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A month since, we had the pleasure of receiving a visit from Uncles Moses and Dole; while here they invited me to go north with them this Summer; I declined, thinking that I could not leave school so long, but as Uncle Dole wrote from Georgia and again invited me, and as I wished very much to go, Father and Mother gave me permission.
We expect Uncle Dole about the seventeenth of the month. I anticipate with great pleasure the trip up the Mississippi and the meeting with my relatives; it is now three years since I have seen any of them except Grandma; and my cousins must have altered very much. Uncle Pike now owns an extensive farm, and lives in the largest house in the village, his son Charley, now in his sixteenth year has grown from childhood into youth since I saw him; cousin Eddie Joselyn when I saw him last, was a handsome intelligent child of eleven years, he has probably by this time grown into a tall mannish youth, little Bertie has grown much; they have no doubt forgotten that cousin Sarah has also grown, and will scarcely recognise in me their favorite playfellow of former days.
I can picture in my mind the grassy hills and the large lilac bushes of my birthplace, but no doubt they are also changed, and new houses will take the place of green lanes, ornamental shrubbery will have grown where the purple lilacs used to bloom. Strangers will say “How much the village has improved since I last saw it”. But to me associations of pleasure cluster around the Snug little house with its painted floors and border of currant bushes and in this as in every thing else I am averse to change.
With me that which I have used for many years becomes sacred; a time
We have at last commenced our journey and are nearly two hundred
miles on the way. Vicksburg
Father, Uncle Dole and myself arrived in Vicksburg at eight o'clock last night, we had a very dusty ride from Amite to Jackson, which place we reached at about six o'clock, the rest of the way was very pleasant; we are staying at the Washington House and do not expect to leave until tomorrow as there will be no boat until then.
I expect to enjoy myself very much, Uncle Dole is very kind indeed,
we are to go up the Mississippi to Rock Island, thence to Chicago by railroad,
and also by railroad to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, thence to Montreal
probably by the St. Lawrence river, thence to Portland, Maine, and then to
South Newmarket. How delightful it will be to visit Montreal, how strange
it will be to me, for I have never yet been out of my native country;
Niagara too, and the Father of Waters, the great western prairies and
the wide expanse of the great lakes all will be new to me and I shall
enjoy it very much. Uncle Dole thinks we shall arrive in New Hampshire
about the fifteenth of September and return to Georgia in October, so
that I shall have a whole month of pleasure, and pleasure too as new,
Since writing the above I have learned that we are to stay here until
Friday, Uncle Dole says that the City of Memphis is an old boat and that
the Morrison, which will be here Friday twelve o'clock is far preferable,
besides he and Father wish to go out to Morton the present terminus of the
Southern road, to look at some lands and do not feel very anxious to get
off; they left for Morton this evening at three o'clock and will be absent
until tomorrow night.
Yesterday I was quite lonely and the time passed heavily but today has been very pleasant. A lady from Mississippi called Mrs. Smyley, her two sons, one grown and the other a little boy, and Miss Crawford a young lady travelling with her, came here last night, I saw them this morning and passed five hours in their company so that the time seemed shorter.
Mrs. Smyley is a very cultivated and pleasant lady; Miss Crawford is young, just two years from school, very well educated but not easy in her manners and conversation, or tasty in her dress this is almost her first journey, she was however quite pleasant and communicative, the young man appeared to be intent upon his own affairs and neglected his Mother and her friend very much leaving them to manage for themselves, his Mother idolizes him and thinks him perfect, although according to Miss Crawford he is both high tempered and dissipated. They went away on the City of Memphis.
Mr. Boulineau, his wife and two children came today, Mr. B. is a gentleman from Savannah whom Father is going to employ on the Southern road.
Yesterday I was prevented from writing by several things, In the morning I went out immediately after breakfast, to Mr. Reading's old house and remained there until after twelve when I dressed for dinner; after dinner, being very much fatigued I went to my room, intending to lie down, but before I had put my clothes away I recollected Mrs. Boulineau and went to her room which I did not leave until time to dress for tea. At eight o'clock or half past Father and Uncle Dole came, I was very glad indeed to see them. Uncle Dole has bought a place near Morton. As the Capitol is a very fine boat we concluded not to wait for the Morrison but to come on the Capitol, it was half past five when we came on board. I have a good stateroom indeed.
I should like to write more but the boat shakes too much.
We have not many passengers and I am glad that we have not, because I should not then have my stateroom to myself. The company is not very pleasant and I have formed no acquaintance with any of them, there are two young ladies on board who are going to school, one of them came and spoke to me yesterday, asking me quite a number of questions all of which I answered but asked none in return.
The scenery upon the river is not very much varied, it consists chiefly
of plantations of cotton wood which are so straight and so near of a size
that seem as if planted by the hand of man, moderately high bluffs, and
sandy stretches of shore covered with an apparently recent growth of bright
We have just left Napoleon, in Arkansas and have Mississippi for our left shore and Arkansas for our right. We passed three steamers yesterday and six today.—
We arrived here at about ten o'clock this morning and should have been here by eight, but for an accident which happened last night and which detained us for some time.
The boat was going very fast indeed, when she struck a very large snag which came through the guards just forward of the wheel-house and through the kitchen of boat, it was some time before it could be cut away, and in its passage broke nearly all the glass and some of the crockery; there was but one person hurt, who was the head cook, and who could not be found; it was thought that when the snag entered, it injured him in some way, and that he being very much frightened at the crash jumped overboard, and being unable to swim he probably drowned. We are stopping at the Cayoso House.
I was obliged to hurry my journal of the 28th very much because I had that evening written to Father and Mother and it was dusk when I commenced my journal, and as we have been travelling upon the railroad for the last few days I have not written again until now.
I shall copy a letter to Mother which I have just finished.
My dear Mother, We are now in St. Louis, and are stopping at the Planter's House, we arrived at three o'clock yesterday evening and will probably remain until tomorrow morning, seven o'clock.
I wrote to you and Father at Memphis, informing you of our safe arrival at that place; we left there at half past five Monday morning, at about half past two we arrived at Columbus, Kentucky.
The road from Memphis to Columbus lay through Tennessee and a little of Kentucky—the country was cool and pleasant, so cool indeed that I was none too warm with my thick dress and heavy gray cape.
A noisy party—Uncle Dole—his notice of ladies—he is taken for my brother We had a very pleasant quiet ride until we come to a place called Trenton, where our quiet was effectually ended by an influx of five boisterous Tennessee females, and more than that number of males, their loud talking, shouts of merriment, and discordant songs drowned the voice of the iron horse, and perfectly astounded Uncle Dole who said several times, that the people could not be sober, indeed, their behavior forcibly reminded me of my imaginations of the feasts of Bacchus in olden times. I learned from their conversation that they were from Jackson Tenn. and had been attending a Baptist convention at Trenton; so much for Tennessee and her children.
But before I go on, I must tell you how observant Uncle Dole is, he notices the ladies so much, and makes so many remarks upon them and their manners, that I told him one day that he most have some reason for such particular observation, “Oh No'' he said “I always liked to look at them”; every one takes him for my brother, a young lady on board the steamer Capitol asked me if “that gentleman” was not my brother, when I told her that he was my Uncle
she was perfectly astonished, “she thought he was too young for my Uncle”; another person asked if he was my brother or my husband; yesterday when we came here, Uncle Dole went to get our rooms and left me in the parlor, presently the proprietor came and asked me if I had not a brother with me? Although laughing to myself at his mistake I did not set him right, and he showed me to my room with great affability. Journey—Centralia—Prairie ride—the “skittish” horse— I have wandered so far from my route that I expect you will have to turn back before you remember that I was at Columbus last, we went on board the steamer W. A. Eaves at this place, and after a ride of nearly three hours we arrived at Cairo; while on this boat I made the acquaintance of a New York lady whom Uncle Dole said was the best looking and the
bestlady we had seen since we left home.At Cairo we took the five o'clock train for Centralia where we stopped that night.
It is a considerable town, and the house where we stayed was a good country tavern. I have never enjoyed a better
nights sleep than I enjoyed there.As the morning train for St. Louis did not start until nine; and Centralia was situated in the midst of a prairie, Uncle Dole thought he would try and get a conveyance, so as to show me the country; accordingly he went out and succeeded in getting a light buggy and a young horse, which— according to the owner's definition “Is rather skittish but there ain't nothin' bad about him”; we drove some ways out of the town and saw very pretty little farms and a team of four oxen breaking up the prairie. We were about half way back, when we heard a whistle and saw the train upon which we wished to take passage coming slowly up to the station.
