Entries in 1865 Diary of Isaac McComas; Baltimore, Frederick and Carroll Counties, Maryland Contributed to the USGenWeb Archives by Charles McComas Robb Copyright. All Rights Reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/md/mdfiles.htm ********************************************************* 1865 Sunday, January 1 Weather cloudy part of today. I was at Church & S. School in the morning but we had no Church in the evening. Mr. Reese preached from first Sam. 7th 12 verse. Then Samuel took a stone and sat it between Mizpeh & Shen and caled the name of Ebenezer saying Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. Our little Church is getting along very well takeing everything into consideration & I hope that we may still continue to get along well. Monday, January 2 Weather cloudy and the Roads are very mudy. Owen made morter all day at Mr. Starr’s Mill. I want to get to work there just as soon as the roads get so we can hall Brick. We have had quite a long spell of wet weather and still has the appearance of more. I collected some money for J. S. Bowen and sent it to him today. Family all well. I have plenty of work but weather too bad to do anything. Tuesday, January 3 Weather cloudy & wet all day. Mr. Starr is getting his foundation ready & just as soon as we can hall brick I want to get to work. Evening at the Lodge we met in the new Masonic Hall tonight. We are all very much pleased with the new Hall it looks fine. We had no work to do tonight. Family all well. Wednesday, January 4 Weather continues about the same. The roads are very bad yet. But this is just the weather we want. The Ranchers are all very busy putting in the crops and we are all in hopes that times will be very good next season. The City is rebuilding the Bridge on 5th St that washed away at the last floods. Water has kept very high in the slough all winter. Family all well. Thursday, January 5 Weather clear but very mudy yet. Owen work today making up morter at Starr’s. John Cook is doing the carpenter work for Mr. Starr. He is doing it by the day. Times are quite dull around town on account of the roads being so bad that teams cannot get in or out of the city and the farmers are all very busy now putting in the crops. Family all well. I made a gate for the B yard today. Friday, January 6 Weather windy and cool and has the appearance of it clearing off. I helped Jerry to lode 1000 Brick for the R. R. Co. today. I have not sold very many Brick for the last Month or so on account of the bad weather. I am the only one that has any new Brick in Marysville. I get 10$ Dollars per thousand at the kiln & that pays me very well but a few supplys the market. Family all well. Saturday, January 7 Weather clear & cool and a little windy. Andy & I hung the Gate at the yard today. In the afternoon I started out to collect but could not collect any of any act. Money is very scarce about this place at present but we are in hopes that it will be better in the spring and next summer. Family all well. The health of the city is better since the rain sat in. Sunday, January 8 Weather pleasant. We were at Church in the morning with the children & S. S. Sallie did not go in the evening. Family all well. Monday, January 9 Weather pleasant. We halled Brick all day to A. D. Starr’s Mill with his team. We find the roads very bad, Family all well. Tuesday, January 10 Weather pleasant. I commenced to lay Brick today in Starr’s Mill. The G. M. E. Church paid me 300 Dollars today on the 3rd payment. Wednesday, January 11 Weather pleasant. I worked all day with Owen at the Mill. The walls are very thick in the foundation 5 ½ Brick. Family well. Mr. Wm Bolinger paid me the (450) fore hundred & fifty Dollars today that he agreed a year or so ago when I signed a Bond for I. S. Love providing that I would have anything to pay. He was as good as his word for which I give him much creadit. Thursday, January 12 Weather pleasant. I & Owen worked all day at the Mill. Just as soon as I can get more teams on I will sat more at work. Family well. Friday, January 13 Weather pleasant. Jas. Corie went to work on the Mill for me today. Jerry is out with his team today. Family well. Saturday, January 14 Weather continues pleasant. I did not work today my rist is sore. Jas. & Owen worked untill 9 O’clock. Family well. Sunday, January 15 Weather pleasant. Sallie & I at Church morning and eve & also at S. S. Family all well. Monday, January 16 Weather foggy but not much rain. We did not work at the Mill today. I commenced some work at the House where we live digging a well and an ary around the N E & S walls which I think will make quite an improvement to the dryness to the Basement story. Family all well except my rist is quite sore from laying Brick in the foundation of the Mill. Tuesday, January 17 Weather very foggy. We started to go to work but had to stop on account of rain but it cleared off about noon so we went to work in the afternoon. Family all very well. Evening I went to the Lodge of Odd F. Wednesday, January 18 Weather pleasant. We worked all day on the Mill. Jas. Cory had to stop in the afternoon on account of his rist being so sore. I got another man in his place. My rist is still quite sore. Family all well. Thursday, January 19 Weather pleasant but foggy in the morning. We worked all day on the Mill. Family all well. Andy went away today with a man to go to Chasta to be gone for a week or so. Friday, January 20 Weather pleasant. We are still working on Mr. Starr’s Mill. Family all well. Saturday, January 21 Weather continues about the same. We worked all day on the Mill. Wm. C. Swain & I settled up this eve. He still owes me $229.00. I still have a little more jobing to do on the Masonic Hall. Family all well. Sunday, January 22 Weather pleasant. Sallie & I the children was at Church & Sabbath School in the morning but we had no Church in the evening on account of Bro. Reese wanting to be with Mr. Brandt this evening it being his farewell sermon at the Presbyterian Church. I was there but Sallie could not go. Family all well. Monday, January 23 Weather quite cool with frost & some ice. We worked all day on Mr. Starr’s Mill. Family all well. I collected $900.00 Dollars today on the Masonic Hall. I deposited it with Jewett & Decker. Swain owes me 229 Dollars yet on the Hall. Tuesday, January 24 Weather cool & frosty. We worked all day on the Mill. Evening I went to the Masonic hall. George North was raised to the Degree of Fellow Craft. Everything pased off very pleasantly. Our Hall looks very fine and everybody appears very pleased with the Building. I have $300 in stock in it. Family all well. Wednesday, January 25 Weather cloudy and it commenced to rain a little after noon. I worked untill about 3 o’clock but got a little wet. I am very anxous to get the story up. The first story will have about 90,000 Brick that includes the foundation. I have only had our bricklayers part of the time to help me with one tender. So far I have got along very well with it. Family all well. I had 6500 Lime come to the Mill today. Thursday, January 26 Weather cloudy & wet most all day. We did not work today on the Mill. I covered over a well I had dug in my yard to drane the ary & Privy. We topped the privy vault before I covered it over & it cleaned it out very well. Family all well. Maggie commenced to walk today a little. She appears to be a very healthy child. She is very seldom sick. Friday, January 27 Weather cloudy & wet most of the day. I worked in the morning to finish up the back wall. I have about ½ days more work on the first story. Owen is making up morter in the afternoon. Saturday, January 28 Weather cloudy & showery all day. we could not do anything at the Mill today it was so very wet. I spent the day trying to collect some money but could not collect much. I find it very hard to collect this winter owing I think to the dry season last year. We are all in hopes of the times being better this season. Family all well. Sunday, January 29 Weather pleasant. We were at our Church in the morning & S. S. & in the evening we went to the Presbyterian Church to hear Mr. Brandt preach his farewell sermon. He made a very good discorse. We was to lose him last Sabbath eve & we understood that was his farewell sermon. Family all well. Monday, January 30 Weather pleasant. We worked part of today at the Mill but had to wate in the afternoon for the men to get the foundation ready for the pears in the basement. Family all well. Tuesday, January 31 Weather cloudy and wet all day or most of the day. We worked untill we had to stop on that act. We are having all the rain we kneed this winter. From present appearances we will have a very large crop this season. Wednesday, February 1 Weather cloudy and wet all day. We did not try to work today. Family all well. Evening Sallie & I went to the prayer meeting. Thursday, February 2 Weather pleasant today. We finished up the first story of the Mill today. We will have to wait for a few days for the carpenters to get on there joist. Family all well. Friday, February 3 Weather cool. I commenced some work for myself at the house that we live in. I am building a wall on the most of the N E & S sides that making an ary most all around the building. Saturday, February 4 Weather cool and windy all day. I worked at home all day on the ary. The carpenters got ready for us at the Mill to do so we will have to go to work there next Monday. Family all well. Sunday, February 5 Weather very pleasant. Sallie & I was at Church morning & S. S. Sallie took a class in our school today. She did not get to go to Church in the evening. Family all well. Monday, February 6 Weather quite pleasant today. there was quite a frost last night. We commenced on the second story of the Mill today with the following hands Owen Fitzpatrick, Jas. McCormack, John Miller, tenders, Billings, Jas. Cory & Evan Knapp, Bricklayers. Jerry Revere is doing my halling yet. He has Mr. Empy to help him for a while. Family all well. We commenced on Starr’s Kiln of Brick on this story. I give him $6 for them and lay them for $13. Tuesday, February 7 Weather very pleasant. We worked all day on the Mill. Evening I went to our Lodge (Masons) White a carpenter that worked on the Hall was raised to the first degree this evening. Everything went off very pleasantly. Family all well. Wednesday, February 8 Weather continues very pleasant. We all worked on the Mill. Maggie has been a little unwell today. Evening at home. Thursday, February 9 Weather pleasant. We are all working on the Mill yet & we are getting along very well. Family well. Friday, February 10 Weather continues pleasant. We are still at work on the Mill. Evening Sallie & I went to the Bible class. Family all well. Saturday, February 11 Weather pleasant. We got the story up about 10 today 2nd story. I have enough jobing to do to keep me at work untill the carpenters get ready with the joist. Family all well. Sunday, February 12 Weather pleasant. At Church & S. S. as usual. Family all well. Monday, February 13 Weather has the appearance of rain. Owen au making morter at the Mill. The carpenters are getting ready to put on the joist there. Family all well. Tuesday, February 14 Weather continues about the same. Things goes on about as usual. Family all well. Wednesday, February 15 Weather wet. No work today. Family well. Thursday, February 16 Weather about the same. Cloudy & wet. Owen worked part of the day at the Mill making morter. Family