1842
JANUARY
1 January 1842. Today was clear and very pleasant. The wind was WNW.
I started this morning at 8 o'clock in the cars for Wilmington. Immediately on my arrival there (which was about 10 o'clock), I went up to see John McClung to make arrangements for the burial of my uncle. After seeing him I walked around to see several of our friends and to inform them of his death when I again went around to see Mr. McClung and we both went out together to complete the arrangements. I got through about 12 o'clock, took dinner at Mr. McClung's and returned to the boat and got home around 1/4 of 4 p.m.
I remained at home during the rest of the afternoon and evening. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
2 January 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 35 degrees, and at 4 1/2 p.m. was at 43 degrees.
My uncle was brought to our house early yesterday morning, it having been thought most expedient to bury him from there. We were all up very early this morning and started for Wilmington at 8 a.m. with the corpse of my uncle to deposit in the upper ground of that city.
After the burial we all returned to the boat and arrived home at about 4 o'clock. I got up at 5 o'clock a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
3 January 1842. Today was clear and cold with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 8 1/2 a.m. & 11 p.m. was at 25 degrees, and at 2 p.m. it was at 28 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home writing for Mr. Campbell. Mr. and Mrs. Calligan spent the evening here. I got up at 1/4 of 8 a.m. and got to bed at half past 11 p.m.
4 January 1842. Today was changeable. The wind was from the SW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 32 degrees, at 2 p.m. 39 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 35 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was down at William Hanly's until about 9 o'clock when I came home. I got up at 1/4 past 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
5 January 1842. Today was clear with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 29 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 34 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 27 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was home writing for Mr. Campbell. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 30 minutes past 11 p.m.
6 January 1842. It was cloudy all day. The wind was from the NE, it afterwards got around to the SE and it commenced raining about dark and continued to do so during the evening. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 25 degrees, at 2 p.m. 35 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 39 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was down at the store attending it. Mr. Stockley spent the evening here and took supper here. I got up at 1/4 past 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
7 January 1842. It was raining all day until about evening when it stopped. The wind was from the SW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 39 degrees, at 2 p.m. 41 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 39 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the 10th lecture of the Mercantile Library Company. Elihu Burnett, Esquire of Massachusetts lectured on "The Success of Preserving Self-cultivation Independent of Native Genius." I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
8 January 1842. It was cloudy and commenced raining about dark and continued to do so during the evening. The wind was from the NE. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 33 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 36 degrees, and at 8 1/2 p.m. it was at 37 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 10 p.m. Papa gave me a red silk net purse today as a present.
9 January 1842. Today was clear and like a day in the spring. The wind was W. The thermometer at 8 1/2 a.m. was at 38 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 47 degrees, at 6 p.m. 44 degrees, and at 9 p.m. it was at 43 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and evening. Mr. Watson preached in the evening. I was at Mr. Neville's in the afternoon; he preached.
Before church in the afternoon Bill Hanly and I walked out to see the new suspension bridge at Callowhill St. and the Schuylkill. The bridge [was put] on the cables on last Saturday week. It is not yet completed. I got up at 1/4 of 8 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
10 January 1842. We had all kinds of weather today. It rained, hailed & snowed and cleared up in the evening. The wind was from the NE. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 2 p.m. 36 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 34 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home except the time I accompanied... in going down to the Post Office and back.
The United States Hotel was reopened today under the charge of Mr. Reak. It has been fitted up in the most improved style. There was also a dinner given by the proprietor, I believe free.
There was a procession of several companies and citizens came down from Pottsville today in celebration of opening the railroad between that place and this city. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 minutes of 11 p.m.
11 January 1842. Today was cloudy. It commenced snowing about 8 1/2 a.m. and continued until about 2 p.m. and made very slushy walking. The wind was NNE. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 33 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 36 degrees, and at 1/4 of 10 p.m. it was at 34 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home writing a deed for Mr. Campbell. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 5 minutes past 10 p.m. At 10 p.m. it was cloudy.
12 January 1842. It was cloudy and clear alternately. The wind was from the SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 33 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 39 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 36 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I went down to see Bill Hanly; he is very unwell and has been so for a week back. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 5 m. past 11 p.m.
13 January 1842. Today was clear and cold with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 31 degrees, at 2 p.m. 30 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a lecture of the Livingston Institute. After that was out I went around to cousins' on 9th St. I got home at 10 1/2 p.m. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
14 January 1842. It was cloudy all day but there was no rain. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 28 degrees, at 1 1/4 p.m. 40 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 37 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at the 11th lecture of the Mercantile Library Company; the lecture subject was "Naples". I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
15 January 1842. It was clear all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 a.m. was at 35 degrees, at 2 p.m. 40 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home writing a deed for Papa. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 3/4 p.m.
16 January 1842. It was cloudy all day and evening. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 8 1/4 a.m. was at 31 degrees, at 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 36 degrees.
I was at the Unitarian Church in the morning to hear Mr. Furness deliver a eulogy on the death of Mr. John Vaughan. The text was Psalms 96, verse 14. In the afternoon I was at Grace Church; Mr. Watson preached. In the evening I was down at Mr. Campbell's until about 8 o'clock writing Griffith Evans' will when I went down to Mr. Coleman's where I met Hanly and Milligan. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
17 January 1842. Today was clear and very pleasant with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 34 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 43 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 27 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I went down to see Miss Mercer with Sam Milligan. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and I got to bed at 5 minutes of 11 p.m.
18 January 1842. It was a clear and delightful day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 35 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 47 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 41 degrees. It was so warm and pleasant today that I had no need of a cloak or an overcoat.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the monthly meeting of the National Literary Association. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 minutes of 11 p.m.
19 January 1842. It was clear and very pleasant and there was no cloak required. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 49 degrees, and at 1 1/2 a.m. it was at 41 degrees. I was at the office all day. This evening I was at a party given by Mrs. Edward Roberts - there were from 60 to 70 persons there. I got home about 1 a.m. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 minutes past 2 a.m.
20 January 1842. It was clear until about 2 p.m. when it clouded over. The wind was from the SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 a.m. was at 39 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 57 degrees, and at 9 p.m. it was at 54 degrees. Today was more like a day in the spring than a day in January. The canary birds were all singing about at the doors and the widows as if it were summer time. It was so warm we had to have the windows up for a while at the office in the afternoon.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 9 1/2 p.m.
21 January 1842. It was cloudy most of the day, but there was no rain. It cleared off beautifully about dark and we had a splendid moonlit evening. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 a.m. was at 49 degrees, at 2 p.m. 44 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 37 degrees. It got very cold towards the evening.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the 12th lecture of the Mercantile Library Company - it was very crowded. Elihu Burnett, Esquire lectured on the subject: "Is the Patriotism of Ancient Rome Consistent with the Duties of an American Citizen?"
I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 minutes past 11 p.m.
22 January 1842. It was clear and much colder than it has been for several days back. The wind was WSW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 35 degrees, at 2 p.m. 39 degrees, and at 9 p.m. it was at 31 degrees.
I was at the office in the morning and in the afternoon until about half past 3 when I went up to the University to see a number of persons take exhilarating (laughing) gas. This evening I was at home reading. I got up at seven o'clock a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
23 January 1842. It was clear and cold all day; there is a good deal of ice again. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 24 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 28 degrees, at 5 1/2 p.m. 26 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 23 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Watson preached in the morning and Mr. Odenheimer from St. Phillip's Church preached in the afternoon. This evening I was at St. Phillip's Church, Mr. Neville preached. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
24 January 1842. Today was clear and cold with the wind from the NW. It got around to the SE towards dark and now has the appearance of clouding over. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 18 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 25 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 23 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was out with Sam Milligan. We were at his house, Miss Mercer's, and William Hanly's. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
25 January 1842. It was cloudy all day with a slight sprinklin' of snow about 5 p.m. The wind was SSE. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 26 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 38 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 32 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home until about 10 o'clock when I went home with Elizabeth Roberts and Lucretia Whitman; they were both here to tea. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m. At half past 10 p.m. it was cloudy and the wind was SW.
26 January 1842. It was clear and mild, but very pleasant. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 a.m. was at 30 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 42 degrees, and at 10 3/4 p.m. it was at 37 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home. Mr. Gibbons was here to dinner and supper and spent the evening here from Wilmington. I got up at 1/4 past 7 a.m. and got to bed at quarter past 11 o'clock p.m.
27 January 1842. Today was clear and very windy. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 2 p.m. 38 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 28 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home reading. The Girard Bank was closed today, not being able to redeem their notes. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
28 January 1842. It was clear all day with the wind from the S. This evening was clear. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 32 degrees, at 2 p.m. 42 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 38 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the 13th lecture of the Mercantile Library Company. Mr. William H. Dillingham lectured on "Public Libraries and their Differences." I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
29 January 1842. It was clear during the morning, but it got cloudy and damp in the afternoon and it remained so during the evening. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 40 degrees, at 9 1/2 a.m. p.m. it was at 51 degrees.
I was at the office in the morning. In the afternoon I took a walk out with William Hanly to see the river suspension bridge; we walked on it - it was the first time that either he or I walked over it. After coming in from the bridge we walked up and down Chestnut St.
This evening I was at home reading The History of France. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m. At 9 p.m. it was cloudy.
30 January 1842. Today was clear and very pleasant with the wind from the WSW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 45 degrees, at 2 p.m. 52 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 44 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Coleman preached in the morning and Mr. Newton preached in the afternoon. Previous to going to church in the afternoon, I walked to cousin Elizabeth Roberts to see their new house where they now reside on 5th St. near Vine St. In the evening I went down to Mr. Coleman's Church and he preached. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 25 minutes of 11 o'clock.
31 January 1842. It was cloudy and it rained most of the day and evening. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 47 degrees, at 2 p.m. 50 degrees, and at 11 1/2 p.m. it was at 46 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went to see them take exhilaration gas at the University. After it was out, which was about 9 o'clock, I came home and read until half past 11 p.m. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 12 a.m.
FEBRUARY
1 February 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day and evening. The wind was WNW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 38 degrees, at 2 p.m. 45 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 38 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I went to see a party of Indians and their squaws perform at the Masonic Hall. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
2 February 1842. Today was clear and very mild. The wind was S. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 34 degrees, at 2 p.m. 48 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 45 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home writing for Mr. Campbell. Mrs. Jewell spent the evening here and took tea with us. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m. At 10 1/2 p.m. it was clouding over.
3 February 1842. It was cloudy and damp and very warm all day. It was so warm that we sat down at the office with the windows and doors open. The wind was S. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 54 degrees, at 2 p.m. 62 degrees, and at 11 1/4 p.m. it was at 61 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home writing for Mr. Campbell. Libby went to the Alms' House today. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 12 a.m.
4 February 1842. It was cloudy, damp and very warm. The wind was SSW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 63 degrees, at 2 p.m. 65 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 62 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at Mr. Burr's; I was there to see John Hendricks. I was there until about 9 o'clock when I came home and read. It has been so warm for the last few days that I noticed one of the trees before the door has come out. There are now quite small leaves on it. It was so warm today that we had to have the doors and windows open. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
5 February 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day and evening. The wind was SSW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 51 degrees, and at 2 p.m. it was at 53 degrees.
I was at the office until about 12 p.m. when I went in search of John Hendricks to make arrangements to go up to his place in the country. In the afternoon, about 4 o'clock, we started to go up. We arrived up there about 6 1/2 p.m. after a very pleasant ride. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
6 February 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with a strong wind from the SW. The thermometer at 12 p.m. was at 50 degrees.
At about 10 a.m., John Hendricks and I walked over to Mr. Hollewell's. We stayed there about an hour when we came home and got dinner. After dinner we took a nap and then walked over to Mr. Conrad's and we sat there a while and then came home and got supper and went to bed at about 8 1/2 p.m. I got up at about 1/4 past 7 a.m.
7 February 1842. It commenced raining early in the morning and continued to do so all day. I remained about the store most of the morning, it being too rainy to go out.
In the afternoon, about 3 o'clock, I took the stage for Philadelphia, which was a tremendously leaky one. I was wet through to the skin by the time I got into town which was about 5 1/2 p.m. While at the Fox Chase I spent a very pleasant time, with the exception of the wet ride. I was up to Mr. Burr's in the evening. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 3/4 p.m.
8 February 1842. Today was changeable and yet very cold towards night. The wind was WNW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 a.m. was at 38 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. it was at 38 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 25 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. Sarah and Margaret Gibbons came up from Wilmington today and intend staying with us for a time. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 20 minutes past 11 p.m.
9 February 1842. It was clear and cold all day and evening. The wind was WSW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 a.m. was at 21 degrees, and at 2 p.m. & 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 29 degrees. The tide in the river today was lower that it has been since 1794.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home writing until 9 o'clock, when I went down to Olaf Gibbons' and spent the rest of the evening there. Pa, Ma, Lydia, and Margaret & Rebecca Gibbons were there. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
10 February 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 29 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 45 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 38 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. Mrs. Henry Gibbons took tea and spent the evening with us. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and I got to bed at 15 minutes past 11 p.m.
11 February 1842. It was clear during the day and in the evening it was cloudy. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 3 p.m. 55 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 46 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the 14th lecture of the Mercantile Library Company - Professor Bache lectured on "Switzerland." Rebecca Gibbons and Lydia went with me. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
12 February 1842. It was cloudy and damp all day, but warm. This evening was clear. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. & 11 p.m. was at 46 degrees, and at 2 1/2 p.m. it was at 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was out at Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts'. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m.
13 February 1842. It rained all day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 a.m. was at 40 degrees, at 12 p.m. 41 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 43 degrees.
I was at home during the morning reading. In the afternoon I was at St. Stephen's Church and this evening I was at Grace Church. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
14 February 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 43 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 47 degrees, and at 11 3/4 p.m. it was at 29 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was out with William Hanly; we first went down to see Miss Mercer, she not being in we came up to Miss Bell's where we found Miss Mercer. We stayed there until 8 1/2 p.m. when we went to Miss Day's where we stayed until about 11 1/2 p.m. when we came home. We spent a very pleasant evening at Miss D. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 past 11 p.m.
15 February 1842. It was clear all day and cold with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 5 a.m. was at 23 degrees, at 2 p.m. 35 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 29 degrees.
I was at the office all day and I spent the evening at Mrs. Mary Roberts' - there were a number of people there. I got up at 1/4 of 5 a.m. and got to bed at 20 m. past 11 p.m.
16 February 1842. It was snowing hard when I got up this morning, but it soon turned to rain and continued to do so with the wind from the SE until the afternoon when it stopped and the wind got around to the NW. It snowed most of the evening. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 32 degrees, at 2 p.m. 45 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 30 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at one of Mr. Wales' Cotillion parties with Rebecca Gibbons and Lydia. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m. It was blowing very hard from the NW and it was cold.
17 February 1842. It was clear and very cold and windy. The wind was from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 20 degrees, at 2 p.m. 25 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 23 degrees.
I was at the office all day and I spent this evening around at cousins' on 9th St. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 11 p.m.
18 February 1842. It was cloudy all day with the wind from the SE The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 22 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 43 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 51 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the 15th of the Mercantile Library Company lectures; John Cadwalader(1) lectured on "The Difference between Learning and Knowledge." I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 3/4 p.m. At 10 1/2 p.m. it was blowing a tremendous gale from the SE.
19 February 1842. When I got up this morning it was pouring rain and blowing a heavy gale from the SE It stopped about 8 o'clock a.m. and cleared up about 9 a.m. The rest of the day was clear and pleasant. The wind got around to NW in the afternoon. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 55 degrees, at 2 p.m. 47 degrees, and at 9 1/4 p.m. it was at 33 degrees.
I was at the office in the morning. In the afternoon I was walking up and down Chestnut St. most of the time. This evening I was at home writing. I got up at 10 m. past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
20 February 1842. It was clear and cold and this evening it was moonlit. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 26 degrees, at 2 p.m. 35 degrees, and at 1/4 of 10 p.m. it was at 28 degrees.
I was at Quaker Meeting in the morning with Rebecca Gibbons and Lydia. In the afternoon I was at St. Luke's with Margaret & Rebecca Gibbons, William Hanly, and Lydia. This evening I was at St Phillip's with Margaret Gibbons and Lydia. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 5 m. past 10 p.m. At 10 p.m. it was clear and cold.
21 February 1842. It was clear and delightful weather. The wind was from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 26 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 11 1/4 p.m. it was at 31 degrees. I was at the office all day.
I spent the evening down at Mrs. Edith Prichett's. Ma, Pa, Lydia, and Margaret & Rebecca Gibbons, together with several others, were there. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m. At 11 p.m. it was clear, pleasant and moonlit.
22 February 1842. It was a clear and delightful day. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 29 degrees, at 1 p.m. 40 degrees, and at 12 a.m. it was at 33 degrees.
I was at the office most of the day. This evening I was out at Mrs. Algernon Roberts' - there were about 30 there - 6 Elliotts, 8 Robertses, 4 Erwins, 2 Gibbonses, 4 Cuthberts, Mr. & Mrs. Carr, Mr. & Mrs. Jewell, 4 Thomases and several others. I never spent a pleasanter evening. Coming home it was moonlit and we had a delightful time as there were so many of us. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 12 1/2 a.m.
23 February 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 30 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 40 degrees, and at 11 1/2 p.m. it was at 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day. I spent the evening at Mr. Charles Gibbons'; I was there introduced to Miss Sarah Wharton, Miss Elizabeth Hollingsworth, Charles Wharton and Mrs. Howell. There were several others there. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 12 a.m.
24 February 1842. It was a clear and very pleasant day with the wind from the SW. At 6 1/2 a.m. it was 32 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 46 degrees, and at 11 1/2 p.m. it was 39 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" with William Hanly, Rebecca Gibbons and Lydia. After that was out, William Hanly and I went to see two men who bet they could walk a plank 15 ft. by 3 ft. for 48 hours without sitting down a resting - one of them was at the Bath Coffee House and the other at a house on Library St. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 12 a.m.
25 February 1842. It was cloudy all day and it commenced raining a little about 7 p.m. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 36 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 43 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 39 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the 16th lecture of the Mercantile Library Company. Professor Vethake lectured on "Our Country." I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
26 February 1842. It poured rain all morning. The sun came out about noon, but it soon clouded over again. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 39 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 43 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 39 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home reading Plutarch's Lives. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 3/4 p.m. At 10 p.m. it was cloudy.
27 February 1842. It was a clear and delightful day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 2 p.m. 48 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 43 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning; Mr. Watson preached. In the afternoon I was at Dr. Bethany's at 10th and Filbert Street; he preached. This evening I was at St. Philip's with Rebecca Gibbons and Lydia; Mr. Neville preached. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
28 February 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the W. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 39 degrees, at 2 p.m. 51 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 43 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. Mr. & Mrs. Algernon Roberts. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Roberts, Anna and Elizabeth Roberts(2) , and Rebecca Gibbons spent the evening here. The wind got around to the SE towards dark and it clouded over. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
MARCH
1 March 1842. It was cloudy early in the morning. It afterward cleared off very mild - no overcoat being required. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 5 a.m. was at 43 degrees, at 2 p.m. 55 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 50 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I went to St. Andrew's Church with Barry Russell. Mr. Neville preached us an elegant and delightful sermon. After church was out, I went down to Bill Hanly's for awhile. Lydia got her new piano today from D.B. Groves. I got up at 4 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
2 March 1842. It poured rain most all day, but was clear during the evening. The wind was SE, but got around to the SW at dark. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 50 degrees, at 2 p.m. 58 degrees in the yard and 64 degrees in the street, and at 12 a.m. it was at 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at one of Wales' Cotillion parties with Rebecca Gibbons and Lydia. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 12 a.m.
3 March 1842. It was clear and delightful all day; it was so warm that we were obliged to sit with the windows and doors open all day. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 52 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. on the side of 8th St. 72 degrees and in the yard 68 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 50 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" with Sarah Roberts and Lydia. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m. It was so warm in the sun today that persons carried umbrellas.
4 March 1842. Today was clear and very warm, so warm that I saw boys running about the streets barefoot. We however had two showers about the middle of the day. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 56 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 65 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the 17th lecture of the Mercantile Library Company. Judge Barton lectured on "The Age In Which We Live." I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
5 March 1842. Today was clear and very warm with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 61 degrees, at 2 p.m. 69 degrees, and at 8 1/2 p.m. it was at 56 degrees.
I was at the office during the morning. In the afternoon, Mr. Christian, his sister, and several other ladies and gentlemen, and myself, walked out to the new wire bridge. In the evening I was at home. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 9 1/2 p.m.
6 March 1842. It was a damp, raw, and very unpleasant day and it rained in the evening, The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 45 degrees, at 6 p.m. 46 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 43 degrees. I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon. This evening I was at Trinity with Bill Hanly. After church I was introduced to Miss Shankland by William Hanly. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m. At 10 1/2 p.m. it was still raining.
7 March 1842. It rained all day with the wind from the NE. It got around towards the NW towards dark and cleared up cold. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 45 degrees, and at 10 1/2 M it was at 38 degrees.
I was at the office all day. I spent the evening down at Miss Shankland's with William Hanly for the first time. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m. There was thunder and lightning very much last night.