Uncle Dole now attempted to drive the “skittish” horse a little faster,
for he had been walking since we left the house, whereupon he threw up his head and began to make some demonstration of temper by leaping out of the road, but as he was fortunately very easily controlled he soon ceased these gyrations and consented to come into the road again, but upon the least application of the whip he would renew them, and did not seem at all inclined to put himself in a hurry, how provoking it was! there we were in sight of the train and only a quarter of a mile distant, and if, as Uncle Dole said, we had “had a horse that was a horse” we might easily have reached the train, but we were obliged to endure all the tortures of suspense, while our horse, wholly unconcerned, trotted leisurely along. However, very fortunately for us, the train stopped at Centralia for breakfast and we reached the station in time to get on board the cars a few moments before they started, although we were very glad of this it was almost as bad to have to endure the fear of being left as to be actually left; Uncle Dole said that he had acted against his better judgment in that case, and that he never would do so again. I forgot to tell you about the weather in Illinois, we reached Centralia at ten o'clock at night, and though I was wrapped up in my thickest clothes I trembled all over, and my teeth actually chattered with the cold. I also had some
excellentfruit in Illinois. Uncle Dole gave me one of the largest Indian peaches I have ever seen, while peeling it I had some difficulty to prevent the juice from running through my fingers, it was delicious, and the apples! I wish I could send you some.I was very much pleased with the country from Centralia to St. Louis; the first part of the way the prairies extended as far as the eye could reach, and were dotted here and there by herds of cattle which were grazing quietly upon the rich pasturage, now and then we saw a little farm house, and sometimes
enormous fields of the best kind of corn with Hay fields newly mown and large stacks of hay around. Illinois people. Reasons for travelling by land. Ride to fair ground St. L. As we went farther on, the ground became rolling the houses, fields and cattle very numerous and we saw some fine orchards of peach and apple trees, the peaches looked as if bearing down the limbs with their weight and many red
cheecks gleamed through the dark foliage of the apple trees, the stations along the road were all prosperous little towns, the people looked sober healthful, and industrious, in a word everything denoted the presence of a healthy enterprising spirit throughout the state.—I have not mentioned in my journal the reason why we came to St. Louis by railroad instead of Steamboat, Uncle Dole was told that It was very dangerous to navigate the river above Memphis on account of the low water and the numerous snags, a proof of this danger we had already had, and although I had not written either Father or Mother about our accident, I thought they might see it in the papers, and I knew that they would be alarmed if they knew that we were on the river, therefore, as Uncle Dole left the decision with me, I concluded to come by land.
After dinner Uncle Dole and I went out to ride, and to see what was to be seen in St. Louis, we rode through the city and out to the fair ground, which is the pride of the place, it is indeed a very pretty and pleasant enclosure; St Louis is a large place and has same very fine stores but I do not think that I should like to live here.
I must now put away my writing for it is now pretty late and we leave here at seven tomorrow morning.—
We left St. Louis at seven o'clock yesterday morning on the Steamer Baltimore for Alton. After a ride of two hours we reached that place, a town of about the size of Vicksburg and almost as hilly. We then took the cars upon the St. Louis, Alton and Chicago R. R. for Chicago, the country consisted principally of grassy slopes thinly wooded, and small prairies.
Towards the close of the day we came through very extensive prairies one of them more than twelve miles through, and the boundaries of which could scarcely be discerned on either side.
It was after ten o'clock when I was waked from my comfortable nap by the bustle in the cars, and looking round perceived that everyone was gathering up their wrappers and placing themselves in attitudes of readiness. Uncle Dole informed me that we were entering into Chicago; and at last the train stopped; “Chicago” said a man coming into the car with a lantern.
Then came the hurry to leave the train, the contact with the cold
cutting air, and the tedious ride through the silent, deserted streets,
it was after eleven when we reached the Richmond house, we were shown to
my room, where we waited, cold, tired and sleepy for more than half an hour
for our baggage, at last it came. Uncle Dole went to his room really sick;
and on looking into the glass I saw such a haggard, blue face that I quickly
withdrew my gaze; a good
This afternoon we drove round the city, but before going anywhere else Uncle Dole called on a Doctor Smith a young friend of his from South Newmarket, and obtained him as a chaperone during our ride; we went first to the Court house, and on arriving at the top of the building we had a view of the whole of Chicago. It is a much larger place than I expected to see, a river runs through the town, which divides into two branches, and forms the North, South, and west sides of Chicago; we drove through a great many streets only a few of which I can recollect, upon Michigan and Wabash Avenues we saw very many fine residences, the former street runs along the side of the lake, of which we had a very good view. Upon Lake Street we saw some very fine stores, there are some handsome Churches here, mostly Presbyterian, although Dr Smith informed me that there are some Episcopal ones on the north side which are handsomer than those which we saw, there is one fine Methodist Church, and a very pretty Universalist one, but I was most pleased with the second Presbyterian Church, it is built of a peculiar kind of stone, found as Dr Smith told me, only in this locality, a kind of bitumen oozes out of the stone in warm weather, (although it is solid, and good building material) which gives it a blackened and ancient appearance, the architecture too is rather peculiar, it has one lofty spire and numerous smaller points which rise from all parts of the building, this, together with the gray stone and its painted glass windows, gives it a venerable and antique appearance which is to me very pleasing.
Chicago does not look like a very new place as I expected it would, it is true that nearly all the buildings are put up in modern style, but then they look substantial, and not like mushrooms which spring up and die in a day, I am very much pleased with the place.
We are stopping at a very nice house, it is so quiet and so free from the crowd; we have a table to ourselves at breakfast, dinner and supper, and though the house is full we are not troubled by noisy servants or rude neighbors. We have excellent coffee and milk and good fare, and the servants are very civil and as attentive as can be expected at a public house.
The chambermaid informed me today while she was lacing my dress that this is the only house in the place where negro waiters are employed.
It is two weeks tomorrow since I left home and in seven days we shall be in New Hampshire. We left Chicago yesterday morning at eight o'clock, and arrived here at about half past seven in the evening, tomorrow we shall leave for Niagara Falls, perhaps we shall stop at Buffalo.
This morning Uncle Dole ordered a carriage to take us to the Presbyterian
Church, the carriage did not come and as we were afraid of being
late we thought that we could find it and walked along up the street. We
soon came to a large brick building, which Uncle Dole said was a Methodist
Church. We entered thinking that this would do as well as any, and applied
to the sexton for a seat he conducted us through the door and into the
vestibule which was crowded, when we arrived at the inner door and I looked
into the supposed Methodist Church I was very much surprised to see the
light of candles in midday. On looking further I perceived the figure of
Jesus painted on a cross and the virgin standing at the foot. I immediately
Ten days since I wrote in my journal! A long time it seems to count the days, but a very short one it has been to me, every moment of my time has been so fully occupied that I could scarcely find time to send short and half written despatches to Mother; but at length we have arrived at South Newmarket, and as Uncle Moses and Dole have gone to Boston this morning I find time to write up my journal since leaving Detroit.
We left this place at quarter past eight on Monday morning, in order to reach the railroad upon which we were to travel (the Great Western) we were obliged to go across the river to a place called Windsor, which is situated in Canada.
When we had ferried nearly across, a gentleman came into the saloon whom Uncle Dole recognized as Mr. Congdon, a gentleman from Massachusetts originally, but who resided in Savannah for some time. Father thinks him a fine man, he is one of Miss Clark's particular friends. We had the pleasure of his company as far as Suspension bridge; during the conversation he remarked how very much I looked like my Mother, and said that he should know me from my resemblance to her, he also said that he should have known Miss Clark had taught me because my conversation and manners are so much like hers.
I did not like the looks of Canada nearly so much as I did those of
Illinois. We arrived at Suspension bridge at nearly four o'clock, here we
After a good night's sleep we arose the next morning prepared to visit and admire the falls. The locality of Niagara is so well known that no description need be given either of it, or the country around. Suffice it to say, that we visited the museum, went under the horseshoe fall, visited table rock, Lundy's lane battle ground, the burning spring, the suspension bridge, Coat Island, Terrapin tower and descended Biddle's stairs that morning. We returned home just in time to dress for dinner at three o'clock.
In the afternoon my cold, which had become worse since we left Detroit, gave me much trouble I had to go to bed and suffered all the afternoon with fever and a bad headache. I went down to tea, however, and a cup of hot coffee and a good night's sleep, did me a great deal of good.
After breakfast we walked down to the ferry house, and were rowed across the river in a little skiff. I felt somewhat afraid when we went up so near the fall in order to reach the eddy, but there was no danger and we crossed in safety.
