Maria W. Bradford (1807-1864) was the eldest daughter of Capt. Gershom Bradford and Sarah Hickling Bradford.  In 1830 she married her cousin, Claudius Bradford, a schoolteacher. The couple traveled together to Ohio where Claudius became a Latin teacher at the newly established Woodward High School in Cincinnati. After remaining in Ohio for a few years, they moved back East with their young daughter, Lucia. Claudius entered the ministry, preaching at Unitarian churches – first in Hubbardston, then Bridgewater, and finally, Montague, MA. Claudius and Maria had two other children during this time – Gershom and Laurence.  Because of his abolitionist leanings, it was difficult for Claudius to maintain a pulpit. He ultimately went back to teaching, becoming a professor at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH, where he died in 1863. At the time of this journal (1864) Maria, mourning the loss of her husband, again returned East to live with her sisters in Duxbury. She spent the first months of the year, however, with her cousin, Sarah Alden Ripley, at the Old Manse in Concord. During the course of the year she received numerous letters from her sons who were involved in the war – Gershom was in the service of the US Coast Survey, Laurence was in the Navy. Her sisters, Lucia and Charlotte, both nurses in Washington, DC, were also frequent correspondents. In December, 1864, she traveled to Washington, DC to visit her daughter Lucia Knapp, who was married to the Superintendent of Special Relief in the United States Sanitary Commission, Frederick Newman Knapp. She died there on December 20, 1864.  This diary ends just a few days before her death.

 

Diary of Maria Bradford (1864)

(Green leather bound 3” x 4 ½” diary with told emblem – “DIARY 1864” on cover.)

Inside cover:  Maria W. Bradford from cousin, E. B. Ripley

First page printed:  DIARY and Memorandum Book for 1864, Containing a Blank Space for Every Day in the Year, Cash Account, Bills Payable and Receivable, and Memoranda.

Boston:  J. M. Whittemore & Co. Publishers, No. 114 Washington Street.

Inside:  Pages including information about Rates of Postage, Census – States and Territories, Statistics (city populations), Federal Value of Foreign Coins, Interest rates, Distances from New York to other “interesting places,” Eclipses, and monthly Moon Phases.

Diary:

Jan. 1, 1864  Friday
George P Bradford presented Korean Excursions to me.  Weather clear and cold.

Saturday, 2
Collected the allotment due for the months of November and December to Lorxxx Bradford.  $40.
George Bradford came to Concord.

Sunday, 3
Weather cold and clear.

Monday, 4
Bought 4-  3 cent stamps.  Deposited $100 for L. Bradford in P. Loring’s Bank.  Deposited $50 for Gershom in Plymouth Savings Bank.

Tuesday 5
Very cold weather.

Wednesday 6
Very cold weather.

Thursday 7
Very cold weather.

Friday 8
Very cold weather.

Saturday 9
Very cold weather.

Sunday 10
Wrote to Lucia A. Bradford

Monday 11
Bought 16 – 3cent stamps.  48 cts.
Wrote to James Ellison.
2,5 cts for Theatre xxx.
Wrote to William S. Danforth.
Loaned E B Ripley – 20 dollars.

Tuesday 12
Bought 1 yd goods.
India cable came for 9 cts.
Paid J Knapp 25 dollars on G. Bradford account.
Wrote to Mr. Knapp and wrote to Gershom.

Wednesday 13
 
Received from Greenfield Savings Bank check for $297.86.
Paid Lawrence $100.00.
107.86

Thursday 14
Received Dividends from Fitchburg Rail Road  $12.
Boston and Maine RR  $8
Western Rail Road $10
$30
Wrote to Mrs. E. Ward.
E B Ripley borrowed 95 cts.

Friday 15
Went to James Ellison’s and passed the night.
Handed to J. Ellison for A S Bonds $200.
Paid Mr. Ward 25 int 6.3 for Gershom.

Saturday 16
Spent the day at J. Ellison’s.  Rode to Lexington with Sarah and Bessie
Weather cold and clear, wind N
Lawrie sailed from Baltimore.
Cold and clear.

Sunday 17
Wrote to Lucia A. Bradford and wrote to Lawrence Bradford.

Monday 18
Came to Concord 6 weeks ago.
7 day of December 1863.
Bought hook and eyes. Linen xxx 10 cts.
Left Power of Attorney to Mr. S. C. Wells.

Tuesday 19
Went to James Ellison.
Rained all day.

Wednesday 20
Letter from Lucia.
Claudia’s birthday.
Wrote to W. S. Danforth.
Clear and cool weather.
Letter from Charlotte and Mr. Hayes.

Thursday 21
Wrote to Mr.  Hayes and Elizabeth.
Dined at Mrs. Siimmons.
Received letters from L and E. Bradford.

Friday 22
Received a letter from W. S. Danforth.
Wrote to W. S. Danforth.
Wrote to J. B. Hayes.
A pleasant day.

Saturday 23
Received news paper from Lawrence.
A present of a cape from cousin Sarah A. Ripley.
Weather mild.

Sunday 24
Thermometer 40.
Wrote to Sarah S. King  Y.B. xxxx
Wrote to Mrs. L N Knapp.