8 March 1842. It was clear and cool all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 55 degrees, 2 p.m. 47 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 40 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at the 2nd Anniversary of the National Literary Institute. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
9 March 1842. It rained most all day. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 41 degrees, at 11 p.m. it was at 50 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the gymnasium exercising. Today was the first of my going there. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and walked down to Dock St. wharf to see Boy, but I did not see him. I got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m. I was weighed today and my weight is 132 pounds.
10 March 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day and the evening was cloudy. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 52 degrees, at 2 p.m. 63 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 51 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" with Mary & Louisa Wood and Lydia. The Poor Gentleman was played. It commenced raining about 11 o'clock p.m. I got up at half past 6 a.m. and got to bed at quarter past 11 o'clock.
11 March 1842. It was raining hard when I got up, with the wind from the NE. It afterwards got around to NW and it cleared up about 3 1/2 p.m. It clouded over again about 5 1/2 p.m. and we had quite a snow storm, although it did not last for more than half an hour. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 47 degrees, at 10 p.m. 37 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the 18th, and concluding, lecture of the Mercantile Library Company. Mr. Joseph Chandler lectured on "The Influence of Religion on the Character and Conduct of Women". It was a very fine lecture, delivered in an able manner. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
12 March 1842. It was clear and cold all day with the wind from the NW. There was ice again this morning - there has not been any for some time. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 29 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 8 1/2 p.m. it was at 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
13 March 1842. It was cloudy most of the day, but there was no rain. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 33 degrees, at 1 p.m. 46 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 41 degrees. The ground was covered with snow when I got up this morning, but it soon disappeared.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and evening. Mr. Watson preached in the morning and Mr. Tyng preached in the evening. In the afternoon I was with William Hanly; we went to St. James' and Christ Church, but we did not remain at either. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
14 March 1842. It was cloudy most of the day, but there was no rain. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 39 degrees, at 2 p.m. 46 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 41 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home. Lydia, Gainor, and Tacy & Sarah Roberts spent the evening here. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
15 March 1842. It was cloudy most of the day and rained very hard about noon with a little snow. The wind was changeable. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 1/2 of 2 p.m. 45 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 42 degrees.
This evening I was at Grace Church. Mr. Newton preached from the 1st verse and the 7th chapter of Genesis. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
16 March 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. was at 57 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. it was at 52 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at Mr. Wales' last cotillion party - I danced 11 sets. I got up at 5 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 1 a.m.
17 March 1842. It was clear all day though rather misty at times. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 43 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 57 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 54 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" with Louisa Wood and Lydia. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m. Cousin Tacy Roberts and Warner & Mrs. Jones were here this evening.
18 March 1842. It was clear until about the middle of the day when it clouded over and commenced raining about 9 1/2 p.m. The wind was from the SW. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. was at 50 degrees, at 1/4 of 2 p.m. 60 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 52 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was down at William Hanly's, at an exhibitions of paintings, and at church. There was just now a vivid flash of lightning and a very hearing clap of thunder. Lid got home today. I got up at 5 a.m. and got to bed at half past 10 p.m.
19 March 1842. I was clear all day and evening with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 49 degrees, at 2 p.m. 63 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 59 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at a prayer meeting with Barry Russell. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at half past 10 p.m.
20 March 1842. It was rather misty and cloudy all day and evening and it rained very hard about 10 p.m. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 a.m. was at 65 degrees, at 2 p.m. 65 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 56 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning; Mr. Watson preached. In the afternoon I was at St. Philip's Church; Mr. Neville preached. This evening I was at Trinity; Mr. Dercasha preached. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
21 March 1842. It was cloudy and raining on and off all day and it poured rain all morning. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 45 degrees, and at 2 p.m. it was at 42 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the gymnasium and home. I measured myself today to see whether I gained anything from going to the gymnasium. I measured 10 inches around the upper part of the arm when doubled up and 30 and a half inches around the breast. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
22 March 1842. It was a damp, raw, and rainy day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 2 p.m. 41 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 39 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was down at William Rotch's - there was a meeting of young men to propose arrangements to obtain or buy the 'Falcon' barge. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
23 March 1842. It was cloudy all day but there was no rain. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 35 degrees, at 2 p.m. 45 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 37 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the gymnasium, [then to] Mrs. Mary Roberts', William Hanly's, and the Roberts' on 9th St.
24 March 1842. It was cloudy all day and it rained during the evening. The wind was from the SE The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 2 p.m. 43 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 37 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" with Miss Mary Hall. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at quarter past 11 p.m.
25 March 1842. It was a raw, rainy, and very unpleasant day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 41 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 40 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at Grace Church with Barry Russell; Bishop Onderdonk preached and there were 32 confirmed there. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 12 a.m. At 11 1/2 p.m. there was bad fire, the bell rang SE.
26 March 1842. It was cloudy most of the day and it was clear and moonlit during the evening. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 43 degrees, at 2 p.m. 49 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 41 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at the gymnasium. Ma and Lydia went to Wilmington this afternoon. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
27 March 1842. It was a clear and very delightful day. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 40 degrees, at 2 p.m. 57 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 49 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon; Mr. Watson preached in the morning. In the evening I was at St. Phillip's Church with Sarah Roberts; Mr. Neville preached. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 20 m. of 11 p.m.
28 March 1842. Today was clear and very windy. The wind is NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 46 degrees, at 2 p.m. 52 degrees, at 6 p.m. 46 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 39 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was home until about 8 1/2 o'clock when I went down to see William Hanly. I remained there until 10 o'clock when I came home. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 25 minutes past 11 p.m. At 11 p.m. it was moonlit.
29 March 1842. It was clear all day with the wind from the SW. It got around to the to S about dark and clouded over. The thermometer at 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. was at 36 degrees, and at 2 p.m. was at 52 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I spent down at Miss Day's with William Hanly. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m.
30 March 1842. It was cloudy all day with a little rain in the afternoon. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 46 degrees, at 2 p.m. 57 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 55 degrees.
In the evening I was at one of Mr. Wales' practicing parties for dancing. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m. At 10 1/2 p.m. there was the appearance of clearing with the wind from the NW. Papa went to Wilmington this morning.
31 March 1842. It was a windy, dusty, and unpleasant day and sometimes cloudy with a little snow in the afternoon. The wind was from the NW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 49 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. was at 39 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at "Rhetorical Academy" with Lydia. Pa, Ma, and Lydia got home from Wilmington today. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
APRIL
1 April 1842. It was clear and rather cool all day. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 35 degrees, at 2 p.m. 47 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 41 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I went to see "Othello" at the Walnut St. Theatre. Ma intends staying all night at Mrs. Roberts' to sit up with the baby tonight -- it is not expected to live. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
2 April 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 42 degrees, at 2 p.m. 63 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 56 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at the Athenaeum reading Cathius Indian Gallery. Mrs. May Roberts' baby died this afternoon at 1/4 past 6 p.m. after an illness of some time. I got up this morning at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
3 April 1842. It was cloudy all day and it poured rain during the evening. The wind was from the SW. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 54 degrees, at 12 1/4 p.m. it was at 69 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 61 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning; Mr. Watson preached. In the afternoon I was at St. Peter's Church with William Hanly. It is the first time that I was ever there except once before when I was there for a little while before the church let out. Mr. Odenheimer preached from the 3rd chapter of St. Peter, verses 17 to 20. This evening I was at Trinity Church with William Hanly and Sam Milligan; Mr. Coleman preached. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
4 April 1842. It rained all day and the wind was from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 50 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 44 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 42 degrees.
I was at the office in the morning. In the afternoon I went to the funeral of Mrs. Edward Roberts' baby at Laurel Hill - it was 12 months old. In the evening I went to a "declaration by the members of the Junior Class" in the College Hall(3) on 9th St. It did not rain during the evening. I got up at 5 m. of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
5 April 1842. It was cloudy till the latter part of the afternoon when it cleared up. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 42 degrees, and at 2 p.m. it was at 49 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home copying a "Brief of Title" for Mr. A. Roberts. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 12 1/4 a.m.
6 April 1842. It was misty or rather cloudy all day and evening. The wind was SE The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 43 degrees, and at 2 p.m. it was at 62 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home writing for Mr. Roberts. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 12 1/4 a.m.
7 April 1842. It was cloudy all day with a heavy shower of rain about 2 p.m. The wind was SE The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 52 degrees, at 2 p.m. 56 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 52 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" with Lydia. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m. At 11 p.m. it was drizzling rain and unpleasant.
8 April 1842. It was cloudy all day and commenced raining about dark and continued to do so very hard all the evening. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 49 degrees, at 2 p.m. 50 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 45 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home reading. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m. At 10 p.m. it was pouring rain.
9 April 1842. It was a raw, cold, rainy and very unpleasant day. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 40 degrees and at 1 1/2 p.m. was at 42 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was down at William Hanly's. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 m. past 11 p.m.
10 April 1842. It was a clear and very delightful day. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 48 degrees, at 12 p.m. 57 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 53 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning; Mr. Watson preached. In the afternoon Sam Milligan, William Hanly and I went down to the River to see the brig Gypsy; the one Hanly intends going to St. John's on and to proceed to Halifax on. After looking at her we went to St. Peter's Church. This evening I was at Grace Church and Mr. Watson preached. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
11 April 1842. It was a clear and very delightful day with the wind to the NW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 57 degrees, at 2 p.m. 66 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 57 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at a meeting of the National Literary Association. I stayed there a while, came home and dressed and went down to Mr. Campbell's to pick up Lydia -- there was a kind of party there. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 10 p.m.
12 April 1842. It was clear and delightful until about the middle of the day when it clouded over and commenced raining in the latter part of the afternoon and continued to do so on and off through the evening. The wind in the morning was NW and in the afternoon NE. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 52 degrees, at 2 p.m. 65 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home most of the time. There was a grand parade of the Temperance men. They turned out about 8000 or 10,000 strong. I got up at 25 minutes past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
13 April 1842. It was a damp, raw, rainy and very unpleasant day and evening. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. and at 2 p.m. was at 47 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home reading. Tacy Roberts was here all day helping Ma sew. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
14 April 1842. It was raining hard when I got up, but it cleared off about noon very pleasantly. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 42 degrees, at 2 p.m. 57 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 51 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" until about 10 o'clock when I came home and then went home with Elizabeth and Anna Roberts. Joseph Thomas, Mrs. Eliza Elliott, and Ann Elliott went to Pittsburgh today; they intend staying about three weeks. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
15 April 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 48 degrees, and at 2 p.m. it was at 63 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at one of the Mr. Wales' practicing parties. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
16 April 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day. The wind was W. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 48 degrees, at 2 p.m. 55 degrees, and at 11 1/2 p.m. it was at 49 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home writing a deed for Mr. Emory. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 12 o'clock.
17 April 1842. It was a raw, damp and very unpleasant day and evening with a very strong wind from the NE. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. and 12 1/2 p.m. was at 47 degrees, and at 9 p.m. it was at 43 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning. In the afternoon and evening I was at home, it being so stormy and unpleasant. I got up at 25 m. past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
18 April 1842. It rained all day. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. was at 43 degrees and at 2 p.m. it was at 45 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. Mr. William H. White from Fredericksburg spent the evening here. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
19 April 1842. It poured rain all day. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 9 p.m. was at 45 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home reading. I got up at 25 m. past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 10 p.m.
20 April 1842. It was clear and delightful with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 48 degrees and at 10 p.m. it was at 52 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home making a draft of a deed for Mr. Emory. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
21 April 1842. It was clear and delightful all day and evening with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 5 1/4 a.m. was at 48 degrees, at 1 p.m. 62 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 53 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at a concert of the Philharmonic Society with Lydia, Mrs. Reynolds, and Caroline Gibbons from Wilmington were here today. I got up at 1/4 of 5 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
22 April 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 51 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 72 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 63 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy". Pa went and came back from Doylestown today. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
23 April 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 65 degrees and at 2 p.m. 71 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home writing a deed for Mr. Emory. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 12.
24 April 1842. It was cloudy all day and evening but there was no rain. The wind was SSE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 53 degrees, at 3 p.m. 69 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 68 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon. This evening I was at St. Phillip's Church; Mr. Neville preached. In the afternoon I took a walk with Geo. Cook and another young man whose name I do not remember out to Walnut St., it being quite a fashionable promenade. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
25 April 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 58 degrees, at 2 p.m. 72 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 5 m. of 9 p.m. At 8 p.m. it was very warm.
26 April 1842. It was clear all day until about 4 p.m. when it clouded up very heavily and commenced raining very hard and it continued to do so all through the evening. The wind was SW. until the change when it got around to the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 58 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 81 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home feeling unwell. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 9 p.m. We had a fire in the grate for the first time this season.
27 April 1842. It was clear and cooler than yesterday until about 4 p.m. when it clouded over very heavily and had every appearance of raining, but it did no more than sprinkle a little. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 59 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 64 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 51 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. Sarah Ellis spent the evening with us and intends sleeping here tonight. It again clouded up in the evening and at 10 p.m. was starlit. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 5 m. past 10 p.m.
28 April 1842. Today was very changeable and rather cold with the wind from the WNW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 53 degrees, 2 p.m. 56 degrees, and at 11 1/2 p.m. it was at 48 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" with Lydia and Kate Walker. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 12.
29 April 1842. It was cloudy or very misty all day but pleasant. The wind was WNW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 48 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went with Emma Erwin, Louisa Wood, and Lydia to a concert at the Assembly building. We then took a walk down to a debate on "the Abolition of Capital Punishment" in the room where the Chinese Museum was, and then we came back to the concert again and remained there until it was out. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m. Bill Hanly and Cook started for Halifax in the brig Gypsy last Saturday (16 April) in the evening from the Navy Yard.
30 April 1842. Today was clear and very pleasant with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 55 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 66 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 54 degrees.
I was at the office all day until about 4 1/2 p.m. when I took a little walk. In the evening I was around at the cousins on 9th St. until about 1/2 past 9 when I came home and sat a while and then went down to Kate Walker's for Lydia - there was a little company there. I met at Miss W.'s my old friend Tom Pitman, who I have not seen for seven or eight years. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
MAY
1 May 1842. It was clear and very pleasant until about 5 p.m. when it clouded over very heavily and rained hard for a while. It again cleared up and there was a very handsome rainbow visible. The wind at 6 1/2 p.m. was NNW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 55 degrees, at 2 p.m. 73 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 57 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning; Mr. Watson preached. In the afternoon I walked out to the wire bridge and over the Schuylkill and got home about 1/2 past 4 p.m. The walk was very unpleasant as it was extremely dusty and blew tremendously hard covering a person all over with dust. In the evening I went down with Sam Milligan to Trinity Church. The text was the 8th verse of the 10th chapter of Matthew. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
2 May 1842. It was a damp, rainy, raw and very unpleasant day. The wind was NNE., but it got around to the NW. and cleared up towards evening. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 55 degrees, 2 p.m. 54 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 52 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I went around to the "Rhetorical Academy" to get my ticket for May. I remained there until about 9 o'clock when I came home. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
3 May 1842. It poured rain all day and evening. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. and 2 p.m. was at 49 degrees, and at 9 p.m. it was at 46 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 9 1/4 p.m.
4 May 1842. It was clear, cloudy and rainy alternately all day. This evening was clear. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 1 p.m. was at 56 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 51 degrees.
I did not get up this morning until about 10 o'clock being very unwell and I remained so during the morning. I went to the office in the afternoon. I spent the evening around at Mr. Mitchell's with Ma, Pa, Lydia, and Sarah Roberts - some others were there. I got up at 10 a.m. and I got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m. I believe there was some hail around the middle of the day, during a heavy rain.
5 May 1842. It was clear and delightful all day. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 56 degrees, and at 2 p.m. 62 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy". I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 minutes of 11 p.m.
6 May 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the SW. At 6 a.m. it was 51 degrees, at 2 p.m. 61 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Mitchell's sisters Caroline and Ellen Mitchell, Sarah & Tacy Roberts, and Mr. Burrows spent the evening here.
I got a new black dress coat, satin vest, black pants and overcoat from Mr. Sloan's today. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and took a walk down to Washington Square and then down to the Baltimore boat and saw her start and came up home. I got to bed at 12.
7 May 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. was at 55 degrees and at 12 it was at 70 degrees.
Mr. Campbell, Papa, and I started at 1/2 past 6 a.m. in the Robert Morris for Wilmington. We arrived there about 9 a.m. and hired a horse, a light wagon and rode over to New Castle as Mr. Campbell wished to attend to some business at that place. We remained there until 11 a.m. when we came back to Wilmington and we all took dinner at Cleadan's.
After dinner Papa and Mr. Campbell went down to the boat and came up to Philadelphia and I went up to Dr. Gibbons'. I remained there a while and then went down to town and got some ice cream and stopped at Mr. Haddens'. I then walked out to the Brandywine and up the walk as far as Rattlesnake Run where I met a Picnic Party. It was composed of Miss Mary Ellen Bayard, Miss Elizabeth Canby, Miss Mary Milligan, Miss DuPont, Miss May Gilpin, Misses M. & R. Gibbons, and a young lady from Philadelphia whose name I do not remember and 6 or 7 gentleman. I remained with them having an introduction given by Miss Margaret Gibbons to several of them. They had a fiddle there and I danced with the rest for about two hours. We got home about 8 o'clock. I got up at 1/4 of 5 a.m. and to bed at 9 1/2 p.m.
8 May 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day until about 4 p.m. when it commenced raining and continued to do so through the rest of the day and evening. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 12 p.m. was at 72 degrees.
I went to Quaker Meeting in the morning. In the evening I walked up to the Brandywine with Rodman and Frank Gibbons as far as the head gate and then came home. I remained in the house in the evening and went to bed about 9 1/2 p.m. I got up at 7 a.m.
9 May 1842. It was clear and cool all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 2 1/2 p.m. was at 55 degrees.
I started in the morning from Wilmington at 7 a.m. and arrived in Philadelphia at 9 1/2 a.m. After my arrival I came home and changed my dress and then went down to the office and remained there during the rest of the morning and afternoon. In the evening I was at a meeting of the National Literary Institute. I got up at 5 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
10 May 1842. It was cloudy and rather cool all day and there was no rain. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 48 degrees, at 2 p.m. 56 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 50 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Roberts and Anna & Elizabeth spent the evening here. I got up at 10 m. past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
11 May 1842. It was clear and warm all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 57 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 79 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 67 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was home until about 9 p.m. when I took my Panama hat to get done up. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
12 May 1842. It was clear, warm and very pleasant all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 5 a.m. was at 51 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 66 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I went down to the "Rhetorical Academy" with Miss Riley from Wilmington, Elizabeth Roberts and Lydia. I got up this morning at 4 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 12. I was very tired.
13 May 1842. It was clear during the morning but clouded over towards noon and we had a little sprinkling of rain in the afternoon. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 58 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 74 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 60 degrees.
I was at the office all day except about an hour when I was around at the fire in back of our office and of some stables. Lydia and her school went out a maying this afternoon. They went to Wister's Woodlands near Germantown. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
14 May 1842. It was clear and cool all day. We were obliged to have a fire made up in the office. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 55 degrees, at 2 p.m. 62 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day until about 4 1/2 p.m. when I went out and took a walk. In the evening I was at home except about an hour that I took to go and get my summer hat from the persons where I left it to be done up. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m. At 9 1/2 p.m. it was clear and cool.
15 May 1842. It was cloudy, damp, and cold all day. It rained most of the afternoon, but it cleared up about dark and we had a very pleasant, moonlit evening. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. and at 10 1/2 p.m. was at 51 degrees, and at 3 p.m. it was at 55 degrees.
In the morning I went down to the U.S. Hotel(4) and took Miss Williams up to Grace Church -- she and her brother arrived in the City yesterday. Mr. Suddards preached his first sermon since his arrival from England. The text was the 28th chapter of Genesis, verse 21. He arrived in the City sometime in the early part of last week. In the afternoon I was at Grace Church - Mr. Watson preached his farewell sermon previous to his going to Newport RI. In the evening I was at Trinity Church with Sam Milligan. I got up at 25 m. past 5 a.m. and I got to bed at 11 p.m.
16 May 1842. It was clear and delightful all day and evening with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 52 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 61 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was home until about 10 o'clock (except about a half an hour when I was down at the National Literary Institute) when I went down to the U.S. Hotel with Miss Williams from Pittsburgh who had been spending the day with us. I went into the hotel with her and remained there about 3/4 of an hour. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
17 May 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. was at 57 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 78 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 62 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I went down to hear George Mundy and I remained there for about half an hour. I then went down to the Athenaeum and remained there until about 1/2 past 9 when I went over to the U.S. Hotel and sat and talked with Miss Williams until about half past 10 when I came home. I got up at 5 a.m. and took a walk with Mr. Berghauser and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
18 May 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the SSE. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. was at 58 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 75 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 65 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home until about 1/2 past 8 when I took a walk with Barry Russell down to the Mercantile Library Co. and the Post Office. We also stopped in to the Ledger Office to see them about bringing tomorrow's paper. I got up at 5 a.m. and took a walk around to see Barry Russell. Just after leaving him I saw Mr. Berghauser going up Market Street in the Harrisburg Cars. I ran and got in and rode as far as Broad and Willow with him and then walked home again. I got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
19 May 1842. It was clear until about 5 p.m. when it clouded over and rained very hard all the evening. The wind was from the SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 61 degrees, and at 2 1/4 p.m. it was at 79 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" with Miss Hall. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and took a walk down to the wharf and up home by Chestnut St. I got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m.