We went immediately on board the “Maid of the Mist” and as there were
several other couples we all put on waterproof cloaks with a hood of the
same, and went up on deck. The view from the maid of the mist was nothing
for when we were not blinded by the mist the sun shining upon the white foam
was so dazzling that no mortal eyes could look upon it, the cool spray bath
was very pleasant, though, and I did not regret going. When the little steamer
might have been safe although it looked very
dangerous. After spending nearly two hours in the delightful grounds at the
top of the inclined plane, we descended and were ferried back to the Canada
side. I went to my room and had just sealed a hurried letter to Mother when
Uncle Dole came for me to go to dinner.
We left Niagara at half past one A.M. Wednesday the 7th of September.
I had been dreading to visit The Falls ever since I left home, because
I feared to be disappointed.
I always enjoy things more when I can step by step unfold and appreciate them.
But I must leave Niagara, although I have but sketched the outlines of our visit there, and describe our journey down the St. Lawrence.
Leaving Niagara at half past one, in the omnibus, we proceeded to
Lewiston is situated near the mouth of the Niagara river. It was at Queenston, opposite Lewiston, that the British general, Isaac Brock fell, in the bloody battle of 1812, his monument stands on Queenston heights a little above the town.
I shall wait until tomorrow to describe the St. Lawrence, for it is now two o'clock and I must go over to Aunt Lydia's and practice.
I have not been able to write in my journal for the last few days and so I have given up ever writing about the St. Lawrence and Montreal; a few words about these must suffice.
We left Lewiston at 2 o'clock, Wednesday the 7th of Sep. on the steamer New York, crossed the lake and touched at Toronto before sunset, remained on the New York until about ten the next morning when we arrived at Ogdensburgh, where we went on board the steamer Welland, which boat conveyed us through the rapids to Montreal.
We arrived at Montreal at seven o'clock Thursday afternoon; remained there until three o'clock Friday afternoon, when we left the place and pursued our way our way on the Grand Trunk railway. We stopped Friday night at Island Pond in Vermont, the first time, by the way, that I ever visited the Green mountain state.
We left Island Pond at seven o'clock Saturday morning, arrived at Portland,
Thursday my two uncles, Aunt Lydia and I went to see my Father's old relations. We went to see Uncle Colcord, Aunt Judy Morrill, Cousin Oliver Wadley and Aunt Jose Wadley, this occupied a whole day and when we arrived at home late in the evening I was very much tired.
The day following, which was Friday, we all rose early in the morning
and left for Dover, here we spent a day. We went to the print works, where
we saw the art of printing
Saturday we stayed at home and I busied myself with altering my travelling Dress. I had to make it at least a half an inch larger in the body.
Sunday Aunt Lydia attended morning service in the Methodist Church, we heard a sermon the text of which was taken from the gospel of St. John, sixth Chapter, 37th verse.
Monday, Aunt Satira and I went to visit some cousins in Haverhill. We spent the day with Mrs. Chase, and in the afternoon herself and husband took us out riding to see the town in general and their children in particular. It was night when we returned home, willing to rest ourselves by a comfortable night's sleep.
Tuesday, today, my Uncles and myself went to Concord, we spent two
or three hours very pleasantly there; after Uncle Moses had attended to
Since Tuesday we have had very bad weather until then it had been unusually pleasant, we had had nothing but sunshine, but Wednesday, Thursday, and today have been rainy, we have remained at home.
When I wrote in my journal last, I was not expecting to remain here until now, but we have been unavoidably detained day after day until October has come in and found us still here, but before many weeks have passed I expect to find myself in Georgia. The routine of our lives has been broken by visits to Exeter and Portland, by one letter from home, and by visits to a few of the neighbors.
Monday night Aunt Lydia and myself went to see Mr. and Mrs. Paul, they were at home and seemed glad to see me. Yesterday afternoon Aunt Lydia and I went into the schools of South Newmarket, there are three, but we only went into two the most advanced scholars in the place are taught by Miss Judkins; and the tiny little boys and girls by Miss Emily Smith. With the exception of these two calls I have been very busy indoors for the last few days making me a dress; it is my first attempt at dress making and it is quite hard work for me. I cannot write any longer now for I am anxious to finish my dress and must go to work.
Monday. October 10th /59 We are to leave here tomorrow morning at six o'clock
My Uncles Moses and Dole and myself left South Newmarket at twenty
minutes past six
We arrived at Boston at eight o'clock, and stopped at the American House, where we had an excellent dinner; we left for Worcester at about three o'clock In the afternoon. While in Boston both my Uncles had their Ambrotypes taken and gave them to me. Uncle Dole's is a very handsome picture and a perfect likeness, Uncle Moses' is a very good likeness but an imperfect picture, he is going to have another taken for me in Savannah.
We arrived in Worcester at about quarter of four o'clock, here there were no carriages in waiting at the depot, and in order to reach the stable we were obliged to ride in the only vehicle to be found which was an express wagon, accordingly we mounted up and drove through the principal street to the nearest stable, where we exchanged our wagon for a more suitable conveyance and drove out to Mr. Clark's residence two and a half miles from the center of the city but still within the corporated limits.
We found both Mr. Clark and his wife very well, and remained with them until about six o'clock when we returned to the depot and at seven o'clock were speeding on our way to Norwich, where we arrived at about ten o'clock and took the steamer for New York. We arrived here yesterday (Wednesday) morning at about eight o'clock, and are stopping at the Astor House.
After a few hours rest we went out to Barnum's Museum and spent some
time very pleasantly in looking at the
The second curiosity was a man, seven feet and some inches tall and perfectly proportioned he had no surplus flesh about, Uncle Dole felt of his arm and said that it was as solid as a rock, he seemed pleased to show his strength for he squeezed both my Uncle's hands until the fingers ached, he shook hands with me, but mercifully refrained from grasping my hand too firmly; we were told that he was from Arabia and belonged to some military company of Massachusetts.
From the Museum we went to Stewart's where I purchased some articles which Mother sent for, I could not however fill her order there and am going to Genin's bazaar this morning. My Uncles went out yesterday to secure state rooms for us, but they were all engaged except some in the lower cabin, and we are waiting for Grandma to come in order that she may choose between the steamer and the land route; it is time for her to be here and I cannot imagine why she does not come.
Grandma has arrived, they were detained by a fog this morning. We leave here at six this evening, and are going by the land route.
I went to Genin's this morning and bought two cloaks one for Miss Mary and one for Eva. I hope that the things will suit Mother.
Leaving New York Thursday the 13th, we went right on to Richmond Va. without stopping except to change cars. We passed through Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Havre de Grace, Baltimore and Washington. We passed through Washington early in the morning, in riding through the place we had a view of the Capitol, I thought it a splendid edifice but would have been much better satisfied if I could have gone inside and examined it.
At Washington we took the Steamer for Aquia, the Steamer was named Mt. Vernon. I always had a desire to see and travel upon the Potomac river and although this was far from being the most beautiful part yet I was much pleased with it, some day I hope to go as far up as Harper's Ferry.
We touched at Alexandria and passed by Mt. Vernon. Of the latter place we had a very good view, from the river, I thought the situation a very pretty one, I should like very much to visit the place.
At Aquia we took the cars again, crossed the Rappahannock and Pamunky rivers and arrived at Richmond at about two o'clock in the afternoon.
Although we stopped at Richmond at two o'clock in the afternoon and remained there until four the next morning, Grandma and I did not go out of the Exchange Hotel for we were very much fatigued and wished to rest.
Leaving Richmond in the cars at half past four Saturday morning we pursued our way through Virginia and the Carolinas.
I liked the country through North Carolina very well, we passed through that part in which turpentine is made.
South Carolina I did not like so well; Wilmington was the only city
which we passed through. We arrived at Augusta at about one o'clock Sunday
afternoon, and after eating dinner at the “Augusta Hotel” we left on the
I remained at Scarboro until Friday, when Aunt Mary and I went down to Savannah; we left here at about six o'clock, Friday evening and arrived at S. at half past nine. I went to the Pulaski House with Aunt Mary and spent the night, and in the morning we went out to Grandma's house. We had a long walk and were quite tired when we arrived there.
Grandma and Lois were both at home. I did not go out at all Saturday;
Sunday Lois and I went Sunday School and Church. Monday, we spent the morning
Tuesday morning just as we were sitting down to breakfast, Uncle Dole came to the door, I went up to open it for him, he had not time to come in, but we stood talking for some time, he said that Aunt Mary was going up that morning and that he would go up in the night, and that I must either go with Aunt Mary or alone, of course I chose to go with her.
We left Savannah at twelve o'clock Tuesday morning and arrived at Scarboro at about half past three o'clock in the afternoon.
I have not yet left Georgia, but it will not be many days before, for the third time, I turn my back upon this lovely state and face again the “far West”.