Monday 25
Thermometer 44.

Tuesday 26
Went to Boston Stxxxx Soldier’s day.
Bought can of tomatoes  35
Bought two pounds of cucumbers  24
Bought two stxx pan  4
Dinner at Mrs. Hoyden   34
Ride to xx and back  30 cts.   97
Orange  3
100
30

Wednesday 27
Rec’d letter from Lawrence.
Also rec’d letter from E H B.

Thursday 28
Letter from Mrs. King Y S
Letter from Mr. Dodds Y S
Letter from Lucia, Baltimore.
Dined at Mrs. Simmons.

Friday 29
Received a letter from Gershom.
Weather warm and cloudy.  Wind east.

Saturday 30
Rec’d a letter from Lucia.

Sunday 31
Wrote to Mrs. King.
Ditto to Charles Bradford.
Wrote to Gershom and Sarah R. Ellison.

Feb. 1, 1864  Monday
Bought 6 persimmons  6 cts.
Letter from E. Hick.
Snow storm.
Came to Concord 8 weeks ago.

Tuesday 2
A very pleasant day.
Went to Dr. Bartlett’s.

Wednesday 3
Rec’d letter from C. Bradford with Bradford Coat of Arms.
Warm and pleasant.

Thursday 4
Met Miss Ann Whiting.
Dined at Mrs. Simmons’s.
Day warm and pleasant.

Friday 5
Rec’d a letter from L A Knapp.

Saturday 6
Wrote to J B King.
Rec’d a letter from M Gilmore.
Weather warm and cloudy

Sunday 7
Wrote to Lucia A Knapp.
Wrote to Lawrence.
Wrote to E. H. Bradford.
Warm and cloudy.

Monday 8
Rec’d a letter from Louise.
Rec’d deed of Grave Yard Lot.
Day cold and clear.
Saw Mr. Knapp at Depot.

Tuesday 9
Wrote to E. H. Bradford.
Clear and cold.

Wednesday 10
Windy and cold.
Took a short walk.

Thursday 11
Thermometer Ten.
Dinner at Mrs. Simmons’.
Rec’d letter from Gershom.

Friday 12
Warm and pleasant.

Saturday 13
Very pleasant.
Rec’d a letter form L A B

Sunday 14
Wrote Lawrence.
Wrote to L. A. Bradford.
Took a walk with Sarah.

Monday 15
10 weeks since I came to Concord.
Weather cold.

Tuesday 16
Visit from W Channing.
Warm and pleasant morning.
Snow storm in afternoon.

Wednesday 17
Cold and windy
Called at Dr. Bartlett’s.

Thursday 18
Thermometer 8 below zero.
Dined at Mrs. Simmons

Friday 19
Thermometer at 10 below zero.
Wrote to Gershom

Saturday 20
Bought a purse     45 cts.
5 steel pens     5 cts.
Roman swop (?)   $100
For Lucia’s birthday present.

Sunday 21
Wrote to Lucia Knapp with birthday present of Roman xxxx.
Warm and pleasant.

Monday 22
Letter from Gershom.
Dine at Mrs. Simmons.
Sent Certificate to L. A. Knapp.

Tuesday 23
Wrote to Lawrence.
Took tea at Dr. Bartlett’s.

Wednesday 24
Warm and rainy.
Rec’d a letter from Laurie.

Thursday 25
Dined at Mrs. Simmons’.
Weather pleasant.

Friday 26
Rec’d a letter from Mrs. King.
Attended Eddy Simmons school examination.

Saturday 27
Weather pleasant.
Walked to Bond’s Hill with cousin Sarah.

Sunday 28
Wrote to Charlotte.
Wrote to Gershom.

Monday 29
Rec’d a letter from L A K. with her photograph

March 1  1864  Tuesday
Rec’d a letter from xxxx.
Wrote to James Ellison.

Wednesday 2
Clear and cold.

Thursday 3
Rec’d interest from xxxxx.
Dined at Mrs. Simmons.
Rec’d a letter from Lucia, also one from James Ellison

Friday 4
Wrote to Laurie.
Wrote to James Ellison.
Warm and pleasant.

Saturday 5
Wrote to Lucia Knapp.
Weather quite warm.

Sunday 6
Wrote to S C Wells about my furniture.

Monday 7
A rainy day.

Tuesday 8
Rec’d a letter from E H Bradford.
Weather fine.

Wednesday 9
Wrote to Charlotte and Lucia.

Thursday 10
Wrote to E. H. Bradford.
Dined at Mrs. Simmons.

Friday 11
Rec’d a letter from S C Wells enclosing $15 – 5 cts from sale of furniture in Mxxxxx.
Rec’d a letter from S. King.
Dined at Dr. Bartlett’s.

Saturday 12
Wrote to S C Wells.
Bought a xxx of cotton.
Bought tin stamp for Bradford Bartlett’s xxx wedding.

Sunday 13
Wrote a letter to Gershom, Lucia, A. Knapp and Geroge to Bring, also one to William S. Danforth with money for P. Loring’s Bank.

Monday 14
Rec’d a letetr from Laurie, also one from Lucia A B and Charlotte Bradford.

