal at first.
Martha went home last night, she meets Aunt Lil every
night at her barn, she is seeing the horses fed, and it is
ridiculous the questions she asks Martha about what we eat
and wear and look and talk, and I don't know what all, last
night she walked a little ways with Martha, and asked her
what she had in her hand (it was her new fan) Aunt L made
her show it to her, and said "Oh! Ah! yes, I have been
hundreds of times in the store where that fan came from,
and have seen piles just like it," (hardly true I think). She
told Martha she was going to New York in two or three days,
to spend a couple of weeks, "like she did every year." I may
101
go over Sunday and if so I will write you when she will be
there, though most likely she will have forgotten having
said it.
The asparagus will soon be gone, but we have plenty of
chickens. You must come home soon now Mammy, I will
expect you before long to appoint the day. Uncle Sing has
not been up this week. Papa is now out riding he goes to the
Monument, and pulls up weeds. Please excuse me Mammy
for writing with a pencil, the ink is so bad, it takes so long
to write. I am going to read my Italian with my big dictionary
so Good bye, Your little Singie.
Sweet Briar
May 19, 1883
My dear Mamma,
Your long letter came last night, and if you have half
the pleasure when you receive mine, as I do when yours comes
I am very glad. The buds on the magnolias are green and I
think they will live, the one by the fence looks very well, and
so does the one by the star, there are a great many buds on
it, but I can not tell whether they are flowers or leaves. My
headache has gone now, I think it was aching for Mammy.
I do not think I have forgotten much on the Harp, I
tuned it yesterday without trouble, and practised all I could
but it hurts my fingers a good deal at first. Do you care if I
take a pair of the oldest of the gloves that came in the Harp
case to wear in the garden, my hands get so many briers from
the roses and none of my gloves come over the wrist like those.
I hope Miss Bullock will learn quick, so you can come
home soon, it is ever so lonesome without you; I hope Papa
will be better tomorrow. The weather still keeps cool but
delightful. I practise regular on the piano, but every year I
like it less, and the Harp more, I suppose Lil thinks I play
shockingly as she never says anything. I may go to see her
102
tomorrow evening, as Sunday is such a lonesome day for her
and me too. I have not seen Uncle Sing lately. I do a page
of Italian every day, and when it is easy more, but I have to
look for a great many words. I ride to the Monument most
every day, it looks very pretty. Papa has had the broom sedge
pulled up. Martha and I looked at the rugs yesterday there
were some moths, which we killed. I am going to practise
now so must say Good bye dear Mammy.
Your loving little Singie
Sweet Briar
May 20, 1883
Sunday morning
My dear Mamma,
I must have a little talk with you, or at least write, which
is the only thing I can do, as I am by myself up in my little
room. Martha is not here, and Nelson has gone for his clean
shirt, and poor Papa is asleep, has not got up yet. Uncle
Sing came up yesterday morning and it happened so well
that he did, as yesterday was the worst day Papa ever had,
and I was real frightened. I was so glad Uncle Sing was
here he staid all day and night and has just gone. Papa was
sick for two or three hours, and then he took a cup of tea and
a hard cracker though he could hardly eat it, he then got a
great deal better and sat up in the evening, he did not sleep
much the first of the night but is asleep now, and will be all
right now I think, but yesterday he was pretty badly off, he
says he will never take any more medicine, he thinks it made
him sick. I do not know if I ought to write you all this
Mamma as it may worry you. But I tell you exactly how it
was, I think he will be better now, and if he is not I will let
you know.
The ground is very dry, nights cold and days hot, so no
seeds come up well, and the hay will be very short, a bad year
103
for vegetation in general. Papa is now ever so much better,
and is going to get up, he has eaten some tea and crackers.
I am going to practise on the Harp to day as I could not yes-
terday. Mrs. Lavender's little girl came over a day or two
ago, behaved very well, and did not stay long. I am going
to see Papa now for a while so Good bye Mammy.
Your little Singie
Sweet Briar
May 21, 1883
Monday morning
My dear Mamma,
It rained last night, and everything looks fresher. I
found one ripe strawberry.