Last Friday Aunt Mary and I left Scarborough for Jefferson County, for
We spent Saturday and Sunday in Jefferson and left early Monday morning; but it will not do to pass over that eventful morning so briefly. Sunday was a very cold day and Sunday night of course still colder. Aunt Mary and I were afraid of being left and we rose perhaps a little earlier than necessary. At any rate we were up and dressed at twenty minutes of three. We then went into the parlor and searched for wood to make a fire; we had succeeded in kindling a little blaze over which we were warming our benumbed hands, when Uncle Dole entered the room, he went out for some wood and soon returned with an armful, which he threw on the andirons and we soon had a blazing fire. We spent about an hour in getting thoroughly warmed before we set out for the depot, well bundled up in shawls and blankets. Oh the horrors of that ride! they will never be effaced from my memory; the place where we had left the cars coming up, was not a regular station, and we had to ride to another, which was further off.
Imagine a ride of three miles over a road by turns sandy and rooty, before sunrise and in freezing weather, and you may form a faint idea of our feelings during that weary ride.
Uncle Dole drove us, and I think he deserves the highest praise for the exemplary patience with which he bore the cold and Jolts. But all things have an end, and at last we reached the station, and sitting by a fire in the warehouse we almost forget the discomforts we had endured.
The whistle of the engine was soon heard, and hastily stepping on the
train we said good morning to Uncle Dole, and were soon speeding on our way
towards Washington Co. Just as I was seating myself some one said “Good
At about seven o'clock we arrived at Robison's Turnout, and were met by
old General Robison, he took us up to his house, and after breakfast, Aunt
Mary and I exchanged our travelling dresses for
In the afternoon we went out to ride, we passed the old place on our way to one of the neighbors, how natural it looked. I almost stopped my breath as I gazed upon it, and imagined the past two years as a dream, and that we were once more at the dear old home, and I was but returning from a trip to Savannah. But no, we have left it forever and it is better so, but the tears will start when I think of the happy days I have spent there.
I would not go up to the house, to have seen it in the possession of strangers would have been more than I could bear, but I could not leave without going to the spring, the dear spring, every tree of which was a friend, every step of ground hallowed by remembrances of the past. I followed a little by path which led to the spring and which I had often traveled before, everything was perfectly familiar and I hastened on, picturing to myself how everything would look. At length I reached the little stream which ran down from the spring, crossed where I had often crossed before, and stood at the fence; could I be right? Could this wilderness of cane and underbrush be the beautiful spot which we had all loved and cherished so long? Yes, it was sadly changed indeed, but still the same; but why dwell upon my disappointment, why recount the sadness with which I viewed the change.
I ascended the hill, skirted the orchard and giving one last lingering
We remained at the General's until the next morning, and then left on the seven o'clock train. We arrived at Gordon at about eight, and Aunt Mary remained with me about four hours, when she returned home. My Uncles and myself leave here tomorrow night, I think that we shall go down the Alabama river.
We left Gordon, as we intended, on Thursday night. I am rejoiced to be again with my Uncles, and to be on my way to the loved ones at home; I am anxious to see them all again.
As I expected, we have come by the Alabama river, I think it is the pleasantest route, and am glad that my Uncles decided upon it.
The Coquette is a very good boat, but it is rather too much crowded. Uncle Moses was not able to get me a stateroom alone. Last night I had a very agreeable young lady with me, but she stopped at Selma, and I thought that I should be alone the rest of the way, but no, a number of passengers came on at Selma, and a lady with three children was put in my room; the lady although not very intelligent is neat and modest, and the children are pretty, well behaved little things, so that it is not so bad as it might be.
In travelling one must learn to bear little inconveniences patiently, or they can have but little enjoyment.
We arrived here at about one o'clock last night, and left the boat in time to eat breakfast. We are stopping at the Battle House.
When Father and I went to Georgia last year we stopped at this house,
a day, and I think I have the same room now that I had then, it is very nicely
I spent a very pleasant Sabbath yesterday, and if I were not so anxious to get home I should have been willing to have remained on the river longer.
I took up my journal book several times yesterday intending to write, but could not look off the beautiful scenery long enough to do so. We leave for New Orleans at one o'clock.
The Coquette is a very nice little boat, the fare is excellent and the waiters civil.
We left Mobile Monday afternoon at about two o'clock and arrived at New Orleans Tuesday morning the 8th, but as we were not in time to take the morning train up to Amite we were obliged to wait until night. After taking breakfast at the City Hotel, Uncle Moses hired a carriage and we drove round to Mrs. Martin's, 333 Magazine St. Here Uncle Moses left me, and rejoined Uncle Dole. I found Mrs. Garrett and her family at Mrs. Martin's, which was a surprise to me, for I did not know that they had removed to the City.
After spending an hour or two at Mrs. Martin's I went to Mrs. Garrett's and stayed there until after dinner, when I returned to Mrs. Martin's. I left at six o'clock for the depot, Miss Calwell, Miss Lou and Julia Waters accompanied me to the depot, where I bade them goodbye and went into the cars with My Uncles; when the cars stopped at Henner I was surprised and delighted to meet Father, he had received the despatch which Uncle Moses sent from N. O. and had come down to meet us.
We arrived at Amite at about half past ten, and found them all sitting up except Georgie.
The next day (the 9th) Father and Mother went down to N. O. taking Eva
and Lory with them. They stayed until Saturday (the 12th) when they returned
Monday morning Uncles Moses and Dole left for Vicksburg, they have just returned this afternoon. We expected Father and Mother also, but Mother was not able to come, Father went down to Independence, five miles below here, where he is having some cars built, and Willie has taken the buggy down, to bring him back. He is going to take the children up with him tomorrow.
Father took Miss Mary, Eva, Lory and George up to Vicksburg yesterday. This morning Uncle Moses went up, and this afternoon at three o'clock Uncle Dole left for Georgia. Miss Clark, Willie and I are here alone.
I expected that before this time we should all be up in Vicksburg, as it is, Willie and I are all that are left here. Father and Mother and the children are up in V. Miss Clark is down to the city on a visit, and Willie and I, as I said before, are still here.
I am staying at Mrs. Ridgill's, with Miss Valeria and have been here since Thursday, the day that Miss Clark went down, and have been expecting to receive a summons up to Vicksburg ever since Wednesday, but I have heard nothing from them as yet, and do not know how much longer I shall have to wait in expectancy. I hope to hear from them today.
Today is my birthday, I am fifteen. Two years ago today We were on the eve of moving from Georgia, and now I am expecting to move to Vicksburg in a few days.
At last I date my journal from our future home, it is very satisfactory
to feel that, for a few years at least, we can call some place home. Saturday
I had hardly reached the door when Angus called out, “Your Mother is here”. I did regard his words, for Angus is so full of frolic and mischief that I thought him joking, but smiled and bade him and Willie goodmorning, he then repeated his words and thinking it might be true my heart bounded suddenly, as I turned from one to the other. “You are not in earnest, Angus?” “Has she come Willie” they both assured me that they were in earnest and after gathering up my things, we said goodbye to the family and drove home.
At eleven o'clock I left Amite. I had a long lonely ride up to Jackson,
rendered sad by thoughts and recollections awakened by leaving Amite, and by
some recent events; I cheered myself, however, by thinking of the pleasant
meeting of Father and the children, and with this, and the unconsciousness
which sleep occasionally afforded, I did not get very much tired.
At about six o'clock we arrived at Jackson where I met Father, the ride from Jackson to Vicksburg was quite pleasant. We arrived at the depot at half past eight o'clock and as there were no carriages waiting we were obliged to walk up to the house, which is about a mile distant from the depot.
The children were all in bed and asleep except Miss Mary, who was sitting up for us. I should have written yesterday, but I was busy all day, unpacking my trunks and mending some things for the children.
The furniture has not come yet, so that I cannot describe my room, but I hope to be able to do so soon.
Last Saturday morning the last detachment of the family came up, and we are now all here; but there is still some furniture, bedding, and a great many other things to come, which are expected by the freight train tonight, some furniture from New Orleans came yesterday, and we hope to have everything here and get settled next week.
For the last week we have had some of the coldest, if not the coldest weather that I have ever experienced. Tuesday night it commenced to sleet at about six o'clock in the evening, and continued until midnight, between which and morning, there was a heavy fall of snow. When we arose and looked out, the piazzas and roofs of houses and the streets and gardens were all white, while the icicles hung from all the window sills; after breakfast the sun came out, for the first time in several days, and shone brightly, but although it continued to shine all day, the snow and ice did not melt, and the night being moonlight The spectacle was beautiful; I stood at my window admiring it until I was forced by the cold to retire. It is now three o'clock, and the ice is not melted yet. I must run to dinner now.
Friday——When I went to dinner yesterday I intended to come back after that important ceremony was over, and finish writing, but Miss Annie Horn, a young lady who dined with us, did not leave until it was nearly dark and so I postponed finishing until now.
