Entries in 1866 Diary of Isaac McComas; Baltimore, Frederick and Carroll Counties, Maryland January-June 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 ********************************************************* 1866 Monday, January 1 Weather very unpleasantly wet and disagreable all day. I am still fealing quite bad with my cold and did not go out house all day. The rest of the family are all very well. The News Years finds us in Baltimore boarding with Mrs. Slicer my Wife’s Mother. At present I have not engaged permenantly at anything but feal very anxious to do so just as soon as I can. My business is such that the probably is that I will return to California between now and spring Tuesday, January 2 Weather continues quite cold and disagreable. My cold still hangs on to me in spite of all I can do for it. I think the change of climate has something to do with it but I find a good many people about Baltimore complaining with bad colds. All outdoors work is suspended on account of the cold weather. Wednesday, January 3 Weather continues cold but it has not been quite so cold toady. I am still confined to the house with a bad cold. I am fealing very anxious to get a letter from Mr. Williams my attorney in Marysville but I know it is on account of hard times there and he cannot collect anything. Family all very well with the exception of slight colds. Thursday, January 4 Weather continues very cold and the Ladies & Gents are enjoying there silver skating. I am still housed on account of a bad cold. Friday, January 5 Weather continues very cold so cold the Gas & Water pipes are all frozed up about the house so we have to send off for water & use lamps instead of gas. The children & Sallie are all very well. Saturday, January 6 The weather continues about the same. At home all day trying to pass the time away the best I can reading. Sallie and the children are all very well. Sunday, January 7 Weather quite unpleasant. We did not get out to Church all day. I stayed at home all day and read. I am still fealing quite unwell with a bad cold. The rest of the family are all very well. Monday, January 8 Weather very cold today. It is thought to be the coldest day of the season and for some for the last 30 years. Splendid time now for skating. As yet we have had very little snow to lay long enough to make slaying. I am still bothered with my cold. Tuesday, January 9 Weather quite cold but not so cold as yesterday. Family all well except myself. I am still troubled with my cold. Wednesday, January 10 Weather continues quite cold. No signs of doing anything at the building as yet. I am still bothered with my cold. It appears hard to get releaf altho it is a little better than it was. Sallie and the children are all very well. Thursday, January 11 Weather cold but not quite so cold as it has been but it is still too cold to do any bricklaying out doors. I saw Mr. D. Brown today. He thinks I can do well to go in with him & Bro. at the mercantile business at Warrington, Va. I would like to do so if my affairs were settled out in Cal. As things stand now it appears I will have to return between now and the spring. Famuily all well my cold is better. Friday, January 12 Weather not quite so cold today. I was up at the building this morning but no one was there so I took the children walking in the afternoon. Went as far as Green Mount Cemetery. It clouded up in the evening and commenced to rain a little. I am getting along very well now my cold appears to be getting better. Saturday, January 13 Weather quite pleasant today. The first pleasant day we have had for about fore weeks. I worked all day on my front. I am in hopes that the weather will keep pleasant for a while at least as I am very anxious to get my front done. I felt very well today but I have not got entirely well of my cold. The rest of the Family are all very well. I was disappointed this evening in not getting a letter from Mr. Williams from Cal. My affairs there is quite annoying. Sunday, January 14 Weather pleasant but it got a little cool in the evening. We were at Church this morning & took Charlie & Ella with us. Evening we went alone. Dr. Fuller still draws large congregations and he is still looking very well but a little older than he did before I went to California. We are all doing well. My cough is much better. Monday, January 15 Weather quite cold and quite a sudden change since last Sunday. It commenced snowing about 3 O’clock this afternoon and had the appearance of a deap snow. I am getting very tired of my job as the weather is so bad. I can not work only about 1 day in 20 so it keeps me waiting and watching the weather all the time expecting every day to have to go to work. I am fealing very well now my cough is better. The rest of the family are all very well. Tuesday, January 16 Weather quite cold with about 6 inches of snow on the ground and very good slaying. I called to see Mr. Don Brown at his office today. He wants me to go in business with him and his Bro. at Warrington, Va. But at present I can not do anything in the way of establishing myself in business untill I get things settled out in Cal. Family all well. My cold still bothers me a little bit. Wednesday, January 17 Weather cool but not so cold as it has been. The snow is still on the ground and it is very good slaying and quite a number of slays can be seen on the street. We are all very well but I get tired walking about. I spend most of my time reading. Thursday, January 18 Weather pleasant today but it is very bad walking as the snow is still on the ground yet and it makes the walking very bad. I could have went to work this morning but I had no sand and the ground being covered with snow we could not get any but we managed to get some at noon so I went to work after dinner. Family all well. Friday, January 19 Weather very pleasant today the best day we have had for a long time. Part of the afternoon was quite warm. I worked all day on the front and layed about 550 Brick. I am very anxious to hear from Cal. as it has been so long since I received a letter from there. Family all well. Saturday, January 20 Weather quite changeable today. In the morning it was very foggy. About 10 O’clock the sun came out quite warm for a little while then it clouded up and commenced to rain and continued untill about 10 O’clock when it cleared off and the wind commenced to blow quite hard from the N-East. I received a letter today from the Rev. Mr. Bollinger of Marysville Ca. In regard to the balance of the money due me on the Church I built there just before I came away. He wants to pay it just as soon as they can. Sunday, January 21 Weather cool and not quite so pleasant as yesterday. We was at Dr. Fuller’s morning & evening. Ella & Charlie was with us in the morning. I feal very anxious to go to Sunday School and take the children with me just as soon as we can. We are not very well situated now to get to Sabbath School at the Hour they have S. School here 9 O’clock. We cannot get our breakfast where we are boarding now untill about that time. A young man was Baptised at Church this evening. We have large congregations there bouth morning & evening. Monday, January 22 Weather quite cold today and it froze quite hard last night so we have good skating again and I notice bouth young and old male and female enjoy the innocent amusement on the ice together. It is very good exercise as well as amusement. We are obliged to lay by again on account of the cold weather. I am afraid we will be all Winter at our little house. Family all well. I met Jinnie Bolding, Maggie Allen, cousin