Viewing page 110 of 151

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

106

Wednesday Jan. 21. 1874. A rainy disagreeable day. Whittredge came in and I showed him my figures as I did Gifford. They seemed to be pleased with them. Worked a little on one of my landscapes. Dined at Fifux's and after dinner Col. Dwight and I went to Christys but found it pretty stupid. From there went to the club and smoked a cigar. Recd a letter from Gertrude. Wrote to her yesterday.

Thursday 22. One of New Yorks horrible days; fog, rain snow and misery". John Durand called: showed him my figures of which he spoke very encouragingly. Mary, Mrs. Sawyer & Mrs. Crane called. Dined at Marys after which Calvert insisted me go to see "Morley" at Wallachs, a very nice play and well acted. After the play went to the club. Proctor the astronomer was there looking remarkably like Kinsett at first glance. I was not introduced to him but I joined in the conversation and found him particularly genial and friendly

Friday 23" Eastman Johnson came this afternoon to see my figures. I had been very anxious to hear his opinion for I knew he would be frank and on his encouragement or adverse criticism my ambition in the line of figures would be largely determined. When I showed him the first one he was really surprised and most agreeably said he it is a great deal better than I imagined you could do- ten times better and commended it very highly to my great delight. Criticised a few things but on the whole was much gratified. He liked the Solitaire also but pointed out some errors of drawing as I had supposed but after all encouraged me more than I had reason to hope. I feel so good over what he said and I shall go at it tomorrow and carry out some of his suggestions. I went up and dined with him and he showed me his summers work which is very interesting. Recd a letter from Gertrude. Calvert and Mary also called to see my pictures and were pleased. 

Saturday 24. John Durand called with his father and I invited them to lunch. The old gentleman wanted to see my figures and was very complimentary in his remarks. I started for home by the 3.30 Wallkill valley train and arrived in Kingston at 8.15. It proved a very pleasant way to go. On Sunday I wrote a criticism on the management of the train in a sportive vein which is to be