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58 On the train and Joe and I sat together a good part of the way and talked. He told me Sam and Mr. Cornell did not get on at all smoothly and I imagine they have very unpleasant business relations. Joe blames Sam and thought he ought to be more patient with the major. Went to the Century and got my dinner and came to my room early with a somewhat lonely feeling and wishing I were at our pleasant fireside at home. There is so little stimulus or encouragement for American artists that life in the city, now that I am getting towards old age that I long for the peace and quiet and seclusion of home. Still I think it best to be here at least for a time as I look forward to going home before many years to spend my days. Found a letter from Wilkinson wanting me to go on the trip to the North Woods in May but I think I will not attempt it, for one reason - I cannot afford it and I fear also it will be more of an effort than I can make unless I gain strength. Thursday Jan 6" 1890. Cold this morning and though bright has been cold all day. Directly after breakfast I went up to the Academy to see the water colors and staid there nearly two hours. Abbeys fine picture is sold as it justly deserves to be, a picture of two girls who have just arrived on the terrace of an English Country house and the old butler is going off to announce them. To my mind it is the gem of the exhibition. One of Woods pictures is sold and several of Walter Satterlees. My little picture is not sold. It is too sombre a subject for the multitudes. From there I went to the studio of Buberle who is doing a figure of a sailor for the Kingston Soldiers and Sailors Monument, to see his sketch. The place smelt like a stable and he was a busy looking German. After a little he asked me if I were Mr. McEntee and seemed to know me as an artist. I don't like his figures but they seem to be popular and Sharpe thinks them great. His sailor did not impress me but I am not going to say anything derogatory. There is no use. Went to the bank and deposited the $150 Mr. Hoysradt had paid me and shortly after I reached my room Mr. Dursly[[guess]] the Agent of the Studio Building called with my bill for rent to Feb 1st $115 which I paid. He told me Mrs. Cassidy would have to go in the spring and that he has secured a capable woman. He proposes to make a change for the care of the rooms - such a room as mine $36 a year. I am not so sure this will be best but am willing to try it. I spoke to him again about a fire escape and from what he said I have little idea he will do anything about it this month. I told him I would not sleep here another winter without proper fire escapes. Went to Dr. Patchins as I supposed for the last time but he is willing to let me make up the days I lost and I think I shall go until Saturday. I paid him today for my months treatment $50. I can't help spending money although I have not made one cent in more than a year. I am drawing on the money I have furnished my father's estate and I am afraid it will all be gone. - I called at the N. Y. Hospital today to see Conant. He is able to walk about and is going home tomorrow. This evening I received a note from Fred Norton saying he wanted to be a member of the Century and asking me to prepare him. There is no getting around this. I have just got Robert Wilkinson in who I prepared about two years ago and I was in hopes I would not be obliged to prepare any one else very soon. Friday 7" Bought some smooth, hot pressed Whatman Water Color paper today hoping to begin a picture. When I reached my studio I found Mr. & Mrs. James Gifford waiting for me. They came up and spent some time looking over the Gifford pictures I have touched up. I wrote to Fred Norton I would prepare him for the Century but that he must not be disappointed if his name were not reached in a long time. I went over to the Century to lunch. Poultney Bigelow was there with a friend. His conversation is conceited and unpleasant to
Transcription Notes:
Abbey is likely Edwin Austin Abbey
Skandia Building - rent? (*STUDIO building :D)
The Ulster Co. Soldier and Sailor Monument: The orator was Gen. George H. Sharpe.” (2) The statue was created by Caspar Buberl
Many of the watercolour masterpieces in the early nineteenth century are on paper bearing the “J. Whatman” or “J. Whatman/Turkey Mill”