20 May 1842. It was a cold, damp, rainy and very unpleasant day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 49 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 44 degrees, and at 7 p.m. it was at 45 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home. It was so cold today that I wore an overcoat all day. It stopped raining towards dusk. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
21 May 1842. It was cloudy most of the day but there was no rain. It cleared off towards dark and the evening was as splendid and moonlit as I ever saw one. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 45 degrees, at 2 p.m. 59 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 57 degrees.
I was at the office all day until about until about 1/2 past 4 p.m. when William Bird and I took a walk down to the Navy Yard(5) to see the frigate Raritan previous to her being launched, as it is to occur on Wednesday next. This evening I was at home except about 3/4 of an hour when I went down to hear George Mundy preach. Miss Brinkle� took supper and spent the evening with us I went home with her about half past 9 o'clock. Louisa Wood was also here. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
22 May 1842. It was cloudy all day and it rained during the afternoon and part of the evening. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 51 degrees, and at 1 p.m. and at 10 p.m. it was at 59 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Suddards preached in the morning from the 2nd chapter of Jeremiah, verse 12 & 13. Mr. Thurston Bedell preached in the afternoon. In the evening I was at St. Philip's Church with Sarah Roberts and Mr. Neville preached. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
23 May 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the WNW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 60 degrees, and at 2 p.m. it was at 70 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the National Literary Institute, the Athenaeum, and the Store. This evening was moonlit. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and took a walk and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
24 May 1842. It was cloudy during the morning and it commenced raining about 2 1/2 p.m. and continued to do so through the afternoon and evening. The wind was SE. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 57 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 69 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. it was at 59 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home reading. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
25 May 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 58 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 69 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 60 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was down at the Temperance Meeting, opposite Howard Hall, with Sam Milligan. I got up at half past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
26 May 1842. It was clear during the morning and it clouded over toward noon and rained during the latter part of the evening. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 59 degrees, and at 2 1/2 p.m. it was at 74 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at the "Rhetorical Academy" with Anna and Elizabeth Roberts and Lydia - it was the last night of the season. We got caught and had to go home in the rain. I got up at 1/2 past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 12.
27 May 1842. It was cloudy and rainy most of the day. The wind was from the SE and it afterwards got around to the SW about dark and it cleared up. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 60 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 64 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went down with Ma, Lydia, and Mrs. Gibbons to Chas. Gibbons' to see Mrs. Thornton and her three daughters Antonia, Betty, and Virginia. They are going to Poughkeepsie tomorrow to leave Betty and Virginia there at William Gibbons' boarding school. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
28 May 1842. It was a clear and delightful day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 62 degrees, and at 2 1/2 p.m. it was at 74 degrees.
I was at the office in the morning and for about an hour in the afternoon. The rest of the afternoon I was at the Store making out Bills of Sale, as Pa had a sale there this morning. In the evening I was out with Sam Milligan - we were down at the Temperance Meeting on German St. We broke my silver mounted cane between us tonight. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at about 11 p.m.
29 May 1842. It was clear part of the day but it rained very hard in the morning and latter part of the afternoon. This evening was cloudy but there was no rain. The wind was from the SE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 63 degrees, at 3 p.m. 78 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 69 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Suddards preached both times, in the afternoon from the 1st chapter of 2nd Thessalonians, verse 10. In the evening I was down at Trinity Church with Sam Milligan, Mr. Coleman preached. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
30 May 1842. It was clear and rainy alternately throughout the morning. There were three hard showers of rain through the morning and the afternoon was clear and pleasant. The wind was WNW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 66 degrees, at 2 p.m. 70 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 63 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a meeting of the National Literary Institute until 9 p.m. when William Rotch's trial came on. Strangers were not allowed to remain in the room so I returned home and remained there a while and then went up to Miss Patton's for Ma. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m. I put on my summer pants for the first time this season today.
31 May 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. was at 57 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 67 degrees.
I was at the office all day until about 4 p.m. when I was obliged to come home on account of a very bad tooth ache. This evening I was at home. Mrs. Roberts took tea here and also spent the evening. I got up at 5 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 past 11 p.m.
JUNE
1 June 1842. It was clear and delightful all day and evening with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 58 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 73 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 62 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was out with Sam Milligan. We went to hear George Mundy hold forth in the rear of the U.S. Bank. After listening to him for about an hour, we went around to the Sansom St. Church. We remained there for a while until it was out and then I went up for Lydia at Mrs. Edward Roberts'. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
2 June 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 58 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 72 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home. Mr. & Miss Williams, Mrs. Gibbons, Mrs. Thornton and Antonia Thornton spent the evening here. Miss Williams came from Wilmington today and Mrs. Gibbons and Mr. & Mrs. Thornton came from Poughkeepsie. Miss Williams, Mrs. Gibbons, and Mrs. & Miss Thornton took supper with us this evening. I went down to Chas Gibbons' with Mrs. Gibbons and Mrs. Thornton about 10 1/2 p.m. I got up at 5 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m.
3 June 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the SE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 58 degrees, at 2 p.m. 71 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 60 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went up to Mr. Roberts' to inquire about a whitewash man and after getting my information I went after him and found him at No. 5 Gaskill St. I then went up to the store and remained there until about 1/4 of 11 p.m. making catalogues and then came home. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
4 June 1842. It was cloudy all day but there was no rain. The wind was SE until towards dark when it got around to the SW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 59 degrees, and at 2 p.m. 71 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was down at the Store most of the time. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
5 June 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. and at 10 1/2 p.m. was at 70 degrees and at 1 p.m. 80 degrees and in the sun 104 degrees.
I was at St. Luke's Church in the morning with Ma and Miss Williams. Mr. Spear preached. In the afternoon I was at St. Phillip's Church with Ma and Miss Williams; Mr. Neville preached. In the evening I was at Trinity Church with Sam Milligan; Mr. Coleman preached from the 15th chapter of St. John, the first part of the 5th verse. The words were, "I am the vine and you are the branches." I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 m. of 11 p.m.
6 June 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 68 degrees, and at 2 p.m. 74 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a meeting of the National Literary Institute part of the time and the rest at home. Mrs. Day opened her Day's Goods Store this morning opposite to us. I got up at 1/4 past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
7 June 1842. It was clear but very cool all day with the wind from the SE. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. was at 50 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 63 degrees, and at 9 p.m. 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home. I got up at 5 a.m. and took a walk with Harry Berghauser down to the wharf to see the barge Turk, a Boston packet. I got to bed at 9 p.m.
8 June 1842. It was cloudy all day with occasional showers and the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 53 degrees, at 2 p.m. 64 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 59 degrees. It was so cold today that we had a fire in the office. Ma was out at Owen Jones' today.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
9 June 1842. It was cloudy most of the day but it cleared off towards evening. The wind was SE, but finally got around to the SW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 60 degrees, at 2 p.m. 74 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 68 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
10 June 1842. It rained early in the morning but cleared up about 10 a.m. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 66 degrees, at 2 p.m. 74 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 63 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I took a walk down to William Bird's and back up home again. I got up at 1/2 past 5 and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
11 June 1842. It was clear and cold all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 55 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 63 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 57 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home. Ma had her stove put up in her room again today and had fire; we also had a fire in the grate at the office. Miss Williams went away today. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
12 June 1842. It was clear and delightful all day and evening, but cool. The wind was S. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 55 degrees, at 1 1/4 p.m. 69 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 59 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and evening; Mr. Suddards preached both times. In the afternoon I was at St. Phillip's Church and Mr. Neville preached. Mama again had a fire in her room today, it being too cold without. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 20 m. past 11 p.m.
13 June 1842. It was cloudy all day and at about dark we had a heavy shower of rain. The wind was S. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 60 degrees, at 2 p.m. 77 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 67 degrees.
I was at Mr. Briskoe's from 1/2 past 8 until 1/2 past 11 this morning and from 4 till 5 this afternoon, having my teeth plugged and pulled. I was only at the office about 2 hours today. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
14 June 1842. It was cloudy with occasional showers of rain all day. The wind as SE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 65 degrees, at 2 p.m. 71 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 67 degrees.
I was at the dentist's from 1/2 past 7 until 8 in the morning and from 3 until half past 5 in the afternoon. The rest of the day I was at the office and this evening I was at home. Papa went to New York last night. The Franklin House on Chestnut St. between Third and Fourth streets was opened for the 1st time yesterday.
15 June 1842. It was raining on and off all day with the wind from the SE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 66 degrees, at 2 p.m. 75 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 69 degrees.
I was at the dentist's office from 8 until 10 a.m. The rest of the day I was at the office and in the evening I was at home. I got up at 25 m. of 6 a.m. and got to bed at half past 10 p.m.
16 June 1842. It was cloudy and very sultry all day with the wind from the SW. It rained during most of the evening. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 69 degrees, at 2 p.m. 80 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 73 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was out with Sam Milligan - we were at Washington Square for a while and then went down to William Hanly's where we spent the rest of the evening. We came away about 10 o'clock. I got up at 20 m. of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
17 June 1842. It was cloudy all day and evening and it rained on and off. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 72 degrees, at 2 p.m. 75 degrees, and at 11 1/2 p.m. 70 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was in the company of Miss Mary Cuthbert's on Race St. above Tenth. Miss Israel was among the persons there; she is a very handsome and graceful young lady and is from Pittsburgh. It is the first time she has ever been from home; she is staying at Isaac Elliott, Esq.'s. Samuel Elliot was also there; it was the first time that I have seen him since he returned from exploring squadron. I got up at 1/2 past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 10 m. past 12.
18 June 1842. It was cloudy on and off all day with an occasional shower of rain. The wind was SE The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 70 1/2 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 80 degrees, and at 9 p.m. 73 degrees.
I was at the office until 4 1/2 p.m. when I took a walk along the wharves. In the evening I was with Papa at Mr. Doolittle's Auction Store. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
19 June 1842. It was changeable but clear part of the day. The wind was SW. It commenced raining about 6 1/2 p.m. and continued to do so through the evening and at times very hard. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. and at 10 p.m. was at 73 degrees, and at 1 p.m. 83 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon; Mr. Suddards preached both times. In the evening I was down at Trinity Church with Sam Milligan and Mr. Coleman preached from the 84th Psalms, verse 1 & 2. The words of Mr. Suddards' text this morning were: "There is no more sea." It blew very hard after the rain this evening. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
20 June 1842. It rained during the early part of the morning and cleared up towards the latter part of the afternoon. The wind was W. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 71 1/2 degrees, at 2 p.m. 75 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 70 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I took a walk up as far as 10th and Vine St. with a young gentleman by the name of David Weatherly who came to our office to commence the study of the conveyancing business. After I left him, I walked down to the room of the "National Literary Institute" and remained there about half an hour. I then went over talked with Charles Wolf for a while and went up to Miss Brinckl�'s for Lydia and remained there about half an hour and came home. This evening was moonlit. I got up at 5 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
21 June 1842. It was clear and delightful all day. The wind was in all parts of the compass - it got from NW to NE and then to E. and finally around to the SW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 71 degrees, at 2 p.m. 77 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I started out to take a walk and I met Bob Parvin who told me that there was an excursion of the "Hayden Society" up to Burlington and Bristol. I went down to the boat to see them off, but when I saw the numerous ladies and gentlemen (which was about 200 ladies and 150 gentlemen) the boat (New Philadelphia) I could not resist the temptation of going up myself, for I was not at a loss for company but I did not bring any with me.
We left the wharf about 1/2 past 8 with the "Hadon Band" playing some very lively airs and every person being in high spirits. A short time after we started they commenced flying rockets and they continued to do so most of the trip. In a short time after, we commenced dancing. I was introduced by Mr. I. Ridgway to his sister and danced with her a number of cotillions. We also marched on the promenade deck accompanied by music. After passing up the river as far as Burlington, we passed over by Bristol and then up the river and turned and came down by Burlington again where the boat touched about a minute.
On passing Bristol there was a number of rockets set off - both from the shore and the boat. After leaving Burlington we had a number of fine airs played by the band and a good deal of dancing. The night was magnificent, it being a full moon and very clear, warm and pleasant. We arrived at the wharf again at about 1/2 past 12, but it was near 1 before we could make a landing, during which time the company amused themselves by singing and playing on different instruments. I do not think that I can remember that I ever spent a pleasanter evening in my life, and so very unexpectedly as I did not know 5 minutes before I started whether I would go or not, as I was afraid they would be uneasy at home. I got up at 1/4 of 5 a.m. and got to bed at 1 1/2 a.m.
22 June 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the WSW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 69 degrees, at 2 p.m. 82 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 74 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home until about 9 when I went up to Mrs. Ploughman's for Lydia and Anna & Elizabeth Roberts. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Roberts spent part of the evening here. Anna and Elizabeth went home with them. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
23 June 1842. It was raining on and off during the day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 70 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 78 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 65 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home asleep on the sofa. I got up at 1/4 past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
24 June 1842. It was cloudy in the morning but cleared off towards noon and remained so. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 5 1/4 was at 64 degrees, at 2 p.m. 74 degrees, and at 11 1/4 p.m. 67 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went down to see Miss Shankland with David Weatherly Jr., but she not being in we went to see Miss Berry. It was the first time that I ever was there. She is a very pretty girl. After returning home from there I went down to a bad fire on Walnut St. near Front St. I got up at 5 a.m. and took a walk down to the wharf and home again. I got to bed at 1/4 of 12.
25 June 1842. It was rather cloudy all day with the wind from the W. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 67 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 78 degrees. I was at the office during the morning and the afternoon at the Island with William H. Bird. We were both in to swim - it was the first time either of us had been in this season. This evening I took a walk out to Mr. Elliott's and then down to the Store where I remained a while. Then I went home and sat up till 12 o'clock assisting Pa in preparing some goods for a sale which is his intention to have on Monday next at the Store, No. 167 Chestnut St. I got up at 1/4 past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 12 1/2 a.m.
26 June 1842. It was cloudy during the morning, but cleared off towards noon and remained so. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 71 degrees, at 3 p.m. 87 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 75 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Suddards preached in the morning from the 5th chapter of Ecclesiastes, verse 4 & 5. In the evening I was down at Trinity Church with Sam Milligan. The words of the text were: "The harvest is past and the summer is over and I am not saved." Mr. Spear preached at our church(6) in the afternoon. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m. At 11 p.m. it was clear and very warm.
27 June 1842. It was cloudy all day except a few hours in the middle of the day. We had two heavy showers in the afternoon and another in the evening. The wind was changeable. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 71 degrees, at 2 p.m. 79 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 57 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
28 June 1842. It was cloudy during the morning with the wind from the NE. It afterwards got around to the SW and then cleared up. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 63 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 79 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 71 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went down to see Miss Margaret Gibbons from Wilmington at her brother Charles' house and I remained there until about 9 o'clock when I left. I stopped at the Athenaeum on the way up. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 25 m. past 10 p.m.
29 June 1842. It was clear and delightful, but warm all day and evening with the wind from the SW, W., and NW. The thermometer at 5 1/4 a.m. was at 68 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 85 degrees, and at 11 1/2 p.m. 75 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a company of Mr. and Mrs. Carr on 10th St. below Race. Miss Sarah Israel of Pittsburgh was among the company. I admired her still more than on my first meeting, as her manners are very pleasing and she is also very handsome and graceful. I think that she is a very fair specimen of Pittsburgh beauty, if all are to be judged from her. I got up at 5 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 12.
30 June 1842. It was clear and pleasant until about evening when it clouded over and remained so, with occasional lightning and a little rain during the evening. The wind was changeable - it was NE, E., SE, S., and it finally got around to the SW. The thermometer at 5 1/4 a.m. was at 71 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. in the shade 90 degrees and in the sun 120 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 87 degrees. It was the warmest day that we have had this season.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked up to David Weatherly to go with him to the American Institute. He not being in, I walked up there myself and remained there until the debate was closed and the meeting adjourned.
I got up this morning at 1/4 of 5 a.m. and walked to Harry Berghauser's on Julianna St. above Buttonwood St. to see him about our intended trip to Boston. I remained there for about 2 1/4 hours. I got to bed at 11 p.m.
JULY
1 July 1842. It was clear and very warm all day until about 1/2 past 4 p.m. when it commenced clouding over and in the evening from about 7 until about 1/2 past 9 o'clock. We had one of the most tremendous storms of rain, accompanied by tremendous claps of thunder and vivid flashes of lightning, that I have ever seen. Pa said it was the worse that he ever saw and I never remember ever seeing anything of the kind half so bad in my lifetime. It cleared off towards 10 o'clock. The wind was SSE. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. was at 77 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 90 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 73 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home. Pa, Ma and I were invited to Mr. Jacob Thomas' this evening. There was to have been a number there, but we were prevented from going on account of the tremendous storm. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
2 July 1842. It was clear and there was not a cloud to be seen until about 11 o'clock this morning. At that time it commenced clouding over and between 2 & 3 p.m. we had a very heavy shower of rain accompanied by heavy thunder and lightning. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. and at 8 p.m. was at 75 degrees, and at 1 1/2 p.m. 95 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. The lightning last night did a great deal of damage as will be seen by referring to the papers filed for this date. The rain did a great deal of damage at 4th and Market St. where it poured down in the basement stores filling them up to the ceiling with water and spoiling all the goods, even those things on the upper shelves. In one of the stores, there were a couple of girls that attended there who came near to being drowned as they fastened themselves in and could not get out. It was nearly up to their necks before they got out. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 9 1/2 p.m.
3 July 1842. It was cloudy most of the day though the sun would shine out occasionally. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 75 degrees, at 1 p.m. 85 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 74 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and Mr. Suddards preached. In the afternoon I was home until about 1/4 of 5 when I walked up to Grace Church and got there in time to hear the sermon that Mr. Neville preached. It rained hard all this evening, accompanied by thunder and lightning and therefore I did not go out. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
4 July 1842. It was rather cloudy or misty all day but there was no rain. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 5 1/2 a.m. was at 72 degrees, at 7 p.m. 78 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 75 degrees.
In the morning about 7 o'clock I went up to David Weatherly's for him to go to Wilmington with me. We started from his house about 1/4 past 7 and went down to the Steamer Balloon which was the boat we took for Wilmington, Delaware. It started at about 8 a.m. with about 300 passengers on board and arrived in Wilmington about half past 10 a.m. On our passage down we had a race with the Steamer Rainbow, a new boat brought around from New York to beat the Balloon. She passed us before getting to Chester but did not gain more than half a mile. I do not think that she could have beaten us at all if we had had no passengers on board like her.
On our arrival to Wilmington we walked to the Brandywine where we saw the Firemen's procession, up the Brandywine Walk a piece, and then we walked over to Dr. Gibbons' and saw Mrs. Gibbons, Elizabeth, Frank, and Rod. After eating some pie and milk, which Mrs. Gibbons was kind enough to give us, and sitting and talking a while with Elizabeth, we walked down to town. In passing Dr. Henry Gibbons', I saw Margaret standing at the door and I introduced Mr. Weatherly to her and she invited us in. We remained there a while, saw Rebecca Gibbons and also Mrs. Henry Gibbons.
After leaving there, we walked down to the boat, remained there a while and then walked around to the Car office. David met there a Mr. MacAllister who he introduced me to. We then all took a walk up town and around down to the boat again which we took for Philadelphia. We started at 1/4 of 4 p.m. with about 400 passengers aboard the Mechanic Engine Co. and Penn & Hose Co. with their apertures on board. We arrived in the City about 1/4 of 7 p.m.
We then walked up and got our supper and after supper Dave called for me and we both went down to see Miss Berry, a young lady of his acquaintance. I got home at 1/4 of 11 p.m. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 past 11 p.m.
5 July 1842. It was cloudy all day but there was no rain. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 74 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 83 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was up at Mrs. Algernon Roberts' with Papa, Mama & Lydia. The Elliotts, Rob-ertses, Thomases, Cuthberts, Jewells, Miss Israel, and Miss Waterman were all there. It was a family party given by Mrs. Roberts. I got home about 12 p.m. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 12 1/2 p.m.
6 July 1842. It was cloudy all day and there were two or three heavy showers of rain in the morning and afternoon. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. was at 73 degrees, and at 2 1/2 p.m. was at 74 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home. Ma was so unwell today that she was confined to her bed. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
7 July 1842. It was cloudy all day and evening but there was no rain. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 66 degrees, and at 2 p.m. 75 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was home writing agreements for Papa. I got up at half past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
8 July 1842. It was cloudy all day with a heavy shower of rain in the afternoon. The wind was S. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 68 degrees, at 2 p.m. 78 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 75 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening Warner Jones called for me and I walked around to his residence with him. We then walked out as far as 6th St. and then down to Chestnut St. and down Chestnut St. to a confectioners and got some ice cream. We then went to a fire and got separated. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 3/4 p.m.