The weather has moderated considerably since yesterday, the snow and ice has nearly all melted, this is the only snow I ever saw, which did not melt as soon as the noon came, it is quite a strange sight to me.
We were disappointed about our furniture from Amite, it did not come
last night. Wednesday morning Father received a despatch from Uncle David
saying that Uncle Dole was sick, unable to attend to his business, and that
Uncle Moses came over from the Swamp Friday night, he had received the despatch, and was very anxious about Uncle Dole; he was very anxious to see Father, but could not, as he had left early Friday morning on the pay train.
He remained with us until Saturday afternoon. As we were sitting at dinner Saturday, the wished despatch arrived, it read as follows, “Dole has typhoid fever, I do not think him dangerously ill”. Uncle Moses, though less anxious was still impatient to see his brother, and left at three o'clock, he expects to be in Georgia by the 14th of this month. Father came home Saturday night, he had met Uncle M. at Jackson.
Our freight from Amite has not yet arrived—.
Sunday we, that is Father, Mother, Mrs. Horn, Miss Annie and I, went to the Episcopal Church—
Here I have been interrupted by the arrival of some of our freight. I
am so very glad to have it come that I can write no more at present.
The week is now nearly closed and in the quiet of the evening hour I sit down to give an account of the week.
Willie has been sick in bed ever since Monday, yesterday and today he
has been better, he dressed this morning but was not able to sit up long,
he is so very weak. Thursday night George was taken very ill with the croup,
he is much better today, but is not quite recovered yet. We rec'd a telegraph
from Uncle Moses Wednesday saying that Uncle Dole was better. I believe that
Wednesday I unpacked all the boxes (9) and arranged the books, It was
dark when I finished. Thursday, Uncle Jim and Emmeline put up my wardrobe,
or just before
dark. Friday I spent in putting my work boxes, sewing trunk and scrap bag
in order, sewing on buttons, minding the baby and attending to Willie. My
room is now all in order, Father having screwed my glass on the bureau
this evening.
I will now proceed to describe my room, it has three front windows
opening on a balcony and facing the south, opposite the most westerly window
is a door leading into the hall, and opposite the most easterly is another
door opening the room which Grandma is to occupy when she comes. Our bed is
placed in front of the middle window so that it divides the room into
At the southern side is my dear bureau, my especial pet which I am very glad to have in my own room once more. In the western continent there is a wardrobe and a washstand. On each side of the bed there is a piece of carpet and a chair, one for Miss Mary, one for me, and beside each chair comfortably reposes a pair of dressing slippers.
I have longer than I meant to and the dark has overtaken before I have
Yesterday, Christmas day, it was fair and very pleasant weather. This is the first real Christmas that we have had for a long time, Christmas Eve, for the first time in three years I hang up my stocking by the side of the Chimney and dreamed of Christmas gifts all night, at four o'clock Miss Mary and I woke up and hearing the cock crow we thought it was morning so we woke up Rose after considerable calling; and, as there were no matches in our room she went into Miss Clark's for some, the first time she only brought one and as that did not light she went for a second supply, this time Miss Clark looked at her watch and sent word that it was not morning, but we concluded that at any rate we would get up.
Miss Mary first examined her presents, she found a very pretty little stove, the joint property of herself and Eva, one which they had seen in the store window and which they had admired very much; also a very pretty lamplighter stand, and a pair of little candlesticks.
I then lifted my paper, and what was my delight to find exposed to view
a beautiful book in English binding, entitled ‘The Waverly gallery’. The outside
was indeed beautiful, but when I opened and found it full of beautiful
engravings my feelings as the story books say “may be imagined but cannot be
described”. After inspecting the stove and the book to our satisfaction, Miss
Mary and I returned to bed, but not to sleep, for though I would willingly have
courted repose Miss Mary kept me awake by exclaiming constantly “Oh Sarah, let
me get up”, I shall be sick if I lie here much longer”, “I am sure it is
morning now” and sundry other observations too numerous to mention. At length
the wished for morning came, Rose made our fire and Miss Mary jumped out of
I have lingered so long over my description that the darkness is overtaking
me. We had Mr. Horne's family here to dinner and Mrs. Bason and Dr.
Young. Mother's table did credit to her housewifery and her market man, and
the
At sunset our guests dispersed, and the day ended as happily if not as merrily as it began.
Today has been a real rainy day. For some time we have heard nothing from
Uncle Dole, this afternoon Miss Clark received a letter from Uncle Moses
saying that he was very sick but he hoped not dangerously, it was dated the
18th / probably he is no worse or we should have had a telegraph——
I wished to close up my account of the old year before a new one came
in, but was unable to do so, because of other engagements. There is little
to record, however, save that we have had another week of cold weather, last
Friday night the 30th we had quite a snow storm, it was a beautiful sight,
which was presented to so pure and white and soft; New Year's day was clear but cold, the snow has
not melted yet.
Willie is now quite recovered from his illness. I received a letter from
Miss Mary and Eva commenced school at Mrs. Garland's today. Monday I commenced my Latin again. My piano has not been set up yet, so that I do not practice.
Last Thursday Willie and I left Vicksburg to pay our long deferred visit to Capt. Terry and as I had not written any here for some time I brought my book with me.
We had Father in company with us to this place, he went down to New Orleans. When we reached Jackson we met Capt. Terry there, very much to our surprise; his sister was sick and he had gone to get some ice for her; we arrived at Terry at about seven o'clock and bidding Father goodbye we stepped into a buggy which was in waiting and drove rapidly out to the Captain's house, which is about a mile distant from the depot.
We have spent a very pleasant week and are now ready to return in a few hours, today being the last which Mother allotted for our stay. Since we have been here the weather has been very fine. The last few evenings we have sat out upon the piazza as if it was summer.
Looking over my last journal I see that my piano had not then arrived, it came the next Saturday (7th) and was tuned the next week. I think that moving it so much has injured it somewhat.
I do not think that Uncle Moses has arrived yet, when we left Vicksburg they were expecting him daily.—
Willie and I arrived safely last night; Dr. and Mrs. Young were on the train with us.
Uncle Moses arrived here Monday morning (the 23rd) Uncle Dole was much better when he left. We found Father at home, he arrived Tuesday morning—
Uncle Moses came here today. Mother and Miss Clark were out and I was
the only one to see him, he stayed but a few moments and then returned to
the swamp, he will be here again Saturday. I was very glad to see him.
A letter came from Aunt Satira this morning, she says that Uncle Dole continues improving. I hope we will soon hear that he is well.
I have spent the day alone, Father is gone out on the Southern road,
and Mother and Miss Clark have been paying calls all day. Ella Reading a
neighbor of ours came to see me this afternoon, she is the first one who
has been to see me since we came here; but I do not want any acquaintances,
I fear I am becoming a little morose. I have never had many young acquaintances
and but very few have been friends.
Yesterday afternoon I accompanied Mother and Miss Clark to Mrs. Cook's she is a teacher of music and paintings; I enjoyed looking at her pictures, but was wicked enough to feel badly because I might never hope to equal her in music; I feel like giving up practising sometimes, the task is apparently hopeless, for I do not progress at all, and the two hours which I devote to it might be spent more profitably.
I looked back to see how long since I have written here, nearly a month; but
then I have had very little to write, and as long as I do not forget the
journal so much as not to record all important matters such as departures and
arrivals, it does not matter; I did not recollect that any one had departed
lately when I began, but I suppose I must file that as usual; Willie left us
No more acquaintances as yet, I shall enter my first caller with a full description that will be a perquisite of mine taken as a salvo for their tardiness.—
Miss Clark, Uncle Moses and I came down here Monday, we left Vicksburg at 7 o'clock in the morning and arrived at Jackson at ten minutes of ten. Uncle Moses obtained a carriage and we rode out to the insane asylum which is some distance out of town, from here we went to the penitentiary and state-house. The state-house is not a fine building, but Miss Clark and I were both very much pleased with the Asylum, the building was large, neat and airy, and the physician who showed us round seemed very kind to his patients, two of the female lunatics have pianos and were very fond of playing on them.
After eating a very good dinner at the hotel, we went down to the depot and left on the cars at a quarter of two o'clock, we arrived here at twelve in the night. The City hotel was very much crowded and if we had not had a room engaged we should probably have been obliged to have slept in the parlor.
Yesterday morning I came to Mrs. Garrett's where I now am, at about one o'clock. Miss Clark suffered very much all yesterday with headache, she spent the night here, but is out shopping this morning.
Father arrived here this morning, but I have not seen him, yet, he has
been to Meridian and came here by the way of Mobile. I went to a Jewish wedding
The marriage ceremony was neither as long or as imposing as I expected,
they said, however, that it was shortened because the bridal company did
not arrive until after sunset. The groom was married with his hat on, with
the exception of this and the drinking of wine, breaking the glass and
Hebrew chanting the ceremony was much like that of some Christian denominations.