Susan Baker, Mary McComas & Mrs. Herring, Bro. Jas. This eve. Tuesday, January 23 Weather quite wintry today snowing most all day. I was in hopes last Saturday we was going to have some good weather but it do not look much like it now. I was home all the morning. Afternoon I spent at William Cunningham’s office. Family all well. Wednesday, January 24 Weather has very much the appearance of winter today as it has been snowing all day and at times quite hard. It is about now about 6 inches deep and still snowing and I expect very good slaying as I hear slay bells jingling past the door while I am writing. Mr. Merrel was to see us today. He thought I could do well to go in partners with Mr. Gill & Bass in a tradeing business on the James River with small steam Boats. I think it would pay and I asked him to write to those partes saying that I would join them in the enterprise. Dr. J. S. Bowen called to see us also. Thursday, January 25 Weather cloudy and very bad walking as it rained last night and made the snow very soft. Too cold and disagreable to work today. I was at the building to see how things looks. On my way back I stoped at Bro. Jas. a while. They are all very well except Annie. She is complaining with the dispepsia. Annie is thinking of selling out her store and quit business. Jas. is doing very well at his business. Emma S. has some notion of buying Annie’s stock of goods and take the store. We are all well. Friday, January 26 Weather very pleasant over head to me but the walking is still very bad especially the crossings. I took a walk up to the building and then came downtown with James. I am in hopes we can get to work by tomorrow. I am getting anxious to get that front up so I can go down to see sister Eliza and also go out to spend a while with Bro. Jacob. Family all well excepting slight colds. We all have had our health very well since we came away from Marysville, Californnia. Saturday, January 27 Weather has been very pleasant today but to what it has been to get a little cool in the after part of the day and froze a little. We worked all day the first work we done on the Building. I can finish in about 4 more days of good weather. I am still undesided what to get at in the spring but I am in hopes that something will turn up by that time for me to get at besides Bricklaying. I feal anxious to get out of that business just as soon as I can, Family all very well. Sunday, January 28 Weather cool but pleasant. Charlie & I was at Church in the morning and Sallie & I in the evening. Family all well. No one Baptised this evening. Monday, January 29 Weather cool but pleasant enough to work so we worked all day. I am in hopes the weather will continue pleasant at least for a few days. We can top out our House. Family all well. Tuesday, January 30 Weather continues about the same. We worked all day on our house. Family all well. Evening at home. Wednesday, January 31 Weather continues about the same but it is allways quite cool in the morning. We worked all day. Family well. Evening at home. Thursday, February 1 Weather pleasant in the sun but cool enough to freeze in the shade. I finished my front today. Family all well. Friday, February 2 Weather continues about the same. I was disapointed again today in not getting a letter from W. L. Williams of Marysville, California. The mail arrived this morning from New York. I think it strange I did not get a letter from there. I made arrangements to go out to Bro. Jacob’s tomorrow. Sallie & I spent the evening at Mr. Bakers. Family all well. Saturday, February 3 Weather quite cold. I started out to Bro. Jacob’s on the cars arrived there about Eleven O’clock. Found them all very well and very glad to see me. Jacob is not doing very much now on his place on account of the cold bad weather. I left my Family all well. Sunday, February 4 Weather continues about the same but not quite so bad over head as it is under foot. We all stayed in the house today the walking is so bad. Mr. Herring and two young Ladies called to see the Girls this afternoon. Jacob & I visited all day. Mary, Jacob’s Wife is on a visit to Baltimore to spend a few weeks. Monday, February 5 Weather continues quite cold. Bro. Jacob commenced to help one of his neighbors today to thrash. He return will help him when they get through. Marion & I went over to the Mill Dam this morning to skate. I did not skate long before I broke my skate & had to return. On my return found Robert Amos our cousin looking for a Mill property. I walked over to Mr Stier’s with him to see his Mill as he wants to sell. Robert thinks it too small a Mill for him. He offered it for 45 hundred Dollars. Tuesday, February 6 Weather very cold this morning & windy but not so cold this afternoon. Robert & I rode up to see a Mill property about 4 miles North of Mount Airy on the Balto. and Ohio Rail Road. It is a very good piece of property but it is very much out of repair. We took Dinner with the miller. The man that owned the property was not at home so we could not find out the price of it. Got back to Jacob’s about dusk. Wednesday, February 7 Weather continues quite cold but not quite as cold as yesterday. Jacob thrashed his Otes today. Robert started for home today but had to return on account of his Horse being lame. He got kicked last night on one of his legs it is thought by the Horse that stood next to him in the stable so he went home by the R. Road & left his Horse with Jacob untill it gets better. Jacob’s Family are all well. I am getting anxious to here from my Family. Thursday, February 8 Weather very unpleasant today. It commenced to rain last evening and a heavy rain or mist has been falling ever since and it freezes as fast as it falls. The trees are all covered with ice and have a very grand appearance. It is so very slipery that we can scarcely walk. Jacob & I stayed in the house all day. Friday, February 9 Weather not quite so cold today. We went to Sykesville today for Mary. Mrs. Baker & Mrs. Cunningham are up on a visit. We are all well but I want to see my Family. Saturday, February 10 Weather cloudy but not very cold. The snow is still on the ground & it is thawing and makes the walking very bad. The Girls went to a party this evening at Mr. Amos. I received a letter from My Wife this afternoon. They are all well except slight colds. I am getting very anxious to get home now. We are all very well. Sunday, February 11 Weather pleasant over head except it is a little foggy but the walking is very bad. We all stayed at home today except the Boys they went to Church in the morning. We spent part of the day singing & reading. We are all well. Monday, February 12 Weather wet all day. Part of the day it rained quite hard. It commenced last night about midnight. I intended to have went home today but the rain prevented me. We were obliged to stay in the house all day. We are all well. Tuesday, February 13 Weather quite pleasant today. I came home today arrived in town about 10 o’clock. I found my Family all well. I received a letter from W. L. Williams but no money. From what he says my taxes last year amounted to about 4 hundred Dollars. My house on D St he has finely rented it for 25 Dollars a month 10 less than I had it rented for when I left there. I hope that times may get better there soon. I spent the afternoon with Bro. James. Wednesday, February 14 Weather pleasant. I worked most of today at the Building making an alteration in one of the front frames moveing over four inches to make it come under the frames above. Family all well. I wrote to Major Fowler of Marysville California this