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theatre. It was not very interesting to me. We went more particularly to see Terry Stoddard who has the part of a young English Lord in it, but it is a senseless character, a caricature in which he has only to look stupid and say nothing. I dont get much pleasure of such plays but the house was crowded and people seemed delighted.

Thursday Nov. 17" 1887. After it got too dark to work last evening I read over some old letters of 1879 shortly after dear Gertrude died. One from Gussie was particularly touching and one from Sara brought the tears to my eyes. I cant help going back to that time when my grief was fresh. It does not make me despond but only strengthens me to patiently abide the day when I shall go to her I so dearly loved. I went to poor old Kelly this morning and gave him an order for 26 stretchers - from there up to Rogers & Peets store for a pair of shoes and then to my studio where I have painted on several different pictures. I sent a check to Mr. Collin for $13.50 for 50 tbs butter. A letter from Sara contented and happy.

Friday 18" At work all day in my studio painting a part of the time and a part devoted to selecting and deciding upon certain pictures for my sale. Called on Julia Dillon & Mrs. Scott in the evening. Read some more of the letters of 1879. I forget that I had such interesting ones. One from President Capen to Mrs. Sawyer after Gertrudes death was particularly appreciative of her and Gussies letters are full of a tender sentiment which always touches me deeply.

Saturday 19. I went to Ortgies' new gallery on 5th Av. and had an interview with him. An old law of 30 years ago has been lately hunted up and enforced which forbids auction sales in the evening. This is a virtual prohibition of picture sales. There will be no use selling my pictures in the daytime. He told me they had already taken steps to have the law modified as soon as the legislature meets in January but as he said, no one can tell when it will be attended to although they hope to have it done at once. This sets me all adrift again and I hardly know what to do. He is to come and see me as soon as anything is decided upon. Have felt somewhat despondent but went to work and began a picture and worked until dark. Went to the Century this evening and saw a number of friends Morse, Collins, Cranch, Edgar Ward, Champney Moran, Shirlaw, Dietman and others. Eastman sat with me most of the evening. He got upon the subject of the Art Union and seemed to grow more and more savage as he thought of it. He lent it $500. He called Perry to him and almost ordered him to make a statement of its affairs and call a meeting of all the members to see what they want to do about it. I couldnt help a feeling that in some way he held me accountable for his having been roped into it, when the fact is I counseled not making him a Trustee, not that I was not glad to have his aid, but because I knew it would be distasteful to him. With my other anxieties this sudden calling up this almost forgotten subject, seemed ill timed and most distasteful. Eastman can much better afford to lose what he put in than I can what I contributed, as he makes money rapidly and besides had the benefit of the wide distribution of the etching of his picture.
[[left margin]] Ton of coal from Popham. [[/left margin]]

Sunday 20" Dark and rainy this morning. After breakfast I came over to my studio and wrote a long letter to Sara and one to Lucy - also a note to Mrs Anderson for Wood. We dined at 6. Calvert had been on Long Island all day. I spent the evening at Marys and so passed my first Sunday in New York. I miss my going home to the country.

Monday 21" Clear & cold today. Miss Emma Logan's death was announced in the Tribune yesterday and today when I went over to breakfast I saw the crape on the door of her house 18" N. 10" St. I saw Wilmont about my frames. He can make them easily after Jan. 25". Have been painting 

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