The wine glass, after the bride and groom had drunk the wine, was
placed in a waiter upon the floor, and the bridegroom very
We came up Saturday night, and I have been, as usual, so busy that I have not before had time to record our arrival. I can now write no more.
This has been quite an eventful month, I have not kept my journal as regularly as perhaps I ought to have done, I will now square up the record.
It has been nearly two weeks since Uncle Dole and Grandma arrived here,
They soon arrived, and received from us all a warm welcome, Uncle Dole was and is quite weak, but I think him improved from his journey.
On the following Monday, Miss Clark and my two Uncles went over the river,
Miss Clark and Uncle Dole intending to go to Munroe, distant about eighty miles
Tuesday morning Father went out on the Southern railroad, taking with him Grandma, Miss Mary, Eva, and Lory. Mother and I were having a quiet time together when some one came in at the street door. Wondering who it could be, I looked out and saw Uncle Dole, at first I was alarmed, thinking that he was sick, but he said he was not, and when he was seated he told us that he thought himself unequal to such a long ride and leaving Miss Clark with Uncle Moses he returned.
Father and his party came back at night, Grandma liked the country very much, since she has been here we have rode all about town, she thinks it is rather too hilly here.
Uncle Moses and Miss Clark returned Thursday morning, they did not go to Munroe as the roads were too muddy, but turned back after going fifteen miles beyond the railroad.
I have a long story to tell, I may as well tell it now as later, for probably this book will not be read again until the last scene of the play is acted; but to commence at the beginning I must go back to my journey North, last summer.
I believe that in my journal for August I mentioned how particularly Uncle Dole noticed all the ladies, the further we proceeded on our journey and the more I became acquainted with my Uncle, the stronger became my conviction that he wanted to marry. But I will pass over my convictions, and relate only facts.
In my journal I have already mentioned my visit to Dover to see the print
works, but so briefly that I did not speak of the lady and gentleman who so
kindly accompanied us; they were Mr. and Mrs. Paul; after leaving the print-works
she might suit Uncle Dole; when he came up I repeated
the remark to him, “indeed!” said he, “you must tell Mrs. Paul to send me
her daguerreotype”.
Here the cars came up and bidding our friends goodbye we left Dover. I should have considered this all a jest and soon forgotten it, but not so Uncle Dole; he thought of it for some days, and then proposed that he and I should go back to Dover to see the young lady, whose name is Miss Lizzie Paice. But I declined, assuring him that Mrs. Paul would suspect his purpose if I went with him, and I recommended him to get Aunt Lydia to go; he did so, and they returned both very much pleased with her. Still, Uncle Dole would have left New Hampshire without seeing her again, for this was within a few days of our departure, had not a seeming accident thrown them together.
In my journal for this time, I only casually mentioned my Uncle's visit to Portland. Uncle Moses went to this place to get some carpenters to work upon a mill which they then thought of building in Mississippi, he completed his negotiations as nearly as possible and then returned; in a day or two a letter came to him from the men he thought he had engaged refusing to come out here, it then became necessary for one of the brothers to go to Portland again, and Uncle Moses urged Uncle Dole to go, at length he consented a little unwillingly, and went.
On his way back, when the train stopped at Dover, he thought of Miss Lizzie,
and looked out, a lady came in the cars who looked very much like her, he was
doubtful whether to speak to her or not, rose once to go, sat down again, and
again rose and went forward; it was Miss Lizzie, he stood and conversed with
But I must not stop to moralize, the precious moments are flying fast, and I am not yet through my story.
If I had thought that at the first meeting of these two, Cupid had discharged his arrows at my Uncle's heart, I was now sure that his aim had been true, and his shaft was firmly fixed.
But not yet had Uncle Dole consented to fall in love, he wished to
see a lady in Hudson city, opposite New York, before he decided, the young lady
had been highly recommended, may I use the expression?, by a friend of
his, (Miss Clark), and we delayed our departure in order that he might go
and see her, and then return to South Newmarket. He went, and returned,
Miss Lizzie Pierce had taken too firm a hold upon his affections, for Miss
Lizzie Green to be very prepossessing. During the week that followed, he
paid three visits to Portsmouth; for Miss Lizzie's school was suspended for
a time on account of a fair which was then held in Dover. When she returned
to D. Aunt Lydia and Uncle Dole paid a second visit to Mrs. Paul (?) and
Uncle Dole came back an engaged man.
This was Saturday night, Monday morning we left for Georgia, and here
for the present my story ends, for I shall record only facts, not feelings,
let my Uncle's confidence in me be sacred. In a few months, as soon as
Uncle Dole can go North without danger, he will claim Miss Lizzie Pierce
as his bride, and bring to me, not only an Aunt but a companion, for there is
but five years difference in our ages, she being little more than twenty.
The family of which Miss Lizzie is a member consists of a Mother and
In a letter from Aunt Lydia received about a month ago, she says,
“I have become considerably acquainted with Lizzie, and like her much,
she is amiable and has good sense. She was sorry she could not have seen
you when you were here. I think you will love her. She is a sweet singer,
and finally she is an accomplished girl”. I am almost sure I shall love her,
her sweet name attracts me, and there is something in a name.
Uncle left us for Georgia, day before yesterday (2), Miss Clark accompanied him to Canton, she returned last night. The Mr. Price who arrived here the 31st March, breakfasted with us yesterday, he is quite tall, taller than Father, stoops a little in the shoulders, with a large frame, black whiskers, edged with red, dark hair, an eye of light greyish blue, and a nose inclined to turn up. His family, consisting of a wife and two children, one four the other two years old, are at Gardener on the Kennebec. He left here yesterday afternoon on his way North, and is to return and take a contract on the Vicksburg and Shreveport railroad in about a month.
Today has been very warm.
One more member has been added to our family, a little baby boy was born this morning, he looks very much as Georgie did the first time I saw him, Mother is doing very well.
The warm weather continues.
Our baby is one week old today, he is still doing well and has grown
a good deal since his birth, his name is John Everingham, he is named for
Emmeline had a baby last night, it is a boy. Miss Clark and Uncle Moses went out to Morton this morning, they expect to return tomorrow night.
Mother and the baby still do very well, I am housekeeper now, and have much to occupy me.
We all continue as well as usual. Mother begins to sit up a little. Father has gone away to New Orleans and will be back Tuesday. Miss Clark is going to Munroe with Uncle Moses Monday; they will be gone nearly two weeks. I received a letter from Aunt Lydia a few days ago, she has been to Dover to see Miss Lizzie, and likes her more than ever, Oh how impatient I am to see her!
Miss Clark and Uncle Moses left us for Munroe Wednesday last, they returned today, having spent a week in journeying there, and back again.
I went out to a picnic yesterday, took Miss Mary, Eva, and Lory, the day was very tedious and I was heartily glad to get back home.
Uncle Moses received a letter from Uncle Dole today, he says that Miss Lizzie has given up her school.
Mother is not very well today she has taken cold and has had a bad headache all day, she has not been out of her room yet; the baby is doing finely.
The weather has become warm again and I am very glad of it.
Grandma, Willie and Miss Clark went down to Terry yesterday morning,
we expect them back tonight. Ma went out to dinner yesterday and will go out
Grandma, Willie and I have just returned from the swamp, we went over Wednesday, and spent our time very pleasantly until this morning at seven o'clock when we left for Mississippi again.
Father, Mr. Horne, General and Dr. Myrick and Mr. Compton (the three last from Georgia) went out yesterday, we saw them this morning.
Grandma, Uncle Moses and Miss Clark expect to leave next Monday, I am prepared to have them defer their departure however, for Miss C. and Uncle Moses intended to leave a week ago.
Mother has gone to spend the day with Mrs. Horne she has taken the baby with her. Emmeline has come into the house again.
They all left today, I have just returned from the boat, whither I went to bid them goodbye, they went on the Vicksburg, it is considered a fine boat and I dare say they will have a pleasant passage down the river; Miss Clark has been expecting to go so long that it seems a relief to have her off; although we shall at first feel a little lonely I think it best for our family to be alone for awhile.
Willie will leave us soon to go out in the world, and act for himself, he is only nineteen but he is a man in stature and appearance, he has for a year been wishing to go to work, and last week Father concluded that he had best not go to planting yet as he was so young, and moreover Father is not able to give him a plantation, so it is settled that he is to contract for grading, on the Vicksburg, Shreveport and Texas railroad.
Pierce Horne and Dr. Myrick are to form a partnership with him, to buy
the mules and carts
They will commence in October, in the meantime Willie will be occupied in getting his things ready, and he expects also to go to Georgia.