9 July 1842. It was cloudy all day with several very heavy showers of rain and the wind from the SSW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 6 a.m. was at 73 degrees, at 2 p.m. 78 degrees, and at 9 p.m. it was at 72 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home laying on the bed asleep. I got up at quarter past 6 and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
10 July 1842. It was clear during different periods in the day but would cloud over very heavily at times. There was no rain. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 68 degrees, at 2 p.m. 74 degrees, at 10 1/4 p.m. 69 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and Mr. Suddards preached. In the afternoon I was at home reading. In the evening I went down to Trinity Church with Sam Milligan; Mr. Coleman preached. Mr. David Weatherly walked up home with us. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
11 July 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 68 degrees, at 2 p.m. 77 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. it was at 69 degrees. It may be remarked as a strange circumstance that we have had cloudy and rainy weather for some time although the wind has been in a clear quarter and last night it got around to the NE and remained so during today. We had an elegant day as I have ever seen in my life.
I was at the office all day. This evening I took a walk up to Miss Patton's with Lydia. On our return home we stopped in to see Miss Mary Hall and remained there a while and then came home. Mr. Elliott spent the evening with us. I got up at quarter past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 past 11 p.m.
12 July 1842. It was cloudy a little while in the morning but it cleared off delightfully in a short time and remained so. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 65 degrees, at quarter of 11 p.m. 71 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was out with Sam Milligan down at Mr. Hanly's. He walked up home with me, and as we were walking down 8th St. our attention was attracted by a scuffle at the corner 8th & Zane St. It turned out that it was Edward Borden with a Tavern Keeper. I got up at 1/4 past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
13 July 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day and evening with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 69 degrees, at 2 p.m. 84 degrees and on the side of Arch St. 95 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 73 degrees.
I was at the office all day. At about 1/2 past 8 in the evening, Dave Weatherly called around for me and we took a walk together down to Miss Shankland's. She not being in, we walked around to Miss Berry's where we remained the rest of the evening until about 1/2 past 10 p.m. I got up at 5 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 12 p.m.
14 July 1842. It was clear during the morning with the wind from the E. It got around to the SSW towards noon and it clouded over having every appearance of rain, but it did not. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 77 degrees, at 2 p.m. 86 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 78 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was out with Sam Milligan; we took a walk around down town and then up along Chestnut St. I got up at 1/4 past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 5 m. of 11 p.m.
15 July 1842. It was cloudy all day and commenced raining about 10 a.m. and continued to do so through the rest of the day and evening. The wind was NNE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 70 degrees, at 2 p.m. 68 degrees, and at 11 p.m. 65 degrees.
I was at the office all morning until about 1/2 past 9 o'clock when I went to the Commencement of the University of Pennsylvania. I remained there until the exercises were over which was about 1 p.m. when I came home and got dinner and went down to the office. In the evening I was at home as it rained all the time. I got up at 1/2 past 5 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
16 July 1842. It was cloudy all day and evening and it poured rain most tremendously hard all day. The wind was NNE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 65 degrees, at 2 p.m. 67 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 67 degrees.
I was at the office all day until about half past 5 p.m. when I walked down to Mr. William H. Furness' to try and collect a bill but did not find him in. I then came home and remained there all the evening asleep on the sofa, being very tired. William Bird left the office today. I believe he intends leaving the City on Monday for his summer vacation. He expects to be gone about 2 or 3 weeks. I got up at 20 m. of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
17 July 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 69 degrees, at 1 p.m. 78 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 73 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and Mr. N. S. Harris preached. I was at Grace Church in the afternoon. In the evening I went down to Trinity Church with Sam Milligan. This evening is very clear and moonlit. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 m. of 11 p.m.
18 July 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 73 degrees and at 1 1/2 p.m. 84 degrees.
I was at the office during the morning and in the afternoon I was at home until about 1/2 past 3 p.m. when Lydia and I went up to the Wilmington Depot at 11th and Market St. and then proceeded to Wilmington by the Cars. On our arrival there, we took a carriage which conveyed us up to Dr. Gibbons'. After supper Elizabeth and Rebecca Gibbons, Lydia, and myself went over to see Miss Riley. We remained there about 3/4 of an hour and then came home and in a short time went to bed. Got up at 6 a.m. and to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
19 July 1842. It was clear and very warm all day with the wind from the SSW. The thermometer at 1 p.m. was at 83 degrees.
I was down in Wilmington in the morning until about 10 a.m. attending to some business. At that time I walked out to Dr. Gibbons' with Margaret Gibbons and remained there until about 4 p.m. when I again went down into Wilmington to see Mr. William H. Neff and remained there about an hour and then came up again. In the evening I walked down with Rebecca Gibbons as far as her brother Henry's. Our intention was to have walked over to G.'s with Margaret Gibbons and the Miss Milligans, but it looked so much like rain that we did not go. I got back at 8 and spent the evening at Dr. Gibbons'. Miss Riley was there. I got up at 4 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m. There was a heavy shower of rain this evening; it commenced about 9 p.m. and continued through the night accompanied by thunder and lightning.
20 July 1842. It was raining hard when I got up this morning but it stopped in a short time and then cleared off very warm. This evening was clear, cool and moonlit. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 1 p.m. was at 84 degrees.
I started from Wilmington this morning at 7 o'clock and arrived in Philadelphia about 1/4 past 9 o'clock. On my arrival, I went home and washed and changed my dress and then went to the office at about 11 o'clock. I remained there during the rest of the morning. I was at the office during the afternoon.
In the evening, at about 20 m. of 8 o'clock, I went down to Chestnut St. wharf and went on board of the steamer New Philadelphia. She left the wharf about 8 p.m. with 150 passengers on board and proceeded up as far as Noble St. where she took on board about 250 more passengers. She then proceeded up as far as Burlington, landed 300 passengers, and then over to Bristol. I went on shore at this place and took a walk up as far as the hotel with Jim Field and remained there a while and then took a walk by myself around the town and then down to the boat.
We left Bristol at 1/2 past 10 and went over to Burlington again where we remained for half an hour. I went on shore here and got some cakes. We left Burlington at 11 p.m. and arrived in the City at 1 a.m. There was a number of passengers left both at Bristol and Burlington, but I suppose they could come down in the Hudson - another which left after we did and made the same excursion. The night was a magnificent one, just suited for such an excursion, it being a full moon and not a cloud to be seen anywhere. The com-pany amused themselves by dancing, singing, promenading, etc. The music was very poor although it was done well enough to dance by. I went one round of the Straight Forward with a number of young men. The rest of the company kept it up the whole of the evening. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 2 a.m.
21 July 1842. It was clear and cool all day with the wind from the SE The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 67 degrees, at 1 p.m. 76 degrees, and at 11 p.m. it was at 68 degrees.
At 1/4 of 8 o'clock this morning Ma, Pa, and myself went around to St. Phillip's Church on Vine St. above 8th to see Miss Ellen Mitchell married. She married a Mr. Nelson Burrows and they were married at 8 o'clock by Mr. Dorr.
After the ceremony was over we all left the Church and went around to Mr. Mitchell's, according to a previous invitation, where we had the cake and wine. They started for New York at 10 1/2 a.m. with the intention of going on to Niagara Falls and to be gone 3 or 4 weeks.
After leaving the house I went down to the office and remained there the rest of the day. This evening I went down to Gray's Ferry with Warner Jones. We started from the Exchange at 8 o'clock with a fine band of music and about 150 or 200 passengers on board. We got down around 9 o'clock and amused ourselves while there with promenading around the Garden, etc. We left on the Ferry about 10 o'clock and got to the City again about 11 p.m. The music was very fine and the moon and scenery at the Ferry was magnificent. There was a number of ladies on the excursion. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m.
22 July 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day. The wind got around to the SW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 67 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 79 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 72 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked out to Mrs. Algernon Roberts' to see the boys (Sidney, Cuthbert and Percival) who are now home from boarding school. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
23 July 1842. It was cloudy early in the morning but soon cleared off very warm. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 72 degrees, at 2 p.m. 84 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 77 degrees.
I was at the office during the morning. In the afternoon I was over at the Smith's Island with Cuthbert and Percival Roberts. Percival and I went in to swim - it was the 2nd time that I have been in this season. We got over to the City again about 6 p.m. In the evening I was around at aunt Lydia Jones' with Ma for a while. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
24 July 1842. It was clear and warm through the greater part of the day, but we had a heavy shower about 2 p.m. It soon cleared off and continued so until towards evening when it again clouded over very heavily and rained all of the evening. The wind was NNW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 75 degrees, at 12 87 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. it was at 72 degrees.
I was at St. Phillip's Church in the morning (ours being closed until the 7th of August). The text was the 1st chapter of St. John, verse 17. I was at home all afternoon and in the evening I went down to Trinity Church with Sam Milligan. Mr. Coleman preached from the 12th chapter and the 24th verse of Hebrews. It was raining hard when we came out of church. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
25 July 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day and the wind was from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 71 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 79 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 72 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I went down to see Miss Berry and remained there until about 10 p.m. when I came up home. It was the first evening that I have spent alone with her. I found her to be a very pleasant and pleasing girl. I got up at 25 m. of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
26 July 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 69 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 84 degrees, and at 11 p.m. 75 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked down with David Weatherly to Miss Flannigan's to leave a book there. We then walked up the street a piece and parted; he went over to see Miss Berry and I went to see if I could find Miss Alice Chalenor, but I could not. I walked around to a Temperance Meeting in front of the Southwark Hall and remained there for awhile and then went to Miss Berry's for Weatherly and remained there for about an hour and came up home with him. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
27 July 1842. It was clear until about 4 p.m. when it clouded over and was very warm. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 76 degrees, at 2 p.m. 87 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 80 degrees.
I was at the office all day. I spent the evening up at Mrs. Edward Roberts'. There was a dreadful murder committed this morning about 6 a.m. of a broker on 3rd above Chestnut St. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at half past 11 p.m.
28 July 1842. It was clear and warm all day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 77 degrees, at 2 p.m. 85 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 76 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 m. of 11 p.m.
29 July 1842. It was clear and very warm until about dark when it clouded over and at about 10 p.m. commenced raining. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 75 degrees, at 2 p.m. 85 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 78 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I walked down with David Weatherly to Miss Coates as he wished to leave a book there. We remained there about 1/2 and hour when we walked up to Miss Shankland's and remained there about an hour and came up home. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
30 July 1842. It was clear and warm all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 79 degrees, and at 1 1/2 p.m. 90 degrees.
I was at the office during the morning and in the afternoon, Mr. Roberts, Cuthbert, Sidney and Percival Roberts and myself went up to Bristol in the steamer Trenton. We left the wharf about 2 p.m. and arrived in Bristol at 4. On our arrival we took a walk up through the town and then down to the Ferry boat and we went over to Burlington. We walked up as far as the Mitchell Confectionery store and got some ice cream and cakes. After eating them we walked down along the Bank as far as the girls' boarding school(7) and then up again to the boat. We went on board and started for the City about 1/2 past 6 and arrived there at 10 m. past 8. We passed the Balloon just before landing. She started for Burlington about an hour before we did. I remained in the house during the evening. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 9 3/4 p.m.
31 July 1842. It was clear and very warm until the middle of the day when it clouded over and rained for a while. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 83 degrees, at 9 a.m. 90 degrees, at 1 p.m. 85 degrees, at 3 p.m. 75 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 67 degrees, being a difference of 23 degrees since 9 a.m.
I was at St. Peter's Church in the morning and afternoon. In the evening I was down at Mr. Coleman's Church with Sam Milligan. Mr. C. preached. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
AUGUST
1 August 1842. It was clear and very cool all day and evening with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 64 degrees, at 2 p.m. 72 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 62 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home until about 1/2 past 9 when Pa and I went down to a very bad fire on Lombard St. below 7th. It was set on fire by the mob, as there had been a great riot between the blacks and whites(8) . It was occasioned by the former having a Temperance Procession. There were a number hurt very seriously and some killed on both sides. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 5 m. of 11 p.m.
2 August 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 60 degrees, at 2 p.m. 72 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 66 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I walked down with Sam Milligan through the district in which the riot occurred. They burned a colored Presbyterian Church on St. Mary St. and the Beneficial Hall on Lombard St. last night, besides destroying the property.
We then walked down to see Miss Alice Chalenor and remained there a while and then walked around to Miss Shankland's and stopped at the door and talked a while. We then went up to 5th and Lombard St. but could get no further up Lombard St. as the Sheriff had a posse of watch stationed there to prevent people from going into the riot district. He also had them stationed at several other points for the same cause. We then went up as far Washington Square where there was about a 1000 military with canons, etc. stationed to relieve the watch which were to remain on guard until it was time to go another respective round. I then walked down to the Post Office, put a paper in for Mr. Chalenor and walked up home. I got up at 1/4 past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
3 August 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 65 degrees, at 2 p.m. 76 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 70 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home trying a small steam engine which Pa bought at auction today. Mr. & Mrs. Carr, Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell, and Mr. & Mrs. Roberts spent the evening at our house. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
4 August 1842. It was clear all day and it commenced raining about 9 1/2 p.m. The wind was from the NE. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 and 10 p.m. was at 65 degrees.
I was at the office all day. I left the office about 6 p.m. and went up for Papa and then he and I went around to Miss Sarah Stockley's where we met Ma and took tea and spent the evening very pleasantly. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 20 minutes past 10 p.m. At 10 p.m. it was cloudy and raining a little.
5 August 1842. It was raining and very unpleasant all day until about 6 p.m. when it cleared off. The wind was NE until about 11 a.m. when it got around to the SE The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 57 degrees, at 3 p.m. 66 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 63 degrees.
I was at the office all day. I spent the evening very pleasantly at Miss Berry's. I went down there by myself, but after a short time Dave Weatherly came in and remained there until about 10 o'clock when we came up home together. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
6 August 1842. It was rather misty all day with the wind from the SE The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 67 degrees, at 3 p.m. 72 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 69 degrees.
I started this morning at 1/2 past 9 a.m. for Wilmington in the streamer Balloon from the Chestnut St. wharf. I arrived in Wilmington at about 1/4 past 12 after a very pleasant passage. On my arrival I walked up to Mrs. Reynolds' and remained there awhile talking with her and Margaret Gibbons. I then walked up to Dr. Gibbons' with Margaret and got dinner and remained there until about 1/2 past 4 p.m. when I went down to the Cars and came up to Philadelphia. I arrived in the City about 6 p.m. after leaving Wilmington at 4 1/2 p.m. While I was down, I saw Lydia - she has been spending the last 3 weeks at Dr. Gibbons'. I do not think that she looks as well as she did when she went down. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
7 August 1842. It was cloudy most of the day with a heavy shower of rain about the middle. The wind was from the NE. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 67 degrees, at 4 p.m. 72 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 69 degrees.
I was at St. Phillip's Church in the morning and Mr. Neville preached. I remained in the house in the afternoon until about 4 p.m. when Papa, Mama, and I went up to see Mrs. Jacob Thomas. I have not seen her before for a number of years. In the evening I went down to Trinity Church with Sam Milligan. Mr. Prim preached. He was formally a Presbyterian Minister, but has changed to an Episcopalian. He was ordained this morning and it was his first sermon since his change. The text was from the 2nd chapter of 2nd Thessalonians, verse 15. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
8 August 1842. It was cloudy most of the day but would be clear at times. The wind was changeable; it was SE, S, and SW, but finally got around to SE again. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 69 degrees, at 2 p.m. 79 degrees, and at 9 p.m. 70 degrees.
I was at the office until about 1/2 past 10 a.m. when I left to attend to some little business previous to my going out of town tomorrow afternoon. I was at home writing until about 5 p.m. when I went down to A.D. Cash's to try and collect a bill but did not. I then went down to the Exchange and then around up to Papa's room and then walked up home with him. In the evening I was at home writing for myself. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
9 August 1842. It was cloudy most of the day with the wind from the SE We had a shower of rain about the middle of the day.
I was not at the office today, but at the Athenaeum in the morning and at home in the afternoon until about 1/2 past 3 when I left and came down to the wharf with Papa and went on board the barge Anna Reynolds driven by Captain Doane for Boston. We left Philadelphia at 1/4 of 5 p.m. with a light wind from the SE The tide was running down. We had our mainsail, main topsail, and main topgallant sail, main royal, main foresail, fore topgallant sail, shaker, mast and jib set. We passed Fort Mifflin about 1/2 past 7 p.m. There were two other passengers besides myself: Mr. J.L. Scelrock from Reading, PA. and Mr. Benjamin T. Durrell from Lee, New Hampshire. We anchored a short distance above Marcus Hook about 11 p.m. The tide was heavy and there was a heavy head wind. I remained sitting on the afterpart of the vessel engaged in a pleasant conversation with the other passengers until about 1/4 after 10 p.m. when we turned in for the night. The bed was rather hard.
10 August 1842. I was awakened this morning by the merry "Heave-Ho" (about 1/2 past 4) of the crew at the windlass weighing anchor. Then I got dressed and went on deck. This morning was cloudy and foggy, but soon cleared off warm. We passed Wilmington at about 1/2 past 8 a.m. and New Castle at 1/2 past 9 p.m. At about 11 a.m. we dropped anchor about 4 miles below New Castle which we were obliged to do by a heavy head tide and wind. At about 3 p.m. we had a shower of rain with a heavy blow from the SE At about 5 p.m. we hove the anchor and beat down the rain. The wind was blowing very strong from the SSE. We had made down 3 or 4 miles below the Reecy Island lights by 8 1/4 p.m. at which time I turned in. The wind is now quite modest.
11 August 1842. Today was clear and delightful. We dropped anchor last night about 11 o'clock just above Duck Creek light. We
got under way again this morning about 4 a.m. with a SSW wind. We had all sails set and at 9 1/2 a.m. we sailed along finely in the middle of the bay, having a gentle but not unpleasant swell. The bay is here about 20 miles in width and I can just discern land. At about 1/4 past 10 a.m. we dropped anchor about 20 miles from the Cape, there being a dead calm and head tide. About 12, we could see a barge coming up the bay and at 2 o'clock it reached us when we again raised the anchor. The water was as smooth as glass and as far as the eye could reach previous to the barge which came from the SSE. But, as it came upon us, it caused the whole bay to become full of ripples and from there it gradually gained a gentle swell.
At 8 1/2 p.m. we were sailing along gallantly with most of the sails set in sight of Cape May and Henlope all the way. We went to sea about 11 p.m., just after getting outside the Cape; we experienced a heavy squall of wind accompanied with heavy rain and vivid flashes of lightning and also heavy claps of thunder. The wind carried away the main royal and tore the aft topsail. The pilot hailed a schooner about dark which called and he went on board of her. She was bound to Philadelphia. Found an overcoat quite comfortable both this and last evening, but more so this. I turned in about 1/4 of 10 p.m.
12 August 1842. When I awoke this morning and went up on deck, I found myself out at sea about 15 miles but in sight of Cape May. There was a gentle swell in the ocean, but not enough to make it unpleasant, nor near as much as I expected to find it. There was very little wind this morning, but what little there was was favorable so that we could lay our course. I saw the barge Turk 3 days from Boston and bound for Philadelphia. We did not travel more than 20 miles today it being entirely calm at times. What wind we had was from the SSW. We are getting rather tired of sailing so slow, but we are in hopes of catching a 10 knot breeze before long. The moon shined beautifully through the evening as though it were dancing. I remained on deck until about 8 1/2 p.m. when I went below and in a short time turned in.
13 August 1842. When I went upon deck this morning at about 1/2 past 5, there were 18 sails in sight and a fine breeze from the NNE, and a pretty heavy sea -- so much so as to cause Mr. J.L. Scelrock (one of the two passengers) to become sick. The other passenger and myself have not yet experienced that delightful sensation, nor do we expect to as we have been tried pretty well by this time. The vessel is now picking up very much, the waves are breaking over the bow and the spray flying back as far as the foremast.
At 9 a.m. we hailed the schooner Big Rush of Providence bound for Philadelphia. The wind was almost ahead all morning, and we had to take ship every hour or two and we were heading 8 points off our course. I find I will be obliged to alter my opinion in regards to the sickness of Mr. Bunell and myself - just after writing the above, we began to feel the effects of it - he much more so than myself. I remained in my berth the great part of the day feeling ill, but not so much as to cause a "heaving up" (as the sailors call it) as was the case with the other passengers. I returned quite early this evening as soon as 7 p.m. We did not sail on a straight course today over 10 miles having to tack about so much. We saw a school of porpoises this afternoon consisting of about 20.
14 August 1842. I got up this morning about daylight. It being clear, I had a view of a sunrise at sea which was a magnificent sight. We had a fine breeze from the SW. This morning it carried us about 6 knots an hour. The wind in a short time shifted to the NNW and carried us along at the rate of 7 miles per hour. I did not eat anything from yesterday morning until this evening when I took a little supper. We traveled about 80 miles today.
15 August 1842. The wind was NNE. this morning, being nearly ahead which lessens our prospects of getting into Boston as soon as we expected. We do not expect to get there now before Wednesday. The wind remained ahead today and nothing of note occurred. After supper I went up on deck and had a fine view of the sun going down - it was a splendid sight. I turned in about 8 p.m. for the night.