Papa and I have been out for a little ride. Papa is
ever so much better, and is fast getting all right, though not
yet very strong, got breakfast, he ate some tea and crackers,
and half a dish of stirabout and milk, he slept good last
night.
Today is Court day, but he is not going. I staid at home
all day yesterday, as I did not like to leave Papa; one of the
little Lavenders came over in the afternoon to see how he was
and Aunt Lil sent some papers to read. It is much warmer
here now, the syringa is just in bloom.
I practised a great deal yesterday, and read also. I
hope you will soon be able to come home, without leaving
anything necessary to be done undone. Martha is here. We
have a little pig Papa took him for a debt $1.25 from one
of the tenants, which was very well. With ever so much love
and kisses for dear Mammy Goodbye
Singie
104
Sweet Briar
May 22, 1883
Tuesday morning
Dear Mamma,
I must write you a few lines this morning to let you
know how we are getting on. Papa is ever so much better,
he has just returned from a little ride, he takes Dr. Beldens
medicine three times a day, and eats oatmeal for his break-
fast every morning, it agrees with him very well, and he
looks better in his face. He was much cheered by your nice
letter which came last night. It is like October today, so
cool we have a fire, and I have on my shawl. It rained yester-
day, five harp strings broke one of them a big G. I could not
move the peg in the least, but Papa is going to help me this
morning, I think the sounding board has sprung up some
more, so I was afraid to pull much but it is dryer this morn-
ing, and I think it will come now. I can tune it pretty well.
The dictionary that came with the Harp is a great comfort.
I eat some of that good Huylers every day, after dinner.
I think I may go to Aunt Lils this afternoon, as Martha
is here. Uncle Sing told me not to leave Papa by himself
but he is so much better now that I go out now.
Ida is here washing, I am going to make some ginger
cakes to day. I make bread three times a week, and it is
pretty good. The wind blows like winter time, and the fire
is comfortable. I am glad the weather is pleasant in N. Y.
for your sake. Aunt Lil got your letter last week I believe.
I, nor Papa have not been to the Court House or to town yet.
The tamarinds are good, I never saw any before, I am going
to take two or three to give to Aunt Lil. I hope Miss Bullock
is getting along well. The strawberries are beginning to turn.
I hope we will be enjoying them together soon. The roses are
105
beginning to bloom very prettily. I must say Good bye now
Mamma until tomorrow.
Your loving little
Singie
Sweet Briar
May 23, 1883
Wednesday morning
My dear Mamma,
We have just finished breakfast, Papa took some tea
and toast, he has not got up yet, is taking a little nap, he is
not quite as well this morning, but will feel better I expect
after a little nap. The weather is wonderful, I slept last
night with three blankets, and we have a fire, the mountains
are deep blue, as in October, and the wind howls and blows,
no seeds come up hardly now. There is not much to write
about as you know every day here is alike. It takes me until
12 o'clock to finish my French and Italian and practising. I
always take a ride after breakfast, and in the afternoon read
and pull up weeds sometimes and go out. Papa rides and
lies down and lounges about.
I rode to Aunt Lils yesterday afternoon, wore my dress
I traveled in, and my green riding hat, I have made my riding
skirt, it is not very wide. I wore two or three of the new
roses in my dress, deep red, Aunt Lil said what beautiful
artificial flowers and asked where you bought them, I told her
they were real, and she could hardly believe it they were so
pretty, of course she wanted the name. She was cutting out
a new brown linen dress, from a picture in Harpers Bazaar,
she asked me to play on the piano, I played "Le Feu Jollet"
without my notes, I have played nearly all my pieces to her.
I think it would be nice if you could get two or three pieces
for to teach me this summer, something by Chopin, and the
106
Barcarole. I got the peg out of the Harp yesterday after try-
ing a good while, and now it is in good tune. Aunt Lil says
she is coming over Friday to look over the old letters and
papers in the weaving house to see if she can find anything
about the silk farm, Uncle Sing told her to come, not very
polite I think to want to look through our letters and papers,
she said they were never divided like the other things.