This seems an eventful Spring, I look forward and everything is wrapped in uncertainty, I expect we shall move somewhere near Willie. Father says he cannot afford to live in a town at present, but I will not anticipate.
It is well for us that we cannot lift the veil that shrouds the future;
Willie will commence now where Father was twenty years ago. God grant that
when he is thirty nine he may be as far advanced, in honour and in prosperity
as is my loved and respected parent.
Miss Lizzie Pierce's brother, (the one who has been with Uncle Moses all winter) was here this morning he resembles his elder brother somewhat, but is better looking and not so tall.
Emmeline has been packing away the winter clothing this morning, and Mother has been cleaning up closets, in about two weeks we shall get settled for the summer.
Father went out on the Southern road this morning, he will be back tomorrow night.
I commenced my lessons yesterday, for the present I shall only study Arithmetic and Latin.
Father went down to New Orleans Sunday evening, he will be absent a week. The weather is quite warm and more settled than it has been before.
Father received a letter from Uncle Moses on Saturday, they were then at New Orleans but intended leaving for Mobile the next day. I suppose they are now in Georgia, Aunt Mary writes that she is expecting Miss Clark to spend a week with her.
I have been busy studying and practising ever since I commenced my Lessons. I like my teacher in Arithmetic and Latin very much and think him an excellent teacher, his name is Burr, he is the gentleman who taught Willie, I recite three times a week. I took my second music lesson this morning, my music teacher, Mr. Eaton, also understands his profession, but I am not pleased with him in other respects.
Willie went down to Amite on Monday, Miss Valeria Ridgill is coming back with him. He intended to remain until Saturday but I wrote him today to return, and expect that he will be back Friday.
General Robison, from Georgia, is coming here tomorrow evening, his servant and baggage arrived here this morning, but he met Father on the road and went to Morton with him.
Went to Church this morning and heard an excellent sermon upon religion and its offices.
I received a letter from Uncle Dole dated the 23rd, the travellers had arrived. Uncle Dole writes that Miss Lizzie is taking music lessons in Portland.
Willie arrived Thursday night, but Miss Valeria did not come.
Mr. Horne and family left for Georgia on Thursday, May 31st.
Father came up from Independence a week ago today and brought Miss Valeria up with him. Since then we have been busily employed in riding out to see the beauties of Vicksburg, altogether we have had quite a gay week. Mr. Raoul, from Independence, Mr. Greene, Father's assistant on the Southern road and Mr. Horne have all been here, and Mr. Greene will return tonight.
Mr. Eaton, my music teacher, has just finished giving me a lesson, I am
Miss Clark was in New York on the 14th we shall soon receive a letter from Worcester. Mr. Burr asked me a few days since when she was to be married, I told him that I had no idea when; every body here seems to consider the matter as settled.
I am looking to a general settling of things this summer, every day I watch eagerly for letters expecting to hear of one more chapter in the two romances which are in progress.
Mr. Pierce (the elder) was here yesterday his younger brother, whose name is Elbridge, is sick with the swamp fever, but is getting well now. Mother invited him to come over here and spend a few days, until he became perfectly well.
Miss Valeria, Willie, Miss Mary, Eva and I went to the Catholic Church Sunday evening to hear vespers, but the singing was not at all fine.
Father has gone, he left us yesterday and will be gone until the tenth of next month, he has left the road in charge of Mr. Greene, who will be in Vicksburg about once a week during Father's absence and will probably stop here. Mr. Elbridge Pierce has accepted Mother's invitation and came in today, he is looking very badly indeed, and seems quite melancholy.
Captain Terry, his wife and daughter Carrie came here day before yesterday and left yesterday afternoon, their daughter Jane has arrived at home to spend her vacation of two months, their son Joseph, or Tump as they call him, will be home in a week or two.
Miss Valeria left us this morning we were reluctant to let her go, but
she was getting anxious to see her family and thought that she could not remain
any longer; she had been here nearly two weeks but it did not seem so long
Dr. Balfour came to see Mr. Pierce this morning, he said that he could not be too careful of himself, as the swamp doctors had treated his case imprudently.
Just a week today since Mr. Pierce came; and eight days since Father left us, Oh what a long, long week it has been to me, it seems as if the two weeks which must pass before Father returns, are too long to look forward to. Mr. Pierce has improved very much and is still improving, he is still rather weak, however; he is much more talkative than when he came, and speaks a great deal of his family, especially his sister Lizzie, he seems to be very fond of his family.
Mother received a letter from Miss Clark dated the 16th. Miss Clark and Uncle Moses had arrived, at Worcester, the day before, and Uncle Moses had left that morning for South Newmarket.
I took the last lesson that I am to have in latin this summer, yesterday; my vacation had now commenced and I shall have no school duties, except practising, for two months, during this time I hope to read more than I have for some time past.
My dear Father has been sick since he left us, he had chills and fever in Philadelphia, but was only delayed by it three days at the end of which time he went on to New Hampshire.
Mr. Elbridge Pierce has been over in the swamp a week, on Monday he brought over his elder brother who has also been sick with the swamp fever. He (Mr. George Pierce) has been here ever since, his brother returned today and they will probably both leave us tomorrow evening.
Uncle Dole will leave Georgia for New Hampshire on the 15th of this
Our weather is now oppressively warm, and the
Another letter from my dear Father this morning, and also one from
Uncle Dole, both full of interest to us. My dear Aunt Lydia is very sick,
her disease is a cancer in the mouthhad been
dangerously ill but was then out of danger and slowly improving. My poor
Aunt, she is of a warm, affectionate disposition and the removal of her
sister from New Hampshire was too much for her. I fear it will be long ere
she regains even that partial health which it has always been her portion
to bear.
But I must also speak of other items in Father's letter, he said that
he found Cousin Abbie Colcord, Uncle Moses and, Miss Clark at Aunt Lydia's
and that he was never more surprised than when he met Miss C. at the door,
no wonder, peculiar as she is I should never have expected that step from
her. Uncle Moses had telegraphed for Aunt Satira and Grandma and they left
Savannah on the 30th so we learned from Uncle Dole's letter; they are no
doubt with her long before this.
Father said that if Aunt Lydia continued to improve he would leave New
Hampshire on Tuesday, nearly a week ago. Uncle Dole said that Aunt Mary and
her children had gone North
Father has arrived, he came Saturday night, and he brought me such a
beautiful present it is an elegant paint box fitted with every convenience,
it contains eighteen Crayons and is made of rose wood, it is about a foot
long and nearly as wide. Every one of us children had a pretty, appropriate
present. Mother's was a grenadine dress, a workbag, and a
Father and Mother have concluded that we had better not spend the summer
here; we are to go to Cohuttah Springs, Murray County Georgia, until
cold weather. The fever is said to be in New Orleans and if it is it will
probably come here. Cohuttah Springs is not a fashionable place but is very
cool and healthy, being at the foot of one of the mountains of the
Mr. Elbridge Pismo is sick again, he came over last week, Dr. Balfour says that he must go north immediately, but he does not wish to go until his brother closes up their business at the Macon, which will probably be in about a week, so that he will go on with us.
We leave for Cohutta on Monday.
We arrived here on Thursday, and after a rather adventurous trip were glad to arrive where we could rest from the fatigue of travelling.
Father came with us to Canton Mississippi, where he left us and returned
to Vicksburg, we came on with Mr. Horne and Willie for escorts, but Willie
afforded us very little assistance. When we left Vicksburg he complained of
a very bad headache and had a little fever, but Mother thought that it
would pass away in a few hours and as she had all her things ready she did
not wish to postpone leaving, but his headache did not get any better. We
could not go any further than Chattanooga, we arrived there
at one o'clock and took rooms in the Hotel, Mr. Horne went on.
Wednesday morning Mother gave Willie a purgative but he did not get much better, the Hotel at Chattanooga is very badly kept and we were all very uncomfortable. Mother sent for the proprietor in order to try and learn something about the stages between Dalton and Cohuttah. While she was in the parlor waiting for him, a little girl came in, seeing that she was alone Mother asked her if she lived at the Hotel she said that she lived in Georgia. Mother then asked in what part of Georgia, she answered Dalton; this interested Mother, and thinking that she might ascertain something about the stages from this source, she asked her a few more questions and found that she was travelling with her Uncle. The little girl said that she would ask her Uncle to come in and see Mother, and that he could tell her all about the stages; he soon came in, he is a young man about twenty eight or thirty years old, has a very honest face and polite manners, his name is John Owen, and he lives in Winchester Tennessee. Now I have always entertained a prejudice against Tennesseans, I have always thought them coarse and rough, but hereafter I shall have a better opinion of them.