eve in regards to the cistern I built for the city some time before I left there but never got any pay on account of it leaking for a while after it was finished. But I finelly made it water tight. I see no reason now why they do not pay me. I wrote to the Major in hopes that he would try and have the matter settled. Thursday, February 15 Weather very cold & last night about as cold as we have had this winter. But I managed to work all day keeping the morter warm by heated bricks. I wrote to W. L. Williams this evening. Family all well. I am still fealing very anxious to know what to get at beside laying brick but am in hopes that something will turn up before a great while. Friday, February 16 Weather continues very cold making it good for skaters again. I did not work today on account of it being so cold. Evening Sallie & I called to see Maggie Slicer at the Gees. We are all well. Saturday, February 17 Weather continues quite cold but not quite as cold as it was yesterday & last night. Spent part of the day at home and part walking about. Family all well. Sunday, February 18 Weather cloudy and raining most all day. We did not get out to Church all day so we were in the house all day. Family all well. Monday, February 19 Weather quite pleasant all day. I worked all day at the alteration of the front window of the house on Townsend St. & got it finished. Bro. Jacob came to town for the purpose of going to see sister Eliza. We spent the evening at Mr. Baker’s. My family all well. Today has been quite wet all day and I was at home all day. Tuesday, February 20 Weather cool but pleasant. Bro. Jacob & I was together all day. I have just made a mistake in saying that the weather was clear yesterday & that Jacob came to town. He did not come untill today nor did I do anything yesterday but I finished the front today. Bro. Jacob & I called on Mr. Baker in the evening. Mr. B is quite unwell but appeared quite lively this eve. My Family are all quite well. Wednesday, February 21 Weather pleasant. Bro. Jacob & I were together all day. We start down to see Eliza in the morning. Cousin Rob. Amos called to see me this morning. Bro. Jacob & I spent the day in calling on our friends. Family all well. Thursday, February 22 Weather pleasant. Bro. Jacob & I took the Boat this morning for Gray’s Inn Creek a landing about 6 miles from sister Eliza. We arrived there about 2 O’clock in the afternoon and walked from there or most of the way to sister’s. The walking was very bad. Found sister well and very glad to see us. It is just 7 years since I saw Eliza today where I left her in Debuque, Iowa. Sister is looking well and has two very fine little Girls one a Babe 9 months old & the other about 6 years. She has lost the little Boy that I saw in Debuque. Friday, February 23 Weather pleasant but a little cool. Jacob & I took quite a walk today about the Island today. It has some very fine farms on it and the soil is very good. We came upon it by a Bridge that connects it to the mane land. They are living on a Mr. Week’s place where Eliza’s husband who is teaching his private school of a salary of only $300 a year with house furnished. Saturday, February 24 Weather quite unpleasant all day raining & walking very bad. We had to stay in the house all day. Samuel went to the landing and brought home 6 bushels of oysters so Jacob & I had a fine time feasting on them. Sister & her family are all very well. Sunday, February 25 Weather cloudy but no rain & very cold. We stayed about the house all day. Monday, February 26 Weather pleasant but quite cold. We started for home this morning. We walked to the landing it being hard froze the walking was very good. Arrived in Balto. about 4 O’clock. I found my family all well. Jacob stayed with us all night Tuesday, February 27 Weather very pleasant. I started for Fredericksburg Va. this morning by way of Washington. Arrived at Washington about 10. I took a walk about the Capital and went up in the Dome saw the two Houses in session. Stoped there a while and hered them speak a while and then went to the Pat. Office stayed there quite a while. Visited the President’s House there and started for the Steam Boat landing. Started for Fredericksburg about 7½ O’clock arrived there about one at night. Stoped at Farmer’s House. Wednesday, February 28 Weather very pleasant. Spent the morning at Mr. Minor’s & Co. Office to find what land is selling for in Va. Find land selling very cheap can get the best, can get the best of farms with fine house on them for 20 Dollars per acre & some fine places for 10 & 15. Started for home about 1 O’clock arrived at home about 9. Found my Family all well. Thursday, March 1 Weather pleasant but cloudy and has the appearance of rain. At home most of the day. In the morning I called to see Mr. Bartwell at a new building he bought in Canal St. It is a very fine 3 story house and was bought very cheap 3100$. Afternoon I went to the Post Office & got my Marysville papers. Family all well. Friday, March 2 Weather pleasant. I walked up to Bro. James this morning found his family all well. Jas. is still quite busy. Balance of the day I spent at home. Family all well. Saturday, March 3 Weather pleasant. I am still undesided what to get at, At a loss to know what to get at. I am in hopes something will turn up soon for me to get at. Evening Sallie & I went up to Mr. Gees to see sister Maggie. She is quite sick. My Family is all well. Sunday, March 4 Weather pleasant. I was at Dr. Fuller’s in the morning. Evening Sallie & I went to Mr. Williams Church corner Sharp & Lombard Streets. 17 were Baptised after the sermon. The Church was very much crowded. We are all very well. Monday, March 5 Weather pleasant. I am still looking around to try and get in Business of some kind. Jas. is to see an acquaintance of his who wants a partner in the Wholesale Grocery Business. We are all well. Evening I went to prayer meeting at Bro. Wiliams Church & the meeting was very good. Tuesday, March 6 Weather pleasant. I spent the day walking about & at Jas. Wm. C Office and at home. Evening went to prayer meeting at Bro. William’s Church. The meetings are well attended and very interesting. We are very well. Wednesday, March 7 Weather continues about the same. I am still idle & getting to feal very anxious to get at something. I can get brickwork to do but I want to get at something else. Brickwork is getting too hard for me. Evening I went to the prayer meeting at the first Church. My Family are all very well. Thursday, March 8 Weather quite cool and windy. At home most of the day. Evening I went to prayer meeting at the same place. They are having very good meetings there and well attended. We are all well. Friday, March 9 Weather quite winterish all day with a little flurry of snow in the afternoon. I was at home most of the day. I was with Bro. James a little while this morning. Evening I went to prayer meeting at the Williams Church. They are having quite a revivle there. 10 or 11 were received for Baptism this evening and about as many more arose for prayer. We are all well. Saturday, March 10 Weather quite cold with a good deal of ice about the gutters but I see Bricklayers at work. I was at home all the forenoon. In the afternoon I walked out as far as Jas. and to the Warfe to get a barrel of oysters expected from Samuel Spaulding but they did not arrive as was expected. We are all very well. Sunday, March 11 Weather cloudy & it rained a little dureing the day. I was at Dr. Fuller’s in the morning & the evening. Sallie & I went to the Rev. Mr. Williams Church corner Lombard & Sharp Streets the First Baptist Church. 