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Tuesday March 11" 1884. A bright sunny day. Fitch wants me to send more studies to the Century on Friday and I spent some time selecting a number, my Western and my European studies with some others. I painted in the afternoon on a Shokan subject which always interested me but which I never could quite manage. I think I improved it. James Gifford called We talked of Mrs. Sanford. He regretted she had sold those last sketches. Called on Miss Nixon and Mrs. Butler. Went to the club a little while.

Wednesday 12. Answering a knock at my door this morning I found a lady a stranger apparently who remarked "you don't know me" It proved to be Mrs. French neé Katy Wilkinson, looking so thin and worn that I did not recognize her. They are here in the city preparatory to Col. French's departure for Alaska where he is to be Collector at Sitka. She is not to go with him at present. I have not worked much today - am waiting for a canvas on which I am going to paint a larger picture. I am getting a little anxious about ways and means for the summer. My money is going to pay notes and expenses for the Rondout establishment and no new supply in prospect. I shudder at the prospect of being out of money. There seems so little demand for pictures that really painting as a means of livelihood in this country is very precarious.

Tuesday 13." Went down to South Ferry to the Governors Island by appointment with Capt Price. By an error I got there an hour ahead of time which I spent in looking at the new buildings, the Washington and the new Produce exchange. Went to the boat at the appointed time but the Capt. did not appear and I came back to my room. Have had a lonely feeling today and a longing for companionship. Went up to see Whittredge but he is always so absorbed in his own affairs that I was not disappointed in finding him too busy to have a moment for me. I don't seem to have any intimate companions now and this is a necessity to me. Whittredge makes a great mistake it seems to me in repelling his life long companions. Calvert and I went to the Grand Opera house to see Robson and Crane in "Our boarding house". It was not very amusing.

Friday 14. Rain and wind and the worst of days. Went up to the Century at 1 and got my lunch when Fitch and I went to work putting up my sketches and studies. They made quite an imposing effect. There were 124 in all. Today drew in a picture from me of my studies at Kellys Corners. I like the subject for it is quite unique and shall I hope paint on it with pleasure. I am never so happy as when I get fairly at work on a good sized picture. A Miss Tweedy a young friend of Marions and one of her Dramatic Company dined with us. To the Century to the Newton trial. I had a talk with Judge Spier who to my mind is a much overrated man. I freed my mind and am not sorry. I think the rest of the board enjoyed it. McDonald came to me and said he was glad I did it. Nothing new was [[?]] on the trial and we have decided to call Hearn again

Transcription Notes:
Gumaer Island is the one mentioned above near Rondout, NY. ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-04-25 21:16:05 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-04-26 22:41:37 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-04-27 17:54:16 ---------- Reopened for Editing 2023-04-27 22:27:14.