It seems like a year dear Mammy since we saw each
other, and I hope that what seems like another year will not
go by, before you are here, May will soon be over. The
wind blows, as though it blew the house over, but I guess not.
I must say Good bye.
Your loving little daughter
Daisy,
Sweet Briar
May 24, 1883
Thursday morning
My dear Mamma,
I received last night your nice letter, and Papa one also.
The weather still keeps very cool, I am down stairs in your
room by the fire. One of old Uncle Daniels children died
yesterday and Martha has gone to the funeral but will be
back at twelve o'clock. Papa was sick last night, but is better
this morning than he has been for a long time. Uncle Sing
came up yesterday to dinner, one of his eyes was sore and
swoolen, he got something in it. Our barrel of flour is nearly
gone, will you order one from Park & Tilfords? or must I
send to town. A butcher came yesterday and bought 26
lambs, he stayed all night in the office. Mary Toulouse came
to see me yesterday we could not go fishing, too cool. My
cough is about the same, if anything a little worse, but that
does not matter. Aunt Lil has been losing a good many of
her cattle, the same disease ours had. I have not been over
107
lately. I have not time but to write a very short letter this
morning Mamma, as Martha is not here, I have more to do.
Good bye.
Your loving little Singie
Sweet Briar
May 25, 1883
Friday morning
My dear Mamma,
Your welcome letters came last night, and cheered us
very much. Papa and I have been up on the Monument Hill
this morning, it looks very well. The ground is very dry,
and the roads are dusty. The roses are beginning to bloom
lovely I gathered a bunch of new ones this morning so Aunt
Lil could see them, when she comes over this afternoon, to
look over the papers about the silk farm, though I do not
think she will find any.
Papa has gone out to take a little ride before it becomes
too warm, as the weather has changed, and it is very warm.
He was sick last night, but he thinks he is getting better and
I hope he is. You need not fear that I will hurt myself study-
ing Italian, as it is pretty stupid doing it by oneself, and I
do not like "La Rosa delFAlpi" much, and I only read
French. I study English History by myself every day, as
I know so little about it.
I still sleep in the big room and miss Mammy ever so
much in that big bed. No more Harp strings have broken,
and it keeps in pretty good tune.
Martha is here. The country is very wild, we see one
or two foxes every day, and hear them barking around the
house at night.
The strawberries will be very small this year, I am
afraid, as there has been so little rain. It was just this day
last year, we went to N. Y. on account of the smallpox. I
108
am practising all the pieces that I took last winter, but will
be very glad when I can begin my music lessons with you
again. You would think I would not get lonesome but I do,
especially Sunday which seems very long.
I must say Good bye now as my little canaries are wait-
ing to be fed. Your loving little Singie
Daisy
Sweet Briar
May 26, 1883
Saturday morning
My dear Mamma,
I will write only a few lines to let you know how we
are this morning, there is not much to say, as every day is
nearly alike, Papa is getting along, I think to day he is better,
some days he feels well, and some days not well.
Mrs. Lucas, Ben Browns sister, died at Hagerstown
Wednesday, I do not know what was the matter. Aunt Lil
come over yesterday afternoon at four o'clock to look over
the barrel of old papers, she found nothing she wanted, I had
them moved in the porch. She had on the black alpaca and
little bonnet as usual, I only saw her a minute as she was in
a hurry to look at the papers, Aunt Lil asked me to play a
scale on the Harp if I knew nothing else, and I played the
inevitable "Come e bello," when I had finished she did not
say a word as usual. It is very warm to day, but I am afraid
to take off my winter things. I wish we could be together
tomorrow, I miss you so much, and Sunday is such a long
day. This is a very short letter but there is nothing much
to say so Good bye Mammy
Your little Singie
109
Sweet Briar
May 27, 1883
Sunday morning
My dear Mamma,
I am upstairs in my little room, thinking about Mammy
this Sunday morning and wondering what she is doing, and
when she is coming home. We are later than usual as it is
Sunday, and Martha is not here. Papa and I have been out
riding, but came in as it was so warm.
