Diary of Annie Adams Fields

Sunday. Walked with “J.” quiet day—wondrous moonlight after clouds. The first really settled weather after three weeks of clouds. But it has all been very beautiful, the light and the dark, and now draws near the end.

Monday. Celestial day. Celia came. Mr. & Mrs R.H. Dana called to see us at noon. Jamie went to town—we read together and watched the marvellous sunset and moonrise and went to bed early.

Tuesday. Passed the morning in the woods. Walked over to Mrs. J.H. Towne’s in the afternoon to see what she would do for the Evening school for boys. She was slow to give, even when I promised to give half of the whole amount, provided she would give the other half. I felt the blood in my...

Wednesday. Another beautiful day and dear Celia here.

Thursday. Celia left. Gloomy sky, rainy—took a long walk and tried to be ready for the meeting of the Woman’s Union tomorrow. Read Keats together in the evening.

Friday. Meeting of The Woman’s Union at which I presided. It was not very large, about 30—I think. They seemed to think it successful however. Bartols, Darrahs, Mrs George Howe called. Very rainy night.

Saturday. Fine morning—at last time for work. I have been so nervous about presiding at this meeting yesterday that I could not do much beside. It is cold and windy so I must do what I can indoors which will be only to try to finish my trans. of Pandora. Saturday night came Miss Doria. The...

Sunday we started early for the woods, driving as far as the entrance of the path to the Agassiz boulder, walking up and down and home—just in season for dinner. In the afternoon, rested, read Casaubon, Mrs Tennett came to see me about the Evening School for Boys. Miss Doria walked on the...

Monday 9. Miss Doria left us. The air cool as crystal and as clear—devoted the whole day to packing, closing the house, and getting to Boston where we arrived at night. We found everything clean and comfortable, and nothing disturbed, thank heaven.

Tuesday—10. Dear J. left soon after noon for his first lecture in Springfield. I divided my day to arranging books and pictures and getting things into the best possible order.

Wednesday. Finished Casaubon, made notes, wrote letters, hung more pictures, saw mother. At 10 P.M. came dear J. who went to Wellesley to hear Longfellow read to the young ladies, from thence to lecture at Auburndale. The lectures were greatly successful and the day at Wellesley beautiful as a...

Thursday 12. Friday 13. At work on Pandora.

Saturday 14—Sunday 15. A Wonderful Snow-storm. The anniversary of our engagement day. A quiet delightful day—walked round the common while people were at church. Saw only a few wandering persons usually whose clothes were too poor for them to wish to be seen. The foliage was exquisite, the...

Monday. Pandora, errands, mother.

Tuesday. Jamie went again to Springfield. Trying to get a company of charity visitors together. Find it most difficult-- Busy drawing up papers etc.

Wednesday Oct. 18. Heavenly weather again though cool. Jamie in Springfield.

Thursday 19. Hard at work at Pandora and the last preparations for autumn work before our six weeks departure.

Friday 20. Jamie left again for Springfield. Still Pandora.

Saturday Jamie returned. Mary Lodge was here, created proof of circular for Visitors among the Poor. Jamie told us of an absurd talk he heard in the cars—a man said to another, Well! Your father’s gone since I see you! “Ya,” said the other “the old man got kind of peavy and we sent for...

Sunday. Walked out with Willy and played with him until dinner. Elly, Luly, Alice came P.M.

Monday. 23. Making preparations for a meeting of visitors on Wednesday—much exercised lest we shall not get them. Mr. E.E. Hale has promised to speak to our visitors. Bought bonnet and little things to wear on journey, played with our dear Willy.

Tuesday. Dear Jamie left for Springfield. Lovely day. Sat an hour with Mrs Caswell making plans for workrooms. Miss Phelps came in the afternoon. Mrs Lodge called and sent Miss P. a bottle of orange flower water to make her sleep!! The very odor made Lily Phelps faint but she clung to her gift...

Wednesday. 25. Lovely day. Dressmaker came before I was out of my room. Breakfast at 8, Willy and Miss Phelps. The latter did not sleep much. Sallied out with her early and went to try her voice at Wesleyan Hall. She could not fill it. Professor Churchill the elocutionist went with us. We found...

Friday. Beautiful morning. Last night 15,000 people in torchlight procession. It passed this house. Jamie had gone to a supper party at Longfellows to meet Bayard Taylor. Taylor lectured in Cambridge on Egypt. An admirable lecture said dear J. who went to hear him. Longfellow, his daughters and...

Dec. 31 [1876]. Sunday. Clear cold blustering day. Snow on the ground. Wonderful moonlight.