16 August 1842. It was cloudy, foggy, cold and very unpleasant all day - an overcoat and thick winter clothing were quite comfortable. The wind today was N. or nearly ahead, our course being in that direction. Last night it was clear and moonlit until about 10 p.m. when it commenced blowing very hard, which occasioned a very heavy sea this morning. There was also a very heavy fog last night after 11 p.m. which continued until about 7 in the morning.
At about 10 1/2 a.m. we laid to to try to catch some cod fish, but the tide ran so fast to the -- and we did not succeed. We again laid at about 4 p.m. to try our luck again, but failed. At about 5 1/2 p.m. the wind died away and it came to a calm. In the afternoon we saw a whale about 30 feet long off to the lee quarter. I turned in at about 7 1/4 p.m.
17 August 1842. It was cloudy and foggy all day. The wind was fine at first - from the W. - but soon got around to the S. which makes it fair all the way into Boston if it lasts. At 1 p.m. we were sailing along finely, striding sails set and had a 6 knot breeze.
At 1 1/2 p.m. we had in sight the table lands of Cape Cod about 12 miles in the distance. It was the first land we have seen for 4 days and we expected to get into Boston tonight. I saw this morning a large whale on the weather side -- he was about 60 feet long. I also saw a shark and a swordfish on the weather side. The whale would come up occasionally and spout with a great noise like the blowing off of steam. The ocean was almost as calm as a river throughout the day. At 11 a.m. there were 12 sails in sight; they appeared to sit at equal distances around the horizon, with our barque situated in the centre of the circle. At 2 p.m., we came into sight of the highlands of Cape Cod -- they present a very strange appearance to me -- they resemble large snowdrifts extending along the shore.
In passing, I noticed a number of buildings on the bank, among which were a church, windmill, etc. At 4 1/2 p.m., we had in sight the Cape Cod lighthouse and there are 30 or 40 sails in sight. The wind was still increasing every prospect of getting into Boston tonight.
At 6 p.m. we were in sight of Race Point lighthouse and Plymouth. I caught a cod fish and a haddock this morning before breakfast -- the cod was served up for breakfast. At 11 1/2 p.m., we passed Boston lighthouse, at 12 1/2 a.m. we passed Long Island light and at 10 minutes past 3 a.m. we hailed in the Boston dock. I turned in at quarter of 9 p.m. and was up in the night from 1/2 past 11 to 1/2 past 12 and from 1/4 of 3 to 1/4 past 3 a.m., to see them haul in.
18 August 1842. I got up this morning at about 5 1/2 a.m. and found ourselves lying in Boston Dock snug enough. After getting breakfast, the two other passengers and myself took a walk up into the town as far as the Post Office where I found a letter from Pa .tc Walking tour of Boston and the Navy Yard#
informing me that he and Ma had arrived here last Friday and were stopping at the Pavilion at No. 41 Fremont St. We then went up there where we found them, remained there a short time when all three of us took a walk as far as the Common. On our way there we saw a house(9) in which John Hancock formerly resided. We then walked down around through a number of streets, down as far as the Great Western Railroad Depot. It then came on to rain and we went up again to the hotel where we parted. I then took a short walk with Ma, but was obliged to return as a result of it coming onto rain. In a short time we were able to go out again, it having stopped, and accompanied by Pa. We went down as far as the Barge Anna Reynolds, Ma wanting to see her. On our way back we stopped in old Faneuil Hall - this building is worthy of a visit from its association with the Revolution, being the "Old Cradle of Liberty" and likewise the armories of the different military companies of the city. There was a gentleman there that we found very polite and kind in showing us a number of paintings which formed part of the decorations of the Hall the day previous in an exhibition of the schools. He also gave me the following sketch of the situation of the Patriots in the upper end of the Room. They are as follows:
[sketch of the positions of the statues]
After leaving the Hall, we walked up to the State House and then upon the top of it from which we obtained a fine view of the city and the surrounding county. We then came back to the hotel, got dinner and then went over to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charleston. Mr. Scelrock (passenger in the vessel) accompanied us, and Pa came over afterwards in a cab, but would not go to the top. Mr. S. and Ma went up and came down upon the steps, but I went up and came down by steam. After our descent from the Monument, we walked over to the Navy Yard and saw the Vermont - a vessel of war on the stocks and 4 ships of the line, the Potomac, Independence, Columbus, and Ohio. We also saw the eminent Day Dock where ships of the largest class can be repaired. This, with its steam pumps attached is magnificent indeed. As you stand in the Dock, parting the head of it, you will notice the following inscription on the left: "Commenced 10 July 1827. John Q. Adams, President of the United States. Samuel Southard, Secretary of the Navy. Authorized by the 19th Congress" and on the right: "Opened 24 June 1833. Andrew Jackson, President of the United States. Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy. Loammi Baldwin, Engineer." We then left the Navy Yard and returned to Boston and got tea. After tea, Mr. S. and I went over to the Common, took a walk around there and back to the hotel. Then Ma, Pa, he and I went over to the Boston Museum to see Sig[nor] Blitz the Magician. I got to bed at 12.
19 August 1842. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and it was cloudy. After breakfast, Mr. S. and myself walked around to the new exchange and went through and upon the top of it. From there we walked down to the East Boston Ferry and crossed and went around to the steamer Britannia which had arrived this morning from England, but we were not able to get on board of her, visitors not being admitted until within three days of sailing. After looking through East Boston, we came over to the City and went around to the hotel where we found Ma and Pa. We then hired a carriage which conveyed us to Mount Auburn and Cushing's Garden - both splendid places. We got back to the hotel about 1/2 past 1.
Craigie House#
On the way, we passed over Cambridge Bridge and through the town of Cambridge. I was struck by the neatness of the town. The houses, all of frame, were built in a very handsome manner with pillars and porticoes in front. I noticed a great number of churches -- two built in the Gothic Style, one of stone near Cambridge College(10) , not yet completed, and the other of frame. I also noticed the house which was Washington's Headquarters(11) during the Revolution - it is a large yellow house with columns in front and it stands on the right hand side of the road going to Mount Auburn from Boston. I also noticed Cambridge College's ancient looking buildings, but did not go in them. After dinner we walked down to the Post Office and then went to see one of the Fire Engines and Hose Companies - they are very small but neat affairs, resembling those of New York. I then came around to the hotel and remained there for a while and afterwards took a walk with Ma down Washington Street.
In the evening I remained in the hotel except for about an hour when I took a walk through Boston Common. The evening being clear and moonlit, it was a very pretty appearance, especially the pond in the centre, as the moon shone upon the ripples which gave them the appearance of sparkling diamonds. This day was clear and very warm. I got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
20 August 1842. It was clear and delightful all day. I started out this morning and went over to Lynn on the railroad which is about 10 miles. From there I took the stage and went over to Nahaut and had .tc Train trip to Lynn and to Providence#
a delightful ride along the beach. I left there at 1/4 of 2 and came over to Lynn again expecting to get back to Boston by 1/4 past 3, but the cars did not get there until 20 m. past 3, which detained me so long as to prevent me, after getting to Boston, of finding Pa and Ma. Where they have gone I cannot tell. I have been in great pain of mind ever since I found I could not get to Boston in time. I hardly could contain myself for a while. When I found that they had left the hotel, I went to Worchester Depot, but found that the cars had started. I then went over to the Providence Depot, but found that they had started also. I did not know what to do; I never felt so bad in all my life. I knew no where to go, nor what to do. I found there was a train of cars just starting for Providence, so I concluded to go that far and remain over Sunday and then go on to New York on Monday, which I thought was the best possible thing for me to do.
I arrived in Providence about 1/2 past 6 p.m. and got a carriage on my arrival there to take me up to a boarding house where I am now. I passed a number of towns on the road from Boston to Providence, among which are Roxborough, Canton, Foxborough, Vanderfield, Attleboro, and several others whose names I do not remember. They all presented a very pretty appearance as we passed them - they are principally white frame buildings interspersed with 2 churches. I got to bed about 1/4 past 10 p.m.
21 August 1842. I got up at about 6 a.m. It was as magnificent a morning as I ever saw, or as they say has been seen here for 2 or 3 months. After breakfast, I took a walk up Westminster Street for about 1/2 a mile and then down High Street. In my walk I noticed the Arcade and several churches. The Arcade is a very handsome building - it is much superior to that in Philadelphia. It is built of granite and fronts on Westminster and High Streets and on both fronts it has 6 Corinthian columns. The interior has a very neat appearance. I went to Grace Church this morning. It is built in the Gothic style and has a very neat appearance both in- and outside. The buildings in this town are principally in brick, but there is a great number of frames among them, built in a very neat and chaste style, with columns, porticoes, etc. In the afternoon, I attended St. Stephen's Church. Mr. Waterman (the pastor) preached from the 16th chapter of St. Luke, verse 31. After church, I walked down as far as the railroad Depot to see if I could get away from this place before tomorrow night and found that I could at 10 o'clock tomorrow. In the evening I was at the Temperance lecture delivered at the Town House on College St. It was rather cloudy during the afternoon and had the appearance of rain, but cleared off elegantly towards dark and we had a splendid moonlit evening. I got to bed at 10 p.m.
22 August 1842. It was clear and delightful all day. I got up about 6 a.m. and after getting breakfast took a stroll around the town and then down to the depot of the Providence Rail Road. I then came up to the hotel and remained there until the carriage called which conveyed me to the steamer Massachusetts on board of which I took passage for New York.
I started at 1 p.m. After leaving Providence the scenery is beautiful, the country being very undulating. In going down the bay I noticed a very pretty little town called Bristol. It presents a very fine appearance from the river. We stopped at Newport about 2 p.m. A very pretty town, it appears to be situated on a hill and has three steeples visible from the river. We passed by Fort Adams on an Island bearing the same name, just after leaving Newport, it has portholes sufficient for 100 guns, besides what can be mounted on top the fort. We arrived at Stonington about 1/2 past 6 p.m. Immediately upon our arrival, I took supper (on board the boat).
After supper I walked up into town - the buildings are all frame built in the usual style of New England houses with porticoes, pillars, etc. I noticed a splendid hotel near the steamboat landing - far superior in regards to beauty or architecture than I have yet seen. I remained in this place about 2 1/4 hours when the Boston passengers arrived - there were about 350 of them, which together with the about 150 on before, made the boat very full. I was very much amused, as I lay on my cot about 6 feet from the floor, at the passengers making and fixing their beds, by getting settees, etc. and placing mattresses upon them. At times you would hear a fellow say, "Hullow stranger, what are doing in my berth?" "I am not in your berth," would be the reply. "But I can swear that is the number of my berth, and you must get up." "I be a___ if I will," would be the reply. And so they would go on until one would off to the Captain for redress & I would hear no more of it.
23 August 1842. I got up to New York this morning about 7 a.m. On my arrival here I put up at Mrs. Waldron's. (In passing Blackwell Prison on Blackwell Island, I noticed a number of Black's, both male and female, going to work.) After taking a short walk around town to see whether I could hear anything of Pa, I came back to my boarding house and wrote a letter to him. After dinner I walked down to the Battery and then went into Castle Garden and remained there until about 5 1/2 p.m. listening to fine band of music marching through the Battery grounds with a company of soldiers. From the top of the Battery, you have a fine view of the New York Bay, and also of the U.S. frigate North Carolina, the French steam frigate Gomar, and the English frigate Warspite lying therein. After supper I went up to Niblos Garden and was much pleased with the performance. I got to bed at 1/4 of 12.
24 August 1842. It was cloudy. After breakfast, I took a walk down to the Battery and from there I went on the frigate North Carolina. I met Mr. Elliott on board and also R. Baker who showed me through every part of the ship. I noticed them drilling boys, both with musket and cannon. I also saw them in school. From the quarter deck of this vessel you have a fine view of the French Steamer Frigate Gomar, and the English Frigate Warspite - both fine vessels. While on board, I went into the cabin where the Court Marshal was sitting. The officers were arranged around a table in the centre of the cabin to the number of 15 in full uniform. I left the frigate about 11 1/2 and after that went to see Mrs. Van Arsdale and remained there about 1/2 and hour and then came back to my boarding house. In the afternoon I took a walk through the city and in the evening went to Chatham Theatre to see Forrest and Mrs. Clifton play in Richelieu. I got to bed at 1 a.m.
25 August 1842. It was raining very hard when I got up, but in a short time cleared off warm. After breakfast, I went over to the Post Office, being almost sure of getting a letter either from Pa or Mr. Townsend, but was very much disappointed in not finding one. I then went down to the foot of Canal St. with the intention of going to Fort Lee about 10 miles up the river on the steamer Boston. She started on the appointed hour (10 o'clock) and instead of going up the river, she went down. On inquiring the cause, I found that she was going to take a barge in tow, then she would proceed on with her trip to Fort Lee. After making fast to the barge, she turned and went up for about a mile when she again stopped. And on asking the Captain what was the reason of the detention, he deliberately told us that he was going to leave the barge at this place and proceed again to New York, it being then too late to go up on account of his having to start again at 12 o'clock. So, about 20 other passengers, besides myself, were disappointed not having our trip, after having been kept on the river for an hour with the expectation of going up.
After I landed I went and took a saltwater bath and then returned to my boarding house. In the afternoon I went over again to the Post Office, but was again disappointed in not getting a letter. Afterwards, I took a walk around the park and then to my boarding [house] where I went up to my room and took a nap until about 5 1/2 o'clock when I went around to see Mrs. Van Arsdale, but she was out. After supper, I took a walk down to the Battery with the intention of visiting Castle Garden, but there being no performance there, I took a walk around the Battery and up to Mrs. Waldren's, when I in a short time went to bed. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 9 1/4 p.m.
26 August 1842. It was cloudy and occasionally raining through the day. I got up at 5 1/2 a.m. and went out to get breakfast at the refectory. I then went and got my valise, coat, etc. and went down to the foot of Barclay St. with the intention of going on board the steamer Albany for Albany, but when I got down there I found that there was no boat there and when making an inquiry, I found that she had not come down, having met with some accident. I thought I should have been disappointed in getting up the river, for they told me that there was no other boat, but in a short time found that there was another boat to go in her stead. From the foot of Cortland St., to which place I went and found the steamer Columbia in which I took passage.
We started at about 1/4 past 7 and had quite a quick trip to Albany, making it in about 10 hours, including stoppages, a distance of 145 miles. On our way up, we stopped at and passed a number of pretty towns among which were Peekskill, Newburgh, Hyde Park, Hudson, etc. On our arrival at Albany, I took a boat which conveyed us to Troy where I now am stopping at the "Troy House." I met with two gentlemen on board the boat, who I remained in company during the evening, and also took a walk with. Their names are Mr. Samuel Shore and Mr. J.B. Mason, both from Fall River, Massachusetts.
27 August 1842. I got up at about 6 a.m. and wrote a letter to Mr. William H. Bird of Philadelphia. After breakfast, I took a walk around town with Mr. Shore and Mr. Mason and then up in the hills back of the city, which gave us a fine view of the place and also Albany and the surrounding country. We then walked over to the part of the hill where the avalanche occurred some one or two years since, and then around to the hotel where I remained until about 1 o'clock when Mr. Shore and myself took a walk around to stoneware manufacturing. After we looked around there, we returned to the hotel, there being a heavy shower coming up from the SE In a short
time I got dinner. At about 3 p.m., I left Troy for Saratoga, had an unusual number of passengers on account of the New York Legislature having been invited by the managers of the railroad to visit Saratoga. There were 4 of them in the car that I was in and I was much amused with the jokes that they were continually telling. This railroad is inferior to any one that I have ever traveled on, both in regards to the laying of the rails and also the plan of the cars, the former being laid in loose billets of wood and the latter being nothing but common 4 wheel cars. The road is also very rough. The scenery is very beautiful. We passed over several branches of the Mohawk River and by the town of Lancingbury. We also passed through the towns of Waterford (4 miles from Troy), Vernam (12 miles from Troy), and Ballston (22 miles from Troy) - all very pretty places.
We arrived in Saratoga about 1/4 past 6 p.m. When you are about 6 miles from Saratoga, you have a fine view of the Green Mountains in Vermont. On our arrival at this place, I took board at "Congress Hall." A most magnificent house, it has a splendid piazza in front extending the whole length of the building with a covering over it supported by 17 columns, near 30 feet in height. The porch is about 225 feet long by 20 feet in width. It rained very hard during all the evening and I was not able to go out, although I was not at a loss for amusement by staying in, for I went into the parlour where there were about 20 ladies and as many more gentlemen. There was a game among some of them called "Fox and Geese," which created a great deal of amusement to those sitting around the room as well as to the participants. There was one little fellow - a Jew from New York - by the name of Solomon who kept the company in the parlour in a continual roar at his odd behavior and strange faces, as he was a little crazy. They had several other games, besides the above, which occasioned a great deal of fun, especially when Solomon was among them. There are but 3 Philadelphians at this house at present: Mr. Williams and Mr. and Miss Nevins. I got to bed at about 11 1/4 p.m.
28 August 1842. It poured rain all day until about 4 p.m. when it cleared off and the sun came out beautifully. This evening was clear and starlit. I got up this morning about 6 o'clock and after dressing, I took a walk down to the Congress Spring and took 4 glasses of water, but did not like the taste much. There were quite a number of persons down there among whom were Mr. Shore and Mr. Mason who I took a walk with as far as the circular railway. Then I went back to the hotel where I got breakfast. I remained in the house until about 11 o'clock when Mr. Mason and myself took a walk through the Union Hall, the American House, and the United States Hotel. They are all handsome hotels, especially the latter being the largest hotel I ever was in; it also had a very handsome garden connected to it.
After dinner I went down to the depot of the Albany railroad where I took passage from Albany. We started at about 1/2 past 3 p.m. and in about an hour and a half arrived in Schenectady (about 16 miles from Albany). Just after leaving this place, you ascend an inclined plane - its length being about 3/4 of a mile. You also descend another just before entering Albany. We arrived in Albany about 1/4 past 6 p.m. after a pleasant ride through a very pretty country, but it would have been much more pleasant if it had not rained. On my arrival in this place I went into the Railroad Hotel where I shall stay until morning when I will start for West Point. In the evening I attended the Universalist Church after not being able to find any other. The text was 2nd Peter, chapter 1, the last verse. I got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
29 August 1842. It was very foggy when I got up and continued so until about 9 a.m. I got up this morning about 1/2 past 5 a.m. and in a short time took breakfast. Then I got in the omnibus and went down to the steamer Troy in which I took passage for West Point. On our way down, we passed a number of towns among which were New Baltimore (west side), Kinderhook (east side), Coxsackie (west side), Hudson (east side), Catskill (west side). Just after leaving this place (Catskill), you have a fine view of the Catskill Mountains which are 3000 ft high. You also have a fine view of the Mountain House which is nearly on top of them.
Just after leaving Newburgh and upon entering the highlands, we had one of the most tremendous storms of hail and rain accompanied with thunder and lightning I ever saw. It continued until after we stopped at West Point and almost put me out of the notion of going ashore. But there were a number of ladies going, who of course made me think, if they ventured, I could. And, I am now very glad that I did, for upon landing I found that the cadets were to have their grand Annual Ball tonight and are also going to strike their tents tomorrow. And, what pleased me more than all, was to find a letter here which informed me where Pa and Ma had got to - it was the first I had heard from them since I missed them in Boston.
On my arrival at this place, after going up to the hotel, I walked around the cadet's cemetery and then around by the Professors' cottages to the Chapel and the Hall of Exercises. In the latter building I saw part of the chain that was stretched across here during the Revolution. I took a walk down around to Koskuzhos gate and then around to the seats in part of the camp to witness the evening parade.
After the parade I had supper. At about 9 p.m. I walked down to the Ball with Miss Elizabeth Sturgeon (of No. 40 Carmine St., New York), a young lady introduced to me by one of the cadets, formerly a resident of Philadelphia.
August 30 1842. I felt rather tired today on account of being up all last night at the Ball. It was a very fine affair. It kept up until 4 this morning when it was finished off with a jig dance, a waltz song, and three cheers by the male part of the company, of course, all the ladies having left. At about 1 a.m., we all went down to a supper in the refreshment room consisting of every luxury New York could afford. The decorations of the ballroom were splendid. After leaving the Ball about 4 a.m., I went up to the hotel and sat down on a chair, leaning my head on another, in which position I slept until the morning gun fired at 5 a.m. when I walked over to the camp and passed up and down with one guard until near breakfast time.
After breakfast, I walked over to the morning parade, after which I took a stroll over the Point with Miss Sturgeon and also up to Fort Putnam, from which we had a very fine view, being about 700 or 800 feet above the level of the river. After coming down from the Fort, we walked over to the encampment ground where we remained some time waiting to see them strike their tents. It was a beautiful sight for everything was done in such specified order. At about 12, the first tap of the drum was given when every man was at his post; at the second tap everything was loosened, and at the third every tent, amounting to 72, dropped as if it were by magic. In five minutes from the first tap of the drum, every camp had disappeared, no vestige of them remaining.
