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[[newspaper clipping]]
An interesting piece of theatrical gossip is related by “The Washington Herald” regarding some efforts made a few years ago to induce Edwin Booth to come to Washington. I do not vouch for its truth but merely give it for what it is worth. A petition, it is said, was gotten up, headed by no less a name than that of President Arthur, followed by those of the members of the Cabinet, Justices of the Supreme Court, General of the Army and Senators and members of the House in plenty, and conveyed by special messenger to Mr. Booth. The petition urged him strongly to put aside his prejudice and assured him of such a reception as never actor got here. In addition Manager Albaugh agreed to give him practically the gross receipts of engagement. But all in vain. Even this appeal, than which no more flattering was ever made to an actor, his deep-rooted prejudice resisted. While talking of theatrical matters I ought to mention that Raymond has just concluded a week’s engagement here, daring which he presented a new play of D. D. Lloyd, formerly the Washington correspondent of THE TRIBUNE, entitled “The Woman Hater.” It was not only favorably received by the local critics, but what is perhaps more to the purpose, was greeted by crowded houses during the entire week of the engagement.

For the coming week the American Opera Company is announced. To judge from the advance sales of tickets the engagement will be a great success financially.
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Tuesday, Feb. 1st 1887. Have accomplished nothing today. Wells did not send any one to repair the hearth and so I have not been able to do anything. I opened the box containing my pictures and busied myself in getting my room in a little better order. This evening Calvert and I went around to the club. I saw Hall for the first time since his return from Europe. I was flattered to find I had been missed by some of my old friends. It has been much colder today and must be very cold up at home. I wrote to Sara and to Weir. Tonight it is snowing and I fear the city will be in a fearful condition tomorrow. I would welcome this snow up in the country but I dread it here.

Wednesday 2" It has snowed all day and is still snowing tonight. After breakfast Calvert and I went up to Jacksons Iron works to see a railing Calvert has designed for the Niagara Park. From there I walked up to 51" St to see if I could find Clark the carpenter but could get no clue to him. I am accomplishing nothing and am getting impatient to get into my own studio. Pinchot came in and asked me to lunch with him at the Brevoort which I did and we came back to the studio and smoked a cigar. Bowyer came in for a little while. I am hampered for the lack of a little money and dont know where to get any.

Thursday 3" Went to Johnson & Faulkners to look at material for my screen but the clerk who attempted to attend to me was so disagreeable I came away. Called on Whittredge who is busy getting his pictures and studies ready for his sale in March. He was not very encouraging but he thinks now only of this important venture of his. His studies ought to sell well for they are charming. Wrote to Lambdin telling him I would send to the Pa. Academy my "Autumn fields" to Sara telling her I would not be up on Saturday and probably not until a week from Saturday. Wells the agent of the building came in to see me. I asked him about a carpenter and he recommended the one who has done all the work on this building for years. I wrote to him to send me a man. I am doing all of this without any money and it half frightens me. At a little after 3 oclock I went up by the L. road to Dr Taylors 59" St. It was raining and the streets are in the worst possible condition. I had an interview with him and was favorably impressed by him as a sincere man. He put me through a series of exercises merely to instruct me and to show me what might be done but the result was that I concluded to go there every day for a month for fifty dollars. Spent the evening at Marys and went around to the club for an hour. It was pretty dull there but I read some French, a story in one of the magazines. I begin to feel a little anxious as every artist I meet has only lamentations to offer, but I am going to try to keep up my courage and not give way to despondency if possible. I had a letter from Mary Gifford today but when I opened it I discovered it was addressed to Mr. Bruce. She had evidently been writing to each of us and we have undoubtedly each got the others letter. I remailed it to her at once. I had a postal card from Eastman saying he returned from Washington last night and would see me at any time.

Friday 4" It is cold again. I went to Stewarts old store (Dennings) to look for material for my screen but could find none. The clerk who waited on me recommended me to Johnson & Faulkners adding that the clerks were apt to be very disagreeable there, but I must not mind that. I told him I had already had experience of them. From there I went to Sterns in 23" St. an immense shop, but found nothing - then to Shepars Knapps where I finally bought some raw silk 4 ft. wide for 75c per yd. a dark maroon. The carpenter called to see me and he is to send a man Monday morning. I went up to Dr. Taylors at 3. In the elevated train I met Dr. Smith and cousin Rachel and Gussie Perlman. After my exercises at Dr. Taylors I went