Everything is out fully now and the fields are pink with
the clover in bloom. I find three or four ripe strawberries
every day in the garden for Papa, they will soon be ripe,
but are quite small.
We are having a regular drought, only one little shower
since we came home, nothing has come up out of the ground,
and some people are planting their corn crops entirely over
again. I can hardly believe that this month will soon be over.
Papa has not improved since he came home, as I thought
he would, I suppose it has done him good mentally, as he
has nothing to worry him, and that is a good thing. But I
am sorry to say I think he is very little better in health, what
in the world it is, I don't know; he has taken nearly all of
Dr. Beldens medicine, but it does not seem to do any good,
his appetite is poor, and he only eats because he thinks he
ought to do so, sometimes he gets disheartened and seems
ready to give up, but I try to cheer him up all I can and wish
you were here to help me. Anyhow, we are doing all we can
for him, and in time he may improve. Mrs. Lavender sent
over a very nice loaf of bread yesterday, she thought it might
be different a little from ours.
I practise on the Harp a good deal Sunday as there is so
little to do. I may go to Aunt Lils this afternoon, as she
asked me to, and it is so lonesome here.
110
The magnolia has a good many buds on it. Two of the
new ones are putting out leaves very well, and two are not.
It is warm to day, but I am afraid to take off my winter things.
I must say Good bye now, Mammy until tomorrow.
Your little Singie
Daisy
Sweet Briar
May 28, 1883
Monday morning
My dear Mamma,
Monday morning has come around again, and I begin
my little lessons and practising again, I hope very soon to
be saying them to you. It is very warm today. It is now
half past eight, and Papa is just getting up, he had a bad
night of it, and was sick a good deal, he is very weak this
morning and has no appetite, I have to persecute him a good
deal to take some oatmeal and milk, I do hope he will begin
to improve soon, I think he will be better when you come
home.
I never saw such dry weather, there is not even any dew
in the night. The few flower seeds and vegetables that came
up, have died, so it is not worth while to try to raise any-
thing. The country is very wild, more so than ever, the foxes
run right through the yard. Uncle Sing has engaged the
Scotchman Mr. Crawford that shears the sheep, to stay at
Tusculum, and take charge of things. Uncle Sing says he
wants to take his comfort. I rode to Aunt Lils yesterday,
and took her a very little basket of strawberries. I did not
stay but a few minutes. There is a colored family living in
the last cabin at the foot of her garden and they make more
111
noise than Meally's half dozen of children, I dont see how
Aunt Lil stands it. Her rhododendrons are out of bloom now,
but her garden looks very pretty, with the roses and peonys in
bloom. The days are very long now, the sun rises at half past
four, and sets at half past seven. The cherries are beginning
to turn now, but are very small like the strawberries. Some of
the hay will be ready to cut this week, but will be very short.
Papa has just called me to bring him his stirabout and
milk so I must say Good bye Mammy.
Your loving little
Singie
Sweet Briar
May 29, 1883
Tuesday morning
My dear Mamma,
Uncle Sing has just gone to Aunt Lils, he staid here all
night, and yesterday afternoon, and is coming back by here,
so I will write you a little letter, that he will take and mail.
Albert Harrison came to see Papa yesterday afternoon
and went home at dark. Papa was pretty tired, and went at
once to bed. Uncle Sing said he received a very nice letter
from you, which was a good deal for him to say. He says
he thinks the sooner you can come home the better, Papa is
so low spirited, he seemed much better while Mr. Harrison
was here, and when Uncle Sing is here, but it is very dull
and lonesome for him by himself. Uncle Sing says he needs
some one to talk to, and cheer him up, as he thinks so much of
his troubles, and is always talking about dying and such
things.
