00_1852-07-22 Diary of Martha Call 2021.061.001

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Front Cover_Diary of Martha Call
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Last edit almost 2 years ago by Thom Burns
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West Cambridge, July 22,/52.

Since I came away from home, I have written my journal quite carelessly, with a pencil, but as it contains more variety, and consequently is better worth preserving than those written in the quiet of the home, Emmie has given me this nice book and I am going to copy it, just as it is Tuesday, West Cambridge, June 1.

Well, here I am at West Cambridge, as pleasantly situated as can be, with a nice room all to myself where I can read or study, or if I want to, after all the people suppose that I am in bed and asleep sit and write in my "Common Place Book." Monday morning came, as bright and pleasant as could be, and about four oclock mother waked me. I didnt linger much about dressing, and at five oclock we sat down to breakfast, hot coffee and cream toast. Mother took a cup of of coffee with me, so I invited father to do the same, and shortly after Mary and Clara Parsons joined us, so that we had quite a social breakfast. Presently Uncle and Aunt Hadlock came down in the chaise, and Mary rode with them to the boat, then came George Osgood and James Hadlock, and having kissed my dear mother for the last time for several weeks probably, we set

Last edit 7 months ago by MegWinslow
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out for the boat escorted by father, Hannah and Clara. When we had been on board of the boat a little while, I began to be afraid that I should go away without seeing Ricker again, to say Good-bye, but down he came and stayed on board until the last bell had rung, and one of the last things that I saw in Bangor was him bowing on the wharf. The only persons on board of the boat that I knew besides Aunt and George were Mr and Mrs [Parney?], but I talked some with several others, and as is usually the case among a crowd found a variety of things to amuse me. One young man grew very warm in a discussion on serious subjects and seemed inclined to consider himself as having always existed "For" said he "if we can find the time when our existence commenced, we must be able also to find the time when it will cease."

An old lady who had never travelled any in the cars expected it would most take her breath away going so fast. William Williamson was on board, and I can see his resemblance to our Henry very plainly; he is an exceedingly handsome young man. I laid down for about an hour, but did not sleep at all, though aunt had a fine nap. The book I had with me, and Harper's Magazine with which George was provided proved to be great helps on the way, and Mr Cushing with his usual politeness came and brought me the key to a state-room, which I took though I had not much occasion to use it,

Last edit 10 months ago by kelseydchung
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At seventy minutes past five we reached Portland, and shortly after rattled on to Boston, stopping at South Berwick to take a cup of coffee and piece of cake, which George handed in at the car window, and at about ten we reached Boston. As we drew near the city I began to feel fearful that Henry might not have received word, or might have gone to the wrong train or something, but my fears were useless for as soon as the people had cleared away enough to make it possible to effect an entrance, Henry and Emmie made their appearance, quite delighted to see us. Then came the side in the buggy with Prince, through the most beautiful roads imaginable, where in some places the trees fairly meet over the top of the carriage. It was nearly eleven when we arrived here, and Aunt was waiting for us, poor Uncle, having watched for sister Annie all the afternoon, becoming very tired had gone to bed. I did not see uncle till this morning. Poor man! it is very, very sad to see him! His mind is almost entirely gone, and he has lost nearly all his faculties. He speaks but very little and that so that he can hardly be understood, and has cried as many as twenty times today. I dont think he has any idea of who I am, and though sometimes he will seem to know aunt Hadlock, at other times he will look at her and ask "Why dont Annie come? I have today been

Last edit 10 months ago by kelseydchung
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over the farm and have —"

Sunday, June 6.

I left off writting very abruptly last Tuesday night because my pencil failed, and for various reasons have not written any since. It is I find much harder to keep a journal or anything else regularly while away visiting than when quietly at home, but now I must begin where I left off, and as well as I can remember and as briefly as possible put down what I have been doing the past week. Tuesday morning we almost the first thing tried Prince's good qualities by riding round to Mr Somebody's to get some tomato plants which, by the way, we didn't get, as the gentleman was not at home. Then Aunt Sarah, Aunt Hadlock, Emmie and I took the buggy and rode out to see what was to be seen. The riding round here is beautiful, the roads are all so smooth and good and the scenery is magnificient - you cannot ride far in any direction without seeing the clear water of some of the ponds of which there are a number in the neighborhood, and almost every street is lined on each side with the most splendid trees imaginable. After we returned from this side we took Uncle Jonathan out, and this time succeeded in getting the tomato-plants which were wanted. Then came dinner, and the afternoon we spent very pleasantly at home. After tea came another ride, Henry on horse-back, Emmie

Last edit 10 months ago by kelseydchung
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