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Thursday Feb. 19" 1885 The weather continues very cold and there is sleighing in the city. I have worked a little on my Katahdin picture but it is not dry enough to do much. Vanderlip gave me an order to get $150 worth of goods at Union Adams. I got about $50 worth and he seemed disappointed I had not got more, so I gave Sara an order to get what she wished. She selected about $50 worth and as they did not send them she stopped in to ask the reason. They said Mr. Adams had not been in yet. They have not been sent and so I conclude Vanderlips credit is not good. I am glad to find it was at his solicitation not mine. I heard a great outcry in the street and looking out of my window I saw a policeman run after and capture a young man and then strike him several times. Poor wretch. I pitied him although perhaps he is used to such a life. Sara came over this afternoon and we talked of dear Gertrude and our life here, through so many years and we both spoke of the sweet memory she is to us and to every one who ever knew her. Sara and I went up to 45" St to call upon Miss Nixon. She was out but we saw Mrs. Butter. We walked back to 18" St. and I went around to the club and read one of Prof. Fishers papers on "Manifest Destiny" in which he takes the ground that colonization leads to universal peace and that finally there will be no more wars and the English speaking races will be masters of the world.

Friday 20" Have not painted today. Wrote to Lucy. Sara and I dined with Fred and Annie Norton. I wrote to Mr. Strese from whom I  heard today telling him he might have the picture (15x18) "An Autumn Walk' for $200 without frame he paying me $100 now and the balance a year from now.

Saturday 21" It is still very cold and since Monday night it has not thawed in the streets where the snow is still quite clean and dry. I received a nice long letter from Mary Gifford. Am letting my picture "Katahdin" get thoroughly dry before I work on it again which will probably be on Tuesday.

Tuesday 24. Sara and I went home Saturday by the 4 o clock train Mary and Calvert were up there. My father did not seem much improved and is quite despondent again. We were shocked to hear that Mrs. Lester had died and been buried since we left last Monday. She left an infant which survives her. Sunday morning was very cold, the mercury down to zero. Sara found a letter from Charlie and Mary one from Laura, which has caused us all great trouble. We cannot doubt they were dictated by Joe. I am getting out of all patience with him for making so much trouble. He has no right to so worry us and his children For them we all have the greatest charity, but he is constantly putting himself farther and farther beyond the hope of any interest in him on our part. Calvert and I took a walk through Ludlums Woods and back by the Roatina road. In the afternoon we drove out taking Mary Calvert and the three little boys, Charlie, Girard and Dwight going by the Saugerties road and returning by the Flat-bush road. Fred Norton and Annie went up with us Saturday and are staying at Johns. John is sick in bed. Calvert and I called there Sunday returning from our walk. Monday I went down town and had my hair cut and saw the ruins of the Sampson Opera House covered with ice. When I came back I stopped to see how John was and also called to inquire about Mr. Willis who is ill. Then I moved the dining room Franklin out and Tom and I burned the chimney out. I dreaded this. The flue was very foul and burned like a furnace, but we watched 

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