Your nice letter came yesterday evening; Papa has not
told me yet about what to write relating to the Anthons, but
will next time I suppose, he is not up yet, eight o'clock, Papa
112
sleeps very poorly now, and is awake a great deal in the
night, so he sleeps in the morning, he eats very little, I some-
times feel discouraged, but I hope when you come, he may
be better. The weather is most charming, although very dry,
the honeysuckle is in bloom, and very sweet, and there are a
great many mocking birds. This is the day I go to Aunt Lils,
she wants me to come as usual Tuesdays, and Sundays, and
bring my music when I think of it. She asked me Sunday
what was the name of "that little thing" I played for her on
the Harp, I told her from the opera "Lucrezia Borgia" and
she said "Oh yes! I know it perfectly, I thought it was that."
Aunt Lil is funnier than ever. She wears the tucked seer-
sucker all the time. Nelson says he wants me to write you a
letter for him this is what he says, Miss Indie how d'ye please
come home, the cherries is gettin ripe, they will be gone. Don
Rodrigo and Ximine are well. That is all.
It is getting very warm, and I must go and practise so
Good bye Mammy.
Your little Singie
Sweet Briar
May 29, 1883
Wednesday morning
My dear Mama,
It seems as though now I have nothing but bad news to
write. Papa is worse this morning, and I really thought I
most ought to send for you, but he says not to do so as you
could do him no good, and I know you will come to him as
soon as you can do so, Aunt Lil said she thought by your
letter you would soon be home.
Papa passed a very bad night and has just got up, ten
o'clock, he is so very weak he can hardly walk, and seems
entirely discouraged; he can not get on much longer unless
he improves, which I do hope will soon be. Uncle Sing and
113
Aunt Lil are very kind, and Uncle Sing comes up quite often,
and does all he can. I hope things in N. Y. will soon be in a
condition for you to leave. I can not ask Papa about the
Anthons to day, as I do not tell him anything that might
worry him.
It is very warm and sultry to day, and every thing is
drying up. I walked over to Aunt Lils yesterday late, she
was very well I played the "Tirolienne" and for once she
said it was pretty, and that she would try it. She said that
you were without doubt the light and life of our family, and
when she came over to look at those papers, the house and all
reminded her of a tomb, so lonesome and forlorn and that
is about true.
Logan has gone to Lynchburg to get some things for the
mowing machine. The country looks very beautiful now, but
there are no vegetables and the fruit will be poor I think.
Aunt Lil has lost eleven cattle and two or three of her horses
are sick, this seems to be an unfortunate country without
doubt.
Uncle Sing is very well, he is coming up Friday next.
We did not get a letter yesterday, but hope to to day. I hope
Papa will be better after he takes some breakfast, so do not
worry about him. I must practise on the Harp now, it keeps
very well. Good bye
Your loving little
Singie
Sweet Briar
May 29
Wednesday
Dear Mamma,
I have just come up stairs from dinner. We had a nice
tenderloin steak, and chicken, Papa could only take two or
three mouthfulls of anything, he says he is fast going, and
114
will soon leave us. He has not been out to day nor eaten
anything, has been lying down in a half sleep. He can hardly
speak, had you not better come home?
Singie
Sweet Briar
May 31, 1883
Thursday morning 10 o'clock
Your two nice letters and the French-Italian postal card
came last night. Papa has not got up, and is very weak, I
wrote a letter to you to come home this morning but he would
not let me send it. I hope soon, very soon, that affairs will
be so you can come home to him, he says he is failing every
day, and getting weaker. Aunt L sent over some jelly to
make him some soup yesterday. Uncle Sing is coming up
tomorrow, I am very glad of it.
Henry Taylor works in town, comes home Saturday
night. Sarnie Adams has never been to see me, and I do not
intend to go there. Martha says you ought to be here with
Papa, and it is true. Logan has begun haying to day. I
must say Good bye now.