8 or 9 was Baptised. The Church was very much crowded. Mr. Williams is very much thought of with his congregation. They have been keeping meetings dureing the week now for about three months and they are determined to continue them as long as they are sucsessfull the Lord helping them. Monday, March 12 Weather cloudy and cool. I am still idle but feal very anxious to get to doing something. But I think it is about as well if I do not get to anything right away. It is the impresion of a good many business men that everything will come down in the spring. But at present everything is high so it would not be safe to go into business at present. We are all well. Evening I went to prayer meeting at Bro. Williams Church. Tuesday, March 13 Weather continues about the same. I am spending my time walking about & reading. Evening at prayer meeting. Family all well. A Bro. from Richmond Va preached this eve and last evening. He preached very good plane sermons with much affect. Wednesday, March 14 Weather quite warm and pleasant and it being the first warm and pleasant weather everybody appears anxious to get out & the streets are just crowded with ladies & Gents. Sallie went out to Mollies to see Maggie. She has been quite sick but she was something better today but she is still confined to her Room. We are all well. Evening I went to prayer meeting. Thursday, March 15 Weather continues quite warm but pleasant and the streets present quite a gay appearance with the Ladies. After my usual walk I settled down at home to read. Evening at prayer meeting. Our meetings are still very good with a great deal of interest manifested. The good Lord is with them & hundreds are being converted there. We are all well. Friday, March 16 Weather not quite so pleasant today a little cloudy and cool. Maggie fell down the steps today and hurt herself quite badly about the head & shoulders & we was very fearfull that she had broke her collarbone. We got Dr. Hartmen as soon as we could but found she had not broken any bones but was very much brused. Evening I went to prayer meeting. Saturday, March 17 Weather has been quite cold & windy all day. Maggie is getting along very well but her arm is quite sore. I got my oysters from Sam today. Evening the Dr. called again to see Maggie and found she had broke her collarbone. She appears to be getting along very well and dont appear to suffer any with it while she keeps her arm still. Sunday, March 18 Weather cool. I was at Dr. Fuller’s in the morning. The Dr. is unwell a strainger preached for him. Sallie & I went to High St. Four persons were Baptised two men & two Ladies. One of them were Cousins George Thompson’s Daughter’s. Maggie is getting along very well. The rest of us are very well. Monday, March 19 Weather quite cool and rained a little in the afternoon. I Bought a lode of wood today. Wood is much higher now than it used to be when I was living on a farm or even before the War. I found at the rate of about 7$ a cord. Maggie is getting along very well. Evening I went to prayer meeting at Mr. Williams Church. A man from Virginia preached there the evening. We are all well except Maggie. Tuesday, March 20 Weather cloudy and wet most of the day. I was up at Bro. Jas. in the afternoon. They are all well. Evening I went to prayer meeting. Maggie is getting along very well. Gold is comeing down very much. Within the last few days it was 128 today. It was up to 149 about 3 months ago and goods are comeing down very much also. Family all well except Maggie. Wednesday, March 21 Weather cloudy & wet. Evening I went to prayer meeting. Family all well. Thursday, March 22 Weather pleasant. I went out to see Dr. J. S. Bowen this afternoon and took Charlie with me. He is living at Mount Washington on the Northern Central Rail Road about 6 miles from Balto He has a very pretty place of about 1½ acres. We are all well. Friday, March 23 Weather pleasant in the forenoon but wet in the afternoon & evening. Charlie & I went at Bro. Jas. in the afternoon. Evening I went to prayer meeting seven was received for Baptism five men & two Ladies. Family all well except Maggie and she is getting along very well. Saturday, March 24 Weather quite pleasant all day. I was at home most of the day. Family all well. Sunday, March 25 Weather quite cool & windy. Uncle Richard Taylor called to see us this morning & went to Church with me and then took Dinner with us. Uncle is looking very well. We are all very well. Maggie’s arm appears well. Monday, March 26 Weather cool with considerable ice about in the gutters. I was at home most of the day. Family all well. Evening I went to Prayer meeting at the First Baptist Church, Rev. Mr. Williams Pastor Tuesday, March 27 Weather continues quite cool. I thought some of going out to Bro. Jacob’s today but did not get off and it turned out very well we did not as Jacob came to town and spent the evening with us & stayed all night. Evening I went to prayer meeting. Jacob went to his Lodge to get his final Card to join a Lodge at Lisbon in his county near his place. We are all well. Wednesday, March 28 Weather pleasant and cool in the forenoon but Cloudy & wet in the evening. I was with Jacob all the morning. He started home about 10 O’clock & was in with a load of corn. He got 4$ a Barrel that is 80 cts a Bushel. We are all well. Evening I went to prayer meeting. Thursday, March 29 Weather cloudy & wet all the morning but pleasant in the afternoon. I was at home most of the day. We are all well. Evening I went to prayer meeting. Friday, March 30 Weather pleasant but cool. I was at home most of the day. Jacob called at the house this morning. He was in with Potatoes. Afternoon Charlie & I went up as far as James. We are all well. Evening I went to prayer meeting. Saturday, March 31 Weather cloudy & wet all the afternoon but pleasant in the morning. I was with James the most of the day at the Maryland Institute. He is fixing up some stands for the Fair which is to commence next Monday eve for relief of the South. From apperaances it will be a grand affair. The Ladies are takeing the lead in it. James loaned me Three hundred Dollars today. It saved me from the trouble of takeing it from the Bank. We are all well. I saw Silas on the street this evening. He is in to Market. They are all well. Sunday, April 1 Weather pleasant but a little cool. I was at church morning & evening. Sallie was with me in the evening. Two were Baptised one man and one Ladie. We did not go to Mr. Williams today. He Baptised I think about 10 persons. We are all well. Monday, April 2 Weather pleasant. I worked all day to the helping to fix up stands. We all had to work pretty fast to get ready but everything was ready by evening. After I got through I came home and got my supper and then went back. I found it very much crowded. The Bl(?) Band played this evening. We are all well. Tuesday, April 3 Weather continues pleasant. I was in the Fair for a little while this morning. It appears to be crowded all the time. I went up to the building in the afternoon to see about cleaning down the front I put up last winter. I will commence it tomorrow. Evening I went to the Fair found it very much crowded. From appearances it will be a complete success. We are all well. Wednesday, April 4 Weather pleasant. I commenced to get ready to clean the Front today. I worked there all afternoon. Evening I went to the Fair. It was very much crowded. We are all well. Thursday, April 5 Weather pleasant. I worked all day at the front. Evening Sallie & I went to the Fair. We had a very