Tuesday 15
Called
Mrs. Hoar
Rec’d a letter from E H B.
Rec’d a letter from Gershom.

Wednesday 16
Walked to Barrett’s Hill with cousin Sarah.

Thursday 17
Rec’d a letter from Lucia.
Rec’d a letter from William S. Danforth.
Deposited 20 dollars in Plymouth Savings Bank.

Friday 18
Bought bottle of ink.  ** previous pages written in pencil.  This entry in ink.)
Weather cold and windy.
Rec’d a letter from Laurie

Saturday 19
Bought picket yard for Laurie Bradford.
Bought juvenile cards for L B Knapp’s birth day present.
Wrote to Lucia A Knapp.

Sunday 20
Wrote to Elisabeth H Bradford.
Wrote to Gershom.
Wrote to Lawrence.
Took a walk with cousin Sarah.
Weather cold and windy.

Monday 21
Wrote to Mrs. C. D. King.
Wrote to Sarah R. Ellison.
Cloudy and cold.

Tuesday 22
Clear and cold

Wednesday 23
Weather very cold and windy.

Thursday 24
Bought garxxx  12 xx
Dined at Mrs. Simmon’s.
Took tea at Mrs. Foan’s.
Paid 15 cents for washing

Friday 25
George P. Bradford came to Concord.
Went to Dr. Bartlett’s.
Wrote James Ellison.

Saturday 26
Went to post office.
Weather cloudy.
Wind east.
George Bradford dined at xxxxx

Sunday 27
Read through Sanitary Comm.
Weather pleasant.
George P. Bradford left Concord for Newport.

Monday 28
Very pleasant day.
Took a walk.

Tuesday 29
Bought a pair of shoes and a pair of hose.
east wind.
Xxx Mrs. Whipple.

Wednesday 30
Rec’d a letter from Gers.
Xxx last wind and snow storm.
Called at Dr. Bartlett.

Thursday 31
Dined at Mrs. Simmon’s.
A great snow storm.

April 1  1864   Friday 
Rec’d a letter from L A K.
Answered her letter and wrote to L A Bradford.

Saturday 2
Rec’d a letter from Laurie.
Bought a hood for Sallie’s birth day present.
Bought a pair of hose.

Sunday 3
Wrote to Gershom.
Wrote to Laurie.
Wrote to Mr. Thayer.

Monday 4
E. B. Ripley paid me $20 borrowed January 14, 1864.

Tuesday 5
Rec’d a letter from L B.
Flock of geese flew over.

Wednesday 6
Present of a photograph album.
Took a walk with Sarah.
Xxx E. B. Ripley.
Cold and windy

Thursday 7
Rec’d a letter from L A Knapp.
Day pleasant.
Wrote to Lucia and Laurie

Friday 8
Came to Waltham.
Carriage and car ride, 55 cts.
Day pleasant

Saturday 9
Bought a bonnet and cape bow $6.
Bought a hoop skirt.  $1.25.

Sunday 10
Wrote to C F Bradford.
Snow storm.
Read Mr. Wose’s Flame (?)

Monday 11
Snow storm ground covered.

Tuesday 12
Anniversary of my wedding day.
Took a walk.

Wednesday 13
Began to board in Duxbury.
Came to Duxbury.
Traveling expense $1.95.
Rec’d a letter from Gershom.
Rec’d one from C F Bradford.
Rec’d one from L. A. Bradford.
Also one from F N Knapp

Thursday 14
Rec’d letters from Mrs. Kent. Laurie and Gershom.

Friday 15
Wrote to Mrs. Kent.
Wrote to Lucia and Laurie.

Saturday 16
Walked to the post office.
Pleasant day.

Sunday 17
Wrote to Gershom.
A very pleasant day.

Monday 18
Wrote to Laurie.
Rec’d a letter from Laurie.
Rode with Maria W to Miss Peterson’s.

Tuesday 19
Rec’d a document from J B T.
Made oath to Affidavit.
Ironed my clothes.

Wednesday 20
Dined at Mrs. Weston’s.
Rec’d a letter from Gershom.

Thursday 21
Rec’d a letter from Lucia.
Wrote to Lucia a Knapp.

Friday 22
Walked to the post office.
Wrote to James Ellison.
Sent coupons for money.
Weather very pleasant.

Saturday 23
Strong south winds blowing.
Clock broken.

Sunday 24
Finished very  hard cash.
Weather warm & pleasant.
Went into the wood xxxxx xxxx.
Wrote to E. B. Ripley.
Wrote to E. B. Bartlett.

Monday 25
Stormy day.
Rec’d L’s Atlantic.

Tuesday 26
Wet and stormy.
Knit one xxxx.

Wednesday 27
Wrote to Lucia and walked to the P Office.
Sent Laurie’s Atlantic to Fortress Monroe.

Thursday 28
Rec’d a letter from Laurie.
Walked to the Ford’s.
Very pleasant afternoon.

Friday 29
Rec’d a letter from Mrs. Ripley.
Rec’d a letter from Sarah Ellison.

