Diary of Annie Adams Fields

Sunday July 20. We are alone and have been now for ten days. This seems strange but it gives dear J. time for his work and gives me time also to steady myself a little and I hope to work also. Did not stir from the house until the afternoon of yesterday—the rain poured—then however we made...

Wednesday, 23. Dined with Mr. & Mrs J. Bradlee in Beverly. John Dwight was there and we rejoiced together over Mirèio—which he has just read.

Thursday. Very warm again. Walked in the morning. Jamie wrote on his lecture—afternoon went to dine with Mrs Cabot & Miss Howes in Beverly—a pleasant day—the evening was exquisitely beautiful.

Friday after so much dissipation I hardly felt like going out—the day is resplendent but I have enjoyed it indoors—until afternoon.

Friday August 1st What with some letters, some visiting and much indisposition to the pen business—the whole past week has flown unrecorded. The weather has been the severest of the season but always beautiful here. J. & I have been on the Knoll drinking up the exquisite scene and the breezes...

Saturday. August 2. Jamie has gone to town. There was a glorious shower last night but it is even warmer than ever today—yet there is a delicious freshness this afternoon.

Sunday. We were quiet here—the day was foggy but at noon clear, at night rainy. How we enjoyed the calm of it alone here!

Monday. Miss Anne Whitney and Miss Manning were to come to dine—they did come later in the day and we had a glorious afternoon ramble together.

Tuesday. Drove all the morning. Miss Whitney cannot find a studio wherein to cast her statue of Saml Adams.

Wednesday. Ernest Longfellow and his pretty wife came soon after 10 o’clock. We went to the umbrella tree with them where he made a good study while we idled and talked—then we came home here & dined together. It was five before they left—at half past 6 we were on our way to tea with the...

Thursday a quiet day here. Walked to the Village & back at sundown—soft grey light and shadow over everything with a gleam of red sunset.

Friday. Jamie goes to town. Clear & hot.

Friday August 15—they stayed until this morning. It was quite enough, but yesterday was a great storm and I could not let them go. Pedantry, Dogmatism & self-love are sad faults for a woman; but sadder for children. I have made a resolution not to ask them again. People who are always ready to...

Saturday morning—received a visit from Dr. Furness and Mrs Furness with Mrs Towne & Helen. Dr Furness sat at the table and copied his John Brown hymn. A simple noble poem.

The Sunday sermon was simple and noble—on selfishness. We walked to church but dear J. found himself lame. We stopped at the Drs coming home. He said there was “fusion”—gave an iodine wash.

Monday August 18. J. went to town, saw a surgeon, came back bringing splint &c &c, also Mrs Leonowens and Avis.

Tuesday 19. Enjoying our life in the Orient with Mrs L. hugely—but poor J. is laid up.

Wednesday 20. A dull day overhead but pleasant enough to show the L’s something of the shore.

Thursday 21. Friday Mrs Leonowens left us.

Saturday. The days go on wonderfully for my patient. Today dear Mrs Towne offered her piazza & we passed our time watching the glorious storm. Mr. Peter Lesley came over in the P.M. a full man; worn with overstudy. Professor of the University at Pa. also Editor of the Mining Journal.

Sunday. A cold blowing wind like autumn. The trees blew all day long as if the wind would tear their hair.

Monday—driving with dear J. The days slip away—adieu.

Sep. 7th Lizzy came last Wednesday Sep. 3. J. no better. Neighbors all kind as they can be—3 weeks next Tuesday since the splint went on—but the hours do not seem long to him—he is cheerful and patient.

Sep 9. Mrs Gillespie, Louisa & Mr. Beal came to pass the day.

Sep 10. Went to Boston for the 1st time since the 20th of June. Am feeling a bit like one bruised today.