[Boston—Friday, 17 March 1876]
March 17: Evacuation Day! The Women’s Centennial Committee got up a fine meeting in the Old South Church. It was full of feeling. Samuel Eliot presided, Mr. Quincy showed the Gorget worn by Washington, Mr. Charles Francis Adams received the first public recognition of his candidate-ship for the Presidency, James Freeman Clarke made a noble speech and Mrs West sang the Star Spangled Banner. It was truly an occasion worthy of the old days—in the same opening Judge Hoar also was excellent.
It was a snowy day. At night the houses were lighted up. The Italian class met here as usual on Friday night.