Mr. Owen was very kind, he gave Mother all the information that she
wished, and even offered to take charge of her family and baggage as far as
Dalton, Mother thanked him, but said she hoped that Willie might be well
enough to take care of us, but in the afternoon Willie was hardly able to go
on the cars, much less to take any care of the baggage, so we were obliged
When we arrived at Dalton Willie seemed very much better, and after a
We had two hacks and a baggage waggon, for the first hour or two we were quite happy in the thoughts that we were near our journey's end and that we were once more in Georgia, but after that we were very quiet.
The road until within about five miles of the Springs was tolerably level, and smooth, but after that we began to got into the mountains and had a number of jolts. We left Dalton at half past six in the morning, and arrived here at half past twelve.
The house here is situated at the foot, not of one mountain, but of several, it is quite a romantic situation being surrounded by mountains on all sides, with only an opening for a road in front, and a little stream running over the rocks about a hundred or fifty yards distant.
The principal spring is situated nearly at the foot of the mountain at
one side of the house, but there are others scattered around, there is a very
pretty path leading to a
There are four families here, two are in the hotel and the others are spending the summer in some cabins a few yards off. Miss Julia Rucker a very pleasant young lady is also spending the summer here. The Miss Underwoods are also very pleasant, they are in one of the cabins with their family. There is also another young lady a Miss Morriss, (one of the occupants of the other cabin) whom I have not yet seen.
The
Yesterday afternoon a party of us went up on the mountain, there were four young ladies, three gentlemen and a number of younger girls. We had a very pleasant walk up and had beautiful views from several points; a lovely little valley covered with green grass and corn lay at our feet while the thickly wooded hills and beyond them the lofty mountains rising above each other till the most distant formed a blue line against the sky, formed a beautiful frame for the smiling picture below us.
The day is now nearly closed, and I sit down to review my conduct on
this, the first Sabbath that I have ever spent at Cohuttah. I began the day
rather badly, by being late at breakfast, the Hotel was so much more quiet
than usual, that after I was waked up by the chambermaid bringing in water,
I went to sleep again and did not wake until quite late. And after breakfast
I took Georgie and went down to the Spring thinking that I would find a cool
and retired place to sit and think, what was my surprise when I saw the
benches filled with ladies, gentlemen, and children, it was a pretty scene,
the ladies in their pink and white dresses with picturesque hats, and gentlemen
Thinking that I might spend the Sabbath more profitably I returned to the house but had such a headache that I was obliged to lie down. After resting about an hour I was aroused from my reverie by Miss Helen who came to bring me a rock which she had found. I went out into the hall and talked with her sister, Miss Lou until they went home, when I returned to my room and read the morning service until summoned to dinner; since then I have been employed in attending to Willie and George.
And now let me close my journal of the day by transcribing this beautiful and appropriate hymn.
I am learning to play chess, Miss Helen Underwood is teaching me. I
forgot to mention in my Saturday's journal that Mr. Elbridge Pierce was too
ill to come with us, both he and his brother were sick when we left, we
have not heard from them since. Referring to them makes me sad, it makes me
think of my dear Aunt, so often when I feel a little gay and am talking with
some a thought of her will come over me, and I am sad, oh! how dreadful to
feel that one has been taken from a hitherto unbroken circle of
Willie is now much better, he went down to breakfast this morning. I am not well myself but I hope it is merely fatigue from my journey, and will soon pass away.
I have written two letters today, and practised a little, the first I have practised since we came here. Miss Helen Underwood lent a music book of hers the other day, and as I was looking over it this morning I found a beautiful song, it is entitled the Erl king which signifies in English, death. The idea of the son pleading with the Father to save him is very touching, I will copy it below.
I spent today in writing letters to send by Willie tomorrow; for Willie is to leave us tomorrow, he is now perfectly recovered and he cannot be content to stay here any longer. I am very sorry that he must leave us but he goes for his own pleasure, therefore it is not so hard to bid him goodbye.
We are now having very cold weather for August, it rained all day Sunday, and yesterday morning it cleared off quite cold, after breakfast we were all so chilled that I proposed a game of blind man's buff to warm us. We all went down into the ballrooms, called Willie and Mr. Woodburn (a young student who is spending his vacation here) and had a good play, pretty soon Miss Helen and Miss Lou Underwood came in and joined us, after exercising for an hour or two we went up into the parlour and played more quiet games. Miss Helen and Mr. Bell played cards, Miss Lou and I chess, and Willie and Florence Illges draughts, the rest looked on at the games so that we had three little circles in the room. After Miss Lou and Miss Helen left; Mr. McJunkin and I played chess until we were called to dinner; Mr. McJunkin is private secretary to Mr. Alex. Stephens; he is a very pleasant gentleman.
In the afternoon we took a long walk, we went to the post office, a mile and a quarter from here; on the way back the sun was setting behind us, the air was cool and pleasant and overhead the sky was that greyish blue which distinguishes it in warm winter days.
I was forcibly reminded of those lines of Bryant's
for although this is August it seems very such like Autumn to me, even
the wind as it blows through the trees reminds me of Autumn.
Today, as I said before, I have passed in writing letters, I have also
But I must now close, I fell down yesterday while playing and feel quite stiff today, writing so much has made my arm Lame.
Willie left us yesterday morning very early; we miss him so much, it
seems as if he had been gone a week instead of a day.
We moved downstairs yesterday, and find our new rooms very comfortable
now, though I am afraid they will prove a little too open in really cold
weather. They are not ceiled at all, and have only a thin partition between
them, which does not reach all the way up, so that a conversation can be
carried on with ease by persons in different rooms. This makes no difference
with us, on the contrary it is rath
I must now close, as the first bell has rung for dinner.
I have so much news to write that I scarcely know where to begin; in the first place we received a mail from the Cohuttah post office this morning, and as all my news is contained in these letters, this is the most important item. We had three letters, one from Pa, one from Aunt Satira, and the other for me from Miss Ginnie Calwell. Pa says that Mr. and Mrs. Rigby (from Vicksburg) are coming to Cohuttah Springs, but if they come, I do not think they will stay, Cohuttah is too quiet a place for Mrs. Rigby.
Miss Ginnie writes that Mrs. Garrett's house has been burned, and every thing lost, I am very sorry. Miss Ginnie also says that it is so very warm in Amite they cannot sleep, but have often sat up all night on the piazza.
And last and greatest of all, Uncle Moses is at length married, Aunt Satira
writes that they had been married a week when she wrote; alas! my new Aunt
cannot fill the place of the one I have lost. But this is not a fit marriage
The weather is now quite warm, this is the first oppressive day we
have had for a week.
It is three weeks today since we left home, but it seems a much longer time to me. I have spent it quite pleasantly however.
Mr. McJunkin is going to leave us on Wednesday, we shall all miss him very much for he is the only pleasant young gentleman here. Mr. Woodburn is not at all agreeable.
I rode out this morning with a very pleasant old gentleman, Mr. Ross, he and his wife are here spending the summer, or a part of it, at the springs, they came for the health of Mrs. Ross who is an invalid. Mr. Ross brought his horse and buggy with him, and has take all the young ladies out to ride, today he said that it was my turn.
We had a very pleasant drive of about two miles, and stopped nearly an hour at the house of Mr. McKamy, where we had some delicious fruit; while we were there Mr. Lough Miller came driving up with his hack full of ladies whom he had brought out for a ride, they were Mother, Mrs. Hammond, Mrs. Lough Miller, and Mrs. Field.
Mother promised this morning to send Mrs. Ross a recipe, I put it down here so that it shall not be forgotten.
I feel quite lonely this morning, five of our company have left us. Mr.
McJunkin is gone I felt very sorry to part with him, he said that he would
come out west in the winter and that he might meet us again, poor young man,
Mr. and Mrs. Ross left us this morning, they do not expect to return, but there is a possibility that they may, I wish they would, they are so genial and agreeable that we shall miss them very much indeed. The other two departures were those of Mrs. Loughmiller and her sister Miss Vernon who has been spending a few days here. Mrs. Loughmiller will return again in a few days.
Mrs. Hammond went away yesterday evening, she has gone to see her sister and will come back on Monday.
And now that there are so many departures I must record one arrival, which I had forgotten before, a family came here on Saturday, they have rented one of the cabins and expect to spend the summer here, I believe. There is a young lady in the family, Miss Julia, and I intend to call upon her today. We should have done it before, but did not have time while Mr. McJunkin was here, as we had to write some letters to send by him.
I received a letter from Willie Monday afternoon, he had arrived safely at General Robison's and was enjoying himself very much indeed, he said that Uncle Davie had gone North. Mother and I also received a letter each from Father; he was well, and was about to set out upon a trip to Shreveport.
Mr. and Mrs. Horne were here yesterday to spend the day; they went to Dalton the morning we left, and arrived after we had been gone about half an hour. Mr. Horne is