Saturday 30
Rec’d a letter from J. E.
A letter from S. E. Thomas.
Rec’d interest from U S xxx.
Very pleasant day.

May 1   1864  Sunday
Wrote to James Ellison.
Wrote to Sarah R. Ellison.
Wrote to Mrs. L E Thomas.
Wrote to Sarah A. Ripley.
Wrote to Lucia A Bradford.
Stormy day with east wind.

Monday 2
Rec’d a letter from Gershom.
Took tea at Mrs. J Alden’s.

Tuesday 3
Rec’d a letter from Lizzie B Bartlett with Dr. Bartlett’s photograph.

Wednesday 4
Went to Plymouth in the cars.
Dined at William Duford’s.
Spent 59 cts.

Thursday 5
Cleaned the back chamber.
A very pleasant day.
Very tired at night.

Friday 6
Warm and pleasant.
Rec’d a letter from Lucia.
Also a Document from Gershom.

Saturday 7
Cold East wind.
Accomplished very little work today

Sunday 8
Wrote to Mr. Dodd (Dodds) and sent Gershom’s letter.
Wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Dodd(s).
Wrote to L A. Knapp.
Sent Laurie’s letter.
A warm and pleasant day.

Monday 9
Very warm and pleasant.
Mrs. Smith called in the evening.

Tuesday 10
Rode with E. to stores.
Rec’d letters from Lucia and Sarah Ellison.
Bought a calico dress.

Wednesday 11
Worked for Lucia all day.
Cool and cloudy.

Thursday 12
Wrote to L. A. Bradford.
Weather cool and damp
Walked to post office.

Friday 13
Helped clean parlor.
Rec’d a letter from Laurie.
Mary Ann spent the evening.

Saturday 14
Wind East, foggy.
Went to Alden Burgess’s.

Sunday 15
Wrote to Lawrence.
Wrote to Charlotte.
Foggy with east wind.

Monday 16
Rec’d a letter from L A B.
Walked to Sally Burgess’s.
Called at Alden Burgess’s.

Tuesday 17
Rec’d a letter from L A B.
Walked up to Miss  Burgess’s.
Weather warm and pleasant.

Wednesday 18
Walked to the post office.
A rainy day.

Thursday 19
Washed windows outside.
Dr. Porter called to see me.
A pleasant east wind.

Friday 20
Rec’d 2 letters –
One from Gershom and one from Lawrence.
A very pleasant day.

Saturday 21
A very hot day.
Nose bled several times in the course of the day.
Very much oppressed by heat.

Sunday 22
A beautiful day.
A Sunday of rest and quiet.

Monday 23
A very pleasant day.
Sent Laurie’s Atlantic to XXX.
Rode to Alden Weston’s and Mr. Ford’s.
Bought a pair of shoes.

Tuesday 24
Good news from the Army of the Potomac.

Wednesday 25
Wind north East.  A cloudy day.
Mrs. Jacob Smith called.
I have staid (sic) alone today.

Thursday 26
Helped Elizabeth clean the room.
A stormy day, wind east.

Friday 27
Stormy day, wind east.
Helped E clean the rooms.
Good news in the paper.

Saturday 28
A very pleasant morning.
Thunder shower in the eve.
Rec’d a letter from Laurie.

Sunday 29
A beautiful day.
Wrote to Laurie.
Sally Burgess and Mary Ann called.

Monday 30
A beautiful day.
Mrs. Alden and Mrs. Smith called.
Rec’d a letter from Gershom.

Tuesday 31
Ironed clothes.
Rec’d a letter
A very hot day.
Staid (sic) at home all day.
Rec’d a letter from Charlotte.

June 1  1864  Wednesday
Mr Jocelin mended my clock.
A very hot morning.
Elizabeth sick.
A severe tempest in the afternoon and even which lasted all night.

Thursday 2
Helped clean front entry.
A beautiful day.
E went to the MW Society [Martha Washington Society].
Staid alone.

Friday 3
Helped E clean back entry.
A beautiful day.
Called at Capt. Smith’s.
Sewed on my new dress.
Rec’d letters from Gers and Mr. Knapp.

Saturday 4
Went to see Aunt Jancy (?).
A beautiful day.
Mrs. Weston spent the afternoon.

Sunday 5
A beautiful day.
Wrote to Laurie.
Mr. Sanborn took tea.
Went to almshouse with him.

Monday 6
Walked to almshouse.
Rec’d a letter from S R E.
Sarah Ellison and Gershom arrived.
Rec’d a letter from L A B.

Tuesday 7
A very pleasant day.

Wednesday 8
A pleasant day.
Rec’d a letter from George M Brewer.

Thursday 9
Invited to Mrs. Ellison’s.
Couldn’t go on account of rain.
Rec’d a letter from Mrs. Dun. (?)

Friday 10
A cold clear day.
Called with Gershom at Mrs. Burgess’s.

Saturday 11
Finished a pair of xxxxx.
A cool clear day.

Sunday 12
A beautiful day.
Went to ride with Gershom on the beach.

Monday 13
A beautiful day.
Rec’d a letter from G B.

Tuesday 14
Sally Burgess came and cut my lakxxx dxxxx.

