The Baptist & Methodist L. Schools had a grand celebration at Mt Carmel in conjunction with various country schools — a watermelon party. I went with June — in Mrs Utley's rickaway Enjoyed the day very much — a pretty sight!

Went with Mrs Utley to see Martha Rogers — & a sick woman Betsy Davis — dying of consumption at the old Bachelor place. June enjoyed her little rides so much. When I build a castle in the air — a horse & buggy to drive us out in always forms a part of it.

Letter from Jack L. No news — but little satisfactory of himself except that his health is better. Had received my & June's photographs — much pleased therewith. This is the first letter I have had from him since last fall. Had one from Dr. I. in April last — 10th.

Charles Mitchell died in Ala. on the 10th of July — a letter has been received by Mrs M. giving very meagre details — ill four or five days. Room for painful conjecture as his habits were those of an opium-eater. Dr Mitchell's only son! The Dr's reputation will be an enduring one in this State, but it will rest on his own fame alone. Fifty years hence it will be more prominent & more revered than now — it is a kind of reputation that grows with advancing years. But his son — his son! I never admired Charles Mitchell as boy or as young man. There was always a certain repulsive something in the expression of his face — handsome as it was. Something brutal. But I always thought he would be an able & respectable man. Even when I heard of that fatal habit, I still had so much faith in a godly parentage — religious training — & the prayers of his family that I was sure the day would come when God's mercy would be shown in his reformation. I could not think that Dr Mitchell's only son would be a cast-away. Nor do I think we have any right to think that is the case even now. What can we know of his last hours.

Our University has only 100 students. At Gen Lee's College over 700 applications have been received — 500 at the Va Uni. Dr Link writes to his wife that Gen Lee's boys are very insubordinate. I think that flood tide in favor of Va will ebb after a while. Why should Gen Lee be a first rate college President!

I think sometimes I would like to write little articles upon certain verses in the Bible that always strike me. I come across them now & then in reading at family prayers in the Old Testament. Sometimes it is only a clause of a sentence, but it is always fresh & new & sets me to thinking. June takes great interest in the readings at prayers. All about David this summer — beginning now with Solomon. She listens with her mouth open.

I let her go to one of the weekly dances at the Library with Mrs F. the other night. She came home quite satisfied & says she never wants to go again. I hope not.