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Wednesday Dec. 16 1874. The mercury stood at 8° this morning. Directly after breakfast I went up to the carriage makers to do an errand and after I returned with a brisk walk across by Tom Hamiltons, after which I went at my drapery again and have got on better today. I think I can finish it tomorrow. Received a note from Edward Bruce enclosing a check for $225 for my picture of Deans River. The check was signed Charles Smith, a man [[erasures]] wears diamond shirt studs. This is less than half I asked for it at the Academy but I never liked the picture and am glad to get rid of it. At evening the mercury had risen to 31°.

Thursday 17. Took a walk in the morning and went to the Strand after dinner to deposit some money and get the paper. Paid my state and city tax $101.55 1 pr.ct more than last year. Received a letter from my sister Gracie. Maurice is doing very badly and gives us all the greatest anxiety. Have painted all day on my figure touching up the drapery and improving the background. Think I have improved it. I showed it to Julia Dillon last night and she seemed very much pleased with it.

Friday 18. Went to Kingston for the wagon seat. It was pretty cold with a N.W. wind. Painted on a little winter picture a part of the day and part of the time on Julia Vauxs picture for which I made a box this afternoon in which to send it to Wilmurt according to Vaux's instructions. Maurice has finally gone to bed used up and Gertrude is going through the old round of caring for him. Took my usual walk this evening towards Jacobs Valley.

Saturday 19. Painted a little picture out of the window this morning with snow on the mountains. In the afternoon painted on my figure and took my usual walk towards evening. Lucy came home by the Wallkill Valley R.R. Received a note from Vaux. Some days I have a feeling of satisfaction when evening comes. Today has been one of the "frittered away" days. Lieut. Commander Cushing's death was announced in the Tribune with a brief sketch of his exploits. His blowing up the Rebel ram Albermarle was one of the most daring deeds I ever heard of.

Sunday 20. It has snowed today about two inches. Tonight the wind blows a gale but the snow has ceased. Gertrude has been so ill with a cold that I called the Dr. to prescribe for her and I feel a cold coming on. Have done up our photographs to send to Tim Mapes.

Monday 21. A perfect winter day. Two or three inches of snow and clear night air. Sent Julia Vaux's picture to Wilmurt and painted on my figure. Gertrude is sick with a cold and I am getting the same thing. Maurice lies in his room in a state of almost stupor. I had some plain talk with my father which I think made him feel unpleasantly towards me. I can't help it for I did not speak in anger.

Transcription Notes:
. Thomas Wilmurt was a 19th century frame maker.