Wednesday 15
A very warm day.
Staid at home all day.

Thursday 16
A hot day.
Sewed on G’s cloak.

Friday 17
A cool N E wind.
Took a ride to xxxx xxxx with Gershom in the evening.

Saturday 18
A beautiful day.
Spent the day at home.
Mended clothes.

Sunday 19
Wrote to Sarah A Ripley.
A beautiful day.

Monday 20
A very hot day.

Tuesday 21
Rec’d a letter from Laurie.
A cool day with east wind.

Wednesday 22
Very pleasant day.
Took tea at Mrs. Alden’s.

Thursday 23
A very hot day.
Wrote to Laurie.

Friday 24
Swept my chamber.
A pleasant day.
Wind east in aft.
Went to Almeda’s.

Saturday 25
A letter from Mrs. Dodds.
Rec’d a letter from Laurie.
Attended a strawberry festival.
A very hot day.
Thermometer 92 (?) at 12.

Sunday 26
Wrote to Laurence.
A very hot day.
Thermometer 96.

Monday 27
A very hot morning.
Cooler in the eve.

Tuesday 28
A beautiful day.
Wind east all day.

Wednesday 29
Deposited $5 for Laurie in P Savings Bank.
A very pleasant day.
Rec’d a letter from L B.

Thursday 30
A pleasant cool day.
Wind east.
A very high wind.

July 1  1864  Friday
Borrowed 40 cts of E H B.
Paid highway tax.
A rainy day.

Saturday 2
A rainy day.
Staid at home.
Sewed on dress.

Sunday 3
A pleasant day.
Wrote to Laurie and Charlotte.
Wrote to George P Bradford.

Monday 4
A beautiful day.
Dined at G B Weston’s.
Attended xxxx in the eve.

Tuesday 5
Rec’d a letter from Laurie.
A fine day

Wednesday 6
A very warm day.
Staid at home alone.

Thursday 7
Finished calico dress.
A rainy day.
Rec’d a letter from L A B.

Friday 8
Swept chamber
A pleasant day.
Wind east.

Saturday 9
A beautiful day.
Gathered cherries with G.
Received a letter from Laurie.

Sunday 10
A warm day, very dry.
Mrs. Whipple called.
Wrote to Laurie

Monday 11
A very hot day.
Rainy in the morning.

Tuesday 12

A very hot day.

Went to mrs. Stetson’s.

Mrs. Amherst Trevor called.

 

Wednesday 13

A beautiful day.

Wind east.

Staid at home all day.

 

Thursday 14

A beautiful day.

Wind east all day.

Staid at home.

Rec’d a letter from Mrs. XXX.

 

Friday 15

Cleaned my chamber.

Raised blood from my lungs.

A pleasant day.

 

Saturday 16

In bed all day.

A very pleasant day.

Dr. Porter called to see me.

 

Sunday 17

A beautiful day.

Wrote to Martha Xxxxx.

Up and dressed.

 

Monday 18

Sewed all day.

A pleasant day.

Rec’d a letter from S R B.

 

Tuesday 19

A beautiful day.

Wrote to Sarah Ripley and George P. Bradford.

 

Wednesday 20

A hot day.

Nothing new.

Mary Richards came.

Paid her 33 cts for LB.

 

Thursday 21

A thunder storm.

Rec’d a letter from Laurie.

 

Friday 22

A cool day.

Cleaned chambers.

 

Saturday 23

A hot dry day.

No rain.

Wind east.

 

Sunday 24

Wrote to Lucia and Laurie.

Mr. Mc Lauthtin

A pleasant day.

 

Monday 25

A rainy day.

Mrs. Ripley and George came here.

 

Tuesday 26

Ironed.

Took a walk after tea.

A hot day.

 

Wednesday 27

A very hot day.

Mrs. Trevor left Duxbury today.

Lengthened at night.

Called at Welthea Boggs.

 

Thursday 28

Hot in the morning.

A blackberry pudding.

Went with Mrs. Ripley to Mr. S. Burgess.

 

Friday 29

A hot day.

Walked to Capt. Smith’s with Mrs. Ripley.

Wind east.

Huckleberry pudding tonight.

 

Saturday 30

A hot day.

Staid at home all day.

No letters.

 

Sunday 31

A very hot day.

Took a walk after tea with Mrs. Ripiley to Stony hill.

 

August 1  1864  Monday

A very hot day.

Thermometer 99

Gers received orders to report.

 

Tuesday 2

Sarah Ellison and Gershom went to Boston at G’s orders.

Rec’d a letter from Mrs. John S. Ward then xxx xxx.

A very hot day.

 

Wednesday 3

Mrs. Ripley and George went home this morning.

Wrote to Lu B and Charlotte.

Rec’d a letter from Laurie.

Rained all day and night.

 

Thursday 4

The President’s jxxst.

A cloudy day.

Wrote to Mrs. John Ward.

 

Friday 5

A pleasant day.

Rec’d Gershom’s check.

Rec’d a letter from Sarah R. Ellison.

Answered it.

Wrote to Gershom and sent a letter from Cal.

 

Saturday 6

A pleasant day, wind east.

Lucia came with Fred.

