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alone. I have been painting all the week. Made a little picture from the subject I got at the mouth of the creek and painted a little foggy November, a combination of Hussey Hill, Deans Corners &c. There appears to be a doubt about Vaux having the Centennial building. It seems the executive committee did not ratify the choice of the committee on plans and have given the whole thing into the hands of a Philadelphia firm alleging that Vauxs was too costly and could not be built in time. I have written to Vaux to find out what it all means. I have also written to Whittredge. 

Wednesday Nov. 12" 1873. Last night the first snow of the season came and this morning the landscape looked quite wintry under two or three inches. I painted yesterday and today in a  picture of the aqueducts under an effect of sky I saw on Sunday, but have not succeeded very well. I take my daily walk but this afternoon it was wet and not very agreeable although the landscape was interesting under the soft misty effects. I received a letter from Fitch.

Friday 14. I took a walk yesterday after painting all day, down to the Point. I made a hasty pencil note from nearly the same spot where I got my view a few days ago. The landscape was charming  under its misty aspect in connection with the boats and buildings and still water as with a fine sky. It grew quite cold towards evening.  Today I wrote to Mr. De Forest asking him if he thought his sister in law whom he brought to look at one of my pictures was still interested in it and telling him I wanted to sell it and would sell it considerably under my price.  I dislike exceedingly to do any thing of this kind but I conclude I must take all honorable means to sell something when I need money so much.  I painted a little sketch from the note I made last night.

Sunday 16.  Received a letter from Mary in which she says Calvert tells her to tell me that he has "the Centennial Buildings to build, superintend and make the contracts for but involving grave responsibilities." I was sure this would be the case and I am immeasurably pleased.  Sent a little sketch to Miss Sophie Mae Adam for a fair in Yonkers for a hospital.  Had a headache and did nothing all day yesterday but attend to it. The weather is grey and wintry the snow still remaining.