Singie
Sweet Briar
June 1, 1883
Friday morning 10 o'clock
My dear Mamma,
I only will write a few lines, as I expect to see you so
soon. I can not express the joy with which I read your
letter yesterday evening in which you said you were coming
home, putting aside entirely my own feelings, in the hope
that you will be able to help poor Papa. Aunt Lilybell was
here when it came, Papa was lying down in the library Aunt
Lil fanning him, she said you ought to be here by all means,
115
even if some sacrifice of money had to be made. Papa is in
no pain, this morning, and seems quiet, Uncle Sing came up
at seven this morning, and will stay all day and night. Uncle
Sing left word for Dr. Vorhees as he came by, to call and
see Papa, he is here now, and I hope will give him a tonic or
something. Uncle Sing told me not to write much, as you
would be here tomorrow or next day so Good bye dear Mama
for a little while.
Singie
P. S. Please excuse the writing as I have much to do about
dinner and all.
«
Si
1 *&
W
IS
■ 1 vj 2
i !
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Some of Daisy's books which are now in the
Mary Helen Cochran Library at Sweet Briar
Sweet Briar
July 24, 1883
Tuesday morning
My dear Mamma,
Papa and I were so glad yesterday evening to receive
your letter saying you had had a pleasant cool trip. Last
night was the hottest night I ever felt, I woke up and my night-
gown and hair were wringing wet with perspiration, I lay
down on the sofa and went in the blue room but it was the
same every where. Papa did not sleep hardly at all, it is
still very hot this morning, but I hope it may rain.
I am getting along about the same in German, as many
mistakes in the exercises as ever. I rode to Mr. Kent's yester-
116
day afternoon in the buggy with Logan as Papa said it was
too hot to safely go on the horse. I took a parasol, I saw
Miss Kent, she was very formal and reserved, while I was
taking my lesson a chicken outside found a crust of bread
and a little pig of Mr. Kents was running after it to get the
crust, such a squealing and noise you never heard, I could
hardly keep from laughing. Papa went to Aunt Lilybells
yesterday afternoon, she had the colored man to take his
horse the boy to open the gate, and the woman to open the
door (quite elegant) Aunt L was playing on the piano, I am
glad I was not there, as it would have made me laugh. Aunt
L talked mostly about W. Va. she had all her papers out
Papa says. Sarah is going to make the soap to day, there is
very little for her to do, as the ground is so hard and dry
that weeds do not come up well at all. I sent Nelson for
some chops this morning. I suppose there are plenty of
good things to eat where you are. I do hope it is not as hot
as it is here, it could not be more so.
I send you a few German words, though I most know
you have no time in which to learn them. Sarah cooked the
loaf of bread better than usual for a wonder. I read and
study a little Italian every day, and practise the same. The
Harp keeps pretty well, only two or three strings have broken.
I will write to you soon again, but there is not much to
say as you know. Papa sends his love. Good bye
Your little
nngie
Sweet Briar
July 25, 1883
Wednesday morning
My dear Mamma,
Your nice letter came yesterday, with the German, It
was terribly hot yesterday and there was a storm in the after-
noon, though it was mostly wind, a good many limbs blew
117
off the trees and one of the peach trees by the ice house blew
in half, it is cooler this morning. I suppose every thing must
be very up side down. Sarah does pretty well, and I make
Nelson pull up weeds, and bring apples, at least I try to make
him do something. Sarah will finish the soap this morning,
I think it is made very well, must I put it in the cellar or
where?
The German exercises are hard and long, and I only do
two or three at a lesson. I have got to those dreadful verbs,
that you split in pieces, the last part has to fit in some where
at the beginning and the first some where at the end and I
never fit them in where they belong, I never liked puzzles and
the the verbs are just like them, but I suppose it is easy when
you get accustomed to it. Uncle Sing has not been up since
you left. I did not go to Aunt L yesterday, it was too hot.
I will ask Mr. Kent about the proverb, I take a French con-
versation to day. Every thing goes on the same. Papa is
going to town tomorrow instead of today.
I ride out every day when it is not too hot. Papa is
well, some nights he says he sleeps well, and some nights not.
There is very little to write about Mammy except that I
miss you very much, and that you know too well to need to
hear it, so Good bye meine liebe mutter.