 

Sunday 7

A pleasant day.

Maria Weston called.

Had a ripe pear an apple.

 

Monday 8

A cool day wind east.

Letter from Gershom.

 

Tuesday 9

Very hot weather.

Thermometer 88.

 

Wednesday 10

A very hot day.

Thermometer 92.

Wrote to Laurie.

 

Thursday 11

A hot oppressive day.

No letters today.

Played with hxxx.

 

Friday 12

A pleasant day and xxx.

Walked out and picked some blackberries.

Took a ride.

 

Saturday 13

A warm cloudy day.

No letters.

Staid at home.

 

Sunday 14

A pleasant day.

Wind east.

Judge Russell lectured.

 

Monday 15

A pleasant day.

Rec’d a letter from G.

 

Tuesday 16

A pleasant day.

Attended Train (?) with xxxx, spent 25.

 

Wednesday 17

Went to the tent and bought a gxxx for Lucia.

Wrote to Gershom.

 

Thursday 18

A cloudy day.

Rainy and cool.

Sent Gershom’s letter.

 

Friday 19

Went huckleberrying.

Wind east.

No letters.

 

Saturday 20

Staid at home.

Peared apples for pies.

 

Sunday 21

Wrote to S R Ellison.

A pleasant day.

Took a walk.

 

Monday 22

A very hot day.

Rained in the morn.

Almeda called.

 

Tuesday 23

A hot day.

Rec’d a letter from G

 

Wednesday 24

A beautiful day.

Wind west.

 

Thursday 25

A very hot day.

A severe tempest.

Lucia and Charlotte came home.

 

Friday 26

Swept chamber.

A hot day.

 

Saturday 27

Gathered apples.

A pleasant day.

 

Sunday 28

A warm day.

Mrs. Welsh dined.

 

Monday 29

A beautiful day.

Very tired at night.

No letters.

 

Tuesday 30

Wind east.

Mrs. Shaw and Margaret came.

 

Wednesday 31

Went with Fred to talk at the Academy.

Went to the cottage.

Mrs. Knapp arrived in the last train.

Wind east.

 

 

Sept 1, 1864  Thursday

A beautiful day.

Took a ride to the beach with Mr. H (?).

Mr. Knapp lectured.

 

Friday 2

Lucia left Duxbury with Mr. Knapp and F.

Swept chamber.

 

Saturday 3

A fine day, wind east.

Gathered apples.

No letters today.

 

Sunday 4

A cool east wind.

Mrs. Porter called.

Wrote to James Ellison.

 

Monday 5

A rainy day.

Strong east wind.

 

Tuesday 6

Rec’d a letter from J E.

A cool cloudy day.

Wind east.

 

Wednesday 7

A beautiful day.

Wind east.

Spent the day at Mrs. Ellison’s.

Spent the evening with Mrs. Hinkley and Mary.

 

Thursday 8

A cool pleasant day

Mrs. Finke came at 5 pm.

Ironed at forenoon.

 

Friday 9

Swept chamber.

E. Ripley arrived.

A pleasant day.

 

Saturday 10

Mrs. Fiske went home.

A damp day.

Wind east.

A shower in the afternoon.

 

Sunday 11

Gershom went to beach.

A cloudy day.

Rained in the afternoon.

A hive in the parlor.

 

Monday 12

A very rainy day.

No letters.

Gershom taken sick.

 

Tuesday 13

A hard rain.

Gershom no better.

E. B. Ripley went home.

Gershom unable to leave.

Sent for the Doctor.

 

Wednesday 14

Gershom sick with dysentery.

A  pleasant day

And a lxxx of promise xx

Lucia Knapp has sent for some xxxx of assorted needles, is gone.  She went to J G’rd xx.

 

Thursday 15

A beautiful day.

Gershom more worried.

A fine moonlight evening and clear sky.

Lots of company.

 

Friday 16

A splendid day.

And beautiful eve.

Gershom no better.

The harvest moon.

 

Saturday 17

A fine day.

Gershom better and beautiful eve with bright moonlight.

 

Sunday 18

Sewed on gown.

A warm day.

Swept chamber.

 

Monday 19

Rainy in morning.

Pleasant in afternoon.

Charlotte started for the Mxxx King and Allen called.

 

Tuesday 20

A very pleasant day.

Mrs. Bondford (?) called.

 

Wednesday 21

Went to ride in afternoon.

Had a pleasant ride.

 

Thursday 22

State failed to call.

Sarah E and Gershom went to Boston in the afternoon.

Cold in the morning.

Clear in the afternoon.

 

Friday 23

Sewed on gown.

A warm day.

Swept chamber.

 

Saturday 24

Went to Mr. Ford’s and Miss Hunt’s.

A rainy day.

My birth day.

Rec’d a collar from LAB.

 

Sunday 25

A cloudy day.

Wrote to Mr. Cxxx.

Wrote to Miss Xxxxraime.

A beautiful afternoon.

 

Monday 26

A beautiful day.

 

Tuesday 27

A warm day.

Rec’d a letter from Lucia with a birthday present from L.

 

Wednesday 28

A very warm day.

Attended Jacob Burgess funeral.