At about 3 p.m., I left the Point for New York. Miss S. also went down and I had the pleasure of waiting upon her down. We arrived in New York about 6 1/2 p.m. and after seeing her home, I went up to my boarding house where I got tea. After tea, I went around to Mrs. Van Arsdale's but she was out. I came back and went to bed.
31 August 1842. I got up at about 5 1/2 a.m. and was much hurried in dressing, for I wished to start for Philadelphia on the 6 o'clock boat. I however got down just in time. I left New York at about 6 a.m. and after a very pleasant trip of almost 7 hours arrived in Philadelphia. I took a cab and went up home where I found all well. I remained in the house in the afternoon and in the evening I was out with Sam Milligan for a while. I was gone just 22 days on my excursion.
SEPTEMBER
1 September 1842. It was a clear and delightful day, but rather warm. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 was at 71 degrees, at 3 p.m. 79 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 70 degrees.
I was at the office all day. I spent the evening at Mrs. Edward Roberts' on Spruce St. I got up this morning at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
2 September 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 71 degrees, at 1/4 of 3 p.m. 81 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 73 degrees.
I was at the office all day and I spent the evening down at Miss Berry's. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 10 p.m.
3 September 1842. It was clear and very pleasant until towards evening when it clouded over and we had several heavy showers of rain. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 72 degrees, and at 2 1/2 p.m. 82 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 10 p.m.
4 September 1842. It was cloudy all day with the wind from the SE. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 73 degrees, at 4 p.m. 72 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 72 degrees.
I was at St. Phillip's Church both in the morning and afternoon. In the evening I went down to Trinity Church with Sam Milligan. Mr. Coleman preached from the 4th chapter of Job, verses 6 to 8. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
5 September 1842. It was cloudy all day and evening with occasional showers. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 72 degrees, at 2 p.m. 79 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 73 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked down to see Miss Alice Chalenor, but found they had moved. I then walked around to see Miss Shankland, but she was out. I then walked to Mr. Hanly's new store, where I remained sitting for about half an hour talking Dr. Dickey. I started to go up home, but when I got as far as 2nd St., I met Dave Weatherly who persuaded me to go down to see Mrs. Berry with him. We remained there until about 10 p.m. when we came up home. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
6 September 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NE until this afternoon when it got around to the NW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 71 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 73 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 68 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home. Mr. Elliott spent the evening. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
7 September 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 65 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 73 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 72 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was down to see Sam Milligan, but he was not in. I then went around to Bill Hanly's and remained there the rest of the evening. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
8 September 1842. It was cloudy all day and evening with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 68 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 79 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 71 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I attended a meeting of the American Institute. I got up at 20 m. of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
9 September 1842. It was cloudy all day until about 4 1/2 p.m. when it cleared off. The wind was S.W The thermometer at 6 1/4 a.m. was at 73 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 80 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. 68 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at a meeting with Dave Weatherly until 9 p.m. when we took a walk down Chestnut St. I got up at 5 3/4 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
10 September 1842. It was cloudy all day and the wind was from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 63 degrees.
I was at the office during the morning. In the afternoon, Dave Weatherly and myself went out agunning. We went down Broad St. and over the meadows as far as League Island and then upon it. I got home about 8 p.m. and only shot about 18 birds, not getting them all at that. I remained in the house during the rest of the evening, except about 20 minutes I took to go down after my new boots. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 9 1/2 p.m.
11 September 1842. It was cloudy all day and the evening was clear. The wind was from the S. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 65 degrees, at 4 p.m. 76 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 73 degrees.
I was at home all day, not being able to go out on the account of rubbing the skin off my heels so much that I could not bear my boots on. In the evening I went out to walk up to Grace Church with Ma and Lydia. Mr. Suddards preached from the 4th chapter of 1st Samuel, verse 21. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
12 September 1842. It was clear and warm all day and evening with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 74 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 85 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 79 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home. Ma and Mrs. Roberts spent the evening here, and Anna and Elizabeth spent the evening and took tea with us. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
13 September 1842. Yesterday was my 18th birthday. Today was cloudy and warm with the wind from the WSW until towards evening when it got around to the NW when it got much cooler. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 76 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 84 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 69 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home reading. Mr. Campbell spent part of the evening here. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
14 September 1842. It was cloudy and it rained most of the day. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. and 2 1/2 p.m. was at 65 degrees and at 10 p.m. 64 degrees. It poured rain all the evening.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home reading. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 25 m. past 10 p.m. At 10 p.m. it was still raining.
15 September 1842. It was cloudy all day and rainy with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. and 10 1/2 p.m. was at 63 degrees, and at 2 p.m. 70 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the Rhetorical Academy" with Louisa Wood and Lydia. They played "Rent Day and it was the first performance of the season. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m. At 10 1/2 p.m. it was still cloudy.
16 September 1842. It was cloudy all day with rain in the morning. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 61 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 68 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 63 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I attended a Whig meeting held in the room formerly occupied by the Chinese Museum at the corner of 9th and George St. The meeting was exceedingly well attended and was addressed by Messieurs Morton M. Michael, William B. Reed, Josiah Randall, Gilpin (from Wilmington, Delaware), Chas. Gibbons, Gen. Smith, Fay, and a gentleman from Ohio whose name I do not remember. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
17 September 1842. It was clear and delightful all day and the evening was moonlit. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 58 degrees, at 2 p.m. 70 degrees, and at 8 p.m. 64 degrees.
I was at the office during the morning. In the afternoon, William H. Bird and myself took a walk down to the Point House and from the Point House to League Island and from League Island up home by way of Broad St. I had my gun with me and shot 3 birds. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
18 September 1842. It was clear, cool and delightful all day. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 61 degrees, at 12 1/2 p.m. 71 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 63 degrees.
I was at Grace Church both in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Suddards preached in the morning from the 10th chapter of Hebrews, verses 28 & 29. An African missionary preached in the afternoon. This was the second Sunday that our church has opened since the painting and repairing of it. In the evening I was down at Trinity Church with Sam Milligan and Mr. Coleman preached. I got up at 10 m. past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
19 September 1842. It was clear most of the day, but we had two light showers. This evening was moonlit. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 61 degrees, at 2 p.m. 68 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 58 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home. Lydia, Gainor, Tacy & Sarah Roberts, Aunt Lydia Jones, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Roberts and Elizabeth Roberts spent the evening here. This morning at about 2 a.m. we were awakened by ringing at the door and upon looking found that Grandma was in a carriage at the door much to our astonishment. She has been five days and a half coming on. I got up this morning at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
20 September 1842. It was a clear, cool, and delightful day. This evening was clear and moonlit. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 53 degrees, at 2 p.m. 63 degrees, and at 1/4 of 10 p.m. 57 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went up to Mr. Berry Clark's for Grandma about half past seven. I then came home and went down to the Post Office to put a letter from Gandma to Dr. Harrison when I returned and went home with Miss Julia Gaff, who had been spending the evening here. Mr. Elliott and Mrs. Elliot also spent the evening here partly. We had a slight fall of snow yesterday about 1/2 past 12 p.m. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
21 September 1842. It was cloudy on and off all day with a short shower of rain both in the morning and afternoon. The wind was SW until towards evening when it got around to the NW and cleared off quite cool. The evening was moonlit. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 52 degrees, at 2 p.m. 68 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 65 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was out with Dave Weatherly. We were at Berry's and Shankland's, but neither were in. Then we took a rather long walk about one place or another. Old Mrs. Johnson spent the day here. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
22 September 1842. It was clear and cool all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 49 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 57 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 49 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a meeting of the American Institute. I had on an overcoat for the first time this season this evening and found it quite comfortable. Ma had a fire made in her room this morning, being too cold to sit without one -- it was the first that we had this season. I took a walk yesterday morning out to Fairmount, crossed on the wire bridge and down on the other side to Market St. and then in town with Dave Weatherly Jr. I got up at 1/4 of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
23 September 1842. It was clear and cold all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 43 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 58 degrees, and at 10 p.m. it was at 52 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home. Miss Mary Ann Alrich from Wilmington and Miss Buckly of 224 Race St. spent the afternoon and evening here and took tea with us. Louisa Wood was also here. I got up at 25 m. of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m. There was a very heavy frost this morning, as I was told by a countryman. Bill Hanly arrived here from Halifax today by way of Baltimore.
24 September 1842. It was clear and cool all day. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 46 degrees, at 2 p.m. 63 degrees.
I was at the office during the morning. In the afternoon, Dave Weatherly Jr. and myself walked up as far as the Falls of the Schuylkill, when I jumped on a canal boat and rode up as far as Manayunk, and he walked up. When we got there, I expected to ride home in the Cars but found the last train had started, so we had to walk in. We accomplished the walk in about 2 hours and a quarter. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at half past 10 p.m.
25 September 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 54 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 62 degrees, at 10 p.m. 56 degrees.
I was at Grace Church both in the morning and afternoon. Mr. Suddards preached in the morning from the 7th chapter of Joshua, verse 13 and in the afternoon from the 119 Psalm, verse 71. This evening I was at Trinity Church with Samuel Milligan. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 25 m. past 10 p.m. At 10 p.m. it was clear and cool.
26 September 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 52 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 65 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 58 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked down to the Democratic meeting with Dave Weatherly where we remained a while. When we went down to make Miss Shankland a visit, She not being in, we walked down to Miss S. Coates', and also another lady was there. On our return home, we stopped for a while at the meeting. We had a fire (in the grate) in the back office today for the first time this season. I got up at 1/2 past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 25 m. of 11 p.m.
27 September 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day. The wind was NW but got around to the SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 53 degrees, at 2 p.m. 69 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 61 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at Miss Berry's until about 1/4 of 9 p.m. when I went around to the cousins' on 9th St. where I remained until 1/4 past 9, when I came home. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m. This evening was clear and pleasant.
28 September 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 56 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 72 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 65 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went down to Bill Hanly's and remained there a short time and took a walk around. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m. There was ice made last Friday night as thick as window glass near Wilmington.
29 September 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day with the wind from the NE & E. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 59 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 73 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 62 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In this evening I went with Dave Weatherly to see Miss Gauman and remained there a short time and then we went around to the "American Institute" where I remained until 1/4 past 10 p.m. when I came home leaving Dave there. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
30 September 1842. It was cloudy with the wind from the SE until towards the latter part of the afternoon when it cleared off and got around to the SW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 60 degrees, at 2 p.m. 68 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 61 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked up as far as Broad and Chestnut St. with Dave Weatherly. We then went down to Miss Coates', where we remained the rest of the evening. There were several other gentlemen and ladies there besides ourselves. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
OCTOBER
1 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 65 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 70 degrees, and at 9 p.m. 63 degrees.
I was at the office during the morning. In the afternoon I took a walk down to the Navy Yard with William Bird and in the evening I took a walk down to Second St. as far as John St. with Dave Weatherly and then up home again. I got up at 10 m. of 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m. At 10 1/2 p.m. it was clear and starlit.
2 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day and evening with the wind from the WSW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 61 degrees, and at 3 p.m. 71 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon and Mr. Suddards preached both times. In the evening I went down to Trinity Church with Sam Milligan and William Hanly. Mr. Neville preached. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
3 October 1842. It was clear until towards noon when it clouded over and rained a little in the evening. The wind was NW and SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 55 degrees, at 2 p.m. 71 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 61 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home reading. Miss Fisher and Miss Webb spent part of the evening here. I got up at 1/4 past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 past 10 p.m.
4 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day and evening with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 53 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 57 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at the Athenaeum reading Blackstone.(12) Mr. Elliott spent part of the evening here. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 past 10 p.m.
5 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 49 degrees, at 2 p.m. 63 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a Whig meeting held on Chestnut St. opposite the State House. John M. Clayton addressed the meeting throughout. Mrs. Reiford took dinner with us today. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 25 m. past 10 p.m.
6 October 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 46 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 59 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 51 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at the Athenaeum until about 9 p.m. when I went up to Mrs. Edward Roberts' for Lydia, she having been up there to tea. I got up at 10 m. past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
7 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day. The wind was NE for a while but it afterwards got around to the SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 47 degrees, at 2 p.m. 62 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was down at Bill Hanly's until about 1/2 past 8 when we walked down to the other store and remained there a while. Then we went down to Miss Shankland's and she not being in, we walked down to Miss Coates' where we remained about an hour and then came up home. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 5 m. of 11 p.m.
8 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day and evening. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 52 degrees, at 2 p.m. 66 degrees, and 9 p.m. 59 degrees.
I was at the office during the morning. In the afternoon, William H. Bird and myself started at 3 o'clock and walked to Laurel Hill which occupied an hour and a half, and remained there half an hour. We started at 5 p.m. precisely, walking the 5 miles in one hour. In the evening I walked up to the Third St. tannery with Cecilia Erwin and left her there and then walked down Second St. below Queen to a Whig meeting and then up to another before the Mansion House on 3rd St. near Walnut St. I remained there a while and then went home. Mrs. Reiford took dinner with us today. I got up at 6 a.m. I got up at 1/4 past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 10 p.m.
9 October 1842. It was cloudy all day, but cleared off in the evening. The wind SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 59 degrees, at 2 p.m. 67 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 60 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and Mr. Suddards preached. In the afternoon I was at St. Phillip's Church and Mr. Neville preached. In the evening I was at Grace Church with Sarah Roberts and Mr. Suddards preached. The church was very full and crowded. I got up at quarter past 6 a.m. and got to bed at half past 10 p.m.
10 October 1842. It was cloudy all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 52 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 54 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the Athenaeum reading Blackstone until 20 minutes past 9 when I walked down Chestnut St. and met Dave Weatherly and took a walk around for a few squares and then went home. I got up at 1/4 past 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
11 October 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 48 degrees, at 1 p.m. 64 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 57 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening, Dave Weatherly called for me and we took a stroll together down to the Election Ground on Chestnut St, and then down 2nd St. to Southwark Election Ground where we remained a short time when we came up and stopped for Bill Hanly. We took a regular stroll around until after 10 p.m. when we went home. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
12 October 1842. It was clear and delightful all day and the evening was moonlit. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 8 a.m. was at 61 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 67 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 57 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was down at the Athenaeum until 9 p.m. reading Blackstone when I went down to Bill Hanly's and I remained there about 1 1/4 hours and then I came home. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
13 October 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day and evening with the wind from the WSW. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 51 degrees, at 1 p.m. 63 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 57 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I attended a meeting of the American Institute to hear a debate on the subject of whether the Christian Minister is doing his duty when lecturing against Roman Catholic persecution. It was warmly argued on both sides and no conclusion was reached. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 20 m. of 10 p.m.
14 October 1842. It was cloudy most of the day with the wind from the S. The thermometer at 1/4 of 7 a.m. was at 47 degrees, at 1 p.m. 67 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 60 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at the Athenaeum reading Blackstone. It commenced raining this evening at about 8 o'clock and continued throughout the evening. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 10 3/4 p.m.
15 October 1842. It was cloudy on and off all day without rain until about 1/2 past 6 p.m. when it commenced and continued until 7 and then cleared off beautifully. The evening was clear and moonlit. The wind was WSW and the thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 53 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 61 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 51 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was out strolling about with Samuel Milligan until about 9 o'clock when I came home. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
16 October 1842. It was clear and delightful all day and evening with the wind from the SSW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 47 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 63 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 56 degrees.
I was at the Baptist Church on Sansom St. this morning with Grandma and Mr. Breck preached. In the afternoon I was at Grace Church and Mr. Suddards preached. In the evening I was at Trinity Church with Bill Hanly and Sam Milligan and Mr. Coleman preached. After church we walked down to Miss Snell's to see how Mrs. T. Snell is, as she has not been expected to live for a few days. We did not go in there, but remained at the door talking with Priscilla and then came up home.
Just after getting home from church this afternoon, Uncle Lloyd Jones stopped at the door and informed us of the death of Aunt Nancy Warner. She died this afternoon about 4 p.m. and had been sick for several weeks. I got up at 20 minutes of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 20 m. past 11 p.m.
17 October 1842. It was a clear and delightful day and this evening was moonlit. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 53 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 64 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I called down for Sam Milligan. We both went to Miss Coates' (but taking a stroll around previous to going). I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m. We had a fire in the grate in the parlour for the first time this season today.
18 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day and in the evening until between 9 and 10 p.m. when it clouded over and at about 10 commenced raining. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 53 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 71 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 60 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the Athenaeum reading Blackstone until about 9 p.m. when I left and took a walk down as far as Paschall & Bedlock's office where I sat talking until near 10 when I came home. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
19 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day and evening with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 53 degrees, at 12 p.m. 57 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 51 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked down to the Post Office to put a letter in for Grandma. I then walked over to the office and found Weatherly and Bird there. I went in a while and then we went down to William Hanly's and I remained the rest of the evening with him when Sam and I went home. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and to bed at 1/2 past 10 p.m.
20 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. and 10 1/2 p.m. was at 45 degrees, and at 1 1/2 p.m. 53 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a meeting of the American Institute. The subject of the debate was the same as last week: whether the Christian Minister is doing his duty when lecturing against Roman Catholic persecution. It was warmly contested on both sides throughout the evening and was still going on when I left at 10 minutes past 10 p.m. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
21 October 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 40 degrees, at 1 1/4 p.m. 54 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked down to see Bill Hanly at 7th St. and Lombard where I remained with him until near 8 p.m. when both of us went down to Miss Shankland's. We remained there a short time and then went down to Miss Coates' where we spent the rest of the evening very pleasantly. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
22 October 1842. It was cloudy all day and at about 6 1/2 a.m. it commenced raining and continued to so throughout the morning. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 45 degrees, at 2 p.m. 58 degrees, and at 9 p.m. 53 degrees.
I was at the office all day until about 1/2 past 4 p.m. when I took a walk up and down Chestnut St. and then home. In the evening, I was at home reading Blackstone. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
23 October 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 53 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 59 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 51 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon and Mr. Suddards preached both times. After church, in the afternoon, I took a walk up and down Chestnut St. with Thomas Gillespie. In the evening I attended St. Philip's Church with Sarah Roberts and Mr. Spear preached. After church I accompanied her home, and then Lydia Roberts who took tea at our house. In the evening I went to church with Pa, Ma, Lydia, and Grandma. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
24 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant until towards the latter part of the afternoon when it clouded over and at about 9 1/2 p.m. commenced raining. The wind was SE. The wind at 7 a.m. was at 47 degrees, at 2 p.m. 68 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 61 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening, cousins Lydia, Tacy and Sarah Roberts came around here with the intention of going up to Mrs. May Roberts' with us, but it looked so much like rain that they concluded not to go. But Sarah and I went up and spent the evening there. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
25 October 1842. It rained all day. The wind was SE in the morning but towards afternoon it got around to the NW and in the evening it cleared off a little. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 61 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 58 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 52 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was down at the office writing for Papa until about 10 p.m. when I came up home. Dave Weatherly and Bill Bird were also there. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
26 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant but cool all day and evening. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 45 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 54 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 47 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at the Athenaeum reading Blackstone until 1/2 past 8 p.m. when I went down to Bill Hanly's and remained there until half past 9 and then came home. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
27 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 43 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 55 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 41 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the Franklin Institute exhibition at which I met Augustus Mayor and I remained in his company most of the evening and after we left I took a stroll around with him. Lydia went up to West Chester with Mr. Campbell today. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
28 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 41 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 54 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked down to the office with the intention of reading there, but after waiting half an hour found that Weatherly did not come. I walked down to Miss Coates' where I met Alfred Peterson. I remained there a short time and then all of us went around to Miss Lisle's and we remained there about an hour and then walked back to the Coates'. I got up at 6 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
29 October 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day and evening. The wind was from the NNE. in the morning, but afterwards got around to the E.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went down to the Athenaeum until about 1/4 of 9 p.m. reading Blackstone's Commentaries. After I walked down as far as the office with the expectation of finding Dave Weatherly there, but was disappointed and then came up home. I got up at quarter past 6 a.m. and got to bed at quarter past 10 p.m. (The thermometer stood today at 7 a.m. 43 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 56 degrees and at 9 p.m. 51 degrees.)
30 October 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day. The wind was ENE. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 47 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 54 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 47 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning. Henry Borden took dinner with us today and in the afternoon he and I took a walk down as far as the Old Swede's Church(13) which we attended. Mr. Clay preached. In the evening I was down at Trinity Church with William Hanly and Mr. Coleman preached. After church, he and I went home with Miss Shankland and Miss Coates. We went in and sat a while when we were accompanied by Dave Weatherly who we met at Miss Coates'. After I came up home. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
31 October 1842. It was cloudy and kind of hazy all day. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 46 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 53 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 44 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was down at the office reading Blackstone with Dave Weatherly until about 8 o'clock when he proposed we go to Miss Shankland's where we went. We found two of the Miss Coatses, Miss Lisle, and several gentlemen there. We spent the rest of the evening very pleasantly. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
NOVEMBER
1 November 1842. It was cloudy all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 43 degrees, at 1 p.m. 56 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 50 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the Athenaeum reading Blackstone until about 1/4 past 8 when I went up to Mrs. Suddards' for Grandma and Lydia - they had taken tea there. I found quite a number in the room upon entering and was much surprised, as I was not dressed, having on my thick overcoat and none underneath so as I could take it off. I however spent the remainder of the evening there. William H. Bird's brother John started today in the ship to sail for Liverpool and then back. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
2 November 1842. It was rather misty or cloudy all day and evening with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 47 degrees, at 1 p.m. 56 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 50 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was down at the office with David Weatherly and William H. Bird. Weatherly was reading Blackstone, Bird was writing a deed for himself and I was copying my notes from Blackstone. We left there at 1/2 past 8 and went up to Howell's on Cherry St. near 4th for Grandma and Lydia, they having spent the afternoon and taken tea there. I got up at quarter of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 10 p.m.
