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had the work there building the Hudson River Rail Road. I got on the ice there and seeing an ice boat close in shore I went to it and found Downing was sailing it. Van Deusen (Columbus son) lent me his new overcoat, glass and cap and Downing took me over the river on the boat and I steered her back and went on to the Strand where I attended to some affairs and had my hair cut and reached home at 1 o'clock having had a delightful morning. Going through the woods near the Roatina I was struck with the beauty of the place and indeed strongly impressed with the charm and freshness of the morning. I forgot that just here my Dear Gertrude and I came and got some ferns the last time she ever collected any, and I have never passed here since without thinking of her until today; but after I had gone on a short distance, in the midst of entirely other thoughts I suddenly had a strong and vivid impression of her; and I wondered if her sweet spirit, or some indescribable influence from her did not accompany me through this forest nook sanctified by her having gone there with me.—

At 2 o'clock Tom brought up the horses and drove Sara and me up to Kingston to make house calls. We went to Genl. Sharp's but Mrs. Sharpe excused herself, then called on Mrs. Osterhoudt, Mrs Kate Davis, who was not in, Miss Kitty Forsyth, the others not being at home and as we were coming out from there met Mrs. Kate Davis who got into the wagon with us and we went and called on the Gorman sisters, daughters of Dr. Gorman and sisters of "Bob Gorman They are elderly ladies and strongly resemble "Bob". They had a very good portrait of Dr. Gorman at 49 years of age by the older Vanderlyn. We made a long call there then called on Mrs. John Forsyth and parting with Mrs. Davis there drove down to call on Mrs. Caswell but she was not at home. We also called on Mrs. Washburne the wife of the Episcopal minister. After dinner I walked up to the station and came down on the 7.25 train. Downing had not got back from his ice boating when I left.

Tuesday Feb. 23" 1886 The weather is cold and blustering again. I have painted all day on two or three of my pictures. Whittredge came in and made me a long visit. Spoke very pleasantly of my pictures and was very genial and friendly. Wanted me to go out home with him and spend tomorrow there. Ross Turner called. I had a very pleasant interview with him. Spent the evening at Marys. Harry Donaldson came on from Baltimore today and spent the evening with us. They with Mr. Donaldson sail for Germany tomorrow at 10 o'clock. Found a note from Weir inviting Sara and me up there for a visit. I wrote him this evening. Also an invitation from Mrs. Clearwater to attend the meeting of the Kinekerbockers next Monday evening which I declined. 

Wednesday 24. Painted on my winter and also on the Campagna [[moonrise?]]. Went down town to do some business. Rev. Mr. Washburne of Rondout called. Annie Norton and Mrs. Curtis called. In the evening I attended the complimentary dinner to McDonough given at the Century by members of the board of management who had been associated with him. We had an excellent dinner served by the Steward of the club and a most pleasant and genial time. I knew all the twenty who participated except Mr. River the new Treasurer Mr. Huntington presided and there were present Eastman Johnson J.C. Ward, Marbury, M.K. Jessup, Louis Lang, Hicks, Drisler, Whittredge Collins, La Farge, Stedman, Oakley, Dr. Otis, River, Judge Spire, Wm. G. Choate Wood, Bishop Potter & McDonough. Huntington made a felicitous speech, replied to with equal grace by McDonough and Marbury, Stedman Johnson & Bishop Potter spoke also. We broke up at 11.30 feeling it had been a memorable occasion.