[Boston—Friday, 15 May 1868]
May 15th The rain it raineth every day! But the wind just now swung round privily towards the West and I see hope in the future. I am doing quietly all I can to forward the work for the Freedman but I can truly say I never dreaded nor disliked any work so much as this kind of Fair work. However I truly believe that once started the matter may be carried through without great publicity being given to the starters of the plot.
Gardening comes on next week though it is very late for it.
I still have my excellent servants I am thankful to say.
J. had an interesting interview with an old clergyman by the name of Kellogg yesterday. He was settled during the years at the little town of Harpswell in Maine. He had promised the people of that place if they would build a church for him he would come to them. In the meantime the church at Nantucket offered him $200 a year. However he went to Harpswell for $150. He is a vigorous writer. Years ago a prose bit of his I think on the death of Virginius was put into the school reading books wh. has been most popular ever since. There is such simplicity and integrity about the man that J. likes him much. Of late he has written for the Young Folks. The country is in a sad sad condition and business is terribly depressed. I pray Heaven to help as we cannot help ourselves!