Ihre Kleine Tochter
Ganze blume
Sweet Briar
July 26, 1883
Thursday morning 8l/o
Dear Mammy,
I have just finished my little breakfast of ham and
coffee. I miss our little talks very much, and our fine Ger-
118
man conversations, but I hope that this time next week we
will surely be together.
Papa went to Lynchburg this morning at five o'clock
on horse back. The soap is finished, there were twenty five
pounds of grease.
It is cool and pleasant today but the ground is very dry
and dusty. We need rain very much. I get along very well
with Sarah, but Nelson would worry my life out if I would
let him, but I do not, though he is at times very provoking.
Mr. Kent came yesterday, he said I had got on very far in
the German considering the time. I only did two exercises
and they had not many mistakes. I translate as a part of
the lesson some of the little stories in the back of the book.
I took a French conversation afterwards, he does not talk
much but asks me words, which generally I do not know,
such words as —
To be impudent — avoir beaucoup de toupet.
To be always going — avoir les pieds a l'air.
To be extravagant — bruler les deux touts de la chandelle
and many others. I know literally what they mean, but it
is generally an entirely different meaning. Mr. K, gave me
a dictation. He said the English and I wrote it in French. I
had not very many mistakes, and he said he would give
something more difficult another time. The proverb of "When
the cat is away, the mice will play" is "Wann die Katze
asicht zu House ist spielen die Mause." I send a few words
in German if you have time to learn them. Would you like
some phrases? The roses are blooming very prettily not-
withstanding the dry weather. I have not done any of my
lessons yet so I know Mammy will excuse me from a longer
letter this time.
Good bye,
Your little,
Singie
119
Sweet Briar
July 27, 1883
Friday morning lOl/o
My dear Mamma :
I have only time to say a few words to you this morn-
ing, as I have more to do than usual. We sent for the tinners
this morning, they are now here putting down a pipe. I do
not know if they will get through today, but suppose they
will. Papa got back from town last night, he was very tired,
received some money from Diamond Hill. One of the calves
got choked with an apple and died yesterday. The little
Lavender girl came over yesterday afternoon, but did not
stay very long. She had on a new lawn dress, and parasol
and fan. She said that Miss Cally Mundy and Mr. Evans
son came to see Lil the same day as Papa, after he had left,
they staid at Lil's until after dark.
It is quite pleasant here now, though it is very hot in
the middle of the day. I go to Mr. Kent's this evening with
Logan I suppose, as someone ought to stay here with the tin-
ners. Have not seen Uncle Sing since you left. I expect
you to be home very soon now Mama, as you said. Sarah
washed the few things that were necessary. Do not forget
the Harp strings. The Harp seems to have taken pity on me
and does not break hardly any strings for which I am very
glad. I must say Good by now Mamma.
Your little Singie
Sweet Briar
July 28, 1883
Saturday morning 9
My dear Mamma:
Another week has gone by, and today is Saturday, and
I have only my German. I wish we could do it together. I
rode out this morning, it is quite cool and pleasant.
The tinners finished last night and went home, they put
down the pipe, and fixed the towers and porch, and the little
120
painting you spoke of. I went to Mr. Kent's with Logan
yesterday, saw nobody, the lessons are the same as usual. I
hope you will be able to catch up soon when you come home.
I would send you some exercises but I know you must be
pretty busy. Mr. Kent had been to Lynchburg, and had on
a new pair of shoes. I never hear anything of the Crawfords,
though I think they are at the village.
I made some yeast yesterday, Sarah makes me quite
angry sometimes but I expect it, so do not mind her. I sup-
pose you will come home the early part of next week. I
hope you will. I think the month of August I had rather
take only two German lessons a week. I think I got on as
fast with two lessons a week.
Papa told me to say he slept very well last night, he is
very well. I practise every day of course but miss my music
lessons.
I think it would be best not to get any Huyler's candy,
or very very little, as Papa got some in town, and it does not
keep in hot weather. Sarah and Nelson are pulling up weeds
in the garden, though they do not come up well.