pleasant time but it was very much crowded. We are all very well. Friday, April 6 Weather quite pleasant in the morning but in the afternoon it rained & blew very hard with some Lightning & Thunder. I worked most all day at the front. Evening I stayed at home. Family all well. Saturday, April 7 Weather pleasant part of the day but a little cloudy but it rained most all the afternoon. I worked most all day at the front. I got it all ready to pencil. I will commence that about Monday. We are all well. Sunday, April 8 Weather pleasant. I was at Dr. Fuller’s morning & evening. Sallie was with me in the evening. The Dr. Baptised two. We are all well. Monday, April 9 Weather a little cool & windy today. I worked all day at the front. I commenced to pencil today. Evening I went to the Fair it was very much crowded tonight. The Ladies are doing splendidly. It is thought they will realize about One hundred thousand Dollars. It is for relief of Destitute Southerners. We are all well. Tuesday, April 10 Weather continues about the same a little too windy to be pleasant. I worked all day at the Front. Evening I went to the Fair & took Sadie, Bell & Miss Ways with me. They was very much pleased with the Fair. Family all well. Wednesday, April 11 Weather quite pleasant today. I finished the front today. Evening I went to the fair. Family all well. Thursday, April 12 Weather pleasant. I took Ella & Charlie to the Fair this morning. I also went in the afternoon for a little while & at night. It closes tomorrow night. Family all well. Friday, April 13 Weather pleasant. After reading the morning paper I walked up town. I am fealing very anxious to get into some good business. I do not feal satisfied out of Employment of some kind. I cannot content myself doing nothing. We are all very well excepting that I have a slight cold. Saturday, April 14 Weather cool and cloudy part of the day & wet in the evening. We are all well. Sunday, April 15 Weather warm & cloudy. I was at Church morning & evening. Sallie was with me in the evening. Dr. Fuller was away today & a stranger preached in his place. We are all well. Monday, April 16 Weather cloudy and wet most all day. James & I was talking about Leaseing a Lot on Madison Ave near Eutaw St but we find that we would have to take a sub lease & could not devide the Lot. If we did one lot could be holding for all the lease amount in case of any trouble and the other partes failing to pay there proportion. We think it best not to have anything to do with it. They ask $8.00 per foot for it. We are all well. Tuesday, April 17 Weather cloudy and wet all day. At home all day. I have to spend most of my time reading now as I have nothing else to do. We are all very well. Wednesday, April 18 Weather continues cloudy and wet. I walked up as far as the building on Townsend St and got a little wet. We are all well excepting myself. I have a slight cold. Thursday, April 19 Weather quite pleasant today and excepting I thought a little too warm. I was in the house all the forenoon. In the afternoon I walked out as far as the Post Office and to a Building on Boltton St. to see an old friend of mine William Lucas. I found him well & glad to see me. It has been about 12 or 14 years since we last met but still I knew him just as soon as I saw him but he did not know me at first. We are all well. Friday, April 20 Weather pleasant. Charlie & I went out to Bro. Jacob’s today. Arrived there about noon. We walked from Sykesville. We found them all very well. Jacob is very busy now getting his ground ready for corn and planting potatoes. The country is beginning to look very pretty and green. The cherry trees are all out in bloom and look fine in the afternoon. I took the carage and went after the Girls at Mr. Kemp’s Store. We are all well. Saturday, April 21 Weather warm but very windy. Jacob’s hands worked all day planting potatoes. Jacob’s family are all well. Mary & I went to Sykesville for Annie & her children. They arrived there about 10 O’clock. They came up to spend a few days. We all got home safe about 11 O’clock. Sunday, April 22 Weather pleasant excepting the wind. Annie & the Girls went to Church at St. Jas. the rest of us stayed at home all day. Mr. Whalen came over in the evening & stayed to 10. We are all well. Monday, April 23 Weather ( sic ) Tuesday, April 24 Weather cool & windy. Jacob & I walked down to see Mr. Stier’s Mill this afternoon. We had a very pleasant walk. I like his Mill very well. But it is a very small affare with but very little water but it will make a very good home for a small Family & keep them very well. I have some notion of buying it but I think they ask too much for it. We are all well. Wednesday, April 25 Cold and wet weather pleasant. We were at a sail today about 3 Miles from Jacob’s. We walked down. Jacob bought some things. We worked about home in the morning. We are all well. Thursday, April 26 Weather quite cool & windy. We had some frost last night. It will hurt the fruit very much. I helped Jacob shell corn today for seed. He wants to commence next week to plant. We intend going home tomorrow. We are all well. The Mesers Stier came over this evening. We had some very good music. Friday, April 27 Weather quite cool this morning. It froze a little last night & it is the impresion of everyone the balance of the Fruit about Howard County or most all is killed. Annie McComas & I came to Balto. this morning arrived about 11 O’clock. I found my family all well. In the afternoon I called on Mr. Baker & take him a bottle of medison. Also called to see Wm. Cunningham. Saturday, April 28 Weather quite warm. I walked out to the brickyard this morning to see them make bricks by mashine by Pitches & Wilson’s yard. They make seven thousand five hundred a day, got done about one O’clock commenced about six in the morning. I think that it works very well. They use sand or dust to keep the clay from sticking to the mold. We are all well. Sunday, April 29 Weather quite pleasant. At Church morning & evening. Sallie was with me in the evening. Today is the twenty-first Anniversary of the Sabbath School of the Seventh Baptist Church ( Dr. Fuller’s ). It was celabrated by the children singing some very pretty pieces of music with a sermon & collection for the school. Five hundred children were present in the morning. Afternoon I called to see Uncle Richard Taylor. His Family are all very well. Henry was married a week or so ago. Monday, April 30 Weather very pleasant. Afternoon I walked out as far as the Park. Stoped to see McDonald & Family at the Reservoir that the City are now building. He is superintendant there. The Park looks splendid. It is a great resort. It contains about 625 Acres. The cars run there at all hours in the day, fair seven (7) cts. We are all well. Tuesday, May 1 Weather cloudy & wet all day with quite a storm of rain and hail late in the evening with a good deal of thunder & lightning. The hail was very large and a good many panes of glass was broken. I was home most of the day. I went up as far as Lexington Market to see those large stears that was given to the Ladies of the Southern Releaf fair and take Jacob’s Boots up to the Hand Tavern to be sent out to him. We are all well. Wednesday, May 2 Weather very pleasant today after the heavy rain last evening. I was very much disapointed today not getting any letter from California. I think it very strange that Mr. Williams does not write. I think I shall go back & attend to my own business. We are all well. Thursday, May 3 Weather pleasant. At Home most of the day. Dr. J. S. Bowen called to see us