3 November 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day with the wind from the NE. The thermometer at 6 1/2 a.m. was at 41 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 50 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 43 degrees.
I was at the office all day. I spent the evening at the girls' on 9th St. - Ma, Pa, Grandma, and Lydia were also there, Grandma having taken Ma there. Mrs. Elliott's sister Mrs. Butler was married today in Quaker Meeting. I got up at 6 a.m. and went down to the office to get a breast pin which I had dropped there last night. I got to bed at 10 1/4 p.m.
4 November 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day but cool. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 50 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 44 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I walked down to the lecture of the Mercantile Library Company with Miss Mary Cuthbert and Tacy Roberts. Ma and Mrs. Jones were with Algernon Roberts. I left them there and went up to Mrs. Mary Roberts'. I remained there until quarter past 8 when I went home and then down to the lecture for Miss Cuthbert and the rest of them and then I went home. This was the first lecture of the season. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 10 p.m.
5 November 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 6 a.m. was at 41 degrees.
I got up at quarter of 6 a.m., got breakfast, and went to the steamer Robert Morris, on board of which I took passage for Wilmington, Delaware. I arrived there after a pleasant trip at about 1/4 past 9. I met Henry Borden and took a walk up to the place where they were roasting the ox, as there is to be a great meeting of the Whigs today and this ox is roasting to from part of the dinner of which they are to partake. After looking around about the grounds for a while, I walked over to Dr. Gibbons' and remained there for a short time. I then walked down to the depot to march up with the Philadelphia Delegation, which we did until we got so dusted that we gave it up.
After leaving the procession, I walked down to Mr. Dunnot's to see his daughters and Mrs. Luff - it was very much a pleasure with both the daughters and particularly the youngest as she was both amiable and pretty. After a great deal of persuasion, they got us to remain with them to eat dinner. After dinner, I walked out to the grounds on which the meeting was held, in the company of Miss C. Dunnot, her sister, Miss Clark, and several others. We obtained seats for them in a carriage where they remained during the continuance of the meeting. John M. Clayton spoke for 4 hours which prevented many others from speaking whose intention it was to do so. I left the grounds at about 5 and accompanied the Miss D.s home and then walked to Mrs. Ringgold's, the place where Henry Borden is boarding, and took supper.
After supper, Henry went out, having a little engagement to fill, and I remained sitting a while listening to Mrs. R.'s daughter and some other young lady sing some very pretty songs. After, I walked up to see Mrs. Adrich and daughters where I remained until 9 p.m., Henry having called in the meantime. After leaving them, I went down to Mr. Dunnot's again to obtain a letter which Mrs. Luff wished me to take up to the City for her. When after accompanying Luff around to a dry-good store on Market St., I went down to Mrs. Ringgold's again where I remained until 1/2 past 10, when I walked down to the depot.
I sat down and fell asleep until 1/2 past 12 when I found the cars were near at hand. I then got a good strong cup of coffee and a piece of bread and butter and then I jumped on the cars. I fell asleep and at about 1/2 past 3 a.m., I found myself in the City again after spending a delightful day throughout in company of the ladies. I got to bed at 1/4 of 4 a.m.
6 November 1842. It was cloudy and hazy most of the day with the wind to the SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 46 degrees, at 1 p.m. 61 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 51 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and Mr. Suddards preached. In the afternoon I was at home until 1/4 of 4 p.m. when I took a letter which I brought from Wilmington for Mrs. Luff to Edward P. Borden. After leaving the letter I went up to Grace Church and heard the sermon. After Church I took a walk down Chestnut St. as far as 3rd and then I went home. In the evening, I was down at Trinity Church with William Hanly. After Church I walked home with Miss Coates. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
7 November 1842. It was cloudy all day with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 47 degrees, at 2 p.m. 60 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 55 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home until about 8 o'clock reading Blackstone part of the time, when I went up to Mr. Berry Clark's for Grandma. Mrs. Eliza Jones and her son Warner spent the evening here. It commenced raining about 1/2 past 9 p.m. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 25 m. of 11 p.m.
8 November 1842. It was cloudy and rainy until towards afternoon when it cleared off. The wind was NE, but afterwards it got around to the NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. and 10 1/2 p.m. was at 51 degrees, and at 1 1/2 p.m. it was at 53 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at the first lecture of the season of the Athenian Institute with Sarah Roberts. Dr. Ludlow delivered the first of four consecutive lectures on Palestine. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m. It was moonlit the principal part of the evening.
9 November 1842. It was cloudy all day and it rained about the middle of the day. It cleared off cold in the evening and was moonlit. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 51 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 58 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. it was at 41 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went out with William Hanly until about 8 o'clock when we parted and I went up and paid Miss Berry a visit and then came home which was about 1/2 past 9. I read Dickens' Sketches on America until half past 10 p.m. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
10 November 1842. It was cloudy in the early part of the morning but it cleared off beautifully about 10 a.m. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 59 degrees, at 2 p.m. 49 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 43 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home reading Dickens' new work on America until about 6 o'clock when Mr. & Mrs. Roberts and Elizabeth and Anna Roberts came in. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
11 November 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day and evening with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 40 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 52 degrees, and at 12 1/2 a.m. 42 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a party given by Mrs. Edith Prichett at the corner of 8th and Spruce St. for Miss Edith Baily from Wilmington, Delaware and Mrs. Van Arsdale from New York City. I accompanied Miss Adaline Graff and Miss Sarah Roberts there. I spent a delightful evening and everything passed off with great eclat -- every person seemed to enjoy themselves and there was a subject of remark throughout the room how much Miss E. Baily contributed to the general pleasure of the guests by introducing them to each other. She is as accomplished and beautiful a young lady as I know of anywhere and does honor to her native City in regard to beauty and intellect, if she may be judged as a specimen. I got up at 6 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 m. past 1 a.m.
12 November 1842. It was cloudy all day and rainy. The wind from the NE, but finally after changing several times got around to the S. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 41 degrees, at 1 1/4 p.m. 45 degrees, and at 8 p.m. 44 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home reading Dickens' Notes on America. I was up at 20 m. of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 9 p.m.
13 November 1842. Today was clear and pleasant, but cool. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 41 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 49 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 44 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and evening and Mr. Suddards preached both times. In the afternoon I was at St. Phillip's Church and Mr. Neville preached. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m. It was clear in the early part of the evening but afterwards got cloudy.
14 November 1842. It was cloudy all day and it rained through the middle of the day. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 39 degrees, at 2 p.m. 47 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 45 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home reading. I finished up Dickens' work on America. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m. It was clear and moonlit through the greater part of the evening.
15 November 1842. It was clear through the early part of the morning but it clouded over towards noon and it remained so through the rest of the day and evening. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 39 degrees, at 1 1/4 p.m. 47 degrees, and at 11 p.m. 42 degrees. The wind was NW.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at Welch's Olympic Circus on Chestnut St. below 9th on the south side with William H. Bird. Ma and Grandma took tea and spent the evening up at Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts' and Papa went up after supper. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
16 November 1842. It was cloudy, damp, and drizzling rain all day and evening. There was a slight fall of snow before daylight this morning - it was the first snow that we have had this season. The wind was NNE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 38 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. and 11 p.m. 41 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was down at the office writing for Mr. Elliott and also for myself. Dave Weatherly and William H. Bird were also there during the evening. I got up at 6 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 11 p.m.
17 November 1842. It rained all day and evening. The wind was ENE. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 41 degrees, at 1 1/4 p.m. 47 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 49 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home until 7 1/2 p.m. when I went down to put a letter in the Post Office for Dr. Harrison containing the will of William Warner. Then I went to the Athenaeum and read Blackstone until 9 1/2 p.m. Kenneth Jewell came to the office for the 1st time yesterday. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 10 p.m.
18 November 1842. It was cloudy in the early part of the morning, but it soon clouded off cold. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 49 degrees, at 2 p.m. 43 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 34 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the Athenaeum reading until 9 p.m. when I went up to Mr. Edward Roberts' for Grandma who had taken tea and spent the evening there. It is freezing in the gutters tonight - the first ice that has been made this season in the City. I had my daguerreotype likeness taken today. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 m. of 11 p.m.
19 November 1842. It was clear and very cold all day and evening; it was by far the coldest day that we have had this season - the gutters were all frozen up to a thickness of half an inch. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 29 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 1/4 of 11 p.m. 31 degrees. The wind was W.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went up to see Mr. Chas Elliott Jr. for some business with Dave Weatherly. After leaving there we went up to see Mr. Elliott, but he not being in, we went down to the office and remained there a short time. We then went down to Miss Coates' where we met Miss Elizabeth Mercer. We remained there a short time and then went home with Miss Mercer. On the way up home a fire broke out at 3rd and Gaskill St, where we stopped until it was extinguished. We then came up home. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
20 November 1842. It was clear and cold all day and there was plenty of ice. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 27 degrees, at 1 1/4 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 10 1/4 p.m. 37 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and Mr. Suddards preached. In the afternoon we were at St. Luke's Church and Mr. Spear preached. After church, we took a walk out Walnut St. with Harry Huber. This evening I was at Trinity Church with Dave Weatherly and Bishop Onderdonk preached. After church Dave and I went home with the Misses Coates. We met Al Peterson, Al Cooper and Miss Elizabeth Mercer there. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed 10 m. of 11 p.m. This evening was moonlit.
21 November 1842. It was cloudy most of the day and the evening was clear. The wind was W. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 29 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 31 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 29 degrees. For the past three days we have had in this vicinity a real old-fashioned winter weather. Ice was made to the thickness of half an inch in some places, on Friday night. Saturday and yesterday were also cold and ice in the shade could be seen at every point. On Saturday all the cloaks and overcoats were drawn from their summer retreats and mounted upon the shoulders of the owners, and yesterday and today their use was still required. In New York and the East there has also been regular winter weather. Snow has fallen recently in Concord, NH, in several places in Ohio, Quebec, Buffalo, and at other points completing a large circle around New York. What was rain here on Thursday last was snow in the Catskill Mountains.
This evening I was at the Athenaeum reading. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 m. of 11 p.m.
22 November 1842. It was clear and cold all day and evening with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 27 degrees, at 2 p.m. 35 degrees, and at 11 p.m. 30 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a musical and intellectual entertainment for the benefit of the Jefferson Total Abstinence Society held at the museum saloon at 9th and George St. I was in company with Harry Huber and Geo. Cope most of the evening. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
23 November 1842. It was clear and pleasant all day and it commenced raining about 12 a.m. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 27 degrees, at 2 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 12 a.m. 36 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at the office writing for Papa. Sarah and Tacy Roberts and Gainor Roberts were here to tea and spent the evening. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 1 a.m.
24 November 1842. It was clear all day and pleasant with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 2 p.m. 41 degrees, and at 1 1/2 a.m. 32 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a party given by Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs It was a magnificent affair and everything passed off with great eclat. There were about 60 or 70 persons there and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. For my part, I was much pleased with the party and enjoyed myself much. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 2 a.m.
25 November 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 30 degrees. I was at the office all day and in the evening
I was in the office writing for Mr. Elliott until 20 m. of 12 p.m. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 12.
26 November 1842. It was clear all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 32 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 35 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at the office until about 1/2 past 8 writing, when I took a walk round with Dave Weatherly. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
27 November 1842. It was clear, cold, and very windy all day with the exception of a short time early in the morning when it snowed very hard for a short time. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 9 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 34 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 26 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon. In the evening I was at Trinity Church with Sam Milligan and William Hanly. After church I went up to Mrs. Roberts' at 11th and Spruce St. - Mama, Papa, Grandma, and Lydia were there. I got up at 9 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
28 November 1842. It was clear and cold all day and evening and the wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 22 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 31 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 25 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I went down to William Hanly's where I remained until near 8 when I walked down to Miss Elizabeth Mercer's and spent the rest of the evening there. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m. Today was the coldest of the season.
29 November 1842. It was clear and cold until near afternoon when it clouded over. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 22 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 27 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the Athenaeum lecture with Miss Elizabeth Mercer. Dr. Ludlow lectured on "The Poetry of Palestine."
I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m. Old winter has come - alack! How icy and cold is he. Early on Sunday morning the wind came out strong from the NW and though not very cold at first, it gradually grew colder until yesterday when the mercury nestled closely beside zero in some places, and from its crouching and shivering appearance was not very comfortable even there. The streets are coated with ice wherever there is waste water. The atmosphere is full of snow. All the slackwater streams are frozen over. And, the ladies noses are red, and apparently as crisp as a cherry radish. Our almanac to the contrary notwithstanding, there is abundance of evidence that "Old Hoay Head" has anticipated his usual coming and is now actually upon us, without much prospect for abatement.
30 November 1842. The winter has come. The City today presents a dreary look. The clouds are dense, the air chilly, and snow fell very fast from 10 a.m. until about 4 p.m. when it turned to rain. There were however some sleighs out. The Delaware is filled with floating ice and the boats have been compelled to stop running to Burlington and Bristol. Everything has suddenly assumed its winter appearance. From its present appearance, the Delaware will soon close, as it is badly obstructed by ice. The docks are rather bare of shipping, yet more than the usual quantity remain for this period of the year. There are larger quantities of running ice opposite the City and the ferry boats have hard work at some parts of the day. The wind throughout the day has been NE. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 25 degrees, at 2 p.m. 31 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 31 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home reading. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at quarter past 10 p.m. It has now stopped raining.
DECEMBER
1 December 1842. It was cloudy all day and very bad walking. The wind was WNW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 30 degrees, at 2 p.m. 35 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 32 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at home reading, as I was not very well.
Yesterday was a regular out and out old-fashioned winter's day. It commenced snowing at about 10 a.m. and continued throughout the day. At 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon, it had accumulated to the depth of 3 or 4 inches on the ground, after which it did not make very fast, being intermixed with hail. It is cold and a finer bottom for a good sleighing snow could not well be created. Two inches more of snow without rain will give the young folks fine opportunity for fun. Indeed, they had it yesterday - in every direction the windows were seen with sled cord in hand, splitting it after the vehicles as they passed, lustily crying out for a "hitch". Their laughing eyes and rosy cheeks telling how much of pleasure and health they enjoyed. We want no better evidence that a man possesses a soul, loves his wife (if he has one), and pays his debts, than his treatment to a lad who come to him for a "tow". None but the selfish, at such an appeal, can forget the happy days of his own youth, and would not wish to banish its recollection by turning his back and a deaf ear to the buoyant, laughing youth at his heels. Besides these, elder brothers were enjoying much sport in the market places and school yards, belting each other with snowballs. Towards evening, some few of the more ardent "anticipated their time" and were out on runners, behind the jingling of bells. The old folks, and those who have tested the varieties of all the patent cures for colds and consumption, were thickly crowding around in the several wonders of waterproof shoes. It was a cloudy day but, so far from being accompanied with gloom, it brightened up everything exposed to its peltings.
No little gloom was cast over our City this afternoon by the intelligence of the death of Mr. Henry Morris, the High Sheriff of the County - the particulars of which will be found in the papers of tomorrow. Mr. Morris was much esteemed and respected, and had discharged the duties of his public station with fidelity and entire satisfaction to the community. He was elected a little more than a year ago by an unusually large vote, a tribute as well to his high social qualities as to the historical and patriotic associations connected with his name. The citizens of Philadelphia, almost without distinction of party, were glad to honor the memory of Robert Morris in the person of his son. He had shown himself worthy of the honor. Everyone who heard of the sudden demise of Mr. Morris seemed to feel not merely the solemnity of the event, but deep and unfeigned sorrow for his loss. The only court in session at the time, was the ander and Terminer(14) , which was engaged in the trial of young Alexander. A suitable expression of regret and respect for the memory of the deceased was there made by the Court, the Attorney General, and the counsel for the prisoner. I got up this morning at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
2 December 1842. It was clear and very pleasant and warm all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 33 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 31 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at a lecture of the Mercantile Library Association. Levi Woodbury lectured on the subject of Some of the uncertainties of History, their evils and their cure. I went with Miss Mary Cuthbert, Sarah and Tacy Roberts, Algernon Roberts and his wife. I got up at 8 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
3 December 1842. It was clear and very pleasant all day and evening, but there was very bad walking on account of the great thaw. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 33 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 41 degrees, and at 9 p.m. 37 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I walked up with Ma to buy a pair of gloves on 10th St. above Race. From the shop, we went to cousins on 9th St. We remained there a short time and then went to Aunt Lydia Jones' and we remained there a short time and then came home. I remained in the rest of the evening. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 10 p.m.
4 December 1842. It was cloudy, damp, unpleasant and very bad walking. It also rained a little early in the morning. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 35 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 43 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 40 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and Mr. Suddards preached. In the afternoon I was at St. Phillip's Church and Mr. Neville preached. In the evening I was down at Trinity Church with William Hanly. After Church, I went down to Miss Coates' and remained there a short time. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
5 December 1842. It was cloudy, damp, and foggy the greater part of the day. The wind was NNE. It rained very hard during most of the evening. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 41 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 44 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 42 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home reading Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at half past 10 p.m.
6 December 1842. It was clear during the morning. The wind was from the NW, but towards noon it changed to the NE and clouded over densely. In the evening, about 9 o'clock, winter again began to show his hoary head to the good citizens. Although we have not much prospect of good sleighing, as there is too poor a foundation, we have every prospect of the slushy, damp, and unpleasant walking we have had for the last few days. And the rain of last evening has just exterminated much of the joy of the pedestrians, who are obliged to keep trudging through the streets, to pursue their business and procure the necessities of life which are constantly needed in their families through this inclement season. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 34 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 37 degrees.
I was at the office all day and this evening I was at Miss Elizabeth Mercer's with Dave Weatherly. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
7 December 1842. It was cloudy and sometimes raining throughout the day and evening. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 35 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 35 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 36 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home reading Blackstone until about 9 o'clock when I went round to the cousins' on 9th St. to return some lecture tickets. I remained there a short time and then returned home and read a little again in B. and then went to bed. Miss Patton was here today making Ma's cloak. I got up at 1/4 past 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
8 December 1842. It was cloudy, damp, and rainy all day and evening. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 33 degrees, at 2 p.m. 34 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 35 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home copying my notes from Blackstone. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
9 December 1842. It was cloudy through the morning, but towards afternoon it cleared off. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. was at 37 degrees, at 2 p.m. 43 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening, at about 8 o'clock, Lydia and I went down to Miss Anna B. Hubb's (No. 122 Pleasant St.) for the purpose of attending a party of Miss H.'s. At about 8 1/2 p.m., we were ushered into the parlor, and our first impression was that we would not enjoy ourselves much, as there were very few there and they all appeared to be so very quiet. But shortly, the fair ladies began to make their appearance together with their galants, which began to soon enliven us from the stupor, if I may so call it, that we were fast falling into. But hark! I hear a slight noise resembling a violin. Yes it is, I hear it plainer. They come. Here they are. Two sable gentlemen make their appearance with their noisy but harmonious instruments. They seat themselves in the corner and commence their operations. The next thing we hear are the well known words of "Gentlemen take your partners". "Certainly, Miss Hubb's, I shall be pleased to dance, but I have no lady. Will you please find me one?" "Mr. Erwin. Miss Brick." "Shall I have the pleasure of dancing with you?" "Yes." We have our places, now for the music, and soon we are tapping on the light fantastic toe. Everyone's countenance is lit up with joy as they go through the various gyrations of the second cotillion. After dancing for a while, we hear the darky in the corner sing out, "Swing corners, promenade all around," and then such a flying for seats. Now you see all the gentlemen making for a certain spot in the middle of the room. Upon making examination, I found they had all gathered around the waiter to procure ice cream, etc., etc. I of course followed suit, in helping the ladies. This cleared away, now for dancing again. And so, dancing and refreshments, songs and waltzes, we kept going until near 3 a.m., when we began to disperse. All are seeming to have enjoyed themselves exceedingly and if I could judge others myself, then they must have enjoyed themselves more than any at other party they have been to for some length of time. Miss. Hubb's looked smiling and handsome and seemed to do everything in her power to make the evening pass off pleasantly. The ladies generally looked very well, especially Miss Helen Brick and Miss Green. Among the guests were Miss Caroline Brick a younger sister, Miss Field, Miss A. Brinckl�, and others whom I cannot remember. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 3 a.m.