well. Friday, February 17 Weather cool but clear. I commenced a little job for Mr. Kimball at the grave yard today. Family well. Evening Sallie & I went to the Bible class. Saturday, February 18 Weather cloudy & wet all day so we could not work. Family all well. Sunday, February 19 Weather pleasant. At Church & S. S. as usual. Family well. Monday, February 20 Weather quite cool in the morning. Owen & I finished at the grave yard about noon today. family well. Tuesday, February 21 Weather cool. We had a little snow storm this morning but it did not amount to much. We commenced on the 3rd story of the Mill today. Family all well. Wednesday, February 22 Weather quite cool this morning. The morter was froze quite hard on the [--] boards this morning. We did not go to work untill 9 O’clock. Family all well. Evening Sallie & I went to the prayer meeting. Sallie was Received for baptism this evening at our great joy. Thursday, February 23 Weather cool. We had a little snow storm this morning but it did not amount to much. We commenced on the 3rd story of the Mill today. Family all well. The above is thought a mistake in turning the leaves. Weather pleasant. We worked all day on the Mill. Family all well. Friday, February 24 Weather very pleasant. The tenders got to fighting at noon so we had to stop work part of the afternoon. Family all well. Saturday, February 25 Weather very windy today so hard that we had to stop work in the afternoon. Family all well. I went to see about the theatre job this evening. Sunday, February 26 Weather pleasant but a little cool. Sallie & I was at church & Sabbath School in the morning. In the evening Sallie was Baptised by the Rev. Henry Holcomb Rheese our Pastor. May the Good Lord Bless and keep her while she lives and afterwards receive her & hers up to glory for the Redeemer’s sake Amen & Amen Monday, February 27 Weather cool and a little cloudy. We worked all day on the Mill. Family all well. Tuesday, February 28 Weather windy & cloudy & we had a little flurry of snow in the afternoon. The carpenters are at work at the Mill putting in the last joist. We finished up the Brickwork of the 3rd story this morning. I took the dimensions of the walls & excavating of the theatre today. Sallie sat up all last night with Mr. Mathews’ little Frankie. He is very sick. Our family all well. Wednesday, March 1 Weather cloudy and cold. I am waiting now on the carpenters on A. D. Starr’s Mill Evening Sallie & I went to the prayer meeting. Family all well. Thursday, March 2 Weather continues cool. The carpenters are not quite ready on the Mill yet. Evening I went to the Lodge. Family all well. Friday, March 3 Weather quite cool & cloudy. It rained a little in the afternoon & evening. We did not go to the Bible class this evening on account of the weather. Owen & I worked this forenoon on the Mill getting ready to top out the gables. I Rec. a letter from Stoneburger in regard to a note I signed for Warren & Stoneburger. I expect that I will have it to pay. Saturday, March 4 Weather quite pleasant today. I paid the note that I indorsed for Warren & Stoneberger today. I gave it to Mr. S. B. Selby & he sent it to George Thompson at Austin, N.Y. for him to try to get it out of Warren’s estate of Stoneberger. Family all well. I did a little job this afternoon for Wm. Hawley. Sunday, March 5 Weather pleasant. We were at Church as usual. Sallie received the Right hand of fellowship in the first Baptist Church of Mville today. We had no Church this evening on account of a public meeting held at the Presbyterian Church Christian Commition in aid of [blank] Family all well. Monday, March 6 Weather pleasant. Jas. Cory & I commenced to top out the Mill this morning. Family all well. Tuesday, March 7 Weather pleasant. We topped out the Mill at noon today. We then commenced an addition on the ground. Evening I went to the Masonic Lodge. Family all well. Wednesday, March 8 Weather continues pleasant. We worked untill about 3 o’clock at the Mill on the foundation of the addition walls. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Family well. I put in my bid for the Theatre today. They were opened at 6 PM and all the bids were considered too high & the job was not let. My bid was the highest on the Brickwork & Excavating. Seward & Russel’s bids were the same 4500$ Thursday, March 9 Weather pleasant. Jas. Cory & I worked all day on the addition of the Mill. Evening Sallie & I went to prayer meeting. Frankie Mathews our neighbors little boy was buryed this afternoon. Family all well. Andy went to the funereal with Sallie & the children. Friday, March 10 Weather pleasant. I commenced on the second story to the addition to the Mill this afternoon. I have some men setting a Boiler for W. C. Swain. I worked there with them part of the day. Ella is not very well today. Evening we went to prayer meeting at our Church. Saturday, March 11 Weather pleasant but has a little appearance of rain. I worked all day on the addition of the Mill. Ella is still unwell. The rest of us are all very well. Sunday, March 12 Weather pleasant. Sallie did not go to Church this morning on account of Ella not being well enough for her to leave home but she went with me in the evening. We are getting along very well in our Church & Sabbath here of late. Monday, March 13 Weather pleasant. I worked all day on the Mill addition. Evening we went to prayer meeting at our Church. Ella is getting along very well. Tuesday, March 14 Weather pleasant. I worked all day on the addition and finished it. I have some Brick to lay in the seller of the mane building now for foundation walls. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Wednesday, March 15 Weather very pleasant. I worked all day at the Mill. I did not go out this evening. We had no prayer meeting this evening. Ella is getting along quite well. Thursday, March 16 Weather continues very pleasant. Owen & I worked all day at the Mill. I am getting along very well with the Mill. I have it all finished except the Office & Engine Room by the last of this week. Family all well. Evening at home. Friday, March 17 Weather very pleasant. We worked all day at the Mill. I have Billings jobing. Family all well. Evening at home. Saturday, March 18 Weather not quite so pleasant today it being quite windy but no rain yet. The farmers are in want of rain now. I finished at the Mill today all we can do at present. Family all well. Sunday, March 19 Weather pleasant. We were at Church & S. S. in the morning but we did not go out in the evening. I was not very well. Monday, March 20 Weather pleasant. I did not work today I was not very well. Billings & Owen worked all day for my part at the Mill & the balance at the Graveyard. I collected $500 from Mr. A. D. Starr today that being the first payment on the Mill. Tuesday, March 21 Weather pleasant. Charlie & I started for San Francisco today. Arrived Sacramento about 10 AM. Started at 2 PM for the Bay. Arrived there about 9 having had a very pleasant trip. Wednesday, March 22 Weather very pleasant. Charlie & I spent the day in & about Oakland. I was very much pleased with the place. Property is very high there now. We went back to San F. in the evening. We spent the day very pleasantly. Charlie gives me but very little trouble. Thursday, March 23 Weather quite windy today. We took quite a walk in the morning & also rode in the city Rail Cars. I bought some things for Sallie & then we left in the 4 o’clock Boat for Sacramento having spent the day very pleasantly. Friday, March 24 Weather continues quite windy. We slept abord the Boat last night. We got our breakfast in Sacramento this morning. We slept very well last night. At 12 noon we started in the Boat for Marysville. Arrived home about 9 O’clock PM & we had a very pleasant trip. Found Family very glad to see us. Saturday, March 25 Weather pleasant. I was trying all day to collect but could not succeed in collecting anything. I am trying to sell out my Brickyard & schaffolding & will know some time next week. Family all well. Sunday, March 26 Weather pleasant. We were at Church & Sabbath School morning & evening. Family all well except Charlie he appears a little unwell today. He was taken sick in Church and had to be taken home. Monday, March 27 Weather pleasant. I worked a little at the Mill today bedding the sill of the husk frame. Charlie is still a little unwell. Evening at home. Tuesday, March 28 Weather continues pleasant but we want rain now to help the grain on the high land. I am not at work today I am trying to sell my Brickyard & schaffolding & I am thinking to give up Bricklaying & making for a while and try and get along for a while without it. Wednesday, March 29 Weather pleasant. I am still idle but have work to do but it is not ready yet. Family all well. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Thursday, March 30 Weather pleasant. I commenced to get some work ready at the Water Works paveing front side south. Family all well. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Friday, March 31 Weather pleasant. I worked all day today at the Water Works & at Ransom’s Mill. I sold out my Brick interest in Marysville with the Brickyard & schaffolding for a year or so today to Seward & McDonald for eight hundred dollars to be paid as follows first Note paid first of May, 2nd first of November 1865, the last note bares interest at the rate of one per cent per Month. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Saturday, April 1 Weather pleasant. I worked untill about noon at Ransom’s Mill. Afternoon I went out collecting. Family well. Sunday, April 2 Weather pleasant. We were at Church & Sabbath School morning & evening. Family all well. Monday, April 3 Weather pleasant. Owen & I worked at Mr. A. D. Starr’s Mill most all day making some repares or alterations in the smut Room. Family all well. Tuesday, April 4 Weather quite windy. We worked at the Mill all day. We got news of the taking of Richmond this afternoon and the people were quite jubilant over it. Family all well. Wednesday, April 5 Weather not quite so windy today. We worked at the Mill today. Evening Sallie and I went to the prayer meeting. Family all well. Thursday, April 6 Weather pleasant. We worked at the Mill all day. Evening at home. Family all well. Friday, April 7 Weather cloudy & wet all day which we are all glad to see as the farmers wanted rain very much. The prospects are very good now for a very large crop this season. Family well. I got through at the Mill yesterday all that I can do at present. Saturday, April 8 Weather continues cloudy & wet. I was out collecting most all day today. I sent my Horse out on the Pains Ranch today. I got my Deed for the Sherman property today from the Sheriff and had it recorded. Family all well. Sunday, April 9 Weather pleasant. We were at Church & Sabbath School today as usual. Family all well. Monday, April 10 Weather pleasant. I am not doing anything weighting on the mushenery for Starr Mill. Family all well. Tuesday, April 11 Weather pleasant. I am still idle and feal very anxious to get at the balance of Mr. Starr’s work. That is all that is keeping me here now. Family well. Evening I went to the Lodge (Masonic) Wednesday, April 12 Weather pleasant. I commenced some work at the house on 5th St 2nd door from the corner of F St making a back porch building, a Bathroom & fence &co. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Family all well. Thursday, April 13 Weather pleasant. I worked all day at & about Home. Family all well. Friday, April 14 Weather pleasant. I am still working about Home. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Family well. Saturday, April 15 Weather pleasant. I worked about Home untill noon today and about that time We got the news of the Death of our President who was shot last night at the Theatre in Washington & died this morning 22 minutes past 7 o’clock. The news fell very heavy upon us all. Family all well. Sunday, April 16 Weather pleasant. We were at Church & S. S. all day as usual. Our Church was in mourning for the death of our President. Family well. Monday, April 17 Weather pleasant. I worked about Home all day. Family well. Tuesday, April 18 Weather pleasant. I am still jobing about Home making some repares &co. Family all well. Evening I went to the Lodge (Masonic) Wednesday, April 19 Weather very windy. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Family well. I did not work today it being the day our President was Beried. We had quite a turnout here and speaking at the Presbyterian Church. It was a very solem day in Marysville. Thursday, April 20 Weather windy. Still working about home. Evening at home. Friday, April 21 Weather still windy. Working about the House next door building Bathroom &co. Evening we went to the prayer meeting. Family well. Saturday, April 22 Weather pleasant. I am still working about home. Family all well. Sunday, April 23 Weather warm. At church in the morning & Sabbath School and Church in the evening. Family well. Monday, April 24 Weather warm. Working about home making improvements. Family well. Tuesday, April 25 Weather continues dry. We are in want of rain now. Family well. I am still jobing about some of my houses trying to get things fixed up in pretty good shape so we can go home. Wednesday, April 26 Weather continues about the same. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Family well. Thursday, April 27 Weather continues about the same. I am making prepperations to go to Baltimore just as soon as we can get off. I intend to leave my houses in the care of W. L. Williams but I intend to sell them just as soon as I can get a fare price for them. Friday, April 28 Weather continues dry & warm. I am still fixing up about my Houses. Family well. Saturday, April 29 Weather continues about the same. I am still making prepperations to get off just as soon as we can. Family well. Sunday, April 30 Weather warm. We were at Church in the morning & Sabbath school but we had no Church in the evening. Mr Rheese being away so we went to the M. E. Church. Family well. Monday, May 1 Weather very warm & dry. I am still working about our Houses. I am still trying to make arraingements to go Home. Tuesday, May 2 Weather warm. Still jobing about Home. Eve I went to the Masonic Lodge. Wednesday, May 3 Weather warm. I am still jobing about Home and waiting for Mr. Starr to get ready so I can get his Mill finished. Family well. Thursday, May 4 Weather continues warm. I am still working about Home. Family pretty well. Friday, May 5 Weather continues very dry & warm. I am still jobing about my Houses. Ella is not very well. Saturday, May 6 Weather continues warm & dry. I am still working about Home. Sunday, May 7 Weather warm. We were at Church morning & evening. Family all well. Monday, May 8 Weather warm. I am still jobing about home cleaning House &co. Ella is still a little unwell. Tuesday, May 9 Weather warm. I am still fixing up about my Houses & trying to rent the House and furniture we are living in. Wednesday, May 10 Weather not quite so warm today. I finished whitewashing our House today. I find it a good deal of work to clean a House well. Thursday, May 11 Weather pleasant today. I paid my license & Revenue tax today. I paid 74 Green backs. Family well. Friday, May 12 Weather pleasant. I am not doing very much now since I sold out. I have given up quite a number of good jobs. Family all well. Saturday, May 13 Weather continues dry & warm. I spend most of my time in jobing for myself about the Houses. Family well. Sunday, May 14 Weather pleasant except a little windy. We were at church in the morning & S. S. In the afternoon I went to the funereal of Mr. Lothrope a member of our Lodge Masonic. Evening Sallie & I went to the Presbyterian Church. Family all well. Monday, May 15 Weather pleasant. I commenced to get ready today to finish up the balance of Starr’s Mill. He is about ready for me now. Family well. W. L. Williams agreed to take my House with the Parlor furniture for 25 Dollars per Month takes it the first of next month. On the 30 of this Month we sell out at auxtion the balance of our furniture and in the morning of that day I will send my Family to San Francisco. Tuesday, May 16 Weather pleasant. I am having sand & Lime halled at the Mill and will get to work just as soon as he gets ready. Evening I went to the Masonic Lodge. Family all well. Wednesday, May 17 Weather cloudy & pleasant. Lime came to the Mill today and I sat a man to making Morter. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Thursday, May 18 Weather cloudy & wet most all day. It commenced to rain last night. I worked about the Mill all day. Family well. Friday, May 19 Weather pleasant. We had quite a little rain and will do some good to late wheet, Barley & corn but the hay it wont do any good. Finished pointing up the arches at the Mill. Family well. Saturday, May 20 Weather pleasant. I have not got to laying brick yet at the Mill but expect to get to work by next Monday. At Home most all day mending chares &co. Family well. Sunday, May 21 Weather pleasant. We were at Church & Sabbath School in the morning & at the M. E. Church in the evening. We had no Church at our place in the evening. Monday, May 22 Weather warm. They did not get quite ready at the Mill today but will be ready by tomorrow. Family well. Tuesday, May 23 Weather continues about the same. I did not get to work at the Mill today on account of my tender getting tite. Evening I went to the Masonic Lodge. Family well. Wednesday, May 24 Weather warm. I got to work on the Mill today. I commenced on the Engine first. I think that I can keep write along now and finish it all up. Evening we went to prayer meeting. Family well. Thursday, May 25 Weather warm. We worked all day at the Mill. Family well. Friday, May 26 Weather continues quite warm. I am still working at the Mill. I have no one to help me but Owen. Family well. Saturday, May 27 Weather not quite so warm today. I worked all day at the Mill. We are getting things ready for the Saile which will take place next Tuesday and on that morning Sallie will go below. Family well. Sunday, May 28 Weather pleasant. Sallie & I were at Church morning & evening and also at Sabbath School at our Church. Family well. Monday, May 29 Weather pleasant. I worked all day at the Mill. Sallie & Andy worked all day getting ready for the sail which is to take place tomorrow of our furniture and also getting themselves ready to leave in the morning for the Bay while I stay and attend to the sail and arrainge my business in a propper shape as near as possible and then join them as soon as I can. Tuesday, May 30 Weather quite pleasant. My Family left for the Bay in the Boat this morning at 6 o’clock. My furniture was sold today at auxtion. Some of the things sold very well. Our Parlor furniture & sewingmashune I did not sell. I felt very sad this eve after the sail being aloan but I know that I will soon be with them again the Lord willing. Wednesday, May 31 Weather continues very pleasant. I worked all day at the Mill. I am very anxious to get done so I can go below & be with my family. Evening I went to the prayer meeting. Thursday, June 1 Weather continues about the same. Today was fast day but I had to work I am so anxious to get done that I could not think of being idle. The Post Office being clost today I could not get a letter from Sallie. Friday, June 2 Weather quite pleasant, considered cool for this season. I worked all day at the Mill. I rec’d a letter from Sallie this evening. They arrived all well at the Bay City on Tuesday evening last. I am getting along very well with my work at the Mill & are very anxious to get done so I can go below & be with my Family. Saturday, June 3 Weather continues very pleasant. I am still at the Mill. I am very well but very anxious to get away and be with my Loved ones. Sunday, June 4 Weather continues about the same. I had to go to Church alone today my Family was at the Bay. We had no Church in our place today Mr. Rheese being away but we had S. School at the usual place. Monday, June 5 Weather pleasant. I worked all day at the Mill. I am getting along with it very well. Tuesday, June 6 Weather warm. I am still working away at the Mill. Owen is helping me. I applied to the Lodge this evening for my final card. I am very busy getting things ready so I can get off as soon as possible. Wednesday, June 7 Weather warm. I finished at the Mill at noon today & in the afternoon John Cook & I figured it all up. The Brick amounts to 336316 Bricks at $13. I was very busy today. I am trying to get off by Friday morning. I got my card from the Encampment this eve. Thursday, June 8 Weather continues warm. I was very busy all day today getting settled up with everybody and have been very sucsesfull. I had to let my Horse go to Empy(?) by taken his Note of $150 for 12 Months from date at no interest. I sold the sewing mashine to the Shellingbergers at 70 Dollars payable within a year at no interest. It is now about midnight and I feal very tired & sleeppy. I have my trunk to pack yet so I must be about it. Friday, June 9 Weather pleasant. I started for San Francisco this morning by the Boat. Arrived in Sacramento about noon. I spent about 2 hours there. Saw Wm Smith Bricklayer. He is working on the Capital. Started from there and arrived at the Bay City about 10. Could not find my Family so I had to stop at a Hotell for the night Saturday, June 10 Weather continues pleasant but find it much cooler in San Francisco & very pleasant excepting the heavy winds we have here in the middle of the day. I found my folks this morning after some trouble on Minna St. No. 310 all very well except Ella and she has been having the chills. We have concluded not to go this Steamer so we will have to wate about a Month before the opposition goes out again. We are stoping with Dorsey. Sunday, June 11 Weather pleasant except the winds. We went with the children in the morning to the Cheaneys & in the evening to Mr. Sartett’s Bro. Rheese being down. We saw him at south places he is down on a visit. Monday, June 12 Weather continues about the same. We were out walking this morning & also took a ride in the Rail cars out to the Willows and spent an Hour or so. San Francisco is a very pleasant place to live and the climate is very good excepting the windy part of the day which is at this season of the year & commences about 10 in the morning & continues untill sundown. Family well. Tuesday, June 13 Weather continues about the same. I spent part of today with Bro. Rhees our Pastor at Marysville. In the afternoon I took a walk across the long bridge. It is a new Bridge & just about finished. Evening Sallie & I took a walk downtown. Ella is getting better since I took her to a Docktor & had him prescribe for her. Wednesday, June 14 Weather continues about the same & very pleasant except the winds. I had Charlie stand to have his likeness taken today