this morning. After dinner I walked up to see how Jas. House is getting along then came back home and answered a letter I rec’d from sister Eliza this morning. She wants to come up and go out to Jacob’s. I wrote her to come up next Tuesday. The children has the chills. We are all very well. I received a Marysville paper. It has the names of the City Officers that has just been ellected. W. Hudson Mayor, W. L. Williams treasurer with a good set of men for Aldermen. Friday, May 4 Weather quite pleasant but last night was quite cool with some frost and it is the impresion that all the fruit is killed. I took a walk up to the Lexington Market this morning before breakfast to see John Dorsey to get him to take a message out to Jacob to meet Eliza & I at Sykesville next Wednesday. Afternoon I took a walk out the Harford road as far as the tole Gate. I find that they do not improve out that way as fast as they do in the other direction of the town. Evening I went to prayer meeting at Dr. Fuller’s. We are all well. Saturday, May 5 Weather quite pleasant today. I walked up town this morning as far as James house the one he is building for him self corner of Ross & Dolphin Streets. I then went to look at some vacant Lots on Biddle Street three 17 feet by 150 each for $3 per foot. They think the location is very good for that price. There is room enough to build six Houses. I am thinking some of Building to sell in that way keep myself imployed & I think make some money. But I am not desided what to do yet. Family all well. Sunday, May 6 Weather pleasant. I was at Church morning & evening. Sallie was with me in the evening. We are all well. Monday, May 7 Weather pleasant. I spent part of the day at home and part walking about town. We are all very well. Tuesday, May 8 Weather continues very pleasant. In the morning I took a walk up town to see Mr.Karl about some Lots on Grundy St near Biddle. They are any size one may want from 150 feet deep to a 20 foot Alley for $4.50 per foot. The location is what may be called second class. In the afternoon I went down to the warfe to meet sister Eliza but she did not get up as I expected. James & Annie came down in the evening & spent an Hour or so with us. We are all well. Wednesday, May 9 Weather pleasant. In the afternoon we had quite a thunder storm but it did not last very long. I spent the day with Dr. J. S. Bowen at Mount Washington. I built a chimney and some pears. He has a very pretty place of about 1 ½ acres with a very good frame House & a stable on it. Most of the improvements he has put there since he bought it. We are all well. Thursday, May 10 Weather quite pleasant. I felt very sore today on account of working yesterday. I feal so sore that I can scarcely get about. I was at Home all morning excepting going to the Post Office. I got no letters but a Marysville paper. In the afternoon I walked up to Jas. House he is moveing in today in his new house. We are all well. Friday, May 11 Weather pleasant. I was at home most all day. I still feal very sore after my days work out to J. S. Bowens. I did not go out in the evening. We are all well. Saturday, May 12 Weather pleasant but a little cloudy all day but no rain. It rained most all last night but not very hard. We are having excellent weather now for the country and everything is looking very pretty and green. We are all well. Sunday, May 13 Weather pleasant. At church morning and evening. Sallie did not get out today. Family all well. Monday, May 14 Weather pleasant. I went to the Boat this afternoon to meet sister Eliza but I was too late getting there & Sister if she has come up has gone up with Mr. Power. Evening I went up to Jas. to see if Eliza had gone up there but I found that she did not go there. We are all well. Tuesday, May 15 Weather pleasant. I found Eliza this morning at Mr. Power’s on the corner of Greenmount and Fayette Streets. She is very well. We intend on going out to Jacob’s the last of this week. Charles Slicer wants me to go to Washington with him today to see a piece of Mill property that is to be sold this week. But I got him to put it off untill tomorrow. I want to see sister today to make arrangements with her about going out to Jacob’s. Wednesday, May 16 Weather very pleasant. Charles S. & I went to Washington today to see that Planning Mill. We arrived there about 10 O’clock. I was very much pleased with it and made an offer for it or an undevided one half provideing one of the present owners Mr. Draper will take the other half. I offered five thousand five hundred (5,500) Dollars for one half interest. I came back in the evening and went to the Encampment. I gave my name to rejoin and also the Lodge. Thursday, May 17 Weather not so pleasant today cloudy & wet all day. Sister Eliza called to see us today it being the first time she ever saw my Wife & children and it is just seven years since we were marryed. Sister has two girls one 4 years and the Baby one year old. We are all well. Friday, May 18 Weather cloudy & wet most of the day. I went to Washington this afternoon and was at the sail of that Planning Mill. The offer that I made was not axcepted by Davis the second partner. It was soled this evening at auction and brought 10,000 Dollars so that leaves me out. I returned in the 7:30 train. Saturday, May 19 Weather quite warm. Sister Eliza & I went out to Jacob’s today. We went out on the cars and Bro. sent for us at Sykesville. Eliza took her children with her and I took Charlie with me. We arrived there about noon. Jacob & his family were all well & very glad to see us. Jacob is getting along very well with his work He has all his corn planted. Sunday, May 20 Weather pleasant. At Jacob’s all day. Mr. and Mrs. Amos spent the day with Jacob. We are all well. Monday, May 21 Weather warm but pleasant. Jacob’s hands are keeping holiday today and we all went afishing. The Girls went over to Stier’s Dam and Jacob and I went over to Hood’s Mill. We looked around but did not fish any. We took a walk from there down the road about two miles and from cross the country got home about the middle of the afternoon. Then we went agunning but did not get anything. We are all well. Tuesday, May 22 Weather pleasant but it is a little cooler than yesterday. Jacob sheared his sheep today the first he ever sheared. He got about 80 pounds from fifteen sheep. We are all well. Wednesday, May 23 Weather pleasant. I am still at Jacob’s. I helped him to cut some rye out of the wheet. One of Jacob’s neighbor a bline man called to see him and took Dinner with him today. One of Jacob’s hands is harowin ground for potatoes today. We are all well. I went down in the woods and shot a squrel. Jacob’s corn is comeing up very well. He has it in the new feal this season or the most of it. Thursday, May 24 Weather pleasant. I am still at Bro. Jacob’s. Charlie Griswell is on a visit to Jacob’s. He is looking for a farm in Howard. We road around with him this afternoon to look at some farms. We took Dinner at Mr. A. Amos and he went with us. We went to see several places but he did not see any that would please him. When the place suited the price was too much. We got back home about dark. We are all well. Friday, May 25 Weather pleasant. Mr. Griswell started home this morning & Jacob & I started for Harford County to see Uncle Gabriel. We crossed the country as near a direct line as we could from Jacob’s to the uper crossroads in Harford County. We crossed the Balto centrel at Glenncoe arriving at Uncles about 10 at night. The road we pased through was all new to us. We found Uncle & Aunt well and glad to