10 December 1842. It was cloudy all day but there was no rain. The wind was NNW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 34 degrees, at 1 1/4 p.m. 38 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was down at a singing school with William Bird until about 9 p.m. when I left him and went up to William Hanly's. I remained there a while and then I came up home. I got up at 1/4 past 7 a.m., to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
11 December 1842. It was cloudy all day and evening. It snowed for an hour early in the morning. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 21 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 35 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 34 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and Mr. Suddards preached. In the afternoon, I was at St. Philip's Church and Mr. Neville preached. I sat in Mr. Mitchell's pew and walked home with Miss C. Mitchell. This evening I was at Grace Church with Lydia and Miss Mary Hehan of P. I got up 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
12 December 1842. It was cloudy all day. The wind NNW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 33 degrees, at 2 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 11 p.m. 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day with the exception of a short time in the morning when I paid a short visit to Miss Anna B. Hubb's, accompanied by Lydia. In the evening I was at Welch's Olympic Circus with Lydia. The pantomime of the red ogre of the frozen regions proved highly successful and worked like clockwork. The perfromance, it is said, surpassed their endeavors of the past night, and the piece went off with shouts of laughter and applause. The scenery was beautiful, the machinery excellent, and the tricks unsurpassed. Mr. C. Rogers, as Harlequin, dancing was capital, his attitudes beautiful, and his leaps surprising. Mrs. Howard, as Columbine, has no equal, and little Wells the clown was ludicrously funny and Parsloe, as Pantaloon, was excellent.
There was again yesterday, a slight sprinkling of snow, as I stated. The house tops and streets were whitened, but with the air being rather mild, it was soon gone. We are now crowding close on to Christmas, and thus far the most positive contradictions have been given to all the sage predictions of a severe winter, founded upon certain indications of "the goose bone", "thick coated onions", and "heavy corn husks". So far, as my recollections go (and as proved by looking over my journal), the weather of this season thus far is not materially different from that of last winter, which was more remarkable for its mildness than any one in the ten that had preceeded it. The beginning of last winter was much like the beginning of this. We had a few days of cold weather, which closed the ponds with ice and enabled a few to fill their icehouses. The same has been the case this year, and it is just as likely to be mild the rest of the season, as it was last year, the various signs to the contrary notwithstanding. I got up at 5 m. past 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 12 p.m.
13 December 1842. Early this morning we were again visited by a clever sprinkling of snow, which was followed by hail and a constant rain all day. The pavement was shoe-top deep in slush, and was not to be entered, even in case of emergency, except with overshoes. Though not cold, a more disagreeable day we have not encountered for some time. The Delaware River is nearly clear of ice and navigation is uninterrupted. There is but very little ice in the Schuylkill, not sufficient to interrupt navigation. The wind today was NE. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 27 degrees, at 2 p.m. 35 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was at home reading Blackstone's Commentaries. I commenced the 4th volume this evening. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 5 m. of 10 p.m.
14 December 1842. It was clear through the morning, cloudy through the afternoon, and then it cleared off again in the evening and it was moonlit. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 a.m. and 10 1/2 p.m. 33 degrees, and at 2 p.m. 35 degrees.
I was at the office all day. This evening I was down at William Hanly's until 8 p.m. when I went down to Miss Elizabeth Mercer's, where I spent the rest of the evening. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 5 m. past 11 p.m.
15 December 1842. It was clear through the greater part of the day, but it would occasionally cloud over. This evening was clear, cool, and moonlit. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 30 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 31 degrees.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home reading Blackstone until about 9 p.m. when I went around to Mrs. Suddards(15) for Grandma. I got up at 1/4 of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
16 December 1842. It was cloudy at times throughout the day and we had a sprinkling of snow about 9 p.m. - just enough to whiten the pavement and give the streets the appearance of stern old winter again. The wind was WSW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 27 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at home until about 9 p.m. when I went around to the cousins' on 9th St. for Grandma, Ma, and Lydia, who had been spending the evening there. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/2 past 11 p.m.
17 December 1842. It was clear and pleasant during the morning, but it clouded over towards afternoon. It again cleared towards evening, and it was as beautiful a moonlit night as I ever saw. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 27 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 32 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 32 degrees.
I was at the office in the morning and in the afternoon until about 4 p.m. when I took a walk on Chestnut St. In the evening I was down at Bill Hanly's until about 8 p.m. when I came up home, stopping at two auction sales upon my way up. Little Lydia Stoddards was here to supper and Miss Martha and Sarah Stoddards spent the evening here. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
18 December 1842. It was clear all day and evening with exception of a short time about 2 p.m. when we had a slight sprinkling of snow, but old Aeolian came out to stay with all his force today - throwing snow and shaking the sign boards, tearing down awnings, handling the ladies dresses very rudely and in fact doing a great many ungentlemanly acts. He however got quiet towards evening and it was as fine and beautiful one as I ever witnessed.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and afternoon and Mr. Suddards preached. In the evening I was down at Trinity Church with Sam Milligan and William Hanly. Mr. Coleman preached. The wind today was from the NW and cold. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 29 degrees, at 2 p.m. 41 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 29 degrees. I got up at 5 m. of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 10 p.m.
19 December 1842. It was clear all day and evening with the wind from the SW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 28 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the Walnut St. Theatre with William Bird. Sarah the Jewess, the first piece perfromed, was an admirable play leading the observer to believe that the Jewess was passing through all the tortures of a guilty conscience and atoning for her disobedience to her father for eloping with a young Englishman. And then, when it is thought that she is to expedite her life for her life for her errors on the block, the scene changes and we find her sleeping just as she was left in the first scene (she having had this awful dream which is represented through the piece, in all its horrors), much to the surprise and pleasure of myself and the audience in general.
The other piece, The Black Raven of the Tombs, is a splendid affair. The scenes are rich and the changes are effected with the dexterity and quickness of magic. From the gloom and melancholy of the grave yard, at a single touch, the scene is converted into a gay and brilliant ballroom, dazzling the eye by its splendor and richness. Some of the changes strike the audience with the greatest surprise and produce the most pleasing effect. The actors are perfect in their parts, and the novel peaks and tricks that some of them were made to perfrom, threw the house into convulsions of laughter. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/2 p.m.
20 December 1842. It was clear until the latter part of the afternoon when it clouded over and remained so during the evening. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 30 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 39 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 36 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was reading Blackstone until about 7 1/2 when cousins Lydia and Sarah Roberts came in to spend the evening which prevented me from reading any further. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 1/2 p.m.
21 December 1842. Today is damp, rainy, and very unpleasant - gum shoes are in great demand. Everybody hurries along to do their business, that they may again get into their houses and sit by their firesides and discuss the meeting, case or else the general topics of the day. All kinds of umbrellas are used, from the costly silk down to the common blue cotton may be seen flying along the streets, some torn to pieces and not affording much shelter to the one who carries it, others in full turn keeping the owner as dry as if he were sitting by his own fireside, although it cannot altogether be attributed to it alone, for the gum shoes and overcoats must be consulted, or else at every pull of the wind, as it blows strong from the NE, would send a sheet of water into the face of the poor pedestrian, as he trudges along the wet and muddy streets, in the act of pursuing his daily business or else perhaps running to the brokers, that he may gain some funds, that he may not be protested in the banks and thus forever have his credit blasted in his youth, when his energies are all fresh and he is elated with success of some new project which perhaps he thinks is to make his fortune. But, enough for the day, I am near the foot of the page. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 36 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 39 degrees, and at 9 1/2 p.m. 39 degrees. The wind was NE.
I was at the office all day and in the evening I was at home reading Blackstone's Commentaries. I got up at 5 m. of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 10 p.m.
22 December 1842. Today was cloudy, damp, and unpleasant. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 36 degrees, at 2 p.m. 40 degrees, at 10 p.m. 29 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the Chestnut St. Theatre to witness the perfromance of the sacred opera "The Israelites in Egypt." It is an opera of the most thrilling interest and is worthy of the high [?] bestowed upon it. It is the first Oratorio ever acted in America and its representation has been attended with the most signal success and approbation. There is no part of the scriptural history more strikingly interesting, and to the believers more thoroughly convincing as to the power of God, than his interposition through Moses and Aaron to deliver the children of Israel from the bondage of the Pharaoh. And, in no place or manner can the history be brought more effectively to view than upon the stage with dramatic impersonation. This opera possesses at least the negative recommendation of being free from objection as regards to its morals, and being [?], it attracts general attention. Its music is grand and, in the hands of very celebrated artists engaged to sustain the principal characters, aided by a large and efficient chorus.
I got up at 1/4 past 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
23 December 1842. Today is clear and cold and bracing. Every person hastens along with a quick and elastic step, and the ladies appear to enjoy it, as there are a number of them on Chestnut St., although the tops of their nasal organs appear to suffer a little as they are almost as red as cherries. The wind was fresh and cold from the NW by W. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 23 degrees, at 2 1/4 p.m. 26 degrees, and at 11 p.m. 21 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at Bill Hanly's until about 8 p.m. when I went down to Miss Coates' and spent the rest of the evening there. Miss Elizabeth Mercer was also there. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 1/4 p.m.
24 December 1842. It was clear and cold all day. The wind was W. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 19 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 26 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 25 degrees.
I was at the office in the morning. In the afternoon, I was out with William Bird and Dave Weatherly walking up and down Chestnut St. and also out in the evening with Weatherly and Hanly. Chestnut St. both in the afternoon and evening might be compared to a sea of people. It was actually so crowded, that it was with difficulty that a person could get along. Every person's countenance appears to be lit up with joy and merriment. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 11 p.m.
25 December 1842. It was clear all day, but it clouded over towards evening. The wind was SW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 26 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 33 degrees, and at 9 1/4 p.m. 31 degrees.
I was at Grace Church in the morning and Mr. Suddards preached. In the afternoon, I was at St. Luke's and Mr. Spear preached. In the evening, I was at Grace Church with Sarah Roberts and Lydia, and Mr. Suddards preached. I got up at 5 m. of 7 a.m. and got to bed at 9 1/2 p.m.
26 December 1842. It was clear and delightful all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 8 a.m. was at 26 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 33 degrees.
I was out with Dave Weatherly during the whole of the day and in the evening was at the cousins' on 9th St. where I took tea. From the thousands and thousands of people that promenaded Chestnut St. today, I am almost persuaded to believe that the bad times have departed, that a heightened sun is destined to shine again upon our once happy country. Never within the recollection of the oldest inhabitants, has such a general hum been seen out in this City. And, I could not help but feel proud at my being a native of this City, when I beheld the many beauteous forms and lovely faces that I encountered during a "walk in the crowd". Really, I do not think that so many handsome women were ever before seen at any one time, in our City, as on today. So plain did this appear, that every one I spoke to, adverted at once to the fact and the strangers stopping at our hotels were enchanted by the loveliness. The Schuylkill is frozen over and numerous persons were enjoying themselves in the beautiful exercise of skating. The Delaware has a great deal of floating ice in it. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
27 December 1842. It was cloudy today and at times having the appearance of snow, but towards evening it cleared off beautifully. The wind was NW. The thermometer at 7 1/4 a.m. was at 33 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 31 degrees.
I was at the office during the day and in the evening out strolling about with William Hanly. The streets, and particularly Chestnut St., present a different aspect from what they did yesterday. The thousands that were walking yesterday, have dwindled down to as many as hundreds and the old City of Brotherly Love begins to assume that quiet which is always characteristic of her. I got up at 1/4 past 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
28 December 1842. It was clear and rather cool, but just such a day as suits the fair ones to promenade on our fashionable thoroughfares. On Chestnut St. may be seen many beautiful ladies, all tripping it with as light hearts as if hard times were never thought of, while perhaps their husbands are toiling and working to get through with some heavy payments. Little do they know how their "good lads" have to be tossed about on the ocean, as it were, of a mercantile life. Little do they think, as they are tripping along so gaily, that perhaps when they enter the door of their grand mansions, it may be for the last time, for perchance their husbands may have been unsuccessful in meeting the payment of some one of their numerous liabilities. And, just as she thinks that she is going to sip of the cup of joy, it is dashed from her lips and in its stead, the bitter cup of anguish is placed and she may be necessitated to drink of it throughout a life. Many such events have transpired within the short space of a year.
The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 30 degrees, at 1 1/2 p.m. 37 degrees, and at 10 p.m. 29 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at Hanly's - there were several young lades spending the evening there. I left about 1/4 of 10 p.m. and accompanied them home. I got up at 1/4 past 7 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
29 December 1842. It commenced snowing about 10 a.m. this morning and continued until towards noon when it turned to rain, which continued through the afternoon and evening with unremitting force, deluging the streets at times accompanied with hail and snow, which made very bad walking. The wind was NE. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 27 degrees, and at 12 a.m. 33 degrees. I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at Welch's Olympic Circus. I was much pleased with the performance, especially the last piece called Don Giovanni. The characters were well sustained, particularly that of Parsloe as Leporello, whose comic gestures, songs, acting, etc., kept the house in a continual roar of laughter. I got up at 7 a.m. and got to bed at 12 1/2 a.m.
30 December 1842. The pavement this morning was covered with sleet, but as soon as heaven's glorious luminary appeared, it melted away as if it were by magic, by its general warmth. The wind was NW and chilly. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 29 degrees, at 2 1/2 p.m. 36 degrees, and at 10 1/2 p.m. 33 degrees.
I was at the office all day. In the evening I was at the mercantile lecture. It was delivered by Rev. Alfred B. Dodd of Princeton, New Jersey upon the subject of The Ancient Egyptians. The audience was very large and fashionable. Without any attempt on his part to make his subject more pleasing to his audience, by the use of metaphor, the lecture was at all times interesting and very frequently eloquent. While he conveyed a fund of sound information through his discourse, as to the character and degree of refinement attained by this departed race, I was chiefly interested in the novelty of his argument in regard to their architecture, and its subservient effect upon the form of religion prevalent among them. The partly imitative style of modern Egyptian architecture came in for a just, but very severe, stricture. The presentation was eloquent and at its close I could not but feel that a deep and strong impression had been made. I got up at 7 1/4 a.m. and got to bed at 1/4 of 11 p.m.
31 December 1842. It was clear and cool all day with the wind from the NW. The thermometer at 7 1/2 a.m. was at 29 degrees, at 2 p.m. 32 degrees.
I was at the office all day. I spent the evening up at Mrs. Mary Roberts'. The Roberts Family was all there and we enjoyed ourselves very much throughout the evening. I got up at 7 1/2 a.m. and got to bed at 12 1/2 a.m.
With this day we close the week, the month, and the year. Whatever of good has occurred in these divisions of time, or whatever of evil we may have experienced, is now properly a subject of reflection. Of the first we may inquire how it may be made permanent and of the latter how it may be made to work out a weight of benefit, that results from afflictions well improved. Few have added much to their wealth this year, but it is a source whence a reasonable man may draw consolation amidst the loss on both sides if he has been able to retain what he has gathered, but a far greater number have been unable to do that. Those who have submitted to a portion of the operation of evil times will naturally see that the standard of wealth and the mode of living has also been lowered, hence their losses of whale, may not be so great as they seem. But from others there has been swept away the patrimony on which they leaned, and the carefully gathered heap, which industry and economy has accumulated. It has been removed without a remnant from which to devise immediate and to which future exertions may look for the means of active business. It is vain to lack the philosophy of such. It is vain to speak to a man of endurance, when his own comforts are cut off and a wife and children ask for bread and the last tear. Steeped crust is divided among them; something more than philosophy is required. Religion whispers first to those who are not thus bowed down: "Share with the wretched and to the comfortless," it says. Receive with gratitude and rely on Providence that raises up friends.
FAREWELL ADDRESS TO MY OLD BOOK
For four long years, old book, we have traveled together on the busy path of life. Many things have I recorded on your pages, now filled with many an event that has transpired within the space of those four years. Weddings, births, deaths, and travels have all been placed on thy pages - numerous events that have occurred in that short space of time, to look back upon. But to look forward is far different. Who knows what may be placed upon the leaves of the book which I am now about to commence. Ah, it is a difficult task. It may record the death of many a loved and esteemed friend, nay even the death of a father, mother, or sister, or perhaps of some dearly loved cousin or relative.
But why these gloomy reflections? Why not think of things more pleasant? Why not think of the many blessing that are constantly showered upon us? Ought not we be thankful while so many are suffering under the punishing wants of poverty and distress? Ought not we think of these things and thank God that we are so blessed? To be carried along on the busy streams of life, with all the comforts it can afford, think of these things alternatively and I am sure if we have one spark of thankfulness in our soul, we will fall down on our knees and thank God for the manyfold mercies he is constantly showering upon us.
But, a truce to such reflections. I commenced a short address, or say a farewell address to my old book, in which I have written my everyday journal. Many the cold winter nights, as also the hot summer eve, have I picked thee up old book, to open thy pages, that I may record the events of each succeeding day. On thy pages have been recorded the death of a dear uncle, who throughout his life was a kind, pleasant, and obliging friend and relative. Many the time when I was a tiny baby, scarcely large enough to walk alone, did he take me by the hand on numerous walks and to many places of amusement. Many the time have I been in his room of a morn, in my schooling days, and there would he hear and assist me in my lessons, which is a child's greatest trouble. Many the time would he console me when I thought them so difficult that I could not possibly learn them. Ah, but these childish pleasures are past and he has gone to the realm where no traveler has ever returned. No more will I ever be greeted by his dear looks on earth; no more will he teach me those lessons; no more will we take those pleasant walks together, that we used to so oft in my childish days. All those pleasures have fled, never to return again, and we ne'er shall meet again until the archangel's trumpet shall sound, when all shall awaken from their earthly resting places and commence to their final resurrection.
Farewell old book. Thy pages contain many things, which will stand when this hand is cold and laid low in the dust. Farewell and may thee rest in quietness on some shelf, or other quiet retreat, so that when thy pages are required to testify to some fact long past, that they may be brought up to remind us of scenes long past, and perhaps forgotten. Farewell old book. I feel as though I am parting with some old friend, for thy face has become familiar to me. But, we must part as the best friends must finally do, even when they are joined by the closest ties of affection. So old book, farewell, farewell, farewell and peace to thy pages.
Notes:
(1) John Cadwalader (1804-1879), U.S. Congressman 1854-1858 and judge of the United Sates District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania 1858-1879.Scharf and Westcott, p. 1581
(2) Elizabeth Roberts, born 1826 and Anna Roberts born 1827 were at the Moravian Seminary in Bethlehem with J. Warner Erwin's sister Lydia having entered in 1839, one year ahead of her. It is likely that Mr. and Mrs. Edward Roberts recommended the school to the Erwins. (JFD)
(3) College Hall, part of the University of Pennsylvania, was located on 9th Street between Chestnut and Market Streets. The property, which was to be the site of the house of President of United States when Philadelphia was the capitol, had been purchased from the City in 1800 when Washington, D.C. became the seat of the United States government. Scharf and Westcott, p. 1938
(4) The Unites States Hotel, on the north side of Chestnut Street between Fourth and Fifth opposite the United States Bank, opened to guests in 1826, became the principal hotel of the city where strangers of distinction were sent and foreign travelers, such as Charles Dickens, stayed. It was sold and demolished in 1856 and became the site of the Philadelphia Bank. Scharf and Westcott, pp. 993-994.
(5) The Philadelphia Navy Yard was located on the Delaware River at Southwark on land purchased in 1880 and 1801. Edgar P. Richardson,Philadelphia, A 300 Year History. W.W. Norton, NY 1982, p. 241.
(6) Erwin family church: St. Luke's, 13th Street above Pine. Scharf and Westcott, p.1353. (JFD) "The Church of St. Luke and The Epiphany was begun in 1898 through the merging of St. Luke's Church (1840) with the Church of The Epiphany (1834)." Web site of The Church of The Epiphany, Philadelphia, PA; www.stlukeandtheepiphany.org
(7) St. Mary's Hall, a girls' boarding school founded in 1837 by the Right Reverend Bishop George Washington Doane, second Protestant Episcopal Bishop of New Jersey. Porter Sargent's Handbook of Private Schools, 1994, p. 284.
(8) "Riots in which colored people were maltreated and their property injured broke out on the 1st of August [1842], and were caused in the first place by disturbance between colored persons who were in a procession of the "Myoamensing Temperance Society" and boys and other white persons who were in the streets... A mob of white persons immediately afterwards commenced operations against dwellings inhabited by blacks in the vicinity of Lombard Street between Fifth and Eighth Streets and in various small courts and alleys adjacent...." Scharf and Westcott, pp. 660-661.
(9) The John Hancock house was on the site of the house built by Thomas Pettit in 1637/38. It was torn down in 1856. The Massachusetts State House now stands on the adjacent lot. N.P.
(10) Harvard College, later Harvard University, was locally called Cambridge College well into the 19th century. NP
(11) Craigie House, Washington's headquarters (1775-76), was occupied by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during his teaching years at Harvard from 1837 to his death in 1882.
(12) Sir William Blackstone (1723-1780) was Professor of Common Law at Oxford University and was an authority on British Common Law. Commentaries on the Laws of England was a standard text for those studying law. (JRD)
(13) Old Swedes' Church (Gloria Dei), built between 1698 and 1700, the oldest church in Pennsylvania. Rev. Jehu Curtis Clay, rector from 1831 to 1862.
(14) A court that was used for criminal cases from 1864 to 1895. It was abolished in 1896 and absorbed by the Supreme Court. JRD
(15) 12th below Cherry Street.