at Mr. Sho?? Montgomery s.v. I also had a half doz. Each of Mr. & Mrs Rhees taken. Thursday, June 15 Weather pleasant. I find the weather much better in San Francisco than in Marysville. I was with Mr. H. H. Rhees most of the day. We called on the Rev. Mr. Cheney and spent an hour or two very pleasantly Family all well. Friday, June 16 Weather continues about the same. Mr. Rhees started this evening for Home. I was at the Boat and saw him off. Sallie is hard at work getting her sewing ready. We want to start home by the 13th of next Month. Family well. Saturday, June 17 Weather pleasant. I spent my time walking about the city and find it very hard work. I feal very anxious to be off so I can again settle myself down somewhere and feal myself at home again. Evening Sallie & I took a walk through the markets & bought some fish. Fish is quite plenty in the Market but still at very good prices. Sunday, June 18 Weather quite warm today for San Francisco. We were at Church morning and evening at Bro. Sawtell’s. He is absent now going east but is expected to return in the corse of this season. Sallie & I was at a very large fire on Market St. just before going to Church. Family all well. Monday, June 19 Weather not quite so warm today. I made [--] this morning and started on the 4 O’clock Boat for Marysville to attend to some business there and build a cellar to the House on D. St. I will have to wait for about a month or so anyhow to let Sallie get ready before we can start East. I had a stateroom with George Gorhman(?) a Bro of Charles of M’ville. I left the Family all well with Dorsey. Tuesday, June 20 Morning I find myself in Sacramento. Got my Breakfast at the Western Hotel. Started at 6 for Marysville in Uncle Oabs Stage arrived there about noon stoped at the Dorson House. Weather pleasant but quite dusty on the road. I went to work getting men so I can commence my celler in the morning. Found everything in M’ville about as we left it. Wednesday, June 21 Weather warm. I started the celler this morning with John Gill & Dewey Hays. Got along very well with it had the durt shoveled out in the streat. I am putting it under the back building. Evening I went to prayer meeting. I wrote to Sallie this evening. Thursday, June 22 Weather warm. We finished digging out the durt today and commenced to brick it up. I feal very anxious to get back to my Family. Friday, June 23 Weather warm. I worked all day today at my celler. It will not cost me very much the way I am doing it working myself. The Brick and morter dont cost me anything. I received a letter from Sallie & Bro. James today. Jas. Wants me to come home to Baltimore. Sallie says Charlie is sick and wanted me to return as soon as I can. Saturday, June 24 Weather continues warm. I finished my celler today but did not get through with all I have to do so I will have to stop here untill about next Tuesday. The Bricklayers here want me to help them with the work & offer me 8 Dollars a day. But I am so anxious to get back to my Family that I can not stay. Sunday, June 25 Weather very warm here today. Thermometer 105 in the shade. I received a letter from my Wife saying they are all well. I was at Church morning & evening at our Church. We had a very good congregation. I feal very well. Monday, June 26 Weather not quite so warm today. I was busy all day trying to settle up some old Bills and was pretty sucessfull. Spent my last evening at Mr. W. L. Williams. He has a power of attorney to do my business for me. Tuesday, June 27 Weather quite pleasant. This morning I started on the Boat for Sacramneto. Arrived there about noon got my Diner & started at 2 on the Boat for the Bay. Arrived there about 10. Got my supper at the What Cheer House & then started No. 310 Mirney(?) Street where I found my little Family all asleap except Sallie who gave me a Wife welcome back to my loved ones. Wednesday, June 28 In San Francisco & find the weather quite cool & pleasant. Spent the day at home. At 4 I went to the Sacramento Boat with Charlie to see Bro. Barnes off for his home in Marysville. He is one of our best members of our Church & our Deacon. We bade him good by probably for the last time for a long time if not for ever. May the Lord bless him and his Dear Family. Thursday, June 29 Weather very pleasant except the wind & dust. I spend my time at home and walking about. I feal very anxious to get off for the Atlantic side. Family all well. Friday, June 30 Weather continues about the same and I am spending my time about the same. Family all well. Saturday, July 1 Weather pleasant. We are still waiting pationately for the time to come for us to start for home. Sallie keeps busy getting her sewing down. She has two helping her. Family well. Evening we often take a walk downtown Sunday, July 2 Weather continues about the same. We were at the 2nd Baptist Church morning & evening and also at the Sabbath School. After Church in the morning they have a very good school 240 present. I paid my Church paper for this year. Family all well. Monday, July 3 Weather continues about the same. Always cool enough to cover up well at night. The only unpleasant weather we have is the middle of the day when the wind blows. Evening Sallie & I walked downtown. Family all well. We had a little sprinkle of rain this evening. Tuesday, July 4 Weather continues about the same. Today has been a very lively one it being the 4 July. The Military made a very good turn out, but there appeared to be a great many more spectators than participants of the day. Some thought it was on account of the darkeys turning out in the same persession. The fire works in the evening was not very good & a good many appeared disapointed. Wednesday, July 5 Weather pleasant. Spent the day walking about as usual. Family all very well. The change of climate appears to agree with us all very well. I am fealing anxious to get settled down some where again soon. Thursday, July 6 Weather continues about the same. Walking about is getting to be very hard work for me as I am not ust to it. I would rather be at work as something more honerable. Family all well. Friday, July 7 Weather pleasant. I paid my morning call as usual on Benn Brady by way of passing off the time and had a good opertunity there to get accuainted with old Baltimoreans. I took quite a walk this afternoon along the N. Branch shore most out as far as the fort but it was very windy & dusty. Family well. Saturday, July 8 Weather continues about the same. Charlie & I took quite a walk around town. Afternoon Sallie & I went down to S. Beach and had a bath there. We took a walk across long bridge. Family well. Sunday, July 9 Weather continues pleasant but the Weather is always pleasant in San Francisco in the summer except some windy days we have here at this season. We were at Church morning and evening. Morning at the Sawtells eve at the first Baptist Church. Rev. Mr. Cheany Pastor. We are all very well. Monday, July 10 Weather continues about the same. At present prospects we are to remain in San Francisco for some time yet. The fair is so high on the regular line that I think it best to wait a while hopeing they will get in the Opposition again soon. The steamer that goes out on the 18th the fare is from 225 to 80 Dollars first cabin outside state rooms 225 inside 200 second cabin 120 stearage 80, Gold coin. Tuesday, July 11 Weather continues about the same. I am spending my time the best I can, sometimes home and the balance of the day walking about & calling on my friends Benn Brady & others. Family all well. Wednesday, July 12 Weather about the same. We are still waiting pationately for the Opposition co. to get on there steamer but owing to the telegraph being down they cannot hear from New York. The lost of the Golden Rule on the Atlantic side is the cause of the trouble. Family well. Thursday, July 13 Weather continues about the same. I received a letter today with a draft for Sixty Dollars Rent money of Williams & Sheyer(?) also a letter from J. S. Bowen with 150 Dollars in cupons for Collecttions. I sent them in a letter to W. L. Williams in Marysville for collection and for him to sent it to Bowen. Family well. Friday, July 14 Weather quite pleasant today. Sallie & I with Ella & Charlie took a ride out to Lone Mountain Cemetery. We are all well. Saturday, July 15 Weather very pleasant. I am still waiting pationately for a good oppertunity to get off for New York. Family all well. Sunday, July 16 Weather pleasant. We were at Church & Sabbath School this morning at the 2nd Baptist Church. Evening we went to the first Baptist Church Washington St. Family well. Monday, July 17 Weather pleasant. I spent part of the day at home & part walking about. No news from New York yet so we are still waiting without knowing when we will get off. Family all well. Tuesday, July 18 Weather about the same. I went to see the S. S. Golden City off for Panama this morning. They had quite a lode of passengers. We would have gone but the fare being so high I considered to weight a while to see if the Opposition would get in again so they did just after they had left and have advertised to leave on the 20th so we will have a chance to get off cheap. Wednesday, July 19 Weather pleasant. We are getting ready today to start for the East tomorrow. I have bought our tickets which cost me in all only 330 Dollars for my Family & Andy first cabin [--] Andy who will go in the 2nd cabin. Sallie is very busy today getting ready. I bought a draft on New York payable in Gold for two per cent dis. We are all well. Thursday, July 20 Weather pleasant. After some considerable work we got everything ready and went abord the Opposition S. America about 12 ½ O’clock ( formerly [--]) the same ship I was on in the Gulf of Mexico about 6 ½ years ago. We got off first at ½ past two O’clock. We found it a little rough and a good many got sea sick. Sallie & Maggie was quite sick. Charlie findley got a little sick but Ella stood it first rate. Friday, July 21 Out at sea about 350 miles from San Francisco. A little rough last night and all stood it first rate. Ella said she liked it very well if the Boat did not [--] so. We are out of sight of land all day. Everything is going along very pleasantly. We only have about 150 passengers no ways crowded at all. Officers and passengers very agreable. Saturday, July 22 Weather pleasant. We are making very good time about 215 miles a day. We are still out of sight of land. We are all very well and we think it is going along very Pleasantly. We are making some acquaintances slowly. Charlie fell and hurt his head today but not very bad. Sunday, July 23 Weather pleasant but the sea is quite rough today indications of rough weather that has been ahead. It rained a little today with quite a heavy fog this morning. We have no Minister on bord. Most of the passnegers observed the Sabbath today but some I am sorry to say played cards. Monday, July 24 Weather quite foggy but not quite so rough as it was yesterday. We are now about 800 miles out. Charlie was a little restless last night with his head. The first land was sean today about 10 O’clock in the far distance but we are leaveing it again. Time is passing away as pleasantly as could be expected. Tuesday, July 25 Weather continues very pleasant. We spent the night last night very well. We came in the sight of land this morning. First was Margaretta Island then next mane land. We keep out well from land. Wednesday, July 26 Weather warm. We are