Diary of Annie Adams Fields

Thursday—midsummer warmth—cold better—going about somewhat as usual—head still thick and unable to work, but everything looks brighter.

Friday. Soft lovely morning—raining later—our friends left in the rain today. Talked all the morning. They left in the afternoon.

Saturday. Cool and clear—really autumnal. Aunt Harriet arrived by midday train. We drove to Eastern Point, Gloucester in the afternoon hopeful of finding Miss Phelps. She had just left but the beautiful harbor of her retreat was glowing in the silent sunshine.

Sunday. Mother is entirely content driving about with Mr. Fields and the rest of us. A quiet day.

Monday. Rainy morning. Lizzy painted while I read aloud. Aunt Harriet returned to town. Ida Beal came. Lovely moonlighted Evening. Mother, Lizzy and I enjoyed the beautiful air and sky. Ida and “J.” went to Mr. Vibberts Temperance lecture.

Tuesday morning. Mother left. Jamie has gone to Conway with her. Ida returned. Lizzy & I keep house.

Wednesday morning. All night alone. The moonlight was magnificent and the calling Sea. Awoke to find fog and silence—Lizzy painting—drove to Beverly for dear “J”—marketed, visited, Centennialized, by the way. Returned for dinner at two o’clock, afternoon glad and quiet at home....

Thursday. Again thick fog. I hear the sea calling. Jamie was gone only a day and a half but he saw Whittier going and coming at Ossipee, had two hours with mother and Sarah and passed the evening with Mr. Beecher at the Twin Mountain house—passing over the new & truly marvellous mountain...

Friday. Awakened by the September gale. Great storm of wind, the sea in a fury, beautiful effect of cloud scenery. Unfortunately not quite sure enough of myself to go out into it.

Saturday. Cold wind but gloriously clear. Bret Harte came in the ½ past 12 train. He came in good health, save a head-ache which ripened as the day went on, but he was bubbling over with fun, full of the most natural and unexpected sallies. He wished to know if I was acquainted with the...

Sunday. Cloudy—rainy—cold—autumnal. Dear J. and I had a delightful walk.

Monday. Went to Boston—finished Harte’s story on the way—a great living, passionate work. Treating of manners and men outside our experience, save as human nature is ever the same.

Tuesday. Headache—yesterday was hard.

Wednesday. Clear cold lovely morning. Found finnell, gentian—gardening.

Thursday. Alas! one week from today is our last. Beautiful weather though cold. Mrs Gardner of Beverly called & brought a server.

Friday morning. J. left this morning for Hanover at half past 6. Drove yesterday to Beverly and made visits. Lucy Larcom came to dine and pass the night. She is assisting Mr. Whittier to make a collection of poems to be published by Osgood called “Three centuries of Song.”

Saturday. Lucy left. Hiram Rich, wife & child came.

Monday 27. Mr. & Mrs Rich with their dear little Annie left this morning—Mrs Dresel with 2 children came to dine. Exquisite day. Dame trimmed the trees—went down into the valley to see him at work.

Tuesday went to town.

Wednesday. Began to pack—rainy day. Mrs Burlingame & daughter & Robert Darrah called.

Thursday. Beautiful day, finished packing. Shutters were put up and house made desolate.

Friday. Left home in a glorious vision of day—soon after six A.M. Arrived at Rochester at ½ past 10 P.M. Slept a good deal from sheer fatigue I suppose during the day and evening. The cars bounced about and I could hardly read or write. Began Rio sur l’art chrétien.

Saturday. Came to Niagara—glorious afternoon driving and walking. Such a sunset was seldom seen. The Three Sisters is one of the loveliest points of all to see the falls.

Sunday. Oct 3. Glorious morning—wandered about the falls—walked across the Suspension Bridge and marvelled afresh over the wonders wrought by the brain of man as well as over the majestic beauty of the place.

Monday Oct. 4. Drove to Robert Collyer’s where the family was expecting us. The lake was tossing its gloomy sail-less waves as if a storm had passed over it. Mr. & Mrs Locke & Mr. Gleim (strangers) called. Mr William Clarke came to tea. J.T.F. gave his lecture on Longfellow. The sick boy Rob....