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pictures with Johnson. In the evening Calvert, Mary and I called on the Wheelers at the Strathmore. She seems very happy because she is successful. Afterwards went to the "Zig Zag" party given by Howland and Caldwell at the University building. There were about a hundred there, artists and others, and we had a very jolly time. Satirical pictures, a nice supper and plenty of champagne, (of which I however took only one glass and ate only half a dozen oysters) Darkey minstrels who were capital, music, recitations and a good time lasting until half past one.

Friday March 24. 1882. Varnishing day at the Academy. Always a discouraging time with me. Both of my pictures are hung in the North room the Indian Summer by the door entering the East Room and the Humboldt Valley on the same side of the room near the entrance from the corridor. My Indian Summer disappointed me as my pictures almost always do in the Academy. It look too purplish and not so vigorous as I expected. The pictures look confused and I cant form much of an idea of its character. Met Weir there and he came down and lunched with me. He feels disappointed about his picture. Now for the fire of the malicious and flippant penny-a-liners in the newspapers. Henry told me at the Academy that he saw in the Herald that my picture "Shades of Autumn" was sold at the New Orleans exhibition. I sincerely hope it is for that would be a genuine surprise. Have not felt well today but worked on a little picture for Van Derliss in the afternoon. Hubbard came in and we had a long talk on the discouragements of the American Artists.

Saturday 25. Longfellow died yesterday. The Tribune, Times and Herald have the usually gloomy, discouraging comments on the Academy. One would think [[?]] had come again to read them. But we have to expect this. After all it dont influence people much. Worked until 3 o'clock when I went up to the Academy and met Miss Nesmith and her younger sister with whom I went about the galleries for a couple of hours when I came back to my room and dressed myself for the Academy reception this evening and directly after dinner went up there. There was the usual crowd and the usual social success of the occasion and after it was over went to the Century. Met Pumpelly there who has invited me to go west with him this summer over the Northern Pacific road as far as the Pacific. I told him I would like to go and will if I possibly can as I will be at no expense for transportation and substance. I will need a little money and if I can manage it I will go.   

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