getting to see quite a change in the weather. We left Cape St. Loucus this morning about 2 O’clock so we have been on the gulf all day and find it very smooth. We had a little shower in the evening. We are all getting along very well so far. Out of sight of land all day. Thursday, July 27 Weather warm but a good breeze. We saw a little land today about noon but a far way off. Our corse has been out at sea pretty all the way so far more satisfaction than it even was before. We had quite a rain this eve and part of the night it rained but not very much wind. We are all very well and all on bord. Friday, July 28 Weather pleasant for this climate. We have been in sight of land all day but a good way off. We are now about 200 miles from Acupulco. Everything passing off as pleasantly as could be expected. Every body appears well and agreable. The children are standing it first rate. Saturday, July 29 Weather pleasant. We have been in sight of land all day. We arrived at Acapulco about noon. Went in there for the purpose of taking a dispatch for our Goeverment in regard to the [--]. We have two [--] vessels in the harbor there. As soon as the dispatch was delivered without stoping any longer. We put out to sea again. We all had a fine view of this place. Sunday, July 30 Weather pleasant all day except eve when rain set in and rained quite hard for a while. We have been pretty well out to sea all day. All hands getting along very well so far. We are now about opposite the sate of Oaxaca. Our Capt. On the America is W. L. Merry. We are all well. Monday, July 31 Weather pleasant untill eve when the wind commenced to blow a little. Last night while crossing the gulf of tehonlepect. We had quite a heavy blow and had to change our corse to avoid the waves. It lasted most all night. I was up most all night. We are all getting along very Well. Tuesday, August 1 Weather pleasant but very warm. Most every evening we have a little blow with some rain more or less. In sight of land all day. The Steamer was stoped for about ½ Hours to fix some of the mushenery. We are all getting along finely so far. Wednesday, August 2 Weather warm. Rained quite hard last night with considerable wind. The baggage was waid(?) today. Sallie wrote to Kate about her sleave Bottom that she left behind. We expect to arrive at San Juan about midnight tonight. Everything is passing off finely so far. Thursday, August 3 Weather pleasant with heavy showers. We arrived at anchorage in the little harbor of San Juan Del Sur this morning about 2 O’clock. We took Breakfast at 5 and went ashore in lighters at day light. We there took light wagons drawn by mules for Virgin Bay 12¼ miles distance over a very good road. We found the little town situated on the Bay commanding a fine view of the bay and the pretty mountains on the opposite side. We stoped there for about 5 hours waiting for the Baggage. At 5 we started across the Bay in a very fine Steam Boat. San Juan is a clean little Spanish town with some stores & three or four Hotels. Passengers all well. Friday, August 4 Most of today has been very wet. We crossed Virgin Bay last night in about 7 Hours arriving at San Carlos about 1 this morning about 68 miles. Changed Boat and started for Fort Castillo & arrived there about 7. 108 Miles on the San Juan River from Virgin City or Bay. We have to change Boats there on account of the Rappids which took us about 2 hours. We met the returning passengers there for Cal. After a very pleasant trip we arrived at Gray Town. In the evening of the same day I went abord the Steam Ship Ericson for New York making the trip across the Isthmus in 36 Hours a distance of 207¼ miles. Seenery very wild. Arrived all well. Saturday, August 5 Abord steam Ship Ericsson Com. A. B. Lowber. We started this morning about 5. Ran in sight of land all day. We are between the corn islands and the isthmus. The highest point on the road between San Juan and Virgin Bay is 628 feet. The lake is 95 feet above the Pacific & 103 above the Atlantic. The river San Juan has a very strong current with 3 or 4 rappids all we went over in the Steam Boat except one and they do at times go over that. We find our ship a very pleasant one but it is built most too warm for this traid. All well except a few passengers that came abord at Gray Town. Sunday, August 6 Weather warm a little more than we found on the Isthmus. Water very smooth. We are all very well accomidated on bord as there is but very few passengers. We have been sounding all day. We struck this morning on soft bottom but very few knew it no harm done. Towards dark we got in deep water. This is a new route & our Cap. Is takeing it to save time. The soundings has been about from 24 to 42 feet. We have been in sight of land all day. Monday, August 7 Weather calm and quite warm water very smooth in sight of land all day. Passengers all well and getting along finely. My little folks get along very well so far. They have given us but very little trouble. We pass away the time very pleasantly takeing all things in consideration. Tuesday, August 8 Weather calm and warm. We have not seen land all day. In the eve we came in sight of Cuba light house. Mrs Barry one our passengers has been quite sick today. We will run all night in sight of Cuba about 14 miles off. My folks are all well. Wednesday, August 9 The weather continues very calm and the water very smooth. We left Cuba this morning about day break. We frequently see sail now in the distance. Our ship makes very slow time but she is considered a safe Boat and so we are contented. Mrs. Barry is still quite sick. My folks are all very well. Thursday, August 10 Weather very calm with a very smooth sea. We pased two Light Houses on the Florida shore today and saw a good many sail and one Steamship, but all a good way off. Mrs. Barry is better today. The little Boy that broke his arm a few days ago by falling off a cask is better & was able to come up on deck. My Family all well. We have been in sight of mane land all the evening. Friday, August 11 Weather continues very calm. We have not seen land today. Mrs. Barry is better today and able to come up on Deck. Two of the waters had a fight this morning and one stabed the other but not considered very dnagerous. The Captain had the other put in Irons. We see vessels every day now. Family all well. Saturday, August 12 Weather not so warm today & last night with a little breeze from the northwest and in our favour. We have been making very good time for the last 24 Hours. We had to stop at 4 O’clock this afternoon to fix some of the mashenery again in about an hour with one engine. We are now about 500 miles from New York. All hands pretty well on bord. Sunday, August 13 Weather very pleasant. Last night was the best night we have had for some time to sleep. We are only working one engine since 4 yesterday afternoon the other being out of order but she is making about as good time as she did with the two. We pased Cape Hateras about noon today. We see plenty of sail now. We expect to get to New York about noon Tuesday. Family all well. Monday, August 14 Weather continues very pleasant and very smooth water. Out sight of land all day but see vessels most all day in sight. At noon today we were about 190 Miles from New York. We are still working one Engine with two Boilers and are getting along very well. Passengers all well but appear to be anxious to get to New York. Tuesday, August 15 Weather continues very pleasant. We pased Barnagut light house this morning about 6 O’clock about 40 Miles from New York and arrived there about 4 in the afternoon making the trip in 26 days. The seenery comeing into the harbor of New York was very Hansom. We found the Hotel very much crowded. We are staying at the Western Hotel on Chambers Street Board 3 Dollars per day each children half price except Babes. I feal very glad we have all arrived safe & well. Wednesday, August 16 In New York. Weather pleasant. I find the city improveing fast. Called to see Mr. Coffen and he advised me to sell my Gold at what is was worth today & I did at 14 ¾ realizing on it 3670 Dollars in interest barring notes compound. Sallie, Charlie Ella & I went out to Central Park in the evening and had a very pleasant time. The Park is a very pretty place. New York is improving very fast a good many new buildings are going up. We start for Balto in the morning. Family are all very well. I sent a book to M. Brown in Marysville Cal. Thursday, August 17 Weather a little cloudy but no rain & very pleasant. We started for Balto this morning at 8 and arrived at 4 in the afternoon without changing cars. We surprised all our folks they not knowing that we were comeing but they were very glad to see us. It has been just six years and 3 Months since we left Baltimore for Cal. I found my Mother-in-law in the same house all very well and at present we expect to make her House our home. I took tea with Bro.Jas. & after supper Annie & James came home with me to see Sallie & the children. We feal very glad we home arrived all safe and well. Friday, August 18 Weather pleasant. We are very happy to find ourselves once more in old Baltimore our former home but not regretting our visit to Cal. We have returned in good health and somewhat benefitted pecuniary providing I do not lose my property I left in Marysville. I only had a chance to see a few of my relations today. I feal very anxious now to know what to get at as am now out of business but hoping that something will turn up before long. Saturday, August 19 Weather very pleasant. I road out to the Balto cemetery on the street cars in the afternoon. Bro. Jas. & I took the cars on the Balto & Ohio R. R. and went out to Bro. Jacob’s. he is now on his new place about 21 Miles from Balto on the Frederick Road. We leave the cars at Sikesville & go across the county about 3 miles to his place. He has a very fine place of 228 acres. They were very much surprised to see me comeing. I found his family very much grone up the two girls almost grone up. Sunday, August 20 Bro. Jas. & I at Bro. Jacob’s. Weather very pleasant. In the evening we had a little shower. I am very much pleased with Bro, Jacob’s new place. The Buildings on the place are very good. We spent the day walking about the place & talking about old times. Jacob has a very good peach orchard but has but a very few apple trees. I found Jacob and his family all very well and very much pleased with there new home. Monday, August 21 Weather very pleasant. Jacob brought Jas. & I down as far as Sikesville on his wagon. Mary came along with us. There we take the cars for Balto. Arrived about 1. I found my family all well. Afternoon Bro. Jas. & I walked about town. Evening Sallie & I called on Mr. McDonald. The children was there all the afternoon. We found his family all very well. Tuesday, August 22 Weather cloudy and wet in the morning. I went out to the City Almshouse to see Dr. J. S. Bowen on business. Found him well & glad to see me. Bro. James called to see us at home this afternoon. I called to see Jas. Thompson at his place of business. Found him very well and as full of fun as ever. Evening it rained very hard and we stayed at home. Wednesday, August 23 Weather pleasant. Spent part of the day about town with Bro. Jas. I am still unsettled about what I will do but I think it best to wate a while to see how things is going. Folks all well. J. S. Bowen called to see us and took Dinner with us. He is looking very well. Him & I are thinking