September 1992

Diary of

Josephine Matilda deZeng

Geneva, New York

About Josephine Matilda deZeng

September 1842

Wednesday, 21st

I felt quite sick this morning, and as it was very unpleasant determined to stay in. Augusta and Carie went out both morning & afternoon. While they were absent in the afternoon I heard a tap at the room door, & upon opening it who should it be but my cousins Catharine & Abram, come for Augusta. She is looking very well, & seems in good spirits.

Mason Gallagher & Uncle Edward came in & passed the evening. They were very agreeable, but had very little news to tell—seemed to possess the faculty of being agreeable on their own hook - -

Thursday—About half past eleven last night cousin Catharine came rushing in to our rooms calling, "Girls, girls, wake up! wake up! such a delightful serenade." Thanks again, Mr. G— —

Thursday 22nd

This morning the girls concluded they must go as early as they could start, but Catharine felt as if she could not leave without seeing Mrs. Stoddard, and as soon as she got in the house Mrs. Gallagher, & then Mrs. Burrall & Mrs. Dr. Rose called. They had a great deal to say to the girls & sat some time so that they did not start till nearly eleven. Poor things! They must have nearly perished. Mrs. Ayrault issued cards of invitation this morning for a party tonight. Poor unfortunate me too sick to go. I felt very sick though to-night & could scarcely breathe all the evening. Mr. McKinstry called, but I was too unwell to see him, for which I was sorry, as he is very agreeable, and it is hardly within the limits of possibility that I shall see him—after he leaves on Tuesday next.

Friday 23rd

This morning Sarah Sutherland came in & sat some time with me. She says the party last night was very pleasant indeed, but rather small. May T. E. came in and sat some time too—she says Sarah & John were not separated all last evening.

The Pole Mr. Scheity came in to give a lesson—the other day when he came in I was too unwell to stay in the room long & did not hear him & today of course could not interrupt Will's lesson. This afternoon Mag DeL. came in & sat a long time. I told her I had given E. the golden rod she left and gave her the verses he left, but told her he was still in ignorance as to who it came from—we had a good deal of fun. While she was here, Harriet Prouty came in, and soon after Ed came marching in & stayed to tea. Mag would not. I did not ask Harriet, but of course she would not. Uncles James and Edward came in after tea and sat a long time—and at last we persuaded them to go hear Frank Johnson's band play, & they followed James & Edward who went out soon after tea — —

Saturday 24th

This morning Uncles J. & E. sat with us a long time. Clara Megrath came in to say they wished James, Kit & I to come in & hear the boys sing & I to play for them of course—also to ask Ed Dox—Rachel came over and sat with me some time. I promised to make her a cap. In the afternoon Janet Clarke and Annie Peyton called. Aunt Sarah came in & I went shopping with her & felt much better for it. On our way up called at Mrs. Ayrault's—met May & Mrs. Grosvener there. May said she was going to Megrath's & would call to see me as she came back—which she did & took tea. We had a very pleasant evening at Megrath's—music & dancing—cake & lemonade—& finished off by fixing thistles. George Megrath fixed mine. I expect they will be named ridiculously. When I got home found Mag's answer to Ed here —

Sunday 25th

Stayed at home this morning, but this afternoon had a delightful sermon from Mr. Bourne. I have had no opportunity to give Ed the note. Had a long talk with May after church about it. Promised to take tea with her Tuesday.

Monday 26th

Today I sewed most diligently until three o'clock, when I went to see May T. E. and take the basket, under handkerchief, pen wiper, et cetera. While in there Mag DeL. & Sue Clarke came in. They were soon followed by Mason Gallagher and Annie Peyton, all come to bid adieu. I stayed to tea & promised Mrs. Bogert to return to sleep with May for the last time. Messrs. Russel, DeLancey, Dox, Ayrault & McKinstry spent the evening with us.

Tuesday 27th

After breakfast I returned home, to see about some little affairs before May left—when a silver-peddlar came in. I bargained away a lot of old clothes for two round silver waiters—vastly pretty. Rachel then came in & said it was time to go to May's. We arrived there just as the Omnibus did & met Frank Dwight—the same as ever. At the cars we met the Loafers Club.

Poor May—went off in a fit of half laughing & half crying. Rachel & I returned home in Mrs. Clarke's lumber waggon. In the afternoon I went with Uncle Eddie to call on Emily Ruckel & the bride, Mrs. Phil. Ruckel—& from there proceeded to May DeL's to tea.

Ed Dox came up to tea, and in the evening Messrs Ayrault, Rochester and Averill called. After they left we attacked some peaches & made great havoc—until we were aroused by the cry of "fire." We rushed to the gate & found towards the north-west a very great light—it proved the last factory near Mr. Rickel's.

Typescript of the diary provided by the Geneva Historical Society.

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