see us. It is the first time we ever saw our new aunt and the first time I have seen Uncle for about 13 years. Saturday, May 26 Weather cloudy and wet most of the day. Jacob & I at Uncle’s all day. In the afternoon we called on one of the Amos that has a Mill just below Uncle’s place. We stoped there a while & saw his Wife, Family. He has a nice little piece of property. Sunday, May 27 Weather cloudy & wet. We went to Church this morning with Uncle. After dinner we started for home by way of Mr. Lemuel Amos & stoped there all night. On our way there we stoped at Mr.LaFavour’s. He has a very fine little place of about 150 acres. It is a very pretty little place in a high state of cultivation. He says he has been offered twelve thousand Dollars for it. It is about one mile from Falston on the Bellare Pike. He is an acquaintance of Jacob and a relative of [- -] Amos. Monday, May 28 Weather very pleasant. We started from Mr. Amos this morning for Thomas Amos his son and took dinner with him. While there we walked over his farm and took a look at his Brotherinlaw’s Mill a very nice little Mill on Winter’s Run. He offers it for sail for five thousand Dollars. It has 40 acres of land with it. We left there after Dinner for Capt. N. Gatch and arrived there about dusk. On our way there we stoped and took supper with Mr. Tarbut on Harford road & old Neighbor of Jacob’s. Stoped at the captain’s all night. Tuesday, May 29 Wet last night and most all day. We left between showers this morning from the Captains for Balto. with the intention of going right through to Jacob’s but we had to lay over on account of the rain so I had the oppertunity of seeing Sallie and going to the Post Office. I received a letter from Decker & Jewett Bankers of Marysville with a draft for 422.44 the Note of Seward & McDonald I left there for collection. It was for Gold and I sold it for 137 1/8. Jacob stoped all night with me. Eve Jacob & I called to see James. Wednesday, May 30 Weather very pleasant this morning. I started home with Jacob this morning as per agreement before I left his place and arrived there about 3 in the afternoon. We found them all well. I left Charlie there while I was gone. He behaved very well while I was gone. Jacob got ready to start for Balto. in the morning with a load of rye straw. While we was away Miss Bell Dorsey died and was berried today. Jacob felt very bad about it as he thought very much of her. Thursday, May 31 Weather quite pleasant all day. Jacob started for Balto. this morning about 2 O’clock. I helped John all day weeding the tobacco bed & replanting corn. It takes Jacob two days to make a trip to town. Jacob’s family are all well. Sister Eliza is still with Jacob on a visit. She is not very well today had the chills. I got her some medison today from a Dr. in the neighborhood. Friday, June 1 Weather warm and a gust in the evening just as Jacob got home.I finished replanting corn today & in the evening I went agunning but did not get anything. Jacob’s corn is looking very well. It is high enough to work & he wants to get at it now just as soon as he can. Saturday, June 2 Weather wet all last night & most of today. Jacob found on going to the stable this morning one of his best horses dead (Bell) a horse he raised thought so much of. It was perfectly well last night. Jacob feals very bad about it. He will have to buy another before he can do anything good. Horses are very high now. His was worth about 150 Dollars. We are all well. Sunday, June 3 Weather wet most all day. At home all day. Jacob appears to take the loss of his mare very hard. He does not feal able to loose one at present. We are all well. Monday, June 4 Weather cloudy & foggy this morning. Jacob brought me down as far as Sykesville this morning as I wanted to go home. I have made quite a stay away from home this time. I had Charlie with me he takes it very well. He feals at home with Jacob’s family. I found Sallie a little unwell and very glad to see us as well as we was to see them. I was at home all the evening. Tuesday, June 5 Weather quite warm & close and a little cloudy. At home all the morning. Gold is up today at 143 6 cts above what I sold it for last week. Eve I spent at Bro. James. We are all well. Wednesday, June 6 Weather warm. About home most all day reading and passing away the time the best I can but I am getting very anxious to get a something. Evening I called to see Mr. Baker. He is quite sick but a little better than he was a few days ago. I dont think he is long for this world. The rest of his Family are all well. I received a letter today from Mr. Bolinger from Marysville about the Church I built for them. Thursday, June 7 Weather warm but pleasant in the shade. I was home all the morning. Afternoon took a walk up town. Stoped a little while at James. Evening I was readmitted a member Franklin Lodge the Lodge I was initiated in about 16 years ago. I have been thinking some today of takeing a trip down South to see what chances they are there for me and to see the country. Gold quoted at 145 & 145 1/8 almost as high as it has been since I have been home. Friday, June 8 Weather something warmer than it has been but for the season it is considered pleasant in the shade it is quite pleasant. I have been about home most of the day. I am trying to make up my mind what to get at but it appears hard to come to any conclution. Sometimes I think that I had better go back to Marysvile and try and settle up my affares there first before I get at anything here & I think it is likely I will [--] now and September next. We are all well. Saturday, June 9 Weather warm but the evenings & nights are pleasant. In the afternoon I went down on the point to see the Steamer Worchester off for Liverpool. She is a very fine steamer & started at the appointed time. She had not many Pasengers out but appeared to be very well loded with frait. This is a new line to Europe gates up by the Balto. and Ohio Rail Road Co. I was also abord the Steamer Somerset which goes out on the next trip next Wednesday. Comeing home I took the cars & went up as far as the Lexington Market then back home. Sunday, June 10 Weather pleasant. I was at Church morning & evening and had Charlie with me all day. In going in the evening I went to Bro. James & he went with me. Dr. Fuller is holding the evening servis in evening commencing at 5 O’clock. Mr. Charles Rison our Marysville man was Baptised this evening which I was very glad to see. Monday, June 11 Weather pleasant. At home most all day. At Wm. Cunningham’s a little while in the afternoon. Evening at home. Family all well. Tuesday, June 12 Weather quite pleasant. I received a letter & statement of my affares in Marysville with a Draft for 445.00 Dollars in coin. Coin is quoted today highest 143 but it is down now at 141. I thought it best not to sell today but I think I would have bought at 143 if I had been out at the time. My affares there now seem rather incurageing. I am thinking some of going back but have not desided what I shall do yet. We are all well. Wednesday, June 13 Weather pleasant in the shade but quite warm in the sun. Gold was very unsettled today. I sold at 145 ½ that being about the highest it was today. I am thinking of buying 5-20 Gold bonds with what I have to spare which is about 700 Dollars at present. They are quoted at 12½ in Baltimore and 12¼ in New York. We are all well. Thursday, June 14 Weather quite warm All the morning. I rode out with Wm. Cunningham and spent the day with him returning late in the evening. It rained very hard for 3 or 4 hours this afternoon. When I