of going to Richmond the first of next week. Thursday, August 24 Weather has been quite cool today especially last night & this morning. I pade a visit to the brickyards on the Washington Road find it takes about 6 Dollars to make brick and rather hard to get holt of a good yard & rather riskey to start a new yard. So it appears at present from what I can find out from yardhands. Evening at home. Family all well. Friday, August 25 Weather pleasant. I took a walk with Charlie this morning through the Bellare Market. Did not see anyone I know from the country. I spent most of the day walking about town. Saw J. S. Bowen in the afternoon. We are talking about going to Richmond and starting a Brickyard. We expect to go down the first of next week & look around. Evening Sallie, Emma, Maggie, Andy & I called to see Sister Mollie at her home on McCullen St. Spent the evening very pleasantly. Saturday, August 26 Weather a little warm today. About town all the forenoon. In the afternoon I rode out to Druid Hill Park on the street cars found the park to be a very fine place of resort much larger and better arrainged than I anticipated. They have a new steam car just arrived to run from the turmanis of the street cars to the park a distance of about a mile. Evening I took my family & went through the Bellare Market. Saw Sister Martha and Aunt Mary Taylor there. Sunday, August 27 Weather warm in the morning. I went to Dr. Fuller’s Church he was not there but they had Preaching in the basement by a Preacher from Washington. I saw a good many faces I recognized as members before I went to California. I felt very glad to be permitted once more after being absent so long in the Church I so much love. I was also there with Bro. Jas. In the evening to Preaching by a Bro. from Atlanta, Georgia. Family all well. Monday, August 28 Weather pleasant. Some consider it a little warm but I think it pleasant. Bro. Jas. & I called to see Cousin Lizzie Hartman & also uncle Richard Taylor yesterday evening. Found them very glad to see us. I expect to start for Richmond this evening with J. S. Bowen. As expected we started for Richmond in the steam boat Dictator at 6 o’clock. Evening very pleasant. We took a stateroom & went to bed about 10 O’clock. Tuesday, August 29 Weather pleasant all day. We arrived at Fortress Monroe this morning about 7 changed Boats there for Richmond abord the City Point. We had a very pleasant trip up the James River and had a fine view of all the fortifications built by the Union & Confederate and also the duch(?) gap that was dug by Rutter. We saw a small tug boat in it but it appeared to be a ground. We saw a great many sunken Boats in the river. We arrived about 6. We stoped at the Ballard Hotel at 4 Dollars per day. Wednesday, August 30 Weather continues pleasant but we found it quite warm in the middle of the day. Walking about we found a great portion of the city destroyed estimated at 800 Houses and they the finest in the place but they are building them up again as fast as possible. Richmond has a very old appearance it being one of the oldest citys in the United States. We found that they had 5 Brickyards underway making brick. At 6½ O’clock we started for Balto. by way of Fred. & Washington. We had a pleasant trip through. We arrived at home about 8 o’clock A. M. Thursday, August 31 Weather has been foggy & hazy all day. J. S. Bowen & I got back all safe & well this morning about 8 after having a very pleasant visit to Richmond. I felt very tired and stayed in my room most all the balance of the day. We did not get any sleep last night. Friday, September 1 Weather cloudy. At home most of the day. In the evening Charlie & I started to go to Jacob’s but we was too late for the cars and had to come back. Family all well. Saturday, September 2 Weather cloudy & rain part of the time. Evening Charlie & I went out to Bro. Jacob’s. Arrived there a little after dark. Found them all well and very glad to see us. It is the first time they saw my son. Sunday, September 3 Weather clear & warm. Charlie & I at Jacob’s. We spent most of the day at the Campmeeting. Uncle Henry Slicer preached in the morning. We did not stay in the evening. Monday, September 4 Weather quite warm in the evening. I came back to Baltimore for the balance of my family. Arrived a little after dark brought Charlie with me. We go by way of the Railroad. Found my Family all well. Tuesday, September 5 Weather pleasant. We started with all the children on the cars for Bro. Jacob’s. He met us at Sikesville and took us home in his carage arrived there about noon. I am very much pleased with Jacob’s place. In the afternoon I went over to Hood’s Mill with Jacob & John with wheat. He sold it for one ninety (190). Wednesday, September 6 Weather pleasant part of the time but quite warm to be out in the sun. Jacob went to the Mill with the wagon loaded with wheat today. I did not go with him today. We are all well. Jacob has aplenty of peaches now. In the evening Jacob & I rode down to the store on the pike. Thursday, September 7 Weather warm and rained a little today. We spent most of the day at Campmeeting. Had a very pleasant time. Friday, September 8 Weather continues about the same. We are still at Jacob’s and enjoying ourselves finely. Saturday, September 9 Weather cloudy and wet part of the day. We are still at Bro. Jacob’s but expect to return next Monday afternoon. We are all very well. Sunday, September 10 Weather quite warm. Jacob & I went to meeting this morning & at Mr. Amos in the afternoon & took tea with his family. He has a very nice place about two or three miles from Bro’s place. Monday, September 11 Weather continues warm. We left Bro. about 3 this afternoon for the cars. Arrived there in time and took the cars at ½ past 5 for Balto. Arrived there at 7 thus ending a very pleasant visit with Bro. Jacob’s Family. Tuesday, September 12 Weather continues very warm. At Mother Slicer’s. I called at the Post Office and got a Marysville paper. I called to see cousin S. Baker found them not very well. Evening Sallie, Ella, Charlie & I called on Bro. Jas. & spent the eve. Wednesday, September 13 Weather warm in the city. Doing nothing. Family all well. Thursday, September 14 Weather continues about the same. Pileing up what I done yesterday. Family all well. Friday, September 15 Weather continues very warm. Bro. Jacob called to see us this morning before we was up. He came in town to Market with Peaches. I was with him untill he started out. We called on Samuel’s sisters’s husband found him well & glad to see us. Wrote to sister Eliza in the evening. Maggie is unwell today. I also wrote to Bro. Williams in Marysville. Saturday, September 16 Weather more pleasant today. Maggie is better today. Walked up to Bro. Jas. In the forenoon. Evening wrote to W. C. Smith & V. Brown Marysville Sunday, September 17 Weather pleasant. In the morning we went to Dr. Fuller’s and took Charlie. Afternoon I went there alone. Evening I went to Monument St. M. E. Church. They are having quite a revival there. Family all well. Monday, September 18 Weather cloudy and some rain. Morning called at Bro. James and brought Bell McComas home with me to spend the day took her back in the evening. I am still idle and with very little prospects of getting at anything soon. Family all well. Tuesday, September 19 Weather cool and pleasant. Saw George Thompson in the Bellare Market this morning. I am still undecided what to do. Family all well. Evening I visited Independance Lodge of IOOF. Wednesday, September 20 Weather pleasant. The Wildey Monument was Dedicated today with a very large turnout of the order estimated at fifteen thousand. They had a very pretty day for it and everything went off very pleasantly. The paid fire department turned out in the afternoon and tyed there engines on Monument Square. A hansom and a very sucsessfull show of the power and utility of steam fire engines. We spent the day at Mr. McDonald’s. Thursday, September 21 Very pleasant weather out. I took a walk in the N. W. part of the city thinking at trying to get at something either building for myself or someone else. Made an offer to lay the brick in 4 Houses on Garden St. which have just commenced to get the cellers dug. They are to be Press brick front, first quality, 3 storys high. I offered to lay them standard price for that kind of work 5.50 per thousand Kiln count. But as I am not acquainted with the partes I do not expect to get the job. Friday, September 22 Weather continues pleasant. I am spending my time the best I can walking about and reading some. Sallie is a little unwell today. Evening I called to see Sister Martha at Cousin Ann Cunningham’s. They are going out to spend a week or so with Jacob in the Morning. Saturday, September 23 Weather continues pleasant. I took quite a walk out to the new Reservoir. The city is improveing very fast in that direction. I called to see the partes that are going to build those Houses that I spoke of last Thursday. I was too high in my estimate therefore I did not get it. Family all well. Sunday, September 24 Weather pleasant. We went to High St. Baptist Church in the morning. Eve I went to Dr.Ffuller’s. Bro. S. Spalding called to see us this afternoon at our Bording place. Family all well. Monday, September 25 Weather continues pleasant. I am still about town doing nothing and fealing very anxious to be doing something. Family all well. Tuesday, September 26 Weather continues very pleasant. I took a walk out to the Brickyard today. I am thinking some of trying to get a good yard & go to making Brick. They are selling very high now from 13 to 17 Dollars & 50 for best Press. Houses are very scarce now in Balto. and rents are very high. Family all well. Wednesday, September 27 Weather pleasant. I am still about town doing nothing. Family all well. Thursday, September 28 Weather continues pleasant & very dry. At Home most all day. Family all well. Friday, September 29 Weather pleasant. At home all day. I got three papers from Marysville. Spent the afternoon in looking over them. Family all well. Saturday, September 30 Weather pleasant. I & Charlie went out to Bro. Jacob’s today went out in the cars arrived about noon found them very well. Jacob is housing the last of his tobacco today. I took my gun out with me and in the evening I shot a squrel. Left my family all well. Sunday, October 1 Weather very pleasant. Jacob & I was at Church three times today & at three different places. The day very pleasant and I trust profitible. Monday, October 2 Weather pleasant but the nights are a little cool. I was gunning most all day. Jacob is very busy now getting in his corn & getting ready to sow the balance of his wheat. Jacob’s family are all well. Tuesday, October 3 Weather pleasant. I am spending most of my time gunning. I have very good luck shooting squrels. Charlie is enjoying himself finely here. Wednesday, October 4 Weather pleasant except the nights. They are a little cool with some frost, about the first for this season. Family all well. Jacob & part of his family go to meeting most every night. Thursday, October 5 Weather continues about the same. I am having very good luck shooting squrels. Friday, October 6 Weather continues about the same. Still spending my time gunning. I have shot about 20 squrels, one rabbit, one partridge and one flicker. In the morning I go back home. Saturday, October 7 Weather pleasant but a little cool. Jacob brought us as far as the R. R. at