I send a few words in German. I hope you will be
here studying it with me soon. Good bye meine liebe Mutter,
Your little Singie
Sweet Briar
July 29, 1883
Sunday morning 11 o'clock
My dear Mamma:
Papa and I each received a nice long letter from you
yesterday morning, for which we were very glad. I am
sorry of course that you can not come sooner, but would not
have you neglect anything on my account for the world, so
will make the best of it, and we will soon be together I hope.
121
Today is really like Autumn, it is so cool, I think it has hailed
somewhere. Sarah has finished the soap, she says you gave
her the lard out of the pantry before you left. There will
not be much for her to do this week. I am only going to
take two German lessons this week, as I have to study too
much, and my head aches.
I ride out a good deal. I am going to Aunt L. this eve-
ning to take her some papers of W. Va. that Papa found.
Monday morning 9
My dear Mamma :
I went to Aunt L. yesterday afternoon, the first thing
she said was, "0! I have had such a grand visit." I asked
who it was and she replied "The beautiful Miss Cally Mun-
dy" then came a long description about her beautiful clear
olive complexion, her jet black hair and eyes, her wax fitting
green cloth riding habit, etc. She was not so very well. She
said the month of August she never is. I send you a little
scribble in German to make you laugh. I expect you can-
not read it as it is so badly done, but it was just for fun.
I go for a lesson today, and will not go again till Thurs-
day. There is nothing to write about dear Mammy. Aunt
L. talks the same old story about W. V. and compares it to the
gold mines of California and the diamond mines of Africa.
Papa is well. The hands have begun bushing the fields.
I have a German exercise to write so I will say Good bye
for a little while.
Your loving little Singie
P. S. Wohlriechend Feldrose — sweet briar; literally, sweet-
scented field rose.
122
Sweet Briar
July 31, 1883
Tuesday morning 10
My dear Mamma:
I have nothing of interest to write about, but I must say
a few words to Mammy this morning before I go to practise.
Papa is well, he is now out riding. It is delightfully
cool and pleasant today. I rode to Mr. Kent's yesterday. I
get on the same in German. I think it is easier now. I do
not take another lesson till Friday.
Uncle Sing came up to dinner yesterday. He went to
Aunt Lil's, no news. Aunt Lil is coming over late this eve-
ning. I will be so glad when you come home, I miss you so
much. I send a few words in German. You have had all
the words I have learned, but of course the exercises and
dialogues you have missed, but I hope you can make up
some, if you want to. I had not an opportunity to ask Mr.
Kent the proverb yesterday, but will do so. I must practise
now as it is getting late and I want to fix a little for Lil.
Alter enfang ist schwer — all beginning is hard.
Singie
Sweet Briar
August 1, 1883
Wednesday morning 8 o'clock
My dear Mamma:
I received your letter last night about the fire. I sup-
pose it was fortunate that 4th avenue did not get burned up.
Papa is going up in the Mountain today, as he expects to go
to N. Y. as soon as you come here.
Aunt Lil came over yesterday at five and remained until
seven. She had on her new linen dress, it has some sort of
lace around the basque that looks like brown torchon. She
and Uncle Sing say I ought to stop studying German, that it
123
will bring on a serious illness, and that I do not look well,
and all that; but I do not think so. Aunt Lil talked about
W. Va. and Eddy Carr to Papa most of the time, he has not
left yet. Sarah is a case. I have not spoken to her since
Sunday except to tell her what to do, and expect to continue
the same way until you come, when I hope you will make a
change at once, as Papa and I think she is far from safe to
have about. The impudence I have taken from her without
replying, I never heard before, and would never stand it
again, but you know how it is. It is not sufficient for her to
insult me, but she must always bring in you and Papa too.
But I have never said a word to her and now she tries to
smile and be very good, but I take no notice of her whatso-
ever. Ida is ironing today. Papa needed some clothes so
she had to wash. Won't I be glad when you come home!
Meine Liebe Mutter. Papa is going and I want him to take
this so Good bye Mammy,
Ganze blume.
124
Daisy's harp, her music box, some of her playthings, and the
little blue and white striped taffeta dress and blue parasol
which are among her many belongings in Sweet Briar House
125
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