He was drowned in the bay.

 

Thursday 29

A rainy day.

Returned bottle to Miss Porter.

 

Friday 30

A very rainy day.

Washed black dress.

Rec’d a letter from G.

Swept chamber.

 

Saturday, Oct. 1

A beautiful day.  Wind west.

Walked to Mr. Tvaln’s (?) for Lucia’s ring.

 

Sunday 2

Rained hard all day.

Staid at home and wrote to Gershom and Ann Maxx.

 

Monday 3

A cloudy day.

Mary Richards spent the afternoon.

 

Tuesday 4

A warm day.

Rec’d a letter from Mr.Capron (?)

Answered it.

 

Wednesday 5

A beautiful day.

Went to Miss Hunt’s.

 

Thursday 6

A very pleasant day.

Rec’d a letter from Mr. Knapp informing me of xxxx xxx from an xxx.

 

Friday 7

Gathered apples.

Sewed on gown.

 

Saturday 8

A cloudy day.

Cleaned up

 

Sunday 9

A clear cool day.

Walked in the woods in the morning.

In the afternoon went to Methodist C.

Took tea at Almeda’s.

 

Monday 10

A cold day.

James Ellison and Mary left this morning.

Gathered apples p.m.

 

Tuesday 11

A beautiful day.

Walked to post office.

 

Wednesday 12

A pleasant day.

Gathered apples.

Sewed on dress.

No letters.

 

Thursday 13

A rainy day.

Sewed all day.

Nothing new.

Gathered apples.

 

Friday 14

2 letters.  One from LN.

One from Mr. Noyes.

Finished calico dress.

 

Saturday 15

Rained in the morn.

Letter from S E R.

Took tea with Mrs. Soule.

 

Sunday 16

A cloudy day.

Wrote to S A R and Sarah Ellison.

A rainy afternoon.

 

Monday 17

Washed my black gingham.

A beautiful day.

Had a letter from G B.

Attended theatrexxx

A ticket – presented.

 

Tuesday 18

A beautiful day.

Ironed in morning.

In the afternoon went to see Miss Nancy and Mrs. Goodwin.

Letters from Mrs. Hunt and George.

 

Wednesday 19

A splendid day.

Rec’d letters one from George the other from Lucia A Knapp.

Ironed a xxx.

Mended clothes.

Went to Mrs. Burgess’s.

 

Thursday 20

Walked to Mr. Ford’s.

A fine day.

Dined at Mr. Weston’s.

Bought a new dress and home at night.

A pleasant day.

 

Friday 21

Went to Miss Hunt’s to have my dress cut.

Called at Mr. Ford’s.

Went to cider Burgess’ in the afternoon.

Missed the path coming home.

 

Saturday 22

A beautiful day.

Sewed on the new dress.

Staid at home all day.

 

Sunday 23

A fine day.  Windy.

Wrote to Miss Kent.

Wrote to Gershom and George in Porxxx.

 

Monday 24

A pleasant morning.

Walked to Miss Hunt’s.

No letters today.

 

Tuesday 25

Walked to Miss Hunt’s.

Wind east.

Very pleasant in afternoon.

Went to Mr. Weston’s.

 

Wednesday 26

A beautiful day.

Sewed on dress.

Mary Ann called in the evening.

 

Thursday 27

A cloudy day.

Rec’d a letter from L A K.

Walked to Mr. Ford’s and Miss Peterson’s.

Heard from Lawrence.

Came home with Mrs. W.

 

Friday 28

A rainy day.

Cleaned chamber.

Picked out xxxx.

Sewed in evening.

 

Saturday 29

A pleasant day.

Rec’d a letter from Laurie.

Walked to Mr. Ford’s and Otis Weston’s.

 

Sunday 30

Wrote to Lawrence.

Wrote to Mr. Capron.

A fine day.

 

Monday 31

A cloudy day with rain.

Read Wendell Phillips speech.

Rec’d a letter from George W xxxx.

 

Nov 1 – Tuesday

A clear cold day.

Wind west.

Walked to Mrs. Stetson’s.

Bought shoes at Mrs. Stetson’s.

Called at post office.

 

Wednesday 2

A beautiful day.

Sally Burgess came.

Spent the day at home.

Mr. and Miss Burgess xxx tea xxx.

 

Thursday 3

Walked to Mrs. Peterson’s.

A cold pleasant day.

Spent the p.m. at Mr. Weston’s.

Spent the eve at Mrs. Xxxx.

 

Friday 4

A rainy day.

Wind North East.

Swept chamber clean at night.

No letters.

 

Saturday 5

A beautiful morning.  Wind west.

Rec’d a letter from L A R.

Walked to Mr. Ford’s.

Cold and cloudy in the afternoon.

 

Sunday 6

A beautiful day.

Staid at home all day.

Wrote to Mr. Knapp and Lucia.

Mary Ann called.

Mrs. Weston called.

Maria called at night.

 

Monday 7

A rainy day.

Rode to Boston in cars.

Made to Waltham p.m.

Found all glad to see me.

Read the newspapers.

Dined at night.

 

Tuesday 8

A cloudy day.

Wind south.

