July 1992

Diary of

Josephine Matilda deZeng

Geneva, New York

About Josephine Matilda deZeng

September 1842

Tuesday 13th

Early this morning it rained as violently as it had done during the night, and was so damp at eleven o'clock, although it was "clearing up," that I did not go to Mrs. Kingsland's. In the afternoon I was just leaving the house to go down street when I met the Eds. They stopped to talk a while & at last came in. I told Ed. Dox to tell his mother, we, Mag & I, were going to spend to-morrow afternoon with her. They walked in under a chickenbone I had placed over the door in the morning—E. DeL. first. After they left I went out, & met Anna Sutherland at the door with Fanny Irving. We walked together as far as Mr. Hay's. In Seneca St. I met Mrs. Smith, Clark & Mrs. Foote. We had quite a chat, while some men were letting a hogshead of molasses down a cellar. On my way up home, I called in to see Miss Margaret McKay. She seems growing better every day. I met while in there Mrs. Dr. Laird, old Miss Stone & Mrs. Grosvenor. I sat a long time, & had a merry time. On my way home I met The Bishop, he looked most pleasantly at me, & said so kindly, "How d'ye do, Miss Josie?" that, in spite of myself, I felt quite delighted. After I came home I selected the Dahlia, which Mr. E. DeL. had chosen from the bouquet John Whiting sent me, and carried to Rachel, that she might send him one like it. I then called on Miss Janet McKay at the McLaren's. In the evening Mr. Kingsland came up and we practised till nine o'clock. I then went home with May to sleep, she having come into hear the music, and being afraid to sleep alone.

Wednesday 14th

I sang all this morning with Mrs. K— and after dinner rode up to see if Maggie DeLancey would go with me to Grandpapa to tea. She said she was afraid it was almost too soon, but she would come some time with me alone. I met Annie Peyton on my way down, she said she had had a talk with Janet Clarke, and that she was not engaged at all.

Before going to Grandpapa's May & I went over to see Rachel. I invited her over to spend tomorrow with me, as M. was coming & the young gentlemen to tea. We called at Van Brunts—girls not at home. We had a delightful afternoon rambling around. Edward DeLancey came up to tea, and Mason Gallagher came in the evening. We played "consequences" & talked a great deal of nonsense, about nine o'clock we had a delightful serenade from Fred & Charlie Megrath, Elias Stoddard and Willie. After we had eaten some peaches, & talked over the music we started for home. Mason having left previously, Ed Dox came down with Mag & Ed DeLancey & I. We stopped along the road to gather thistles, and came in here to trim & dress them to sleep on. We had a good deal of fun over them & said "good-night." Mine are now laid nicely under the pillow and named as before, except the outside one, which I have changed Mr. Phil. Schieffelin. I wonder how they will grow, —if they do as they did before I shall be as Mr. Charles McKinstry said he should be a "confirmed Fatalist"—

Thursday 15th

Well! done! if the same old thing has not sprouted out. "'Tis passing strange," I think I will try them again.

May did not come in till twelve o'clock, and then was quite amused at a magazine which Mr. McKinstry had sent over to me, containing a play by "Longfellow," "my favorite author." It was so rainy Rachel could not come over. John came over just before dinner with Rachel's regrets & some wedding cake for May & I. In the morning I sent for Annie, May, Janet, Charlotte, Clara & Emily & Harriet to tea, & also for John Whiting, McKinstry, Ayrault, Ed DeLancey, Geo. Megrath & Mason Gallagher & Ed Dox. We had a most grand effusion of puns in the evening, and all went off well enough until J. said to Clara, who was whirling the Globe 'round, that she seemed very worldly (whirldly) when Mason said "Yes, and incontinent too." Shocking, we none of us knew how to act, and all looked ready to swoon. They did not break up till very late & seemed to enjoy themselves much, though Sarah, Emily, Harriet, Charlotte, Janet and Mag came not. Ed came in to give his & Mag's apology this afternoon, & walked directly under my chicken bone again. Which way would my views of Fatality lead me? Thistles talk one way & bones another. We persuaded him to come, as there were to be very few. We had a long chat about our thistles, his he said, had all grown. I wish I had asked him if he named one after me. May stayed with me all night.

Friday 16th

This morning after May left I made my toilette, and proceeded with all due speed to Kingslands, and there sang until I could sing no longer, that is about a quarter past twelve. I met when coming home Mr. Jas. Watson Webb, with a son & nephew, who have entered college. He was on crutches and his limb seems quite useless. After dinner I went to Miss Howe's & Miss Bogert's. May had been lying down & seemed rather dumpish. I sat with her some time, eating peaches. I then came home to read & write.

Ed Dox came in about five o'clock and stayed to tea. May Ten Eyck who had been up street I hailed & she came across, & when she found Ed here concluded to stay to tea. While we were convassing the matter at the front door Ed. DeLancey came up & talked some time at the gate. Ed. Dox then walked off a little way with him but they both soon returned & I met them at the gate. When I went to open the door to Aunt Sarah & Mary Swamley, E. looked pealingly at me. I think when I see him, & when he shows me so plainly his almost-devotion to me, it is wicked not to treat him better. May T. E. says she is sure that I love him, though I try to think otherwise. I do not know how I feel myself. Ed. Dox says Miss Tillman & Mr. Geo. Gallagher are to be married next Tuesday. I know she is going to New York then. Can it be possible that it is to be a wedding trip? I heartily wish it may be so.

Papa had a note from Jeddie today, he says they are looking for Pa & I every day.

Typescript of the diary provided by the Geneva Historical Society.

Index to the Diary of Josephine Matilda deZeng

About Josephine Matilda deZeng

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