Sykesville. From there we came in on the cars. Found my family all well and glad to see us. Sunday, October 8 Weather pleasant. Sallie & I went to Dr. Fuller’s in the morning & I there in the evening. Family all well. Monday, October 9 Weather continues very pleasant. I am still out of imployment and feal very anxious to get in business. I can get aplenty to do at bricklaying if I want and from 4 to 5 Dollars per day but I do not want to do that here if I can help it. I am lost at present to know what to get at but I am in hopes something will show itself favourable after a while. Family all well. Tuesday, October 10 Weather continues pleasant and very dry. Farmers are very much in want of rain. It is so dry they cant get there grain in altho it is getting late in the season. Family all well. Wednesday, October 11 Weather continues about the same. I am spending my time reading and walking about. Family all well. Thursday, October 12 Weather continues about the same & I am perfornming the same work doing nothing and I find it very hard work not being ust to idleness. But I am in hopes of getting at something soon that I will like. If not I will go back to California. Family all well. Friday, October 13 Weather pleasant. Family all well. Saturday, October 14 Weather has the appearance of rain and did rain a little in the afternoon. Bro. Jacob & Mary came in today and brought Sadie & Bell. They are going to join Church tomorrow. I did not get to see them today. Family all well. Sunday, October 15 Weather cloudy & wet most all day. I attended Jacob’s Church today. Sadie & Bell were received in Church this morning for Baptism and was Baptised this evening and also a young man by thee name of Ways. It was a very pretty sight and long to be remembered. Monday, October 16 Weather cool. I was with Jacob all the forenoon & he took dinner with us. Evening I went out to Jacob’s to see some Mill property. Arrived there about 7 O’clock. Tuesday, October 17 Weather very pleasant. Gunning all the forenoon shot two squrels. Jacob & I rode over to see the Mill property on the R. R. but does not want to sell. It is very pretty property & we would take it at a fare price provideing he would sell. I came in from there on the cars. Wednesday, October 18 Weather cool and wet all day. Dr. J. S. Bowen called to see us this morning. He is well. He has bought a little place at Mount Washington for a place of business. Maggie Slicer has been quite unwell for some time and is still unwell. My folks are all well. Thursday, October 19 Weather cool but no rain. I have been out to Bro. Jacob’s twice today. Evening at home. Maggie Slicer is about the same but is able to get about the house a little. [-] McDonald spent the evening with us. My Family all well. Friday, October 20 Weather cool and windy. Afternoon I walked out to where they are building the new Reservoir. They hall the dirt on small cars made for that purpose made to dump the same as a cart. Thomas McDonald my Brotherinlaw is superintending there now. This Reservoir is intended to supply in case of necesity the new one that has just been finished a year or so clost by it and it is also supplyed from the same lake. Evening Sallie & I called on Mr. Baker’s family. Saturday, October 21 Weather cool and a little windy. I spent the morning at Bro. Jas. Reading the paper. I have not come to any conclusion yet what I will do. I think it is likely that I will stay here for a few months longer and if nothing does not turn up that looks fair I will go back to California. My family have all kept very well since we have been in Baltimore. Sunday, October 22 Weather pleasant. Bro. Jacob was in town today and Jas. & I attended with him at his Church. Sadie & Bell was received in Church. Evening I went to my Church Dr. Fuller’s. Jacob went back home in the evening. We took dinner with Bro. Jas. We are all well. Monday, October 23 Weather continues pleasant. I tryed to get a bricklayer today but could not. They are all very busy now having all the work they can do at from 4 to 4.50 per day. I am thinking some of going to work at my trade. I am offered good wages but not so good as they were in Marysville Cal. I gave 5 & 6 Dollars there in gold but work is more steady here than there. Family all well. Tuesday, October 24 Weather continues pleasant. I am still idle but feal anxious to get to doing something to imploy myself. I dont want to get to laying Brick again if I can help it. We are all well. Wednesday, October 25 Weather pleasant. We are all well. I take a good long walk every day around town to pass away the time. Thursday, October 26 Weather continues about the same and we do to. Friday, October 27 Weather cloudy and quite wet in the evening. At home in the evening. Mr. & Mrs Gees spent the evening with us all Saturday, October 28 Weather quite pleasant today. Afternoon Annie McComnas with her two Boys & I & Charlie went out on the cars to Jacob’s. Arrived there about 8 Jacob meeting us at Sykesville. The weather was very cold rideing in an open wagon from Sykesville. We found Bro’s family all well & very glad to see us. Sunday, October 29 Weather quite pleasant. At Bro. Jacob’s about home all day. In the afternoon a Miss Bell Dorsey & her sister called also Mr. John Dorsey Evening we went to Church at the Old St. James about 1½ miles distance & they are having nite revival there at present. Monday, October 30 Weather pleasant. We are still at Bro. Jacob’s. I was out with my gun all day but did not have very good luck only got one Squrel late in the evening. Jacob was cleaning wheat all day to go to Market with. We are all well and the children are enjoying themselves finely. Tuesday, October 31 Weather quite wet most all day. In the evening Jacob took us to the R. R. Station Sykesville. We returned home arriving about 8 O’clock. Found my family all well. Wednesday, November 1 Weather a little cool in the morning but pleasant in the afternoon of the day. Morning I went to see a front that James wants me to clean down. Agreed to do it as soon as it is ready. Family all well. Thursday, November 2 Quite wet most all day. In the morning I went to see if my front was ready to pensil down. Found it not quite ready. The after part of the day being wet I stayed home. Friday, November 3 Weather cloudy & damp most all day. I commenced my job today it being the first work that I have done since I left Marysville California which was in June last. It went very well but I felt a little sore in the evening. At home all the eve. Family all well. Saturday, November 4 Weather quite wet all day. Morning I went up to my job but could not work it was so wet & before I got home I got quite wet. At home the balance of the day excepting going to the Post Office but got nothing as usual. It now being almost 4 Months since I have been from Marysville & I am fealing very anxious to here from them. Family all well. Sunday, November 5 Weather pleasant. At church morning & evening Dr. Fuller’s. Family all well. Monday, November 6 Weather pleasant. I worked all day at the cleaning down of Hyram Wood’s House on Madison Avenue.. Family all well. Bro. Jacob called to see us this evening. Tuesday, November 7 Weather continues pleasant but part of the day is a little cool. I worked all day. Family all well. Wednesday, November 8 Weather cool. I am still at work at my front. Family well. Thursday, November 9 Weather pleasant but a little cool in the shade. It freezes a little at nights. Family well. Friday, November 10 Weather continues about the same. I finished my front at noon today. Afternoon I walked to the brickyard that is for sail. Family all well. I sold some Gold 150 Dollars for 146 today. Saturday, November 11 Weather quite cool today. I wrote to Mr. Williams of Marysville today. I went to see the man about the brickyard but did not see him. Family all well. Sunday, November 12 Weather cool but pleasant. At church morning & evening. Two yong Ladies were Baptised in the evening. Family all well. Monday, November 13 Weather pleasant. I was about town most all day. Thought some of going to Cincinatie this eve of tomorrow to see how are the prospects there for my business. Family all well. Tuesday, November 14 Weather pleasant. I started for Cincinatie this morning in the 5 O’clock train on the Balto. & Ohio R. R. Arrived at Cumberland about 7 O’clock. I dined at Harper’s Ferry about noon. I’ve had a very pleasant trip so far. We continued on after stoping at Cumberland about 20 minutes. At every bridge on the way we saw the old forts still standing and saw some of the ruins of the Bridges that was destroyed time of the war. Wednesday, November 15 Weather pleasant but a very heavy frost last night. We traveled all night crossed the River this morning about 5 O’clock. Took my breakfast while crossing and it was very good Meal .75 cts. Arrived in Cincinnati about 6 in the evening. We pass through a great many towns on the way. Met in the cars Mr. Cheesmann treasurer in the Mint at San Francisco with his two sons on his way to Indianapolis to leave his sons to go to school. Thursday, November 16 Weather pleasant but quite foggy in the morning. I stoped at a Hotel last night, Merchants. Found Mr. Frazier this morning at his store. Found him and all his Family all very well. Mr. F. went with me to Covington in the afternoon to look around and see haw the prospects were for my business. Think they are very good, but has not a very inviting appearance nither. Cincinnati & Covington so much smoke & dirt. Friday, November 17 Weather pleasant except foggy mornings. I spent the day with Mr. I. C. Blick about Cov. Mr. Gower the former superintendent of the [--] suspension Bridge that is now under way of construction across the Ohio invited us to accompany us across the foot bridge (which is only temporary for the use of the hands) which we did very cautious and assended the South Tower where we had a view of the country for a great way. Hight of towers 205 feet, between towers 1070 feet. Two cables consisting of 5000 wires each capasity 1600 to each wire. Saturday, November 18 Weather wet part of today. Willie Frazier & I spent part of the day with Mr. Blick & Dined with his Family at noon. Mr. Blick took great panes to show me all around Covington and thinks I could do well there in my business. He took us around in his carage & when we got through he brought us over to Cincinnati. It was raining and I could not get about well so I stayed in the balance of the day. Mr. Frazier has a very pleasant Family & I felt very much at home while with them. Sunday, November 19 Weather quite pleasant today. I went to Church in the morning with the Family and in the afternoon Mr. Frazier & I took a walk to find an old former acquaintance of mine in Marysville Daniel Sawders. We found his Brothet & found he had been dead about 6 years the first that I had heard of it. I spent the evening with the Family & started at 10 for Baltimore. During my stay I made my home with Mr. Frazier’s family & spent the time very pleasantly. Monday, November 20 Weather cool but pleasant. I traveled all night & all day today. Took my breakfast at Zenia Dinner at junction of the Ohio & Parkersburg R. R. arriving at Cumberland about 11 O’clock at night. I slept a little in the cars on my way. Tuesday, November 21 Weather cloudy & wet most all day. Arrived at home about ½ past 8 this morning. Found my Family all well except Charlie. He appears to be a little unwell making my