Had a dress cut and xxx mended.

 

Wednesday 9

A rainy day.

Came to Boston.

Called at Mrs. Bradford’s.

Had a delightful call.

Spent evening at Mr. Ford’s.

 

Thursday 10

A hard rain.

Walked out in the eve.

Called at Mr. G. Bradford’s.

Mrs. Bradford spent eve.

 

Friday 11

A fine day.

Walked out and made purchase.

Took cars for W in the eve.

 

Saturday 12

A foggy morning.

Arrived at Washington at night.

Spent the night in board the steamer and arrived at New York in the morning crossed the ferry and took the cars.

 

Sunday 13

A beautiful morning.

Walked to the Home in the afternoon and had tea.

Spent the evening with xxx Whiting and letters.

 

Monday 14

A beautiful day.

Charlotte called.

Went to market.

 

Tuesday 15

A pleasant day.

Staid at home.

Xxxx

Mr. Knapp went to NY.

Sat up late.

 

Wednesday 16

A pleasant day.

Xxx Laurie and xxx.

Spent the day at the home.

Came home in cars.

 

Thursday 17

A rainy day.

Staid at home all day.

Wrote a note to George and washed.

Wrote a note to Laurie.

 

Friday 18

A rainy day.

Sewed all day.

Mended stockings in the evening.

Still raining in the eve.

 

Saturday 19

A pleasant day.

Went down to Pxxxx and sent Laurie’s xxx by Express.

Mr. Knapp xxxx.

 

Sunday 20

A letter from Mr. Capron.

A rainy day.

A letter from Laurie.

Staid at home all day.

A letter from GErshom.

Charlotte called in the evening.

 

Monday 21

A rainy day.

Sick with a cold.

A letter from Lucia.

Went to bed early.

Slept well.

 

Tuesday 22

Rain over.

Wrote to Elisabeth.

Better of my cold.

Went to bed early.

 

Wednesday 23

A beautiful day.

Wrote to Lawrence.

Wrote to Mr. Capron and sent $10.45 for photographs.

 

Thursday 24

Thanksgiving day.

A party in the evening.

A pleasant day.

Rode out with Mr. R.

Went to see the soldiers dine and heard them sing.

 

Friday 25

A pleasant day.

Staid at home all day.

Sewed and mended.

A letter from Laurie.

 

Saturday 26

A cloudy day.

Walked out.

Mended clothes.

 

Sunday 27

A fine morning.

Read in Cudjo’s cave.

Went to meeting and heard Mr. Channing.

Went to the home and spent the day.

 

Monday 28

A pleasant day.

Wrote to Lawrence.

Mended stockings.

Bought a xxxx.

Staid at home.

Walked out with T and L.

 

Tuesday 29

A warm pleasant day.

Wrote to Mr. Stearns.

Walked to the Smithsonian.

Wrote to Gershom.

Sick at night.

Sent photographs of G S.

 

Wednesday 30

Sick this morning.

A warm beautiful day.

Sewed all day.

Took a walk.

 

December 1 – Thursday

A beautiful day.

Finished Cudjo’s Cave.

Staid at home all day and sewed.

Charlotte and Miss Howe came in the evening.

 

Friday 2

A cloudy day.

Rained in the afternoon.

Letter from Laurie.

 

Saturday 3

A rainy day.

Staid at home all day and sewed.

Lucia went to Georgetown.

 

Sunday 4

A beautiful morning.

At 3 o’clock took the steamer for Fortress Monroe and saw Mount Byron.

A fine xxx at river.

 

Monday 5

Spent the eve with Lujo.

A pleasant morning.

Saw Newport News and Sewell’s Point.

Also a Moritz arrived at Fortress M.

Came from there to Norfolk.  Visited the Navy Yard.

 

Tuesday 6

A fine morning.

Rather lonely without L.

Took a walk.

Bought a newspaper.

Laurie called in the eve.

Sewed for him.

Saw 200 Contrabands.

 

Wednesday 7

Went to Norfolk with Laurie.

A rainy day.

 

Thursday 8

A cloudy day.

Sewed all day.

Laurie spent the evening.

 

Friday 9

A cloudy day.

Took a walk with Lawrence around Norfolk.

Crossed the ferry.

Saw rather fine places.

 

Saturday 10

A cloudy day.

Sewed all day.

Slept but little.

Found a rat.

 

Sunday 11

A cloudy day.

Walked out.

Read the newspaper.

 

Monday 12

A cold day but very pleasant.

Left Norfolk at 3 and took leave of Laurie.

A beautiful evening.

Saw the fleet in Wr.

 

Tuesday 13

Arrived at Baltimore.

Took the cars for M.

Arrived at 9 o’clock.

Spent the day at the Home.

Came home at night with Charlotte and xxxx.

 

Wednesday 14

A cloudy day.

Sewed all day.

Staid at home.

 

Thursday 15

A cold cloudy day.

Wind east.

Sewed all day.

Heard a serenade.

 

Friday 16

A cloudy day.

Walked to Paxxxx.

Very muddy.

 

Saturday 17

 

 

End of Diary – Cash accounts for 1864 and Memoranda.