got in town I found Uncle Gabriel waiting for me at Wm. C’s store. I called to see him & Aunt Rachel came home & stoped with us all night. They are all very well. We are all very well. Friday, June 15 Weather warm but pleasant. I was on Balto. St. most all day trying to sell my coin interest Notes and to by 5-20 Bonds but I did not get them to suit me in prices so I concluded to wait untill tomorrow. Evening Charlie & I rode out to the Park in the cars and spent two or three Hours there very pleasantly. The Band played in the Park this afternoon. We are all well. Saturday, June 16 Weather pleasant. It rained a little last night. I thought I would wate untill next week with my compounds & 5-20 untill next week as the Gold market is very feverish today. Gold going up as high as 160 about 14 cts higher than I sold for. It went up on the report of the [--] conference in England failing to agree. We are all well. I wrote to W. L. Williams this afternoon. Sunday, June 17 Weather very wet all day raining very hard at times which causes the [--] to raise quite high. None of us got out to Church all day. We are all well at home all day. A case of Cholera hapened in Balto. today. A Mr. William H. Mann a Brother-in-law of Mr. Raymond our next door neighbor. He just came from New York this morning & was taken about noon today and died about 5 Hours after. Monday, June 18 Weather quite pleasant after the heavy rain of yesterday. In the morning I walked out to the new File factory rite by the Gass Works at the Spring gardens. Bro. James is doing part of the work. I went from there to Jas. House and from there home. On my way home I bought 366 Dollars in Gold at 166 that being about 2 per cent lower than it has been just before I bought. We are all well except Charlie he is not very well today. We had a case of cholera yesterday in Baltimore. Tuesday, June 19 Weather pleasant. We had quite a rain last evening with a little hail with it. I have been on the street most all day trying to sell my Gold. It is down today as low as 149 but at about half past 4 is quoted at 152. I have not sold yet. Wm. Gabriel is home from Cal. He arrived a few days ago. I was with him part of the day. Charlie appears better today. The rest of the Family are all well. Wednesday, June 20 Weather pleasant except in the middle of the day out in the sun there walking or at work it is quite warm. I have been out on the street most all day. Gold has varied from 149 to 153. I still hold mine. We are all well. Thursday, June 21 Weather about as yesterday. In the morning I walked out to look at some Brickyards offered for sail which will be sold tomorrow at auction. They belong to Mrs. Phillips. I think I will go out tomorrow and see how they sell. I would like to have one of them if they dont go too high. Gold got down as low as 148 today but before night it went up again to about what it closed yesterday at. We are all well. Friday, June 22 Weather quite warm. Jacob was in town today. I went out to the sail of the Brickyard this afternoon but they went too high for me. The first one sold for 2750 Dollars second for 1450 Dollars & the third for 250 Dollars. I bid on the first and last yards but did not get any. The Green brick in the kiln sold for 6 Dollars per thousand. They have to pay for the clay one yard 75 cts one 105 & one 80 cts per thousand kiln count. I feal disapointed. It appears hard for me to get at anything. But maybe it is all for the best. We are all well. Saturday, June 23 Weather quite warm. I took a walk up town this morning thinking I would look around & get a lot & build a house or two to sell. Some think I could make it pay and others think different. Bro. Jas. called to see me at noon today to tell me of a company that is about to raise & buy a write of a new Brick mashine with the mashine and patent to making brick. I went to see the partes this evening. They think very favourable of it. We agreed to go to Washington next Monday where there is one at work and see it. We are all well. Sunday, June 24 Weather continues very warm. I was at Dr. Fuller’s morning & evening. Sister Eliza came in with Jacob last Friday & stoped with Mr. Baker. She went home on Saturday. I went with her to the Boat. Eliza’s children has the hooping cough very bad & she felt anxious to get home. We think Charlie our little Boy has it. He acts like he has it & if he has it we expect the others will have it. We are all well with that exception. Monday, June 25 Weather very warm today. Three of us went down to Washington today. Mr. Shoemaker went along with us. He appears to like the mashine very well but does not think he will go in with us. We were all very much pleased with the working of the mashine. It makes very good Brick. We came back in the evening. After getting back I rode out to the Park with Mr. Pennington had a very pleasant drive. We are all well. The children are getting along very well. Tuesday, June 26 Weather continues very warm. I sold my Gold today for 155½. It is the same that I paid 166 for last week. I was afraid to hold it any longer. We had a meeting today to try to come to some conclution about what we are going to do about buying the Right & Brick mashine. I went to see about a place to work it. I think I have found a very good place if the clay is good. It is near the junction of the Balto. & Ohio Rail Road and the Washington Road. There is a plenty of clay if it is good. It belongs to Mr. C. Howard. He told me we could have it, will see about it. Wednesday, June 27 Weather very warm in the morning but it got a little cool in the evening on account of a shower of rain which lasted all the evening. I met Messers Pennington, Labatt & Howard this afternoon and told them my sucsess in getting a Location for our proposed Brick mashine Chambers make of Philadelphia. I cannot find clay without going a good ways out from town without running a bad risk of getting bad clay and I think on the hole I will have nothing to do with it principaly on account of the risk of getting clay. Thursday, June 28 Weather more pleasant after the rain. It rained most all last night and part of today. It cleared off about 10 this morning but it clouded up in the afternoon & we had quite a shower. I have been around all day making inquieries about a Brickyard but I find it very hard to get hold of a yard without paying an exorbitant price for one & then you have to pay 75 cts to 1$ per thousand afterwards to the Land owner which makes the clay come very high. Evening Sallie & I went up to the Gees. Friday, June 29 Weather quite pleasant. In the morning first thing I took a package to the Boat to send down to Sister Eliza. Jacob stoped with us last night and left for Home this morning. At 8 I met Messers House & Pennington at Mr. Labatt’s Office. From there Mr. Pennington & I rode out to the Brickyard to look at the Brickyard. I found a very pretty place if the clay is only good & extensive enough. In the afternoon I went out to try to get a man or two to sinck a few holes in order to test the clay before we locate a yard. We are all well. Saturday, June 30 Weather quite pleasant all day. I was with these Brick men again this morning. We are talking over matters consurning the best way to form the Company, amount of capital, how it would be best to manage it &co. At noon Mr. Pennington & I went out to the yards. I wanted to get a man or two to sink a few holes to find how the clay runs but I could not get a man untill Monday next. I met Mr. Halkings on the street this morning. He is an old friend of mine from Marysville Cal. He is looking well.