absent just a week. Spent the day at home after going to the Post Office. Wednesday, November 22 Weather pleasant. I commenced to put up a Press brick front on Towsend St for Bro. James. He has the building under his supervision. The building belongs to Mr. Woods a brother to Hiram Woods Esq. We are all well except Charlie he is still unwell. Thursday, November 23 Weather cool but pleasant. I worked all day at my front. Charlie is still unwell. He has a very sore mouth. The rest of the Family are all well. Friday, November 24 Weather quite cool in the shade. Quite a heavy frost last night. I worked all day at the front. I heard this morning that Sister Martha is very sick with the thyphoid fever. James went out to see her this afternoon. We are all very well except Charlie but we think he is a little better. Saturday, November 25 Weather quite pleasant today I heard from sister Martha this eve. She is still very low but the Dr. has hopes that she will get well. Intend to go out to see her tomorrow. Charlie is much better today. I worked all day on the front. Work goes quite hard with me now as I have been idle so long. I feal quite sore and tired after my days work is done. I want to get at something else just as soon as I can. Sunday, November 26 Weather pleasant. At Church in the morning. Jas. & I made arraingements to go out to see sister Martha but news came at noon of her death. She died this morning about 8 O’clock. Very sad and unexpected as we did not know of her being sick untill late last week. I feal very sorry I did not get to see her before she died. Late in the evening I went out to Jacob’s to let them know of the death and bring them in to the funereal. Arrived there about 11. Monday, November 27 Weather cool but pleasant. Jacob & I came in town on the cars this morning arrived about 10. Met at James’ made arraingements for th funereal to take place tomorrow at 10 O’clock. In the afternoon we went out to Mount Olivet to get a lot. Found we could not get things ready and concluded to put Martha in the Vault untill we can get a good Lot and have the grave walled. Jacob came home with me and stayed all night. Evening Jas., Jacob & I went to see Mr. Baker & Family. Tuesday, November 28 Weather continues very pleasant but a little cool. We got 3 carriges and went out to have sister brought in. Arrived there about 10. The Rev. Mr. Cole of the M. E. Church preached her funereal sermon at the Shanabrook House her husband’s Stepfather’s. We found the house filled with the neighbours. It was a very sad sight to us all to see sister’s little children takeing it was so hard. But she has only gone a little while before us may we learn to say. The Lord’s will be done. We arrived at the Graveyard about 2 O’clock where she was placed in the vault. Wednesday, November 29 Weather cloudy and commenced to snow and continued all day. I commenced to work but had to stop at noon after getting wet. Jacob started home this morning. It appears like a dream to me when I think of sister Martha being dead. I can hardly realize it to be so. Oh, our Father have mercy upon us and help us to live that we too may be ready when thou seest fit to call us hence. My children are all very unwell. Some feaver and very sore mouths. Thursday, November 30 Weather very pleasant. Sun warm and the snow that fell yesterday soon disappeared. It was quite cool early this morning but I went to work however & worked all day on my front. Things goes along very pleasantly untill I think of poor Martha and her little children. We brothers want to take them but Edward dont feal willing but we intend to try and perswaid him as we think it will be better for the children. I hope what may be done may be done for there best good. Friday, December 1 Weather continues very pleasant. I worked all day on the front. Charlie & Ella has got better but Maggie is quite sick with her mouth and appears very resless of nights. At home of evenings we have a stove in our room now and makes it very comfortable Saturday, December 2 Weather very pleasant. I worked all day. Ella was a little better today. Charlie appears quite well again. I made arraingements this evening to go out to see Martha’s children tomorrow afternoon. Sunday, December 3 Weather pleasant. At Church morning & evening. Afternoon Jas. Annie & I got a Hack and went out to Mr. Shanabrook’s to see Martha’s children. Found them all very well. We want to take them to raise but Edward wants to try and keep them at home together. He feals anxious to try it. My little Ella is quite unwell yet the rest are all well. Monday, December 4 Weather continues pleasant. I worked all day on the front. Ella is still unwell and the Dr. attending her, Dr. Hartman. Tuesday, December 5 Weather pleasant except in the morning they are a little cool. I worked all day on the front. Ella is still unwell. The Docktor comes once a day to see her. The rest are all well. Wednesday, December 6 Weather pleasant. I worked all day at the front. Ella appears to be getting a little better. The Dr. is still comeing to see her. Thursday, December 7 Weather cloudy and wet in the morning and quite windy for a little while. Afternoon I called at Bro. Jas. At home the rest of the day. Today has been sat apart by the President as a day of Thanksgiving and it appears to be pretty well observed. Ella is getting along very well. Her mouth is still very sore yet. The Dr. thinks the children’s sickness is on account of the change of climate. Friday, December 8 Weather quite cool. So cool in the morning that the morter froze so hard I could not work but managed to work a little in the afternoon. The Dr. stoped comeing after today thinking Ella out of danger. Maggie & Charlie is quite well. Saturday, December 9 Weather quite unpleasant today very cold in the morning & snowing all the afternoon. I worked a little while but had to stop. Sunday, December 10 Weather unpleasant. At church the morning & communion. Evening Sallie was with me at Church and one Ladie was baptised. Ella is much better but we are afraid she will loose some of her front teeth. Monday, December 11 Weather quite wet all day. I worked in the morning cutting long arch. Family all well. Tuesday, December 12 Weather very wet all day. I worked at the building in the morning cutting some long arch brick. Family all very well. Wednesday, December 13 Weather quite pleasant today. I worked all day on the front. Family all well. Thursday, December 14 Weather quite cool all day. It snowed a little last night. We went to work at 9 this morning. We are all well. Friday, December 15 Weather quite cold all day too cold to work. I think I will start out to Jacob’s this afternoon. Family all well. Saturday, December 16 Weather continues very cold. I am at Bro. Jacob’s today. I came out on the cars last evening arriving about 7 O’clock found Jacob & Family all well. I worked all day caseing a fire place for Jacob, a job I promised to do a Month or so ago. Got it done late in the evening. Jacob is fixing up his chitchen and making a dineing and setting room out of it. I felt quite unwell today with a bad cold. Sunday, December 17 Weather continues cold at Bro. Jacob’s. Weather being cold we stayed in the house all day. The girls & George went out in the afternoon to visit one of the Neighbours. Mr. Ways called to see the family in the afternoon and spent an hour or two. He is a very pleasant man. Monday, December 18 Weather continues very unpleasantly cold. Jacob brought me as far as Sykesville this morning. From there I came in on the vars. After I got home I stayed in my home the balance of the day and took something for my cold it not being fit to work. Found my family all well. Tuesday, December 19 Weather continues bad raining & snowing alternately. At home all day trying to get rid of my cold. Wednesday, December 20 Weather continues about the same. It was a little better for a while this afternoon and we went to work but it was snowing a little most all the afternoon. My cough is still bad. Ella is about as bad as I with a cough. Thursday, December 21 Weather quite windy all day today after the rain & snow last night so we did not do anything all day today. We are still bothered by our colds Ella & I. We were at the building today but could not do anything. Friday, December 22 Weather very cold today but clear. It has been freezing about all day so no work today. I wrote to sister Eliza today. Saturday, December 23 Weather continues very cold. I did not do anything this week except about one half day and then it was snowing part of the time. My cold is still very bad. I take medison for it but nothing appears to do me any good. The rest of the family are all pretty well. I was up town a little while this morning. Sunday, December 24 Weather very cold and wet all day today so very bad none of us got out to Church. My cold is still very bad. I think it is the worse cold I ever had. I find that our Balto friends are making great preperations for Christmas. It is about the only general holiday Baltimoreans Keep. Monday, December 25 Weather cloudy and wet with some snow on the ground and very bad and wet underfoot but not quite so bad as it was yesterday. Fealing so bad with my cold I did not get out all day. Bro. Jas. Called to see us in the afternoon. This is the first Christmas I have spent in Balto. since 1853 but owing to the bad weather and my bad cold I could not enjoy it as well as I would like to have done. The rest of the Family are all well. Tuesday, December 26 Weather some times very cold wet snowing alternately. No signs of work yet. I am still fealing very bad with my cold. I do not appear to get any better. I took a walk up to the building but we found it too cold to do anything. Wednesday, December 27 Weather continues about the same and I do not feal any better myself. But I hope there will be a change bouth in the weather and myself for the best before long. I am fealing very anxious to get at something beside Bricklaying that I think I can make a livelyhood at. I think that I have layed brick long enough it is getting too hard for me. The rest of the Family all well. Thursday, December 28 Weather continues bad but not quite so cold. In fact it was quite warm today but it rained a little in the afternoon. I could have worked today but no tenders came to the building this morning and the afternoon. I stayed at home. I am still fealing very bad with my cold. Sallie spent the day with sister Lizzie. Yesterday she spent it with sister Mollie. They appear all very well thank the Lord. Friday, December 29 Weather quite pleasant today and has the appearance of good weather for a while. We worked all day the first day we have worked for about two or three weeks. I felt very bad after I quit work in the evening and scarcely could walk home. I suffer a great deal with my back and my cold is still very bad yet. Bricklaying is getting too hard for me. Saturday, December 30 Weather very wintery today. Snow falling all day a very sudden change since yesterday. I stayed in my room all day. Ella has appeared very unwell all day and I still appear about the same. Sunday, December 31 Weather continues very unpleasant. I have been at home all day. I am still suffering with my cough. Ella appears much better. The last day of the old year finds me very much unsettled as regards my future business as I do not feal willing to continue in laying Brick without I cannot help it. Money given to charitable purposes 1865 $253.56