[Boston—Thursday, 13 April 1865]
13th Fast Day. Mary & Kate Dewey left in the morning. Mr Trowbridge sat here nearly two hours. He is sure to be known as a true poet, if he lives.
At noon we left home to pass the rest of the day in Quincy at J.P.Q.’s. It was a lovely visit and left a sweet aroma of purity, truth and peace. We shan’t soon forget hearing the little girl Helen recite without being able to speak one word distinctly, nor the fine boy “Jo-jo” deliver the “Two Travellers” with his pretty legs in long blue stockings & his hands nervously thrust into side pockets while he couldn’t help laughing in spite of his oratory which went glibly forward all the time at the baby’s remorseless tugging at Helen’s hair.
We walked over the fine old place in the yellow light of afternoon talking and drinking up the fresh airs.
